Must-Have PC Games Of 2016

While I tend to keep up with the latest console releases, I'm a PC gamer at heart. I like having a good computer with a nice screen that's going to play games with the graphics turned up as high as I can get them. I also like how easy it is to find games on the cheap, thanks to Steam sales, Humble Bundle specials, and countless others.

Today, I'm going to share with you some of the most anticipated PC games of the year. There are a lot of good games that are coming up, so I can't list every single game that looks good, unfortunately. Feel free to drop a comment about your favorite upcoming game, if I didn't mention it. Also, these aren't necessarily PC-exclusive titles, so don't be surprised if you can pick up some of these on the PS4 or Xbox One. Bear in mind that these are in no particular order.

Late 2016/Early 2017

While we don't know a ton of details about Titanfall's sequel, we do know that it is due out either late this year, or early next year. The biggest news is that Respawn has stated that there will be a real single-player campaign. One major complaint about the first game was the lack of solo content, so it's good to see that they're planning on making this right.

June 21, 2016

This is a game that I've been looking forward to since it was first announced back in late 2013. This space exploration is by far the biggest such game that you'll find. You'll start out on one of the game's 18 quintillion planets, and have the opportunity to explore as many of the others that you can. You'll need to make allies of various alien races if you want to get a better, faster ship. And if you just so happen to run into another player, you'll be able to share your tiny map of the universe with them. Oh, and did I mention that all of the planets are procedurally generated? That's pretty cool, if you ask me.

March 8, 2016

This squad-based shooter has a mix of RPG elements that will make you either love or hate it. I had a chance to play it during the beta, and while some may complain about the lack of "realism" for a Tom Clancy title, I had a lot of fun with it. Whether you want to take down bad guys with your friends, or go rogue for some PVP action, this game looks like it will satisfy your craving for an RPG-based shooter.

December 2016

It's been a while since we've visited the Mass Effect universe, and we didn't exactly part ways on the best of terms. Shepard's story is over, and clues point to the human race packing up and heading toward the Andromeda galaxy, in order to find a new home. While Bioware caught a lot of flack for the ending of Mass Effect 3, the series as a whole was fantastic, and it'll be interesting to see what they do with a new game, a new hero, and a new galaxy.

2016

Set in the Middle Ages, this RPG has you taking on whatever traditional roles that you desire. You won't be locked down to a single class, as the game instead focuses on honing whatever skills you choose to take. Built on CryEngine 3, the game looks beautiful, and focuses a lot on player immersion. Quests are open-ended, your items and even clothes degrade, and you'll need to eat and sleep in order to maintain peak health.

2016

The original Dishonored was probably my favorite game of 2012. The game allowed you to take whatever approach you wanted to completing a level, usually with more than a few ways to accomplish the task. And there were challenges like getting through without killing anyone, which added a lot of replayability. The sequel promises more of the same, with the ability to play as either Corvo, or as the Empress Emily Kaldwin, each of which will provide a different perspective for the game.

May 13, 2016

Doom may not have been the very first FPS game, but it's certainly the one that really jump-started the genre. It's been 12 years since the last time we went to Hell and back with a BFG. This reboot promises more of the same. Don't look for any cover-based shooting or regenerating health in this game. This is pure old-school shooting fun.

2016

I'll be honest, while the official release date is sometime this year, I'm still skeptical that it will actually launch. With that said, I'm really looking forward to experience the complete game. I've fired up different parts of the game as the beta has gone on, but I've purposely stayed away from it for the most part, so that my experience isn't too tainted by early tests. The game has raised more money than any other crowdfunding project, and promises to be one of the most expansive space sim games of all time. And it's fitting that it should be considering that it's being made by Chris Roberts, the man behind the original Wing Commander series.

May 25, 2016

The original Mirror's Edge was a pretty unique game when it came out. The focus was on running and parkour-style jumping and climbing, with a bit of combat. The next game in the series features an open-world setting, which means that the running/parkour mechanics have been overhauled to make better use of the environment. Combat has gotten a redesign as well, with all of the gun-based combat being removed entirely (which was probably for the best).

Q2 2016

Mighty No. 9 is the spiritual successor to Mega Man, both of which were (at least partially) created by the same guy, Keiji Inafune. After he left Capcom to start his own company, he decided to return to his roots and work on a Mega Man game that he had complete control over. Thus Mighty No. 9 was born, bearing a striking resemblance to the Blue Bomber. Gameplay involves 2D platforming, and taking down bosses and acquiring their powers to take down future enemies. If you enjoyed Mega Man, then you're probably going to enjoy this one.