2013 has come and gone and it was an absolutely fantastic year for gaming. We saw blockbuster titles emerge in various genres, including everyone’s favourite FPS franchise, Call of Duty Ghosts, Rockstar’s genius, Grand Theft Auto 5, Naughty Dog’s new foray into the adventure-horror area, The Last of Us and of course the introduction of the next generation in console gaming, the PS4 and the Xbox One.

Of course, South Africa has only officially been introduced to the PS4, but according to Xbox South Africa’s Public Relations Manager, Graeme Selvan, we can expect the Redmond Giant’s next console on South African shores within 2014. I managed to get some hands-on time with the One at last year’s rAge, and I can confirm that you guys are in for a treat once the big day arrives.

Some of the big upcoming games to expect in 2014 includes a large assortment of next-gen titles, but fortunately for those of you who has opted to not make the jump yet to the PS4/Xbox One, the console giants have confirmed that they will carry on producing games for your current consoles well into 2015.
So without further ado, in no particular order, here is Dark Carnival’s Top 10 Consoles Games to look forward to in 2014:

10. Driveclub (PS4)

Racing fans rejoice. Driveclub is a hopeful new MMO/RPG type racer which will allow gamers from all across the world to compete in events and level up as they rip through the streets at blistering speeds in this visually beautiful title announced last year. Initially set to be a PS4 launch title, the game has been delayed into 2014 for what we assume to be an extra coat of paint. Watch out for this one!

9. Thi4f (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5–ZKsAi5E0

Fancy yourself a stealthy larcenist? The return of Garret has been a long time coming and being a fan of the previous games in the series I can assure you that you are in for a treat. Sneaking into various medieval-type settings, using a variety of tools to make yourself even more stealthy, and even overtly attacking patrolling guards is the name of the game.

8. Destiny (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One)

Since their departure from the Halo series of games, Bungie has been working on a FPS MMO that takes things to epic proportions. Imagine Borderlands’ drop-in, drop-out system, combined with Guild Wars 2’s dynamic events, along with several other RPG style games’ levelling system and you have what will probably one of the biggest and most popular space operas this side of sci-fi. Definitely one to look out for.

7. Titanfall (PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)

Xbox Exclusive, Titanfall is one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2014, and for good reason. It combines the ultra-fast, in your face combat from the classic deathmatch games such as Quake and Unreal Tournament, with mechanised combat. Add to that jetpacks and you have yourself a fantastic take on FPS multiplayer gaming. Expect this to go into tight competition with Call of Duty and Battlefield.

6. Dark Souls II (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asgxfHZlQGk

Here’s one of the above mentioned titles that has found its focus on current gen. Introducing one of the hardest video game series in our modern video gaming age. If you played the original Dark Souls you will know that it is frustrating, migraine-inducing, controller smashing, and rewarding…when you eventually progress past that one part that might or might not drive you to buy a new console/pc because you smashed the previous one out of frustration. Don’t believe me? Ask anyone who’s played it.

5. Watch Dogs (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One)

Another title that was delayed into 2014 and after seeing the game in action, I can honestly say that it is just about perfect as it currently is, so adding a bit more shine can only serve to improve it even more. Essentially you play an underground hacker in a futuristic Chicago. Armed with a sophisticated cellphone which allows you to hack pretty much anything/get information on anyone in the game, and the prowess of a lithe athlete to traverse the beautifully crafted open world, the protagonist must face several challenges in order to succeed in this (speculative?) tie in to Ubisoft’s other popular open-world game(open to discussion methinks?)

4. inFAMOUS: Second Son (PS4)

Welcome to the world of Conduits, or super-powered human beings, as you take on the role of a new protagonist in this highly successful sequel to the first two inFAMOUS titles. Armed with new abilities, protagonist Delsin Rowe fights off the DUP, while influencing both his personal outcome as well as that of the city of Seattle.

3. Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

We couldn’t complete this list without at least a little bit of love for Nintendo’s latest console. Platinum Games’ visually pleasing and well put together title had an uncertain future, until it was announced as an exclusive for Nintendo’s flagship console. It is currently one of the most anticipated games of 2014 due to the fact that it will be introducing a whole host of new features, including a much sought-after multiplayer mode.

2. Halo 5 (Title not yet confirmed) (Xbox One)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fEKcOK8gno

The Halo franchise has been one of the most popular sci-fi orientated FPS series of our generation, and for good reason. It boasts an indepth and profound story, as well as one of the most satisfying multiplayer modes in recent years. The next Halo game was revealed in a awe-inspiring trailer at last year’s E3 and after the huge success that was Halo 4, we can only expect great things from 343 Industries.

1. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETP-gjGJOME

Hideo Kojima is one of the most respect names in the video game development industry, and for good reason. He has produced some of the most well-liked games in the history of video games, including the Metal Gear Solid series of games. With the reveal of his brand new FOX Engine, he has certainly made a name for himself in terms of graphical realism, and the latest entry into the Metal Gear Solid series, Ground Zeroes promises to take the series and Kojima himself, to great new heights.

There are plenty of other games that I would have liked to include in this list, such as Dying Light, Quantum Break, The Elder Scrolls Online, along with many more, but there is simply too many to list. let us know in the comments below what your most hotly anticipated game/s are for 2014.