18 Most Anticipated Video Games Of 2016
This year promises to be a big year in video games, from blockbuster sequels to first-time entries. Here is a list of the games that should be on your radar in 2016.
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If you're like most gamers, you're still feasting on the buffet that was last year's fourth quarter gaming bonanza. Yes, the holiday season always brings out the best in video games, but sooner or later you will have explored all of Fallout 4 and gotten tired of fighting Stormtroopers on Endor in Star Wars: Battlefront. You'll be looking for the best games coming out in 2016, and we have the list right here.
2016 provides the usual array of blockbuster sequels and first-time entries trying to make space in a crowded video game market. This year's crop of games promises bigger galaxies to explore, more natural communication between player and characters in the game, and, most important for gamers, worlds that react even more to our actions.
[See 4 Video Games Every Office Should Play Together.]
Another interesting trend that has crept into several video games on this year's list is the fear of artificial intelligence and robots, where humans are forced to fight for their lives against evil AI.
We've got 18 titles we think you're going to love. They're in order of release date (when available). There's something on the list for every type of gamer and nearly every device. Take a look at the list, and then let us know which games you are most looking forward to playing in 2016.
A near constant in the gaming industry is that games will be delayed, and there are long hype cycles. Last year we featured games in our 2015 lists that, for one reason or another, are now coming out this year. Rather than blanket the list with these games, here they are on one page. Follow the links to our previous descriptions of these games.
No Man's Sky -- Releases June 2016 for PS4 and PC.
Doom -- Releases Q2 2016 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Cuphead -- Releases 2016(?) for XboxOne and PC.
RollerCoaster Tycoon World -- Releases "early 2016" for PC.
Fortnite -- Releases 2016(?) for PC and Mac.
Pokemon Go -- Releases early 2016 for Android and iOS.
Quantum Break represents a pretty interesting experiment. The game includes a digital live-action TV series that gives you strategies and insights into the game. Your actions in the game shape a personalized version of the show. This blurring of the lines between video games and other forms of entertainment like movies and TV could either be a real innovation or a cheap gimmick.
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Platforms: Xbox One
For those who have never played Dark Souls, it is difficult to describe what sets it apart from a crowded field of action RPG games. It is beautiful and dark, but, then again, many games in this genre are beautiful and dark. It is really that each phase of the design, from the music, to the scripting, the art, and the gameplay, is just a notch better than most. It all adds up to best game you can play about the end of the world. There's no reason to think this entry won't live up to the standards of the series.
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
The third-person treasure hunting series Uncharted has always featured Nate Drake as the lead character, but this is Drake's last adventure. Developer Naughty Dog says it is pulling out all the stops to give Drake a big send-off. That should give plenty of reason for fans of the popular series to make sure they get the latest installment of the popular game. For those new to the series, Uncharted is sort of the spiritual successor to the Tomb Raider games, or else an edgier Indiana Jones.
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Platforms: PS4
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is one of the games we are featuring that take advantage of the "robots are bad" undercurrent in society. In this case, they aren't robots exactly, but "augmented humans." Set in 2029, our "hero" is an augmented human, of course, and he must uncover a conspiracy against people like him. Deus Ex is also known for its open-world concepts, where decisions affect the outcome of future missions and the game environment.
Release Date: Aug. 23, 2016
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
After the uproar over the ending of the original Mass Effect trilogy, which lead to BioWare releasing an unprecedented second ending to the trilogy, we have to put this one on the list if only to see how the fans react.
Are they done with the series? Will this reboot with new heroes and a new galaxy erase the drama or exacerbate it? Beyond the drama, however, BioWare has routinely made some of the best RPGs in the history of gaming, from the Dragon Age series to Star Wars: The Old Republic. This should be a good game, because, frankly, the developer seldom makes a bad game, even when it stirs controversy.
Release Date: Dec. 2016
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Horizon: Zero Dawn is another one of the games that plays on our fear of robots taking over the world. You play Aloy, a primitive hunter in a post-apocalyptic setting where machines that have melded with animals have taken over the world. Living in the ruins of an ancient civilization (possibly ours), she must hunt the robots with a bow and arrow to learn their secrets. It looks beautiful and the gameplay promises to require speed and cunning over brute force.
Release Date: TBD 2016
Platforms: PS4
Another in the "robots scare us" category, ReCore follows the exploits of one of the last remaining humans on Earth. The hero must band together with the "good robots" to help defeat the bad robots and forge a place for humans again. Dog lovers will likely enjoy the game because the "good robots" appear to be robot canines.
Release Date: TBD 2016
Platforms: Xbox One and PC
The original Dishonored was one of the best reviewed and rated games of 2012, and in some ways has stolen the thunder from other "stealth action" games like Assassin's Creed. In Dishonored 2, there promises to be more of the traditional stealth assassinations that are the hallmark of the game, but the developers are also promising a "no-kill path" which would allow you to finish the game without killing anyone. Presumably, this would be harder, but it also refreshing to see a genre like this look for a way out without accruing an endless body count.
Release Date: TBD 2016
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Tacoma is the latest game from indie developer Fullbright. Three of the founders met at another company where they worked on the Bioshock series. Tacoma seems to channel much of the mystery and atmosphere of Bioshock. The idea is that you wake up on a space station and suddenly all the crew is gone. You have to search the station to figure out what happened to them. Trailers show a zero-G environment for at least part of the game that looks fun and realistic.
Release Date: TBD 2016
Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux,and Mac OS
We had to have at least one mobile game on the list, and this one is special because it was co-created by J.J. Abrams. You might know him for a little film he did called Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Mixing elements of action, RPG, and world-building, Spyjinx promises a chance to build a crew to do exciting missions in the world of espionage. There is no release date announced other than "2016", but the game is in beta right now if you want to get an early look.
Release Date: TBD 2016
Platforms: PC, Android, and iOS
Nintendo has been famously mum about the new Legend of Zelda game and whether it is coming out this year. Strangely, the lack of information seems to be making everyone assume it will be out and it will be wonderful, but who can tell? The game is not even featured on the official Zelda site. As such, we put it at the end of this list and leave longtime fans of one of the most long-running and successful franchises in gaming history to salivate and hope 2016 gives them what they wish for.
Release: TBD 2016
Platforms: Nintendo Wii U
There you go. A list of some of the best games coming out this year. Of course, there will be standard editions of top-selling sports franchises, and there will always be a few surprises. But we think this represents a pretty solid list of the games people will be most excited about. What games are you most looking forward to this year? Tell us in the comments.
There you go. A list of some of the best games coming out this year. Of course, there will be standard editions of top-selling sports franchises, and there will always be a few surprises. But we think this represents a pretty solid list of the games people will be most excited about. What games are you most looking forward to this year? Tell us in the comments.
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