The 2015 holiday season is over, which means the hype for games like Fallout 4 and Black Ops 3 has come and gone… but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a ton of titles being released in the near future that PS4 gamers should be really excited about! 2016 is going to be another great year for the PS4, and there are quite a few games coming out that I simply can not wait for. Here is the top eight, in no particular order.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
This game is pretty much on every one of my “top” lists, and that’s because the first three Uncharted games were so amazing last-gen. I’m ecstatic to see where the series goes in terms of story, and there’s no denying that the PlayStation 4’s improved hardware is going to make Nathan Drake, his pals, and of course the environments look simply stunning. Uncharted is also known for its great multiplayer, and I’m definitely on board to get addicted to it. Finally, the release of Uncharted 4 will hopefully allow developer Naughty Dog to start working on a sequel to one of my other favorite last-gen games… The Last of Us.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
It’s only going to take a few words to explain why this game is going to be awesome. First of all, it’s being developed by Guerilla Games of Killzone fame; secondly, you’ll be fighting massive robotic dinosaurs; and finally, you’ll be doing it with primitive weapons like a bow and arrow. It’s gorgeous, ambitious, and fresh… And it might be one of my most anticipated titles.
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst
Fans of the original Mirror’s Edge (like me) have been clamoring for a sequel to the sleeper hit for eight years, and we’re finally getting it. Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is a game about first-person parkour, where quick thinking and smart movement is more important than good aim and a fast trigger finger… and that’s not to say there aren’t enemies to take out as we vault, slide and leap across rooftops… we’ll just be doing it in style. If you haven’t heard of Mirror’s Edge, do yourself a favor and watch a video… it’s as fun as it looks.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
The original E3 video for The Division had everybody talking, and for good reason. It’s a third-person shooter MMO that takes place in a near-futuristic version of NYC, and it’s one of the best-looking titles we’ve seen so far on current-gen consoles. Players will fight both other players and AI enemies seamlessly, and loot will play a big part. The gameplay looks solid and the action frantic, so I’m very excited to jump in.
Street Fighter 5
Mortal Kombat X is really the only top tier fighting game on the PS4 right now, but that’s going to change soon. The Street Fighter series has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to fighters, whether it’s been in the arcade or on consoles, and 5 looks to be continuing that tradition. This time around, the game will be more easily accessible to new players, but there’s a whole new layer of depth and strategy for SF veterans. All in all, you can have as much fun button mashing as you want, but to get the full experience you’ll need to play with a chess-like mindset.
Mass Effect Andromeda
I honestly never thought I would get more Mass Effect, especially not on the PlayStation 4, but it’s happening! Unfortunately, we don’t know a whole lot about Andromeda other than the fact that it takes place in the Andromeda galaxy and features new planets, characters and a brand new ship. If it’s anything like the original trilogy, it’s going to be a science-fiction action RPG experience unlike any other, and I’m very ready.
Dark Souls 3
The Dark Souls series is known for its extremely difficult but rewarding gameplay, and 3 looks to bring this to the next level. The game is said to be a perfect mix of the innovation in Bloodborne and the tried-and-true gameplay of the original Souls games, with a bigger gameworld than ever before and six-player online multiplayer. It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for a challenge in your videogames, this is a must-buy.
DOOM
Although it was one of the most influential and groundbreaking first-person-shooters of all time, DOOM hasn’t really aged all that well in the graphical department… but that’s all about to change. Soon we’ll be shooting, chainsawing, and BFGing demons in glorious HD on the PS4, which will be a nice trip down memory lane for older gamers and an important history lesson for younger ones. Either way, both parties should have a hell of a time.
I’m Nate, PS4 gamer and freelance writer from Denver… I like to game, obviously, as well as hike and camp and all of that stereotypical stuff! My favorite game of all time is GTA: San Andreas, but I love playing Diablo 3 with my girlfriend!