Multiplayer games have always brought a sense of camaraderie and competitiveness to the gaming sphere. These games can come in many forms: co-op, PvP, or team versus team. How video games implement their multiplayer aspects can make or break the game.
This year will see a surge of multiplayer games all with it's own unique characteristics that will make playing with your friends very fun. Whether you want to battle it out against your friends using your fists, or work together to save yourselves from monsters; this years PC multiplayer games should be a hit.
Dark Souls III
April 12th, 2016
The highly anticipated next chapter of the Dark Souls series, Dark Souls III by Bandai Namco is set to release on April 12th, 2016.
The dark fantasy Dark Souls series are action role-playing games focusing on a player created protagonist. The plot usually involves you halting the spread of demon-infested fog. Dark Souls III promises amplified combat intensity and faster gameplay.
Like others in the series, Dark Souls III multiplayer and single player mode are tied together. The multiplayer aspect allows players to join other players' games.
Battleborn
May 3rd, 2016
Battleborn -- the latest offering from 2K -- is a next-gen shooter that allows you to play in a solo/co-op campaign mode or in multiplayer. The heroes of the game have to defend the last star in the universe from a mysterious evil. This sci-fi adventure allows players to choose between 25 unique heroes; each with their own powers and weapons.
Battleborn's 5v5 multiplayer has three modes: incursion, capture, and meltdown. Capture is a fast-paced death-match "King of the Hill" type of mode. Meltdown tasks players player with sending their minions off to their death in an effort to make it to the incinerator and earn points. Incursion pits players against wave after wave of AI's while they attempt to destroy their opponents base.
The game will be released May 3rd, 2016.
Fable Legends
2016
The Fable series by Lionhead Studios takes a new direction in their latest game; set to be released in 2016. The online game, Fable Legends, is only available for Xbox One players and Windows 10 PC players. This free-to-play online multiplayer game is a fantasy game that allows players to take on the role of a variety of developed characters. Each is a master in their chosen form of battle (melee, ranged, or magic).
The new multiplayer game has an interesting twist to the original Fable games but still has a lot of the same things that made you love Fable in the first place. Players can be the shining heroes and work together online with others to defeat the oncoming evil. The twist comes in when you can play as the villain and focus on destroying players who play as the heroes.
The only thing that may be a negative for fans of Fable is that players will have to choose between set characters rather than customizing them as with past games.
No Man's Sky
June 2016
No Man's Sky, developed by Hello Games, is a science fiction sandbox game of exploration and survival. As of yet, there is little information on the multiplayer in the game, but it is reported to be a huge aspect.
This open world game sets the player as a planetary explorer in an uncharted alien galaxy where they are tasked with collecting data on planets and their inhabitants. Everything else the player does is up to them. Exploration is reliant on the ship the player can build. Purportedly, every star in the sky is a sun that can be visited.
No Man's Sky will only be available on the PS4 and PC.
DOOM
May 13th, 2016
Bethesda will be releasing DOOM, previously titled DOOM 4, on May 13 2016. The game boasts not only a multiplayer aspect that players were allowed to play during the Alpha testing, but a rich solo campaign as well.
A classic first-person shooter focusing on the fast-paced combat against bombastic demons; DOOM will feature classic multiplayer modes such as deathmatch, freeze tag, and clan arena.
In multiplayer, players will rely on their skills, powerful weapons, vertical movement, to defeat their foes. There are also unique power-ups that allow you to play as a demon.
Fortnite
2016
Fortnite, by Epic Games, is a multiplayer game where players band together to reclaim and rebuild a homeland that has been left destitute. While playing online, players will be able to build or find forts, weapons, and traps and protect their towns from the onslaught of monsters from "The Storm".
Because of it's building mechanics and it's apocalyptic violence, Fortnite has been described as "Minecraft meets Left 4 Dead" by Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney. In multiplayer, players can either work together to scavenge items and defend their fort or play against other players and try to destroy them.
A specific release date has not yet been cited, but players are assured it will be in 2016.
Street Fighter V
February 16th, 2016
Capcom will finally be releasing a new Street Fighter game in 2016. Street Fighter V will be released on the PS4 and the PC, with cross-platform multiplayer available.
The classic side-scrolling fighting game has received an upgrade and players will be able to challenge their friends to battle online. Players can also compete in the Capcom Pro Tour.
At release, the game will only have 2 player battle lobbies, but come the March update eight person lobbies will be available as well as a spectator mode.
Players also have four new characters to look forward to: Necalli, Rashid, Laura, and FANG.
Nebula Online
January 2016
Nebula Online by Mizar Games was released for Early Access on Steam in January of 2016. In this MMO players take part in the conflict between three species by exploring, building, and fighting.
Nebula Online is a science fiction multiplayer game that includes space exploration, real-time global space fights, PvP zones, station and ship building, and much more. The whole game is a multiplayer experience and it is available on PC, smartphones, tablets, and browsers.
Waiting for the top multiplayer PC games to come out may be difficult, but don't let that kill your hype. If these are not games you are excited for, don't worry there will more than likely be something you'll love.
There are going to be plenty of multiplayers that allow you to hack, slash, and cooperate with friends. From sci-fi sandboxes to a fantasy co-ops, 2016 will bring a lot interesting games to PC.
Just remember; keep your keyboard close and your friends closer.
Published: Feb 12, 2016 07:16 am