As part of their December magazine, here is a list of the top games we will be keeping an eye on in 2015.
Halo 5 (Xbox One)
Microsoft’s marquee title for 2015 will undoubtable be 343 Industries’ Halo 5. And Microsoft has good reason to hype Halo 5. The series more or less made the Xbox brand and it’s Microsoft’s golden child, that is, if you ignore the juggernaut that is Minecraft. As it looks right now, 343i is looking to reclaim the competitive multiplayer space on consoles, arguable held by the Call of Duty series. A big effort is being pushed on the technical front, 60 fps and dedicated servers, as well as the social space with an eSports focus. Without a doubt, Halo’s future on the Xbox One will sit on the shoulders of Halo 5’s early success. As of now, the release date is still pending.
Uncharted 4 (PS4)
Sony is getting Naughty Dog back in the game to kick things off right with the PS4’s second year and what better than with a series that gained massive popularity on the PS3. Nathan Drake will be back for a fourth, and possibly final time, but it’s unknown why he is back or what he will be thieving this time around. Naughty Dog has a pedigree of pushing Sony’s technology to the limit in order to deliver a gorgeous game. Technically speaking, it’s hard to find an action adventure game better than Uncharted and Sony is looking to continue Drake’s adventuring into 2015 and possibly beyond. Sony fans are still waiting for an official release date.
Bloodborne (PS4)
If it’s not Dark Souls and it’s not Demon Souls, it’s the new kid; Bloodborne. Bloodborne from From Software will be the first “Souls” foray into the next-gen console scene. The grim-dark fantasy features fast and precise action that should make any “Souls” fan gleam with joy and rage after its punishing enemies that will kill and kill and kill and kill players relentlessly. Hidetaka Miyazaki is back at the helm making it his first return to the “Souls” series since Dark Souls. Bloodborne is set to release March 24.
Arkham Knight (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
The Arkham Batman series has really grown into a fantastic set of games. Though, it’s showing its age, developer Rocksteady Studios is hopefully going to prove Batman has a place on next-gen platforms. Batman is at the peak of his skills allowing players access to all of his high-tech gadgets, which includes his Batmobile. Due in early 2015, it looks to offer PC and console players an exciting title play near the start of the new year.
Evolve (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Evolve is shaping up to be the standout co-op title of 2015. Nothing but positive buzz surrounds its diverse and, most importantly, fun FPS team-workin’. Developer Turtle Rock is taking what they learned best from Left 4 Dead and putting a wild sci-fi twist on things. Turtle Rock comes from a long line of frantic co-op shooter making the studio a safe team to get behind. Hitting both consoles and PC in February, Evolve may be the best game to play alongside your best bud.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
It’s hard not to repeat what has been said before about Witcher 3, but putting it simply, the game looks gorgeous. It should go without saying, but track down a trailer for the game and see it for yourself. CD Projekt RED seems to have created an open fantasy world that pushes current gaming technology to the limit. Staggering beasts, rolling countryside and fierce sword-play make up a small portion of what the Witcher 3 has to offer. With a solid story, memorable battles and varied quests, Projekt RED may have a big hit on their hands. The Witcher 3 is set to release on May 19.
Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Just when Kojima says he’s out, Snake pulls him back in, and in the Phantom Pain’s case, Big Boss is bringing Kojima back to the Metal Gear Solid series. Phantom Pain will be the first game, not counting Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeros, to showcase the Foxdie engine, specifically made for PC and new consoles. It’s unknown what twists and turns Kojima will take players, or if this will bring the series full circle, but it’s undoubtedly a series with a lot of baggage and a lot of die hard fans. Set in the early 80s, Big Boss ends up in Afghanistan during the Soviet war. Players will be able to partake in sneaking missions for the first time in an open world which will open the game up for more hijinks and expected thrills. It’s set to fall sometime in 2015.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (Linux Mac, PC, PS3, PS4, Vita)
The brutally fast-top-down-killing-spree that is Hotline Miami is picking up the bat again and dragging players into the 1990s. Hotline Miami was a hit due to its fast-tactical-violence and it’s sync-pop heavy soundtrack that had players tapping their toes while their palms sweat. This time, the sequel will add a level editor on top of more weapons and ways to play via Vita and Playstation platforms. Hotline Miami 2 should be available early 2015.
Star Wars: Battlefront (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Battlefront was once the highest grossing Star Wars series of all time. Now, EA has the Star Wars video game publishing rights and put DICE to work developing the new Battlefront, the third in the series. It has been a long time coming and with DICE’s shotty Battlefield 4 launch, it may make some people a bit uneasy. But then, what’s better than jumping on a speeder bike, racing under an AT-AT, board a tie fighter and launching it into space with your friends in toe. DICE knows mayhem and it is all that much better with Star Wars thrown into the mix. Look for it Holiday 2015.
Star Citizen (PC)
The crowd-funded space simulator from Chris Roberts, who helped develop the popular Wing Commander on PC, is maybe coming out next year, but when it does, it’s sure to make some noise. It’s an ambitious project, but it has the fans to push the development further with the help of their deep pockets. The game prides itself on it “realistic” controls and first-person immersion. The expensive space ships and countless hours of space explorations through a persistent massively-multiplayer universe sets Star Citizen as a frontrunner for most ambitious project of 2015, well, let’s at least hope it falls in 2015.
