We’re heading into the second half of 2014 in just a few days, and it’s time to start looking at what video games it has to offer. The first half of the year was decent with some quality games including the likes of Titanfall, WildStar, Dark Souls 2, and Mario Kart 8. Things are about to get a lot better, though.
This list of 10 games you should be excited about isn’t just based on speculation, we’ve played most of these games. Frankly, we know they are going to deliver, and in a way that makes the second half of 2014 memorable.
Let me be clear that several games aren’t included simply because they don’t have a release window on lock. We’ve gotten the impression from The Witness and a few others that they may slip into 2015, so they won’t be included. This list consists of games we know are coming out in 2014, unless something catastrophic happens.
So here you have it, the top 10 games that are sure to deliver during the next six months.
Top 10 Games for the Second Half of 2014
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10. Alien Isolation
Why: Alien: Isolation isn't just going to be the scariest game during the second half of 2014, it's one of the most ambitious. Built loosely around the original Alien film, the iconic Alien, with its strong observational learning skills, will stalk you as you seek escape from your environment. It'll adapt to your every move, ensuring that you never feel safe. If you aren't good at stealthing and reacting quickly to difficult situations, your adventure might bring with it great challenge.
Related: Alien Isolation Supports VR
Everything presented at E3 was horrifying, and sounded exactly what horror fans have been looking for in a next-gen game. This will likely be the first Alien game that delivers a AAA experience.
When: October 7th
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3
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9. Sunset Overdrive
Why: Insomniac has a long history of delivering exciting action games with fun-to-use weapons. Sunset Overdrive takes their style to the next-gen with a colorful open-world environment that emphasizes enjoyment over everything else. It knows it's a video game, and doesn't try to be anything more.
Related: Sunset Overdrive Preview
We know there are going to be tons of wacky and fun to use weapons in the game, as well as fast-paced locomotion; that's in Insomniac's blood, after all. The only thing we don't know is if its highly stylized world will be a great place to spend time. If it is, this will be a killer app for the Xbox One's holiday season.
When: October 28
Platform(s): Xbox One
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8. Destiny
Why: Destiny may very well be 2014's most expensive game to develop. While that's not necessarily a good thing, it's a game made by Bungie that essentially functions as an open-world Halo with MMO qualities. It'd be a crying shame not to include it on this list.
Related: Glacier White Destiny PS4
Destiny's Alpha had gamers talking, and for many it's a reason that the game is on the top of their to-buy list for 2014. It's also the game that Sony is banking on selling the PS4 to new consumers during the Fall and Holiday season. A Glacier White PS4 bundle will release alongside the game, and the PS4 version gets one-year timed-exclusive content. Sony wouldn't bet so much on Destiny if it were on-track to disappoint.
Destiny means business, and you'll be seeing plenty of it once September rolls around.
When: September 9
Platform(s): Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3
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7. Bayonetta 2
Why: The original Bayonetta is regarded as one of the best action hack and slash games of all-time. Its smooth combat and curvy main character are back for more, this time on the Wii U. Yeah, it's a bit strange seeing so much cleavage on a Nintendo console.
Related: Bayonetta 2 Includes Free Bayonetta
Nintendo is betting a lot on Bayonetta 2 being impactful for its next-gen console. Frankly, it's the biggest third-party exclusive coming to the platform. Platinum Games has never let us down, and we expect this one to continue its heritage of daring, flavorful games.
When: October
Platform(s): Wii U
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6. Grand Theft Auto V (PC, Xbox One, PS4)
Why: Grand Theft Auto V won our Best of 2013 award with its compelling narrative and captivating world. But let's be real here, it was too big for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Sure, they ran the game, but compromises were made as a result. The PC, Xbox One, and PS4 versions don't need to make these sacrifices.
Related: Best Games of 2013
Significantly better visuals, better A.I. and improved damage modeling are just a few things GTA V will do better on its new platforms. The game was already great, so this is going to be one hell of a ride.
When: 2014
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4
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5. The Last of Us Remastered
Why: Naughty Dog is one of the most successful developers in the world, and its best game ever made could very well be 2013's The Last of Us, a game that landed on the PS3 toward the end of its lifespan. It was a game with a powerful story to tell. Gamers fell in love immediately, leading to it receiving several game of the year awards.
Related: TLOU Remastered to Cost $49.99
The Remastered version will feature 1080p resolution, and some minor adjustments that are sure to make one of the best games ever made even better. It's undoubtedly the highlight of this Summer, and despite being a re-release is a good reason for gamers to consider buying a PS4.
When: July 29th
Platform(s): PS4
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4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Why: I can't think of a package that includes more value than Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Here's an HD remaster with four games included, each of which are some of the most well-received shooters of all-time.
Related: Halo Collection Map List
All we wanted was a Halo 2 Anniversary Edition, and what we got instead was something much bigger. While only Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 will be receiving anniversary treatment, each game will run at 1080p with 60 FPS. Heck yes. This may end up being the best HD remaster to-date.
When: November 11
Platform(s): Xbox One
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3. World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor
Why: Yes, World of Warcraft is a nearly 10 year old game, but that hasn't kept Warlords of Draenor from looking absolutely fantastic. It's an expansion that prioritizes bringing back the qualities that have made the game an absolute joy to play, emphasizing world interaction and pride-inducing challenges.
Related: Warlords of Draenor Preview
I wasn't particularly thrilled about the last two expansions for World of Warcraft. However, Warlords of Draenor is the real deal. Draenor may become a fan favorite with its iconic characters and compelling lore. It also will include new models for each of the original races. I have a feeling this will be the best expansion since Wrath of the Lich King.
When: Q3/Q4
Platform(s): PC
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2. Super Smash Bros. Wii U
Why: If you were on the E3 show floor, or at least saw it from live streams, you know how captivating Super Smash Bros. on Wii U is. It was the star of the show, creating audiences out of passerbys. This is a title that is fun to play for everyone in a way that few games can contend with.
Related: Super Smash Bros. Preview
Super Smash Bros. Brawl compromised some of the competitive qualities that the franchise was previously known for (many went back to Melee). This Wii U iteration won't make that same mistake. It's also the first HD release of the series, which is reason alone to be excited.
When: Q4
Platform(s): Wii U (a similar 3DS version will release in October)
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1. Evolve
Why: Asymmetic multiplayer is exactly what online shooters need right now, and Evolve's got it. Developed by the same team responsible for the Left 4 Dead series, this is a game that turned heads during the three days of E3.
The premise alone is outstanding. One player assumes control of a massive Monster that needs to consume wildlife to evolve and become stronger. Four other players take control of Hunters, which have team-oriented skills that need to be employed to overwhelm the powerful Monster. It's quite simple, but the intensity during play is through the roof.
Related: Evolve Preview
Evolve is fun to watch, but even more fun to play. It is our pick for the most anticipated game for the second half of 2014.
When: September 9
Platform(s): Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3
