Halo Infinite DLCs
Halo Infinite took the gaming world by storm when it released in 2021. As a launch title for the Xbox Series X/S, it marked the return of Master Chief and demonstrated the possibilities of next-gen hardware. In 2024, 343 Industries will build on that foundation with new downloadable content.
I’m particularly excited for the campaign DLCs that will expand Halo Infinite’s story. The pilot named Echo 216 and the new AI companion The Weapon have strong chemistry with Master Chief that’s ripe for further development. Some fans also hope to see the return of Blue Team, Master Chief’s squad of Spartans from the books and comics.
On the multiplayer front, I expect new maps, modes, cosmetics, and limited-time events. The shared world structure has huge potential for evolution over time. With a solid core gameplay loop, each content drop gives me a reason to dive back into honing my skills.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
No game is more hotly anticipated than the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The trailer shows Link and Zelda descending underground, suggesting we’ll be treated to new depths and verticality. I love how the floating islands hint at an expanded scope.
With Breath of the Wild, the Zelda series reached incredible new heights in open world design. I can’t wait to see how Nintendo EPD pushes the envelope this time. Features I’d love to see include settlements that develop over time, more robust dungeons, and deeper RPG mechanics. Most of all, I’m ready to re-enter the beautiful and mysterious world of Hyrule.
Diablo IV
Blizzard made fans wait a long time, but Diablo IV is shaping up to deliver the dark, gothic action-RPG experience we crave. I’m thrilled we can finally explore the full open world of Sanctuary with seamless cross-region play.
The return to a grittier art style appeals to old-school Diablo fans like myself. The classes look great as well, especially the Druid with shape-shifting abilities. I also appreciate that Blizzard isn’t restricting loot drops to specific classes. The endgame will benefit from flexible character building.
My biggest concern is whether Blizzard can deliver substantial post-launch content. Games like Path of Exile show how much scope this genre has for ongoing development. Hopefully Diablo IV can achieve consistent, high-quality updates.
Final Fantasy XVI
Square Enix wowed audiences by showing real-time combat in the reveal trailer for Final Fantasy XVI. Playing as Clive Rosfield, you can swap between different weapon loadouts mid-combo. To me, the action looks more hard-hitting than Final Fantasy XV’s flashy, floaty battles.
Another exciting revelation is the medieval European setting known as Valisthea. The dominant powers seem inspired by real-world history. I’m fascinated to learn more about the Dhalmekians and their crystal-powered technology.
Like any Final Fantasy, the story and characters will make or break the experience. Series veterans like Kazutoyo Maehiro writing the scenario and Hiroshi Takai directing give me faith Square Enix can deliver an epic narrative worthy of the mainline series.
Assassin’s Creed Codename HEXE
Details are scant on the next major Assassin’s Creed release code named HEXE, but the short teaser trailer suggests a 16th century Central European setting. Fans are abuzz with theories about the enigmatic title. Could it refer to witchcraft trials or folklore around Walpurgis Night celebrations?
Either way, I’m intrigued by the seemingly darker tone compared to recent games like Valhalla and Odyssey. It reminds me more of Assassin’s Creed II’s shadowy Templar conspiracies. Location scouting suggests we’ll get urban, countryside, forest, and mountain environments to explore.
With Ubisoft’s open world formula well-refined after so many iterations, I hope to see HEXE take risks and experiment more, especially with mission design. A strong narrative with memorable new characters would also help it stand out. I can’t wait to see what historical figures we’ll befriend – or assassinate!
Starfield
As Bethesda Game Studios’ first new IP in 25 years, Starfield has a lot to prove. But with over 1,000 planets to explore as a member of Constellation, it could revolutionize space exploration in games. Seeing our own solar system rendered in detail would be incredible.
I expect Bethesda’s strengths with open world storytelling and environmental design will make even procedurally generated planets feel handcrafted and full of secrets. Customizing your own space ship also promises that personalized touch no other game offers.
If the features come together into a cohesive whole, Starfield could achieve the sense of endless possibilities that space fantasies like Mass Effect teased but never quite delivered. Here’s hoping Bethesda Austin’s experience with Fallout 76’s online components translates into exciting multiplayer functions beyond shared worlds.
Cyberpunk 2077 Expansions
Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 still delivered one of the most absorbing open worlds I’ve experienced in sci-fi. Night City oozes atmosphere and style unmatched in the genre. I desperately want more chances to immerse myself in that setting.
CD Projekt Red is well-poised to deliver with the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion. Starring Idris Elba as an FBA agent, it promises a deep, conspiracy-laden narrative befitting V’s mercenary exploits. Given the updates to NPC and open world behaviors since launch, I also expect a more authentic and reactive city than before.
More broadly, I’d love to see expansions flesh out underserved areas like the rich orbital colonies, the post-apocalyptic Nomad lands, and the oceanic Biotechnica zones. Night City still holds so many untold stories and undiscovered paths.
Splatoon 3 Post-Launch Updates
Splatoon 3 refined the turf-shooting formula to perfection. I’m excited to see how Nintendo expands the experience over the next year. New modes, maps, weapons, and Splatfest events will give me reasons to keep coming back.
I’d love to see Salmon Run get additional boss types and hazard modifiers to mix things up. There’s also room to expand the PvE story mode – perhaps even with co-op experiences. And while Splatfests are limited-time, introducing new permanent game modes could freshen up matchmaking.
Above all, I hope they expand the brilliantly weird post-apocalyptic lore hidden throughout the game. The idols, news anchors, and other characters bring so much chaotic personality to Splatoon’s world. More narrative content integrating with multiplayer would take it to the next level.
Horizon Forbidden West DLC
Horizon Forbidden West raised the bar for open world action-adventure games with its massive, awe-inspiring map and incredible creature designs. While the main story tied up nicely, Guerilla Games could expand in so many exciting directions.
I’d love to see a DLC focused on Sylens that explores more of his mysterious past in the ancient world. Or expand on figures like Regalla to show how their rebellion destabilized the Carja Sundom. But I suspect and hope Aloy’s journey continues, perhaps venturing beyond the known map.
Underwater exploration, the claim with the remains of the ancient cosmos, seems like an obvious step. But Guerilla could take it in countless directions while delivering the deep quests, iconic machines, and rich lore the series is known for. No matter where Aloy’s journey leads next, I’ll be there eagerly following along.
God of War: Ragnarök DLC
2018’s God of War revived the series with a more grounded and emotional narrative. The sequel, Ragnarök, promises to conclude Kratos and Atreus’ Norse saga in epic fashion. But the expansive Nine Realms still have plenty of untold tales.
Smaller DLC expansions provide the perfect vehicle for contained stories complementary to the main journey. I’d love to see Atreus adventuring independently to continue developing his own identity. Or imagine playing as Angrboda and using her giant abilities to their fullest.
Another obvious but exciting possibility would be bringing Thor and Odin to life as playable characters, albeit before they pursued genocide against the giants. Their powers and personalities could blend seamlessly with God of War’s combat and exploration.
No matter the direction, Santa Monica Studio has more than earned players’ trust after delivering one of this generation’s most affecting narratives. I can’t wait to step back into the God of War universe wherever the fates decree.
Tales from the Borderlands Season 2
Of all the narrative games released since 2014’s acclaimed first season, Tales from the Borderlands remains one of Telltale’s most beloved. The humor, characters, and energy set it apart. With new ownership under Embracer Group, I’m thrilled for the opportunity at a follow-up season.
Rhys, Fiona, and crew have unfinished business on Pandora. Seeing them 5-10 years later as more mature leaders in the Borderlands universe has huge storytelling potential. The corporate turf wars, treasure hunting gambits, and vault key mysteries are ripe for expansion.
Most of all, I hope Telltale recaptures the chaotic, irreverent tone that made the first season so special. The emotional beats landed because we cared for the characters, not just because the plot demanded trauma. Bring the humor and heart, and Tales is poised to reclaim its mantle.
Overwatch 2 PvE
Overwatch 2 had a rocky launch, but beneath the monetization controversies lies a rock-solid competitive shooter improved in almost every way. Yet the most exciting developments have yet to come in the form of PvE cooperative missions.
Fighting off Null Sector robots alongside friends is a totally unique way to experience Blizzard’s legendary worldbuilding and character design up close. Story content helps flesh out the heroes’ personalities and relationships in fun context.
Developers also have huge scope to get creative designing scenarios – breach enemy bases, fend off omnic incursions, thwart Doomfist and Talon, or anything in between. More PvE maps, stories, modes, and progression will round out Overwatch 2 into the complete experience fans dreamed of.
Hogwarts Legacy
Ever since the books and movies premiered, every Harry Potter fan has dreamed of freely exploring Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Hogwarts Legacy finally fulfills that fantasy. Developed by Avalanche Software of Disney Infinity fame, it promises unparalleled magic immersion and customization.
Learning spells across core classes like Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions capture JK Rowling’s distinct flared while innovating with new curses, enchantments, and brews. Meanwhile, vast environments from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade and beyond recreate iconic locations with loving detail.
As a late 1800s prequel, Legacy avoids the baggage of the original books’ epilogue while maintaining the allure of the wizarding world. Whether I’m taming magical beasts in the Forbidden Forest, competing in broom races, or unraveling sinister mysteries, Hogwarts Legacy is the dream Harry Potter RPG come true.
Mass Effect Trilogy Remaster
With the 10th anniversary of Mass Effect 3 approaching, BioWare would be remiss not to commemorate the beloved sci-fi trilogy with a remaster. The Legendary Edition of the first three games revitalized the series in 2021, but further improvements could optimize them for modern platforms.
By remastering the gameplay to match Mass Effect 3’s finesse and integrating more expanded content from DLCs, this landmark space opera could feel new again. Updated visuals and performance to take advantage of PC and next-gen power would complete the polish.
Better yet, BioWare could also integrate choices and consequences across all three games for a truly definitive, reactive playthrough. With unified systems, the epic journey could finally fulfill its potential as one of gaming’s most responsive, narratively ambitious series. It’s the perfect time to bring Commander Shepard’s odyssey into the future.
