The 10 Most Anticipated Games Of 2017

Although 2016 was a difficult year for entertainment, it did give us some truly great gaming experiences. From rediscovering my love for the Final Fantasy franchise to finally getting to play the long-awaited Uncharted 4, 2016 ensured that I made some really great gaming memories that will stay with me for quite some time.

Luckily, 2017 promises to deliver even more of these wonderful gaming experiences with an exceptional selection of games being released (hopefully). Keeping this in mind I’ve put together a list of 10 games that will be releasing in 2017 that has me excited for what lies ahead.

Horizon Zero Dawn

PlayStation 4 – Releasing March 2017

It was quite a surprise when Killzone developer Guerilla games announced their new IP Horizon Zero Dawn. Not only was I impressed by the absolutely stunning visual fidelity of the game, but I found myself becoming more intrigued by the story with each trailer they release. Although the studio’s games aren’t known for their strong narratives the appointment of John Gonzalez (Fallout: New Vegas) as the lead writer has me hopeful that the team at Guerilla Games can pull this off.

The game follows the lead protagonist, a hunter named Aloy who lives in a world overrun by giant dinosaur-like machines. After living a sheltered life for most of her existence, Aloy decides to set out on a journey to learn more about who she is and where she came from.

If the story doesn’t intrigue you then the robot dinosaurs should.

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Wii U & Nintendo Switch – Releasing March 2017

After delay upon delay upon delay, patient Nintendo fans will finally be able to get their hands on the next Zelda game in 2017. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes the core elements of what makes a Zelda game and mixes it up by giving players a truly open-world to explore at their own leisure.

Breath of the Wild not only promises players a new open-world never before seen in a Zelda game but also a changing weather system, new items, and a dynamic combat system. With its beautiful cell-shaded graphics it is set to be a visually stunning journey that gives players the freedom to experience its story at their own pace.

Oh, and did I mention that it will also be releasing on Nintendo’s latest console the Nintendo Switch?

For Honor

PS4, Xbox One, & PC – Releasing February 2017

Vikings, Knights, and Samurai’s what more can you ask for in a game? For Honor promises players an intense 4v4 melee combat based multiplayer and an action-packed single player campaign. Players get to choose between three factions, the Knights, Vikings and Samurai as they take on their opponents in thrilling duels across chaotic battlefields. The melee combats look quite intense as players need to anticipate their opponents next move by reading their body language.

Visually battles look fast-paced, intense and bloody, just like back in the day when guns didn’t exist and a person might be measured by the length (and craftsmanship) of their sword.

Just in case you wondered Vikings rules!

Yooka-Laylee

PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, & PC – Releasing March 2017

For years I’ve been longing for a return to classic 3D platformers (and I know I’m not alone), and now it seems that Yooka-Laylee might just be what the doctor ordered. The game is being developed by Playtonic, a team who compromises mainly of ex-Rare staff, which means these guys know their stuff. With games such as the Banjo-Kazooie franchise under their belts, Yooka-Laylee promises to offer the same great 3D platforming and collecting experience as Banjo-Kazooie, which has me totally on board.

In a similar vein as Banjo-Kazooie, Yooka-Laylee features two amusing (and adorable) animal leads, traversing beautiful 3D environments filled with loads of collectables, and some really gorgeous Pixar-like graphics.

Yooka-Laylee is a game I’ve been wishing for, for years and it seems Santa will finally be delivering on this.

Mass Effect: Andromeda

PS4, Xbox One, & PC – Releasing Q1 2017

Mass Effect – I still get chills when I hear that name. As one of the first Sci-Fi RPG’s to totally consume my time, Mass Effect is a game that has a special place in my heart.  So, you can probably guess that I can’t wait for Mass Effect: Andromeda to release next year.

Set many years after the events of the original Mass Effect trilogy, Mass Effect: Andromeda puts players in the shoes of Ryder, a Pathfinder. As a Pathfinder Ryder is tasked with seeking out a new planet for humanity to colonise. The game promises to retain a lot of the features from the original trilogy, such as branching dialogue choices but will boast more open gameplay mechanics as well.

I can’t wait to go back to space and along with my loyal crew and explore the unknown (and shoot things).

Injustice 2

PS4 & Xbox One – Releasing 2017

What is more exciting than Batman facing off against Superman, Flash facing off against Gorilla Grodd?  Not much in my opinion. Injustice is back and this time it not only expands the roster of fighters available but also adds some new and interesting mechanics.

Injustice 2 sees new heroes and villains such as Blue Beetle, Atrocitus, Gorilla Grodd and Supergirl joining the roster. The game also introduces a new “Gear system” which has players equipping their heroes/villains with status-altering equipment which can change how battles play out drastically. Players who like gaming online will have the option to be matched with players who prefer playing with or without the new Gear system.

Not being a huge fan of fighting games, Injustice 2 has me excited at the thought of matching my favourite heroes and villains against each other.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

PS4, Xbox One, & PC – Releasing January 2017

Resident Evil 7 is the most radical departure from the Resident Evil formula since Resident Evil 4. Although the game is said to bring the franchise back to its survival horror roots it does mix things up by being played in first-person instead of the classic third-person. The game was clearly inspired by P.T and other survival horror games such as Outlast.

I’m glad to see the franchise return to its survival horror roots, and I’m quite interested in how they will be implementing combat without it becoming a full blown first-person shooter.

Resident Evil 7 seems to be the game that will make me care about the franchise again.

Prey

PS4, Xbox One, & PC – Releasing Q1/Q2 2017

Forget everything you knew about the original Prey, Arkane Studios takes all this and chucks it out of the window (except the part about aliens). Prey takes place on a space station that has been overrun by shape shifting aliens. It’s up to the player (Morgan Yu) to find out the truth behind these aliens,  the space station, and the research that was being conducted on it. In true Arkane Studios style, Prey sees players gaining alien abilities which will allow then to take on their foes and solve puzzles in any which way they please.

It’s an interesting setting and the shape-shifting aliens could make for some really tense gameplay moments. With the development of Prey in the capable hands of Arkane Studios, I can’t wait to see this franchise rise from the ashes.

Persona 5

PS4 & PS3 – Releasing April 2017

I have never played a Persona game in my life and have never had the urge to do so, but for some strange reason, I can’t wait to dive into Persona 5. The great art style and intriguing story hs made this one of my most anticipated games of 2017.

Making the development leap from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4, Persona 5 is one of those games that has been delayed for quite some time. The game sees you taking on the role of a high-school student with supernatural powers and leader of a flamboyant group of cat burglars, as they try to survive everything that high-school and life has to throw at them.

Persona 5 is the first game in the series to actually get me excited. Who knows maybe it will convince me to try the previous games as well.

Scalebound

Xbox One & PC – Releasing 2017

Since it’s announcement I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of Scalebound. Being developed by the legendary team at Platinum Games, Scalebound is an action RPG that features, wait for it… a huge powerful dragon as your sidekick. I was sold on the idea the moment I heard that I would be able to ride a huge dragon into battle and command it.

With massive bosses, large scale battles and fast-paced combat Scalebound is set to become one of the games to look out for in 2017. Plus it has a huge dragon… need I say more.