2014 has been a rollercoaster ride for gamers, with some incredible highs and lows. Games like Dark Souls II, Watch_Dogs, Titanfall, Assassin’s Creed: Unity, Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Far Cry 4 and Dragon: Age Inquisition have for better or worse been entertaining us through the past 12 months. Well with the year winding down, we thought we would take a look at the next year of gaming: 2015. While there are sure to be more games to be announced, and more updates as we move into the year, these are the games from Microsoft that you should keep on your radar:
Studio: Capybara Games
Currently in open beta for PC, Below is a dungeon-crawling RPG that according to the creators “combines the old-school delights of exploration, looting treasure and subterranean peril with a contemporary approach to storytelling.” Definitely keep your eye out for this one.
Studio: StudioMDHR
Cuphead is one of the many ID@Xbox games currently in development and is a run and gun platformer for one or more players that draws heavy inspiration from 80s cartoon and a bygone era of gaming. Specialising in its boss battles the game places you in the role of Cuphead & Mugman and has you traversing strange worlds, acquiring new weapons, learning powerful super moves and uncovering hidden secrets. Oh, and the soundtrack is entirely original jazz recordings, so that’s cool too.
Studio: 2K Games
One of the bigger games on people’s radar is Evolve from 2k Games. Putting players in the role of either giant monsters or a team of hunters, Evolve offers one of the better asynchronous gameplay experiences in a long time. At our recent hands-on we learned how vital teamwork is to the whole package and can’t wait to see how the game evolves at and after launch.
Studio: Moon Studios
The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for Xbox One and PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, “Ori and the Blind Forest” explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.
Studio: CD Projekt RED
I’m relatively new to the Witcher, having glossed over the first and second games, but I have to say that the upcoming Witcher III looks absolutely stunning and like it will play like a true RPG gamer’s dream. With powerful characters and a story that changes heavily depending on your choices, I can’t wait to give this one a whirl.
Studio: Ubisoft
The Division takes place three weeks after a devastating pandemic sweeps through New York City on Black Friday. One by one, basic services have failed and society has collapsed into chaos. The Division, an autonomous unit of tactical agents, is activated. Leading seemingly ordinary lives among us, these agents are trained to operate independently in order to save society. In a persistent and dynamic environment where exploration and player progression are essential, team up with other Division agents to restore order, investigate the source of the virus, and take back New York.
Studio: Lionhead Studios
They may not be the greatest games out there but I love the Fable series. Exploration, journeying, magic and a cool fantasy setting are one thing, but now we can bring our friends in on the action! The first game in the series to offer multi-player co-op, Fable Legends lets you and three friends explore Albion and take down the devilish monsters that threaten it. Not only that, but you can also opt to play as a villain and create the chaos yourself.
Studio: Remedy Entertainment
Announced at the same time as the Xbox One, Quantum Break is meant to be the next step in gaming: A game that combines what we play and what we watch into a unified product. From the makers of “Alan Wake” and “Max Payne,” critically-acclaimed Remedy Entertainment brings forth the world of “Quantum Break,” blending innovative, adrenaline-fueled gameplay and Time Manipulation features with deep and thoughtful narrative.
Studio: Square Enix
After being battered and bruised in last year’s Tomb Raider reboot, Lara Croft is back and her next journey will be exclusive to Xbox One. eaturing epic, high-octane action moments, “Rise of the Tomb Raider” will take gamers to multiple locations around the world filled with exploration spaces that are some of the most beautifully hostile places on earth. In addition, after hearing the cry from fans loud and clear, the game will put the tombs back into “Tomb Raider,” all in the franchise’s gritty Survival-Action style.
Studio: 343 Industries
Probably one of the most highly anticipated games of 2015 is Halo 5: Guardians. Developed again by 343 Industries, Halo fans everywhere will sure to be clamoring over Master Chief’s next outing. Lets just hope that some of the problems from the Master Chief Collection are ironed out by then.
So there we have it, the biggest games that will be coming out the gate at you in the new year. With all the great titles coming out way, which are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below and remember to stay tuned to Capsule Computers for all the hottest gaming news any time of the year.
