So now that 2013 is over with, we have a full year of video games to look forward to. There will be great new IPs, horrible butcherings of classic franchises, and plenty of mobile titles we won’t even know existed in the first place. However, we all know that there will be some standouts. As such, I am counting down my Top 10 most anticipated games of 2014.
10-Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers HD
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers is one of the most sublime point and clicks I’ve ever experienced. You play as Gabriel Knight, an aspiring writer in New Orleans working on a book about Voodoo. But strange voodoo-related murders are happening in New Orleans, and Gabriel goes to investigate. It basically all goes downhill from there. Sadly, this gem has faded to obscurity, but I can’t wait to play it again with a new coat of paint in 2014.
9-Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Returns was a game that I enjoyed way more than I expected. It was a perfect way to continue the Donkey Kong Country franchise, feeling almost exactly like the first three games. This Wii U sequel not only has new levels and two new characters, but it has tracks by David Wise, who composed some of the best video game music of all time. Hey, if the game itself ends up mediocre, at least the soundtrack will be amazing.
8-South Park: The Stick of Truth
South Park: The Stick of Truth has been through development hell and back. First set to release in 2012, this title was delayed into 2013… And then LATER into 2013… And now it’s set to release this year. Inspired by games like Paper Mario, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a turn based RPG being written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone themselves! This would be higher up on the list, but it’s been delayed so many times that I can’t help but worry.
7-Rainbow Six: Patriots
Rainbow Six: Patriots was one of my most anticipated games last year, but do to the delays I’m less excited. See, Rainbow Six: Patriots is feeling less like a game and more like vaporware at this point. Regardless, if it does come out, I’ll have a blast with this tactical FPS.
6-Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Hotline Miami one was an exhilarating experience which had good gameplay as well as a fairly interesting story. Hotline Miami 2 seems aimed to turn the whole ordeal on its head, focusing on a meta commentary of sequels in general. It looks brutal, it looks difficult, and it looks like it will be even more of a blast to play than the original.
5-The Rest of Wolf Among Us
I know I’m kind of cheating here, considering episode 1 of The Wolf Among Us is already out. Despite that, The Wolf Among Us still has 4 drama-packed chapters to release, hopefully with great dialogue and action like chapter 1. Sadly, the only thing we can do for now is wait and see if the game turns out as a classic franchise or a one episode wonder.
4-Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney
Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney is a match made in heaven. These two puzzle/visual novel franchises have crafted some of the best stories and characters in the history of gaming. For a long time, I thought this 3DS exclusive would never come to american shores. But here we are, getting an insane crossover between two of my favorite franchises. While I would normally blast this up to number 1, I’m honestly unsure if it will be released this year or pushed back into 2015.
3-Super Smash Bros 4
Super Smash Bros has always been one of my favorite franchises. It takes the entire library of Nintendo Franchises and pits central characters against each other. I’ve already put hundreds of hours into Melee and Brawl, and with a whole new roster of fighters and stages, I’m sure I’ll put many more into Super Smash Bros 4.
2-A Hat in Time
I love 3D platformers. I’ve grown up on 3D platformers such as Mario and Spyro, but since then my tastes have expanded to games like Banjo Kazooie, Sly Cooper, and Donkey Kong 64. 3D Platformers have been dying as of late, but kickstarter got just the medicine this genre needed. A retro-style 3D platformer inspired by Super Mario Sunshine and Banjo Kazooie. It looks insanely fun, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
1-Watch_Dogs
What’s this? A 3rd person open world game? With GTA-style driving but Assassin’s Creed style parkour? And there’s a good hacking mechanic? And it’s all in modern day Chicago? This game would be further up on my list, but Assassins Creed IV has revived my faith in the Assassins Creed dev team. Now the only thing left is to wait until March so I can get my hands on this game.