Monday, 9 Dec 2024

The Future of Current-Gen Games: What’s in Store for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One?

The highly anticipated launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S is just around the corner, but let’s not forget about the current-gen games that are yet to be released. These games have been lingering in development purgatory, but they still hold promise for the current consoles. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of these projects that have been on the horizon for quite some time.

Lost Soul Aside – PlayStation 4

Lost Soul Aside is an action game that caught the gaming community’s attention back in 2016. Developed by a single person, Bing Yang, this game combines stylish combat reminiscent of Devil May Cry with the visual flair of a Final Fantasy title. Sony recognized its potential and secured it as a timed PS4-exclusive. However, the game has faced delays and updates have been sparse. Despite this, we’re eagerly awaiting its release, whether it’s on PlayStation 4 or the upcoming PlayStation 5.

[Image: Lost Soul Aside Screenshot]

Wild – PlayStation 4

Wild Sheep Studios’ mysterious debut title, also known as “that neat animal game with the giant snake lady,” has been shrouded in silence for quite some time. Created by Rayman creator Michel Ancel, this open-world game allows players to control a shaman who can inhabit various wildlife creatures. From birds to rabbits to bears, the gameplay possibilities are intriguing. Although updates have been scarce, Ancel’s departure from the game industry hasn’t spelled doom for Wild. The project is still in development and has the potential to be a delightfully strange and enjoyable experience.

[Image: Wild Screenshot]

Dead Island 2 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Dead Island 2 has had a tumultuous journey since its announcement at E3 2014. With multiple changes in development teams, including Yager, Sumo Digital, and Dambuster Studios, the game has had a rocky road. Despite early demos, its progress has been scarce, leading many to question if it will ever see the light of day. A leaked playable build from five years ago only adds to the uncertainty. However, signs of life have emerged with recent job postings. While the release date remains uncertain, we still hold cautious hope for Dead Island 2.

[Image: Dead Island 2 Screenshot]

The Last Night – Xbox One

The Last Night is a stylish side-scrolling title that made its debut during Microsoft’s 2017 E3 conference. Set in a post-cyberpunk world, this cinematic platformer offers a unique visual experience. However, the development journey hasn’t been smooth. The team faced backlash due to the founder’s past controversial tweets, followed by funding and legal issues. Although a 2018 Game Awards trailer had to be canceled, the project is still alive, and the team is actively seeking additional funding. If they can overcome these hurdles, The Last Night has the potential to be an amazing game.

[Image: The Last Night Screenshot]

Skull & Bones – PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Ubisoft’s pirate game, Skull & Bones, has faced its fair share of challenges during its development. Delays and a lack of communication have left fans wondering about its fate. The game’s absence from September’s Ubisoft Forward event only added to the uncertainty. However, a recent blog post reassured fans that the game is still in progress and undergoing a “new vision.” While the release date may be a mystery, we hope to set sail in the chaotic high-seas skirmishes of Skull & Bones soon.

[Image: Skull & Bones Screenshot]

Dying Light 2 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Dying Light 2 takes ambition to the next level with its deep choice and consequence system and expansive world. The game’s development has been a rollercoaster ride, leading to an indefinite delay at the beginning of this year. While details about the game’s current state are scarce, our own Liana Ruppert has provided an insightful analysis that sheds some light on the matter. We eagerly await any updates on this highly anticipated sequel.

[Image: Dying Light 2 Screenshot]

Biomutant – PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Biomutant has managed to capture the attention of gamers with its unique gene-splicing customization, vibrant open world, and martial arts combat. Since its reveal in 2017, the game has consistently impressed, although release details have remained elusive. The sheer ambition of the project may explain the extended development time. While planned for current-gen consoles and PC, Biomutant has the potential to leverage the power of next-gen hardware to deliver an even more immersive experience.

[Image: Biomutant Screenshot]

Red Ash: The Indelible Legend – PlayStation 4, Xbox One

After the crowdfunding success of Mighty No. 9, Keiji Inafune and his team at Comcept embarked on Red Ash as its spiritual successor to the beloved Mega Man Legends series. While the Kickstarter campaign fell short of its goal, Chinese entertainment company Fuze stepped in to help fund the development. Since then, updates on the game have been minimal. However, it hasn’t been officially canceled, leaving a glimmer of hope that Red Ash may still see the light of day.

[Image: Red Ash: The Indelible Legend Screenshot]

Payday 3

Payday 2 was a massive success, so naturally, the anticipation for Payday 3 has been high. Unfortunately, the game has encountered development challenges since its announcement in 2017. Financial difficulties have plagued Overkill Studios and its parent company, Starbreeze. However, Overkill recently confirmed that Payday 3 is still in development and has shifted to the Unreal Engine. With a stroke of luck, fans may see the gang reunite for one last big heist.

[Image: Payday 3 Screenshot]

Conclusion

While the future of these current-gen games may be uncertain, we can’t help but anticipate their eventual arrival. Each project has its own unique story and challenges, but with the dedication of the developers and support from the community, we hope to experience these long-awaited games soon. Let us know in the comments which of these games you’re looking forward to, and feel free to share any other long-in-development titles that have caught your attention.

FAQs

Q: Will these games be released on next-gen consoles?
A: The release plans for these games remain uncertain. While some may transition to next-gen consoles, others may stick to their original platforms. We’ll have to wait for further updates and announcements from the developers.

Q: Are there any other long-in-development games worth noting?
A: Yes, there are several other games that have faced delays or lengthy development cycles. Some examples include Cyberpunk 2077, Beyond Good and Evil 2, and Metroid Prime 4. Keep an eye on the gaming news for the latest updates on these projects.