With 2016 drawing to a close, it's time to look ahead to what's coming down the pipeline in 2017 for all platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and the Nintendo Switch.

2016 saw the release of some major games that had been in development for a very long time, such as Final Fantasy XV and The Last Guardian. While not every game lived up to the hype, there were plenty of games like Uncharted 4, Doom, and Overwatch that gave fans exactly what they were hoping for and more. But now, as 2016 comes to a close, it's time to look ahead to what's coming in 2017. Next year will bring plenty of console exclusives for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and don't forget about the Nintendo Switch.

Here are Game Rant's 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2017.


20 20. Cuphead

 

The last game on our list goes to yet another title that first debuted during E3 2014. Cuphead has been repeatedly delayed over the last two years, and yet it still remains a highly anticipated game, thanks to its 1930s-style cartoon visuals.

Whether or not Cuphead will live up to the hype is anyone's guess, but we do know that Studio MDHR, the team behind the game, has used the additional time to add extra levels to the game, as well as fine-tuning the overall experience. These will include traditional platforming levels in addition to the various boss fights that were the core of the game's original concept.

Cuphead will release during 2017 for Xbox One and PC.


19 19. Scalebound

Another Xbox One game that's been a long time coming, Scalebound was first announced at E3 2014 with an action-packed, dragon-heavy trailer. Developer Platinum Games went mostly dark on the title, though, for the better part of two years. This year, the developer announced co-op gameplay and the ability to train and control your dragons.

With Platinum Games and Microsoft still remaining mostly silent on the title, however, it's unclear just when in 2017 fans will get their hands on Scalebound. Despite the delay, the game remains one of the better exclusives coming down the pipeline for the Xbox One, so hopefully we'll hear more news soon.

Scalebound will release during 2017 for Xbox One and PC.


18 18. Shenmue III

Shenmue III was one of the biggest surprises of E3 2015, being announced in the form of a Kickstarter campaign that quickly met its initial goal. Shenmue III was always one of those mythical unannounced games like Half-Life 3 that fans dreamed about for years, never actually expecting it to see the light of day. But late next year, the title will finally become a reality, and it sounds like development is going as well as could be hoped for, with developer Ys Net even bringing on the director of the original Shenmue to help with the effort.

Shenmue III will release during December 2017 for PlayStation 4 and PC.


17 17. Sea of Thieves

It's been a while since we've gotten a proper "Rare" game. Sure, Rare Replay is good fun when you're looking for a nostalgia trip, but other than that most of the British developer's offerings the last few years were tied to the Kinect. Consider Sea of Thieves, then, to be a return to form for the legendary studio.

Sea of Thieves will send players on a multiplayer adventure on the open sea, and Game Rant's early impressions at E3 2016 were largely positive. Perhaps most notable is a pledge from the developers to work directly with fans once the game is out to create the kind of content that gamers want to see in the title.

Sea of Thieves will release during 2017 for Xbox One and PC.


16 16. For Honor

For Honor, simply put, is one of the most anticipated new IPs of 2017. The Ubisoft title will focus on a multiplayer experience that will let players go at it using a variety of ancient weaponry, inspired by the Vikings, Knights, and Samurai present in the game.

As well as this, For Honor will also feature a single player campaign that is surprisingly varied and engaging. If Ubisoft can pull off a complete experience between the story campaign and the PvP combat, it may just have another major franchise that can stand toe to toe with other company stalwarts like Assassin's Creed and Watch Dogs.

For Honor will release on February 14 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


15 15. Prey

The Prey franchise these days is mostly known for its troubled development history, with a Prey 2 title getting cancelled by Bethesda a few years ago. So, it was quite the surprise when Dishonored developer Arkane Studios unveiled what is essentially a reboot of the franchise at Bethesda's E3 2016 press conference.

Arkane's Prey is being advertised as a "reimagining" of the 2006 title's general idea, but it has no direct ties to that game besides the name. We also know that the game is not focused on horror, aiming to be more of a psychological thriller instead. The title's gameplay was first revealed in December at The Game Awards 2016.

Prey will release during 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


14 14. Friday the 13th: The Game

Video games based on movies tend to disappoint, historically speaking. So, when Gun Media announced it was launching a Kickstarter for Friday the 13th: The Game, most fans of the horror franchise starring serial killer Jason Voorhees were excited but also tried to keep their expectations in check.

Over the last year, Gun Media has announced more and more content for the game, even adding a single player campaign at the expense of a delay into 2017. But as long as the developer can nail the initially advertised multiplayer experience, which will allow one gamer to play as Jason as he ruthlessly hunts down other gamers playing as campers, Crystal Lake may become the go-to destination for horror fans everywhere next spring.

Friday the 13th: The Game will release during Spring 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


13 13. Crackdown 3

Rumors surrounding the development of Crackdown 3 date back to four years ago, so this game has been a long time coming. Of course, given that this title was also on our list for the Most Anticipated Games of 2016, some may be a little sceptical over the title's new-found 2017 release date.

If all goes well, though, Crackdown 3 could be one of the first big-budget titles to support Microsoft's Project Scorpio, which just might make the long wait worth it. Microsoft and Reagent Games are also now promising a "multiplayer experience that will redefine what it feels like to play games," so the sooner it gets here, the better.

Crackdown 3 will release during Q4 2017 for Xbox One and PC.


12 12. Halo Wars 2

Halo remains one of the biggest franchises on Xbox, as last year's Halo 5: Guardians proved with its massive sales. But with the unannounced Halo 6 not yet ready for a reveal, Microsoft needed something to hold fans over. Enter Halo Wars 2.

The real-time strategy game takes place 30 years after the original Halo Wars, and shortly after the events of Halo 5: Guardians. Even if RTS games are not your cup of tea, Halo Wars 2 might be worth a play through due to the "big impact" it is supposed to have on the story of Halo 6. Gamers got their first hint of what to expect via a story trailer during The Game Awards 2016.

Halo Wars 2 will release February 21 for Xbox One and PC.


11 11. Injustice 2

NetherRealm Studios is most closely associated with Mortal Kombat, but 2013's Injustice: Gods Among Us gave the studio another hugely successful fighting franchise. With Mortal Kombat X now in the rearview mirror, it was only a matter of time until NetherRealm returned to the world of DC's heroes with Injustice 2.

So far, characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot have been confirmed for the game, as well as Wonder Women and Blue Beetle. Injustice 2 might even release a bit sooner than everyone expected if Gamestop's marketing plans are to be believed, but for now we'll just have to wait and see.

Injustice 2 will release during 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Head to Page 2 for our 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2017!

10 10. Outlast 2

The original Outlast was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2013, thanks in large part to streamers on Twitch and YouTube who generated hype for the game by getting scared out of their wits on camera. Outlast 2 was originally scheduled for 2016, but was delayed into early next year by developer Red Barrels Games in order to "deliver... the most fulfilling experiences possible."

Considering that Red Barrels recently announced it will sell real diapers for gamers who get a little too scared while playing Outlast 2, it sounds like the wait will be worth it. The original game is widely considered to be one of the best horror games in this generation of gaming, so let's hope Outlast 2 follows in those footsteps.

Outlast 2 will release during Q1 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


9 9. Star Wars Battlefront 2

2017 will give us Star Wars Episode VIII, so it should be no surprise that EA intends to capitalize with Star Wars Battlefront 2. The first rebooted Battlefront game released in late 2015, shortly before The Force Awakens hit theaters.

This time around, gamers will finally be getting a story mode campaign to go alongside all of the expected multiplayer action, and EA is promising that the title will be "much bigger" than the 2015 effort. Star Wars Battlefront achieved commercial success upon release, but the number of active players on the game's servers fell sharply once 2016 arrived. A more substantial experience this time around will hopefully set up the title for more long term success.

Star Wars Battlefront 2 will release during late 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


8 8. South Park: The Fractured But Whole

South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a sequel to The Stick of Truth, although this time the kids will be leaving the realm of fantasy role-play behind in favor of donning superhero costumes. The game was delayed into 2017 after originally being slotted for a December 2016 release.

The game looks to continue within the same general framework that worked for The Stick of Truth, but there will be some interesting new additions, like the ability to smell farts in virtual reality or play as a girl character. Early copies of the game will also come with The Stick of Truth for free.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole will release during Q1 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


7 7. Resident Evil 7

One of the biggest surprises of E3 2016 was the reveal of Resident Evil 7 as a first-person exploratory horror game. The announcement even came alongside a demo that drew comparisons to P.T., Hideo Kojima's teaser for the now-cancelled Silent Hills project, with plenty of secrets and multiple endings to uncover.

When it releases early next year, Resident Evil 7 will also be one of the first major titles to offer a full experience on the PlayStation VR. Resident Evil has always been known for its jump scares, but getting some zombies to run right up into our faces might take the concept to a whole new level.

Resident Evil 7 will release on January 24 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


6 6. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of Sony's top exclusives for 2017, and will be expected to help carry the early part of the year thanks to its late February release. Horizon Zero Dawn tells the story of female protagonist Aloy, who will adventure across an open world while hunting down robotic beasts and searching for secrets. The title may also serve as an opportunity to show off what a developer can do with the PlayStation 4 Pro when given a little bit more time to fine tune the experience. Guerrilla Games has confirmed that Horizon Zero Dawn will feature improved visuals on the PlayStation 4 Pro, with emphasis placed on HDR-compatible TV sets.

Horizon Zero Dawn will release February 28 for PlayStation 4.


5 5. Ghost Recon Wildlands

Ghost Recon Wildlands was first revealed at E3 2015, but Ubisoft has really kicked the game's marketing plan into overdrive this year, complete with lots of gameplay videos and a beta announcement. Ghost Recon Wildlands features a vast open world but it's also specifically built with co-op gameplay in mind. Game Rant played a hands-on demo of the 4-player co-op at E3 2016 and deemed it to be "an incredibly exciting dynamic that makes it feel like anything can happen."

Ghost Recon Wildlands will release March 7 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


4 4. Destiny 2

The original Destiny was one of the most hyped video games of all time prior to its release in 2014, but the vanilla version of Bungie's online shared world shooter disappointed some once it was in stores. Since then, the developer has worked hard to improve the game with multiple expansion packs and has succeeded in developing a large community of fans who are in it for the long term.

That said, 2017 will provide Bungie with an opportunity push the reset button and start over with Destiny 2. Little is known about the game, other than the fact that it is confirmed and in development. Plenty of current Destiny players are likely to make the jump when the title comes out, but this likely also represents an opportunity for Bungie to win back some of those players who soured on the franchise after the initial hype died down.

Destiny 2 will release during 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.


3 3. Mass Effect: Andromeda

The Mass Effect series has had some memorable moments over the years, but Mass Effect: Andromeda will represent a new beginning of sorts for the franchise when it releases next spring. Andromeda will largely be a new experience within the Mass Effect universe, with Bioware leaving the story of the original trilogy behind.

Longtime fans will find a lot to like in Andromeda's gameplay, which will feel familiar yet improved, with new flourishes to play around with like a boost jump and dash. While Bioware hasn't said Andromeda is the start of a new trilogy, the game's creative director did say that fans might want to hold on to their save files , just in case.

Mass Effect: Andromeda will release during March 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


2 2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was first announced for the Wii U way back during E3 2014. Since then, the title has been delayed twice, and will now launch sometime next year on the upcoming Nintendo Switch in addition to the Wii U.

The game promises a new take on the traditional Zelda formula, with Link able to explore a vast open world with virtually no loading screens. Along the way, he'll be able to craft and cook, while using the game's environment to his advantage to take out his foes. We've seen a ton of gameplay of Breath of the Wild to this point, and yet there still seems to be an aura of mystery around the title that begs to be solved. It's still unclear if Breath of the Wild will be a Switch launch title or not, but either way it's going to be one of the biggest releases on any console in 2017.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will release during 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U.


1 1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 spent most of 2016 being a very poorly kept secret. Rumors about a potential follow-up or prequel to Red Dead Redemption date back to this past spring and online chatter about the potential title only escalated from there.

Rockstar finally let the cat out of the bag with a teaser trailer this past October, although specific details are still mostly scarce. We do know the game will likely feature a wide range of colorful characters, most of whom were featured riding on horseback at the end of the short clip. Rockstar is also teasing a "brand new multiplayer experience" for the game. Red Dead Redemption Online, anyone?

Red Dead Redemption 2 will release during Fall 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.


Did your most anticipated game make the cut, Ranters? Or perhaps you're just waiting to see what else Nintendo announces for the Switch in January? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!