1. Mass Effect Andromeda:
I'm a sucker for games that do science fiction. In particular, I love stories that explore the idea of an advanced human society that has traveled beyond Earth to befriend (or make enemies with) other species. It reminds me of what I love about Star Trek: The Next Generation; a series essentially based around the concept of humanity joining forces with the rest of the galaxy to explore what's out there. While Mass Effect isn't necessarily the Star Trek game I always hoped for (nor should it be as it's a different franchise), I can't help but feel it evokes a lot of the same sense of wonder of exploring worlds far away from home with a crew of capable allies.
Furthermore, I feel Mass Effect: Andromeda has a chance to capture that 'newness' that the original Mass Effect did. Sure, we'll see old Alien species, but it's also mixed with new ones along with new worlds. Everyone is thrust into unfamiliar territory, without an easy way to get back to Earth. To me, it's the ideal premise for a game about discovery of new worlds, cultures, and the individuals who make that all come together. How much Andromeda focuses on that remains to be seen, but regardless, I can't wait to explore it as Ryder.
2. Persona 5:
I am acquainted to the Persona series through Persona 3 and 4. One thing I love about this series is how well all the characters are developed, from main party members to classmates. But what really makes this system work for me is the Social Link system. It allows you to spend more time with the characters you care about, and to Atlus's credit, there's a lot of depth to the supporting cast that's added as you progress through Social Links. Sure, it's difficult to max out every Social Link unless you follow a guide, but truthfully, I've never really found that way of playing particularly appealing. The Persona games are very much about time management. You prioritize to spend time with the characters you care about, but it also never felt like an obligation to see all the social links. I spent time with the characters I cared about, and was content with how those things ended up by the time the credits rolled.
I don't know a whole lot about Persona 5, and I'm ok with that. Just tell me there's social links, and I'm ready to go when it releases in the US.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn:
I don't have a whole lot to say about this one beyond wanting it to turn out great. Brief looks at gameplay videos suggest the combat looks fluid and the post-post-apocalypse world is potentially an interesting one to explore in the midst of relics of an older world and its technology. I hope Aloy is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing this world through her eyes.
4. Destiny 2:
What Destiny may lack in coherent storytelling, it makes up for it by having some of the most finely tuned and satisfying controls of any console FPS that I've played. Weapons handle so well that gameplay alone keeps me coming back to Destiny. And while there's necessarily isn't a whole lot going on for the story, they absolutely do nail the atmosphere. When your health bar shatters into the red with a swarm of Hive approaching you in some dimly lit cavern on the Moon, you know exactly what to do. Take a deep breath, unleash your Super ability, and shoot them down with your weapon of choice until either they are no more...or you are.
If Destiny 2 can keep those strengths and frame it around a story I really care about, I feel that game could be something really special. I can't wait to hear more about it.
5. South Park The Fractured But Whole:
It's honestly been a long time since I watched South Park with any consistency, but I feel one thing we need more of in video games is games that are genuinely funny. If Fractured But Whole can deliver on that, then I'm on board. I also like the idea that you can play the game as a girl this time, and this being South Park, I am very curious to see how significant that choice is in terms of how the other main characters interact with you.
6. Nier Automata:
Another one I don't necessarily have much to say about. Never played the original, but the combat in this looks really fun. Looking forward to seeing more of it.
