As the year comes to a close, we get ready to write end-of-year exams or just start preparing for a more normal 2022 in a post-pandemic world. If you’re a gamer though, the end of the year signifies the best time to pick up your controller, your headphones, and drown out the world. Why? Because the biggest and best releases of the year historically begin to drop in October. In fact, October and November are packed full of big games you’ll love.

Far Cry 6 

The first-person shooter franchise of Far Cry takes you into a world where you fight the nastiest villains and embark on insane missions that’ll have you terrified at some times, giggling at others and generally just immersing yourself in worlds that grab and hook. This is a solo game that leans heavily into action with strong storylines and fascinating characters. The latest edition of the franchise is just that. You’ll play as Dani Rokas on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara where you want to fight to overthrow “El” Presidente” Anton Castillo. Castillo may look familiar, as he’s voiced and drawn to resemble Giancarlo Esposito. 

If you need an escape from reality and everyone around you, this single-player game is it. You can get it on Playstation, Xbox and PC.

FIFA 22 

FIFA is the biggest and best-selling game in South Africa. The football simulator is beloved by many… many of whom have a console and nothing but FIFA! It’s a game that needs no introduction. You can play against your friends as your favourite football teams, jump on the solo story if you just want to invest yourself in the world of professional football, or choose to compete in various online ladders and tournaments to see how you stack up against the rest of the country.

Available on all gaming consoles, and FIFA 22 for PC can be enjoyed without any additions. If you want to compete online though, make sure you have a PlayStation Network membership so you can go head to head with the best.

Call of Duty: Vanguard 

Welcome to the 18th COD in the series that drops a new first-person shooter game yearly. Vanguard introduces a new solo mission for gamers ready to own. The latest story follows the rise of a new special forces team developed to fight new threats and old that emerge at the end of World War II. COD follows a pretty similar script that works. You buy the game and get access to the campaign or single-player story, which can be enjoyed alone. However, if you’re looking for a little social pew-pew, the multiplayer option will allow you to drop into 20 maps and battle it out in various game modes like Champion Hill. Vanguard also has zombies…. and while that makes no sense to most, for COD fans it’s the best part of the game. It’s pretty straightforward; in this particular game mode you get to work with your friends to take out a bunch of zombies who just keep on coming. Battle Royale favourite Warzone remains linked to the Vanguard title, so you’ll still get all of that fun too. 

Vanguard will require a PSN membership if you’re on your Playstation and want to judge your progress against other players or drop into some multiplayer lobbies. 

Forza Horizon 5 

Imagine an open world and a host of open roads. Imagine a massive number of your favourite cars, from rally racers to traditional road beauties. Imagine having a garage at your disposal to choose your ride and then hitting the road to meet other enthusiasts in-game to race it out or just enjoy the scenery. If this sounds good to you, Forza Horizon 5 is better. The new racing video game will offer up the largest map in the entire Forza Horizon series, to present a fictional representation of Mexico. You can choose to spend your time buying and customising cars, racing in various events, just exploring the map or joining up with your friends for cruises through this graphically detailed glory.

There is so much on offer with Horizon 5 you’ll be forgiven for only realising it is the end of the year in early February 2022!

Get your game on!

Forza Horizon 5 is on Xbox consoles and, if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate you’ll be able to access and play the game on launch day as part of your subscription. 

High-speed gaming with Vodacom fibre

Here’s a handy article on getting started with fibre that will give you guidelines on how fast your connection should be. Then check out Vodacom’s latest fibre offers.