Most Anticipated Games of 2017
Every year begins with a new hope – a hope for better stories, more epic moments, amazing gameplay mechanics and games that will live on to become classics. This renewed belief that we’re going to see some of the most incredible gaming experiences this year is what drives us forward, what keeps us guessing, and on the edge of our seats as new information trickles in. And so it’s time to take a look at the year ahead, and at the games that we believe will be the standouts. The staff of NGN voted for their most intriguing selections of 2017, and our top 12 are listed below in alphabetical order.
Ghost Recon Wildlands
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands is a military shooter set in an open world, entirely playable in single-player or up to four-player co-op. The Santa Blanca drug cartel has transformed the beautiful South American country of Bolivia into a perilous narco-state, leading to lawlessness, fear, and rampant violence. With their corrosive influence growing, the cartel plagues the citizens of Bolivia but all hope is not lost. The Ghosts, an elite US Special Forces team, are tasked to combat the cartel and save the country from collapse.
When: March 7, 2017
Where: 
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Inspired by historical events, Hellblade tells the story of Senua, a Celtic warrior who is left traumatised by a Viking invasion. Players will explore the very heart of trauma and sacrifice as they move through the Viking heartland, combating savage adversaries. A deeply personal story charting the true struggles of a sufferer of psychosis, Hellblade aims to use the latest in visual technology to create a world and protagonist that feel both truly tangible and believably harrowing.
When: TBD 2017
Where:
Horizon Zero Dawn
Take on the role of skilled hunter Aloy as you explore a world inhabited by mysterious mechanized creatures. Shunned by her own tribe since birth, Aloy has learned to harness her deadly aim to hunt the Machines, defend against rival tribes, and survive in the wilds. In order to overcome a much larger and technologically superior enemy, Aloy must use her knowledge, intelligence, and agility to survive each encounter. Detailed forests, imposing mountains, and atmospheric ruins of a bygone civilization meld together in a landscape with changing weather systems and a full day/night cycle.
When: February 28, 2017
Where:
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect: Andromeda takes players to the Andromeda galaxy, far beyond the Milky Way. There, players will lead our fight for a new home in hostile territory as the Pathfinder – a leader of military-trained explorers. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and player choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival. New additions like destructible environments, boosted jumps for added verticality, and all-new weapons and Biotics make combat more thrilling than before in the franchise.
When: March 21, 2017
Where:
Outlast 2
Outlast II is the follow-up to the horror Outlast, and will feature a new setting and new characters. You are Blake Langermann, a cameraman working with your wife, Lynn. The two of you are investigative journalists willing to take risks and dig deep to uncover the stories no one else will dare touch. You’re following a trail of clues that started with the seemingly impossible murder of a pregnant woman known only as Jane Doe.
When: TBD 2017
Where:
Persona 5
Persona 5 is a game about the internal and external conflicts of a group of troubled high school students – the protagonist and a collection of compatriots he meets in the game’s story – who live dual lives as Phantom Thieves. They have the typically ordinary day-to-day of a Tokyo high schooler – attending class, after school activities and part-time jobs. But they also undertake fantastical adventures by using otherworldly powers to enter the hearts of people. Their power comes from the Persona, the Jungian concept of the “self”.
When: April 7, 2017
Where: 
Prey
You are Morgan Yu, the subject of morally dubious experiments designed to improve the human race. You awaken aboard the Talos 1 in the year 2032 and must uncover the secrets hiding in the depths of the space station while being hunted by the mysterious alien force that has taken over. You’ll have to rely on the tools you find on the station – along with your wits, weapons and mind-bending abilities – to combat the growing threat and, hopefully, survive.
When: May 5, 2017
Where:
Red Dead Redemption 2
Developed by the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 promises to be an epic tale of life in America’s unforgiving heartland. The game’s vast and atmospheric world will also provide the foundation for a brand new online multiplayer experience. More details on the game are expected in the near future.
When: Q4, 2017
Where:
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
Rising Storm 2 casts you into the Vietnam War, with tactical action for up to 64 players in battles between the US forces and the Vietnamese, each force having their own unique abilities and tactical advantages such as Napalm Strikes, Artillery Barrages, surface-to-air missile strikes, traps, ambushes and more. Game types include Red Orchestra’s classic territory control mode, and new smaller modes and maps designed for 16 or less players for a more competitive, squad based experience.
When: Q2-Q3, 2017
Where:
South Park: The Fractured but Whole
As the sun sets on the quiet Colorado town, havoc and chaos unleash a reign of terror and the seedy underbelly of the city comes alive. The town needs new heroes to rise. Eric Cartman seizes the opportunity to save the town and create the best superhero franchise ever, his own Coon and Friends with himself as the leader, The Coon. Continuing in their role as the New Kid, players will become a member of Coon and Friends to fight for fame and their place beside the other kids.
When: Q2, 2017
Where:
State of Decay 2
Players work together to build lasting communities and tell their own unique story within an interconnected world that remembers the choices you’ve made throughout. There is no singular hero character. Play as an entire community — each survivor in the game is their own person, with a unique mix of background traits, skills, and attitudes. Play solo, or for the first time ever in the State of Decay franchise, with up to three of your friends. Work together as you explore the deadly post-apocalyptic environment.
When: Q4, 2017
Where:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Step into a world of discovery, exploration and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Travel across fields, through forests and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the ruined kingdom of Hyrule. Along the way, you’ll battle towering enemies, hunt wild beasts and gather ingredients for the food and elixirs you’ll need to sustain you on your journey. The world is inhabited with enemies of all shapes and sizes, each one has its own attack method and weaponry. Shrines dot the landscape, waiting to be discovered in any order you want.
When: March 3, 2017
Where: 
On this final page, we usually take the time to reflect and look back at how well our predictions played out a year ago. Let’s take a look at our most anticipated games for 2016 and how they turned out!
Adr1ft
77/100: “ADR1FT uses simple mechanics to create a subdued and freeform space journey that is worth experiencing. The careful design will earn lasting respect after you come back down to earth.”
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
86/100: “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is another outstanding entry in the series containing many viable gameplay options, framed around a fascinating — if not thoroughly conclusive — narrative.”
Dishonored 2
86/100: “Dishonored 2 is bigger and better than its forbearer, with greater variety of level design and even more flexible gameplay. It is a shame the central narrative isn’t more engaging and that the sequel is haunted by technical deficiencies.”
Firewatch
63/100: ” Despite its technical hitches and messy conclusion, Firewatch’s study of a flowering friendship makes for a riveting experience, against a gorgeous backdrop that breathes with fragile solitude.” Firewatch went on to win Best Story and Best Adventure Game at our 2016 GOTY Awards.
Homefront: The Revolution
50/100: “Homefront: The Revolution is ultimately plagued by far too many performance issues than should be considered acceptable. While the game shows promising flashes, it falls in the shadow of its predecessor by failing to create a memorable tale of an occupied America.”
Horizon Zero Dawn
The game was delayed to this year, and will be released February 28, 2017.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
The action RPG finally has a release date, and it’s in 2017 – March 21, to be exact.
Quantum Break
69/100: “A successful experiment of merging live action TV with a video game, Quantum Break is an enjoyable ride through the mysteries of time travel, even as uneven presentation quality and average gameplay keep it firmly grounded in reality.”
The Division
83/100: “Despite a weak narrative and some repetitive elements, The Division is a slick and engrossing co-operative loot focused shooter with one of the most visually striking settings around.” The Division won Best Atmosphere at our 2016 GOTY Awards.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
85/100: “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End wraps up one of the most memorable action adventure franchises in gaming. The quality has fluctuated a bit, but this final chapter safely brings the series to a satisfying and technically impressive finish.” Uncharted 4 won numerous awards, including overall Game of the Year, at our 2016 GOTY Awards.
Unravel
74/100: “With a delightful main character and tight-knit platforming mechanics, Unravel is a simple adventure that is worth playing.”
XCOM 2
75/100: “XCOM 2 is a bigger, deeper and more replayable follow-up to the successful 2012 reboot that, despite some technical issues, should provide hours of fun to fans of the series.”
Thanks for reading, and let’s hope these games are worth the wait!