I still remember promising myself that I shouldn’t worry too much about credit card bills while looking through the new games of 2016. Just as expected, 2016 was jam packed with new releases, and I can safely say it was a good year (although my bank account balance says otherwise). After all, my last year’s resolution was to buy first and think later.

As I was trying to cope with my decreasing personal finances, I came across the list of new releases in 2017. Notably, battle-hardened Kratos from God of War, Resident Evil with a completely new approach, hype machine Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ace Combat 7 (after a decade-long silence) are all scheduled to come out in 2017. On top of everything, a few more games that were delayed last year will soon join the party this year. I can only fathom the grave financial peril I’ll be in this year.

To relieve some of the stress, I’ve compiled the list of 15 games that have definite release dates or have been hinted to release some time in 2017. If you were impressed by the last year’s AAA-studded lineup, then prepare to be dazzled by this year’s as well.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Horror
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: January 24, 2017

“The new face of familiar horror”

The Resident Evil series almost rings synonymous with horror adventure genre, and the seventh installment is just around the corner.

From what can be gleaned from the gameplay video, Biohazard is considered by many to be a breakaway from previous Resident Evil tropes. What connections it will have to the series remains to be seen. Perhaps it will be a breath of fresh air to people who didn’t enjoy the action aspect as much as the horror elements.

Nier: Automata
Developer: PlatinumGames
Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PS4, PC
Release Date: March 7, 2017

 “Shooting and action, two-in-one”

With its unique story and expansive world that earned a cult following, the Nier series of games are looking to release their latest entry in March. In conjunction with Square Enix, PlatinumGames, the studio behind Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising, is developing the game which takes place on earth a long time after the events of the previous game.

The PS4 Pro will support 1080p at 60fps, so you can dodge bullets and execute stunning action sequences in style. After Japan’s launch in February, Automata is scheduled to be released on Steam in the subsequent month.

For Honor
Developer: Ubisoft
Genre: Action
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: February 14, 2017

“Katana vs. long sword; only one way to find out which is stronger”

Medieval knights, vikings, and samurai are all out for blood in Ubisoft’s newest game, For Honor, which is set to release on February 14.

Featuring impressive weaponry, realistic movements, and weighty hit animations, the trailer alone was enough to create buzz for the game. I’ve lost count of how many times I wished for Ubisoft to successfully launch a new IP, and I wholeheartedly hope they can break the cycle this time. Oh, they’re still offering beta sign-ups here.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands
Developer: Ubisoft
Genre: Action
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: March 7, 2017

“Another addition to the Tom Clancy family with a new approach”

It’s been awhile since Ghost Recon: Future Soldier was launched back in 2012. In Wildlands, players assume the role of a special operations unit called The Ghost to fight drug cartels in Boliva, accomplishing various missions over vast open world maps.

Set to release on March 7, Wildlands will feature open world and sandbox elements unlike previous titles along with improved weapon customization and co-op mode for up to four players. As a fan of Rainbox Six Siege and The Division, I can’t wait to see how Wildlands will uphold Tom Clancy legacy.

Ace Combat 7
Developer: Project Aces
Genre: Combat flight simulator
Platform: PS4
Release Date: 2017

 “A household name in flight simulation”

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation. Perhaps that was why it was much more meaningful to hear the announcement last year. Although not much is revealed other than a short trailer and that they’re working to release in 2017, the cinematic video using only in-game graphics and included VR mode are enough to give an impression of what it will become. After all, we’re talking about the iconic flight sim developer, Project Aces here.

Mass Effect: Andromeda
Developer: BioWare
Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: March 21, 2017

“New space saga in the Andromeda Galaxy”

After the successful conclusion to the “Shepard Trilogy”, BioWare’s brand new story, Mass Effect: Andromeda, is waiting to be released on March 21. As the name suggests, the players will leave the old galaxy, where mass relays have become obsolete, to settle in Andromeda. As an alien from another galaxy, what adventures and creatures will players encounter in the new world? I’d say it’s a perfect time to revisit the trials and tribulations of Commander Shepard.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: RPG
Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2017

“After 30 years of Zelda, the series is going back to its roots”

One of the most highly anticipated releases showcased in the last year’s E3, Breath of the Wild is being developed for release in 2017. Determined to replicate what made the Zelda experience unique, Nintendo aims to augment player freedom with field combat, fishing, and adventure in its distinctly colorful and expansive world. There’s no definite date yet, but fans are speculating that it will closely coincide with the release of the Nintendo Switch, because the new Zelda title was touted as one of the main selling points of the console.

Dragon Quest XI
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Platforms: PS4, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 2017

“A long-awaited successor to the JRPG masterpiece”

Dragon Quest’s newest addition, which was first revealed at Jump Festa 2016, is slated for release this year. The game will be on multiple platforms including PS4, Nintendo Switch, and 3DS, with character body proportions and graphical fidelity adjusted to each system. As usual, the main story arch won’t deviate from previous ones as it will follow the adventure of the protagonist.

Prey
Developer: Arkane Studios
Genre: FPS
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: 2017

“Will the weapons of shock and awe be just as potent?”

Although Bethesda had a busy and successful 2016, releasing solid titles like DOOM, Dishonored 2, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, they still have one more trick up their sleeves – Prey.

Seven years have passed since Bethesda obtained the franchise rights from Human Head Studios in 2009. First announced at the last year’s E3, Prey tells the story of struggles against alien creatures. The old Prey introduced some weapons and abilities that were quite innovative at that time. The hype is real regarding what kinds of original weapons will be featured in the game. The sticky gun shown in the gameplay video is a promising sign.

God of War
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Genre: Action
Platform: PS4
Release Date: 2017

“The Greek god of war heads north”

Kratos, the bane of Greek gods, is also making a return this year. His bearded version in the trailer reminds me of the aging Wolverine in the upcoming movie, Logan. However, even without the chained Blades of Chaos, Kratos’ ferocity, which struck fear into the hearts of gods, is still just as visceral. This time around, he plans to duke it out with gods from Norse mythology. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kratos makes personal visits to every god from every culture.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Genre: RTS
Platform: PC
Release Date: 2017

"Will Warhammer franchise find its footings this time?"

First announced last year, Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War III is going to launch this year. Devoted fans who thirst for a worthy successor won’t be disappointed in the game’s outstanding display of quality. Familiar massive war machines such as the Imperial Knight, Wraithknight, and Gorkanaut will make an appearance, elevating this release to a new level of excitement.

There’s some small doubts that I can’t shake off though, because recent games using the Warhammer IP, like Space Hulk: Deathwing, haven’t been doing so well, which makes for all the more reason that DoW III has to deliver.

Horizon Zero Dawn
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PS4
Release Date: February 28, 2017

 “Nature and machines collide”

Horizon Zero Dawn, which chronicles the story of survivors 1,000 years after the fall of humanity, when machines rule over nature, is set to release on February 28. In this world, gigantic creatures like dinosaurs are made of mechanical parts, whereas humans are nearly scraping by just as they did before the rise of civilizations. The player takes control of Aloy and faces robotic dinosaurs using spears and bows. That reminds me, would a mechanical dinosaur even feel an arrow? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Detroit: Become Human
Developer: Quantic Dream
Genre: Adventure
Platform: PS4
Release Date: 2017

“Live by your decisions”

From the creator of signature adventure games like Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls, comes Detroit: Become Human. The game takes place in Detroit, where the automotive industry rose and fell. This time, the Android industry, which produces nearly identical human robots, has reinvigorated the city.

Become Human takes on the perspective of the Androids who often become the targets of prejudice even though they perfectly resemble humans; the game promises to offer many story paths and consequences.

Star Citizen
Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
Genre: Space simulation
Platforms: PC
Release Date: TBA

“Better late than never: beta in late 2017”

This behemoth of a game has accrued more than $36 million in crowd-funding and a total of over $100 million for development when special in-game item sales are taken into account. No one knows the exact release date for Star Citizen, as it continues to alpha test various modules of in-game content and elements. To realize all the features and content that the developer imagined, it would probably take years.

Well, don’t shake your heads just yet. According to the development schedule on its official website, Star Citizen plans to go into beta in late 2017 at the earliest. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a chance to test the game this year. Granted, plans change, and game development schedules much more so.

Red Dead Redemption 2
Developer: Rockstar Studios
Genre: Action
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date: Fall 2017

“Wake me up when September ends”

On one night in 2016, Rockstar tweeted a red company logo with no explanation. Then came the silhouette of seven people against the setting sun, followed by the game logo with the byline “Fall 2017.” That’s how people learned of Red Dead Redemption 2’s release. Needless to say, fans were ecstatic to hear the news. Please keep your credit card handy for Rockstar’s newest take on the wild west. And be ready to cancel any appointments that come up, too.