Playstation 4 Game Releases I am Interested in 2017

So were coming to the final season of video games, gearing up for the end of the year push. Now Im doing this post due to conversations on social media, yup fanboy arguments. Some would call me a fanboy of sorts with some of the posts I make which I can understand, but if you look further and deeper into my posts you will see there is more to it than blind fanboism.

It all started back with this years E3, Microsoft announced/showed there latest console the Xbox One X, touted to be the most powerful console soon to be on the market. When you look at the specs of the machine it is hard to disagree with as the PS4 Pro is more of an upscale console rather than true native 4K etc. Sounds great until you look deeper into this, Xbox One has already been out for a while as has the Xbox One S which is there version of the PS4 slim but comes with a 4K.

First issue, Sales for Xbox are almost a third of PlayStation which has the PS4, PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro, so why release a new console albeit the most powerful when sales are so far behind already!! This in my mind seemed silly but thats not the actual worst point in my opinion......Games.

Games sell machines right or am I missing something, Xbox E3 was touted to be the best for games line up that they have ever had, exclusives galore, I actually lost count how many times the word exclusive was mentioned oh and 4K. The problem with all these so called exclusive games they mentioned only a handful were actually fully Xbox Console Exclusive, most were exclusive in the sense shown for the first time or timed exclusive, so in other words NOT exclusive (see what I mean alot of exclusives), it was such a balls up but still Xbox continued on by stating the best place to play games.

Role forward to today the Xbox One X finally able to pre order with a release date around the corner, Xbox executives still pushing to date its the most powerful console and best place to play games. So it got me thinking after the astronomical (might of exaggerated a little but you get my point) price of the Xbox One X what games are coming in the foreseeable future that would warrant me or anyone for that matter to buying one, I own an Xbox One s for the record and also thought that the PS4 Pro was a waste of space as all the Pro does essentially is slightly better graphical content over the slim and standard PS4. So for me not worth the price, if they had however included a 4K player I maybe more interested ( which I wouldn't of bought the Xbox One S), but thats another rant for another time.

So I decided for better or for worse to call out to Xbox what games are coming now and next year that are exclusive to the machine to warrant buying it as Playstation have shown a massive line up of games at E3 and with Paris around the corner no doubt will show more. All I got from Xbox fanboys it that there arent any for Playstation coming this year, but as always with PlayStation they show years in advance of games that could come out (is this not the point of trying to attract gamers). Xbox however according to the fans only look at the immediate future of games to know what is actually going to release not what could be released. To me this seemed almost defeatist in defense of Xbox, surely you would want to know what games are in development for the machine to give a reason to buy it no?

Well after going back and forth on social media me saying new Xbox One X has nothing exclusive worth buying it for and asking what 2018 is coming one person said in so many words that PlayStation are only announcing games that have next year releases as they have non for 2017 like Xbox have. WTF right!! So hence this post, I will now show a list of games I am personally looking forward to that are EXCLUSIVE to Playstation 4/Vita: 

Yakuza Kiwami (Due out in a few days at point of writing this)

My first foray into the Yakuza series (Sorry) which is highly regarded in other countries around the world. Why wait so long, well I prefer to start a series from the beginning and since Yakuza 0 was the prequel to how it all began this is where I wanted to start, after playing over 50+ hrs (still yet to finish), I fell in love with it, while the game itself is based in a fairly small area compared to other games there is so much to do. The dialogue is hilarious and game play is fun, so it was a no brainer for me to look at getting the remake of No 1 and continue the story and series.

Everybodys Golf  (Due out in a few days at point of writing this)

Everybody Golf has been going since the PSOne series, known in some places as Hots Shots Golf. Im not a fan of playing golf in real life but have always been interested in this series due to its simplicity but cute and quirky nature. The game is also a nice break from all of the violence and serious games out nowadays, my kids love playing the PS Vita version so were all looking forward to the next installment thats out very soon.

Summoner Night 6: Lost Borders (Sept 2017)

While I have not delved into this Summoner Night series before, namely because other games came out around these and my backlog etc, to be honest im still baffled myself as to why I never bothered. Now though it is on my radar as ultimately I love the Tactical RPG games, only thing I need to worry about though is which platform to get it on, PS4 or my PSVITA, either way it will be one I will be getting upon release.

Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth (Sept 2017)

As most know Im a big fan of RPG's and open to try all kinds of them so when Utawarerumono was announced I was intrigued. But after seeing the first trailer with those lovely anime style characters, then finding out it was a Tactical RPG it was put on my radar as one to get. This game like Summoner 6 I am still unsure as to which platform to select, PS4 or PSVita.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA (Sept 2017)

Another RPG and another one I am very interested in, so much so I have this particular game on Pre-Order. However I was a little late to this series as the first foray I had was with Ys was with Ys Celceta, I did have the PSP games Ys I & II Chronicles for PSP but at the time of having them I was heavily into Trophy hunting (for my sins), so I never got round to playing them. But when Ys Celceta was announced and on the beloved PSVita (with trophies) I was interested and wasn't let down at all. With its fast combat some tactical elements, a nice cast of characters with interesting story and wonderful visuals, it meant when Ys VIII was announced I had to get the new installment!! (Also have Ys Origins on the way from Limited Run Games). While this game is also coming to PS Vita I opted for the PS4 version as it was mentioned that it would have a bit more content that the PS Vita version (stiil use my vita to play it)

Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash (Sept 2017)

My guilty pleasure series, started with Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus on PSVita, I have had every game in the series since, while Shinovi Versus and Estival Versus action fighting games (similar to dynasty warriors) this game has gone for a lighter approach with girl on girl action, fighting with water pistols!! Not for everyone, but they are deep down a solid fighting game.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (Sept 2017)

Now while I am firstly a huge fan of RPG's, I've found that over the past few years to have huge enjoyment in the Visual Novel genre of games. Like Everybodys Golf noted above, the Visual Novels are a nice break away from the violent games. They actually provide some of the most interesting and in depth stories I have enjoyed within Video Games. So it was no surprise that when this fun, dark and humorous Danganronpa series was getting a third installment (of the main series) I was interested. Like a few above this too will be released on PS4 and PSVita, with which I have yet to decide on.

Blue Reflection (Sept 2017)

So another RPG is added to the list now that Tecmo finally announced earlier this year they are bringing it across the ocean to us here, like other RPG's mentioned above no brainer to try and experience different stories. However the Japanese got to have a choice on PS4 or Vita, sadly they are only doing it for the PS4 in Europe :( would of personally preferred this on the Vita, but will no doubt remote play!!

Gundam Versus (Sept/Oct 2017)

The hugely popular Gundam Versus series finally is getting an official Western release. While not being a massive Gundam fan (sorry again I spent most my life with Final Fantasy), I have always been fascinated by the anime series and games to the point I finally caved and got myself a copy of the Asian version of Gundam Extreme Forces on PS Vita, I enjoyed this so much as did my son, that when Gundam Versus was announced coming to the west I was interested, hope this sells well enough to bring more to the west as we miss out on so many games!!

Yomawari: Midnight (Oct 2017)

After purchasing the first game in the series Yomawari: Night Alone it was inevitable that I would be getting this, quirky little survival horror game that would make another nice addition to the collection, most likely will be getting this for PS Vita like I did the first one, but still not fully decided so put it in this post.

Taiko No Tatsujin (Oct 2017 Import)

Most would be forgiven for not knowing what Taiko No Tatsujin is, the reason being that only one of this long series ever came out in English and that was Taiko Drum Master in America on PS2. I myself hadn't been aware of this series until the PS Vita came out, I love Rhythm games so took a chance on the PS Vita version. Low and behold I loved it with an impressive track list of J-Pop, Anime and RPG songs it was super fun to play, the only downside is that being Japanese I couldn't get the DLC tracks for it as the Vita although region free, its locked to one account per memory card!! So when there was a PS4 version coming out I just had to put it on my list of games to get (Already Pre-Ordered Ltd Edition with Drum set and extra Drum).

.Hack//G.U Last Recode (Nov 2017)

.Hack series has never been to Europe, you had to import the original series if your lucky enough to speak Japanese, so when this was announced like most I was excited to finally be able to play this series, another RPG added to the mix!!

Tokyo Xanadu Ex + (Nov 2017)

Tokyo Xanadu Ex+ is basically a slight update on the PS Vita version of the game called Tokyo Xanadu, being an RPG I was instantly interested, even more so when I knew it was developed by Nihon Falcom whom did the incredible Trails of Cold Steel series. Now I hadn't managed to get the PS Vita version as I was torn between that and this upcoming PS4 release so its on my list!!

Demon Gaze II (Nov 2017)

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd another RPG coming out this year, so another game added to my list of games to get, that being said this is a different kind of RPG, it is classed as a dungeon crawler rather than your traditional RPG's that most play, I do still need to get a hold of the first game on PS Vita and yet still to decide whether or not I go for PS4 or PSVita for this one!!

Hastune Miku Project Diva Future Tone DX (Nov 2017 Import)

I love Rhythm games, I love Hatsune Miku. I came to the series later than most as it was more a Japanese thing, again the PS Vita being such a wonderful machine that it is region free meant I could import Hatsune Miku Project Diva F!! After that Project Diva F2 and Project Diva X, so when Future Tone DX was announced I was ecstatic only to find the game would be digital only, now one thing I hate is digital only games (thats for another rant why) so I never bothered getting it. Then it was announced that Japan were getting a physical version I couldn't of been happier!! 

So there you have it my list of upcoming games in 2017, 15 of them!!, while some maybe getting a PC release none are coming to Xbox (at the point of writing this post). Now there are more exclusives coming this year to PS4 that arent even on my list as I currently am not interested in them. 

So to the monkey Xbox Fanboy who said PlayStation have given up on releases this year er Jog On!! I however would like to know what actual exclusive games are coming to Xbox, please tell me as I cant see that there would be anywhere near this amount of games!!!!!

A Final Fantasy Spin off I'd love to See

Now we all know square-enix loves a good cross over (and any chance to make some money check previous post), but what I would love for square-enix to do is another spin of in the Final Fantasy series.

We have had some incredible series spins offs in the past, Final Fantasy Tactics, FFVII Crisis core, Chocobo Racing And Tales, Dissidia (which is getting a new version soon on PS4) I even enjoyed Vincent Valentine's outing in FFVII Dirge of Cerberus ( to which I would like a HD Remaster please SE!!!!) So as you can see Square-enix isn't shy on a spin off.

Why this post then, well Team Ninja of Tecmo Koei who are well known for there Musou games Dynasty Warriors, (Musou being a genre whereby you take on thousands of opponents in battle in a similar style to hack n slash), they began cross overs with Gundam and One Piece big anime franchises but back in December 2013 to much surprise and delight they came up with a new game, it was a cross over with one of Nintendo biggest franchises The Legend Of Zelda and was called Hyrule Warriors.

The main premise of the Hyrule Warriors, set not in the main world of each of the games in the series but an alternate universe, where select heroes are summoned from some of the Legend of Zelda series to an ultimately simple premise of good vs evil (obviously theres a story behind it).

With the success of this type of cross over, Dragon Quest Heroes was born. Similarly to Hyrule Warriors it was set in an alternate universe bringing some of the most beloved characters from the series together to fight of evil and save the world. Being popular DQH spawned a sequel, it also lead to other Musou cross over games, Beserk and the Band of the Hawk, Arslan; The Warriors of Legend, Warriors All-Stars and my upcoming most anticipated Fire Emblem Warriors.

This all leads me to the point of this post, the next in line of Musou games:

FINAL FANTASY MUSOU

Just think of the possibilities!!!, I know there is Final Fantasy Dissisdia NT coming to PS4 next year but that is more towards the beat-em-up style of play. However the premise for this game could be that of the Dissidia games, good vs evil, Cosmos vs Chaos. Cosmos recruiting heroes and Chaos using the bosses of the main series, so simple but easy to set up. Imagine Cloud taking on thousands of Behemoths, or Squall taking on Tonberry after Tonberry (DOINK), or Tidus fighting a swarm of Cactuar!! Now I only use the most come of names to begin with as no doubt if this game was to happen SE would most likely use them (For Example Dissidia). I however want to explore other characters from each game, ones that I would personally prefer to see if the game came to fruition. 

Going on the premise of taking 1 Hero from each of the main Final Fantasy Titles 1-15 not including sequels or spin offs, but including the MMO versions, to simplify it somewhat, it means 15 Hero Characters. See how much there is to choose from already, sooooooo many choices but you cant deny its exciting. So with out further adue my list:

Final Fantasy I

I think the obvious one from this game is Warrior of Light the staple character of the series, although used in Dissidia it would make sense to include him, he would be the main character for the game and leader of the Final Fantasy heroes/warriors. 

Final Fantasy II

Now the obvious choice from FFII would be Firion as he was used in the Dissidia series, I personally would use Minwu, such an underrated character his abilities to heal would be really useful on the battled field.

Final Fantasy III

Now FFIII is the easiest to choose a character from, all the characters in the original FFFIII were Onion Knights. It wasnt until the 3DS remake of FFIII the Onion knights were given more of a unique personality. So I chose Luneth to do join Cosmos.

Final Fantasy IV

From now on things start to get interesting as FFIV onwards really ramps up characters with great individual personalities, while most would choose either KAIN or Cecil, I would personally choose Edge. Not only is he a prince but has a huge ego to boot, could make for some interesting dialogue with some of the female characters ive chosen further up the list and also being a ninja he be great for speed attacks within the game.

Final Fantasy V

The Pirate Faris would be my choice from FFV, how cool would it be for a special move to summon his sea-dragon companion Syldra to obliterate the enemies!!

Final Fantasy VI

The obvious choice from FFVI would of been Terra Branford, seen as she has been used in all Dissidia games I want to see some of the other characters involved. The first female character ive chosen is the genetically enhanced Magitek Knight, Celes Chere. 

Final Fantasy VII

Now for me this was the hardest choice as FFVII is my personal favourite, again the obvious choice would be to choose Cloud Strife, but like others mentioned he is in Dissidia. For me it came down to Vincent Valentine, Cid Highwind, Yuffie Kasaragi and RED XIII (said it was tough). I already had chosen a ninja with Edge so Yuffie was out, I felt maybe Vincent wouldn't fit with his guns (my personal favourite character of FFVII). So it left Cid and Red XIII. In the end I chose Red XIII, this was simply for diversity in the characters being selected also Cid is close to a character choice later on!!!! 

Final Fantasy VIII

Another tough choice to make for FFVIII as it has a good cast of characters with Squall Leonhart being in (Dissidia) I wanted someone differebt. I really liked Irvine Kinneas but again he had guns like Vincent so didnt feel it would suit, I also liked Selfie Tilmett and Quitis Trepe, in the end I settled with Zell Dincht because he gave something different to what ive chose already, he gives close combat fighting, not to mention hes cool.

Final Fantasy IX

There was only going to be one choice for me from FFIX, no not Zidane Tribal hes in Dissidia, but the awesome Vivi Ornitier, however Beatrix came close (Sequal FF game). Magic damage dealer from afar!! Not to mention cute as hell!

Final Fantasy X

Although FFX is one of my favourite Final Fantasy games I didn't feel it had as strong a cast of characters compared to others (dont hate), but that doesn't mean the character ive chosen in Auron is any less befitting of joining the roster, the other choice I was going to use was Kimarhi Ronso, Auron just pipped it!! 

Final Fantasy XI

This was another quick choice, being an MMO and the Final Fantasy game ive spent the least time on, you have to pick from NPC's due to main character creation so I simply went with the most common character from the Dissidia games, Shantotto, not to say shes not worthy of a position. A companion for Vivi maybe...

Final Fantasy XII

FFXII being one of my top 3 Final Fantasy game, i would even go as far to say it very closely rivals FFVII for my favourite, Vaan being in Dissidia taked him out of contention, but really there was only ever going to be one character I would choose and that was going to be FRAN<3, with a ranged weapon more befitting of the style of game rather than guns, she in my mind would be a perfect fit, I maybe biased (may have a little crush on her) 

Final Fantasy XIII

Not the most loved Final Fantasy game in the franchise (but I enjoyed it). In my opinion not a great cast of characters either sorry its true! take Lightning out of the equation as she is in Dissidia, your not left with much, in the end picked Snow Villiers. Strong powerful character that would complement Zell, maybe a combo attack.

Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn

With being the second MMO in the Final Fantasy series (not count original FFXIV it was poor), it was down to the NPC's within this wonderful game, there was only one on my mind that could be chosen and it was the beautiful Minfilia, while not known for her fighting skills per say, she is a leader and does have a knife that was given to her by Thancred. Having the power of sensing Echo, she could be whats classed as a support character with buffs etc.

Final Fantasy XV

Last but by no means least FFXV, while the game itself disappointed me hugely (see previous blog post), the game had some really interesting characters, no more so than Aranea Highwind. It was an easy choice to make on this one, shes stunning, strong and very powerful. 

So there you have it 15 characters id personally love to see in a Final Fantasy Musou game. As you can see there are so many characters to choose from, whether that be from main playable characters, guest characters or NPC's, and thats even before you delve into the Final Fantasy spin off's. To me it seems like a no brainer!!!

Also ill include a list of honorable mentions from not limiting myself to the main titles, in no particular order:

Zack Fair (FFVII CC) (Actually named my son after him)
Luso Clemens (FFTA2)
Agrias Oaks (FFT)
Chocolina (FFXIII Series)
Benjamin (Mystic Quest)
Biggs & Wedge (FF Series)

Who would you pick if this game was a reality, let me know if the comments!! 

Final Fantasy XV Rant

Final Fantasy XV, the game that took a decade to be finished! but wasn't finished and doesn't look like it will ever be finished!!!

Lets take this back to when FFXV was very first announced, originally called Final Fantasy Versus XIII (2006 yes that long ago), it was to be part of the XIII universe and take a more mature based on reality approach. Originally it was also meant to be releasing on the PS3. After years of snippets, no shows, more snippets, even more no shows it was finally in 2012 Renamed what we know today as FFXV, with a new director and not much of the previously shown Versus game. It was also noted to be moving away from PS3 and onto the next generation of machines the PS4 and Xbox One. It didn't stop there it was also to be (just like XIII) its own universe. 

So skip forward to present release after many no shows and re scheduled releases the game finally came out on November 2016. To celebrate the release I myself wanted to go all out and get the wonderful UCE and FFXV Branded PS4 slim, as most of you know me but for those that dont I like to consider myself a huge Final Fantasy fan, with a wide collection of the series games and memorabilia along with a skin full of Final Fantasy tattoos.

So when Final Fantasy Versus/XV was announced I was ecstatic!! I was lucky enough to experience many events leading up to the FFXV release so I was after such a long wait very excited for the game. 

Roll forward to placing the game in the machine, it looked incredible i was in awe of the world that was portrayed, i wanted to explore and I could. Then reality started to kick in arent I on a mission to save my beloved, combat er what combat all I do is hold X, whats magic as is barely needed or used, what happened to equipment as I only ever change a weapon maybe once, twice at a push, Summons a big fun staple of the Final Fantasy series dropped to random show ups, leveling up isn't immediate you have to camp to level up (for me this was a chore), finally what was actually going on with the story.....no really what was going on. 

10 Years for a game to be released, ok even if you give them the benefit of the doubt and take it from when it changed hands, 3-4 years for a game to be released and it be in a complete mess like this is unacceptable. I personally would of preferred it being delayed longer for a more complete game, but there in lies the problem with today's gaming, rush rush patch patch season pass DLC. 

After much community input FFXV was going to get a season pass to try and expand and build on the faili..universe and give more insight to the characters. While this seemed like a plausible idea just think hard and clear about it, you've spent £45-£190 on a version of the game (none of which came with a season pass! In my case over £600 and still no season pass), to find the game a horrible mess, plot holes bigger than my ex.... er massive hole, to then have the audacity to charge £20-£25 extra to try and add content to help with these holes. Now I cant talk much about the extra (should of been in the game) content as I personally refused to buy the season pass, but from what I have seen even this content again fails to really add much more to the mess of the game. Is it bad that I feel the movie Kingsglaive and mini series Brotherhood was more in-depth than the main game itself, even the game A Kings Tale was more interesting and easier to make sense of than FFXV.

To me there was more emphasis on graphics than there was story and combat which isnt fitting within the Final Fantasy universe. So you have this game FFXV, its a mess you try and correct it with season passes (yes they'll be another one) this doesn't help so rather than try and fix the game you decide to do several mobile games one of which isnt even developed by square-enix themselves (joke). You then announce a fucking VR fishing game (I thought it was a joke at first). They get to this years gamscon and announce 3 further things that have no added value to the game itself, PC version (which was inevitable as SE love milking it) a horrid looking Pocket Mobile version (chibi is meant to be cute the characters in this arent) and worst of all a fucking cross over with one of the worst franchises in asscreed.. sorry assassins creed. They also said something like theirs more to come but you know what I DONT GIVE A SHIT anymore!! as all square-enix seems to be doing is milking/degrading a franchise that I loved and that has been with me for so long and helped through some difficult times.

This game has really knocked my confidence in Square-Enix ability to continue the Final Fantasy franchise and sadly cannot get excited for any new Final Fantasy games that maybe on the horizon, that being said lets hope they learn from this fuck up and try with the next installment.