While 2014 brought many memories through excellent games such as “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” “Destiny,” “Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,” and “South Park: The Stick of Truth,” among many others, gamers have much to anticipate in 2015. With many prominent first-party and multiplatform titles being released this year, developers across the gaming scene hope to exemplify the ever-evolving technical and creative power of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
“Battlefield: Hardline,” Visceral Games (March 17)
“Battlefield: Hardline,” hopes to reestablish the “Battlefield” franchise as the go-to modern warfare series. While 2013’s “Battlefield 4” may have left a sour taste in fans’ mouths with its incredibly buggy multiplayer and auto-erasing campaign save files, “Hardline” developer Visceral Games hopes to salvage the franchise’s reputation with a twist on the typical “Battlefield Formula”; the game’s campaign focuses around police officers and criminals instead of the typical military setting that has dominated modern shooters. Featuring the impressive “Levolution” mechanic from “Battlefield 4” — where environmental destruction plays a strategic role in shaping the course of a battle — and unique multiplayer game modes, Hardline is shaping to be a promising comeback for the damaged franchise.
“Halo 5,” 343 Industries (Fall 2015)
As the Xbox’s most prolific franchise, the “Halo” series is has never been more prominent. The recently-released “Halo: The Master Chief Collection,” while plagued with online issues, has harkened the entire “Halo” series into the collective consciousness of gamers everywhere. “Halo 5” continues Master Chief’s story with the introduction of a new character, Spartan Locke, and the game’s plot is promised to leave lasting repercussions throughout the “Halo” universe. The “Halo 5” beta, released over holiday break, has shown but a preview of the grandeur of the science-fiction franchise on the Xbox One. After developer 343 Industries’ success with 2012’s “Halo 4,” “Halo 5” is sure to impress both technically and canonically.
“Star Wars: Battlefront,” DICE (2015)
In what is sure to be a simultaneously nostalgic yet excitingly new release, publisher EA announced last year that the classic “Star Wars: Battlefront” third-person shooter series is set to return after a ten-year absence. Harnessing the Xbox One’s and Playstation 4’s technical prowess, developer DICE is bringing their considerable expertise from the “Battlefield” series to the “Star Wars” universe. While little is currently known about the game, except its release during the holiday season, the promise of memorable “Star Wars” locations and characters within the powerful confines of the Frostbite 3 engine is sure to get any “Star Wars” fans excited.
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” CD Projekt RED (May 19)
While 2014 received an excellent RPG in “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” 2015 is set to deliver another fantasy spectacle: “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” In “The Witcher 3,” CD Projekt RED has opted for a less linear campaign approach, allowing players to choose their own story. With its recent delay into May to further Polish the massive game, “The Witcher 3” seems to be in excellent hands with CD Projekt RED; fans will likely have to set aside many weekends to thoroughly romp through this fantasy RPG.
“Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End,” Naughty Dog (2015)
PlayStation 4 owners are in for a treat come the release of “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” in 2015 (specific date unknown). Fortune hunter Nathan Drake is back for another globe-trotting adventure, and after the previous “Uncharted” games’ numerous awards and critical acclaim, developer Naughty Dog surely faces high expectations. The game’s few trailers have already shown off Naughty Dog’s technical competence, as “A Thief’s End” looks gorgeous even next to the latest games. With “A Thief’s End,” the series’ reputable platforming, fantastic plot, and excellently-acted characters are all set to return, making 2015 an exciting year for any PlayStation fan.