5 Video Game Spin-offs You Should Revisit in 2022

Some games are so beloved that they can expand outside their genre and into another while maintaining the same adored theme and style. Those are known as video game spin-offs, and if we'd had to pick, these are the ones we would revisit in 2022. It's not an easy decision because there have been a lot of spin-offs of popular games in the recent decade. Some of them are even more entertaining than the original titles that inspired them.

These are the types of spin-off games we're searching for because they'll provide not just a fun experience, but also a nostalgic one. That's essential because, with so many exciting titles out now and on the way, revisiting an old spin-off needs to be worth our time, especially because we don't have much of it. So, if you find yourself with some additional free time, there's no better way to spend it than with the five video game spin-offs you should revisit in 2022.

5. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2

Plants vs. Zombies originally started as a simple tower defense game for macOS and PC in 2009. It didn't take long for it to grow in popularity as the original game was taken over by its GOTY edition just a year later in 2010. It's also no secret that the mobile version also helped accolade some of that success as the game had developed a die-hard fanbase. So when the concept for a console third-person shooter spin-off was proposed in 2014, fans followed blindly and enthusiastically. Which, at the time we'd have to agree we did too.

The game's original launch trailer made it a spectacle akin to something like Call of Duty. Which is exactly what the game brought to life with its gameplay. It was fast-paced, hectic, and flat out wild. Each character, be it Plant or Zombie, featured their own abilities, which made them exciting to play. This is something that was further developed in Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, which is still seeing an averagely consistent player base in 2022. If we had to revisit some spin-off shooter game, this would be our pick.

4. Pokémon Go

We hate to say it, but we should go out more, even though it's probably true for the bulk of us gamers. One of the only games to ever actively focus on providing digital entertainment outside of the house is Pokémon Go. The spin-off game is easily the most well-known game on this list. It sparked the idea of gaming outside and numerous games have since followed suit, resulting in a wide range of outdoor-driven video games presently. The idea's snowballing so much that some companies are working towards creating interactive 3D games within our world.

It's true that Pokémon Go really was a spin-off that sparked a whole new avenue for video games, but that's almost because it was meant to be. In our fantasyland childhood minds, playing the original card game was more than enough to feel like a real Pokémon trainer. So when the idea basically came to life in 3D through our phones, it was met by the world with open arms. What Pokémon Go excellently achieved was that it brought the game to life, in real-life. That's a feeling we've forgotten and we think everyone should revisit again in 2022.

3. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales was a great spin-off idea for The Witcher series that was executed beautifully. It was actually such a hit that it sparked a spin-off of itself with Gwent: The Witcher Card Game. Now that's getting into spin-off inception. But like we said, if a game has the praise, fans will blindly follow it in any medium. Well, the good news is that CD Projekt RED has way too good of a grasp of what it takes to deliver not just a good game, but a good spin-off.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales wasn't meant to be action-packed, which is why it's mainly rich in story. This brought a nostalgic feeling with it, that brought back many memories from the original Witcher games. It's already well worth our time in that sense, but mastering the new concepts of the card game Gwent, which served as its action gameplay, added something original. Never mind out with the old and in with the new, CD Projekt RED said let's keep the old atmosphere and bring in a new concept. It was the best of both worlds, and why it's one of our top picks for a spin-off video game you should revisit in 2022.

2. Resident Evil Revelations

Resident Evil in its entirety is a beautiful video game franchise. From the original games, to what seems like over a thousand spin-offs, there really is a lot it brings to the table; especially if you're one for a good story. One of Resident Evil's best games, better than some of the originals (Cough, cough, RE6), was Resident Evil Revelations. Based in between the events of RE4 and RE5, Revelations was a truly outstanding spin-off to the series.

The spin-off was actually so popular that it saw a second installment in 2015 with Resident Evil Revelations 2. It may not have skyrocketed off of the success the first spin-off did, but it still was a satisfying sequel. In the end, Resident Evil Revelations succeed not for stepping into a new genre, but for giving a great spin-off story that's worth our time to revisit in 2022 – Purely for the nostalgia.

1. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

If you put all of these spin-offs together, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will always come out on top for us. The official spin-off of the Metal Gear Solid series is so extravagant, that most players turn to Revengeance as their favorite game in the series. The Metal Gear Solid series is a bit overdone and dramatic in general, but it's why we love it. However, no one thought it could be as outlandish and absurd as it got in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

This works in the game's favor because the fact that it's a spin-off allows players to take a light-hearted approach to the story. Which is easy to overlook when the game features some of the best action-adventure gameplay we've ever seen. The action, like the laughs, never ends. From beginning to end, the game is pure entertainment. There's just too much to love about Revengeance's corny story and action gameplay, that it easily comes in as our number one spin-off video game to revisit in 2022.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? What are the top five video-game spin-offs you would revisit in 2022? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!