While 2015 marks the start of some new hopeful franchises (such as Bloodborne, Quantum Break, Splatoon and The Order 1886), it is also the same year where you get plenty of sequels to establish IPs. So which games should end up being the most anticipated videogame sequels released in 2015? Find out in our latest top ten list below.
First, let’s briefly acknowledge a few anticipated sequels that did not make out list but are still worth checking out when they are released. These titles include Dead Island 2, Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance, Forza Motorsport 6, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3, MArio Party 10, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. With that said, our top ten starts below this paragraph.
10. Star Fox Wii U
After nearly a decade, Nintendo is finally ready to release the next installment of the Star Fox series on the Wii U. Early reports suggest that the potential sequel will have three distinct elements: the traditional Arwing sequences as the main appetizer in addition to smaller side-missions that involve tower defense and giant robot simulation.
Hopefully, Nintendo will be revealing more of Star Fox Wii U soon as it is slated to be released later this year.
9. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider was rebooted two years ago. For the sequel, Crystal Dynamic is looking to take the next big step in Lara Croft’s adventure by creating even bigger environments, including the inclusions of more tombs to explore. If you are a fan of the gameplay style from the reboot, the development team is also keeping and expanding on the same core elements in the sequel.
Preorder Rise of the Tomb Raider, which is releasing first for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 in the holiday season of 2015, with this link on Amazon.
8. Just Cause 3
The Just Cause series is home to some of the best open-world experiences in gaming as you can create several crazy scenarios, especially with the addition of the grappling hook in the second game. Fortunately, the same tool will not only be brought back in Just Cause 3 but should get even more usage as the development team is going to add more verticality to the environment.
Reserve Just Cause 2, being released later this year on the PS4, Xbox One and PC, here.
7. Halo 5: Guardians
Microsoft is going to bank heavily on Halo this year to drive Xbox One sales with Halo 5: Guardians. The Xbox One exclusive sequel makes some changes to the first-person shooting franchise with the introduction of a new playable character named Spartan Locke. Multiplayer is also getting some major modifications as the development team decided to add more maneuverability to the already frantic action.
Buy Halo 5: Guardians, which is due to come out sometime in 2015, with this page.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is going to mark the end of Geralt’s journey. In the third game, the development team will be trying to apply cinematic storytelling to a massive open-world environment that will change depending on the player’s action. This should, hopefully, solve some of the tedium and repetitiveness associated with open-world role-playing games. Of course, it also helps that the sequel looks stunning, especially when you consider the massive environments.
Purchase The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is releasing on the 19th of May, via this link.
5. Batman: Arkham Knight
The excellent Batman: Arkham is returning once again in 2015. This time, the adventure will be taking place in Gotham City, which is a much bigger open-world environment when compared to Arkham City from the second installment. Aside from being the last game in the saga, the sequel also marks the first time in which you get to drive the Batmobile, adding some new gameplay possibilities to go along with your typical Batman gadgets.
You can preorder Batman: Arkham Knight, launching on the 2nd of June, here.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X has a tough act to follow when you considered how great the first game is. Thankfully, the sequel is looking even better with improvements being made to the combat and navigation. The game also looks great with beautiful environments, which can be explored by piloting giants robots. Like its predecessors, you can expect to spend hours upon hours getting lost exploring the world of Xenoblade Chronicles X.
Nintendo is targeting a 2015 release for Xenoblade Chronicles X, which you can buy with this page.
3. The Legend of Zelda Wii U
Nintendo always tries to add something new with even new Zelda game. For the Wii U installment, they finally decided to add a massive open-world environment for players to explore. As a result, you may no longer have to complete dungeons or visit areas in the same sequences. If that’s not enough, there is also a new mechanic where you can slow time by shooting an arrow, which should be helpful during more hectic sequences (such as boss battles).
The Legend of Zelda Wii U is also targeting a 2015 launch. You can reserve the latest Zelda release with this link.
2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
After three successful games on the PS3, Naughty Dog’s first native PS4 project will be Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. The studio decided to make some big changes for the sequel, such as opening up the environment to allow for more exploration and even side-quests. The combat also has more added depth as Nathan Drake has several new tricks up his sleeves like a grappling hook. Of course, the story appears to be another engrossing one based on what was shown so far.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is releasing later this year as a PS4 exclusive. Preorder the Uncharted sequel here.
1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
It was a long time coming but a new mainline console Metal Gear Solid game is coming out this year. To make up for the long wait, the development team at Kojima Productions decided to make an absolutely massive videogame that is exponentially bigger than all of the four previous mainline releases combined. The open areas give gamers all the freedom they want in completing the mission objectives. Not to mention that The Phantom Pain is going to have Metal Gear Online 3, the next evolution of the popular multiplayer mode.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain looks like the biggest sequel, both figuratively and literally, releasing in 2015. So make sure you don’t miss out on Big Boss’ latest exploits by preordering the game with this page.
2015 may end up being the biggest year in gaming for software releases based on the amount of quality sequels coming out alone.