The Last Guardian — right guys?
Oh you.
Time to nominate your most anticipated game of 2015. This is kinda silly, but also fun because I’m part of that dying breed who still gets excited about upcoming video games.
Here’s my shortlist.
Below
Bloodborne
Expand
Halo 5: Guardians
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
No Man’s Sky
Superhot
Titan Souls
The Legend of Zelda Wii U
Man, if everyone gets their ducks in a row, 2015 could be a pretty spectacular year.
Drop your nominations in the comments below.
Comments
114 responses to “Kotaku Awards 2014: Most Anticipated Game Of 2015”
C’mon man, where is the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt!?
Agreed. Easily my most anticipated game.
Not a fan but shocked it’s not on there. Massively pumped for 1886 at this stage. Also after their latest stuff ups I am very guarded about the division, When ever I buy a ubisoft games from now on it will be pre owned on console… that way I get to play the good games without supporting them, everyone else I always buy new (apart from EA).
The Order: 1886, The Witcher 3 at this stage.
Captain Toad doesn’t hit here until Jan 3, so I’m going to say that.
But also Halo 5.
Legend of Zelda: Wii U and Witcher 3
I’m betting that Zelda doesn’t hit shelves next year.
Hell, I’m almost scared that it will!
Every Zelda console Zelda game in forever has been delayed time and time again and the 5 seconds they showed at E3 doesn’t exactly suggest it was significantly progressed at that point.
My biggest concern is that they’ll rush it out in order to give people one last reason to buy a WiiU before they kill it off and it won’t be as fantastic as we hope.
At the same time the WiiU hardware isn’t getting any younger and the console doesn’t exactly have a stacked lineup for 2015 so I guess it’s a bit troubling either way.
Looking forward to the Witcher 3 though!
Yes, Zelda was a bit of a hopeful suggestion! I agree about the lineup. What other franchises can Nintendo milk to keep the Wii U going for three more years?
We know there’s Zelda, and a new Star Fox probably, but beyond that I don’t think there’s another major franchise that’s had a game announced. A new Metroid and F Zero would rock though…
A new Mega Man game by Capcom / Nintendo would get some attention
Nintendo’s problem is that they stick so closely to formula that in instances where they can’t just make a game ‘bigger’ then they really struggle to top their old efforts.
In the case of Starfox and F-Zero they’ve basically said as much themselves!
What do you do with F-Zero apart from essentially remake GX? Hell, even GX is essentially a remake of X.
I love those games to death but I don’t think they’d want to mess with the formula any more than making a HD racer that was essentially the same. At least with Mario Kart and Smash Bros they can add in a million novelty characters and stages people care about.
Same with Starfox. Its soul in on-rails shooting..… do people still want to do that in 2014? Can you sell a full priced title that (like Starfox 64) can be finished in an hour? Do you want 14 hours of on-rails shooting? Do you take the Wii route and tack on shitty novelty controls in place of gameplay innovation?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them to try and would love HD versions, I’m just saying that it hasn’t happened yet because they don’t know how to improve on the solid cores of the classics.
You’d be interested in this: http://zerocounts.net/2014/11/22/iterative-vs-redesign/
Sometimes new technology – like the move to 3D – forces game designers to rethink the core of an IP, and integrate new technological capabilities with established gameplay mechanics. The problem with HD is that doesn’t enable new mechanics, but simply improves existing ones. The more powerful PS4 and Xbox One however do allow for new mechanics as they can handle more complex calculations – such as Shadow of Mordor’s nemesis system.
The problem with those two particular franchises is that they’re based around a very limited (albeit wonderful) concepts that don’t allow for tons of innovation without moving away from the core of what made those games great in the first place. They’re brilliantly polished but simple relics from a difference age of game design.
Neither game has a physics engine in need of improving, in the case of F-Zero the track designs are about as whacky as you could want, does either game need MORE of anything, would F-Zero be a significantly better game if the field was increased to 60? Would it still be F-Zero if it was played from a beautiful looking 1st person cockpit view?
With games like Zelda, Metroid or Mario the scope to change the design is huge, in Mario Kart and Smash Bros the open ended “anything goes” style means they can put just about anything they want into a new game and even those franchises could be considered a touch stale (even if the 8 player mode in Smash could be seen as a significant change).
Look at Mario Golf, the most recent game may be 10 (or more) years after the Toadstool Tour on the GC but the game hasn’t changed AT ALL. If you scaled down the graphics you could build all those courses into the N64 version and the gameplay would be entirely unchanged.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love it, but it’s not going to get me to run out and buy a WiiU and I think that’s what they’re thinking when they consider new F-Zero or Starfox.
Thanks for linking to my post!
I’d be careful to use the word ‘force’. New technology such as 3D opens up potential for new ideas. My point in paragraph four was that all of Nintendo’s existing IP were rooted in established environments and mechanics. While it seems like an obvious evolution now, Nintendo took a leap-of-faith in putting beloved characters into completely new ‘games’. There are surely plenty that still look at 3D Mario, 3D Zelda, 3D Donkey Kong, or Star Fox out of his Arwing as untrue versions of these franchises. There were surely plenty of Mario fans that were completely thrown off by 3D adventure-platforming and fell off of the ’90s video game wave. (My parents as an example.)
This piece at Forbes provides an interesting take on the Wii U GamePad and cross-console, third-party games. It may be, as originally (albeit poorly) advertised, the tech that redesigns existing experiences:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelthomsen/2014/11/28/wii-u-was-a-better-console-for-third-party-games/
For me it is absolutely Satellite Reign, followed by No Man’s Sky.
It was going to be Elite Dangerous, but no offline play means no buy for Poita.
Forgot about Satellite Reign, Very pumped for this.
Pillars of Eternity
Bloodborne motherfuckers! I’m that insane person that would buy a new console for a specific franchise!
It used to be Halo. But, you know…
I might get a ps4 for bloodborne but I’m waiting for the reviews. Before it was delayed I heard a rumour it was having development issues, then it got delayed, has me a bit worried.
So it was having issues before and delayed to fix them and you’re worried?
Ummm, my reaction is kind of the opposite.
Yeah I know what you mean, I agree delaying is the best thing rather than releasing something with issues but it just made me check my excitement a little. I’d been thinking of just buying a PS4 this christmas with bloodborne the only announced game I really wanted in the short term and the rumours and delay reminded me it would be prudent to wait for some reviews first.
If anything, I’d buy the game before I even have the console 🙂
Assault Android Cactus. At least I think the Witchbeam boys said it’s on track for a 2015 release!
That game looks batshit insane.
Easily the best game I saw at PAX au
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Think you’ve got a new best friend @greenius.
+1 (shame its not xenogears though)
I was just about to mention that one!
star wars battlefront
below
bravely second
pillars of eternity
scalebound
Assassins Creed: Unleashed,
Assassins Creed: Renegade,
Assassins Creed: Homefront
and Assassins Creed Universe are my picks.
oh and Assasins Creed : Similar.
What about Assassins Creed: I Feel Like Ive PLayed This Before
That’s the DLC, opened with Social Media and Microtransaction Companion Apps.
Arkham Knight
No Mans Sky
Witcher 3
This is pretty much my list.
Also really REEEEEEEEEEEEALLY (with scrunched up face) hoping for a Fallout announcement at some point next year
Apparently there is a No Man’s Sky special event at the Playstation experience on December 5, hoping for some big news.
Batman and Halo.
There’s other games besides Bloodborne?
“Beer it is!”
This.
That.
Bloodbooooooorne!
Legend of Zelda Wii U for me.
Captain Toad, GOTY for sure. I forgot about No Man’s Sky, looking forward to seeing what comes of that. Totally can’t think of anything else that’s in the pipeline that I was looking forward to though. Haven’t been too good at that lately, it’s been more of a take-them-as-they-come thing.
Persona 5
The Witcher 3. Got a new PC just mostly for this game (and replaying TW2 right now to whet my appetite).
Far, far below that, SW Battlefront (provided it’s not EA’d up with microtransactions).
Fuck, I did not realise EA has the SW:BF franchise now. Hmm Battlefield series is probably my favourite multiplayer shooter so maybe, just maybe, they won’t fuck it up. Expectations lowered>
Bloodborne
Monster Hunter 4
Witcher 3
Edit: oh, oh, forgot about the zesty dragons (Tales). Not sure how much it’s anticipated given that I’m several games behind in the franchise now.
I’m going to say Witcher 3 even though I still haven’t played Witcher 2 and the first Witcher game was just too damn dense to be enjoyable. I have a feeling I’m going to really dig Witcher 3 and there just isn’t a lot else that I’m actively “hyped” for – at least nothing announced unless you count Game of Thrones by Telltale which will technically release the first episode next month. I will probably wind up counting it in my 2015 GOTY list like I did Walking Dead season 2 and Wolf Among Us for 2014. 😛
roller coaster tycoon WORLD
Yakuza 5 (…:(…)
Witcher 3
Final fantasy xv
Metal gear
PC release of GTA V
PC release of Destiny
PC is getting Destiny? Oh shit this is scary…. Sahyohnahrah social life 🙁
* Zelda U
* Bloodborne
* Halo 5
* Witcher 3
* Dark Souls 2 (PS4)
* Xenoblade Chronicles X
* The Order
* Batman
Arkham Knight
Uncharted 4
MGS: The Phantom Pain
Halo 5
Witcher 3
… FFXV?
Top of my list would probably be Batman: Arkham Knight at the moment, followed by Bloodborne, Zelda U, Captain Toad and Yoshi’s Woolly World.
And please Nintendo, F-Zero U and Diddy Kong Racing 2, I’m begging you.
Still pretty keen for Evolve
Witcher 3 and StarWars Batlefront are mandatory choices too.
Oh totally forgot about Battlefront. I expect that will be a Xmas lock!
There’s actually a lot I am looking forward to next year. So I am going to go with the top 5!
The Witcher 3
Bloodborne
Pillar’s of Eternity
Zelda WiiU (is that out next year? I’ve heard basically nothing about this since e3)
Persona 5 (I’ve waited too long for a new Persona game)
Sims 4! for Mac. o_o
But seriously:
Dying Light
Kingdom Hearts III
Xenoblade Chronicles X
The ones I’m most keen for at the moment are:
Bloodborne
Disgaea 5
The Awakened Fate Ultimatum
MGS V
Xenoblade Chronicles
htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary
Guilty Gear Xrd Sign
Persona 5!
I’m looking forward to the “Hey, lets get back to releasing games in a playable state and not abusing the trust of our user base” game
Though that doesn’t have a firm release date as yet
I heard they’re having trouble getting that one past QA.
Witcher 3 and Arkham Knight are my most anticipated.
Arkham Knight
Broken Age
Armikrog
No Man’s Sky
Witcher 3
Monster Hunter 4
Bloodborne
Dying Light
No Man’s Sky. Although I’m pretty excited about Elite and Star Citizen, NMS has this amazing style
Arkham Knight
Zelda Wii U
Dying Light
Legacy of the void
Mgs v
Uncharted 4
FFXV
No mans sky
BLOOOOOOOODBOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNE
Also Batman Arkham State/Continent/Planet/Universe
Half Life 3
Star Citizen: Squadron 42 [only the SP component is slated for ‘release’ next year]
No Mans Sky
Uncharted 4 [my reason to get a PS4]
SW: BF3
The Division? Am I the only one
I’m trying to temper my expectations on that one because it’s Ubisoft. I am looking forward to it, though.
Don’t know if they’re coming out next year but Bravely Second and Quadrilateral Cowboy.
And Witcher 3.
Phantom pain. End.
The Last Guardian – EVERY year
Bloodborne
Uncharted 4
Metal Gear Solid 5
Rime
Zelda Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Captain Toad, Monster Hunter 4. Oops my Nintendo fanboy is showing. So Batman: Arkham Knight =)
Looking through Game Informers list of 2015 games, There isn’t much that interests me other than GTA V for PC and Just Cause 3.
There is also the indie Firewatch that looks interesting but i’ll wait until more info is released.
Bloodborne
Persona 5
Mirror’s Edge 2 (come on DICE!)
The Order: 1886
No Man’s Sky
Volume
Rime
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
The Division
Why is everyone forgetting this?
As well as Arkham Knight, No Man’s Sky and MGS 5
My thoughts exactly re. The Division.
I’m also keen for Just Cause 3, not sure about the new Metal Gear Solid, the controls in MGS have always been an issue for me… they’re horrendous.
Even though Ubi keeps saying 2015, quite a few interviews with some Massive Entertainment employees have been quite candid in saying they doubt they will make 2015 for Division and early/mid 2016 is more likely. Hugely disappointing for me as i really want this next year but i know massive won’t ship it unless its in top shape.
For me:
Arkham Knight
Quantum Break (Surprised this is not getting any love)
Halo 5
A wait and see on Bloodborne and i doubt Mirror’s Edge 2 or the next Mass Effect will make 2015 and will likely be 2016.
Forgot Quantum Break – it looks very promising and Just Cause 3 should be a lot of fun.
Lots of good stuff coming as devs have had a few years to (hopefully) properly develop for the now current gen.
Squadron 42 by far above all others.
There’s some other great stuff on the way too, though.
Batman, Batman and Batman
Witcher 3
Metal Gear Solid V
Zelda
Evolve
Batman
Overwatch
Titan Souls
My nomination is for the division
In order of anticipation…
Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin
Quantum Break
Batman Arkham Knight
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain
Rainbow Six Seige
Battlefield Hardline
Note MGSV would be at the top of this list if Kojima didn’t spend so much time teasing it!
Captain Toad
Persona 5
Metal Gear Solid 5
Basically, Nintendo’s whole lineup, including but not limited to:
Splatoon
Yoshi’s Woolly World
Xenoblade Chronicles X
The Legend of Zelda Wii U
Codename: STEAM
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
If I had to pick one though, it would be Zelda.
… I can dream, can’t I?
The new Kings Quest!
Witcher 3 PC
Star Citizen PC ( I can’t believe no-one has mentioned this unless I’m gravely mistaken that it’s not a 2015 release )
No mans Sky PC
Mortal Kombat.
Unreasonably excited about that game.
Just Just cause 3 🙂
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3…………………………….
Bloodborne and Witcher 3 for me. Maybe I’m just getting cynical, but too many games coming out next year look like graphical showpieces – style over substance; FROM and CDPR have pretty good track records, tho.
I’ve been keeping a list:
Apotheon (PS4)
Titan Souls (PS4)
Resident Evil HD (PS4)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4) (Feb 24)
Battlefield: Hardline (PS4) (March 19)
Bloodborne: Limited Edition (PS4) (March 24)
Dark Souls II: Scholar of The First Sin (PS4)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (3DS)
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4)
Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)
Until Dawn (PS4)
No Man’s Sky (PS4)
Hellraid (PS4)
Firewatch (PS4)
Rime (PS4)
Grim Fandango HD
Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii U)
Star Wars: Battlefront (PS4)
The Legend of Zelda (Wii U)
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4)
Doom (PS4)
Persona 5 (PS4)
Wild (PS4)
The Last Guardian (PS4)
Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4)
Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem (Wii U)
Obviously some of these are unconfirmed for 2015 but I can dream. These are all the games I plan to buy and actually play.
Bloodborne for the XBone…
followed by The Division.
Arkham Knight
The Division
That’s it.
GTA V PC!
I have high hopes for Mighty No.9 but i have my doubts also.
In order…
1. Xenoblade Chronicles X
2. Splatoon
3. Zelda U
4. Project S.T.E.A.M
5. Monster Hunter 4 U
Mortal Kombat X
The Witcher 3
Batman: Arkham Knight
Persona 5
Bloodborne, Witcher 3 and Tom Clancy’s: The Division. All gonna consume a large part of my gameable hours this year for sure
I want to say Star Citizen a hundred times but don’t want it to come across as spam.
Seriously people as JP has mentioned in the movie ‘Grandma’s Boy’:
“It’s the future of gaming! “
Rise of the Tomb Raider (first game was awesome,it is one of my all time favorites)
Arkham Knight
Soma
Mortal Kombat X
GTA V
Dead Island 2(It is from YAGER)
Let It Die
Rainbow Six Siege
Mad Max
Kingdom Come:Deliverance
No Man’s Sky
Majora’s Mask 3DS
Arkham Knight
My most anticipated game of 2015 is a title that is not broken upon release.
Thanks.
Elite
Massive Chalice
Pillars of Eternity
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Though I’ve already voted, these are three games I would love to see announced: Fallout 4, a TRUE, 2D, linear Castlevania V, and Red Dead Redemption for PC.
GTAV PC version
Majora’s Mask 3D
Scalebound
oh and Star Wars Battlefront 🙂
Got to the end of the first page and haven’t seen Uncharted 4 mentioned once.
What’s the matter with you, Kotaku?
Zelda Wii U……BUT whats the bet it gets pushed to 2016.
Also…Destiny 2 haha
Batman: Arkham Knight and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Both games that were completely unafraid to dazzle us with gameplay rather than rendered cutscenes, making me highly anticipate the actual act of playing them rather than just thinking “oh my god, the next part of (insert franchise)!”
FIREWATCH!
Oh my god, absolutely Firewatch is my number one.
Others; Uncharted (hopefully a return to form), The Order 1886, No Man’s Sky (is that next year?), The Division and MGS V: The Phantom Pain.
Battletoads Reboot