Sequels and prequels adorn gaming shelves lately, with established franchises dominating the market in ways that would frighten anything new. Except they don’t, and that’s great because sometimes the best gaming experiences come from names you’re only hearing for the first time. This year was great for some new IP in amongst the rabble of franchises, with a large range of quality, varied titles.
These appeared on a wide range of different platforms too, giving everyone a little taste of something new regardless of your camp choice. Some might go on to form established worlds and franchises while others are strictly once off affairs, but no matter which way to slice it these IPs were certainly the best debuts this year. But like Highlander, there can only be one. And the award for Best New IP goes to…
Bloodborne
It falls strictly under the category of “probably never getting a sequel”, but there’s no denying just how brilliant From Software’s new title stole the show this year. Taking hints from their past work on Demon and Dark Souls, Bloodborne feels like the most finely tuned of their RPGs to date. Fast, tight combat, deep RPG mechanics and a world just begging to be explored. Bloodborne had it all.
It’s a shame then that it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a sequel, with Miyazaki and his team at From moving onto different types of games after Dark Souls III launches next year. It doesn’t mean there never will be one, but, just like Demon Souls, Bloodborne will probably live a life of solitude. But a life that I don’t think anyone is forgetting for a long time.
It’s one of the best games of this year, and a must-have if you’re a PS4 owner. Get in on it.
Honourable Mentions
This year was bursting with quality new IPs, and even just choosing Bloodborne was exactly easy. If you’re sick of the next Assassin’s Creed or have already said your goodbyes to Master Chief, these new franchises will be keeping you happy for the foreseeable future.
- Rocket League
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Dying Light
- Splatoon
Which was your favourite new IP of 2015? Sound off in the comments below!
Last Updated: December 15, 2015
The Grand Admiral Chief
December 15, 2015 at 14:30
Mine was CHOOOOOOOOOOOOB
Original Heretic
December 15, 2015 at 14:32
Wahahaahhahaha!! Love the header!! Donnie Yen as Ip Man. Hats off for that little touch!
Jan Prins
December 15, 2015 at 15:00
That’s Donnie Yen? I thought it was Geoff negotiating Chow Mein prices.
Umar
December 15, 2015 at 14:37
I would actually go with Dying Light. I think this could become a special franchise. The mechanics were so much fun and yes, it’s a zombie game, but man, is it a fun zombie game and the side quests were so good.
Hammersteyn
December 15, 2015 at 14:40
Game really gains momentum once you reach the part you unlock the grappling hook
Umar
December 15, 2015 at 14:47
Grappling hook was awesome! I just loved drop kicking zombies in the face. This section in the review killed me…
https://youtu.be/hUnb8VQYtWI?t=10m33s
Captain JJ 4x
December 15, 2015 at 14:49
Climbing everything you can find, as high as you can….then missing a jump.
That’s when that grappling hook made the difference for me 🙂
That game was also the first game that made me nervous at heights.
Hammersteyn
December 15, 2015 at 14:38
https://media.giphy.com/media/YYD3fLEOdcOv6/giphy.gif
Hammersteyn
December 15, 2015 at 14:39
Axiom Verge was my favourite. I had fun with the game but it may be a subjective taste
Captain JJ 4x
December 15, 2015 at 14:50
I really want to try that.
Captain JJ 4x
December 15, 2015 at 14:47
That donkey in the bloodborne pic has some serious illness.
Hammersteyn
December 15, 2015 at 14:51
You should see the snakes in the game, nothing quite like it when you step of a ledge and are surrounded by these…
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/bloodborne/images/0/02/Bloodborne%E2%84%A2_20150516201529_-_1.png
Captain JJ 4x
December 15, 2015 at 14:52
O_O
DragonSpirit009
December 15, 2015 at 14:59
That’s basically a the part when I would run away because of sheer fright and fear.
Ryanza
December 15, 2015 at 14:48
It’s weird Bloodborne winning new IP. Because Bloodborne is just a Souls game with a new dress on, I mean eyeliner on, i mean goth paint job.
When Cyberpunk 2077 wins this award next year. At least we will know it’s not just another Witcher shit. What am I talking about. Can’t wait for the Geralt mod in Cyberpunk 2077.
Don’t Support DRM. Cyberpunk 2077 is coming.
Galbedir
December 15, 2015 at 14:48
Only time I never actually considered dropping my Master Race title was for Bloodborne…Looking forward to see how Dark Souls 3 turns out.
RinceThis
December 15, 2015 at 14:48
I know it’s a ‘new’ IP but it isn’t really a ‘new’ type of game… Would have chosen Splatoon.
Umar
December 15, 2015 at 14:51
Yup, as much I think Bloodborne is so much better than W3, Splatoon or Dying Light should’ve won.
RinceThis
December 15, 2015 at 15:00
Yeah, well http://i.imgur.com/qiWski0.gif !
Hammersteyn
December 15, 2015 at 14:58
Same
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2015 at 14:54
It’s nice seeing so many Xbox exclusive new IPs making the cut.
RinceThis
December 15, 2015 at 15:00
Oi!
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 15, 2015 at 15:03
…
Spy Master Tokashi
December 15, 2015 at 15:58
since when is a new IP like other hack and slash games, Dark Souls etc…. I am confused here