Most Anticipated Video Games of 2016, Part 2: New IP and Indie Releases

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 21, 2016

Earlier this week, we previewed the most-anticipated videogame sequels and remakes coming in 2016. Now, it's time to look at a second batch of games that may be even more important to the future of gaming: brand-new IP. These newcomers may not yet have the name recognition that the established franchises have earned, but will hopefully bring something fresh and original to game consoles (and PCs) this year.

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61 No Man's Sky

Easily one of 2015's most-anticipated games, No Man's Sky is now one of 2016's as well, though this time, you should finally be able to play it. An incredibly ambitious sci-fi exploration/FPS game from the four-person British game design shop Hello Games (previously working exclusively in the Joe Danger series), No Man's Sky features a truly massive, procedurally-generated universe. That means no two planets will be alike, and you'll get to explore virgin territory each time you play (at least, until you exhaust all 18 quintillion possible planets). Featuring stylized, colorful artwork and an original soundtrack by Sheffield's 65daysofstatic, the game will incorporate both space-based and planet-based combat and travel, procedurally generated alien factions, and trading and crafting.

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