With my last post being about games that are already out, it seemed sensible to post about games yet to arrive next. This year we’ve already seen a lot of great titles, but there are more to come. Over the coming months we’ll be seeing a lot of must-have games.
The first to come will be RiME, and intriguing adventure game featured by Edge last month. It’s been in the pipeline a while, so it’s probably going to be very polished. Design-wise, it looks to be a masterpiece, and footage shown so far indicates incredible sound design and a graphical style to die for. Centred around a boy using his wits to escape a cursed island, RiME features a mystery I can’t wait to get my hands on. RiME hits shelves May 26.
Next up is DIRT 4, the latest instalment in the legendary series of rally games. I’ve played DIRT 2, 3 and Rally, and loved all of them – so I can’t overstate how excited I am for this one. I’ve been a driving game nut since I was young, and rally has always been the most compelling kind. Rally captured the realism that so many had been craving, but was light on content and features a difficulty spike slightly too high for most. DIRT 4 is trying to strike a better balance. It is incorporating realistic handling models compared to older DIRT titles, but with enough arcade influence to make it accessible. On top of this, we’re getting a remarkably advanced procedural track generator, a vast array of vehicles, as well as a comprehensive career mode, I cannot wait! DIRT 4 screeches in to stores June 9.
Who can forget the iconic Shadow of Mordor, the compelling Arkham-style Lord of the Rings title from 2014? This year, we are getting Shadow of War, a game which is building on the foundations of the first, but adding a far more varied and deep experince. With the so-called ‘Nemesis System’ being dramatically expanded, the story of the game will be far more pronounced, and given some direction. With a new Ring of Power, the player will use armies of orcs to conquer Mordor from within, with the goal of bringing down Sauron. It sounds like a Ringer’s dream! Shadow of War releases August 22.
I normally don’t look forward to them, but this year’s Call of Duty: WWII, will probably the best ever. Set in my favourite historical period, it’s so exciting to have the opportunity to dive back in to the Western Front after so long. We don’t know a huge amount, but we’re going to see the usual, addictive multiplayer and a set-piece filled campaign which will definitely excite! Call of Duty: WWII is out November 3.
Last, but definitely not least, is Star Wars Battlefront II. Set to be a considerable improvement on the slightly sparse, but fun, first title of the name developed by DICE. This time, we’ll be seeing a properly developed single-player campaign with help from Motive Studios, as well as considerably improved vehicle handling from Criterion. It looks like EA listened for once and, determined to make the most of their expensive Star Wars license, is going to deliver us an exceptional Star Wars game. Star Wars Battlefront II drops out of hyperspace November 17.
What releases are you looking forward to?
Til next time folks!
Oliver Douglas 