In the video game industry, the summer months typically bring with them a drought of major releases. However, summer 2017 is proving to be a different story, with a handful of big video game launches on deck for launch this season.
Summer 2017 looks like it's bringing something to the table for gamers of all tastes, from highly anticipated shooter sequels to quirky strategy games. For anyone looking to expand their collection of games over the next couple of months, we believe the following games are the most exciting releases of summer 2017.
Destiny 2
When it first released, the original Destiny was the biggest new IP launch in video game history, and so expectations are high for Destiny 2. For the most part, Destiny 2 appears to be retaining the core gameplay that made the original game so popular, but expanding on it with bigger worlds and more content at launch.
With Destiny 2, Bungie seems to be making an effort to address criticism lobbied at the first game, increasing its focus on story and adding long-requested features like raid matchmaking. Whether or not this effort results in a game that is a critical success as well as a financial one remains to be seen, but players will know once they get their hands on Destiny 2 at the end of summer.
Destiny 2 will launch on September 6th for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a PC release to follow on October 24th.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
One of the biggest surprises of E3 2017 was Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. While the game's existence was leaked well ahead of the show, what surprised Nintendo fans was that the game actually looked quite good, blending the quirky charm of Super Mario and Rabbids with the turn-based strategy of XCOM.
Some may have written it off as a crossover cash-in when the game was first leaked, but after its impressive E3 showing, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is looking like one of the most promising games in the Nintendo Switch lineup.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle will launch on August 29th, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
Featuring an all-star roster of fighters from Capcom video game franchises and Marvel comics, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is looking to shake things up for the series by focusing on two-versus-two battles and incorporating Infinity Stones into the mix. There have been some concerns about its visuals, but as long as Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite delivers a quality gameplay experience, fans should be satisfied.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will be available on September 19th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Splatoon 2
The original Splatoon on the Wii U was a surprise hit, becoming one of the console's most popular online multiplayer games in the process. Splatoon 2 will retain what made the original game so popular, while adding a slew of new content, including a promising 4-player co-op horde mode called Salmon Run. While the Nintendo Switch's odd voice chat implementation may disappoint some, Splatoon 2 still has potential to be the Nintendo Switch's premiere online multiplayer game.
Splatoon 2 will launch on July 21st, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Nathan Drake's adventures may be over, but that doesn't mean that the Uncharted franchise is done. On the contrary, Naughty Dog has prepared a brand new standalone expansion for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End called Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, starring Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is looking to give Uncharted fans more of what they love about the series, and it's positioned to be the PS4's biggest exclusive of the summer.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy will be available on August 22nd, exclusively for the PlayStation 4.
All things considered, summer 2017 is shaping up to be one of the biggest summers in video game history, defined mainly by exciting new releases in established franchises. Having said that, this summer has also been marked by the launch of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age, two remasters that give fans the opportunity to relive some of their favorite gaming memories.
With high quality remasters and a number of brand new games brimming with potential, summer 2017 is an exciting time to be a gamer. It will be interesting to see if next summer is able to top it, or if the usual summer gaming drought will make a comeback.