2014 is poised to be an exciting year for gaming. As the next-generatiom consoles start to come into their own, it’s set to be a year full of exciting firsts. And first up is a jam-packed spring season, hot with the most anticipated games around.

Ubisoft’s “Watch_Dogs” is an open world cyber-crime game best described as “Grand Theft Auto” with a hint of “Deus Ex.” Set in a technologically-linked Chicago, you play as a mysterious man with the ability to hack into anything on the grid. Streetlights, ATMs, the entire transit system – all at your mercy. A visual stunner on next-gen and PC, “Watch_Dogs” hits store shelves this spring.

If last summer’s “Pacific Rim” left you thirsty for more giant robot on giant robot carnage, perhaps “Titanfall” can fit the bill. The multiplayer first person shooter splits your time between battling as a foot soldier (complete with jetpack and parkour skills) and piloting massive mechs referred to as “Titans.” This is the first project from Respawn Entertainment studio, which consists of the same team that created “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.” “Titanfall”  releases on Xbox ONE, Xbox 360 and PC on March 11.

However, if you’re more interested in being arrowed to death by skeletons than getting stomped out by robots, “Dark Souls II” will be releasing the same day for PS3 and Xbox 360 (PC releasing on March 25). The sequel to the infamously unforgivable and brutally difficult original has been kept under tight wraps since announcement but it’s safe to say it will cause many a broken controller throughout 2014.

Playstation 4 owners will get their first must-have exclusive on March 21 in “Infamous: Second Son.” The next installment in Sucker Punch’s series of open-world superhero games takes the action to Seattle, with a new protagonist capable of absorbing powers from those around him. This visual stunner should show some of the graphical potential available in Sony’s latest machine.

For gamers more interested in a laugh than abject thrills, “South Park: The Stick of Truth” should provide hours of wild RPG fun. Written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, this fantasy role playing game has been best described as “Paper Mario with fart jokes.” You’ll be able to create a unique character who joins South Park as the “new kid,” and settle a war between factions (led by characters on the show) over the all-powerful Stick of Truth. The game is developed by Obsidian Entertainment (responsible for “Fallout: New Vegas” and other cult-classic role playing games), so expect some great fantasy action with your usual singing turds, high towels and gay Satans. “The Stick of Truth” lands on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 4.

Old-school PC gamers will likely have fond memories of the “THIEF” games. Beloved for their open-world exploration and unique steampunk universe, they revolved around the adventures of enterprising thief Garrett as he steals from everyone and gives to himself. Now, a decade after the release of the last game in the franchise, “THIEF” is back for a new generation. This reboot brings combines the inventive core of the original games, with a next-gen coat of paint. THIEF is in stores February 25 for PC, Xbox 360, Xbox ONE, PS3 and PS4.