After one of the best years for gaming that we can remember, 2017 has a lot to live up to. However, given the games that we're about to briefly profile, the coming year has a good chance of equalling if not bettering the last. So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are the games we're looking forward to getting our hands on most in the months ahead.
Horizon: Zero Dawn: After taking a break from all things Killzone, Guerrilla Games is set to return with a totally new IP, and our interest is well and truly piqued. Horizon: Zero Dawn is set in a distant future where robotic dinosaurs roam the planet, and where humanity has been relegated to a tribal existence, scraping a living on the periphery while dodging these mammoth beasties and untold dangers yet to be seen.
It looks stunning from a visual perspective - as you'd expect from Guerrilla - merging futuristic metallic creatures with prehistoric-inspired design, and if you throw in some interesting gameplay elements and what looks to be an engaging story, you've got an intriguing title that could end up being one of the surprise packages of 2017.
Prey: After blowing us away with the brilliance of Dishonored 2, our eyes are now firmly fixed on Prey, the next game from Arkane Studios. It's actually a reboot of the perplexing 2006 original, a game that had so much promise and that was set to be continued in the now cancelled Prey 2, a game itself that held plenty of promise and an interesting premise. Still, with Arkane at the helm, we're sure that justice will be done and the series' puzzle-action heritage will be observed while new ideas are also explored.
The steampunk setting of the studio's last game is replaced here by near-future science-fiction, here playing out in an alternate reality where JFK wasn't assassinated in Dallas all those years ago, and where humanity reached more firmly for the stars. Players will be taking on strange alien enemies aboard a space station, using a mixture of sci-fi-infused special abilities to interact with the world and avoid an untimely death. Simply put, we can't wait to get our hands on this one when it lands later this year.
Quake Champions: After the successful reboot of Doom last year, id Software is about to do the same with its other classic shooter franchise. Like many of you, a decent portion of our youth was dedicated to fragging away in the original Quake, and soon we'll be doing it again, this time in Quake Champions, a hero-driven reinterpretation of the series that'll see it retain its trademark speedy swagger, but mixing that up with a variety of characters who each brings something unique to the table.
There's a beta coming this year, and players will then be able to get to grips with the titular champions as they come online during the months ahead. We've not played it yet, but we have seen it action, and it looks fast and furious, with pacing that echos the origins of the series and the wider arena shooter genre in general. Get ready to rocket jump your way around gothic maps with big guns when Quake Champions lands later this year.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Rockstar likes to take its time between releasing new games, but when the results are as good as what the studio typically puts out, it's hard to argue against the approach. If Red Dead Redemption 2 comes anywhere near its illustrious predecessor in terms of scope and overall quality, then we're going to be looking at a very special game indeed.
There's still so much that's shrouded in mystery and all we've currently got to go on at the time of writing is a trailer that at best gives us an indication as to what we can expect (check it out below if you've not already seen it). Still, you can bet your bottom dollar that Rockstar will spend the next few months teasing us via a slow drip feed of information regarding its next outing in the Wild West.
Halo Wars 2: When Ensemble Studios shut its doors back in 2009 it looked like Halo Wars might be a one-off, a tangent set inside the Halo universe never to be explored again. However, franchise overlords 343 Industries have recruited strategy specialists Creative Assembly to pick up the baton and run a little further with it, and frankly, we're delighted to see this offshoot make a comeback (it's also coming to PC via Windows 10).
With Halo Wars 2, real-time strategy is once again returning to the franchise, this time with the UNSC squaring up against an all-new faction in the form of The Banished. Creative Assembly has a lot to live up to, such was the quality of the first foray onto console by Ensemble, but if the PC strategy specialists can get it feeling natural on a controller, Halo Wars 2 could end up being the best real-time strategy game on Xbox since, well, the first Halo Wars.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy: Naughty Dog did a great job of wrapping things up in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, but we're not complaining about the fact that the studio is revisiting the franchise for this extended standalone expansion, The Lost Legacy. Series veterans will no doubt be curious to explore the story that brings Nadine from last year's stellar fourth game, together with Drake's old girlfriend, Chloe. It's nice to see Naughty Dog take a few risks with the franchise after the excellent work done on A Thief's End, and there's no reason to expect anything other than the studio's trademark excellence.
The Best of the Indies: 2017 sees a lot of big-budget, triple A releases set to come our way, however, there are also a lot of indie title that are grabbing our interest, not least of which is Yooka-Laylee. Fans of Nintendo 64-era platformers will no doubt have heard about Playtonic's upcoming adventure game, which is being developed by some of the minds behind the classic Banjo Kazooie. It looks set to offer tons of interesting environments and challenges, so this trip down memory lane should entice those who remember the games of yesteryear fondly, as well as those brand new to them.
It looks great in terms of visuals as well, and everything from environments to character models look polished, with a unique cartoon style to top it all off. As if that wasn't enough to get excited about, the classic humour from Banjo Kazooie is also reproduced nicely, from what we've seen. Thus there's a lot to be excited for when it comes to Yooka-Laylee. Time will only tell if it manages to hit the same heights of Rare's N64 classic, but we like what we've seen so far and can't wait to play it some more.
Another indie title that has caught our eye is Cuphead. There aren't many of us who remember cartoons from the 1930s, but quite a few of you are probably familiar with the style (like Steamboat Willie), which is what its creators are aiming for. After claiming the game would originally be released in 2015, Studio MDHR's run and gun release hopes to bring the same surrealism to the PC and Xbox One this year instead.
Cuphead looks to provide intense action revolving around infinite lives, a variety of weapons, and lots of boss battles, something that you can even take on with a friend via local co-op, meaning that it's vintage not only in terms of visual style, but also gameplay challenge too. Considering the multiple delays, this is certainly a title we're looking forward to this year, and we're interested to see how the hand-drawn style looks, not to mention how the crazy action unfolds.
Tekken 7: Namco Bandai's brawler already looks hugely impressive, with the Fated Retribution version already being played in big tournaments and driving anticipation for the full game's release later this year. The fighting series looks to hit current gen consoles all guns blazing, offering the same level of intensity as it always does, this time with a few new features for fans to sink their teeth into.
Obviously there are returning faces like Kazuya and Heihachi, but new additions like Claudio (a favourite of ours) also make their way into the mix. In terms of new features there is also Rage Art and Rage Drive, meaning that you build Rage that affects players differently depending on health levels, so fighters at low health can turn the game around in a heartbeat if they play it just right.
On top of all this, the story mode looks set to dramatically improve as well, becoming more engaging than Tekken 6's scenario mode, not to mention being darker and including Street Fighter's Akuma as a central character. All in all, there's a lot already revealed for fans to get excited about, and we hope it all comes together and delivers the experience that franchise fans have long been waiting for.
South Park: The Fractured but Whole: As if The Fractured but Whole didn't gather enough attention when it was announced last year, it also became a talking point due to its use of what was called the Nosulus Rift, a facial attachment that released a horrible smell whenever your character in the game farted (which was a lot). Yes, the toilet humour, bad language, and crude jokes of South Park return this year with The Fracture but Whole, but this time it's about superheroes, not fantasy RPG tropes.
The plot of the game is loosely mocking Captain America: Civil War in the sense that the kids are divided over pretending to be superheroes, and this time the gameplay also sees big changes, offering a deeper system which you can experiment with. You can now move your character around the grid and perform different attacks as well, and although this isn't more challenging it does offer something new. Fans of South Park have reacted well to the trailers, and they don't have long to wait before they can play the game.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: The Legend of Zelda is obviously a huge franchise, one that has been around for thirty years. This year will see the release of the latest instalment: Breath of the Wild. Unveiled and shown off extensively by Nintendo at E3 last year, this is the game that Zelda fans have been waiting what feels like an age for, one that many thought would be on the Wii U. However, Nintendo has also revealed that it will grace its next console, the Switch.
Since Skyward Sword in 2011 there hasn't been a big, ambitious Zelda game for fans to enjoy, and this release really has a lot to prove, as well as a lot to be excited about. For a start, it looks incredible, and Nintendo hasn't been afraid to show off the beautiful scenery and art from the latest game, with gorgeous colours to go with a huge open world to explore. With so many innovations it remains to be seen whether it feels like an older Zelda game, with all the nostalgia that comes with the label, or whether it feels like something totally new. Still, one thing we know for sure is that it's one of the most anticipated releases of this year, and we're eagerly awaiting the chance to get our hands on the finished version.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: Resident Evil 7 was announced in the middle of 2016, and when it was we were all intrigued by the apparent shift coming to the franchise. As 2016 rolled on we found out more about new features such as the shift to the first-person perspective, and the slower feel of the action, making us even more curious as to what it will offer come its release on January 24.
Having said that, it doesn't look like it will all be new. The classic Resident Evil-style puzzles, sound effects, and more were interwoven with new and exciting features, and only time will tell whether this trend will continue into the full release. What we do know is that there's a dash of action, a few puzzles, plenty of exploration, and of course lots and lots of underwear-soiling horror.
This is perhaps the most anticipated Resident Evil title in years because of all of the mystery surrounding it, and later this month we'll discover exactly what's happening with the Baker family, how this new release will play out, and whether or not Capcom has managed to recapture the essence of the franchise that has lost its way in recent years.
Star Wars Battlefront II: 2015's Battlefront last month received its final DLC, Rogue One: Scarif, to accompany the latest film release. Thus this year will instead see a brand new Battlefront game come out. Whereas the first (or should we say third?) focused on events and locations drawn from the original trilogy, the second will include content from the new movies as well, so Episodes VII and VIII will get some love this time around.
EA and DICE have the opportunity to build upon the successes and rectify the failures of the first game, and carry on the stellar work they've done in reproducing the atmosphere of the series here in shooter form. There is rumoured to be a single-player campaign this time, something that was missing in the last game, so there's plenty for Star Wars fans to fantasise about ahead of its release later this year (just in time for the next cinematic release in the iconic saga).
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3: It's been six years since the release of Dawn of War II: Retribution, and this year the third game in the RTS series looks set to revitalise the 40K-based series, bringing new features to loyal fans as Relic looks to carefully modernise a series that has its fair share of die-hard fans (some of whom are still committed players of the original). This third instalment looks set to improve the visuals dramatically, as you would expect, but there also seems to be the aim of bringing some organisation to the battlefield, as Relic looks to fuse the best elements of the first two games into one enticing real-time strategy package.
Star Trek: Bridge Commander: Bridge Commander excited many a Trekkie at E3 last year, and it really felt as if it was the VR equivalent of a Star Trek dream come true, with legend LeVar Burton (Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge) praising how cool it was. We were meant to see for ourselves just how great it is last year, however, delays meant that 2017 is the year we will now get to experience being a member of the bridge crew on the Aegis.
What makes Bridge Commander look so interesting is that four players will have to work together and communicate with each other to execute tasks, from combat to transport and much more. The feeling of all four players being part of the Star Trek universe, with avatars in the VR world as well, really makes this look like an immersive adventure for you and three friends to mess around in... or take super seriously. Either way, you can get your hands on it in March this year, for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR.
Mass Effect: Andromeda: The Mass Effect trilogy was one of the biggest and most impactful new franchises to launch during the last generation. Originally an Xbox 360 exclusive, but eventually a multi-platform release from Bioware, it took their choice-driven RPG heritage in a brave new direction. Our choices carried over between games and ultimately, even if some would have liked to have seen even more of an impact from their decisions, it made for a sense of ownership, something that has since been mimicked elsewhere, but perhaps not carried out in the same way.
Andromeda offers a new beginning in more ways than one. Not only are we getting a completely different sort of adventure, one where we're the aliens intruding, but it's also being created by a new team at Bioware's Montreal branch. Of course, that's not to say that the experience and leadership of Bioware doesn't carry over, but it still needs to be said that this isn't a game that the Mass Effect 3 team has been working on since wrapping up the trilogy in 2012. But that's not to say we're not exacted about the game. In many ways Bioware were locked into a design from ten years ago with the original trilogy, sure the sequels made advancements, but for Andromeda there is reason expect some bigger changes. The fresh setting, a new threat, and an interesting overall mission all appear very appealing. A more modern skill tree where you're not locked into classes, and more of a non-linear open world approach does sound intriguing too. Let's just hope the new Mako is more fun than the old one.
Torment: Tides of Numenera: Planescape Torment holds a special place in the heart of many RPG gamers. A classic that was never followed up, that is until InXile Entertainment took to Kickstarter to fund this spiritual successor.
Offering a scenario set in a distant future where civilisation upon civilisation has fallen, leaving behind wondrous technologies that the current civilisation has no clue how to work. The game is largely focused on story, dialogue, and choice, and so it makes for a different experience to most other RPGs where the majority of the time is spent in combat and collecting loot. It's different and refreshing in that sense, and we're counting the days until its February release.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance: It's easy to make the mistake of thinking that any role-playing game needs to offer up either a fantasy or a sci-fi setting, but with Kingdom Come: Deliverance Warhorse Studios is breaking the mould. This ambitious open world RPG, originally funded via Kickstarter (at least partially), uses its historical setting to full effect. It offers beautiful vistas from 15th century Bohemia, along with an in-depth strategic combat system, and intricate quest mechanics. An opportunity to be part of a violent historic era and carve out your own adventure this could very well be the next big RPG surprise from Eastern Europe (in this case the Czech Republic).
Detroit: Become Human: Quantic Dream is a one of a kind studio. Combining their branching narratives (or as they put it, bending narratives) with production values of the highest calibre, performance capture, and the full backing and support of Sony, allows them to venture into territory oft avoided by other studios. With Detroit they're looking to push things even further, and the scene we got to witness a few times at E3 last year with special investigator Connor, whose speciality it is to deal with android related crimes, blew us away. There are so many options on how to approach it and see it play out, so many possible ways it can end (including the death of Connor himself, which reminds us of how Heavy Rain was structured) that it got our heads spinning.
We'd be lying if we weren't intrigued by the setting and theme. While Quantic Dream have sometimes had a knack of straying into more or less cheesy supernatural realms (the ending of Fahrenheit comes to mind), this game seems thoroughly rooted in a science fiction premise that we may have to face before too long in real life. When does artificial intelligence end and life begin? David Cage was keen to point out that this wasn't another science fiction story where the rise of AI is meant to be seen as a threat to humanity, instead we're treated to a role reversal. Exactly how that will play out and how Connor and Kara and other potential playable characters tie into the greater narrative of androids breaking the bonds remains to be seen. And while Quantic Dream tend to take their time finishing their games we'd love to play Detroit this year, even if there's a good chance that this one might end up landing in 2018.
Ghost Recon: Wildlands: Tom Clancy's Ghosts are embarking on a very different mission this year. In Wildlands much of what you know from previous Ghost Recon titles has been cast to the side as we're treated to an open world scenario where you (and up to three friends) get to tackle various missions as you see fit. A more tactical and co-operative Far Cry if you will, but stripped of many of the open world tropes Ubisoft have littered (both in a positive and a negative sense) their open world games with in recent years.
Set in Bolivia, you're fighting against the Santa Blanca cartel, and while the scenario sounds rather by the book, the characters you're chasing after appear to be anything but your standard crooks. This concept holds a great deal of promise, particularly when played with friends, and hopefully Ubisoft can deliver something that will outshine the more recent futuristic entries in the series.
Annual Releases and Crossed Fingers
When we write up these lists and consider the games that we're looking forward to playing most in the coming months, one of the things that are often overlooked are the annual franchises, this despite the fact that they tend to dominate the market. Call of Duty might be declining in terms of success, but we're measuring that decline against its own peak, and it still sells by the bucketload every November. Similarly, FIFA sells extremely well year after year, and while nobody here is particularly excited about picking up FIFA 18, millions of us will do so, just like we always do.
Having said that, FIFA 18 could be very interesting this time around. EA Sports got a lot right with last year's effort, but beyond consolidating that we're hoping to see a nice evolution of the new RPG mode, The Journey, expanded out to include new leagues, as well as tightening up what was a promising but flawed first attempt. More focus on women's football is also important if EA wants to start appealing to new players.
This year's Call of Duty is being helmed by Sledgehammer, with the studio returning after its last effort, Advanced Warfare, continued to evolve the series in a direction later maintained by older custodians Treyarch and Infinity Ward. What form will the new game take; a straight up sequel, or will Sledgehammer explore a different time and place? DICE showed us that taking risks, as they did in Battlefield 1, can pay off, and we're hoping for something similarly exciting from the next Call of Duty.
Elsewhere we could see the return of Assassin's Creed this year, after the series took a break and didn't release a core game in 2016. There's always rumours and wants regarding the next setting, so we'll not speculate here, but we will predict that we'll hear something concrete from Ubisoft in the coming months, maybe even during their press conference at E3. We might also get a proper look at Beyond Good & Evil 2; stranger things have happened.
Other games we're hoping and, to a certain extent, expecting to hear more about include the next Dragon Age (which would make sense at E3, with ME: Andromeda out the door at that point), Destiny 2, as well as the next Forza Motorsport and maybe even Need For Speed. And we're just daydreaming here, but it isn't it about time that we started to hear murmurings regarding Halo 6 (with Microsoft launching Project Scorpio later this year, a return for Master Chief would be well-timed and much appreciated).
No doubt there'll also be a lot more chatter surrounding Switch and the games coming to Nintendo's new console-handheld hybrid, with the Kyoto-based platform holder currently (at the time of writing at least) keep things tightly under wraps. With an unrivalled selection of top quality first-party IPs, we expect Nintendo to come out all guns blazing this year as they look to turn around fortunes following the lukewarm success of Wii U. Also, given the success of the NES Mini, we also think we might see the SNES get the same treatment later on in the year.
Oh yeah, one last thing; if Valve would like to announce Half-Life 3 at some point in 2017, that'd be fine by us. We're not holding our breath, though.