My Most Anticipated Games of 2014

Last year we witnessed the release of so many great games, such as BioShock: Infinite, The Last of Us, and Grand Theft Auto V, as well as the next-generation consoles. Now 2014 is here and a new set of releases are on the way, for both past and current generation consoles. So many games are on the way, but these are the ones I’m most excited for:

10

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

I’ve grown tired of zombies, but I’m hoping that Dying Light will reignite the fear I felt when I was younger and saw these dangerous beings. Parkouring throughout the infected riddle environment, searching of necessary supplies, and using custom crafted weapons had me smitten. What truly sold me was the end of the first gameplay video, when our protagonist attempted to flee from the mutated infected during in the night.

9

Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Publisher: Nintendo

Ever since it was release in America in 1999, I’ve been a fan of the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, however, was a tremendous disappointment to me. With the frustrating online interface of the Wii coupled with vexing additions like tripping, I lost interest quickly and eventually let the game gather dust in my library. I’m hoping the next game will reignite the same joy I had when I played the original game on my N64 and Brawl. After all, who doesn’t want to play their favorite Nintendo characters in alternate worlds against other notorious gaming figures? 

8

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Komani

Let’s ignore all the things that Hideo Kojima stating earlier in the year about his admiration, and depression, for Grand Theft Auto V’s freedom and making The Phantom Pain more erotic. With Kiefer Sutherland now starring as Snake, the legendary warrior has woken from a coma and taken on a new codename: Punished Snake. Now in Afghanistan during the Soviet War, the new open world is ambitious step for the franchise allowing players to tackle objectives in new, and different, ways. I cannot wait to see if the new steps forward either disappoint or delight. 

7

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

I’m a huge survival horror fan, but with Dead Space and Resident Evil moving towards the action-adventure route, I’ve been waiting for a proper survival horror game. In development by Tango Gameworks and headed by the creator of the Resident Evil franchise, Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within stars Detective Sebastian Castellanos in an insane asylum. After being attacked within its walls, the officer is captured and knocked unconscious and awakes in a living nightmare where monsters walk the hallways. I hope that The Evil Within will give me the same jolt of fear I experienced when I played Silent Hill for the first time or ran from my first Necromorph in Dead Space. 

6

Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Sucker Punch
Publisher: Sony

The primary reason I want a PlayStation 4 is for infamous: Second Son. With Cole MacGrath now gone it’s up to a new hero, or antihero, to step up and that man is Delsin Rowe, a 24-year old graffiti artist. After learning that he’s a Conduit – a person with special genes that manifest into unique powers – Delsin dedicates himself to fighting the Department of Unified Protection, a government organization who monitor Conduit activity. Delsin can control and absorb smoke, as well as absorb powers from other Conduits such as Neon, as opposite to Cole who had the power of Electrokinesis. I cannot wait to see more of Delsin’s powers in the coming weeks, especially what decisions this young adult will be faced. 

5

Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: EA

I’ve been waiting for something to set a new standard for competitive multiplayer first-person shooters, and Titanfall seeks to accomplish this. With multiple terrain battles, jetpacks that allow the player to navigate the environment in new ways, and giant robot battles I cannot wait to leap into my first Titan. From the various video footage I’ve seen of Respawn Entertainment’s I can honestly say this game will be the reason I pick up an Xbox One. 

4

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Wii U, PC
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft

Despite being delayed till this year my interest for Ubisoft’s new franchise is still high. Players take control of highly skilled hacker Aiden Pearce, an anti-hero seeking to protect his loved ones. You’re free to roam the open-world of Chicago and use the CtOS to control the city’s entire information network that include people’s personal profiles, security devices, and anything else linked to the system. Gameplay demos have shown Aiden aiding a fellow hacker in escaping, infiltrating CtOS mainframes, and even an assassination, it looks like a lot of activities will be available for the player. You can even hack your way into another player’s world and steal valuable information for them or kill them if you choose, taking griefing to a whole new level.  

3

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
Developer: Bioware
Publisher: EA

I hated Dragon Age 2. It was nothing when compared to the superior Dragon Age: Orgins. With repeating dungeon maps, lack of customization, and limited exploration I began to wonder if Bioware truly made that game. Now I have hope for the franchise, as the first gameplay footage of Dragon Age Inquisition shows that Bioware has listened and learned from those mistakes, returning to what made the franchise so great. With consequential decision making, large open spaces to explore, engaging battles to fight, and fully customizable characters I cannot wait to learn more about the next installment in the Dragon Age franchise. It may also finally dispel the sour taste left by Hawke’s adventure.  

2

Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Publisher: Warner Bros. Entertainment

When I first played The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings I was overwhelmed by the amount of lore, and mature content, that filled this graphic world. The political struggle of warring factions, the racism of those who weren’t born humans, and the use of sensitive topics such as sex was astonishing. This was capitalized on with an intricate combat system and elaborate choices that would change the game dramatically throughout Geralt of Rivia’s adventure. Now a new open world, teeming with monstrous creatures and incredible treasures, has been established as The Witcher: 3: Wild Hunt’s setting. How will my choices manifest themselves in this amazingly detailed world? This is the last adventure in Geralt’s story, but I know that CD Projekt RED will ensure it’s something worth remembering. 

1

Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix

If you’ve made it this far then you know I’m an RPG fan, and what role-playing addict can ignore a new Final Fantasy game from the people at Square Enix? Lightning quickly became one of my favorite characters in the Final Fantasy franchise, her strength and determination was intoxicating. Now in the final installment of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy I’m glad that I regained control of this powerful warrior for one last adventure. With highly customizable options available, a deep combat system built on the previously established Paradigm structure, and challenging adversaries to face Lightning’s Return should be everyone’s reason to keep their PS3 or Xbox 360.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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