Well, here it is. 2016 and while 2015 was one of the biggest and most involved years in gaming that I can recall, 2016 is shaping up nicely already as well. We thought it only right to kick off our first article of 2016 by having some of the team talk about the games that they are most looking forward to this coming calendar year.
PY's titles:
Dragon Quest Builders
Unlike Brie who’s a certified Minecraftian (not sure if that’s a word or not but if it wasn’t it is now) I do enjoy Minecraft but I’ve never truly been sucked into its clutches. Spent weekends sure. But portions of my soul? Not so much. So when Square, which is a HUGE part of my list honestly looking down as this is my last written entry, announced that it was merging that concept style with Dragon Quest? I was curious to say the least.
Since its huge success a lot of developers big and small have tried to capture the essence of Minecraft for themselves. Some have done very well while others really haven’t having played one or two of the attempts. What might give Dragon Quest a good boost in the right direction is that it’s not all about building things, but also question and defeating monsters for other materials as leveling can only be done through building bigger and better things. So far, things are looking good with the Japanese version that launches late next month and hopefully we see a localized version soon after its launch. Soon being somewhere between six to eight months.
Final Fantasy XV / Kingdom Hearts 3
Final Fantasy Versus 13, yes old habits die hard, will hopefully and FINALLY be out. Announced back on the E3 stage in 2006 this title has went from being a PS3 title to a PS4/XB1 title over the course of the past decade. Will it finally release? Will it be everything that it promises to be?
I freaking hope so considering that it’s been in the way of Kingdom Hearts 3 which is also something that has been missing from the world in the realm of forever. Having only had prequel and sub-sequel releases has honestly been infuriating as what it really boils down to. Nothing has happened. With the release of the third hopefully that floodgate is opened because as amazing as Birth by Sleep was, there has not been another sub-title like it.
Megadimension Neptunia VII (Victory 2)
All hail the great Lady Vert! Actually if anything she’s the only one that still doesn’t have her own title…
Since the release of the third entry the girls have been everywhere from action hack and slashes to the wonderful land of SRPGs and Zombies. Finally back into the main storyline, Neptune will once again be seemingly whisked off to newer places that need this protagonist’s saving. Being the first Neptunia game on the PS4, everything already looks great with the recently released English screenshots and the Japanese gameplay that hovers on the internet.
NieR
All. The. Wow.
Honestly the news that we were getting a new NieR game was freaking incredible. Like some other games on this list, the hopes of a new entry were rather slim to none as the first became a cult classic. Having been picked back up and being designed by Platinum Games, this new entry into the world of Drakengard is already looking amazing.
Star Ocean 5
I’ve been a long time fan of this series. With how lackluster the fourth entry was with its attempted 3D style from the more anime like previous entries it was looking like this Tri-Ace / Square series would be eternally laid to rest among the stars that we look up at.
Rising from the once thought grave is what is already looking like a stellar entry to reboot the Star Ocean series. Six characters to be used, older school Star Ocean 3 look that blends anime likeness into a form of 3D, and it’s not going to be years before we see anything! While the Japanese version has been delayed, we should hopefully either get this by summer or November at the latest.
Dark Souls 3
I don’t think I REALLY need to say anything about the newest entry into the Souls family other than “why isn’t it out yet?”. Dark Souls 3 looks like a masterpiece that blends in everything that From Sofware has learned even to the point of including elements from Bloodborne into the mix for a smoother combat style. If nothing else, it also looks like Demon’s Souls.
Chris' Titles:
Tom Clancy's The Division
So when Nick asked me to propose 3 games I was most excited about last year, I had to stop short of just saying The Division 3 times. I have been hyped about this title and it's mix of RPG and shooter elements since it was first announced. There is a little voice in the back of my mind, telling me to keep my hope in check - so I don't wind up with a Watchdogs-like disappointment. But honestly? That voice is already mostly tuned out, because this is the game is still the top of my list.
The Legend of Zelda Wii U
The HD remake of Twilight Princess is right up there with this, as that was arguably my favorite Zelda game ever. I played through it multiple times on both the GameCube and the Wii, and I am sure I will adore it for Wii U. Still, when push comes to shove, my curiosity is piqued when considering what the next full blown installment to the series will be.
Mirror's Edge Catalyst
Something about the first Mirror's Edge really clicked with me right away. I had an absolute blast playing it, even if there were some rough edges. The potential was clearly visible however, and with a bit more love, I was adamant that Mirror's Edge could be something not just memorable because it was unique, but downright special. So here I am, holding my breath that Catalyst is going to prove me right.
Nick's Titles:
Mass Effect: Andromeda
There are very few games I go back through and replay almost right away, but the Mass Effect titles were the exception to that rule - especially the second title. If you have been a reader of the site for some time now, you likely saw my reviews of the prior games, and they were fairly glowing - and with good reason. Andromeda is probably my most anticipated title period.
Final Fantasy XV
Let's face it: I'm an RPG guy. The demo was very cool, the visuals are stunning, and unlike a lot of people - I actually enjoyed the XIII titles and don't feel that Square Enix has completely lost their way. Certainly there are some things that are giving me pause about it, but I'm more than willing to give it a chance upon release.
Dark Souls III
This last spot was a tough one. Will this be the last Souls game? There has been speculation. There are plenty of other big name titles current tapped for 2016, such as Divinity: Original Sin 2, Gears of War 4, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Street Fighter V and more - but the grueling, darkly beautiful Souls games tend to capture my imagination in a unique way, and as a result I am curious to see what this third offering presents us with.
