Titanfall | Geekscape

Hearthfall: EA Reveals The ‘Titanfall Frontline’ Card Game!

by NecroscourgeSeptember 12, 2016

With the breakthrough appeal of Hearthstone a few years back it was only a matter of time until a cavalcade of online trading card games to repopulate the internet. Steam alone has seen several new online TCG’s this year including Duelyst, with untold pretenders lurking on cellphones worldwide. Hearthstones revival of the genre has made pretty much every high note developer devote their efforts to reinventing the wheel.

Titanfall: Frontline is a joint effort between Particle City, Respawn (TF Dev), and Nexon games to bring a new breed of strategy game to iphones and android devices. The whisper on the street is that they are experimenting with creating a hybrid online game that will have elements of real time and turn based play. It will be released for free on the app store, presumably around when Titanfall 2 drops down.

So I opened this article up with Hearthstone, basically because even just a slight look at the images that have surrounded this title scream generic card game. Cards have an attack and defense stat, the keywords are Titanfall versions of time honored card abilities, and it’s pretty obviously a hit-point reduction duel between two players. Features mentioned by the dev includes hundreds of cards, strategies, and the aforementioned hybrid play style. Whether or not Frontlines has anything that will redeem itself awaits to be seen; but I’m preparing myself to be hearing nothing but titanfall slang this Christmas-time on the bus as the kids drop mecha on each-other.

If you are looking for a new, interesting take on card games then TF: Frontlines may not be what you are looking for. Pretty much everything I have seen about it just remind me of other more established games that do effectively the same thing; but it’s still a month away and anything could happen.

Titanfall 2 and it’s peripherals should be loading out this fall. Keep an eye out for Frontlines on the iOS and Android app stores!

‘Titanfall: Dropouts’ Has Premiered On Machinima, And It’s Fantastic!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 19, 2014

Briefly: Machinima is great at adapting popular properties into content that fans and non-fans alike can enjoy, and there’s nothing more popular right now than Titanfall. While I haven’t played the game yet (Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare hasn’t left my console in weeks), our very own Josh Jackson thoroughly enjoyed it (check out his review here), along with hundred of thousands of other Xbox One and PC gamers that can’t seem to put the title down.

Titanfall: Dropouts is a scripted comedy series that follows two buddy engineers, Dex and Gif, who are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and deployment of Titans from the ships hovering above the battlegrounds to the Titan pilots fighting below. Every week one Pilot will have to overcome Dex and Gif’s incompetence, whether forgetting to turn on the landing rockets so the Titan craters into the ground, changing the Titan’s onboard computer voice to Russian, or refusing to send help because they feel the Pilot cheated them in poker last night.

It’s simple, and it’s hilarious, and you can watch the pilot below. Be sure to let us know what you think, and be sure to watch out for the next episode!

http://youtu.be/ZJFoNRUxJSg

Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Titanfall’

by Josh JacksonMarch 12, 2014

Since its existence was made known to the public, it feels as though all eyes have been on Titanfall for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re excited for it because it’s the first from title from Respawn Entertainment, a team made up of former Infinity Ward developers who left their famed Call of Duty franchise due to a very public spat with Activision. Or maybe it’s because you want to see if having a blank canvas can allow the team to revolutionize the first person shooter genre as they’ve done in the past? Of course, it might be as simple as hopping aboard the hype train since the game has been heavily pushed as the flagship Xbox One title since well before the console was released. Regardless of why you’ve been following this giant robot free for all, the million dollar question is whether or not Titanfall lives up to the hype.

Rest assured, the game is fantastic!

The hook behind Titanfall is the ability to control giant mechs, as well as highly mobile pilots in a multiplayer arena like environment. In this aspect, it far from disappoints. Matches consist of two six player teams that go head to head in an all out battle; each of the six team members control pilots, who are soldiers who can be customized with weapons, abilities and gear that’s a mix of standard military weaponry, (such as grenades, shotguns and sniper rifles), and futuristic, more imaginative tools, (like a jet pack that allows double jumps and wall running for easy maneuverability, stealth camouflage that makes you harder to see, and the smart pistol, a weapon that instant kills any enemy that it locks on to). In typical FPS fashion, playing more will level pilots up, which unlocks even more gear to play around with. Most notably, reaching a certain level also earns players Burn Cards, one time use perks that give pilots stronger weapons or tactical advantages that last until their next death.

Pilots are dangerous in their own right.

Of course, we can’t mention gear without the game’s namesake. After a certain amount of time passes, (which can be shortened by accomplishing tasks such as kill streaks), pilots can summon their Titans, the giant mechs that got everyone to care so much about the game in the first place. A ton of depth has gone into ensuring that controlling these behemoths feel like an experience all its own. Almost acting as a separate type of soldier, each one can be equipped with their own weapons and abilities, which includes a magnetic shield that catches enemy bullets and launches them back at whoever you’re kind enough to send them to, or a nuclear detonator that sends your robot into suicide mode when its health is depleted, taking anyone in its vicinity out with it. Despite all of these delightful ways to take out the other team, the Titans never feel overpowered, and more like a temporary way to boost your kill count before it’s inevitably destroyed. Players even have the option to make their Titan go into auto pilot mode and either have it guard a position, or follow wherever you go, so jumping straight into the machine isn’t always the most viable option to go with. Kudos to Respawn for balancing the game in a way that makes pilots just as deadly as the Titans in the right hands, making sure that matches never turn into a game of “Press Titan To Win.” My only real complaint is that three types of Titans are too few, but it’s a minor detail compared to the different loadout combinations you can choose for each one.

Just taking my Titan out for a stroll.

Each of the game’s nine maps are fairly large, making the six-person team limit seem like it might be more of a chore to track opponents down. However, each game feels like all out war thanks to the grunts that litter the field, making the maps feel just crowded enough to keep you on your toes. These computer controlled foot soldiers don’t have any of your cool stuff to work with. Sadly for them, all they have is a weapon and their wits, which doesn’t count for much since they seem to stand out in the open often for easy points. That’s not to say they’re not dangerous though, because taking them lightly can lead to an unexpected death if their numbers are large enough. Aside from their terrible AI, I felt that they brought an interesting dynamic to the game. While they do award you with small amounts of experience, bonuses and earlier access to your titan when defeated, doing so will usually reveal your position on the map to the enemy. Oftentimes, I found myself holding off on killing grunts so I could stay hidden from human opponents, or even used my own grunts as cover so I would know if an enemy was near once they targeted my “friends” first. It’s moments like these that really make the game stand out from the typical shooter currently on the market.

That, and the parkour. The parkour is awesome.

With so many aspects that have went into the game, it’s all for nothing without a slew of interesting game modes to play with. Despite all of the praise for the game’s features so far, this area is where the game is at its weakest. As noted in the months leading up to release, there is no single player content outside of the optional training mode, and there’s no local multiplayer at all. As of launch, Titanfall has five game modes across fifteen maps. Three of the five are your run of the mill modes with Pilot Hunter, a fancy term for Team Deathmatch where killing pilots is the only way to net points, Capture the Flag, forcing teams to grab flags at the heart of the enemy spawn point and relaying back to their own base, and Hardpoint, where teams fight to control and defend specific points on the map, accumulating points for the amount of time they own each spot.

Aside from those FPS staples, the other two modes are Attrition, which is basically Pilot Hunter with additional scoring, giving teams points for killing Titans and grunts, and Last Titan Standing, where pilots start off in their mechs with the winning team being the one with the… last Titan standing. If your titan is destroyed, your pilot can still fight. If your pilot is killed, you don’t respawn until the next round starts. None of these are exactly setting the world on fire since they’re so similar to the other play types, but I found the most interesting aspect of play to be in the campaign mode.

Sending back enemy bullets is great fun, even when you’re capturing flags. Again.

Now I know what you’re thinking. “You said there’s no single player! I’m going to comment about how stupid you are!” Hold on there you eager beaver. Campaign is still multiplayer, but this time, it’s within the very loose context of a story. Each team is part of either the “Militia” or the “IMC”, who fight across nine maps that play in a preset order with specific game modes. The campaign takes us through an exciting tale of redemption, desperation and betrayal that will make you… hell, who am I kidding? The story isn’t very good. Aside from a small amount of dialogue, the scenarios don’t even change depending on who wins. The biggest reason to limit yourself in the campaign instead of having it your way in classic play is that finishing each faction’s story is the only way to unlock all of the titans. I almost feel bad running it down so much since I think blending a campaign with a multiplayer game is an incredible idea, it just doesn’t feel like anything more than an afterthought.

However, when it comes to the merits of a game, the ultimate measure is how fun it is to play. In this department, Titanfall is an incredibly addictive experience with plenty of fresh ideas that even has someone like me, a person who has been burnt out of FPS games for years, playing for hours on end. Everything from the titans to the mobility of the pilots and the inclusion of grunts make it one of the most fast paced, varied shooters in years. It’s biggest sin is that there’s just not enough to do with all of these fancy new ideas. We’ve been capturing flags and fighting to the death for years, and throwing parkour and mechs into the mix doesn’t change much. What’s worse is that they had a great idea with the multiplayer campaign mode, but it feels almost pointless when it acts nearly identical to the standard play modes.

The value of an online only game relies on the community’s eagerness to play, so at this point, it’s impossible to tell. As it stands though, it’s hard to see most players sticking around for months upon months with so few unique modes to play, essentially forcing owners to rely on future DLC to extend interest. With that said, Titanfall is a fantastic step in the right direction and has the potential to become the next turning point in the evolution in the FPS. It’s just not there yet.

The Positives And The Negatives

+ The nimble pilots and towering Titans add a ton of gameplay options while somehow remaining balanced.

+ Inventive weapons, gear and perks.

+ Computer controlled grunts add an extra layer of strategy to the typical FPS formula.

– Five game modes seem like too few for a multiplayer only game, especially when they’re either the typical fare, or cut from the same cloth.

– Three Titan types are too few.

-While the multiplayer campaign is a great idea, its execution is… yeah. It comes off feeling like an afterthought.

Final Score: 4/5

Five Reasons Why You Need To Play ‘Titanfall’

by Josh JacksonMarch 7, 2014

Since its announcement, Titanfall has had a huge amount of hype surrounding it, and why shouldn’t it? It’s the first game from Respawn Entertainment, headed by the guys responsible for the glory days of Call of Duty, only now unbound by the restrictions of a military shooter. Then again, I haven’t been a big fan of the genre in a LONG time, with high sales of the biggest franchises pushing it into a state of complacency. However, after spending way more time on the beta than I every expected, Titanfall turned me into a believer. Now that we’re only a few days away from its official launch, here are five reasons that even the most skeptical gamer should be excited for this Tuesday.

1. The Format

While a ton of criticism has been sent towards Respawn’s way for having most of each squad in this team based online shooter be bot controlled, it actually works in the game’s favor after I got to see how it worked. Basically, each of the six real players on each team are pilots, who have access to top of the line equipment and of course, the Titans. Everyone else are foot soldiers that offer support for the pilots and their squads. Killing them are easier, which nets their own bonuses and experience, but they are still a real danger. Plus, having weaker units on the field doesn’t put any real players at a disadvantage while making your class feel elite. It’s so much fun in action and can only get better in the final version.

Fodder for the field.

2. The Parkour

The parkour elements of the game have been somewhat underplayed since the innitial reveal, but putting them in action is a blast. Blending standard competitive shooter mechanics with Mirror’s Edge type movement, it gives players a ton of movement options to remain a hard target to hit. Climbing, dodging and even shooting has a whole new dynamic, which turns the environments into a new kind of playground.

Shooting while wall running is the bees knees.

3. The Evacuations

In most shooters, the game ends when one team reaches their goal, then everyone gets kicked to the lobby and starts all over again. In Titanfall, the match isn’t over when the war has been won. Any remaining players on the losing team have to rush to an evacuation point, where a ship will lift them to safety. The winning team gets a chance to gloat by picking off the losing team before they can escape. If the losers are killed or the evac ship is destroyed, the winning team gets bonus experience and extra bragging rights. Any losers that escape get a pretty view of the galaxy and a cool EXP boost. I’m not sure if this concept has ever been in another multiplayer shooter, but it definitely adds to the fun factor of the match, and gives the losing team a chance to get the last laugh.

Dat Evac Ship. So close, yet so far.

4. The Smart Pistol

This might be a subject of contention amongst FPS purists, but I LOVE the Smart Pistol. This primary weapon automatically targets any enemies that are in its large cursor and instantly headshots as many foes that are in your sights. The bot controlled grunts go down in one shot while a pilot needs to be locked on long enough for three locks before you can expect an instant kill. I have to say, there was nothing more rewarding than watching grunts drop like dominoes with one shot of the pistol. It’s fantastic, cheapness be damned.

Dropping like flies…

5. The Titans

Of course, the Titans would have to be awesome in Titanfall, right? How could piloting a giant mech not be? Each pilot can summon their Titan after a certain amount of time, (which decreases faster with each kill). Setting up the right loadouts can give Titans some amazing abilities. I mean sure, machine guns and rocket launchers are cool, but they’re par with the course. But having smoke bombs that choke any pilots trying to sabotage you, shields that suspend and launch enemy bullets back at them and a self destruct bomb that kills all enemies around you once the Titan is destroyed really make piloting these fun. If direct combat isn’t your thing, you can also turn your Titan into your new best friend and have them go into auto pilot while having them follow or defend you. It’s the stuff of legend.

I came in like a Titanfall!

And with that, I’m comfortable in saying that Titanfall has the potential to revolutionize the FPS genre in the same way Call of Duty did all those years ago. My biggest fear is that the game might run thin quickly without a campaign. Here’s to hoping that the final game will have enough modes, weapons and mods to sustain us for a long, long time.

What do you all think? Are you picking up Titanfall next week? Have you jumped on the hype train, or did it come and go without a second look? Comment below and let us know!

Limited Xbox One ‘Titanfall’ Bundle Coming March 11th!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 24, 2014

Briefly: Microsoft has just announced a new Xbox One bundle, and I may just buy one.

Revealed on Xbox Wire earlier today, the bundle will include everything found in today’s Xbox One package, plus a downloadable copy of EA’s highly anticipated shooter, Titanfall (which also launches on March 11th).

This game is the one title that’s made me want an Xbox One so far. I already own a Wii U and a PS4 however, so it’s been tough to justify. Titanfall, however, just looks so damned good.

Here’s the official word on the bundle from Microsoft:

After it was first unveiled at E3 last year, we were delighted to see “Titanfall” quickly become the most anticipated game of the new console generation. Winning more than 80 coveted awards from critics around the world, “Titanfall” has been described as “a brave new vision of the future of multiplayer games”, “the first real next-gen shooter” and “the most addictive game ever.”

Heralded as the “next generation of gaming” and a “killer app” for Xbox One, the excitement and anticipation for “Titanfall” has been building not just amongst gamers, but also among the Xbox team. We bet big on “Titanfall” from the beginning and Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts were tremendous partners to our team as we developed Xbox One.

In many ways, the launch of “Titanfall” will enable us to deliver the first truly next generation multiplayer game – one that will take advantage of the new party and chat improvements we’re delivering, build on the power of the cloud in a way only Microsoft can, and connect fans on Xbox Live, home of the best multiplayer and service in gaming. With Xbox One, we invested in features like multiplayer alerts so you never miss a match while watching TV and so much more.

To celebrate the launch of “Titanfall”, we wanted to do something special. For those of you who are already fans of Xbox One, we hope this will encourage more of your friends to join you on day one for “Titanfall” on Xbox One. If you’ve been waiting for the biggest game of the generation before purchasing your Xbox One, this special, limited time offer is perfect for you. In partnership with Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts, we’re excited to announce the Xbox One “Titanfall” Bundle, available starting March 11 for $499.99* at select retailers.

Take a look at Titanfall‘s latest trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up a bundle.

NeoGAF User Leaks Microsoft Games Info

by jake108January 29, 2014

Along with the Halo 2 leak posted earlier, there have been quite a few leaks concerning different Microsoft IP’s. The information is as follows:

Forza Horizon: “Fall 2014, probably September. Super sexy weather system and… shit tons of co-op/social stuff. 1080P and open-world, so you can road trip with your bros.
Halo Anniversary 2 will be 1080p, iffy on the 60fps, maybe not.
Quantum Break is Holiday 2014
Multiplayer confirmed for HA2, same devs as Halo Anniversary.
Sunset Overdrive is Fall 2014
Fable Legends is Summer 2015
Gears of War will probably need a 2.5 year dev time.
First Titanfall DLC is 45 days from release, then another one 120 days from release.

If you’d like to see the post in it’s entirety, you may find it here. As said in a previous article, the user who has leaked all this info has been verified by NeoGAF as a legitimate source. Still, as with all leaks and rumors, any of this can change. If any more leaks show up, be sure to check back here as I will update the article!

Geekscape Games Presents: The Games of 2014

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2014

If our list of the greatest games of 2013 taught us one thing, it’s that last year was a fantastic year to be a gamer. With that said, 2014 will mark the first full year that all of the now current gen consoles will be available. In addition to the continued stream of solid software for the 3DS while we STILL cross our fingers for the Vita to have a strong showing, there are plenty of games across the board that are worth getting hyped for. With that said, there are some that just can’t be ignored, which is why we’ve compiled the games you should look out for in 2014.

Watch Dogs

Starting off as one of the most anticipated games of 2013, a packed holiday season and the need for some extra development time shifted Watch Dogs into 2014. The ability to essentially hack an entire city promises to bring some fresh ideas to the sandbox genre, and with all of the videos and screenshots shown so far, this one’s looking like it’ll satisfy that action craving too.

Watch Dogs is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One and PC in mid 2014.

Metal Gear Solid V

Buried under all of the controversy surrounding MGS V, (including long time Snake voice actor, David Hayter, getting the boot in favor of Kiefer Sutherland,) is another potential must own from the developers at Kojima Productions. Promising to delve deeper into the motivations of Big Boss and further detail his eventual creation of Outer Heaven, this fifth game will be the first to take the signature stealth of the series into an open world setting. Split into two parts, Ground Zeroes will come to the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on March 18th with Phantom Pain’s release date still listed as TBD.

The Elder Scrolls Online

After much rumor and speculation, The Elder Scrolls Online was finally confirmed to be a thing last year. Scheduled for a summer release, gamers will finally be able to combine their love for the environments, lore and abilities of The Elder Scrolls franchise with their slightly higher enthusiasm for berating each other in an online setting with their “vast” gaming knowledge. Get ready to pwn some n00bs starting on April 4th for PC and Mac users, while PS4 and Xbox One owners will soon follow suit in June.

Destiny

As the first outing for Bungie since breaking away from Microsoft and the Halo franchise that put them on the map, Destiny has a lot to prove. Thankfully, looking at all of the information we know about the game, it seems like it’s on the right track. Combining their FPS know-how with customizable characters, co op missions and a desolate environment, and we’re looking at what could be considered a marriage between a game like Halo and Borderlands. Destiny will land on September 9th for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

InFamous: Second Son

The first InFamous set the stage for being a super powered conduit with a city as our playground. The second allowed us to combine and expand our powers while fighting in a world where we weren’t the only one with powers anymore. Second Son is looking to build upon the legacy that Cole and company left behind with new powers, upgraded visuals and a new cast that’s truly looking to put the PS4 on the map. InFamous will release on March 21st.

Titanfall

As one of the most talked about games at last year’s E3, Titanfall seems to be the reason to make it to another year for FPS fans. Part arena shooter, part mech fighter, the game has some serious potential in the sense that it can bring a ton of new dynamics to the multiplayer shooter playground. As the first game from Respawn, the team consisting of the scorned devs formerly of Infinity Ward, (the core Call of Duty team,) Titanfall is another title that has a lot to prove, yet doesn’t seem like it will have much of a problem doing so come March 11th, exclusively to Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Project Spark

One of the most impressive pieces of tech shown off at E3, Project Spark is part world builder, part action/platformer and all gorgeous. Using Smartglass technology, players can alter the world, interact with characters and mold their experience with a touch of their finger. Scheduled for a 2014 release barring any delays, Windows, 360 and Xbox One gamers can look forward to put their god playing skills to the test.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Another title that got pushed from the end of last year, Donkey Kong Country appears to be well worth the wait. Considering that Donkey Kong Country Returns was such a fantastic display of what the 2D platforming genre can do, the addition of Dixie and Cranky can only give the good people at Retro Studios even more ideas to squeeze out of the old ape. DKC: TF is coming exclusively to Wii U on February 21st.

Mario Kart 8

The success of Mario Kart Wii and MK7 prove that this series is a gaming juggernaut, selling millions upon millions of copies every time a new entry in the popular racing franchise is released. Every new version brings something new to the table, with 8 being no exception thanks to the anti gravity tracks that were shown off during its reveal. It blew us away at E3, and now we can’t wait to get our hands on the steering wheel again in a few short months. Look for Mario Kart 8 in Spring, also exclusively for Wii U.

Hyrule Warriors

At the end of 2013, Hyrule Warriors went from being completely unknown to being one of the most talked about games heading into the new year. Combining the characters, environments and weapons of The Legend of Zelda with the hack and slash game play of Dynasty Warriors did more than just raise a few eyebrows, but watching the game in action was an incredible sight that turned most of us into believers. Hyrule Warriors has a loose release date of 2014.

Bayonetta 2

Speaking of controversy, the memory of Bayonetta 2 being announced as a Wii U exclusive is still vividly burned in my memory. Despite the outcries of disloyalty, (despite the fact that the game would’ve reportedly never been possible without Nintendo’s funding,) Platinum Games seems to be providing what it’s gained that loyalty with in the first place; tight, refined game play with over the top enemies and characters. Action games don’t get much better than their offerings, and after trying out Bayo 2 myself, I’m comfortable in saying this tradition will carry on strong. Bayonetta 2 is set to arrive sometime in 2014.

Super Smash Bros.

Easily in the running for the most anticipated game of 2014, Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS will bring back the blockbuster mascot fighter to consoles AND will also mark its handheld debut. New arenas, characters, (including Megaman!) and features are sure to make Super Smash Bros a must own on almost anyone’s list. Scheduled for a vague 2014 release, we can calm our excitement with daily updates at smashbros.com… although sometimes I think it makes the wait so much worse!

Chibi Robo: Photo Finder

Another late 2013 surprise, Chibi Robo didn’t get nearly as much fanfare as Hyrule Warriors before it. Nonetheless, for a series many considered all but dead outside of Japan, seeing Photo Finder get a U.S. release date was a high note for fans of the cult Gamecube classic. Once again being tasked with bringing joy to all around it, Chibi Robo must help create a museum of artifacts by collecting your own household items. Photo Finder is available now on the eShop for an insanely low price of $10, so I suggest checking it out. Expect a full review in the coming days!

Bravely Default

As I mentioned in my preview article, Bravely Default hits all the right notes for old school RPG fans looking for a nostalgia trip. Its tough enemies, interchangeable job system and classic fantasy setting blends in well with the new features added, especially the Brave, Default and StreetPass functions. Are you an RPG and a 3DS fan? Then mark February 7th on your calendars, because Bravely Default is looking like a fantastic ride.

Yoshi’s New Island

Produced by Takashi Tezuka, the creative director of the original Yoshi’s Island, Nintendo is looking to bring the modern feel to the classic Yoshi game play in the same way New Super Mario Bros has for gaming’s most popular plumber. Coming this spring, Yoshi’s New Island is looking to kick off a great year for Mario’s noble steed, especially if Yarn Yoshi makes it into 2014 as well.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

2014 marks the year of the gentleman with a double dose of Professor Layton. First up, the Professor, Luke and Emmy will head off towards their final showdown with Descole in Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, which will simultaneously serve as the final game of the prequel trilogy AND the reported final game of the series. With more mysteries, picarats and puzzles you can tip your top had towards, this beloved series will get the sendoff it deserves come February 28^th.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney

The second Layton game this year will be the crossover that many have been clamoring over for what feels like forever, (myself included!) After being in localization hell for far too long, 2013 confirmed that we would FINALLY see the Ace Attorney and the Top Hat Professor team up Stateside. Combining the court room drama of Ace Attorney with the puzzle solving challenges of the Layton series, a 2014 release window means we’ll finally get to experience this dream team.

Kirby’s Triple Deluxe

Kirby’s 3DS debut is coming later in 2014 for us, but word out of Japan, (where it just released this weekend,) says that this game is a must own for platforming fans. Bringing back old and new copy abilities alike, with upgraded stage design thanks to foreground and background portions of each level, the long awaited debut of the pink puff ball on the 3DS seems like it will be worth the wait. Plus, the bonus “Kirby Fighter” mode seems like an interesting use of multiplayer, pitting Kirby against Kirby in a fight for copy ability superiority. Keep an eye out as details emerge for this title.

Soul Sacrifice Delta

As one of the better Vita exclusive games last year, it’s no surprise that Soul Sacrifice is getting a follow up with Delta. From the mind of Keiji Inafune, the father of Megaman, this “kind of, but not really” Monster Hunter clone will once again pit sorcerers against various monsters told through the journals of sorcerers of the past, but this time, players will be able to reject the gods by choosing neutral options rather than be forced to sacrifice or save fallen enemies. With a March 2014 release date in Japan, look for it to hit stateside later in the year.

Of course, there are numerous games slated for 2014 that weren’t listed here, but that’s just a testament to how great of a year this is looking to be for gamers across all platforms. Is there a game here that you think isn’t worth mentioning? How about a favorite upcoming title that we missed? Let us know below and let us know what you’re looking forward to in this upcoming year of gaming!