by Last Token Gaming
2014 was a bit of a doozy don’t you think? So much has happened in the year of gaming; 2014 is a year that brought up intense competition between two consoles, the renaissance of another, and swirling controversy that had wonderful intentions but became murky through mishandling. I think 2014 is going to be remembered as a very polarizing year for gaming, and for all these reasons both good and bad. Lead editor Marshall covered it succinctly and poignantly for our introduction to our Top Games of 2014 list.
With that said, 2015 doesn’t look to be slowing down the tempo we’ve seen the gaming industry go into recently. Major titles are coming out of the woodworks faster than our wallets can handle. Some games are being brought stateside that probably would never have had it not be for the fervent fan bases, and with how much more accessible gaming is becoming to a general audience, it’s going to be amazing.
Here is our top picks for games we’re anticipating in 2015, we hope you enjoy!
-Terry Randolph
Terry:
Batman: Arkham Knight – After the stink that was Batman: Arkham Origins, I’m looking forward to what Rocksteady has planned for us with Batman: Arkham Knight. What’s going to be even more fascinating is seeing how a) the death of Joker affects Batman and b) who Arkham Knight is. Also, we get to drive the Batmobile, how awesome is that? Overall, it’s been a thrilling ride for the Batman: Arkham series, and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for the conclusion.
Legend of Zelda: Wii U & Majora’s Mask 3DS – Everyone’s been waiting for both of these and have been clamoring for both of these for years. Remember when Legend of Zelda had that epic tech demo trailer for the Wii U in E3? Well, Nintendo knew how to build a demand for an HD Zelda game, and now we’re getting it. Pair that off with Majora’s Mask going to the 3DS? Even better. Overall, Link and co, are looking to make a big splash in 2015, and man am I excited for it.
No Man’s Sky – This game has continued to blow me away since it’s annoucement. Procedural building, endless planets to explore…just so much to look forward to. There’s a lot that’s been said, and a lot that’s been seen, and it’s just enough to keep me excited and curious about the game.
Xenoblade Chronicles X – Xenoblade Chronicles is a rare Wii RPG gem that I wish so many people had gotten to play or bought – the game’s mechanics, story, and look were amazing and provided a strong RPG for a system that seemed lacking one. I’m looking forward to that coming out for 3DS (and potentially buying a copy online for the Wii version). While I personally know little to nothing about Xenoblade Chronicles X, considering the first game I’m really excited to get this game.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – The Witcher 2 is a brilliant game, and sadly the only one to make it to consoles of the series. Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is looking to not only be a beautiful game, but an ambitious one at that. It’s a hardcore RPG experience that’s open and rife with decisions that lead to different outcomes. If you’re looking to quench that RPG itch, nab this.
Tom Clancy’s: The Division – Very rarely have I been interested in any Tom Clancy game; for some reason, they just never held my interest enough. Splinter Cell, while a fine series in its own right, i could never get into. Then I saw the trailer for The Division, and I want to get my hands on it. The gameplay looks sharp, the tone and feel of the game are interesting, and everything just seems to click. I’m looking forward to playing this game with friends.
Might No. 9- I’m so looking forward to this game. I’d say something, but I think Sean covers it better than I do.
Jake:
Star Fox Wii U – I enjoy a great Mario game or a great Zelda game, but not a day goes by without thinking how much love Nintendo series like Star Fox needed, so it was exciting to see when it was announced. It’ll be great to see how Nintendo takes the Wii U gamepad controlling approach to the game, as it needs to be demonstrated that the Gamepad isn’t just a gimmick.
Legend of Zelda Wii U – I really liked the open world direction that they decided to take with the new Legend of Zelda. The demo that they showed is what got me excited for the game the most! Riding Epona without manually steering her away from the trees and then jumping off your horse to fire your bow at your enemies before Link landed on the ground?? Shoot, I don’t remember seeing that in the previous Zelda entries!
Majora’s Mask 3DS – Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask was my personal favorite Zelda game, and I have been waiting too long to finally see that game getting the 3D treatment. I’m finally looking forward to having my childhood relived in 3D as well as looking forward to what extra goodies Nintendo may throw in this installment.
No Man’s Sky – I cannot believe on how ambitious this game looks. I’m blown away on the fact that they have procedural content and endless amount of planets. I’m even more awed that they already got all of that done in prior to the E3 announcement. I’m looking to see what more that the developers will cook up between now and the release.
Sean:
Mighty No. 9 – Dunno about anyone else but I have to have my Megaman style game fix at least once a month. Inti Creates pretty much keeps that style going with their newer games. (minus lots of fan made Megaman games of course) Mighty No. 9 previously only showing up in a minigame packed with Gunvolt will have his own game all backed by a rather massively successful kickstarter. So far we can expect the robot masters and power copy style with a few changes to make it more it’s own thing. Should be available around April 2015 for just about every main stream game system. I’m eager to try it already even if I know what to expect more or less.
Splatoon – So Nintendo doesn’t make a lot of online games, thats true however their new original IP has the charm and competitive atmosphere that hasn’t been seen in awhile since say, I dunno, Bomberman perhaps. Blooper look a like squid theme and paint, er ink colors everywhere with a strange swimming mechanic to add stealth play and creative use of weapons. Complete with a single player campaign and I hope a very deep multiplayer mode (please have Tentacruel and Midna DLC) it should be great fun and I’m not even into multiplayer competitive shooters that much.
Mother 4 (EarthBound fan game) – I only recently learned of this but the game project but it’s hard not to see just how much time and care went into making it as close to the original charm of the series. Weird creepy music, bright visuals and even a special effects system made just to make the battles look extra fancy. It was meant to be released this year but it was delayed so they could have more time to polish it. Definitely worth keeping an eye on, plus its gonna be free so no excuse go check it out.
90s Arcade Racer – Another Kickstarter game here, but one I feel like I need to have next year. 90s Arcade Racer aims to recapture the old school 3D racing game feel of games like Daytona USA, Sega Rally or Ridge Racer all with modern touches and modern graphics. Personally racing games are of my most favorite genre but only so few seem to capture the real sense of speed and thrill like the old arcade games did. Already looking good complete with rich environments on each track (including dinosaurs) and mechanics getting a ton of attention it’s hard to not feel excited to finally step on the track. While it was set for release this year it should be around next and I personally can’t wait to give it a spin.
Star Fox Wii U, Zelda Wii U, Majora’s Mask 3DS, XenoBlade Chronicles 3ds, XenoBlade Chronicles X – The guys pretty much said it for me, these games are looking to be the best of the year already. I’m a big fan of Star Fox games (seriously Star Fox 2 should been released, so good) and the next Zelda games are set directly for fan’s requests and expectations after all these years. Not to mention XenoBlade and its sequel, though I personally never had a chance to play the Wii game I am looking forward to a portable version on the New 3DS and the sequel on Wii U just looks crazy. I mean come on, transforming mechs and dinosaurs with open world RPG elements, whats not to like? (reminds me of Planet Explorers on Steam hmm differnet game though.) My only real question is how am I going to manage buying it all on my budget, dilemmas dilemmas. None the less gonna be one crazy year for gaming thats for sure.
Marshall:
Batman: Arkham Knight: How could this not be #1? This will not only be the sequel to the supreme Arkham City, but a sequel four years in the making if you skip over the prequel, Origins. For me, that’s a return that’ll be three years in the making when I pick it up in 2015. I skipped buying, renting, or even borrowing Arkham Origins, and all indications seem to be that was a decision for the better. Thus, I hope to maintain a perfect continuity in enjoying this series, which was invaluable in making me a Caped Crusader fan when I bought and blazed through the first two games in 2012. Lastly, and certainly not least, this bit of foreshadowing in City should signify a huge role for my favorite Batman villain.
Star Fox Wii U: If I feel like I’ve waited long enough for another Arkham game, that’s like a quick nap compared to the Rip Van Winkle slumber gamers have endured for a Star Fox that recaptures that 1997 feeling. Well, perhaps minus your team begging you to save them from bogies constantly…but other than that, we’re long, looooonnnnnggggg overdue for a more plump adventure with Fox, Slippy, Peppy, and Falco. And yeah….Star Fox Adventures doesn’t count as a drought-breaker. OK? OK.
Star Wars: Battlefront: Especially after the infuriating disappointment of Peter Jackson’s bloated, cynical, pandering Hobbit movies (let’s be honest, he full-on Lucased himself), I’m hungering for a giant Star Wars kick in 2015 in time for the new film. And nothing could help that out more than the newest edition of Battlefront, one of my favorite games to play with friends. My colleague Michael Ros already did a brilliant job anticipating what this one can improve upon with next-gen capabilities, so I won’t expand on that any further right here. As long as I get a good dose of classic action, and some stuff to whet my appetite even more for The Force Awakens, I’ll be first in line to buy this.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain: While I agree with Angry Joe’s assessment of the bad marketing for Ground Zeroes, this still looks like it’ll be worth the wait. Hideo Kojima is the Martin Scorsese of video games, and the fact that he’ll follow this up with Silent Hills is too much for me to salivate over.
Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition: Even after the satisfaction of buying and enjoying Alien: Isolation, the truth is I’m still not a current-gen gamer, at least not yet. Indeed, I was only able to get that game, much as I had anticipated it, because it was on the 360. As a result, I doubt I can honestly fill out five choices for current games I’ll get in 2015, and thus will end my list with this reissue. I’m hungering for Duke, but after the toxic lump of shit known as Forever, he’s been out of my awareness for too long now. A reissue should help wipe the slate clean.
Chris:
Batman Arkham Knight: Everyone on here pretty much covered it; this game is going to be AMAZING!!!
Amiibos: Having been a fan of the Skylanders series, and played the Disney Infinity games, I’m no stranger to the game/toy hybrid we’re seeing as a rising trend in gaming. I’m really excited for the Amiibos that are listed as coming up for 2015, even if there’s a chance they’ll be gone before reaching shelves.
Tom Clancy’s the Division: When Terry and I watched the trailers for this game, we were both amazed by the look and feel of the game. Tom Clancy games usually require a lot of strategy, planning and adapting in comparison to other shooters like Call of Duty. Pair that with an apocalyptic tone, this game looks to be gearing up to be a solid shooter.
Nintendo’s lineup: Nintendo never fails to provide great quality titles, and 2015 is shaping up to be no different. From Star Fox Wii U, to an amazing looking Legend of Zelda Wii U game, and even bringing Xenoblade Chronicles to the 3DS for people to play there’s just so much to be excited with Nintendo. If there’s ever a time to get a Wi U, this years line up and 2015s are solid reasons why.
Mortal Kombat X: The last Mortal Kombat game was a genuinely surprising successful game coming back to its roots. The mechanics felt fast, fluid and lended to creating some great matches with friends. Mortal Kombat X looks to continue the trend, and man does it look good for the next gen consoles. Looking forward to landing some fatalities in the game. OLIVE JUICE!!!