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Back in the day, players had to wait until the end of the year before receiving an onslaught of game releases. The early months of a year barren, other than a few high-profile releases scattered here and there. However times have changed, and even as early as February, gamers are now treated to a myriad of AAA games of blockbuster proportions. From tactical shooters to exclusive juggernauts, here are the top games releasing in February of 2017.
5) Nioh
Since beginning development in 2004 Nioh has gone through numerous revisions before finally receiving a 2017 release date. Set in 17th century Japan, this action RPG has the player entering a fictionalized version of the Sengoku period. An era where various Japanese clans are locked in the grips of war. During this time of immense bloodshed, Yokai begin to appear within the land, causing further chaos and destruction. You play as William, a Westerner and sailor, who joins the fight, hoping to rid the land of demons. Nioh merges the action pedigree of Team Ninja, who previously worked on the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series, with the methodical combat of the Souls series. So if you’ve grown tired of Dark Souls 3 and the whispers of Bloodborne 2 are too far away to your liking, then Nioh’s intense action and creative enemy designs may satisfy your cravings.
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4) For Honor
For players who enjoy the art of hand to hand combat, February is the month for you. Not only do you have the long awaited Nioh, but you can also get your hands on the premiere title For Honor. Ubisoft brings forth a true clashing of swords. Twisted Warlord Apollyon believes that the Kingdoms of the Knights, Vikings and Samurai’s have grown passive. Eager to bring forth their violent histories, Apollyon manipulates each faction into entering all-out war with one another. Bringing about a grand battle of bloodshed and revenge. The game focusses heavily on the head to head multiplayer but also includes a single-player campaign where you’ll gain the perspective of each side. Mix and match your gameplay experience, as you dispatch hordes of underlings and then go toe to toe with a more formidable adversary. For Honor doesn’t focus on slaughtering hordes of enemies with ease, much like many hack and slash titles. It stands out due to its one on one duels. Tactically block an attack and evade your enemy, with what Ubisoft call the art of battle combat system. Will you have the wisdom, finesse, and intuition to best your opponent on February 14th?
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3) Sniper Elite 4
However, maybe the sword isn’t your weapon of choice. Perhaps you like to take out your enemy from a hill over a mile away, rather than by the blade of your sword, inches from their body. You’ve possibly never played it, but have surely heard of the Sniper Elite series. Said to be the pinnacle of what a sniper experience should be, Sniper Elite 4 will be releasing in February of this year. Set during World War 2 within 1943 Italy, you play as Karl Fairburne as he assists the Italian resistance in repelling the Fascists. Of course, the name of the game does nothing to deceive you. You’ll spend most of your time taking out your victims without them even becoming aware of existence. A process that is oh so satisfying when coupled with the games gory x-ray kill cam. But don’t think that doesn’t mean you can’t dispatch enemies from close quarters. You’ll have to have your wits about you if you don’t want to get flanked.
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2) Halo Wars 2
Now let us leave the past behind and enter the far flung future. Within a universe that many of us have grown familiar with 343 Industries and Creative Assembly are working together to bring about the sequel to 2009’s Halo Wars. Halo Wars 2 is set in the year 2559, 28 years after the events of the original game, and shortly after the events of Halo 5: Guardians. The crew of the Spirit of Fire has awoken from Cryosleep, unaware that the war with the Covenant has been resolved. However, upon investigating an old Forerunner installation, they come across a formidable group known as the Banished, who are led by the Brute Warlord Atriox. Halo Wars 2, truly looks to bring the tactile nature of something along the lines of a Command and Conquer game to the Halo universe. Offering forth some truly marvel inducing battles.
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1) Horizon: Zero Dawn
The final game available this month is arguably the biggest. Sony started the year softly, with Gravity Rush 2 cruising quietly onto our shelves. However come February, Sony is entering the fray guns blazing. Horizon: Zero Dawn looks to be one of PlayStation’s greatest exclusives. The world of Horizon: Zero Dawn looks to be a unique one. Seemingly set in a distant future where a machine like creatures roam the earth and human beings have returned to a more primitive way of life, you play as hunter Aloy. Aloy has lived in a relatively sheltered community her whole life and now seeks to explore the dangers of the world, and possibly comprehend the mysterious downfall of humanity. The game utilizes a similar aesthetic and visual style to the Killzone series Guerrilla Games previously worked on. But now adds open world elements such as exploration and crafting to the mix. Adding a very Far Cry style feel to the overall game. You’ll be able to use your bow and various other traps to snare the mechanical beasts present in the world and even tear off pieces of their body to use as weapons against them. Alloy will also learn over the course of her adventure how to hack these strange machines and perhaps even control them. Sony plans to start the year off big with Horizon, so we can only guess what they might deliver when the Fall rolls around.
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So there you have it. Some pretty big title are dropping in February. What games are you looking forward to? For all the latest news on upcoming game releases, stay tuned to The Nerd Stash.
