I’ve been sorting out my YouTube channel lately and noticed a pattern. I tend towards some pretty dark and gritty games, so I’ve split off my videos to their own channel. There’s just something about stories that tell a rendition of the high stakes eternal struggle between good and evil. I’ve locked on to seven games that are yet to release this year because that’s good symbolic number. Most of them have release dates, a couple don’t, but they’re all co op.
Nemesis: Distress
Another entry into the hidden-traitor genre, Nemesis Distress takes place in a dark sci-fi setting and adds an interesting twist. Each player has their own secret objective to fulfill while they survive. Scenarios last 40 minutes, which seems quite long and puts it on the outer edge of a casual game, but I’m certainly willing to judge it after playing.
Releases May 5th, 2022
Evil West
Battle the occult wild west style: With LOTS of guns! Evil West is a horror shooter where you gun down vampires that are plaguing the American frontier. You can play the campaign singleplayer or co-op as a duo of vampire hunters battling to save the United States. This game has me excited because it gives me Hunt Showdown vibes, and also reminds me of the movie “Priest”. I’m down for putting the undead back where they belong. Six feet under.
Releases May 24th, 2022
The Day Before
Set in an open-world, The Day Before looks like a third-person shooter/survival MMO set in a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies. You have to compete with other survivors for food, weapons, and cars. The gameplay looks very reminiscent of State of Decay 2. I was quite intrigued by some “mudbogging” that you can do, which is a really nice level of detail. There are also city and undeveloped environments for some varied play.
Releases June 21st, 2022
Darktide
Fatshark is set to drop another Warhammer co op shooter with Darktide. An FPS set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. You play as convicts aiding the Inquisition in it’s bid to cleanse the hive city of Tertium of Chaos corruption. Given how much I’ve loved both Vermintide games, I have high hopes for the game. Given how the Ubersreik 5 have become a thing, I am a little disappointed that a potential Darktide series won’t be following Space Marines. I still have hope for a Deathwing 2.
Releases September 13, 2022
No More Room in Hell 2
A cooperative survival experience different from the first game in the series. In No More Room in Hell 2, you co op with up to 8 other players to survive a zombie infested world. There appears to be an emphasis on cooperation and teamwork, so I’m hoping this will be similar to a tactical horror shooter type experience. I’m also excited about the mention of non-linear maps with dynamic elements. Replayability is important. Again, this game sounds a lot like State of Decay 2, as far as scavenging up ammo and equipment.
Releases October 31st, 2022
Scathe
I’ve gotten my hands on the demo to Scathe, and I have to say I am absolutely ready for it. With non-linear levels that offer multiple ways to exit, it really does seem to bring something new to the horror shooter genre. It has some serious DOOM vibes, as you play a divine Enforcer sent to regulate the demons in Hell. Another great announced feature is drop in/drop-out co op with up to 3 other players.
Releases in 2022
Ripout
Co-Op with other players to explore procedurally generated derelict ships in the horror FPS Ripout. I do love procedural generation for that replayability factor. It has some minor Dead Space vibes to it. These ships will be filled with alien mutants that can reconfigure their own bodies. You will have a trusty “Pet Gun companion” that serves as a weapon you can use to help you. Collecting loot and character customization will also be available.
Releases in 2022
What’s your current favorite horror shooter or dark game? Currently I can’t get enough of Zombie Army Trilogy. It’s been quite a pleasant surprise. Let me know what game you’re playing in the comments.