A Look Back at the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2014

As 2013 came to a close, the following titles were the most anticipated video games for 2014. As these video games were released this year, did they live up to the hype?

By Lyn Brooks, Writer

2013 was a great year for video gaming with the release of new gaming consoles, the PS4 and Xbox One. This year, 2014, promises to be an even better year for gamers, with the expected release of many new titles for these and other consoles. The following is a brief list, in no particular order, of the top five most anticipated, new video games for 2014.

Titanfall

With an expected release date around March 11, this first-person shooter game from Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts was developed by most of the same team that developed the popular Call of Duty game. Fans of the PS4 can expect xBox 360 and XBox One users to rub their nose a bit into the fact that there is currently no plans to bring it to the PS4.

Early reports from the beta testers indicate that the controls feel similar to those in Call of Duty, but players have a wider range of options and the characters are simply much more mobile than those in the COD franchise. Vertical movement, such as jumping, is very important to progressing in the game, and movement in and use of the Titans themselves adds a completely new dimension to play. If you hadn't already planned to upgrade to the Xbox One, this online-only multiplayer game may be your best reason yet to take the plunge and get ready to get your game on!

The Elder Scrolls Online

Fans of Bethesda's famous RPG Morrowind were thrilled when the Elder Scrolls sequels Skyrim and Oblivioncame out. These single player titles feature expansive worlds filled with so many NPCs, quests, side quests, easter eggs and dungeons that its hard for players to not become completely absorbed in the game for months, possibly even years.

Now, the game is coming to the MMO world, and The Elder Scrolls Online will give players an even greater opportunity to have adventures and quest for glory as they explore the game in a MMO setting. This MMO will be available in PC, PS4 and Xbox One formats starting April 4th. Diehard fans may want to get to work now clearing their calenders in preparation for the hours and days they are likely to spend wrapped up in this massive world.

The Witness 
Do you remember the game Myst from the early days of home computers and MS-Dos boots? The Witness has a familiar feel as its a first-person game set on a remote, mysterious island, and you have to solve puzzles to progress in the game. While it has a familiar feel that the nostalgic will enjoy, the graphics, game play, and challenges are all up to date. The game is currently only planned for PCs and PS4 release for 2014, so PS4 fans may have something to hold over their xBox One playing counterparts.

Destiny

The worst thing about this game is that gamers have to wait until the fall, September 9 to be precise, to be able to play this new action, role playing, first-person shooter game that incorporates MMO elements. Those who pre-order Destiny are currently eligible for beta testing, which will begin later this spring, so this is one game it may pay you to order months in advance of it's release.

Destiny will be available in PS3, PS4, xBox 360 and xBox One formats and features an open world for players to explore. Developed by Bungie, early reports indicate that the controls operate similar to the controls in the Halo franchise, but it's a completely new world and characters to explore, and unexpected, random adventures spring up out of nowhere in this game.

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 will release on Nintendo's WiiU on May 30. The latest installment in this racing series contains a new twist. Now, it's easier than ever for players to enjoy being good at playing a "bad guy/black hat" character as they navigate the game as any one of Bowsers infamous seven koopas: Larry, Iggy, Ludwig, Lemmy, Roy Wendy and Morton. Of course, players can still enjoy challenging gravity and other players as traditional "good guy/white hat" characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach and Daisy. If you have a WiiU, this will be one 2014 title that you won't want to miss.

This is my list for the top five most anticipated new video games for 2014. What do you think? Did I miss any of your favorites that have you on pins and needles waiting for the release? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

This article was originally published on Yahoo! at the end of 2013. Now that the titles have been released, what do you think of the video games that were most anticipated for 2014? Did these games exceed or live up to your expectations? Did any fail miserably?

Photo Credit: Rad Jose