We live in the golden age of gaming, where developers compete with one another to push the boundaries of possibility.
Here we’ve mapped out what video games students and University Press staff are looking forward to most in 2016.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Picked by: Brittany Ferrendi, Staff Writer

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is many things in one —  a first-person shooter, action, role-playing and stealth game — and that’s why it’s one of the most heavily-anticipated games this year with over 38,817 pre-orders in the U.S. alone.

In a futuristic society, humans augmented by mechanics are virtually second-class citizens of society, and terrorist groups emerge to demand equality. The main character is Adam Jensen, a mechanically-augmented human and covert operative who has to put an end to the terrorist attacks.

Just like its predecessor, the game allows you to take multiple approaches to each objective. You can solve problems with force, a wide array of weapons, sneaking your way around a dangerous situation, smooth-talking your way out of a tough situation or hacking your way around obstacles.

It’s like if Mass Effect, The Witcher 3 and Metal Gear Solid V had a baby.

No matter how you decide to handle your problems, what you choose has severe consequences in-game. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is launching on Aug. 23 for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

Unravel

Picked by: Richard Finkel, Web Editor

Unravel lets you control a character composed of yarn called Yarny. The gender-neutral wonder of reanimation leaves its creator’s house in Northern Scandinavia to let you solve puzzles constructed from Yarny’s environment and to collect fading memories — all using what the red string animal is made from.

Soon to be released for $20 on Feb. 9 for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One, Unravel guarantees challenge, beautiful backdrops, awesome use of physics, a heartwarming storyline and hours of delight, without the precise thumbstick movements and strategically placed gun turrets.

The negative: it’s unknown how many hours a skilled player could finish the game in and later shelve it or return it to its rental place.

Will it look and play the same on the consoles and PCs it will be released for? Is there exclusive content to each gaming platform? We’ll know on Feb. 9 for the worldwide release.

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst

Picked by: Travis Austin, a senior studying accounting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6I1y9C2IE0

Using parkour and urban exploration, Faith Connors — the game’s lead character — looks to dethrone a totalitarian government ruled by corporations, all while free roaming and accomplishing missions in the fictional world of Glass.

It’s hard to pinpoint what games are similar to Catalyst because of its unique freerunning gameplay, but those who have played Dying Light or Uncharted may notice a few similarities in movement mechanics.

“#1 [sic] game I’m looking forward to right now,” said Travis Austin, a senior accounting major. “I’m a big fan of the original title, and have eagerly awaited a sequel. I have the collector’s edition ordered.”

The regular price of the game is $59.99. The collector’s edition is $199.99 and comes with a statue of heroine Faith, temporary tattoos, a lithograph and concept art. “I really like Faith, the game’s lead. She’s an exciting character,” Austin added.

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is coming to PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One and will be released on May 24 in the U.S. It currently has over 58,521 pre-orders.

Pokkén

Picked by: Melissa Pagan, a junior studying graphic design.

Pokemon has been around since the 90s in a blend of comics, television shows and role playing game-styled video games. Now, it’s taking on the fighting game industry.

The producers of Tekken and SoulCalibur, two well-known fighting game series, are confirmed to be working on the project, bringing fighting-style gameplay to the world of Pokemon.

There are 15 confirmed characters, including Gengar, Blaziken, Gardevoir and Mewtwo. Additional characters will be available as bonus content. It is not confirmed whether downloadable content will be sold separately.

“I would be on that so fast,” said Melissa Pagan, a graphic design junior who spends her time in the gaming area of the Student Union. The game is set to release March 18 of this year, exclusively for the Wii U.

Brittany Ferrendi is a staff writer for the University Press and can be reached at [email protected].

Richard Finkel is the Web editor of the University Press and can be reached at [email protected].