This year’s gaming releases exhibit a strikingly consistent trend: an abundance of long-awaited titles, particularly in the racing genre. Notably, numerous highly anticipated games have finally come to fruition, many of which fans have eagerly awaited since 2017 or even earlier.
The influx of major sequels and new offerings from well-loved developers is a phenomenon that begs explanation. However, rather than delve into the reasons behind this bountiful lineup, I choose instead to revel in the impending releases that promise to deliver substantial enjoyment.
The groundwork for these upcoming games was laid years ago, with most of them first announced around 2018 or before. They encompass an exciting spectrum, from indie projects that have been meticulously developed over the past seven years to AAA blockbusters finally returning to beloved franchises that have been dormant for quite some time.
8 Monster Hunter Wilds
World of Surprise
Despite the Monster Hunter franchise remaining active, its last major title, Monster Hunter World, debuted in 2018. This year marks the welcome return of the series with the highly awaited Monster Hunter Wilds.
Wilds significantly improves the onboarding process for newcomers, addressing long-standing criticisms about cumbersome gameplay. This title offers an accessible entry point for players, featuring numerous quality-of-life enhancements that elevate the overall experience.
Although the game demands high-performance specifications, it showcases enough improvements over World to warrant its existence. The unveiling of this new, expansive Monster Hunter feels like a breath of fresh air, particularly as it contrasts with Monster Hunter Rise, which felt more like a workaround for platform limitations.
7 Kirby Air Riders
Riding High
When one thinks of Kirby games, Masahiro Sakurai typically comes to mind; however, he hasn’t been involved in the series for quite some time. This changed dramatically with the announcement of Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the classic 2003 GameCube title.
The original Kirby Air Ride was a cult favorite that fans held dear despite its lack of modern recognition from Nintendo. Its sudden revival surprised many, especially alongside announcements of expansions for Kirby and the Forgotten Land and new Mario Kart content this year.
After 22 years, it’s exhilarating to witness a new generation dive into the experience of navigating City Trial, engaging with items, and experiencing chaotic multiplayer antics.
6 Mina the Hollower
Dug Deep
Celebrating its decade since launch, Shovel Knight has made a profound impact in the gaming world, and it’s thrilling to see Yacht Club’s latest project, Mina the Hollower, finally nearing release.
As a long-time Kickstarter backer, I’ve awaited this title with great anticipation. The recently released demo reignited my excitement, showcasing the promising fundamentals that signal a successful launch.
Drawing inspiration from classic Zelda titles, Mina the Hollower boasts an authentic Game Boy Color aesthetic. My initial run through the demo transported me back to the nostalgic platforming of Shovel Knight, with enjoyable movement mechanics and varied weapons enhancing replay value.
5 Donkey Kong Bananza
Broken Free
After years of stagnation, the Donkey Kong franchise is experiencing a renaissance with the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza, the first new entry in over a decade.
This comes on the heels of the fervent demand for a Mario Odyssey sequel, as Nintendo has opted to reimagine Donkey Kong through the lens of that iconic gameplay style.
The game marries Mario’s charm with the unique personality that has characterized Donkey Kong’s legacy, resulting in a vibrant platforming adventure that has received acclaim across the board. It expertly meets the high expectations set by years of anticipation.
4 Mario Kart World
Tricky Situation
The arrival of Mario Kart World heralds a refreshing change following the long tenure of Mario Kart 8, which had become increasingly dated.
Featuring innovative movement mechanics and an open-world design, this title reintroduces the excitement of interconnected tracks, reminiscent of Mario Kart: Double Dash.
While some intermissions may feel lackluster, the quality of track design is unrivaled. The experience of crafting an optimal build and performing tricks that seamlessly blend into the environment feels innovative and rewarding.
3 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
No More Dread
Initially announced alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch, Metroid Prime 4’s development has been rocky, with the project being restarted by Retro Studios after years of silence.
After significant anticipation and a period of uncertainty, the game is emerging from the shadows, promising to fulfill years of desire among fans for a mainline Metroid title.
While titles such as Metroid Dread offered compelling experiences, they lacked the 3D depth that fans long for from the Prime series. The recent visuals suggest that the wait has been worthwhile.
2 Deltarune – Chapters 3 and 4
Sheer Determination
Having played Undertale and undergone a profound transformation in my gaming perspective, the release of Deltarune has been similarly impactful, and I welcome it enthusiastically.
Toby Fox conceived the idea for Deltarune over a decade ago, using Undertale as a stepping stone to realize his vision. Released in parts since 2018, Deltarune has delivered some of the most memorable gaming experiences to date.
Chapters 3 and 4 continue to enthrall with intricate storytelling and character development. With a soundtrack that has captured public attention, it’s no surprise that the game’s music has even faced copyright scrutiny on platforms like YouTube.
1 Hollow Knight: Silksong
At Long Last
While fans of Hollow Knight may not have had the longest wait compared to fans of other popular titles, their requests have been unequivocally vocal. Following the original game’s success in 2017 and a Kickstarter for its sequel featuring Hornet, expectations have soared.
The forthcoming sequel promises a full-fledged adventure, complete with an intricate quest system, a new kingdom, and refined combat mechanics, suggesting that Team Cherry has poured immense effort into this title over the past eight years.
Given the swift development of the original, one can only anticipate the richness and content density of this sequel. With its overwhelming hype, Hollow Knight: Silksong is poised to deliver a unique gaming experience well worth the wait.
Leave a Reply