I have a confession to make: I still haven’t bought a NextGen console. You’re probably thinking, “Why the hell should I believe anything this guy says when he’s not even in the current generation!” Totally fair, but to be honest, any game that people may come close to deeming a “system seller” isn’t going to be released until 2014.
Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of games coming out this year and why they might just sell me on purchasing a current generation console. So, without further ado, here are some games that might be good or could suck.
“Bayonetta 2”
Platinum Games’ previous Wii-U exclusive, “The Wonderful 101,” may not have been as well received as some had hoped, but “Bayonetta 2” seems like a no-brainer. Simply re-implement the ludicrously enjoyable action from the first game in what could be Nintendo’s best third party exclusive in years.
If there’s any console I’m buying this year, it will probably be the Wii-U. Look for a price drop after E3, along with new “Super Smash Bros,” “Donkey Kong” and “Mario Kart” to boost sales. Wii-U probably has the best exclusive games this year—where else can you beat the crap out of a Wii Fit trainer!
“Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes”
Following one of the most bizarre marketing sequences in recent memory, it was revealed “Ground Zeroes” would serve as a prequel to “The Phantom Pain.” Kojima’s first official “Metal Gear” game on consoles since “Guns of the Patriots” is set in an open world and looks so gorgeous I’m starting to tear up a bit just thinking of it. It’s still on modern consoles though, so no dice on shelling out the extra cash.
“Halo 5”
If it wasn’t the franchise I’ve literally spent the most time playing, I would probably be okay just giving it up. That being said, “Halo 4” was a fine revitalization and I want to see where 343 Studios takes it next. There’s little in the way of information, so for now Halo will be staying on the backburner. An Xbox One probably won’t be on my mantle for a few years still.
“The Order: 1886”
“The Order” is one of my most anticipated games for one reason: Ready at Dawn. After crafting two amazing “God of War” Play station Portable games, their leap to AAA development is a long time coming. Probably Sony’s second finest studio in terms of quality behind Naughty Dog, Ready at Dawn’s artistic sensibilities behind their game’s Victorian sci-fi design look appealingly similar to “Dishonored.” A Playstation 4 purchase may still be months away, but I’m pretty confident this will be Sony’s next great franchise.
“The Witcher 3”
Although it’s multi console, CD Projekt Red games look so spectacular it’s hard to ignore how great the expanded, open world of this third entry looks. The strategic combat of “Witcher 2” is sometimes hard to grasp, but once you get the hang of it, the series’ sense of consequences and choice is basically unparalleled. I may be more excited for CD Projekt Red’s 2015 planned release, “Cyberpunk 2077,” but with Witcher 3 coming on both consoles, I’m content eventually buying a PS4 to play it.
New consoles bring some fresh excitement into the ever cynical world of video games. Fresh blood oftentimes reinvigorates a stagnant industry. Early sales numbers indicate good returns and with plenty of other promising titles set to launch this year. Let’s hope 2014 continues the successful trend.
Are you planning on purchasing a new console this spring? Tell Adam your reason why at arparis@wisc.edu.
