25. Transistor
You guys know Supergiant Games, right? They’re the brilliant devs behind one of XBLA’s finest indie games, Bastion. Their next project, Transistor, looks to be just as awesome as the game that came before it. The combat adopts some slow down time this time around, since you can now set up your attacks and target your foes with that awesome Transistor sword. The animation looks superb, which isn’t a surprise when you think about who’s making it.
24. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
The saga that is Final Fantasy XIII will finally be reaching its epic conclusion in the form of a solo adventure starring Lightning. Things are much bleaker and darker for this world spanning trek, as the world is coming to an end and it’s up to you to save it. The combat and costume/job focused attribute system looks like it provides some addictive battling opportunities. This adventure has a Majora’s Mask vibe to it, so that means it’s got to be great. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the conclusion Final Fantasy fans have been waiting for.
23. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
The first Hotline Miami was a surprise hit that was shockingly gory and hilarious. The top-down perspective and brutal nature of everything that happened onscreen gave gamers something new to go crazy about. The forthcoming sequel will continue the slasher film-esque theme that the first game was inspired by. Jack’s looking for revenge against the WHOLE Russian Mafia? Count us in, Jack!
22. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z looks to be a cool deviation from Ryu Hayabusa’s world saving adventures. The main character just happens to be a lone ninja who gets taken out out by Ryu. This ninja, Yaiba, gets torn apart by his rival ninja but eventually gets his body repaired. Yaiba and his new overpowered ninja body comes in handy for a blood-fueled romp through the zombie apocalypse. The gameplay looks insane and full of limbs flying all over the screen. There’s a lot to look forward to here, which is why we can’t wait to cut up some zombies later this year.
21. The Evil Within
Now that Resident Evil has fallen off the top of the survival horror mountain, a new king needs to rise up and claim the crown. Gamers just might get that game in 2014 with famed video game producer Shinji Mikami’s The Evil Within. From the looks of the trailers, it seems like there’s actually going to be some generally scary moments popping up. Taking control of Detective Sebastian Castellanos as he braves the bloody and frightening trials of his fears looks to be a scary good time.
