2013 is over. Next-gen is now-gen. But there is still so much in store that could make your old console feel a little more welcome.
From games to services, here is a list of what’s in store for 2014.
“Old” Gen Exclusives
There are lots of titles launching exclusively on last generations consoles – and by this we mean Xbox 360 and PS3 (and PC too). They are mostly sequels of great titles, so be excited:
Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2
The sequel to one of my favourite titles of 2010, Lords of Shadow 2 promises to be the ultimate ending to the saga.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is pegged for release on 28 February 2014 on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.
Dark Souls 2
The developers at From Software are still basking in the glow of the cult success of their Souls franchise.
For their Dark Souls 2 outing they promise to deliver the same hardcore gaming experience that fans love in a full package that doesn’t fleece them for DLC.
Dark Souls 2 will be available on PC (Windows), PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and is scheduled for a March 2014 release. From Software has no plans to port the game to Playstation 4 or the Xbox One just yet.
Dark Souls 2 won’t repeat PC mistakes, dodges DLC
South Park The Stick of Truth
It’s been a long time coming… then it was delayed. Then THQ went bankrupt, but Ubisoft snatched up the game. And then it was delayed again. But soon!
We will finally be able to get our hands on this highly anticipated TV-series-to-game adaptation on 7 March 2014 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.
South Park mocks next-gen console war
South Park Stick of Truth DLC? “F**k that”
Cross Generation Titles
Even if you don’t own a PS4, or aren’t planning on waiting out the launch of Xbox One in SA, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of the next-gen lineup. Below are some titles coming to both old and new consoles.
Titanfall
Titanfall comes from Respawn Entertainment, a studio formed by Vince Zampella and Jason West from the ashes of original Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward following an ugly legal battle with Activision.
Titanfall promises a reworking of the traditional run and gun online FPS experince, incorporating large mechanised Titan battle units, which can be manned by players, or left in the hands of AI to roam the battlefield.
With 12 human players facing off in Titanfall, ancillary roles will be filled by the game’s AI, hopefully leading to some dynamic combat scenarios.
The man-to-mech FPS Titanfall will release on 13 March for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.
Watch Dogs
What was meant to be a PS4 launch title was unfortunately pushed back to 2014 for a little extra spint n’ polish.
Watch Dogs is poised to be Ubisoft’s next ground-breaking IP, featuring all manner of open-world hacking exploits in a lovingly crafted futuristic Chicago.
Watch Dogs is scheduled for launch in 2014 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, and Wii U.
Watch Dogs: PC specs released, prepare to upgrade
Watch Dogs: Wii U version trumps 360, PS3
Thief
Developer Eidos Montreal is behind the reinvention of the Thief franchise – the original Thief games set a gold standard in how to do FPS stealth fire sconce extinguishing.
In addition to the return of series hero Garrett, there are a bunch of new features in the upcoming sneak-‘em-up, such as the increased importance of light and shadows, highly-intelligent AI, and the ability to upgrade Garrett’s weapons and items.
To the joy of mouse-and-keyboard fans, Eidos Montreal previously said that the PC version of Thief is “extremely important” for the franchise, and they won’t deliver a sloppy port.
Publisher Square Enix has announced that the Thief reboot will launch on 28 February 2014 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and PC.
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Thief dev: “PC version is extremely important”
“Freebies” and Sales
Your last gen consoles are not going anywhere, and both Microsoft and Sony have committed to continued provision of their free game collection incentives – Xbox Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus.
PlayStation Plus offers monthly free games for all three PlayStation platforms every month – PS Vita, PS3, and PS4. Microsoft’s Games With Gold offers two titles every month for Xbox 360 owners. Of course, free is a relative term since you have to pay to subscribe to the services and their additional benefits.
Also, if you missed out on any great console titles from the outgoing generation, chances are they will be pretty cheap soon. Coupled with a great line-up for 2014, I don’t plan on getting rid of my old consoles any time soon.
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