The Banner Saga 2 (Stoic):Ā Q1 2016
Or, The Banner Saga Episode 2, since this is just the second step in a planned trilogy. I’m expecting more turn-based combat and decisions about how to ration out food supplies, plus more of Stoic’s lovely Eyvind Earle-inspired landscapes. It’ll be interesting to see whether the developer switches up any of the mechanics for this second outing.
Read more aboutĀ The Banner Saga 2
AprilĀ 2016
Dark Souls 3 (FromSoftware ): 13 April
A FromSoftware press release confirms that Japan will be getting Dark Souls 3 on 24 March, noting that overseas dates will be clarified at a later juncture.Ā Dark Souls rides again. Miyazaki is back in a co-directing and level design role, which should make a lot of people feel secure about how this will turn out. He’s already said this one will have an interconnected world.
Total War: Warhammer (Creative Assembly): 29 April 2016
Warhammer and strategy fans will be able to get their hands on the first game in theĀ Total War: Warhammer trilogy.
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MayĀ 2016
Mirror’s Edge Catalyst (DICE): 24 May 2016
Faith will return in 2016, and won’t be using guns this time. This title exists in a strange twilight realm where it’s not quite a reboot, nor a sequel. It sounds like DICE are just making Mirror’s Edge again, but trying to do it better. Not a bad goal, really.
June 2016
Overwatch (Blizzard)
BlizzCon 2014 saw the unexpected reveal of Overwatch, a shooter/MOBA hybrid with more than a whiff of Team Fortress 2 about it. It promises to be welcoming to beginners, and while that’s perhaps some cause for concern for those fearing an overly simplified game, it’ll doubtless have enough Blizzard polish to make it worth more than a cursory glance.
2016
Need for Speed (Criterion):Ā Spring
Another one of those “we have too many numbered and subtitled entries in this series now” reboots that goes back to using the original name. Criterion will be developing, along the five principles of “Speed, Style, Build, Crew, and Outlaw.” Whatever that means.
Hearts of Iron IV (Paradox): 2016
This World War 2 strategy title was originally scheduled for Q2 2015 but has since been delayed. As ever, it’ll aim to keep hardcore strategy fans engrossed with lots of lovely maps. Or at least one map, anyway. Of Europe. During World War II. It’s a Paradox title, so expect the grandest of grand strategy.
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After Reset (Richard Nixon, no, seriously): 2015
Post-apocalyptic RPG, styled after the original Fallout titles. After Reset is making some of the usual tantalising role-playing promises, like massive freedom of choice and branching narratives. Like other “old school” projects, this one is promising suitably in-depth rule-sets and mechanics, as well as meaningful character creation. Unfortunately, the Early Access release was pathetic, which doesn’t bode well.
Hob
Runic Games leave Torchlight behind to create a new horgeous looking puzzle adventure where players areĀ challenged toĀ ātransform the nature of the world itselfā . There’s also anĀ emphasis on exploration with a dose of combat thrown in for good measure.
Cuphead (Studio MDHR): 2016
Delightfully terrifying run-and-gun platformer based on the mightily fucked up cartoons of the 1930s. Many bosses are promised, as are many nightmares (probably.) Cuphead has lost a bet with the devil (which I guess explains a few things,) and must make amends. Two player co-op is an option as well, so you can share the whole alarming ordeal with a friend.
Black Desert (Pearl Abyss): Early 2016
One day I might be able to mention more about Black Desert than the impressive-looking character creation tool, but that day is not today. This Korean MMO is heading to the West at some point in 2015, so we’ll learn more when that happens. It’ll probably be a bit grind-y.
Dreadnought (Yager): 2016
Yager (developers of the entirely different Spec Ops: The Line) invite players to command huge capital ships in both multiplayer and single player settings. The game is not expected to be released until the latter part of 2015.
Paladins: Champions of the Realm (Hi-Rez Studios)
Hi-Rez Studios are currently working on their new team based shooter Paladins: Champions of the Realm and today they revealed their next Champion. The game is currently in beta testing as of December 2015.
Space Hulk: Deathwing (Streum On Studio/Cyanide): 2016
Anybody with fond memories of the absolute lunacy behindĀ EYE: Divine Cybermancy should be aware that the same guys are involved in making this licensed Space Hulk shooter. Cyanide are also involved, so your guess is probably as good as ours about how this one might turn out. I just want more Brouzoufs.
