Home Gaming The Hit List – Ten games that we can’t wait to play in 2017

The Hit List – Ten games that we can’t wait to play in 2017

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2016 might just have been one of the greatest years in gaming. From Hitman to DOOM, Watch Dogs 2 through to Forza Horizon 3, just about every month on the calendar saw a winner released. But 2016 is so 2016. It’s time for a new year, and a whole new line-up of games to play. Here’s ten such games that we’d sell our mothers for and have already, just to play.

Injustice 2 – PS4 and Xbox One

2017 games (1)

2016 might not have resulted in the Batman V Superman that audiences were hoping for when they sat down for a certain long-awaited showdown at their local cinema. Fortunately, developer NetherRealm already nailed the idea of a titanic tussle between two of the biggest comic book icons in the world with 2013’s Injustice: Gods Among Us.

Fast forward a few years, and Superman is clearly ready for a rematch with the bat of Gotham, and this time he’s packing some extra punch in his arsenal with the new Gear System, that seeks to give fighting game fans a chance to create a super-powered vigilante that suits their specific tastes in dialling up combos and unleashing super moves.

WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME?!

Horizon: Zero Dawn – PS4

2017 games (3)

You think of Guerilla Games, and you think of the studio behind Killzone, a franchise that went on to define first-person shooters on numerous PlayStation consoles. Horizon: Zero Dawn however, is a fresh start for the studio. A new world to explore, set in the far future where humanity has been chucked off of the food chain and replaced by machines who have set up their own mechanical eco-system.

It’s a game about survival and secrets, that looks gorgeous and amazingly epic in scale. Which is probably why some of our staff won’t shut up about it.

Star Citizen

Yeah, I’ll eat one of my T-shirts if that actually happens.

Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Knowing Telltale, any and every platform possible

2017 games 2 (1)

I don’t think anyone expected Telltale’s Batman game to be phenomenal last year, but it was. It was narratively ground-breaking stuff, a new lease on life on a familiar legend that gave the dark knight a new edge. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise however, is a completely different beast thanks to the recent 2014 movie that was high on life, action and catchy mix-tapes.

And that’s a concept that we’re hoping that Telltale can make good use of, while also being allowed plenty of creative freedom along the way to tell their own Guardians story. After 2016’s Batman game, we’ve got a renewed sense of faith in Telltale’s ability to deliver gripping stories, and we certainly hope that Marvel has given them enough creative freedom to help keep their current winning streak alive.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch

2017 games (4)

Has there ever been a franchise more consistently entertaining than Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda? This year’s latest instalment has a lot to live up to however. Not only does it need to continue a series that somehow manages to reinvent itself with each new entry, but it also needs to be the kind of game that stands the test of time and helps sell Nintendo Switch consoles.

Which may not be that tall of an order really. If anything, early reports so far suggest that this Zelda title might be one of Nintendo’s best, a grand and sweeping saga where no area is off limits and the world around you is begging to be explored. It’s so close, that you can basically smell the Breath of the Wild right now. And it smells minty-fresh to us.

Cuphead – Xbox One and PC

2017 games (2)[4]

We’ve been waiting years now for Microsoft to release Cuphead. And we’re more than happy to wait a few years more for it to be unleashed. Actually, that’s a complete lie and with Scalebound now cancelled we need that Xbox exclusive to help us justify owning one of those consoles. Cuphead pretty much is one of those games, a rampant romp powered by the golden age of animation and boss fights that aims to give players a run for their money.

It’s easily the most visually delightful game we’ve ever seen on the Xbox, and we just cannot wait much longer for it. C’mon Microsoft, do it before Geoff finally loses his cool and proceeds to murder everyone in the office.

Mass Effect: Andromeda – PS4, Xbox One and PC

2017 games (6)

Oh Mass Effect, we have missed you. From the days of romancing Tali, the only and best choice, to feeling not a bit of guilt whatsoever when Mordin died yes I’m a monster get over it, Mass Effect is the series that defined a generation of console gaming. But its also a series which has been missing for far too long now on the current crop of machines available.

Well, absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder, and the chance to experience a Bioware game where every choice made absolutely does matter, is something that we’re chomping at the bit for. Will I most likely fall in love with another cosmic character who is dressed in head to toe airtight rubber? Probably, because I have very unusual desires dammit.

Persona 5 – PlayStation 3 and 4

2017 games (7)

True story: Pretty much nobody in the office has ever played a Persona game. But at the same time, we’re all massively aware of the impact that this series has had on video games. 2017 might see us finally pop that cherry however, as Persona 5 looks utterly stylish to the max. It’s a game built on anime visuals, mystery and murder, something that grabs us by the collars far more firmly than a generic shooter ever could.

It’s been available in Japan since September last year, but the effort to give it the western adaptation quality that it deserves will finally pay off on April 4. And then Alessandro can finally shut up about it. We hope.

Red Dead Redemption 2 – Probably PS4, Xbox One and never ever on PC

2017 games (5)

Here’s what we know about Red Dead Redemption 2…Pretty much sweet stuff-all. That being said, we’re that confident in developer Rockstar continuing a trend of releasing quality games, that we’re more than happy to add Red Dead Redemption 2 to our list, even though the only footage we’ve seen so far is of a not so wild west that looks like it has already been tamed.

And maybe this time, PC gamers will finally get a chance to experience Rockstar’s portrayal of a braver and bolder time on the frontier. Hopefully.

Nioh – PlayStation 4

Dark Souls will now and forever be the franchise that all other challengers will be measured against. And that’s a good thing, because when said imitation is done right, you end up with a gem like Nioh. Years in the making, Nioh is building on the ideas that Dark Souls perfected, but adding its own twist along the way while keeping the action set in the feudal landscapes of Japan where supernatural threats are very real.

Team Ninja’s game about the tale of a cursed samurai looks gripping so far, an action-packed experience that builds on the unforgiving nature of their Ninja Gaiden games to great effect. It’s a tale of two games when you really look long and hard at Nioh,  a balance of Dark Souls and Ninja Gaiden and somehow this idea works. It gives Nioh a flavour that tastes unique and looks fantastic.

We’ve been waiting for years for Nioh to finally arrive, and it looks like that patience has indeed paid off handsomely.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole – PS4, Xbox One and PC

2017 games (8)

2014’s South Park: The Stick of Truth was a special game. After, it allowed you to fight aborted Nazi babies and find Chinpokomon. CHINPOKOMON! Can The Fractured But Whole surpass the boundary-pushing benchmark set by that game then? Probably, especially when you know that South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have given the sequel an all-new flavour based on Hollywood hero movies and the quest for more money with Coon and Friends.

I’m just hoping that I don’t have to sit through another level that revolves around Stan’s dad Randy being anally molested by extra-terrestrial machinery again.

Last Updated: January 11, 2017

87 Comments

  1. Geoffrey Tim

    January 11, 2017 at 12:34

    CUPHEAD. IN MY VEINS. NOW.

    Reply

  2. Ottokie

    January 11, 2017 at 12:36

    P5, Cuphead and South Park HYPE!

    But I am pretty sure South Park is a uPlay game, so it will get the stick (not the truth one)

    Reply

    • Kromas Ryder

      January 11, 2017 at 13:14

      Stick was not a Uplay exclusive and it did not require Uplay even on other platforms so maybe Trey Parker and Matt Stone got them to do the same for this one?

      Reply

      • Captain JJ

        January 11, 2017 at 13:15

        That would make me buy it. But I doubt it, unfortunately.

        Reply

      • Ottokie

        January 11, 2017 at 13:17

        I hope so

        Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 11, 2017 at 13:31

        SoT didn’t have Uplay because Ubi picked it up from THQ when it went boom. This one will have Uplay.

        Reply

  3. Geoffrey Tim

    January 11, 2017 at 12:39

    That you rhink RDR2 will be out in 2017 is really cute.

    Reply

    • Ir0nseraph

      January 11, 2017 at 16:53

      On the wishlist but will be surprised to see it this year.

      Reply

  4. Captain JJ

    January 11, 2017 at 12:41

    “never ever on pc” – RDR2
    Like we care what Rock* does. They’ve made it clear they don’t care about pc gamers.

    *cries*

    Reply

    • Ottokie

      January 11, 2017 at 12:43

      Not even a blip on my radar xD

      Rockstar can GITS

      Reply

      • Captain JJ

        January 11, 2017 at 12:43

        Yea man. If I have to pay to never see Social Club again, I will 😀

        Reply

    • RinceThis

      January 11, 2017 at 13:27

      it’s true!

      Reply

  5. VampyreSquirrel

    January 11, 2017 at 12:42

    I’ll need to get a PS4 and a TV to be able to play all the games I wanna play… and that sucks 🙁

    Reply

  6. Alien Emperor Trevor

    January 11, 2017 at 12:42

    There’s a few there I’m keen to pick up… next year.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      January 11, 2017 at 14:26

      *cheap bastard. From the winnings you are going to walk away with this Saturday you can afford at least 5 new games!

      Reply

      • Captain JJ

        January 11, 2017 at 14:27

        Winnings? Whose bachelors is he dancing at?

        Reply

        • RinceThis

          January 11, 2017 at 14:27

          Yours? 0_O

          Reply

          • Captain JJ

            January 11, 2017 at 14:27

            Damn it!
            You win this one.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 11, 2017 at 14:51

            No no… you win. Hello sailor.

          • Captain JJ

            January 11, 2017 at 14:55

            XD

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 11, 2017 at 14:53

        That’s true. And if you win (giggle) you can put down a 50% deposit on a new console game.

        Reply

        • RinceThis

          January 11, 2017 at 16:08

          50% deposit?! What year is this!?

          Reply

  7. Graeme Selvan

    January 11, 2017 at 12:45

  8. James Anderton

    January 11, 2017 at 12:45

    Scalebound

    Reply

  9. Captain JJ

    January 11, 2017 at 12:46

    And Mass Effect will be an always online game, of course

    Reply

  10. Captain JJ

    January 11, 2017 at 12:48

    The only game I’m looking forward to this year is Pyre. None of these really speak to me much. Will rather wait to get them.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      January 11, 2017 at 12:51

      Divinity Original Sin 2! (Early Access doesn’t count)

      http://store.steampowered.com/app/435150/

      Reply

      • Captain JJ

        January 11, 2017 at 12:51

        I still have to play the first. Dat backlog fam……but this looks amazing.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          January 11, 2017 at 12:55

          I was about 20/30 hours into the original before they released the enhanced edition… which means I have to start over again because reasons. But it is really damn good, one of the few games I’ll play a magic user because magic is just so damn fun to use in the game.

          Reply

          • Captain JJ

            January 11, 2017 at 12:56

            Got Wasteland 2 downloaded at least….now…to play it XD

          • miaau

            January 11, 2017 at 15:37

            Yes. Game does take focus and time though. Just concentrate, compared to say mass effect

  11. Ottokie

    January 11, 2017 at 12:48

    What about Destiny 2 later this year?

    …maybe 😛

    Reply

    • Captain JJ

      January 11, 2017 at 12:49

      The title says “games we CAN’T wait to play”

      Reply

      • Ottokie

        January 11, 2017 at 12:49

        After Warframe dropped the ball. I need a new grindy space gear hunter pew pew game.

        Reply

        • Captain JJ

          January 11, 2017 at 12:50

          Mass Effect MP will probably have that.

          Reply

          • Ottokie

            January 11, 2017 at 12:51

            Yea no, I tried playing the previous games. It was insanely boring

          • Captain JJ

            January 11, 2017 at 12:52

            You’re braver than I was. I just said it doesn’t speak to me XD Wait for fan backlash….

          • Ottokie

            January 11, 2017 at 12:53

            We shall get a lashing pretty soon probably.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 11, 2017 at 12:55

            And not the fun kind where you pay someone to do it.

          • Captain JJ

            January 11, 2017 at 12:56

            awwww

    • The D

      January 11, 2017 at 12:51

      I HIGHLY doubt that we’ll see Destiny 2 this year.

      Reply

  12. PurplePariah

    January 11, 2017 at 13:07

    I killed Tali. On purpose. Thrice. Long live the geth.

    Eat that Darryn.

    Also Mordin? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

    Reply

    • miaau

      January 11, 2017 at 14:03

      My play now on me3 has no tali. She died and I did not reload. Is what it is. And geth are humble. If I must choose, geth all the way

      Reply

  13. Kromas Ryder

    January 11, 2017 at 13:10

    Mass Effect and South Park are the only games on that list that I want really bad. Also you may wanna check up on Star Citizen. Chances are it may actually get released this year.

    Reply

    • Lu

      January 11, 2017 at 13:54

      If it does I hope we get a vid of Darryn eating his shirt……

      Reply

      • miaau

        January 11, 2017 at 13:56

        Who knows, maybe the developers read that and this is the final catalyst amongst many that pushed them over the edge to finish something.

        Some South African in a coastal town eating a shirt.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          January 11, 2017 at 13:57

          Like a butterfly flapping its wings.

          Reply

          • miaau

            January 11, 2017 at 14:00

            Yeah, like chaos theory. As taught by book Jurassic Park.

      • Kromas Ryder

        January 11, 2017 at 14:46

        Yes please.

        Reply

    • Mark Treloar

      January 12, 2017 at 09:25

      Considering that they have to redeploy and test with a whole new engine, its doubtful.

      Reply

      • Kromas Ryder

        January 12, 2017 at 09:48

        Engine is redeployed and I played it this weekend. They have major network problems but that is to be expected but flying away and towards large structures in the distance has no NMS popping or super large frame drops due to loading textures. That in itself is already a major win on par with the new DayZ SA engine implementation.

        Reply

  14. Spathi

    January 11, 2017 at 13:14

    Darryn, I’ll take you up on the t-shirt eating Star Citizen thing!

    I’ll bet that episode 1 of Squadron 42 will release in retail form before 31/12/17. If not, I’ll eat a shirt by burning it and eating the ashes. You game?

    Reply

    • miaau

      January 11, 2017 at 14:02

      That is like putting your mouth where the money is.
      More important is which shirt?
      And is anything other that pure cotton ashes actually bad for you?
      Is pure cotton Ok?

      Reply

      • Captain JJ

        January 11, 2017 at 14:02

        I think it needs to have some spandex in it.

        Reply

      • Spathi

        January 11, 2017 at 15:30

        Will be a cotton shirt, no buttons and no labels!

        Reply

        • Lu

          January 11, 2017 at 15:59

          Preferably no print either. Can’t think that would be good for you.

          Reply

    • The D

      January 11, 2017 at 14:43

      YOU’RE ON.

      Reply

  15. Spathi

    January 11, 2017 at 13:17

    I REALLY hate the advertisements in the comments…

    Reply

    • miaau

      January 11, 2017 at 14:02

      Me too. A lot

      Reply

      • Spathi

        January 11, 2017 at 15:31

        They’re gone!?

        Reply

        • miaau

          January 11, 2017 at 15:34

          Could be….

          Reply

        • miaau

          January 11, 2017 at 15:53

          Hi, Just checked. They seem to be gone on my phone, but on my laptop browser they are indeed here (there).

          Maybe mobile site does not show them?

          Reply

          • Spathi

            January 11, 2017 at 15:55

            I’m browsing on my PC and see nothing. Mmmm, weird. Hope they stay away for me and disappear for you too 🙂

          • Geoffrey Tim

            January 13, 2017 at 15:34

            We had them on as a test – but we’ve disabled them completely now because they were way, way too intrusive. We rely on ads, but that was just too damned much.

          • miaau

            January 14, 2017 at 04:17

            Good call

  16. RinceThis

    January 11, 2017 at 13:27

    cooool video dude!

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      January 11, 2017 at 13:34

      Unlike yours with those idiots in it!

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        January 11, 2017 at 13:39

        I agree. The only good thing about those videos is ME! Not that weird one with a beard! Especially not him!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          January 11, 2017 at 13:43

          Does his manly masculinity intimidate you?

          Reply

          • RinceThis

            January 11, 2017 at 14:25

            Pfft, I see no manlyness when I cast a look at him!

  17. miaau

    January 11, 2017 at 13:55

    So, just Mass Effect? Maybe Red Dead Redemption as well, must see. The first was a classic and I fail to see how they re-capture the Marsden Feels

    Reply

  18. Sageville

    January 11, 2017 at 14:51

    Star Citizen….

    I’ll ask my future grandkids how it is…

    Reply

    • Ir0nseraph

      January 11, 2017 at 16:54

      Lol

      Reply

  19. Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd

    January 11, 2017 at 15:28

    Mass Effect and South Park are my picks so far this year.

    Reply

  20. Alessandro Barbosa

    January 11, 2017 at 15:36

    “Pretty much nobody in the office has ever played a Persona game.”

    Read: Only Sandy is cultured enough to have played Persona 4 Golden

    Reply

  21. Ir0nseraph

    January 11, 2017 at 18:05

    Mass effect, and red dead if it releases this year, won’t mind the new South Park and that ps4 exclusively horizon zero dawn also looks good.

    Reply

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