Considering two new next generation consoles released at the end of 2013, new game releases have been few and far between, with a few (really good) exceptions. However, all that is about to change with the impending release of a whole host of titles over the coming months.
Console Monster has gone through the release calendar and picked out 14 of the best titles set to release on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One in 2014.
Please note: We are not responsible for your bank balance taking a rapid decline after viewing these fantastic looking games. Please spend wisely. Furthermore, all release dates listed are subject to change.
The Last of Us Remastered
Platform: PS4
Release Date: August 1st, 2014
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us has sold over 6 million units worldwide and was the second largest video game launch of 2013 (behind Grand Theft Auto V). Not bad for a PlayStation 3 exclusive.
With improved visuals, 60 frames a second, native 1080p display, in-cinematic director commentary and bonus downloadable content, The Last of Us Remastered will allow PlayStation 4 owners to relive the same experience like never before.
Destiny
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: September 9th, 2014
Destiny is an upcoming online multiplayer action role-playing first-person shooter (try saying that five times over). Set seven hundred years into the future in a post-apocalyptic setting, players take on the role of a Guardian of the City. It’s their task to investigate and destroy threats from other colonies and civilisations before humanity is wiped out.
With on-the-fly matchmaking and real-time dynamic lighting, Destiny could be the first title to really test the power of the next-generation consoles.
Forza Horizon 2
Platform: 360, XBO
Release Date: September 30th, 2014
Despite being another title in the Forza Motorsport series, Forza Horizon was considered more of a spin-off due to the open-road nature of the game. Nevertheless, it was still a huge hit.
Two years on and the sequel looks set to race onto the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Set in southern France and northern Italy, Forza Horizon 2 is set to be three times bigger than its predecessor and there are a host of new features.
Alien Isolation
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror stealth title that is styled closely to Ridley Scott’s “Alien”. Set in 2137, the game follows Amanda, who is investigating the disappearance of her mother, though she finds herself in a space station infested by an Alien.
Instead of following a predetermined path, the artificial intelligence of the Alien (which cannot be killed) has been programmed to actively hunt the player by sight, sound and smell. It looks as if gamers have a few sleepless nights coming their way with this one.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
BioWare have been fairly quiet on the console front in recent years, with their last major release being Mass Effect 3 in March 2012. That’s all about to change in October with the release of Dragon Age: Inquisition.
The third title in the series returns to the continent of Thedas and will follow the events described in the novels “Dragon Age: Sunder” and “The Masked Empire”. With larger environments and more quests confirmed, it might be worth cancelling any social plans for the month of October.
DriveClub
Platform: PS4
Release Date: October 8th, 2014
DriveClub looks set to be the ultimate racing title when it arrives on shelves in October. The game combines arcade and simulation racing with a huge range of social options.
In terms of development, DriveClub looks set to utilise the PlayStation 4 to its full potential with a stutter-free frame rate smoothness and aesthetically pleasing graphics. However, if you can’t wait until then, there’s a beta for the title arriving later this month (July).
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Platform: PS3, 360
Release Date: October 17th, 2014
The Pre-Sequel is the third in the Borderlands series. Set before the events of Borderlands 2, the title is set to expand upon the engine and gameplay of its predecessor with the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, including anti-gravity, freeze weapons and oxygen tanks.
As long as it features Claptrap, I’m sold.
Battlefield Hardline
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: October 24th, 2014
Despite being part of the Battlefield series, Hardline is a completely different game to the military titles we’ve previously experienced. The first-person shooter places a lot of emphasis on bank robberies and escaping from the police in a variety of game modes.
EA have also promised a longer single player campaign with a more involved story in comparison to Battlefield 4. Battlefield Hardline certainly looks promising. Let’s hope it delivers.
Assassin’s Creed: Unity
Platform: PS4, XBO
Release Date: October 28th, 2014
Since it debuted in 2007, Assassin’s Creed has come a long way. However, Unity is set to be the first title in the series to include co-operative multiplayer, letting up to four players explore and engage in narrative-driven missions.
Set in Paris on the eve of the French Revolution, Unity is also set to feature a rebuilt combat system and new parkour mechanics (the fancy term for “climbing up walls”). Despite controversy about the lack of female avatars in the game, Assassin’s Creed: Unity looks set to be a solid addition to the winter line-up.
Sunset Overdrive
Platform: XBO
Release Date: October 28th, 2014
Sunset Overdrive is a brand new IP that sees players navigating the open world metropolis Sunset City in 2027. Gamers are in charge of a FizzCo employee, who is tasked with cleaning up the mess left behind from a party FizzCo has thrown in celebration of the launch of their new energy drink.
The initial trailers have shown that Sunset Overdrive will focus on agile combat, including wall running, zip-lines, and acrobatics. This certainly looks promising.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: November 4th, 2014
Another year, another Call of Duty. However, don’t stop reading just yet. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the first title in the series primarily developed by Sledgehammer Games.
With “House of Cards” star Kevin Spacey cast as the antagonist, the single player campaign looks set to provide quite the thrill and the multiplayer could very well follow suit. Hopefully Advanced Warfare can improve on the slightly disappointing Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Platform: XBO
Release Date: November 14th, 2014
Also announced at E3 this year, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is set to bring Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 to the Xbox One. All four games have received frame-rate (60frames per second), resolution (1080p), and lighting upgrades.
If that wasn’t enough, the collection will also contain access to the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta. Welcome to the next generation Master Chief.
Far Cry 4
Platform: PS3, PS4, 360, XBO
Release Date: November 18th, 2014
Far Cry 3 was critically acclaimed when it was first released in November 2012. The world design, open-ended gameplay and story made for one of the most enjoyable first-person shooters ever made… so Far Cry 4 has some big shoes to fill.
While not much is known about the title, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to invite their friends to play co-operatively, even if the friends don’t own a copy of the game.
Grand Theft Auto V
Platform: PS4, XBO
Release Date: Q4 2014
During Sony’s press conference at E3, it was revealed that Grand Theft Auto V would be making the jump over to the next generation consoles. The game’s developer Rockstar said that the new version will include “an array of visual upgrades and a few tweaked features”.
Other new features include new forms of wildlife, as well as upgraded weather and damage effects. Plus you’ll be able to transfer your existing GTA Online saves over. It looks like another trip to Los Santos is definitely on the cards this winter.
Are you particularly looking forward to any of these titles or is there a game you can’t believe didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below.
