Hottest Video Games For 2014

You’re looking at your shiny new consoles that dropped last November but start to realize other than the few games that launched with then, the virtual cupboard is kind of bare. Typically when the new year rolls over things don’t start to heat up video game wise until the 2nd quarter. XXL wants to make sure you’re ready for that time, so we’ve prepared a list of the 10 hottest upcoming games that you’ll want to check for in 2014.—written and compiled by DJ Rhude (@DJRhude)

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

Published by: Square Enix

Developed by: Crystal Dynamics

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One

Release date: January 28^th, 2014

The reboot of Tomb Raider arrives on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One versions consoles in the form of the graphically stunning Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. Thanks to the TressFX technology that Crystal Dynamics is bringing over from the PC version, Lara Croft and the island of Yamatai will receive many graphical upgrades that will make your jaw drop. Watching Lara's hair flowing life-like in the wind, or seeing the foilage on the island react realistically as you move through it are just some of the cosmetic boosts you should expect to see in Definitive Edition. For those of you that missed out on the PS3 version, your tardiness may just have been a blessing in disguise.

Infamous: Second Son

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developed by: Sucker Punch

Platform: PS4

Release date: March 21st, 2014

Infamous: Second Son is the first big PS4 exclusive of 2014, and it’s going to deliver a personal experience for every individual. The super-powered sandbox will once again allow players to play as either the messiah or be a bad boy. This time around the choices you make will have a more subtle set of consequences on what happens in the game as you play through it. So while it may be important to be nice, Second Son allows you to be the jerk you are in your heart.

Titanfall

Published by: Electronic Arts

Developed by: Respawn Entertainment

Platform: Xbox One

Release date: March 11th, 2014

Titanfall could wind up being the Xbox One's most exciting console exclusive this year. The hype Respawn and EA's online-only, mech-v-man shooter generated at last year's E3 and Gamescom was at a fever pitch as it was showered in accolades. The frenetic, fast-paced FPS action puts an emphasis on varying play styles, vehicles, and team play giving it a chance to distinguish itself from any other FPS you have ever played.

The Order: 1886

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developed by: Ready At Dawn Studios

Platform: PS4

Release date: TBA 2014

This game looks intriguing. The Order: 1886 is set to in a unique vision of Victorian-Era London where Man uses advanced technology to battle a powerful and ancient foe. You play as a member of an elite order of knights that join a centuries-old war that will determine the course of history forever. This 2014 PlayStation 4-exclusive title is being co-written by Kirk Ellis, who won an Emmy Award for his work on HBO's miniseries John Adams.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

Published by: Nintendo

Developed by: Retro Studios Inc.

Platform: Wii U

Release date: February 21, 2014

Nintendo rarely disappoints with their Kong releases and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is no exception. Everyone’s favorite gorilla returns in the side-scrolling platformer with beautiful HD graphics that show fine details such as Donkey Kong’s fur. Dixie Kong also joins the adventure, and for the first time in Donkey Kong Country, bearded old hero Cranky Kong joins the adventure with his bouncy cane. Any of the three can buddy up with Donkey Kong, and each character offers a different gameplay experience.

MLB The Show 14:

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developed by: SCE Studios San Diego

Platform: PS4, PS Vita, PS3

Release date: Q2 2014

With the recent news that 2K Sports will not renew their MLB 2K series for 2014, MLB The Show 14 will be the first and only Major League Baseball simulation for next generation consoles. For PS4 owners that’s great news but for Xbox One owners until another developer steps up to the plate, they will be not be permitted entry into the virtual ball park. The Show has already been lauded as one of the best sports games out there and there is no reason to think otherwise why it won’t carry on tradition on the PS4.

Watch Dogs

Published by: Ubisoft

Developed by: Ubisoft Montreal

Platforms: PS4, Xbox 360, PC, PS3, Xbox One, Wii U

Release date: Q2 2014

Watch Dogs was initially slated to be a PS4/Xbox One launch title but Ubisoft pulled the plug at the last minute delaying the title. We’re still plenty excited about this game though as it showed plenty of promise that blended cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated game design into a realistic and living open world where players must use any means at their disposal to take down a corrupt system.

Thief

Published by: Square Enix

Developed by: Eidos Studios - Montreal

Platforms: PS4, Xbox 360, PC,

Release date: February 25, 2014

Thief is a reinvention of a franchise that seeks to reintroduce the main character in Garrett to fans and also get newcomers acquainted. Thief takes place in a plague ridden metropolis known as The City. Garrett returns after an extended absence from a mission gone wrong and quickly discovers that his city is going down the tubes and he must use all his wit to restore order. This first-person adventure features intelligent design that allows players to take full control, with freedom to choose their path through the game's levels and how they approach and overcome each challenge.

Dark Souls II

Published by: Namco Bandai

Developed by: FromSoftware

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Release date: March 11, 2014

The infamously-brutal RPG returns to kills you repeatedly this year and fans of this game couldn’t be happier. Dark Souls II is just as much about dying as much as it is living. You're basically expected to die, so that you observe your struggle, your failure, and learn from it. This game is more or less designed for the clinically insane and boasts some of the more unforgivable boss battles you’ll ever see in a RPG.

Destiny

Published by: Activision

Developed by: Bungie Software

Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3

Release date: September 9, 2014

Bungie has always had a knack for creating compelling universes, from Marathon to Halo, and now on to Destiny. However, Destiny’s aim is to take it a few steps further by marrying the story-telling in a single player environment, to a bold co-operative experience for you, your friends and every other person playing the game. The breadth of gameplay space in Destiny is staggering and the beauty of their next-gen visuals really pops. Sure some elements of it is reminiscent of playing Halo but when has that ever been a bad thing?