Games, games everywhere and not the time to play…
Seems to be my mantra of late. So many kickass games being released and there’s never the time to play them all. Of course, that’s what the summer drought is primarily used for. A chance to clear through all the games you’ve accumulated over the previous year and try build up some trade-in cash for the next run that usually begins in September/October time.
Is this year any different? Of course it’s not!
So, because there’s always a glut of games to choose from and, for most of us, we’re not made of all the monies, we, as financial responsible humans (sniggers*), usually pick one or two key games to prioritise. Ones that we “have to play” on launch day, “a day one purchase for sure” and all that jazz.
There’s certainly plenty to choose from over the next few months, but there’s still plenty coming after the snow has fallen. 2017 has plenty going for it as well as what’s left of 2016. What are your most anticipated games? Sound off in the comments below, but for now, we asked some of the RGM staff which titles they are most looking forward to.
Patrick Landry
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human is an upcoming game developed by Quantic Dream and published by Sony for the PS4.
The plot revolves around several playable characters, all of whom are androids; among them Kara, who escapes the factory she was made in to explore her newfound sentience; and Connor, whose job it is to hunt down deviant androids like Kara. The characters may survive or perish depending on the choices that are made, which serve to shape the story as customised by the player.
Why is this Patrick’s most anticipated game?
Patrick says: “Quantic Dream with David Cage has always been pushing the limits in terms of open-ended storytelling and interactivity with their previous work. Now, with Detroit: Become Human, they want to tackle the subject of robotics and humanity, a bit like the movie Ex Machina. With what was shown, it looks like they will come back to the investigation side of things, like Heavy Rain. So I am really excited to see how this will pan out! If they can just announce a release date now…”
Emily English
Yooka-Laylee
Yooka-Laylee is an action-adventure platforming game developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17. It is being developed for PC, Mac, PS4, Wii U and Xbox One. Developers, Playtonic Games, are a group of several former key personnel from Rare during the Nintendo 64 era, as a spiritual successor to the popular game series Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign the game is set to be released in Q1 2017.
Why is this Emily’s most anticipated game?
Emily says: “I’m most looking forward to Yooka-Laylee, the 3D platformer from Playtonic Games, published by Team 17. I got a first hand look at the game at this year’s EGX, and even got to chat with a couple of the developers, who were formerly working with Rare on Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. The gameplay is smooth and responsive, the environments are believable, and the characters and story are endearing and fun. It really looks like the platformer everyone’s been waiting for, and it’s got something for everyone. Plus it’s going to be great to be able to support a small studio who have put everything into making this game.”
Richard Talbot-Ashby
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect: Andromeda is an action role-playing third-person shooter developed by BioWare and published by EA. It is being released for PC, PS4 and Xbox One and it recent rumours are believed, it could be pretty soon. Although it shares the universe of the original trilogy, it is not a continuation of it. Mass Effect: Andromeda will be the first game in the Mass Effect series to feature an open world environment.
Why is this Richard’s most anticipated game?
Richard says: “I’ve chosen Mass Effect: Andromeda because, quite frankly, I doubt you will find a more devoted and hardcore Mass Effect fan this side of the Charon Relay. I say all this while wearing my N7 Hoodie. I have November 7th marked on my calendar before my own birthday. I also digress. Mass Effect: Andromeda looks to me like a surge forward in gameplay and clearly graphics (although the original trilogy were phenomenal when released) but also so far looks to be trying to play to the strengths of the entire series especially with regards to the often mentioned Mako that will be making a triumphant return. Mass Effect: Andromeda – so far – has not failed to impress, from the teasers, to gameplay trailers, to the art and sneaky Twitter posts vaguely updating the world on their progress. Basically though, I should stop writing and get back to playing…I think my 12,423rd playthrough of the trilogy awaits…”
Jackson Giles
Berserk Musou
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk, known in Japan as Berserk Musou, is a hack-and-slash game developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo for PS3, PS4, PC and PlayStation Vita. It is a collaboration between Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors video game series and Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga series. Berserk and the Band of the Hawk will release for Sony formats in Japan on October 27, 2016, and PC internationally in February 2017.
Why is this Jackson’s most anticipated game:
Jackson says: “Berserk has a really wide cast of characters which makes it well suited for the Musou series. It’s also super violent which is good for any hack-and-slash.”
Adam Stewart
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 is a stealth action-adventure game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda. The sequel to 2012’s Dishonored, the game is scheduled to be released for PC, Xbox One and PS4 on November 11, 2016.
The series takes place in the fictional Empire of the Isles with the majority of Dishonored 2 set in the coastal city of Karnaca. After Empress Emily Kaldwin is deposed by an “otherworldly usurper”, the player may choose between playing as either Emily or her bodyguard and father Corvo Attano as they attempt to reclaim the throne. Both Emily and Corvo employ their own array of supernatural abilities. They can alternatively decide to forfeit them altogether. There are a multitude of ways to succeed in each given mission, from stealth to purposeful violent conflict.
Why is this Adam’s (my) most anticipated game?
Adam says: “Dishonored was one of my favourite, and greatest, surprises from the last generation. Combining a really engaging steampunk world with otherworldly powers and a desire for revenge and assassinations was a huge win for me. The fact that Dishonored 2 was announced at all had me sold on it, but after watching many a gameplay trailer, November 11 can’t come soon enough. They look to have added so much to it, whilst keeping the core mechanics. It quite simply looks incredible and I’ll be playing it whilst trying to find a way to put my Corvo mask on from the special edition.”
Do any of these line up with your most anticipated? Let us know in the comments below or on the RGM Forums.
