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Get ready to slay enemies in Bloodborne, design levels in Mario Maker and use the Force in Battlefront!

Critics argue that 2014 was a down year for video games, a point we have trouble agreeing with because of outstanding releases like Far Cry 4, Mario Kart 8, Hearthstone and Super Smash Bros. There was something for every type of player.

Of course, some high profile titles received delays, and that is one reason 2015 should be quite brilliant for video games. While the calendar is somewhat vague and we expect several games to get pushed into 2016, there are so many potential hits we’re not sure if we’ll have enough time to play them all, which is ultimately the best kind of problem.

With that in mind, here’s a short summary of the games we’re most looking forward to, aside from the guaranteed Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty sequels likely to hit shelves this fall.

Evolve

Turtle Rock Studios rose to prominence with its twitch-shooting series, Left 4 Dead, games that pit four-players against the fast-moving zombie horde. Now the team returns with another first person co-op adventure, but zombies are the least of your worries. Evolve sends four people through alien environments in search of a giant monster controlled by a rival player, with both sides attempting to destroy the other. The Hunters feature four unique classes with varying abilities, while the monster (one of three available so far – Goliath, Kraken, Wraith) possesses its own set of destructive manoeuvres, like zapping the opposition with electricity or hurling large boulders towards its prey. In addition, the computer-controlled critters and plant-life pose a threat to the foursome, whereas these elements provide food for the creature to feast upon. Four versus one may seem like overwhelming odds, but in the hands of a skilled gamer, the monster poses the biggest threat.

Bloodborne

Providing gamers just came up for air after getting destroyed in Dark Souls 2, developer, From Software, is ready to throw them back into the nightmare with Bloodborne, a PS4 exclusive that casts players as a mysterious traveler attempting to survive against twisted monsters in the city of Yharnam. Whereas the Souls games feature medieval weaponry and defence-based play, Bloodborne sends fans on the offensive with faster-paced combat featuring a dual wielding system, where they carry a sword in one hand and a firearm in the other, but don’t confuse this with Bayonetta 2. The much darker tone and difficulty places Bloodborne right alongside its Dark Souls counterparts.

Batman: Arkham Knight

After seeing a delay into 2015, the newest Batman from Rocksteady Studios is almost here! Arkham Knight once again gives players the privilege of controlling the Caped Crusader as he explores the biggest Gotham City in video game history. Not only will he contend with Scarecrow, but also the shadowy Arkham Knight, whose identity is unknown. A new Fear Takedown allows Batman to subdue up to three enemies at once, but the biggest feature by far is the Batmobile. Players can drive the Dark Knight’s sexy ride, and they can call it from just about anywhere (even while Batman glides through Gotham) and the vehicle appears. We expect a wide variety of cool scenarios to follow.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Once players beat Dragon Age: Inquisition (at least 80 hours later) they’ll have this beast of a game to contend with. Once in control of the deadly Geralt of Rivia, they’ll explore a richly detailed open world filled with monsters to slay and beautiful locations overflowing with side quests and memorable characters. In fact, the world is so big that walking on foot is ill advised; travel by boat or on horseback instead. In addition, this time around gamers will be able to swim underwater, battle enemies that grow stronger at night and jump over things. It seems easy to get lost in The Witcher 3, but players will save the Northern Kingdoms. Eventually.

Mario Maker

Gamers have explored different Mario Bros. levels for nearly 30 years. Now it’s their chance to show Nintendo how it’s done! As the title implies, Mario Maker lets fans create their own stages within the Mushroom Kingdom using a simple editor. Not only can they place coin blocks and goombas, but also select templates from such games as the original Super Mario Bros., New Super Mario Bros. U and even Super Mario World! From there, they’re free to share these levels with friends and vice versa. Considering how passionate the Nintendo community is, we expect a near endless supply of expertly crated stages.

The Legend of Zelda HD - Wii U

We know Nintendo has a new Zelda game coming to the Wii U. What we don’t know is whether or not we can endure the agonising wait until it arrives. Details are few, but this high definition adventure will feature an open world that lets players find their own way in and outside of dungeons. They’re free to walk through the gorgeous environment or hitch a ride on Link’s horse, Epona. That alone is enough to make us excited, but don’t worry. Nintendo should reveal more details this summer.

Halo 5: Guardians

Very little is known about the plot to Halo 5’s single-player campaign, outside of the fact that Master Chief returns and there’s a new character named Locke, but we’ve already logged several hours in the Xbox One beta, where the new mode ‘Breakout’ has us enthralled. Basically, it’s two teams of four squaring off in two-minute rounds. What makes it unique is that players only receive one life per round, thus making conservative play and communication two big keys to success. In addition, 343 Industries redesigned the Battle Rifle while incorporating new abilities like clambering up to higher ledges, ground pounds and wicked shoulder tackles. We expect all of this and more to make it into the final release.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

A much older Nathan Drake sets off to find fortune and glory in this highly anticipated PS4 effort, which quite frankly has some of most jaw-dropping visuals you’ll see all year. Death-defying mountain climbs, cave exploration and thrilling combat will be just a few highlights in Drake’s most dangerous quest yet. Similar to Zelda, we’ll know more in a few short months.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Konami helped get Metal Gear fans pumped with 2014’s short but virtually sweet Ground Zeroes. Now it’s time for the main course! The franchise goes open world as Venom Snake sneaks through Afghanistan and Africa on foot, by horseback and in vehicles. There are multiple ways to infiltrate and take down enemy strongholds, and gamers can take advantage of base building, recruiting soldiers to help create weapons and equipment, while diamonds help upgrade said base. There’s no firm release date yet, but we expect to dive thumbs first into The Phantom Pain this fall.

Star Wars Battlefront

With Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens set to debut in U.S. theatres on December 18, there will be at least one video game accompanying J.J. Abrams’ potentially epic sequel. Unfortunately, the next Star Wars Battlefront is even more mysterious than the movie! Electronic Arts recruited Battlefield developer DICE for the project, which is somewhat comforting since the team has years of experience creating games featuring big skirmishes. This should result in over the top and exhilarating multiplayer campaigns featuring TIE Fighters, X-Wings, Stormtroopers and lightsaber-wielding Jedi vying for control.

2015's Most Anticipated