We are almost through December and with it the end of 2016. Therefore we must look forward into the games that will shape the following year. What will satisfy our gaming hunger in 2017? Here are the top 5 games releasing in January of 2017.
First off we have Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Prologue. Quite possibly one of the worst names for a video game ever, but simultaneously another entry into a highly popular series. The sequel to Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 remix, this HD remaster includes Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance, a cinematic version of Kingdom Hearts X and the all new, Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage (which plays through the perspective of Aqua). It might just seem like a remaster, but for RPG fans, this is the only title you’ll be able to sink your teeth into early on in the year. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Prologue releases on January 12th in Japan and January 24th Worldwide for Playstation 4.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the next main entry into the famed Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 7 will be the eleventh entry in the series and the first to be played from a first person perspective. The game set four years after Resident Evil 6, follows Ethan Winters, as he searches the Baker Families Louisiana plantation for his missing wife. Resident Evil 7 was initially thought to be somewhat of a rip off of PT. However many now believe it to be far more akin to the first two Resident Evil games. Featuring a variety of weapons, ranging from shotguns to flamethrowers to chainsaws (all with extremely limited ammunition). While puzzle solving and resource management will also play a big part in the game. Resident Evil 7 releases January 24th for Xbox One, PC, Playstation 4 and Playstation VR.
Next, up we have another Japanese title. Gravity Rush 2 is the sequel to a relatively successful Vita title. Gravity Rush 2 is an action adventure game where you possess the ability to manipulate gravity. The game picks up right where the previous title ended, with familiar characters like Kat and Raven returning. The games unique gravity mechanics allow Kat to make herself lighter, so that she fly’s through the air, or heavier, giving her attacks an added umph. These mechanics help Gravity Rush 2 stand out from the myriad of other action games that all focus on less unique mechanics. It’s also an added bonus that Gravity Rush 2’s environments all look like they were ripped straight out of a high production anime. Gravity Rush 2 releases between January 18th and 20th for Playstation 4.
Pit People is a title you might not have heard of, but one you should definitely check out. Perhaps you’ve heard of one of the past games created by developer Behemoth. The indie darling Castle Crashers? Well, Pit People, Behemoth’s next game, is visually extremely reminiscent of Castle Crashers. Featuring the same hand-drawn art style, brimming with humor and personality. Pit People is a turn-based co-op adventure that utilizing a grid style battlefield. Pit People is the story of four tragically unique characters who come together in a quest through an apocalyptic wasteland. Pit People realizes in early access form on Steam and Xbox One on January 13th, 2017.
Our number One game to look forward to in 2017 doesn’t really count as a new game. It’s Hitman: Season 1. Which released in an episodic format over the course of 2016 and will be releasing in a complete package, in physical form might I add, early next year. Hitman was a phenomenal game. Placing players in one of the several enormous open-ended playgrounds, with dozens upon dozens of ways to dispose of their targets. Although it harbored a relatively thin narrative, the world building and sheer opportunity for the player choice made Hitman one of the most enjoyable and replayable experiences of 2016, and will be just as enjoyable for all those who pick it up on the 31st of January 2017. Hitman will be available on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC.
