Itchy Fingers #13 - First Quarter Problems

Did you get that brand spanking new console you wanted for Christmas, only to discover that you’ve probably already completed most of the launch line-up? Or are you still squeezing as much life out of your PS3 and Xbox 360 as humanly possible, worrying about the day you’ll eventually have to pay through the nose for an upgrade? Never fear, for there are plenty of new games due for release in the first quarter of 2014 to keep your fingers busy, no matter which camp you fall into.


Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes

Even an alternate reality campaign couldn’t hide gaming’s worst kept secret of 2013, as it came as no surprise that Hideo Kojima would return to helm the next instalment of the politically charged Metal Gear Solid saga. Ground Zeroes will serve as the first part of what will eventually be Metal Gear Solid V, concluding with The Phantom Pain, which is due for release at the end of 2014. Cardboard box in hand, Snake returns in an adventure that will see his transformation from shadowy covert mercenary into the Big Boss of Outer Haven.

Released: 18 March
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Infamous: Second Son

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the return of Sucker Punch’s morally challenging home-grown open world superhero franchise, exclusive to PlayStation 4. Set seven years after Infamous 2, Second Son introduces a new protagonist; Delsin, a Seattle based graffiti artist who awakens his inner superhero after putting his neck on the line to save a group of civilians caught in a bus crash. However, he is labelled a “bio-terrorist,” and must work covertly with other super-powered beings in order to take down an oppressive, shadowy government agency known as the DUP (no, not that one).

Released: 21 March
Available on: PlayStation 4

Titanfall

Born out of a messy divorce between Activision and two leading members of the Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward, Titanfall marks the long awaited debut from the newly founded Respawn Entertainment. A futuristic shooter that pitches mech versus mech, Titanfall intends to bridge the gap between single player and multiplayer. Published by EA, this online-only experience will feature many elements associated with one-player campaigns, except against the backdrop of a never-ending multiplayer warzone.
Released: 11 March
Available on: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

Thief

Games don’t get much more cult than Thief – a first person stealth crawler that made a name for itself on PC back in 1998. It’s been almost a decade since the last in the series was released, but finally, the game that inspired the likes of Assassin’s Creed and Dishonoured is set to return on both PC and home consoles. Set in a dystopian Steampunk inspired fantasy realm, players take on the role of master thief Garrett, who returns to his plague ridden hometown to discover the rich living in good fortune while the poor face famine and disease.

Released: 25 February
Available on: Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

Just when you’d thought Twilight had all but sucked the blood out of the classic vampire yarn, the sanguine-soaked Castlevania reboot back in 2011 brought this Dracula inspired horror adventure back from the dead, putting a brand new spin on the tale of the world’s most infamous bloodsucker. Having been transformed into Dracula at the end of the first game, Gabriel Belmont must now return to his castle in order to restore his power and take down the acolytes of Satan. This open world button basher will make your fingers bleed as you’re pitted against the darkest demons the night has to offer.

Released: 25 February
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC

South Park: The Stick of Truth

Come on down to South Park for the long awaited role playing game that allows you to create your very own foul-mouthed fourth-grader as you assist Cartman, Stan, Kenny, Kyle and Butters in a fantasy quest to become the coolest kid on the playground. Scripted by Trey Park and Matt Stone and maintaining the 2D cut-out cartoon look of the show, the Stick of Truth could be the funniest game of 2014 particularly if the recent television episodes spoofing Game of Thrones, Black Friday and gaming culture are anything to go by.

Released: 05 March
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3


What game are you most looking forward to this year? 

Published in The Big List NI Issue 243, January 2014.