The first official day of E3 2015 is behind us, and gamers are practically swimming in announcements. Microsoft stole the spotlight with HoloLens, Minecraft, and Xbox 360 backward compatibility on the Xbox One, but Sony's strategy at its keynote was a bit different. Instead of appealing to futuristic hardware tricks, the Japanese giant chose to share with the public what will be playable on the PlayStation 4 in the near future.
The big complaint leveled at the current console generation over the past few months is none other than the lack of games. Both Microsoft and Sony probably want to bang their heads against the wall at such a comment, and many gamers will mention titles like Assassin’s Creed IV, Alien: Isolation, Destiny, Tomb Raider, Borderlands 2, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. I should also add Bloodborne on PS4 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One to that list, but I insist: there's nothing that makes us run out to sell a kidney to buy a console. Slowly, that situation seems to be changing. Microsoft previewed a bright future for its Xbox One, with Windows 10 and the HoloLens headset as main allies. Its Xbox 360 backward compatibility is definitely welcome, and those who still own their old titles will be grateful. But Sony turned to games. And may the spirits help us… what games.
Shenmue III
The original Shenmue turns 16 this December. What started as a story of revenge became one of the best titles for the Dreamcast, and gave rise to a direct sequel shortly after. Then, what had to happen happened: Yu Suzuki turned to crowdfunding to finance Shenmue III, and the fans' response was spectacular. With nearly three million dollars raised in a matter of hours, Suzuki's message was music to the ears of thousands of players. Shenmue III will be available on PS4 and PC, and its digital copy will cost 29 dollars. Release: December 2017.
The Last Guardian
One of Sony's biggest thorns, The Last Guardian has been in development for nearly eight years. Multiple delays, the departure of its lead Fumito Ueda, the debut of the PS4, cancellation rumors, and an apparent decline in interest in the genre cast a shadow of doubt over the game. However, The Last Guardian is more alive than ever, and the nearly seven-minute trailer exploring the teamwork between Trico and the boy is compelling proof of that. The Last Guardian is aiming for 2016, though the exact date remains a mystery…
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
It will be a very cold day in hell when Sony decides to let the Uncharted saga die. With three main games (a remaster is on the way) and two titles for Vita, Nathan Drake still has plenty of mileage left. A Thief's End presents a supposedly retired Drake who must return to his old activity to save his own skin and that of his friends. The seven-minute trailer makes one thing very clear: the action that characterizes the saga remains intact, and someone wants Drake too dead. Naughty Dog and Sony estimate a debut within the first half of 2016.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Oh. My. God. The best for last, as it should be. How long have fans been asking for this? 15 years? More? The disagreement between Sony, Square Enix, and fans of Final Fantasy VII had become a very bitter point, mainly due to excuses for not doing it (too expensive, too complicated, etc.) and the fact that something broke starting with Final Fantasy XIII. The message is the same everywhere: “Don't ruin it.” The trailer for the Final Fantasy VII remake has already garnered more than five million views, and no one can argue with that. While it will be available on other consoles, first… for PlayStation 4.
Horizon Zero Down, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Eitr, Guitar Hero Live, Mother Russia Bleeds, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Dark Souls III, Destiny: The Taken King, RIGS, Street Fighter V, and many more titles made an appearance under Sony’s wing, with trailers and videos full of gameplay. Some of these games may be further off in time, but the immediate future of the PlayStation 4 looks very interesting…
