Fifteen Most Anticipated Games to play in ’15

Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight Release Date: June 2nd, 2015

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC | More about Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady’s final game in the Batman Arkham series, Arkham Knight will grace next-gen consoles and PC in 2015.  Another high profile delay in its own right, Batman Arkham Knight was originally due out in 2014.  Arkham Knight’s pre-release trailers of the game have shown off a “next-gen” Batman experience, with improved graphics and new features like the ability to command the Batmobile.

Rocksteady claims that the improved specs on the new machines allows for more enemies on screen, and better physics simulations.

On the heels of the mildly disappointing Batman: Arkham Origins, Rocksteady is looking to finish the award-winning series off with a bang.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Uncharted 4 Release Date: TBA 2015

Platforms: PlayStation 4 | More about Uncharted 4

When it comes to first party exclusives on the PlayStation, there isn’t a developer in Sony’s stable that’s more decorated than Naughty Dog.  Responsible for a trio of Uncharted games on the PlayStation 3, as well as The Last of Us, the studio won numerous awards for their previous work.  On both the story telling front and through visual design, it’s hard to pick a better first party developer.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is one reason why 2015 could be a special year for the PlayStation 4.  Details are pretty slim at this point, but the game is certainly shaping up to be one the best looking games set to arrive on the PS4 in 2015.

Bloodborne

Release Date for Bloodborne: March 24th, 2015

Platforms: PlayStation 4 | More about Bloodborne

Familiar with PlayStation exclusives, From Software is once again building a brand-new action-RPG for Sony with Bloodborne.  Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the developer responsible for the original Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, those looking for a familiar experience will be in luck.

Bloodborne is definitely a game similar to those popular titles, but with considerable differences in the way it plays.  Faster paced combat that features a risk/reward system are a couple of the explained ways that the game has changed.  The Medieval Fantasy weapons of the Souls series have been shucked for a different type of weapon arsenal, one that features multiple states for different weapons for attacking variations.

While there are differences, Bloodborne still appears to feature the same types of exploration and epic boss battles that the Souls series is known for.

Persona 5

Release Date for Persona 5:  TBA 2015

Platforms:  PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 |  More about Persona 5

After the huge success that was Persona 4 and the subsequent release of Persona 4: Golden, this Shin Megami Tensei series is set to resurface with Persona 5 in 2015.  Very little is known about this next Persona game at the moment.  Fans have only been treated to teasers and small bits of information about the game.

What has been shared by Katsura Hashino is that the game is being built around the theme of character freedom, as was alluded to with teaser imagery of chains.  But still it’s unclear which characters will be returning, new game mechanics that will be featured, or exactly when the game will release is anyone’s guess.

The Persona series has seen a number of games release in recent years.  Persona Q and Persona 4 Arena: Ultimax launched last year, so there’s plenty to hold you over while you wait for P5.

Quantum Break

Release Date for Quantum Break:  TBA 2015

Platforms: Xbox One | More about Quantum Break

Remedy Entertainment is quietly cooking up one of the most anticipated exclusive games for Microsoft’s Xbox One.  Announced alongside the new console, Quantum Break has revealed itself as a cover-based, third-person action game, where players are bestowed with time manipulation powers after a time travel experiment goes wrong.

Remedy was tight-lipped about Quantum Break in 2014, but no announcements have been made to reflect that the game has been delayed.  Slated for this year, if Quantum Break does end up arriving, it will certainly be a must-play title on the Xbox One.

Remedy has been known to delay these big games to get things right.  Their Xbox 360 exclusive, Alan Wake was revealed alongside that new console, and then didn’t release until 2010.

---