10 unmissable video games to watch out for in 2017
An ambitious new quest in the latest instalment of Zelda, one-on-one battles between heroes and villains from DC Comics; and plumber Mario’s latest adventure are among the releases
This year, we also get two more home consoles, Nintendo’s Switch and Microsoft’s Project Scorpio, a souped-up version of the Xbox One supporting native 4K resolution and virtual reality.
Meanwhile, we look ahead to 2017. Here are 10 video games to watch out for:
Horizon Zero Dawn
Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: February 28
Details: Horizon stars Aloy, a hunter who roams forests and mountains, encountering a variety of robotic creatures. During the journey, players uncover how these machines got here and why the world is in ruin.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release date: March 3
Details: players get to explore Hyrule however they choose. It’s a true test of survival, as the main character Link must perform tasks such as cooking and eating food to regain health, and managing the durability of his weapons.
Injustice 2
Platform: PS4, Xbox One
Release date: May 16
Details: the follow-up to Injustice: Gods Among Us has heroes and villains from DC Comics duking it out in one-on-one battles. Returning characters including Batman, Superman and The Flash join newcomers Supergirl, Blue Beetle and Gorilla Grodd. Also new to Injustice: you can create your own custom superhero or supervillain.
Cuphead
Platform: PC, Xbox One
Release date: mid-2017
Details: this side-scrolling action game is inspired by classic cartoons from the 1930s, and uses similar animation techniques. Lead characters Cuphead and Mugman make a deal with the devil, and must do his bidding through a variety of levels played either solo or cooperatively with friends.
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: March 21
Details: taking place 600 years after the original trilogy, the franchise’s next chapter follows a new crew as they explore fresh planets in the Andromeda galaxy. This also marks the first time the Mass Effect series will adopt an open-world structure, allowing players to explore the galaxy however they choose.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Platform: PS4, Xbox One
Release date: autumn 2017
Details: not counting its announcement trailer, studio Rockstar Games has been very quiet about what to expect from its open-world western epic. The only hint they offer is plans to create “a brand new online multiplayer experience”. If it’s anything like the first Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar will have another massive hit on its hands.
Prey
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: 2017
Details: the first-person shooter initially released in 2006 gets a reboot. It’s a science-fiction thriller starring Morgan Yu, who must uncover the secrets aboard the space station Talos I. The game is being developed by Arkane Studios, best known for the popular stealth series Dishonored.
Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: late 2017
Details: the classic fighting game featuring characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom returns, replacing three-on-three fights with tag-team brawls. Marvel heroes Captain Marvel and Iron Man will appear, as will Capcom favourites Ryu from the Street Fighter series and Mega Man X. The game will include multiple single-player and training modes, but the real action happens online through an updated multiplayer mode.
Super Mario Odyssey
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release date: late 2017
Details: even Mario couldn’t resist jumping into an open-world format. Nintendo’s iconic plumber finds himself bouncing across worlds on a giant airship, visiting locations including a downtown metropolis. Mario has some new tricks, including the ability to toss his signature cap.
