1. Mass Effect Andromeda:
Through all my years of gaming, there has been nothing like Mass Effect. I grew up on Star Trek, on Star Wars. On Battlestar, and Farscape, and Babylon 5. I wanted something like that, but interactive. I needed it. In 2004, I stopped gaming. My library, paltry as it was, was stolen. I gave up on the whole scene (with the exception of FFXII at a friend's house) for four years. Then in 2008 I was persuaded to get an Xbox 360 and give the first Mass Effect a whirl. Everything changed. Gaming was back. I lived and breathed that trilogy. I attended conventions, volunteered to assist the company, toured Edmonton's studio, net countless friends, cracked jokes with Patrick Weekes. I get the criticisms, but they're all marvelous experiences. Flawed but marvelous, and custom-tailored to my exact interests. Andromeda is a huge departure from what has come before us... and that's terrifying in the best possible way.
2. Final Fantasy XV:
I mentioned my space-bound passions in the previous write-up. What I didn't mention was my love of Squaresoft. I was 17 when Versus was announced. 17. That same year, I found a way to play FFXII, breaking from my lengthy gaming hiatus. I had hope. Faith. That was all betrayed repeatedly with Square's output across the last generation. But things look good now. They really, truly, honest-to-Elhaym do. The new president is righting the ship, but is it too late? Is the ship already sinking? Who knows, but FFXV looks like a good time. The bro trip gig has limited appeal for me, but the lore sounds cool and the world looks neat. I really hope this game doesn't release when Andromeda does. Don't play such games with my heart.
3. Uncharted 4:
The legend ends. Supposedly. I got into Naughty Dog late (2013) but rushing through UC1-3 absolutely guided me toward a passion for their output. Strong cinematic gaming experiences are a huge deal for me. Can't wait.
4. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided:
I played Human Revolution recently and I liked it. I wouldn't say I loved it. I felt the character work and script could have been more detailed. Still, it was a solid sci-fi performance and I eagerly await the sequel. And for once a game is coming out near my birthday! Hype!
5. Setsuna:
A return to "Old Square" will grab mg attention every single time. Let's all support this new studio!
6. Star Ocean 5:
The first Star Ocean in seven years? More like, the first Star Ocean in twelve years. 4 never happened. It never. Happened.
7. Horizon:
Tentatively excited. I don't much care for collect-o-thons, and I worry that that's what we will get. The setting is fantastic, though. Just... it will need a deep story to really get me interested.
8. Zelda:
I try not to think about this game, because I don't care for many Nintendo properties outside of Zelda, and the open world approach worries me. But y'know, I mean, my favorite Zeldas are WW/TP/SS. Yep, those three. So obviously I am a fan of the more recent big 3D entries above all. So I really should get hype. I just don't know if even Zelda is enough anymore for me to invest in Nintendo hardware.
9. Persona 5:
I'm a recent convert to the world of Persona, and honestly, I'm still not its biggest fan. There are parts to it that I could really do without. The high school scene is... well... it doesn't really appeal to me. But it's a good series and I enjoyed my time with 3 and 4 well enough and 5 looks more serious, more driven. Definitely picking this up.