by Henry Spencer » Tue Dec 13, 2016 5:49 pm
Not in any order aside from the top 5:
1. Nier: Automata - Seeing those trailers has me really excited, as is the latest rather spoilery trailer that hints at certain things happening that kinda blows my mind, like "what in the fuck", in a really good way. I do have a lot of faith in this game being a great sequel to Nier. I suppose it goes without saying that next to the original Dark Souls this was my favourite game of last generation. They have a lot to live up to but I believe in the amazing team assembled for this game (Akihiko Yoshida as artist, Okabe on music, Yoko Taro as writer/director, Metal Gear Rising/Wonderful 101 game designer and same producer as previously too).
2. Gravity Rush 2 - This is coming with the game, free Raven DLC and an anime OVA, this really is the last hurrah for the fans before it's over. The game just looks like it will be next to perfection. I'm on a blackout now, seen enough to know it's going to be a great game. Original was and still is the best game I've played on Vita and this will undoubtedly be one of the best game on the PS4.
3. Persona 5 - It's been a long wait, but we are finally seeing a new home console game from Atlus. Last time was with Catherine which was a gem of a game and with this being from the same team and in the long running Persona series which I am a big fan of, this should hopefully be eternal bliss if the great reception from Japanese players is anything to go by. I really hope this ushers in the new era of home console Atlus video games again. Seeing Kaneko's demon designs in HD for the first time since the PS2 generation is reason enough for my excitement, let alone hearing Meguro's music again for the first time since Persona 4 Golden.
4. Nioh - This may end up being the best game that Tecmo have made in a loooong time if it lives up to those demos. From Software will have some tough competition with this game and it may actually dethrone the first Dark Souls as my favourite Action RPG, entirely depending on how good it is. Either way, I am very excited for this game.
5. Final Fantasy XII: Zodiac Age (FFXII HD) - It has been a long while since i last played this game, around 3 or so years now, but it stays in my mind as one of my favourites of all time, so I hope it stands up to that nostalgic view I have of it. It's basically one of my favourite games with lots of gameplay refinements, HD graphical upgrade and new orchestral music. Not much else I could ask for, honestly.
6. Yakuza 0 - It's Yakuza. Set in the Eighties. With my two favourite characters. And a prequel to 1, which I was always curious to see, a time before all of that craziness (it's still going to have a lot of crazy in there though, I do realise).
7. Danganronpa V3 - Love Spike Chunsoft's adventure games. Love the wacky characters and mind bending twists of this series. It's like reading a really fun and stylish Japanese comic (Manga) with adventure game sections intertwined. It really scratches that "weird Japanese adventure game" itch I get each year perfectly. More Masafumi Takada (The Silver Case, killer7, No More Heroes) goodness as well, who is probably my favourite game composer, returning for more electro synth madness, it's gonna be a blast.
8. Cuphead - Gives me those old Treasure game (Gunstar Heroes, Alien Soldier) vibes. Beautiful hand drawn style artwork with a creepy undertone. Run 'n gun gameplay... This game is going to be special, I can feel it.
9. Phantom Dust - Ever since Orange's review, I have been rather fascinated by this obscure game that picked up a cult following, Phil Spencer included (which I think may be the only reason we are getting this re-released). I realise this may end up being not the best port in the world, but it will be the first time and only way for me to play it, so I am thnkful it's happening to see what the game is all about since I love the OG Xbox library.
10. Armored Core 6 - It's been hinted at so strongly now, it's definitely happening and I'm really interested to see where they take the series next since each numbered iteration plays different and has a completely different style. Wonder if after the industrial wastelands of V, they decide to go for a more...cyberpunk/dystopian future look and feel? Or have it be set on an alien world with crazy kinds of mechs? I'm going to be interested either way but they have opporunity to gain a larger player base now that everybody is obsessed with From Software stuff. I have a good feeling on this being released next year, don't know why, guess we'll see, since they have 3 projects in development (New IP from Miyazaki, new AC game and new Souls like game).
On another note: I do not think Shenmue 3 is coming next year, at all, so it's not on my list.
Henry Spencer has received 2 thanks from: Monkei, OL