2015 was a huge year for the PS4, and Sony appears to be committed to keeping that momentum going in 2016. While there haven’t been a ton of hardware announcements (aside from one very important peripheral being released early next year), there are quite a few games which have players excited as well as various rumors circulating about future announcements. So if you’re wondering why you should be excited for 2016 as a PS4 gamer, here’s a short list to get that hype train rolling.
PlayStation VR
Arguably one of the biggest things to happen to the PS4 and a device that looks like it will truly bring gaming into the next generation, PlayStation VR is Sony’s first foray into mainstream virtual reality, and it’s slated for release as early as Q1 2016. Watching tech demos of the peripheral is enough to get anyone excited, and it’s insane that we will be able to get our hands on PS VR so soon!
PS4 Slim?
Rumors have been going around for awhile about the possibility that we’ll be seeing a slim version of the PS4 soon, but Sony denies everything about the device. Still, there’s a good chance we’ll see it finally come to fruition in 2016, giving gamers an even sleeker and sexier alternative to the normal PS4.
The Games
Of course, a console is only as good as its games, and there’s plenty of them coming to the PS4 next year. Let’s take a look at some of the bigger exclusives and non-exclusives that are expected to be big…
GT Sport
One of the most hyped games that many were desperate to hear about was GT7, instead they got to hear about Sony’s next upcoming Gran Turismo title – GT Sport. So, what can you expect from this upcoming title? GT Sport will offer the very best visuals and authentic sounds, all thanks to a vastly improved physics engine. Expect GT Sport to become the 8th gen console leader for the racing genre. What’s awesome is that you’ll be able to get your hands on the beta early 2016.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
The action will take place deep in to the future, 1000 years to be expect, where robotic creatures have taken over. You’ll play as the main character, Aloy, whom is striving to survive the post-apocalyptic world. RPG elements include the ability to loot the robotic creatures for various items and resources. Gameplay is expected to be similar to that of Skyrim with an open-world experience. Visuals look truly breathing – expect this one to be special.
The Last Guardian
Action-adventure fans haven’t got long to wait before they get their hands on this stellar offering. Gameplay features a young boy who has a bond with a giant bird, dog and cat hybrid creature whose name is Trico. You’ll be taken on a journey that is packed full of action, puzzles and excitement. The aim of the game? To survive. This amazing exclusive is set to land later in 2016 – are you ready?
Ratchet and Clank
If you never got to experience the beauty that was Ratchet and Clank on past generations of the PlayStation, 2016 will be your chance. The beloved platforming duo returns for a reimagining of the original title but with weapons and features from later games in the series, making it one for modern gamers and nostalgists alike.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
The most anticipated title on our favorite console so far, this installment of the PlayStation-exclusive Uncharted series is the first on the PS4 and ultimately the most ambitious-looking of them all. Whether or not it will be the final game in the franchise is anyone’s guess, but it’s certainly shaping up to be one of the best.
Dead Island 2
The zombie craze may have died down a little bit, but Dead Island 2 could be the game that brings the living dead back into the spotlight. The first title in the series was a big hit last gen, so it’ll be interesting to see how the sequel to the action/RPG/survival horror game does on the PS4. Chances are it’s going to be good.
Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Speaking of the zombie craze, this was a fun little arcade title that took the theme to a weird place… but found a fantastic idea when they were there. The highly anticipated sequel comes out in 2016, and it looks to include the gameplay we love plus plenty of new features.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
The somewhat recent Tomb Raider reboot was a surprising success thanks to tight controls, fantastic graphics, and a different take on a character every gamer has had a crush on for years. The sequel looks even better in every way possible.
Dishonored 2
2016 looks to be another year of sequels, but there’s really nothing wrong with that. Dishonored was a surprisingly unique IP that was a ton of fun to play, and the second game looks like it’ll offer the same refreshing satisfaction that its predecessor did in the increasingly-stale world of first person shooters.
Mafia 3
Bigger, better and more ambitious than both its predecessors, Mafia 3 looks like its gotten everything right in the third chapter. Dealing with issues like race, morality and the Vietnam War, this promises to be a deep and engaging game with a gripping story and satisfying gameplay.
Possible Game Announcements:
We’ve already written a whole article on the subject, but we may as well put the highlights here: 2016 could very well be the year when we see announcements of 007: Spectre and the newest game in The Elder Scrolls series… if those aren’t something to be excited about then I don’t know what is!
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