With the holidays approaching (well, kinda — I’m already excited, though), the big season for video games is coming up. I always look forward to buying games for myself as the year comes to a close, and if I’m lucky, I get some time off work and can invest those hours in my new games!
Last holiday season, I played a lot of Fallout 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider. I even remember being home and my mom, who doesn’t play games at all, helping me solve some of the tombs. There was another year when I brought my Xbox 360 home for Christmas and, after everyone had gone to bed, stayed up alone to replay BioShock Infinite. It was so much fun. I guess this is why video games have become intertwined with the holidays in my mind.
So, without further adieu, here is the big list of video games I’m looking forward to purchasing in the coming months. I’ve put them all on my personal calendar, so I can get a notification when a new one comes out. (I’m a dork like that.)
SEPTEMBER
ReCore: Though still not entirely sure what the gameplay will be like, ReCore grabbed my attention at this year’s E3. I love the idea of playing a girl in a sci-fi game with several robot companions she can whip up to help her in combat. The price point ($40) feels just right to dig into this one!
Destiny – Rise of Iron: I’ll be honest in saying that I haven’t been keeping up with all things Destiny lately. I was obsessed with the game at the beginning of the year, and while I still love it, I’m not big on multiplayer or raids, so my interest has kind of dwindled as I’m all storied out. Rise of Iron brings a new storyline and strike, so those are going to be my focus when it comes out! Any new content I can play, just me and my partner, will be awesome.
OCTOBER
Gears of War 4: Do you guys know how much I love Gears of War? I played the whole trilogy and Judgment in the past year — all co-op with my partner — and it has been incredible. Some games I’ve even played twice since then.
I’m in love with the burly, over-the-top characters; the gorgeous, destroyed settings; the enemies who growl “Grenade” when they’re flinging one at you; the humor of the squad bickering and then patting each other on the backs; the ever-presence of a character named Carmine; that sexy lancer; the radishes. This list could go on forever.
Gears of War 4 looks like it’s sticking to traditional Gears style rather than innovating too much, and I’m into that. Even though we have all-new characters and enemies now, I can’t wait to dive back into the gritty Gears gameplay again.
The Last Guardian: I really enjoyed Shadow of the Colossus. I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time — maybe not with breath as bated as some superfans, but still. This might not be a day one buy for me, but it could be a nice game to play if I get any time off for the holidays.
NOVEMBER
Dishonored 2: Recently I replayed the first Dishonored game to refresh my memory and prepare for this second installment. The first game is set in a steampunk-style world where the bodyguard Corvo turns into a silent assassin — or you can stealth your way with sleep darts and knock-outs if you prefer not to kill anyone. (I tried that twice. I failed twice. I have no patience, guys.)
Dishonored 2 has a new city setting but the same beautiful art style that makes the first so remarkable. It also features the return of Corvo — older now — as well as a new playable character, who was just a young girl in the first game. I can’t wait to try playing as both of them, though I’ll probably choose Emily for my first round. This will likely be a day one purchase for me!
Watch_Dogs 2: The first Watch Dogs game didn’t really appeal to me. While I like the idea of hacking in a game, I wasn’t captured by any real sense of story when I watched trailers. Watching my boyfriend play a little bit, it reminded me more of Grand Theft Auto than anything else, as you steal cars and drive around on missions.
However, Watch_Dogs 2 is set in San Francisco, where I live. It also features a new protagonist who looks more relatable to me than the first. Add to that the super-cool handmade weapon he brandishes, and I’m ready to play this game as soon as it comes out!
What video games are on your list this year?
— Ashley
Robo♥beat 
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