The next generation of gaming is almost here with the Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5. New platforms mean new adventures and stories to treasure forever. While every new generation has had something special to offer, there are a few titles I'm most excited about when thinking about diving into next gen.
From pretending I have more coordination than I actually do with a solid shooter to taking to Thedas once more within a new BioWare tale, here are the games I'm looking forward to the most in the coming years.
Dragon Age 4
I've made no secret of my undying love for BioWare's Dragon Age franchise. It's a series I have over 20 playthroughs of and many more to come, it's one of those stories that feels like coming home. When real life gets to be too much, Thedas and all of its drama is there to help me escape.
Following Dragon Age Inquisition and its Trespasser DLC ending, I have a score to settle with a certain egg (looking at you, Solas). With the most recent comic series and Tevinter Nights taking fans to the land of blood mages, magisters, and social injustice (and also the oh my damn Fenris and Dorian characters), the next entry in the Dragon Age franchise looks to make those side stories add up in a big way. Much like the books aided in setting up the world of the previous three games, Mage Killer and Tevinter Nights have set the stage beautifully for Dragon Age 4.
Dragon Age 4 remains largely a mystery. The first time we learned about the newest game was back in 2018 at The Game Awards. We know that Solas is coming back and given the nature of Inquisition's Trespasser ending and the corresponding comics, it's clear that the next game in this franchise will be rooted in Tevinter and with a cool looking skull-headed guy thanks to the most recent behind-the-scenes look. All I know is I want to beat the ever-loving crap out of a certain egghead and I'm hoping beyond all hope that I might be able to see my beloved Fenris (Dragon Age 2) again with the northern narrative.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Zero Dawn was a stunning PlayStation 4 exclusive that shattered records. It told a unique tale and Guerilla Games immediately made me fall in love with its story rooted in duality and evolution. Aloy is an incredible protagonist that, as a woman, I identified with immediately. I loved her strength and her compassion; I love how she continuously evolved and became more and more sure of herself despite the world around her telling her she didn't matter. There's a strength in Aloy and her writing that feels so important and to see where she goes next? Yeah, I'm excited.
Forbidden West looks similar to the first game in many ways, including its intricate combat and freedom to approach inter-world interactions from a variety of different ways. The writing in Zero Dawn was also flawlessly fluid. Each conversation was impactful, meaningful, and immersive with how realistic and natural it all felt.
Taking down humongous robotic dinosaurs, traversing a dangerous-yet-beautiful open world? The first game was damned near perfect, and I genuinely can't wait to see where Guerrilla goes next with its sequel.
Halo Infinite
343 Industries finally gave us our first look at Halo Infinite gameplay earlier this year. While many had an issue with its less-than-impressive demonstration of next-gen capabilities, what was shown made me even more excited for what's next.
This studio has had one hell of a time with this franchise once the pass off happened from Bungie. The changeover started off strong, but Halo 5 was arguably the weakest link of their run. Since then, 343 has been transparent about its "past mistakes" and promises that Halo Infinite aims to right some of the perceived wrongs alongside a pretty swanky Master Chief upgrade and Halo 3 vibes.
When the gameplay was shared, I was in the camp that became progressively giddier as more was shown off. Craig the Brute is a freaking national treasure, and honestly? The graphics looked more like an art style choice than anything. This felt organically Halo, which is a series that has always been close to my heart.
God of War: Ragnarok
Sony showed us our first look at the upcoming God of War sequel, Ragnarok, back in September and while the teaser trailer was just that — a teaser — it was enough to get fans hyped. Hi, it's me. I'm fans.
When the revamped God of War debuted on the PlayStation 4, the love for the game was immediate. With challenging combat, intriguing characters, and a new way to see Kratos with his fatherhood role, everything about the Santa Monica Studios' take was a huge hit with PlayStation players. The sequel will presumably take place following the perceived betrayal between Kratos and Freya after he murders her son Baldur. The end of the first game saw Freya promising her revenge, a vow that will continue on with the upcoming sequel.
Honestly, I can't wait to dive back in with Kratos. I was a huge fan of the initial games before the PS4 hit but where the studio took the latest title absolutely blew my mind. When the credits rolled, this was one of those tales that left me wanting more. Plus, Freya is a total badass; I can't wait to see her fury in full form.