Last year was undoubtedly the year of the shooter and true to form the stand out Overwatch took the title of GOTY. There was a healthy heaping of Shooters all with their own unique styles that we got to enjoy. Battleborn, Call of Duty, Doom, Battlefield, Homefront, Titanfall 2, Gears 4 were all noteworthy and unique. Now, with the campaigns finished, last year’s shooters are just looking to maintain their online multiplayer audiences with sprinkles of DLC over the next few months. As a result, we are likely to see the RPGs takeover in 2017.
The release of FFXV has undoubtedly ushered in the year of the RPG. Whether you loved it or liked it Final Fantasy is feeding that craving for RPG-flavored goodness, and it might just be the appetizer.
In a recent post, we talked about some of the most anticipated geek games that were slated for 2017. This year is showing signs of a shift in focus as the majority of these titles are RPGs.
Some RPGs of 2017:
(caution: the following trailers and images may cause money to jump out of your pocket on their release dates).
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of Wind
Horizon Zero Dawn
Southpark: The Fractured But Whole
Persona 5
Mass Effect Andromeda
Vampyr
Strong Maybes:
KINGDOM HEARTS III
FINAL FANTASY IIV REMAKE
SHENMUE 3
Where is the Xbox Exclusive RPG???
Microsoft has just announced the cancellation of their only exclusive AAA RPG title, Scalebound. Considering the amount of focus RPGs will be getting this year, is Microsoft jumping ship prematurely?
“After careful deliberation, Microsoft Studios has come to the decision to end production for “Scalebound.” We’re working hard to deliver an amazing lineup of games to our fans this year, including “Halo Wars 2,” “Crackdown 3,” “State of Decay 2,” “Sea of Thieves” and other great experiences.” https://news.xbox.com/2017/01/05/xbox-closes-milestone-year-in-2016/.”
Scalebound, developed by platinum games, was going to be an action RPG with leveling, gear deterioration, dragon powers, and even presented 4 player co-op, a rare option in many RPGs today. Potentially, Scalbound would have sated the Xbox fanboys who also crave RPGs and recognize that Playstation has a few more exclusive titles. Scalebound would have also been a welcomed RPGs to bundle with a new Scorpio upgrade.
This news may not seem that bad for Microsoft. However, the medium-sized developer Platinum, needing to hold its own with fresh IPs. This unexpected cancellation might have put them in a dire situation. We are hoping that Platinum Games, makers of such favorites as the Bayonetta franchise, can bounce back with new titles in the future.
Do you think this cancellation will affect the Scorpio?
Will more of us Geeks to Switch to Nintendo?
(see what I did there…)
Will RPGs take over in 2017?
Let us know, in the comments below.
–H00k 0ut