Greatness Arrives: The 15 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2014

The new year means that next-gen has begun to come into their own, but exactly what new games are worth copping in 2014?

Unless Apple or some other Silicon Valley-backed startup decide to trump the success of the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, that means there are unlikely to be any new hardware announcements this year.

As hundreds of thousands of technophiles flood the CES floor in Las Vegas, we’re more focused on what will be the dope line-up for video games in 2014. Anything can change in this fast-paced industry, as it is prone to do, but we’re betting on another banner year for games.

Here’s our most anticipated gaming list of the new year. Are any of these surprises worth copping? Let us know below.

Photo: Ubisoft

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We start off with one of the most ingenious first-person-shooters that has gamers on tilt…

Photo: Respawn Entertainment / Microsoft

Titanfall

Release Date: March 4
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

One of the most important third party debuts for the next-gen finds Respawn Entertainment reminding everyone about their engaging content. Gamers are placed in the shoes of a pilot who can transition from shooting on the ground to destroying foes inside a giant mech. Huge in scope, grand in design, and destructive like a summer action movie blockbuster, Titanfall delivers a strong punch to the gaming industry.

Photo: Bungie

Destiny

Release Date: September 9
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Bungie‘s first post-Halo game comes pre-packaged with hype. If you haven’t seen the trailer or any of the gameplay from this game, you’ll learn just how incredible this game is once the beta graces gamer’s inboxes this summer.

Photo: Ubisoft

Watch_Dogs

Release Date: 2nd Quarter 2014
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

The delay hasn’t killed the mojo this Ubisoft title carries, even though it’s still not clear why it happened. The drop-in, drop-out multiplayer, great sci-fi / technological storyline, and open world gameplay makes this one a must have for any true gamer.

Photo: Obsidian Entertainment

South Park: The Stick Of Truth

Release Date: March 4
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Another game that is finally getting its just props finds those crazy South Park kids entering in the role-playing genre. As Obsidian Entertainment proves they still have what it takes to turn out a game, all eyes will be hoping that Cartman and co. can make this a worthwhile game for gamers.

Photo: Nintendo

Super Smash Bros.

Release Date: TBA 2014
Platform: Wii U, 3DS

Some would argue that Nintendo has been doing next-gen before the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The company that Mario built has its chance to prove true with their returning fighting franchise. While little has been announced in the way of new features, it should be another guaranteed hit for Nintendo.

Photo: Kojima Productions

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zereos

Release Date: March 21
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

The last time Hideo Kojima spoke people were too busy drooling over the gameplay to listen. His next big budget offering removes franchise favorite, David Hayter, in favor of Kiefer Sutherland as the voice of Snake. With anything Kojima-san does comes plenty of surprises, and we’ll keep watching for more.

Photo: CD Projekt RED

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Release Date: 2nd Quarter 2014
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

CD Projekt RED‘s hugely popular role-player made little impact on home console players, but with the next-gen comes HD gaming. Utilizing the REDengine 3 to power Geralt of Rivia‘s final store, The Witcher 3 boasts some of the best (and biggest) offerings for gamers this year.

Photo: Telltale Games

The Walking Dead: Season Two

Release Date: 1st Quarter 2014
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Ouya

Although the release of Episode 1 was last year, that only got the ball rolling for Telltale Games‘ popular adaptation of the Robert Kirkman comic. Armed with a fantastic storyline, unique character development, and a brand of QTE-gameplay, The Walking Dead is for anyone who is looking to play an exciting survival-action title.

Photo: Telltale Games

Game of Thrones

Release Date: TBA 2014
Platform: TBA

Announced during last year’s VGX Awards, Telltale Games continued their growth as an incredible developer by acquiring HBO’s Game of Thrones to make into a videogame. The company has a proven record at doing episodic gaming the right way, so we’ll keep our weapons at the ready as more develops.

Photo: Sony

The Order 1886

Release Date:
Platform: 3rd Quarter 2014

PlayStation 4 didn’t launch with too many exclusives that made gamers jump out their chair. But, this third-person-shooter set in an alternate Victorian London looks, sounds and, hopefully, plays promising.

Photo: Indie Game Jam

The Witness

Release Date: 1st Quarter 2014
Platform:

Jonathan Blow’s follow-up to his amazing Braid is just as mystifying as his original effort. Placing gamers on an island with the object of solving a myriad of puzzles as the plot, The Witness will have plenty of testimony from hardcore fans.

Photo: Deep Silver

Dying Light

Release Date: TBA 2014
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC

Brought to you from the folks behind Dead Island, this game doesn’t stray too far from their comfort zone, but it does redefine zombie gameplay. As players travel around dodging the infected undead, you’re tasked with scavenging and crafting to fight against the growing zombie population. Boasting a dynamic day and night cycle, you’ll have to bring your wits, cunning, and plenty of distracting items to use before the sun goes down.

Photo: GameSpot

No Man’s Sky

Release Date: TBA 2014
Platform: TBA

This project from Hello Games absolutely stole the show at last year’s VGX Awards. Featuring a procedurally generated open world, gamers are welcomed to explore the deep oceans of inhabited worlds or fight in brash space-based battles. Each world has its own ecosystem. Gamers are encouraged to travel, share, and update their own worlds with others.

Photo: Eidos

Thief

Release Date: February 28
Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC

Eidos’ Montreal caused quite a stir when they announced their attempt at revamping the much-beloved stealth classic. Critiques and complaints aside, this “choose your own rules” style of gaming may leave the gamer who loves violence at a lost, but will enthrall anyone who loves to use the shadows to overcome challenges. This game looks highly impressive.

Photo: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Release Date: 4th Quarter
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

The gameplay looks so real that it’s hard not to be impressed by how graphically superior this game is. Inspired by real operations and directives, Ubisoft’s third-person shooter aims to reveal how vulnerable Americans have become. As a disease spreads across the United States, it’s up to you and The Division to save what remains of the country. It really wowed people at last year’s E3, so much so that features such as massive multiplayer online function and smart device connectivity could be the beginning of a new trend in mainstream gaming.

What other titles are you looking out for this year? Let us know your thoughts below.