If the following 15 selections are an indication of anything, it’s that 2014 will likely be somewhat memorable for video gamers. Anyway, without further ado – here are our top (multiplatform) selections for 2014.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
(PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Serving as an introduction of sorts to (the upcoming) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, “Ground Zeroes” is going to feature the all-new gameplay concept that’s been devised for the series which includes more open-world mechanics. Of course “The Phantom Pain” is still going to be (according to series creator H. Kojima) “hundreds of times larger that Ground Zeroes”, but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t going to be incredible.
The Elder Scrolls Online
(Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Let’s be honest here – you, like many others, have likely already spent hundreds of hours playing Bethesda games, especially those belonging to the Elder Scrolls series, right? What self-respecting gamer could possibly pass on the chance to experience their winning FPS-as-an-RPG- formula online for some fun? With this upcoming title for
Destiny
(PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Aside from the fact that the various clips and snapshots of “Destiny” look incredibly awesome on their own merit, the concept of a Bungie-designed open-world MMORPG is just too tantalizing. We fully expect this game to be one of the primary titles which helps to define what the next-generation consoles are capable of, in more ways than one (especially when it comes to broadcasting gameplay via the new services like Twitch). Not to worry though, it’s also going to be on the PS3 and Xbox 360 too. The prospect of exploring a game world that feels more “alive” than most others is also extremely tempting as well.
Watch Dogs
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Seen by some as Ubisoft’s answer to Rockstar’s GTA franchise, “Watch Dogs” is an upcoming game that has some serious potential not just as a new series, but perhaps also in offering the entire open-world, third-person game genre a new direction to explore. There’s going to be a little bit of everything, apparently. From on-the-fly hacking and impressive parkour action to the ability to commandeer vehicles and freely explore a large, vibrant Chicago, this game has a lot to offer gamers. If that weren’t enough, some additional online features will also include the ability for other players to wreak havoc on someone else’s game; all in good fun, of course.
Mario Kart 8
(Wii U)
Even if you’re not really a Nintendo fan or console user, the appeal of the Mario Kart series cannot be overlooked. Naturally, those who already own a Wii U (or consider themselves to be ardent connoisseurs over everything “Nintendo”) know how entertaining this particular spin-off franchise truly is, and have likely already preordered. So, what’s new in this one, you ask? How does anti-gravity racing sound?!
Dark Souls II
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
Despite its crushing hard difficulty, the Dark Souls / Demon’s Souls franchise has won over the hearts of countless RPG aficionados with its highly stylized fantasy gameplay. Perhaps adhering to the “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” sentiment, developer From Software has decided to keep this sequel’s gameplay within the parameters established by its predecessor. In other words, if you fell in love with the first one, expect this one to deliver more of the same challenging, intense and inimitable moments that made the series so appealing in the first place.
Titanfall
(Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Nevermind the fact that “Titanfall” features some of the talent behind the Call of Duty series, this futuristic first-person shooter promises to stand on its own unique merits. You can assume control of either a large mech walkers or free-running pilots to wage war with others while completing various objectives as a team. The coolest thing though, is that the multiplayer element is integrated into what would conventionally be considered the single player campaign, for some very interesting action. Moreover, there are specialized titans you can jump into, each with its own abilities. The fun lies in how you employ strategy and tact within the context of the aforementioned factors.
Quantum Break
(Xbox One)
Appearing at first to be another great-looking game featuring cover-based action in the third-person perspective, “Quantum Break” is actually so much more. Toying with enhanced reality concepts such as television segments which are influenced by the way you play the game and live-action sequences blended into the onscreen action, this title could very likely become a major IP. All we know is the game involves a time travel experiment gone wrong and actual scientists from CERN (of Large Hadron Collider fame) were actually consulted in its development – both being things which make it beyond cool in our book.
The Crew
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
If the concept of “The Crew” (which involves racing across a large, yet somewhat manageable model of the entire United States {in around 90 minutes}) doesn’t get you, perhaps the excellent graphics and car models will. Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections have come together to bring us a very cool-looking persistently open-world racing game with enormous potential. In short, this is sort of an RPG for those who are more into driving games.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Tom Clancy’s “The Division” is yet another one of those games with a direct chance of being one of the more memorable next-gen games. Outwardly, it’s a post-apocalyptic third-person shooter with many different strategy components, but it also has a distinctive online focus as well. Graphically speaking, it looks incredible, but it’s gameplay is also very strong, indicating that it could very well be a major contender not just on the PS4 and Xbox ONE, but also on PC’s.
Thief
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Fans of stealth-based gameplay need not worry, the upcoming reboot of the infamous “Thief” series is slated to be a strong one. Building upon the violence is always secondary to the objective style; this game will also introduce a more refined experience for the genre, perhaps helping to establish an overall better experience via enhanced A.I. At any rate, “Thief” looks impressive and will likely be a 2014 favorite in a lot of gamer’s minds, especially considering the fact that it’s going to be a mulit-platform / generation release.
Grand Theft Auto V
(PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC(?), Xbox ONE(?), PlayStation 4(?)
Having apparently just “outsold the James Bond franchise’s efforts for 2013”, the popularity and appeal of “Grand Theft Auto V” is surely widely known by this point. Of course when it was announced that there were no plans to bring the game to the next-generation consoles or PC it was met with disdain – with everyone expecting to play the title on a wide assortment of platforms. As expected, there’s been intense talk and hint-dropping by multiple sources indicating that GTAV is in fact going to be making its way outside of its 7th generation console home and into other pastures, the PS4, Xbox ONE and PC perhaps being among them. But is this just a rumor?
Mad Max
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Say what you will about it, but the upcoming “Mad Max” game being developed by Avalanche Studios sounds very interesting to say the least. Not only is it an open-world game set in a post apocalyptic wasteland (Fallout much?), but it is also going to incorporate vehicular-based combat, apparently, which is certainly welcome.
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor
(Microsoft Windows, OS X)
The World of Warcraft franchise is an institution, so whenever it’s announced that a new expansion is being released it’s a just cause to celebrate. Not only does the game feature an all-new world to explore, Draeno, but it also increases the level cap, build your own base, and add new characters. In short, this is a definite must-buy for serious fans.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Open-world RPG’s are all the rage, perhaps due to the fact that more advanced capabilities and game engines are everywhere you look. With “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” however, developer CD Projekt RED is promising a larger environment and an overall more detailed experience than anything previously found amongst what’s currently available. Expect a great story as well as plenty of intricate, non-linear gameplay for those who enjoy exploring vast areas.
