1.
Nier: Automata : (PlatinumGames, Square Enix) - Laboring diligently in the shadows for well over a decade, creative designer Yoko Taro has been crafting an overarching masterwork of tribulation in a pessimistic world. Undeniably a subjective experience in its execution, the
Drakengard universe remains an unsung flagship for auteurist ambition in the interactive industry. Unique design choices have packed a poignant punch that lingers with those willing to delve beyond its shoestring presentation to unearth a charismatic fervor of characterization and haunting soundtracks. An enduring criticism over the lackluster,
Dynasty Warrior-esque mechanics and low-poly framework appears to be finally addressed amidst the "Year of Dream Projects" as the undisputed king of hack-and-slash lends their refined talents to deliver what will likely be the most polish installment to date in the sequel to my personal
magnum opus from the seventh-gen library of titles.
2.
The Last Guardian : (genDESIGN, SCE Japan Studio) - Difficult to imagine an entire console generation would pass before the bookend installment to Team Ico's loosely-connected trilogy could finally reach retailer shelves. An understandable amount of skepticism does revolve around the title given it's presumably designer Fumito Ueda's last
forte with the publisher that assisted in making his artistic endeavors such a formidable force in the interactive world. Admittedly, the latest E3 re-reveal didn't showcase any graphical overhaul from previous presentations and, obviously, competition has stepped forward in its absence to deliver evocative journeys under a familiar minimalist aesthetic. Regardless of these worries,
Ico and
Shadow of the Colossus have stood the test of time as inventive masterpieces from the PS2 selection. Our latest adventure will certainly prove to be satisfactory even on the chance the tale of a boy and his gryphon doesn't sore to the same heights as the previous feats. It would be worth the wait just to gain a lingering gaze into a world that speak volumes with little words.
3.
Dark Souls III : (FromSoftware, Bandai Namco Games) - It was a revelation to see show strongly the trial-and-error, nihilistic aura of the
Souls series resonated with the mainstream audience for seven years running. With the fifth iteration dropping within the coming months, designer Hidetaka Miyazaki returns to the fray after his noticeable absence in the previous romp while bouncing right off the success of its spiritual successor (and my personal "Game of the Year" pick),
Bloodborne. Although it was initially misreported as the final installment, promises have been made toward our latest escapade serving as a "turning point" for the property likely motivated from the increased execution of the combat maneuvers and stronger emphasis upon the stat-building interfaces. After delivering four satisfying adventures within the past decade, I look forward to seeing what dark depths we'll explore this time around!
4.
Final Fantasy XV : (Square Enix) - Another largely anticipated production that has been weatherworn from its decade within development hell. In the same time span, the bumbled audience reception of the
XIII trilogy and the brutal impressions of
XIV at launch have notable tarnished the brand name to the point where the developers need to start plotting their coordinates more careful in order to put the name back on the map. Thankfully, it would appear they've been fighting to make amends for the lackluster performance from the past ten years with the
Heavenward overhaul with the online predecessor and the clear development transparency for the latest piece in the core installments. Structure of the combat sequences felt like an intriguing evolution for someone more preferable toward action-adventure gameplay and I'm hopeful the feedback from the demos will be enough to make me finally see another release into the gaming staple to the very end for the first time in a millennia.
5.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided : (Eidos Montreal, Square Enix) -
6.
Horizon: Zero Dawn : (Guerrilla Games, SCE) -
7.
Persona 5 : (Atlus) -
8.
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst : (DICE, EA) -
9.
Ni-Oh : (Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo) -
10.
Hellblade : (Ninja Theory) -
Honorable Mentions:
xx.
Attack on Titan (Omega Force) &
Doom (id Software) -
xx.
Gravity Rush [Remastered] : (Project Siren, Bluepoint Games, SCE) &
No Man's Sky (Hello Games) -
xx.
Shadow Warrior 2 (Flying Wild Hog) &
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Naughty Dog) -
xx.
Yakuza 0 (Sega) &
TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan (PlatinumGames) -
xx.
Steins;Gate 0 (5pb., Nitroplus) &
Valkyria: Azure Revolution (Media.Vision) -