Looking Ahead: Our Most Anticipated Games of 2016

By: MithrandielThere are certainly quite a few reasons to be excited for 2016, from high-profile Marvel movies on the horizon to the inevitable advances in technology we'll all be enjoying in the next 12 months, but with just over a week left in 2015, gamers everywhere are beginning to count down the weeks and months until the release of their favorite titles. Here are 5 titles that we're really excited for:

Honorable Mention - Mighty No. 9

 It's been just over 2 years since Mighty No. 9 first appeared on Kickstarter and set records with nearly $4 million raised in 30 days. With Keiji Inafune at the helm, it promises to be a spiritual successor to one of the most beloved franchises of many millennials' childhoods (mine included). It is finally landing in just two short months, and I know that I will be eagerly tracking my package delivery when the day finally arrives.

5) Final Fantasy XV

 While recent installments in the Final Fantasy franchise have caused some concern for fans of the series, the success of XIV combined with the promising demo of XV gives me a lot of hope for the next installment in one of the biggest franchises in video games. An action-oriented battle system combined with a unique party system and open world for exploration and leveling has piqued our interest, and if it can deliver even more polished graphics by launch, it will certainly be something to behold. Definitely looking forward to this one!

4) Uncharted 4

 Uncharted has been setting the bar for cinematic action/adventure games for over 8 years now, and the rapidly approaching Uncharted 4 looks to raise it even higher. With stunning visuals debuted at the most recent E3, and the reputation that Naughty Dog has developed in superb storytelling, this is definitely one of the titles to look for next year.

3) Mass Effect: Andromeda

 Set long after the original trilogy, Mass Effect: Andromeda is drawing players in with its story-rich gaming experience with a unique and engaging combat system. Time will only tell if it will fall within the larger canon and be accepted by the fiercely loyal Mass Effect fanbase, but there are reasons to be optimistic.

2) The Last Guardian

 In development since 2007 and first announced by Team Ico in 2009, to say that The Last Guardian has experienced a number of setbacks would be a bit of an understatement. Hardware challenges and staff departures and movements delayed this project time after time until finally they were able to transition the title to the PS4 and are planning on bringing it out in 2016. After such memorable titles like Shadow of the Colossus and Ico, seeing Team Ico head this game with the capabilities of the PS4, many gamers are elated at the thought of this title finally coming to life next year.

1) No Man's Sky

 Ever since we saw the announcement of this game we have been over the moon in excitement. A progressively generating universe that allows you to explore countless planets, collect resources, document wildlife, and more? Combat systems on the ground and in the air with your personal spaceship? There are so many reasons to look forward to this promising title, and that's why it's at the top of our list.With so many awesome titles coming next year, we're definitely excited for this next phase in gaming. Let us know which titles you're really looking forward to in the comments!