Though it was just a glimpse, the future of gaming is shaping up to be all about sequels to beloved franchises. With the recently-concluded PlayStation 2023 Showcase, gamers both young and old, but mostly old, are screaming as they celebrate new and remastered games for the next generation.
Some presented teasers, while others showed full gameplay demonstrations, and we were on the edge of our seats for each game that was announced. With a multitude of games to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the titles that you should keep your eyes out for in the coming months.
Sword Of The Sea
If you’re not into stress-inducing games and want to play something more relaxing, then Sword of the Sea might just be the game for you. From the creators of Abzû and Journey, Sword of the Sea is shaping up to be another spiritual successor to a decorated list of stunning adventure games.
In this game, you travel through an abandoned realm, restoring it to its former glory while surfing on your sword along the way. However, beneath all the cool stunts you can perform is an exceptional story where you get to explore sunken ruins that simply pop. If you’re looking for a game that can help you zone out or grant you inspiration, then this might be up your alley.
Release date: TBA
Alan Wake 2
After the smash success of its remastered forerunner, it’s about time they released a sequel. For context, Alan Wake is a renowned fiction writer suffering from terrible writer’s block who is then suddenly thrust into a supernatural situation while looking for his missing wife. As Alan tries to search for clues, he instead finds manuscript pages from his novel – which he has yet to write.
With that kind of premise, it’s no surprise that Alan Wake has gained a dedicated cult following that has lasted 10 years. Now, their patience has paid off, as a sequel is just around the corner, picking up where the last game left off with a new cast that would assist Alan in his search.
Release date: October 17, 2023
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Besides Final Fantasy, high fantasy games haven’t been getting much love as of late, but thankfully, Capcom is here to deliver. With their success in the Monster Hunter and Resident Evil series, it’s about time they revisited this classic from a bygone era. Dragon Dogma is an ambitious game set in the expansive world of Gransys. Your character is known as “the Arisen,” and you are on a mission to slay the dragon Grigori, a being who is to herald the end of the world, while also learning more about a larger conspiracy.
Dragon’s Dogma is a criminally-underrated game that was simply ahead of its time when it was first released in 2012. Now, with much more refined taste, we hope that this game gets the love and recognition it deserves.
Release Date: 2025
Spider-Man 2
Who doesn’t love their friendly neighbourhood spider person? When game companies are releasing teaser trailers and a few cinematics, Spider-Man 2 one-ups the competition by presenting 12 minutes of gameplay from their most recent installment, featuring long-time villains such as the Lizard and Kraven the Hunter. Play either as Peter Parker or Miles Morales to defend Queens from threats both across the sea and the stars.
Release date: Fall 2023
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
It’s real, and it will be here soon. Perhaps the game people were screaming at their monitors for is one of the most beloved games of all time. Metal Gear Solid 3, now known as Metal Gear Solid Delta, is the first game chronologically in a long line of sequels that takes place from the Cuban Missile Crisis up to the present. Here, you control Naked Snake, a legendary soldier in the making, who ventures into Soviet-controlled Russia to prevent a nuclear war.
Even though we have waited with bated breath for this game, we can’t help but worry about the off-chance that something goes wrong or the story might change. However, it was stated that this game will only get a visual update meant for the next generation of consoles. What sweetens the deal even more would be the Master Collection, which features HD remastered games from the franchise. We are excited for Vol. 2 of the collection, as Metal Gear Solid 4 will now be playable outside of the PS3.
Release dates: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – 2024, Master Collection Vol. 1 – Autumn 2023
Sources: PlayStation, Remedy Entertainment, Capcom, Insomniac Games, Digital Spy
