We’ve got an exciting end of the year to anticipate. Some of the biggest game releases in years are on the way before the end of 2015, and we couldn’t be more excited. However, a close look at some of these titles reveals developers (and publishers) taking some big chances. Here are some of the big design and business gambles in games coming our way later this summer, fall, and winter.
Metal Gear Solid V Goes Open World
Snake has explored a host of innovations in his adventures over the years, but few have the potential for dramatic reinvention offered by a move into open-world exploration in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Typically, the stealth action franchise has excelled at tightly constructed levels with an element of choice, but always within confined zones of a smaller size. The ability to more freely move through the world could provide a sense of freedom and experimentation far beyond any previous entry in the series, and offer just the injection of excitement needed to keep players engaged. Alternately, the formula could lead to diluted action, game exploits that take advantage of the large play areas, or boring paths between major content areas. We’re crossing our fingers that the big change is for the better.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Doubles Its Hero Count
Previous games in Ubisoft’s flagship franchise have focused on a singular personality at the center of the action. Syndicate seems to be taking a cue from the success of Grand Theft Auto V, and offering multiple perspectives on its large urban playground. Jacob and Evie Frye are siblings working together, but with drastically different approaches to the tenets of the Assassin Brotherhood. In the best case, Jacob’s rough-and-tumble ways and Evie’s slick stealth can add up to a varied and thrilling adventure. Implement things poorly, and Ubisoft could have two lackluster characters on its hands, with neither one of them fully fleshed out as personalities or gameplay styles.
Guitar Hero Embraces Full Motion Video, Streaming Play, And A New Guitar
After a long absence, Activision and Freestyle Games are bringing back the beloved music game franchise with Guitar Hero Live. However, it won’t be quite like you remember. A totally redesigned guitar offers two rows of three buttons, allowing for gameplay that more closely emulates finger placement and chords on a real guitar. It’s an exciting new challenge, but it remains to be seen whether the music game faithful are willing to make the jump. In addition, the new live-action videos are a far cry from the old animated stage performances. Finally, a new streaming channel system of music presentation changes the way many players will interact with the game. Taken together, there are some fundamental redesigns for the game, but after burning players out several years ago on too much of the same thing, maybe that’s exactly what the genre needs.
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