16 in '16: Most Wanted Games

It's a yearly tradition here at SuperPhillip Central for me to list the games that most excite me in the upcoming year. Last year I wrote the 15 games of 2015 that most interested me, and the year before that I wrote up the 14 games of 2014 that enthused me. Here's hoping I'm not still writing this blog in 2040, or I'll have to come up 40 games on a list!

Regardless, many games that were on my 2015 list are on my 2016 list, funnily enough. Let's just hope that most of the games on today's list remain with us in the year 2016 and aren't delayed. From the big consoles to handheld releases, today's list is nice and varied with the big and small releases that 2016 will hopefully see.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4)

After being delayed a couple of times, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is finally set to release this year, April to be exact! Set to be the final entry developed by Naughty Dog, Uncharted 4 will be Nathan Drake's ultimate journey, making for a lot of predictions from fans as to what we'll see. No doubt the excellent gunplay of the past Uncharted games will be making its appearance known, updated and upgraded to great effect. No doubt we'll see the most incredible set pieces, gunplay, battles, and narrative ever seen in an Uncharted game with the increased power of the PS4, and that has me excited beyond words... except for the ones I just typed out.

Ratchet & Clank (PS4)

My favorite PlayStation franchise finally receives a full-fledged adventure, the type of full-fledged Ratchet & Clank game that hasn't been seen since 2009's A Crack in Time. Simply titled Ratchet & Clank, this new game is a reboot of sorts for the franchise, a remake of the original Ratchet & Clank to tie in with the new CG film releasing this year. Looking as great as a Pixar film in graphical quality, Ratchet & Clank is certainly one game that will get me hyped about getting a PlayStation 4 in the future.

Gravity Rush 2 (PS4)

Not much is known yet about this next game, besides being set for release in 2016 sometime. It's the sequel to the PlayStation Vita's Gravity Rush, a game that starred a girl named Kat that could use the powers of gravity to move through the areas of the game. A remastered version has already released of the original game onto the PS4 in Japan, and the West will be receiving it this February. It'll give PS4 owners a chance to see what they missed out on with the original Vita release, as well as get a taste of what's to come with the much awaited sequel.

Final Fantasy XV (PS4, XONE)

This next game takes a much different route than previous Final Fantasy games. Its history is one that span ten years already, formerly known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Final Fantasy XV is set to be an open world game that forgoes the traditional turn-based combat the series is known for, instead utilizing a battle system more akin to the Kingdom Hearts series. Vehicle-based exploration is available to explore the immense world size of the game. Here's hoping 2016 is the year that Final Fantasy XV gets released, as a lot of us have been waiting a long time for this game!

Kingdom Hearts III (PS4, XONE)

This might be a fool's errand to hazard the guess or assume that Kingdom Hearts III will be releasing this year, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the game. Kingdom Hearts III takes place after the Nintendo 3DS spin-off Dream Drop Distance, and it will feature a host of returning and new characters. New worlds are planned, such as Rapunzel's Tangled world and a setting from Disney's Big Hero 6. New Attraction Flow moves take famous Disneyland theme park attractions and turns them into special attacks. It's been a long time coming for Kingdom Hearts III, and it's safe to say that fans have been ready for a loooong time for this third numbered entry.

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness (PS4)

The fifth game in the mainline series, following the PS3 and Xbox 360 game The Last Hope, Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is due out in March in Japan with a TBA date for Europe and the Americas. This sequel brings the similar action role-playing fun the series is known for into the eighth generation, set on a world thousands of light years away from the planet Earth. Tri-Ace, developer of the series, returns for this sequel, showing that Square Enix is committed to the quality of the Star Ocean franchise. As a huge fan of The Second Story on the original PlayStation and as one who liked Till the End of Time on the PS2, I'm quite thrilled to see this fifth installment happening.

World of Final Fantasy (PS4, Vita)

Take control of twins Lann and Reyne in the wondrous world of Grimoire, full of characters from the Final Fantasy world in chibi form. Meant to be a game for fans of the Final Fantasy franchise as well as younger players, World of Final Fantasy is meant to be modeled after earlier Final Fantasy games. The game utilizes the ATB (Active Time Battle) system of earlier games, and it features characters from various Final Fantasy titles as well. As a dual release on the PlayStation 4 and the Vita, this intended 2016 release excites me as a fan of old school Final Fantasy games. No doubt it excites other Final Fantasy fans as well.

Mirror's Edge Catalyst (PS4, XONE)

Once again we find Faith Connors as the star of this greatly desired sequel to the cult classic Mirror's Edge. This time she's taking on a myriad of corporations taking control of the city of Glass. Along the way, Faith uses her tremendous parkour style to get around areas, stealthily subdue enemies, and jump across large chasms in the city sky. This time around cooperative multiplayer is available as well as a competitive multiplayer mode. Whether you want to play alone or with/against others, Mirror's Edge Catalyst will have something for everyone when it releases in May.

Mighty No. 9 (Multi)

While this next game has received a lot of controversy with how funds with the project have been utilized and how project lead Keiji Inafune has asked for more money over the course of the project. However, I can't say no to a Mega Man spiritual successor that doesn't look bad to me at all. Containing a mix of 2D gameplay and 3D models, Mighty No. 9 is pure fast-paced platforming in a variety of locales and locations. The main gameplay mechanic, hero Beck's dash ability, allows players to rush into foes, scoot across gaps, and much more. After seeing many major delays, Mighty No. 9 finally releases next month. Here's hoping the wait has been worth it.

The Legend of Zelda (Wii U)

Announced several two E3s ago, we have only seen about five minutes of footage for the newest adventure in The Legend of Zelda series. What we do know is that the game will be much more open-world focused than past games in the series. Whether this Wii U exclusive Zelda will remain Wii U exclusive (i.e. released on Nintendo's next system as well as the Wii U) is at this point unknown, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating. Regardless, in whatever form we see the latest Legend of Zelda, history shows that the game will probably be fantastic.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)

(Note: GameCube screen shown.) It's quite surprising to me that Nintendo hasn't done more HD remasters of classic games as a way to pad its lineup on the Wii U. We've seen in the past The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, a marvelous remaster, and now we see The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess receiving the same treatment. What additions this time around will be seen is unknown, but there's plenty to speculate about. It'll be nice returning to Twilight Princess' version of Hyrule when the game releases this March.

Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

The Wii U is winding down, but it has delivered a lot of excellent exclusives in its short life, both retail form and digitally. 2016 may be a slowing down period for the system, but the Wii U isn't totally finished yet. Star Fox Zero looks to bring a lot of the fun of the series to the Wii U with optional two-screen GamePad usage. The game was delayed from its November 20th date to April 2016, and here's hoping this Platinum Games developed title has received even more TLC to make it more impressive than it was early on. If more enemies get added, the excitement will be palpable for me, as that was really my only complaint with past demos and footage. Here's hoping Star Fox's return is a grand one and not just a blip on the radar.

Fire Emblem: Fates (3DS)

Another system that is winding down, the Nintendo 3DS still has a LOT of titles releasing in its twilight years. Fire Emblem: Fates is just one of these, and this strategy RPG is set to deliver intense battles requiring smart strategy, character relationships, and even online multiplayer this go around. With three versions to choose from, each offering a different side to the same story, Fire Emblem: Fates is going to be a game that players will dive into and remain with for a long time.

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (3DS)

After more than three years of waiting for a localization announcement, last month Nintendo delivered with the word that Dragon Quest VII would finally be hitting the West. Given the subtitle Fragments of the Forgotten Past, this Nintendo 3DS remake of the original PlayStation game features fabulous 3D worlds, on-screen enemy encounters, and much, much more. This intended summer release seems like the perfect cure for the dog days of summer. Now, excuse me while I catch up on my Dragon Quest by playing the DS remakes!

Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)

With over a year's wait in tow, Final Fantasy Explorers will finally hit North America and Europe. The game is an action role-playing romp where custom characters can enter one of many job classes based off of early Final Fantasy games. Combat features battles against foes like monsters like Behemoths and Malboros, and summons like Ifrit and Shiva. Both offline and online quests are available, as is local play. I tend to enjoy the spin-offs of the Final Fantasy series more than the mainline games, besides a select amount of examples, so I eagerly await Final Fantasy Explorers when it releases at the end of the month.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (3DS)

Releasing in the middle of the month, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam puts the worlds of Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario together for one (most likely) very humorous adventure. The team of Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario venture through colorful worlds, solving puzzles, and use each character's unique abilities to access new areas otherwise inaccessible to the player. Battles continue to contain the timed-button system of past Mario RPGs, making for more involved combat than simply mashing on a button and going through the motions. Note that Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is already available in Japan and PAL territories, so this game on my list refers to the North America version.

Top Five Most Anticipated Digital-Only Games

Gaming is heading towards digital more and more as each year passes by. It's fantastic that developers are able to create mid-tier games that last generation were all but endangered in the retail space. Now, we have genres that wouldn't fit into the AAA-line of thinking that this industry continues to lean towards readily available on many digital marketplaces. The titles that I'm most excited for this year are but some of the incredibly hype-worthy games coming from developers both small and large.

I passionately encourage you to please recommend to me other digital games that are coming out that I may not even know about. It would be with great thanks from me for you guys to do that. Also, after you're done reading my picks, let's chat about digital games in the comments section!

5) '90s Arcade Racer - Developed by Antonis Pelekanos and Nicalis

A lot of the games on this list are inspired by retro classics. This next indie title, '90s Arcade Racer is one that can thank Daytona USA for its inspiration. I have been wanting a modern racer that is less simulation and more about crazy drifts for the longest time. It's gotten so bad for me that I was honest to goodness willing to pull the proverbial trigger on Ridge Racer... for the Vita. Let that sink in how deep my desperation goes. However, '90s Arcade Racer is a game that seems to scratch my itch for thrills, chills, and drifting goodness. Of course, since the game is being published by Nicalis, we will probably have to wait until 2020 to see the game released. Perhaps I'm being hard on Nicalis, but the publisher does not have a good "track" record on releasing games in a timely fashion. Still, I'm sure the wait will be definitely worth it!

4) Midora - Developed by Epic Minds

Midora has an art style highly reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and in addition to the art, the gameplay is similar to the legendary franchise its inspired by. Currently, the team at Epic Minds is planning 12 unique dungeons full of insane traps, enemies, and obstacles. Furthermore, we're bound to get a high number of secondary items aside from Midora's main means to attack to open up the possibilities for different combat strategies and puzzle concepts. Midora may seem too heavily inspired by The Minish Cap, but I think that is what draws me to this game. It's an ode to 16-bit Zelda, and despite not being overly innovative, I still feel the need to play this game.

3) Mekazoo - Developed by The Good Mood Creators

If you see a theme on my five selections for downloadable games that I have the most excitement for, it's probably that all of the games here are in genres that are my favorites or games inspired by favorite franchises and games of mine. Mekazoo is a 2.5D platformer which has you switching between one of a handful of different animals, such as an armadillo, a frog, and a kangaroo, and platforming with great acrobatics through multiple tiered levels. It's an exciting prospect and the trailer for the game shows this action beautifully. With a release period for late this year, I cannot wait to see more footage and imagination shown from The Good Mood Creators and their greatly interesting game.

2) Mighty No. 9 - Developed by Comcept 

A project led by the driving force behind the Mega Man series, Keiji Inafune, Mighty No. 9 definitely has its roots greatly inspired by the Blue Bomber's games. With a formula just like the Mega Man games, eight bosses that strike a resemblance to Robot Masters, and similar gameplay, Mighty No. 9 might as well be considered an all-new Mega Man game. While the Kickstarter campaign is a bit dubious in how much money it continually wants and how the mock-up for the project is nothing close to what the actual work-in-progress looks like, I am still drooling over the prospect of playing a Mega Man-like game from the man most closely tied to the franchise.

1) A Hat in Time - Developed by Gears for Breakfast

A Hat in Time satiates my hunger and thirst for a traditional 3D collect-a-thon style platformer akin to classic games like Super Mario 64 and my favorite of the bunch, Banjo-Kazooie. The game is set to feature fully explorable worlds; the ability to battle enemies and bosses with either Hat Kid's umbrella or an ode to Mario, a jump to the noggin; collectibles aplenty like badges that can be equipped to change the player's play style; cooperative gameplay; and an art style similar to what was seen in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. A Hat in Time is such an exciting project to me, someone who is a huge fan of Nintendo 64 era 3D platformers, and I am chomping at the bit to see this game released to the public.

Top Ten Most Wanted Wii U Games (2013 Edition)

If you have owned a Wii U since launch, then you're probably used to the waiting game. Most Wii U owners have been more than patient enough for a downpour of new software rather than the trickles we've received over the past nine months. Finally the drought is over with the release of Pikmin 3, and finally the release schedule has beefed up. There are a lot of exciting Wii U games coming forth this fall, this holiday season and next year. This list provides our readers with the titles that we want most that are coming to Nintendo's eighth generation system.

For other features, articles, editorials and lists, check out our Feature Catalog! Also, don't forget to vote on this month's Central City Census poll, located at the top of the sidebar!

10) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

A remastering of a game we played a decade or so ago isn't going to interest us much, but when it is a new and improved version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, we can't just thumb our collective noses at it. Using new lighting including enough bloom for outdoor areas to give that tropical sun-drenched shine to islands, clever Miiverse functionality, and an updated take on the once tedious Triforce quest, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is shaping up to be just the taste of the Legend of Zelda series that fans have been desiring ever since they purchased their Wii Us. We know we're in that camp!

9) Rayman Legends

The first of a handful of third-party games on our list, Rayman Legends was originally due out way back in late February. Due to poor sales of Ubisoft's premier Wii U launch title, ZombiU, the publisher decided to delay the game to make it multi-platform. At first we were upset with this news, but seeing all of the added content the developers have included due to the delay make us really happy. We're also really happy that the Wii U version still appears to be the definitive version of the game, thanks to the touch screen and exclusive content, including the just announced Mario and Luigi costumes. (Though we're glad more people get to experience this game.)

8) Sonic Lost World

Back in the Super Nintendo/Genesis playground wars over which system was superior, you would have been called some very naughty names had you said that one day Sonic the Hedgehog would appear on a Nintendo platform. You would have probably been beat up if you said that the developer hopes that this Sonic game will revive Nintendo's system. Those playground squabbles get violent fast, after all. Borrowing a page from Super Mario Galaxy, Sonic Lost World defies gravity for an extra dose of amazing fun and fantastical level design that many players of demos seem to be enjoying. We cannot express how glad we are that Sonic Team has finally come to terms as to how to create a satisfying 3D Sonic. They've done it with Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, so hopefully they can pull off the hat trick with Sonic Lost World, only for Nintendo Wii U.

7) The Wonderful 101

This morning we caught a humorous glimpse at Platinum Games' Hideki Kamiya performing the same mannerisms of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata for the special Nintendo Direct featuring The Wonderful 101. Unite, wonder-eyes and take down the alien robotic menace that threatens the peace-loving people of our world. The Wonderful 101 has players taking command of a superhero squad, using the Wii U GamePad to draw symbols to summon high-powered weaponry like fists, swords, guns and whips to demolish foes with ease. As would be expected of a Platinum Games title, there is a great layer of depth in the gameplay to be had, and you can bet that the colorful stylized world of The Wonderful 101 is one that you'll want to return to over and over again.

6) Bayonetta 2

One of the most embarrassing events of last year for the gaming industry (and there are sadly so many to mention) was the reaction to Bayonetta 2 becoming a Nintendo Wii U exclusive. There were death threats, people who would rather see the game not exist at all rather than be exclusive to Nintendo (these people are known as pathetic console warriors), and other immature behavior that did the industry no favors in making people take our hobby seriously. Regardless, without Nintendo's support, Bayonetta 2 would simply not exist. We're glad that the high-heeled femme fatale has returned, and boy is she looking phenomenal. We're ready to take down demons, monsters and enemies of all shapes and sizes when Bayonetta 2 smashes onto the Wii U next year.

5) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

While most of gamer-dom wanted Retro Studios to be working on a new Metroid, we were absolutely elated to discover that the developer had chosen to work on a sequel to one of the greatest platformers of the past generation (and of all time), Donkey Kong Country Returns. Now, the team is at it again with Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, adding underwater segments, dynamic camera angles, a new enemy threat, and playable Dixie Kong. We're anxiously awaiting seeing more footage of Tropical Freeze and see just how stellar Retro Studios' masterful level design carries over to this new game. It is a grand year to be a platformer fan, and if you own a Wii U and are like us, then you will be in heaven this year.

4) Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D Land on the Nintendo 3DS was an excellent merging of gameplay styles of the Mario series. It had the move set of the 3D games, while bringing the linear obstacle courses of the 2D games. The end result was a combination that rocked our worlds. Speaking of worlds, Super Mario 3D World is set to release this December for the Wii U, and being able to play a 3D Mario with friends and family is a concept that enthuses us to no end. The all-new Cat Suit looks absolutely adorable and opens up the level design exponentially. We are also liking how each playable character controls differently, much like Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA version). Many fun times and sleepless nights will no doubt be had as we mess with one another's jumps, causing "accidental" deaths and the kind of entertainment you can't just get anywhere.

3) X

Still a code name for Monolith Soft's epic RPG project for the Wii U, X is one of the most impressive looking games from a technological standpoint. Then, when you factor in giant colossal mecha robots (which you can enter and exit in an instant), behemoth-sized beasts and lands that stretch out as far as the eye can see, and you can probably realize why so many are hyped for whatever X will eventually turn out to be named. It also doesn't hurt that this team's last game was one of the best RPGs ever devised, Xenoblade Chronicles. We're chomping at the proverbial bit to find out more about Monolith Soft's ambitious title.

2) Mario Kart 8

Another great looking title from a technological standpoint is Mario Kart 8. After the less-than-impressive-looking Mario Kart Wii, it seems the development team has something to prove graphics-wise, and they are certainly proving it with the clean and colorful visuals of Mario Kart 8. Although the game is due out next spring, we do have details that we know of. The most obvious is that anti-gravity a la F-Zero will be a huge part of the gameplay and track design. The Mario Kart series has some of the best track design of any kart racer, so seeing what the development team will do when they're no longer tied down to the laws of gravity is something that is really exciting. Spring 2014 is such a long time to wait for Mario Kart 8, but we're most certainly sure it will be worth it.

1) Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The top three games on this list are the furthest away for Wii U owners, being 2014 releases. That said, we're constantly getting new screenshots on a daily basis straight from the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series himself, Masahiro Sakurai. We are in love with both versions of the game, the Wii U and 3DS versions, but the Wii U game has us most interested. While the current roster is on the light side, we are pleased with the inclusions thus far. Then you have the stage design, which is looking rather excellent and should deliver plenty of fun for players. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is without a doubt our most played game of the past generation, and we're eager to invest more of the days of our lives into this new Smash Bros. game.

Top Five Most Exciting PlayStation 4 Games

Last Friday we spent some time talking about the Xbox One titles that excited us the most. This week we're changing focus from Microsoft's next generation offering to Sony's with the PlayStation 4. There are great number of interesting games, and this list was very difficult to make. Once you've read through our list of five games and rationale for why we've placed them here, why not tell us which titles that you deem most exciting and buzz-worthy from what PlayStation 4 is currently offering?

5) Killzone: Shadow Fall

A very much hyped launch title for the PlayStation 4, the Killzone series debuts in next gen with Killzone: Shadow Fall. Guerrilla Games promises an action-packed game that runs at 30 frames per second and in glorious 1080p resolution. For those that aren't very tech savvy, Shadow Fall will play as stunning as it looks. The series might not have been the Halo-killer that so many were wishing for, but Guerrilla Games' Killzone: Shadow Fall looks to be a grand shooter for the PlayStation 4's highly anticipated launch.

4) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is seeing Hideo Kojima's legacy series releasing on both current generation and next generation consoles. The game offers a similar ability that Peace Walker possessed in which players can build their own base, developing their own weapons and items from this location. Story events can be completed in a nonlinear order this go around, through the player choosing missions at their own leisure. Furthermore, Metal Gear Solid V has expanded the setting of the game to be more open world than before. Additionally, there is a day and night cycle that occurs in real time. Just how this will affect missions (or if it will at all) is unclear. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is shaping up to be a must-have game for fans of the series, and even we are excited, the people who thought the fourth entry in the series was a big disappointment.

3) Kingdom Hearts III

After years of rumors, it was finally confirmed that Kingdom Hearts III was truly in development for not one, but two platforms, the PlayStation 4 and, for the series' first time on a Microsoft platform, the Xbox One. Kingdom Hearts III comes fresh off the heels of last year's Dream Drop Distance on Nintendo 3DS. The game will see the return of such familiar faces such as Sora, Riku, Donald, Goofy, King Mickey and many more. Square Enix is promising new Disney worlds to explore. Perhaps we may finally see some Pixar representation in the worlds. We anxiously await more news from Square Enix on Kingdom Hearts III, as it has really been a long time coming for fans like us.

2) Final Fantasy XV

Amid rumors of Final Fantasy Versus XIII being cancelled due to the game not being seen in ages, E3 2013 showed that the game's name had been changed to Final Fantasy XV, a new mainline entry in the cherished RPG series. The game is set to be a dramatic shift from past games, in both gameplay and tone. Firstly, XV will be an action RPG instead of the traditional turn-based systems of past non-MMO entries. It will also feature third-person shooter elements. The world is set to allow for much more exploration than say, Final Fantasy XIII, offering large kingdoms, dungeons and maps to traverse, each with multiple pathways to reach one's destination. All of this sounds almost too good to be true coming after the disappointing saga of Lightning and the Final Fantasy XIII namesake. Still, we have high hopes that Tetsuya Nomura and his team can make Final Fantasy XV work and work wonderfully.

1) inFAMOUS: Second Son

While this game may not be making it to the PS4 launch, we are most excited for Sucker Punch's inFAMOUS: Second Son, due out in early 2014. The title is looking like one of the most impressive eighth generation games when it comes to its visuals. Second Son promises both familiarity and freshness, a combination that will delight players of the PlayStation 3 inFAMOUS games. Delsin Rowe is the protagonist of Second Son, and we know a little bit of his conduit powers. They allow him to use multiple steam-based attacks. However, Sucker Punch has made it clear through not-so-subtle hints that steam is just one of the many types of powers that Delsin will acquire through the game. Fans of the past games will be glad to know that Seattle, the city that Second Son takes place in, will have the same amount of freedom to explore and parkour fun that previous games had in spades. These reasons have us most hyped for inFAMOUS: Second Son than any other release for the PlayStation 4 so far.