Well folks, we did it. We made it to 2017. As we view the turbulent year of 2016 in our rearview (and possibly flip it the bird), there are shining goals on the horizon. New adventures to be had. New travels to undertake. New friends to make, and enemies to conquer. Yes, THERE ARE NEW GAMES! For those of you wanting to escape into new virtual worlds, or simply find something to sink some time into and drown out the ever present presidential cheeto that is always on television, here's a short list of titles being released sometime this year onto consoles (and PCs).
1. Kingdom Hearts HD II.8 - Final Chapter Prologue
While this isn't the third chapter in the lengthy saga of the Kingdom Hearts Franchise (forever waiting, Square Enix), consider this as a potential bridge towards it. As with previous collections, 2.8 is a combination of a hi-def remake of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, now made for consoles rather than handheld platforms, as well as 2 new pieces of content to the Kingdom Hearts franchise that act as the bridge towards Kingdom Hearts 3. Fans new and old who have missed the handheld games may want to pick this one up, and be on the lookout for current gen remakes of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 and 2,5 to hit shelves in March. In the meantime, look for 2.8 to hit shelves January 24, only for PS4.
2. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash is back! This PS4 Exclusive Collection contains a complete HD remake of all 3 original Crash Bandicoot games. Perfect for those brought up on the crazy spinning antics of gaming's favorite Aussie, or for those wanting to introduce the new generation to a LEGITIMATE platforming game (eat your heart out, Mario). While no for certain release date has been announced, look for the return of Crash most likely in the Summer or Fall of this year.
3. Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite
The 4th installment into the franchise gives us an up-to-date roster of all of our favorite Marvel and Capcom characters. Featuring a brand new story mode, as well as the classic Arcade, Training, and Missions modes. Available on Xbox One, PC, and PS4 in the Fall.
4. Halo Wars 2
DIve back into the Halo Universe to face an all new enemy. Send wave after wave of Spartan armies, or fighters like Warthogs, Scorpions, and many more as you act as the buffer between Armageddon and the rest of humanity. Combines real-time strategy with the speed and ferocity of Halo combat. Available on Xbox One and PC February 21.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
Not much has been announced about the latest offering into Rockstar's Western enterprise. Needless to say, fans of the previous games are starving for more information, and knowing Rockstar, there will be plenty when the time comes. Informants tell us that the game is looking for a Fall release, but a specific date has not been given. Be on the lookout for more information as it is released, and get those saddles ready for another ride.