MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
There’s a lot to be excited about during the last quarter of 2016.
As well as a wealth of new hardware, including virtual reality headsets, slim versions of existing consoles and a more powerful PlayStation 4, there’s a rather diverse line-up of blockbusters coming to shelves in the coming months.
For starters, there’s several follow-ups to popular new IP, including Watch Dogs, Dishonored and Titanfall. And franchises such as Gears of War and Mafia III are making their debut on Sony and Microsoft’s new machines.
There are also a number of new franchises altogether: Ubisoft is launching its open-world extreme sports game Steep, while Koei Tecmo is releasing its Ninja Gaiden-flavoured Dark Souls-inspired new IP Nioh.
On top of all that, there are several long-awaited projects coming to stores, including Final Fantasy XV and PS4 exclusive The Last Guardian. The former was announced a decade ago, with the latter originally revealed in 2009 for PS3.
It’s not just the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One getting their fair share of content, either. Nintendo’s 3DS is receiving the likes of Pokmon Sun and Moon as well as a version of Wii U title Super Mario Maker and a new Mario Party game: Star Rush. A new Mario game is even coming to the Wii U – Paper Mario: Color Splash. There are some new entries in big hitting franchises like Civilization coming to PC, as well.
That’s without talking about the wealth of virtual reality titles that are launching for both PlayStation VR and the PC headsets, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Oh, and a certain Call of Duty and Battlefield 1.
NEW NINTENDO 3DS XL – POKMON SUN AND MOON EDITION
Nintendo is releasing special versions of its New 3DS XL console to celebrate the release of Pokmon Sun and Moon. This hardware will be coming out alongside those new entries in the series on November 23rd. It features artwork depicting the mascot creatures for the two titles, Solgaleo and Lunala. There’s also special 2DS consoles launching.
SRP: 179
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483 700
PDP TITANFALL 2 AND BATTLEFIELD 1 CONTROLLERS
This year, accessories firm PDP is teaming up with publisher EA for peripherals tied to its its massive 2016 shooter line-up, Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2. The firm is producing these themed Xbox One gamepads, based on the games, as well as a Titanfall-themed headset.
SRP: 59.99
Manufacturer: PDP
Distributor: Exertis
Contact: 01279 822 800
GEARS OF WAR 4 XBOX ONE WIRELESS CONTROLLER
As well as a special edition Xbox One console, Microsoft has released not one but two Gears of War-themed gamepads ahead of Gears 4.
SRP: 59.99
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Distributor: Exertis
Contact: 01279 822 800
THE ART OF DISHONORED 2
Arkane’s Dishonored series – which returns in November – is known for its unique art direction and is featured in this book.
SRP: 41.99
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
Distributor: Diamond Comic Distributors UK
Contact: 01928 531 760
DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER
2016 has seen Ratchet & Clank, Angry Birds and Assassin’s Creed films, but a film based on Dead Rising launched last year, which ties in nicely with this year’s Dead Rising games.
SRP: 11.99
Distributor: Animatsu
Contact: www.animatsu.com
WATCH DOGS THE VIGILANTE 2.0 COAT
Ahead of the launch of Watch Dogs 2, gamers can dress like the hero of the first title with this leather jacket from Musterbrand.
SRP: 159
Manufacturer: Musterbrand
Distributor: Musterbrand
Contact: service@musterbrand.com
FINAL FANTASY XV PLAY ARTS KAI – NOCTIS
The long-awaited Final Fantasy XV is finally launching this year, starring this dapper looking fellow: Noctis.
SRP: 82.99
Manufacturer: Plat Arts Kai
Distributor: Square Enix
Contact: 020 8636 3000
CALL OF DUTY INFINITE WARFARE LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRT
Activision has rolled out clothing lines featuring Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare branding for both men and women.
SRP: $29.99 (22.70)
Manufacturer: Activision
Distributor: Activision
Contact: shop.callofduty.com
