With this year’s E3 event out of the way, it’s time to take a look at what the future holds, after all, things are looking increasingly exciting for every PS4 gamer. This article takes a look over just a number of areas and games that I’m specifically excited about. So, let’s begin.
God of War
A remake of the well-received franchise, this reboot of God of War promises to bring an experience unlike any of its predecessors. The creative team at Santa Monica Studios showcased a walkthrough of about ten minutes of gameplay, and it did not fail to deliver. The graphics are stunning, the gameplay engaging, and through it all runs a story tightly wound around the relationship between father and son. No doubt fans of the series will rush to play through this new chapter in Kratos’ journey.
Days Gone
If you aren’t yet tired of post-apocalyptic and zombie-fueled destruction, or just want to do it while riding a motorcycle, then Bend Studio’s latest, Days Gone is the game for you. The graphics are amazing, and the world seems extensive and well-developed. No doubt strong character development and proficient storytelling run through it, but this game somehow managed to leave me feeling underwhelmed. It feels too much as if it rides on the coat tails of The Last of Us, and doesn’t stand on its own two feet (wheels). Still, if you loved The Last of Us, and are looking for a similar style of gameplay, this one is a safe bet.
Detroit: Become Human
Yes. Yes. YES. Finally something unabashedly different. Finally something that takes risks and doesn’t rely on a pre-existing fan base. From the creative genius of Quantic Dream comes an intriguing neo-noir thriller set in the not-too-far future city of Detroit. You play Connor, an advanced prototype android working for the police force. The choices you make in game will have effects that drive and change the outcome of the story. I see this game in a lot of ways as a huge step toward the merging of cinema and gaming. Where the Uncharted games felt more like playing through an already-written movie, Detroit: Become Human looks more like playing through a movie that you write through your in-game decisions. That’s such a bold move, and I personally look forward to adding this one to my collection, and recommend the same.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Remember that thing I said earlier about post-apocalyptic games? Yeah, disregard that. When Guerilla Games revealed their stunning gameplay for Horizon: Zero Dawn, I was blown away. What intrigues me most is the world they have managed to sculpt, one in which human and machine, nature and technology are all thrown together, and the conflict which arises gives us our story, centered on a young girl named Aloy, who journeys beyond her village walls to defeat a ‘demon’. One of the most eye-grabbing aspects of Horizon, is the creation of these bio-robotic creatures that stalk the planet. All I have when I watch the trailer for this game are questions. Questions that need answering. And I have a feeling I’ll be needing to play through this lush world to get my answers, which I am more than okay with. In fact, I relish it.
The Last Guardian
From the visionary creative director Fumito Ueda and Team Ico, Japan Studio, and genDESIGN, we got another look at this long-awaited game, originally revealed in 2009 as a PS3 title. Although we were shown only a glimpse of the gameplay, it was more than enough for me to get excited about. The game focuses around the bond between the main character, a young boy, and his large, feathery companion who looks part cat, part bird, and part deer, or something. It definitely has little antlers. Whatever it is, we know it isn’t the only one. We also know that this is a game that might make a few grown men cry (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I actually look forward to it. A game that can make me feel something is a plus in my book.
Spider-Man for PS4
(undisclosed title)
Two remakes, a spot in Captain America: Civil War, and now another game? Spider-Man’s been out there, I’ll give ‘em that. Still, the team at Insomniac are bringing a lot of skill and passion to this game, which promises to not tie into the upcoming movie, and centers more on a matured Peter Parker, a more grown and powerful version of the iconic hero we all know and love. Spider-Man has always been one of my favorite superheroes, but to be brutally honest, I think he’s been overdone to death. If you’re going to remake him so many times, at least go into the Miles Morales Spider-Man. And that suit. I’m sorry but he just looks like he’s wearing an American flag. Even though I say all this, I know I’ll at least end up picking this one up from a Redbox. Cheers, Spider-Man.
PS VR
With anticipation building, Sony announced that they will be unveiling their VR headset this year, come October for $399. Realizing the foolishness of selling a new component without any content that goes with it, they also announced that there will be fifty launch-ready games compatible with virtual reality coming out this year. Here’s a glimpse at some of the best we saw.
Batman Arkham VR
Now while we didn’t see any gameplay from this, it was more than enough to send shivers of excitement and anticipation down my spine. Who doesn’t want to be Batman? The black cloak, the cowl, that gravelly voice. This is my childhood coming true. This right here. Coming from Rocksteady Studios, this latest addition to the Arkham franchise will be a more focused story entirely in the first-person, while still maintaining the streak of darkness we all love from our man in black. #WeartheCowl
Resident Evil 7
Now this was one show of gameplay that creeped me out a fair amount, and I can only imagine how intense it would be to experience in VR. The tension is crazy high throughout, and the environment strikes the familiar chord of survival and horror with photorealistic detail and heart-racing suspense. Not one to miss for any dedicated horror fan.
Final Fantasy XV VR
With the upcoming release of the next Final Fantasy installment, Sony announced that Final Fantasy XV will be playable with virtual reality headsets. Some gameplay was shown, which looked a little choppy, and like whoever was playing didn’t have a good idea of what the pace of the fighting system should be. It isn’t clear yet whether or not the entire game will be playable through VR, or if this is a mini PS VR exclusive. Either way the graphics look pretty good, and it’s an interesting and bold direction to take, so I’m all for it.
Star Wars Battlefront X-Wing VR Mission
While we only got a short trailer of this one, it did not disappoint. Imagine flying your own X-wing in space, blasting imperial fighters out of the sky while streaks of green and red fly past you. You have your enemy in your sights, fire your ion torpedoes, and blamo! He’s out cold in a fiery blast. Honestly, there’s not a whole lot to this game, we get it. Dogfighting in X-wings in space. I’m sold. The title does suggest, however, that this is a single mission, made available to current owners of Battlefront, so I wouldn’t expect a full-length game, but rather another add-on. That said, who’s to say more won’t come? I’m sure there are more than enough dedicated fans dying to plunge even further into the world of Star Wars than Battlefront has already gone.
Farpoint
Okay, so this is the big shooter coming out for VR by Impulse Gear. It’s a first-person space adventure shooter set on an alien planet. You kill aliens and monsters. Must survive. Very epic. This one is developed exclusively for PlayStation, and will be compatible with the PS VR Aim Controller, which is basically like a little plastic gun that you aim and shoot the virtual aliens with. It does promise some added presence to the virtual reality experience, and I’m sure the Aim Controller will be used in all first-person shooters for PS VR in the future.
This is by no means a complete list of all things Sony is coming out with this year. I wouldn’t want to write that and let’s face it, those of you who would read it most likely are already aware. These are, as I see, the major highlights of games that will be Game of the Year contenders to come. And as far as virtual reality goes, we’re headed to some strange and wonderful places, my friends. It’s an exciting time to be a gamer. Indeed, an exciting time to be alive.
Paul Taylor is an avid gamer and writer from the Midwest. He spends his days drinking coffee, writing, and playing a lot of Destiny. His blog features articles on writing, productivity, and the occasional short fiction.