By Jeremy Julian @FAITHFULMANTIS
2016 was quite the year for gaming with new trends like virtual reality making a big splash on the industry and the large amount of well received titles throughout the year. It is now 2017 and this year is shaping up to be just as big as years past with defining moments for the industry.
Quarter one has a large number of highly anticipated titles slated for release on all systems. The first four months of the year are bringing in some heavy hitters to get things started for 2017.
“Nioh” is being released on Feb. 7 in North America and is a highly anticipated PlayStation 4 exclusive game for hardcore rpg players. The next big title slated for release is Ubisoft’s melee combat game “For Honor.” The game incorporates vikings, knights and samurai in large scaled battles. It will be released on Feb. 14 on all major systems.
One of gaming’s most beloved franchises, “Halo” is returning with a new entry in its spin-off strategy series “Halo Wars 2.” The game is slated for release on Feb. 21 for Xbox One and PC.
February ends with one of the big new titles of the year in “Horizon: Zero Dawn” developed by Guerilla Games for the PlayStation 4. The open world Post-Apocalyptic Action title is set to be available on Feb. 28.
The biggest launch in gaming this Spring and possibly the whole year is the Launch of Nintendo’s new console, the “Switch.” The hybrid system comes out March 3 worldwide and has much skepticism and hype surrounding it. It will be interesting to see how the new system turns out critically and commercially.
With the launch of the Switch comes the newest entry in the Legend of Zelda series with “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” The game will be available on March 3 for the Wii U and the Switch.
Late March sees the return of Bioware’s sci-fi Role Playing Game Franchise in the title “Mass Effect: Andromeda.” The game has many fans hopeful and excited for the future of the franchise.
Atlus is finally releasing their fifth game in the “Persona” series of Japanese Role Playing Games this April. “Persona 5” has been long delayed since 2014 and has been available in Japan since September.
Gamers outside of Japan will be able to experience the title on April 4. It will be available on the PlayStation 4 as well as PlayStation 3.
The first quarter of 2017 in gaming is sure to have titles that appeal to gamers of many differing tastes.
The most important release in this quarter will be Nintendo’s new system, which is under heavy fire because of its lackluster lineup of games available at launch. Only time will tell if Nintendo can regain the trust of old fans while striving to achieve excellence once more.
This year has some heavy hitters and many of them will be releasing in these first few months. Gamers, be ready to make some free time and also to prepare your wallets.