![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="360" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Welcome to the new year, gamers! We’re sure you spend the first day of 2014 waking up from a wicked hangover next to someone you totally don’t remember meeting the night before. We’re also sure you kicked them out of your crib just so you could get a few hours in on your home gaming consoles. This new year is going to keep your consoles and your hands quite busy, thanks to the amazing batch of new IP’s and much anticipated sequels coming our way. So far, we’ve spotted 30 must-own games that will release sometime in 2014.
For this part of the list, we’re going to count down the 2014 games we’re most hyped about from numbers 30 to 21.
This year is going to be an audiovisual assault on the senses of gamers everywhere!
30. Drakengard 3
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="350" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Sure, this game is already getting plenty of play time in Japan. But us American gamers will be getting our English translated version of the game in 2014. Drakengard 3 is a prequel origin tale that takes place before the very first game in the series. Players used to the series’ trademark hack ‘n slash mechanics and surprisingly adult themed plot have a lot to look forward too for the third edition. Plus, you get to tear ish up with your own flying dragon. Admit it, you want to play this now!
29. Tales of Xillia 2
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="327" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Last year’s Tales of Xillia was a grand RPG that was filled with spiritual overtones, action packed battles and hilarious sexual innuendos. After everything came to an end, there were several questions that sill lingered after the credits rolled. Thankfully, the american version of Tales of Xillia 2 will give players a look into what occurred a year after the first game’s events. No more wondering about what happened to Jude and Milla…
28. Murdered: Soul Suspect
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="432" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Murdered: Soul Suspect is an interesting upcoming 2014 release with an interesting premise. Square Enix’s upcoming action/adventure focuses on a recently murdered detective who has to solve his own murder. As the detective, you come into contact with demonic creatures and gain a host of supernatural abilities that make the game’s mechanics more experimental. This game could be a dark horse winner for most slept-on game of 2014.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="161" width="242" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
27. Child of Light
Just look at this thing! My God, man! Ubisoft’s UbiArt Framework development engine is responsible for the wonderful animated visuals this RPG sports. Child of Light combines platforming elements with the familiar battle aspects of your favorite RPG’s. What’s so cool about this upcoming title is its storyline – a girl named Aurora wakes up in a dream world every time she goes to sleep. It turns out her penchant for sleeping is a physical ailment, which means she’ll be traveling in her dream world for a long time.
26. The Wolf Among Us – Episode 2: Smoke and Mirrors
Telltale Games has another hit on their hands with this comic book-themed adventure game! The Wolf Among Us put players in control of Bigby Wolf (The Big Bad Wolf), who’s famous for his tales in the Fables comic book series. The first episode of this series left us wondering just what could possibly be next. We’ve been here biting our nails and sweating bullets just cause we want to know what’s next in Bigby’s crime mystery ridden journey.
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
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="400" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
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.
