Between the game events of E3, Gamescom, and Pax Seattle this year, hundreds of new games have been announced, as well as two brand-new consoles for this coming year. This school year, though filled with work, will be filled with games as well.
The PS4 and Xbox One have been awaited for years, ever since the 2007 release of the PS3 and Xbox 360. The announcements of games such as Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Titanfall, and more have excited the world of gaming, and some even released, such as Grand Theft Auto V and Madden 25.

Bailey’s top five:
1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
After playing 2008’s Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, I’m not so sure how the series can get any better. The epic saga of the legendary Solid Snake concluded so brilliantly, leaving me in awe. MGS V looks to prove me wrong, going back to the 70’s and 80’s once again focusing on Big Boss, the legendary hero slowly turned villain. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is now voicing Big Boss, a move that has me somewhat worried, however I have yet to be disappointed with a game in this series. Implementing a new photo-realistic engine and new open-world approach, MGS could likely become my game of the school year.
2. Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS
The Smash Bros games has always made for a great night with friends and the new one looks to be no different. The jump to HD really adds to the presentation, with the new addition of characters fans have been asking for such as Mega-Man a pleasant surprise. Heres to hoping the hoping that the series plays more like the star of the series, Super Smash Bros Melee. The game releases sometime next year.
3. Watch_Dogs (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Essentially Grand Theft Auto for hackers, Watch_Dogs has gained massive amounts of hype and it is well deserved. The gameplay possibilities and ways to approach a situation look endless. I’m sure I will lose plenty of time in this fictional, technologically-connected version of Chicago. Watch_Dogs releases Nov. 19.
4. Beyond: Two Souls (PS3)
From the creators of 2010’s Heavy Rain comes a story driven game starring Ellen Page and William Dafoe, a game in which many are calling to be the last great hit on the PS3. In an hour of playing, two players can experience an entirely contrasting paths. Not to mention it release on my birthday, Oct. 8, will make for a great gift.
5. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (PC, Mac, PS4, Vita)
The original Hotline Miami was quite a unique game. It felt like a breath of fresh air, with a superb soundtrack neon pixelated infused presentation. The sequel to the successful indie hit looks to expand with a crazier story while keeping highly stylized, over the top violent gameplay. Hotline Miami has yet to have a release date, however the game is scheduled to release in 2014.

Mark’s top five:
1. Battlefield 4 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
This massive first-person shooter game is the continuation of the Battlefield series, which has been awaited since late 2011, when the previous game, Battlefield 3, was released. A constant scene of warfare, this series is renowned for its multiplayer, with up to 64 players together on one server. Campaigns for multiplayer-centered games have not ever been highly anticipated, but the campaign for this game looks almost as epic as the multiplayer does. I enjoyed Battlefield 3 so much that I pre-ordered this game and I will get the official beta Oct. 1. The open beta will be released Oct. 4 and the game will launch for the public on Oct. 29.
2. Watch_Dogs (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
A modern but futuristic open-world game, you play as a vigilante hacker who uses his knowledge to take down his enemies. Armed with his phone and a vast array of other gadgets and weapons, he can almost take down the city by himself. It seems to be a great-looking game, and one of the most interesting games to come out this year. I will definitely play this game into the ground. The game will be released Nov. 19.
3. The Division (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
A post-apocalyptic MMO where players fight for survival with a gang of other players that they make in-game. The game looks amazing, because of the rapid switch between basic survival and actually controlling territory. I can’t wait to lose myself in the city that the game is set in. Its release date is set for late 2014.
4. Titanfall (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
This futuristic FPS game combines giant mechs and actual soldiers in a battlefield for multiplayer and singleplayer. Not much has been said about the singleplayer, but the multiplayer looks futuristic, fast-paced, and fun. Being a giant robot against little, weak soldiers is going to be a great feeling. Its release date is set for early 2014.
5. Super Smash Bros (Wii U, 3DS)
The fourth installment of the popular 2D fighting game is set to release for WiiU and 3DS, and will continue the award-winning series that dates back past the Nintendo Gamecube. I grew up with this game, and I am looking forward to seeing how the new game plays and how the new characters affect it. It will release sometime in 2014.