28 absolutely incredible games are coming your way very, very soon
Sony's PS4 clearly has the edge when it comes to the best exclusives this year
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This year has already been incredible for gaming - but it's going to get even better.
There are loads of amazing games coming out in the next few months - on Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
We pick out the ones you should be most excited about.
Interestingly, despite the Xbox One X on the horizon, it seems the PS4 is the way to go if you're after the best exclusives.
Let's kick off.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Platform(s): PS4, PC
Release date: Out now
It's been three years in the making but, boy, does it look worth the wait.
Cambridge-based Ninja Theory – behind award-winning games such as DmC: Devil May Cry, Enslaved: Odyssey to The West and Heavenly Sword – are back with another hack and slash game.
Only this time, it's far more dark and scary.
You play Senua as she embarks on a quest through hellish psychotic manifestations of her reality and mind.
Combat is fast and furious, while there's enough blood to refloat the Titanic.
To make it even more terrifying, Ninja Theory uses “binaural audio” to mimic the way we hear sound through our ears and can sense the direction a noise is coming from.
Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Agents of Mayhem
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: August 18, 2017
This over-the-top battler comes from the team behind the wacky Saints Row series.
Set in a futuristic version of Seoul, South Korea, you play as three agents sent to rid the city of baddies.
There are 12 characters to choose from, each one having their own abilities and personalities. These can all be customised, too, with weapons and items picked up throughout the game.
Don't expect it all to be mindless shooting, though. Along with main missions, there will be backstory quests that delve into the key characters.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release date: August 29, 2017
This turn-based Mario meets Rabbids game is a sort of child-friendly XCom.
You'll be able tp play as eight playable characters - including Yoshi, Princess Peach and four Rabbids as Mario and co. battle to save the Mushroom Kingdom.
It features two-player co-operative play and fun weapons - including laser beams.
Destiny 2
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: September 8, 2017
The follow up to the popular online shooter promises a much more engaging narrative this time.
Humanity has fallen to an overwhelming invasion force, led by Lord Ghaul, the imposing commander of the brutal Red Legion.
He has stripped Guardians of their power, and forced the survivors to flee their home. Your job is to take it back.
As well as a single player story, you can take on enemies with mates in six-player cooperative Raids or three-player Strikes.
PES 2018
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Release date: September 14, 2017
The new game promises ‘a wide-range of improvements’ as it seeks to reclaim the football crown from its EA SPORTS rival
PES 2018 will have more new features than any other PES title in the last decade, the publisher confirmed.
The control system will be revised to add more fluidity to the game, while a new user interface makes navigating menus and modes easier.
Matches will be played at a more realistic pace, while a new strategic dribbling system offers greater close control, including contextual shielding to protect the ball.
Similarly, simple movements of the control stick can be used to perform shimmies to wrong-foot defenders.
Konami has also implemented a ‘REAL Touch + process’, wherein players will react to receiving a ball using parts of the body, such as chest, head and legs to bring a pass under control dependent on the height and pace of the incoming ball.
Cuphead
Platform(s): Xbox, PC
Release date: September 27, 2017
Cuphead is a classic run-and-gun action game heavily focused on boss battles.
Inspired by cartoons of the 1930's, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked), watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
It's even got a cooperative mode, too.
FIFA 18
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Release date: September 29, 2017
Need we say more?
Read our piece to find out more.
Middle Earth: Shadow of War
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 10, 2017
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was one of the greatest open-world battlers in the last decade - so a sequel was always bound to happen.
Thankfully, Shadow of War is shaping up rather nicely - offering more of the bloody, brutal combat fans have been yearning for.
Just like in the last game, you can build your own army - but thanks to the Nemesis system, which sees rival orcs level-up, you won't be short of foes.
The Evil Within 2
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 13, 2017
Taking place three years after the first game, The Evil Within 2 sees protagonist Sebastian Castellanos return to battle hordes of nasties.
Expect raw horror with insane levels of blood and guts - what else would you expect from the creator of Resident Evil!
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 17, 2017
South Park: The Stick of Truth was a surprisingly well-made game - blending well-thought out strategy with the cartoon's trademark humour.
This time around, the game's taking aim at the superhero genre - and sees the South Park children dress up as their favourite heroes to battle rival kids.
Having played this at a preview event last year, it's shaping up to be a must-have for fans and newbies alike.
Super Mario Odyssey
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 27, 2017
Super Mario Odyssey will be Mario's debut on the Switch - and it's looking spectacular.
The game is separated into a bunch of worlds called Kingdoms - just like in Super Mario 64.
Each of these is full of Power Moons, which you'll need to collect if you're to progress to new worlds via your hat-shaped spaceship, the Odyssey.
Thankfully, the plumber has picked up a few more moves since his last outing - such as rolling down hills and throwing his cap to create a spring board.
The latter is meant to be a lot more fun than it sounds.
Assassin's Creed: Origins
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 27, 2017
The last decent Assassin's Creed game was Black Flag - so Ubisoft will be hoping Origins sees the series return to form.
The story is set in Ptolemaic Egypt and follows Bayek, a Medjay, as he works to protect his people from threats.
The open world design lets players freely roam Egypt - either on foot, horseback or boat.
Combat has been overhauled while the visuals will look stunning in 4K.
Call of Duty: WWII
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: November 3, 2017
The new COD is going back to its roots after a less-than-thrilling venture to space.
It's being made by Sledgehammer Games - the same team behind brilliant Advanced Warfare.
Gameplay showed off vastly improved visuals that really bring the gritty war-ravaged environments to life.
Zombies will feature, too, although details are thin on the ground.
What we do know is that there will be a beta, known as the Private Beta, which you can access by preordering the game.
Crackdown 3
Platform(s): Xbox One, PC
Release date: November 7, 2017
Crackdown 3 arguably has the most destructive open-world ever created - thanks to the Xbox tapping into cloud computing.
It launches with the Xbox One X - so will prove incredibly popular on Micorosft's new supercharged flagship console.
Need for Speed: Payback
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: November 10, 2017
In Need for Speed: Payback, you're tasked with taking down the ‘The House’, a nefarious cartel that rules the city’s casinos, criminals and cops.
The footage we've seen shows off some spectacular, Fast and Furious-style car chases.
The voice acting is a bit on the ropy side, but with graphics this good, it won't distract you too much.
Star Wars Battlefront II
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: November 17, 2017
The Star Wars universe lends itself to deep, richly-detailed narratives but this was ignored in 2015's Battlefront.
Thankfully, EA won’t be making that mistake this time, with a new trailer confirming that a single-player story-driven experience will play a big part in Battlefront 2.
We don’t know what the story will be, but we bet it’ll take a grittier, more adult turn – similar to Rogue One.
Graphically, it'll be one of the best looking games ever made - again, thanks to Frostbite.
Days Gone
Platform: PS4
Release date: December 29, 2017
There may be a host of zombie games around right now, but this PS4 exclusive should be a dead cert for your collection.
You play Deacon who has the unenviable task of trying to survive in a world overrun by 'Freakers' - infected humans who have gone feral.
The incredible thing about this gem is just how many zombies appear on the screen at once.
And they're all after one thing. Your blood.
God of War
Platform(s): PS4
Release date: TBC 2018
The God of War games are among the most brutal and brilliant adventures ever created.
But after 2013’s God of War: Ascension failed to blow critics away, Sony decided to go back to the drawing board for Kratos’ latest adventure.
There’s now a third-person, over-the-shoulder free camera, rather than third-person, fixed cinematic viewpoint.
Gone are Kratos’ signature double-chained blades, replaced with a magical battle axe, which can be infused with elemental abilities and lobbed at enemies.
Oh, and there are no loading screens or levels. It’s one continuous adventure that sees Kratos act as a mentor and protector to his son.
Anthem
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
This stunning sci-fi open-world RPG sees you and three friends work as 'Freelancers' - warriors tasked with exploring dangerous new worlds.
Graphically, it's one of the most impressive games we've ever seen.
To make things more interesting, developers Bioware have added massive world-altering occurrences - from vicious 'Shaper Storms' to enormous beasts.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
Sadly, we'll have to wait a little longer for this Western from Rockstar.
It's penned for the start of next year, but may well be delayed again!
The Last of Us: Part 2
Platform: PS4
Release date: TBC 2018
yet another massive PS4 exclusive.
It may have not featured in the Sony press conference, but The Last of Us 2 is very much still on the radar.
Thankfully Naughty Dog - the team behind the brilliant Uncharted games - have a reputation for making games that are well worth he wait.
Little is known about Joel and Ellie's latest adventure but expect brutal violence and a hard-hitting emotional storyline.
Death Stranding
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is keeping his cards very close to his chest with regard to Death Stranding.
All we know right now is that is stars the Walking Dead's Norman Reedus and Hannibal's Mads Mikkelsen.
Oh, and that it looks completely weird.
The Crew 2
Platform(s): Xbox, PS4, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
Ubisoft has certainly been busy this year - adding this follow up the 2014 racer to its ranks.
Little is known about the Crew 2 - apart from just how good it looks.
The biggest change is that you're able to now race in the air or on the water - in cars that transform into planes and boats.
You can sign up for the beta
Metro Exodus
Platform(s): Xbox, PS4, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
One of the most striking games to be shown off this year was Metro Exodus - the third instalment in the popular first-person shooter series.
Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the former Russian Federation, you must battle to survive mutated creatures and psychopathic humans.
While the last games were quite linear and adopted a traditional level system, Exodus is a lot more open world. Plus, there's a dynamic weather system and a day / night cycle to help add a new challenge to the combat.
Perhaps our favourite feature is that the environments change depending on what season it is. Superb.
Far Cry 5
Platform(s): Xbox, PS4, PC
Release date: February 27, 2018
Far Cry has ditched the Far East in favour of the fictional Hope County, , where a preacher named Joseph Seed has risen to prominence in the region.
Your job is to stop him.
The massive open world will be free to explore, while a new character creator allows you to customise everything from gender and skin tone.
Weapons include rocket launches and bows, not to mention brutal melee kills.
Oh, and there's a co-operative mode, too - which sounds like a blast.
Metal Gear Survive
Platform(s): Xbox, PS4, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
By far the strangest entry to the Metal Gear series yet.
Plot sees a team of soldiers get sucked through a wormhole and straight into an alien-infested planet.
It's much more action-oriented than other games in the series - so is already dividing fans.
Sadly, we'll have to wait until 2018 to get a proper look at it.
A Way Out
Platform(s): Xbox, PS4, PC
Release date: TBC 2018
This stunning co-operative game sees you have to work together to escape a prison.
Expect puzzles, tactics and some incredibly tense moments where the smallest mistake will cost you dearly.
Spider-Man
Platform: PS4
Release date: TBC 2018
Marvel and Insomniac Games have teamed up to create a brand-new and authentic Spider-Man story.
This isn’t the Spider-Man you’ve met before, or seen in a movie.
This is an experienced Peter Parker who’s more masterful at fighting big crime in New York City.
At the same time he’s struggling to balance his chaotic personal life and career while the fate of nine million New Yorkers rests upon his shoulders.
Sounds decent.
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