From Splatoon 2 in July right the way through to Star Wars Battlefront 2 in November, there are some great AAA games still to come in 2017, so you better start preparing your wallet for some serious expenditure.
Here are what we class to be the best AAA games still to come in 2017:
July
Splatoon 2
Release date: July 21
Platforms: Nintendo Switch exclusive
Nintendo’s inky multiplayer shooter is back with a sequel that not only looks and feels better than ever but brings you fresh game modes to boot. You’ll also find much more customisable characters, a huge range of awesome painty weapons and more. And just wait until you try the new Salmon Run horde mode, it’s brilliant.
Splatting ink has never felt so good.
Hey! Pikmin
Release date: July 28
Platforms: 3DS exclusive
In this unexpected spin-off, you’ll be taken on a side-scrolling Pikmin adventure for the very first time. All the familiar faces will be there but in a brand new 2.5D adventure.
August
Agents of Mayhem
Release date: August 15
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4 and PC
From the same team that brought you Saints Row comes Agents of Mayhem, a brand new – equally crazy – third-person shooter with an open world ripe for exploration and exsanguination. When you’re fighting against an evil called LEGION, aka The League of Evil Gentleman Intent On Obliterating Nations, you can expect there to be some serious mayhem.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Release date: August 23
Platforms: PS4 exclusive
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy started off as a piece of Uncharted 4 DLC, but now it’s being released as a standalone story campaign starring two familiar faces from the series, even if they aren’t Nathan Drake. Instead, you’re playing as Uncharted 2’s Chloe Frazer who’s accompanied by Nadine Ross, one of the baddies from Uncharted 4, who are looking to track down the mysterious artifact known as the Tusk of Ganesh.
This also happens to be one of the biggest exclusive PS4 games of the latter half of 2017.
Madden NFL 18
Release date: August 25
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Another year, another Madden game, but this year you’re getting so much more bang for your buck. Like FIFA 17 last year, Madden NFL 18 is coming with its very own story mode where you play as Devin Wade, a faded prospect who has to work to get his name called on Draft Day.
EA Sports is claiming it’s the “most innovative Madden” in over a decade, so it could be a big year for this series.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Release date: August 29
Platforms: Nintendo Switch exclusive
Although we initially thought Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was going to be the crossover that nobody wanted, in reality, it’s really awesome. If you like XCOM 2 but want fewer aliens and more Rabbids and Super Mario characters, this is the game for you. It combines tactical, turn-based combat with action-adventuring, with just a little splash of Super Mario goodness for a brilliant game that works perfectly on Switch.
September
Knack 2
Release date: September 5
Platforms: PS4 exclusive
Now here’s a sequel no-one was quite expecting – Knack 2. It’s the sequel to the PS4 launch title and just happens to be the console’s system architect Mark Cerny, in conjunction with the SIE Japan Studio. They acknowledged the drawbacks to the original and promise that they’ll be addressed in Knack 2. You’ll also see much more involved combat and platforming too.
Destiny 2
Release date: September 8
Platforms: PS4 and Xbox One (PC coming at a later date)
Another game that’s trying to fix the problems of its forebears is Destiny 2. Although by the last expansion pack, the original Destiny had improved tenfold, Destiny 2 still has a lot to prove to gamers. This time around, you’re getting a proper story campaign – which you can watch the first 10 minutes or so of above – and brand new multiplayer modes that take everything you know and love about the game and makes it even better. Or so we hope.
Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
Release date: September 19
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Who doesn’t want to see heroes from the Marvel Universe and Capcom game stars come together in one brawler, which no doubt will live up to the expectations set by other games in the Marvel vs Capcom series? There’s a story mode that gives you a chance to get to grips with how all the fighters work and then a more traditional multiplayer mode where you can test your skills against your pals.
FIFA 18
Release date: September 26
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
FIFA 18 is looking like it’s going to be the best FIFA in years, and not just because it’s bringing back the Story Mode known as the Journey. It’s the best-looking game the series has had in years, with presentation improvements, varied team styles, authentic player personalities, enhanced dribbling on the pitch and more.
October
Forza Motorsport 7
Release date: October 3
Platforms: Xbox One and PC
Racers don’t get much better looking than this with Forza Motorsport 7 really taking the biscuit when it comes to stunning visuals. As one of the games launching with the 4K-focused Xbox One X, it’s got to look good and with a dynamic weather system including puddles – yes, puddles! – and some seriously good-looking rain. Of course, there are cars too, such as the absolutely stunning Porsche 911 GT2 1X.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Release date: October 10
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Warner Bros is back with a sequel to the surprise success that was Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor with an even more RTS focused game called Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The Nemesis system is back but this time you’ll be commanding your very own Orc army. You’ll still get to dabble in some third-person combat and assassinations, but the new Siege sections really are something to behold.
The Evil Within 2
Release date: October 13
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Bethesda ticked all the creepy boxes with its announcement of The Evil Within 2. Protagonist Sebastian is clearly still losing his mind, there’s a child singing an eerie version of a pop song and it’s coming out on Friday, October 13. Creep faction +10.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Release date: October 17
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Rarely do we get to call a game ‘fartilicious’ but when you’re talking about South Park: The Fractured But Whole, it’s the perfect adjective. Once again you’re playing as New Kid, but this time it’s all about superheroes and your special power is farting. The combat has evolved to become more tactical, with a grid-based movement system and the story is just as disturbing as ever.
What else would you expect from a South Park game?
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Release date: October 27
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Assassin’s Creed Origins, as the name suggests, is taking us back to Ancient Egypt and the very start of the Assassin’s Brotherhood itself. You play as Bayek, the very first Assassin, as he works to overthrow the evil in this ancient land, armed with some classic Assassin’s weapons, but also your very own eagle who can scout out the land for you. It should be the brilliant reboot that the series is looking for.
Super Mario Odyssey
Release date: October 27
Platforms: Nintendo Switch exclusive
Our favorite chubby plumber is back in his biggest 3D adventure yet, Super Mario Odyssey. For the first time, like ever, Mario has to leave Mushroom Kingdom and travel across a variety of kingdoms to save Princess Peach from Bowser. This time your spiky nemesis is forcing Peach to marry him in some rather messed up sort of shotgun wedding. But thankfully, Mario isn’t alone. He’s accompanied by a magical top hat called Cappy who disguises himself as Mario’s trademark hat, but also just happens to give him some magical powers, including the ability to transform into other characters. And yes, it’s awesome.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Release date: October 27
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Series hero B.J Blazkowicz is back and this adventure looks bigger and bloodier than ever. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus sees America overrun by Nazi in an alternative future that really reminds us of Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle TV series, and even starts with BJ in a wheelchair in a powerful opening mission.
November
Call of Duty: WWII
Release date: November 3
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Call of Duty is another game that’s going back to its roots this year, with the latest entry taking us back to World War II. The aptly named Call of Duty: WWII looks to be a brutal and historically accurate portrayal of some of the key battles in the Second World War in a visceral single-player campaign and a revamped multiplayer to boot. Boots on the ground that is.
Crackdown 3
Release date: November 7
Platforms: Xbox One and PC
Crackdown 3 is another game looking to boost the launch of Microsoft’s 4K console, the Xbox One X, and it’s brilliant fun, especially in multiplayer. The sci-fi world is ripe for destruction and even includes a Black Hole gun. Who wouldn’t want one of those in the heat of battle?
Need for Speed: Payback
Release date: November 10
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4 and PC
The latest Need for Speed series entry is focused on what EA is calling “action driving”, aka living up Baby Driver dreams in video game form. The story will follow three main characters as they attempt to take down “The House”, a cartel who controls the underworld in the game’s fictional location of Fortune Valley. Expect tire screeching and awesome paint jobs galore.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Release date: November 10
Platforms: PS4 and PC
Set hundreds of years after the original game, Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom sees you play as Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, a young king who’s been usurped from his throne and his kingdom in the midst of a war between the cat and mouse tribes of Ding Dong Dell – true story.
It’s another JRPG with glorious Studio Ghibli visuals that should be just as beautiful an adventure as the last game.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
Release date: November 14
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch
A game that combines LEGO and all your favorite Marvel superheroes. What’s not to love?
Following on from the success of its predecessor, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 bring even more LEGO mini-fig versions of Marvel characters, including the brilliant Guardians of the Galaxy cast.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Release date: November 17
Platforms: 3DS exclusive
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are two brand new versions of the 2016 Sun and Moon titles that will tell alternate stories set within the same Alola region. The special titles will feature new additions to the story along with some new gameplay features not seen in the original game. And you’re getting some brand new Pokémon too.
Star Wars Battlefront II
Release date: November 17
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One and PC
Star Wars Battlefront II is looking to fix the issues fans – including Jon Boyega – had with the original reboot in 2015. That was namely the lack of a single-player campaign and you’re actually getting an original story here that’s official Star Wars canon. It’s the tale of Iden Versio, the command of the Imperial Special Forces unit known as Inferno Squadron, who actually sees the destruction of the Second Death Star as a bad thing.
The multiplayer will also be set across multiple Star Wars eras and will let you play as some of the main characters of the franchise more frequently than the last game, so prepare for some lightsaber action.