Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2015

 2014 was a good year for gaming, especially for Wii U owners. But many are looking forward even more to what 2015 has in store for us. This is the year that sees releases of some of the biggest series in gaming, and also in which some titles that were pushed back from 2014 will finally release. So with that in mind, 2015 has the potential to be even better than last year. Here are the 10 games I’m looking forward to the most for 2015.

Keep in mind, the game has to be confirmed for 2015 to be included in this list.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

playstation 4, xbox one, playstation 3, xbox 260, pc

Ground Zeroes, released in 2014, was just a small taste of what is to come in the full game: a large open world Snake can explore at his own pace. It looks like the game will be huge, with several expensive environments, lots of missions and extra options. It has also been said this will be the darkest Metal Gear game yet, telling the story of how Big Boss went from a hero to a worldwide threat. With the series’ track record in mind, The Phantom Pain is a sure bet to be one of this year’s biggest games.

The Legend of Zelda

wii u

This one should not need any explanation. We haven’t seen much of it: only a small segment at E3 and some more at The Game Awards, but what we saw looks awesome. A large but very atmospheric world, riding around on Epona’s back (who can actually guide herself now so Link has more time to focus on what’s going on around him). It looks like Nintendo is trying to capture what made Zelda so popular, giving the player a large fantasy world to discover, and the means to explore it. It’s no coincidence that the image of Link standing on a cliff looking out over a vast world is very reminiscent of the famous piece of artwork from the first Legend of Zelda game. This should be something special!

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

playstation 4

The popular franchise by Naughty Dog heads to the new generation with Uncharted 4. It looks like this will be the last entry in the series, and it also seems like the studio wants to send it out with a bang. Drake looks older, the game has a more serious tone. The graphics, especially the detailed faces of the characters, look spectacular, and the level Naughty Dog showed at the PlayStation Experience looks like classic Uncharted with some new additions. For example, Drake can swing on a rope and jump down from it on an enemy, and a soldier who he drags into the abyss beneath him can catch Drake’s foot in his fall. If Naughty Dog gets it right, this could become the ultimate Uncharted game, and they usually get it right.

The Order 1886

playstation 4

The Order 1886 promises to deliver amazing graphics and cinematic gameplay in this interesting blend of a victorian setting mixed with fantasy elements. While it doesn’t look like it will break the mold in terms of gameplay, it still manages to catch the eye with its original style and character design. It looks like one of those games that is easy to get but fun to play, and a good way to start off the year for PS4.

Quantum Break

xbox one

From the creators of the excellent Alan Wake comes what look to be another unique game. In this title, players can manipulate time and use this to their advantage. Remedy described this project as a combination of their previous work, Max Payne and Alan Wake, in terms of story emphasis and stylish action. This certainly sounds like a winning formula!

Rise of the Tomb Raider

xbox one

Tomb Raider 2013 is widely considered one of the best reboots ever, and many feel it’s the greatest Tomb Raider game yet. The sequel is coming to the new generation next year (at least on Xbox One), and expectations are high. The game is promising various beautiful yet dangerous locations, a continuation of the rebooted story and more tomb raiding. Bring it on!

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker

wii u

Yes, the game is already out, but it’s still a 2015 game, so it should be on this list. This game takes the special Toad levels from Mario 3D World and expands on the concept for the character’s first standalone title. The creativity and polish the studio is known for, as well as the bright and colorful graphics, will probably ensure this game turns out to be a neat package, with over 70 levels that actually make use of the Wii U’s gamepad.

Until Dawn

playstation 4

This is one of those games that has the potential to be a sleeper hit. It promises a story with thousands of possible outcomes depending on what choices you make throughout the game. The game looks like it could be described as a horror focussed Heavy Rain, where even small choices can have a big impact. If done well, it could be a tense, unpredictable and fresh experience.

Yoshi’s Wooly World

wii u

This is the second year in a row this game enters the most anticipated list, so let’s assume it does actually come out this year. Nintendo showed the game during their E3 video, and it looks promising. The wool theme plays an important role not only in establishing the visual style of the game, but the gameplay as well. And once again, this game can be played in co-op, which is always a plus.

Kirby And The Rainbow Paintbrush

wii u

One of the early games on Nintendo DS was a game in which you had to draw a line for Kirby to move on in order to maneuver through various levels. Nintendo is now bringing this concept to Wii U with Kirby and The Rainbow Paintbrush, making use of the gamepad’s large touch screen. The game has an interesting graphic style mimicking clay-animation, and like most Nintendo games, looks very colorful and appealing. This game could either be a fun little title to hold us over, or a sleeper hit that turns out to very addictive. Either way, something to keep you eyes on this year.

Games that didn’t make the list: Halo 5: Guardians, Starfox Wii U, The Division.

Games that haven’t been confirmed for 2015: Final Fantasy XV, Silent Hills, Scalebound

Remakes / re-releases: Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, Ratchet & Clank PS4