Is the PlayStation 4 you opened on Christmas morning already gathering dust? Is your Xbox One just an expensive paperweight? Have you played enough Flappy Bird to last three lifetimes?
Well, it’s almost time to give your thumb a rest. In the coming months, some of the most anticipated games of the year are set to release and consume all of your free time. So if you have any household projects you’ve been putting off, now is probably the time to get them out of the way.
Here’s a look at five of (what look to be) the best games releasing over the next three months:
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Platform: Wii U
Release Date: February 21
Nintendo’s struggles with the Wii U are well documented, but a few killer games exclusive to the platform may be just what Dr. Mario ordered to turn their fortunes around. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze may be the first must-have game on the system. The first DKC game in four years and the first one in high definition, the game looks like the kind of fun, addictive side-scroller Nintendo does better than anyone. This could very well be the first game to give people a reason to buy a Wii U.
Thief
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Release Date: February 24
Thief puts players in the shoes of a thief (I know, I didn’t see that coming) who sets out to rob from the rich and avoid getting caught and killed. The game looks to value stealth and cunning over violence and fighting, with players able to hide out from computer-controlled enemies who are smart enough to find your hiding spots. The game looks especially good on next generation platforms, and a huge in-game world that allows players to take different paths to their goals should give it plenty of replay value.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Release Date: March 18
The first of two new Metal Gear games, Ground Zeroes takes the long-running series to new territory by ditching the traditional linear world and instead gives the player an entire open world to explore. You’d be hard pressed to find a series that does stealth action-adventure better than Metal Gear, and the latest installment looks to continue that trend.
Infamous: Second Son
Platform: PlayStation 4
Release Date: March 21
The newest installment of the Infamous series makes its next-gen debut this spring in what looks to be an absolutely gorgeous game. Another open world game, only one that lets players play a character with superhuman abilities and powers. The previous Infamous games on the PS3 were a lot of fun to play, and Second Son looks to capture that same feeling while beefing up the game’s visuals. Arguably the most anticipated PS4-exclusive game of the year.
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release Date: March 4
The long-awaited game finally makes its debut this spring, and it promises to be the first South Park game that captures the true feel of the show. Players control the new kid in town as he tries to make friends with Cartman and the gang and torment their enemies in the school. If it even comes close to being as fun as the TV show, Stick of Truth might be the most enjoyable game this year. I mean, who wouldn’t want to interact with the people of South Park?
