1. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0’s crime story and open-world gameplay could make it one of this year’s best.

The Yakuza series has always been big in Japan, and an interesting alternative to Rockstar’s superb Grand Theft Auto games. And Yakuza 0 also looks likely to feature the same great combination of open-world gameplay, great characters and crime story as earlier games in the series when it ships in January this year.

Yakuza 0 follows the exploits of Goro Majima and series’ icon Karzuma Kiryu in the Japan of the 80’s, characters whom players can control in the game engaging in martial arts fights with opposing clan members, while there are also plenty of side missions and activities like karaoke to take part in. Yakuza 0’s crime story will likely be the main attraction here though, and if it’s as compelling as that of the earlier games then gamers sure are in for a treat when Yakuza 0 is released early this year.

Release date: January 24.