PlayStation 4 – Part 2

Here's the second part in our feature on the series we can't wait to see on the PlayStation 4, with three more hot series spanning multiple genres highlighted. These series have all come to be known as PlayStation series first and foremost (either because they're developed by Sony themselves, or because the developers were bribed by Sony…hey, it could happen). Here they are then, in no particular order.

Suikoden Series - Konami wasn't known for producing RPG's when Suikoden was first released on the PS1, and the underwhelming looking 2D RPG wasn't given much notice at first, considering the more prominent games soon to be released, including Wild Arms and Final Fantasy 7. Once gamers played it though, they were captivated by the storytelling and music, and Suikoden became a surprise hit, selling over 100,000 copies. Despite the respectable sales, Suikoden 2 was released in 1999 to limited quantities, and the game would end up being one of the most sought after on Ebay to this day, arguably being the most beloved entry in the series.

The PlayStation 2 got the next 3 instalments of the series, as well as a spin-off Tactics title. All 4 games performed well, and were positively received, though part 4 received the most mixed reviews. The DS recently got a new Suikoden game, and the series is expected to see its 6th main series entry in the near future, likely for the PS3.

Barring a sales disaster, expect Suikoden 7 to call the PlayStation 4 home at some point in the future, as Konami continues to expand the Suikoden world and introduce more and more of those mysterious true runes.

God of War Series - God of War hit the scene in 2005 and took it by storm, selling 3 million copies and winning numerous awards. The 3D action game was lauded for its tremendous graphics, music, and gameplay, and was almost instantly picked up by Universal Studios for a movie adaptation, which is still in development.

While it was thought the series would shift to the PS3 with part 2, Sony decided not to mess with a good thing and pumped it out on the PS2, to which it received as much critical acclaim as the first. Mobile phones and the PSP later got spinoff titles, with part 3 in development for the PS3, with as many as 50 enemies onscreen at once in the upcoming version.

This series will surely see the light of day on the PS4, and should make for some crazy hack and slash action. Only time will tell how many enemies Sony will be able to cram on screen in a PS4 version, but it should be awe inspiring and hectic fun.

Gran Turismo Series - The first Gran Turismo was a huge departure for the racing genre, taking a simulation approach that was usually reserved for games like Formula One and Nascar, but Gran Turismo did it with the kind of style, addictive and fun gameplay, and plethora of options that vaulted it above all others. The game was almost instantly hailed as one of the best racing games ever, with each successive entry in the series somehow managing to top the one before.

Gran Turismo features an exhaustive selection of tracks, cars, race types, and events, starting you off with just a small amount of money with which you can buy any number of real world cars. Winning races awards money which can be used to upgrade existing cars with a large collection of parts, or purchase new cars.

All 4 games in the GT series have approached or surpassed 10 million copies sold, giving it one of the highest ratios of game sales per release of any series with 4 or more games. The 5th game is currently in development for the PS3, with the 6th game likely coming for the PS4 close to launch.

SOCOM Series - While the most recent installment of the series was a disappoint for many, SOCOM still stands as one of Sony's most recognizable and popular franchises, and also one of their few mature-rated and online-centered franchises, with the ability to compete directly with some of Microsoft's own shooters and online games, areas that have traditionally been stronger on Microsoft's consoles.

We'd love to see a new version of this series fulfill the promise we expected out of the PS3 version. We're talking blazing fast online play, tight controls, gorgeous graphics, and rocking sound, and even more character customization options. And while online play is the major draw for SOCOM, we'd prefer the game not completely abandon single-player. At least a small campaign mode will suffice, something to pass the time when we don't feel like mixing it up with other dudes online.

There you have it, four more stellar series waiting in the wings for their chance to shine on the PlayStation 4, or rather their chance to smash into walls, hack things up, snipe noobs, and bust out true runes. It's going to be an experience unlike any other.