COG's Christmas 2014 Multi-Platform Buyer's Guide

Previously released buyer’s guides:

Every year with about a week to go before Christmas I get asked the same questions and I answer the same way every time. First, have you finished all your Christmas shopping? “No.”

Second, what games should I buy my son (or daughter) for Christmas? “Depends, what systems does he (or she) own and what kind of games does he (or she) play?”

I’m generally not a last minute guy but I’m definitely one of those frantic maniacs making a last minute sprint to Walmart to grab a few stocking stuffers. Given the crowds, I know I am not the only out there looking for that “oh snap, I’m out of time” gift. For family, friends or parents of gamers, many of us have been in that panicky position scrambling for a last minute game we can snap up just before the jolly old fella comes crashing down the chimney.

To that end, we here at COG have compiled a list of ten sure fire winners that will please any PlayStation 4 or Xbox One owner. All of the games listed below are multiplatform games so in other words they are available on both systems if not also on the Wii U and PC. So if you are looking for that last minute next generation game, have a look at the list below. You really cannot go wrong with any of these suckers as they are some of the best multiplatform games from 2014.

Far Cry 4

If you are looking for something that will keep that special gamer in your heart occupied for days, maybe even weeks on end, look no further than Ubisoft’s Far Cry 4. This game features a beautiful world with bears, badgers (honey badger don’t care!), tigers, elephants and some of the deadliest enemies you will ever encounter. Even after 30 or 40 some hours of gameplay, you will not get bored. It’s been called the best shooter of the year, raising the bar for the genre and raising the bar for other open world action adventure games. Far Cry 3 was a spectacular game, so it says something that Far Cry 4 managed to outshine its predecessor is nearly every way. You are absolutely getting every dollar of value from Far Cry 4. Now go jump on that elephant and liberate Kyrat now!

For more information on Far Cry 4, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V isn’t exactly a next generation masterpiece but it is one of those can’t miss games for anyone who has yet to jump into the crazy, offensive, unpredictable but oh so much frickin fun city of Los Santos. Featuring some of the most memorable characters in gaming, GTA V is a thrill ride from beginning to end. If over 50-hours of a single player campaign is not enough for you, out of the box GTA V includes GTA Online which has been a huge hit for fans. Bottom line, GTA V is an incredibly deep game well worth your hard earned cash. The next generation version of GTA V received far more than just a fresh coat of paint. It received enhancements solidifying it as the undisputed king of open world games.

For more information of Grand Theft Auto V, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition is going to win (and has already won) many game of the year awards. For that reason alone, it makes a perfect holiday gift. It is one of those special games that every next gen owner needs to have in their collection. Inquisition is fun, addictive, immersive and absolutely life consuming. Bioware won the hearts of many when Origins was released back in 2009. Despite a bit of a misstep with Dragon Age 2, the franchise is back on track with this epic RPG. It’s one of COG’s highest scored games this year and cements itself as a fantastic x-mas gift.

For more information on Dragon Age Inquisition, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

The Call of Duty franchise had been suffering before Advanced Warfare dropped. Well, not so much in terms of sales but the general consensus was that the franchise had become stale, delivering too much of the same old crap. Sledgehammer and Activision were hoping to turn things around with Advanced Warfare. How were they going to do that? By featuring a brand new exoskeleton mechanic that fundamentally changes the way you play the game and by locking up Kevin Spacey as the game’s main character. There is no question a big risk was taken with this year’s game but the pay-off was huge. All that negativity the franchise had felt in years past was gone. In the end, gamers win as this is the best Call of Duty in years. Period.

For more information on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

There’s no question many have over looked Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor likely because there are just so many other fabulous games already on the market. Shadow of Mordor is one of those under the radar games that deserve far more recognition than what it got. With a brilliant blend of silky smooth yet brutal combat and some memorable stealth sequences, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor offers up some of the best open world combat we have seen in quite some time. Granted, it is not without some faults, and will frustrate many but this is one heck of a Lord of the Rings game that should please any “Mature” rated gamer this holiday season.

For more information on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Destiny

Never before has a game received as much hype as Bungie’s Destiny. The creators of the Halo franchise had a lot of pressure on them in the months leading up to the game’s release. The expectations were sky high and when the game eventually dropped it fell under some harsh (and unfair in my opinion) criticism. Destiny doesn’t quite hit the stars out of the gate like some thought it might but it still stands as one of the most enjoyable and ambitious games in recent history. There is no other game that has managed to capture the COG community quite like the way Destiny has. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE (except our man Brian!), is still playing it and it was released some 4-months ago. That really tells you all you need to know about this game that constantly receives post-launch support. If you haven’t jumped on the Destiny hype train yet, its time you did.

For more information on Destiny, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Wolfenstein: The New Order is getting my game of the year. Not so much that it’s necessarily THE best game of the year but rather because it surpassed all my expectations and was about the most fun I have had with a game in 2014. This visually stunning Nazi killing game features memorable characters, a terrific soundtrack and frantically entertaining gameplay. It is a deep shooter experience that is hard to put down. At this juncture, it should be a bit cheaper than some other Triple A titles, so if you are looking for a top notch game cheaper than your typical $60 dollar release, The New Order is a good call.

For more information on Wolfenstein: The New Order, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

“Definitive Edition” games have often been accused as being a cash grab. Tomb Raider Definitive Edition was one of those games that fell under some criticism because other than some better resolution it received no upgrades or additional features. But pissing on a Picasso is never a good idea, right? One of the pinnacles of last-gen gaming is presented as one of the best looking games on next generation systems. Much like GTA V, if you have yet to play Tomb Raider, the Definitive Edition is the one to own.

For more information on Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Alien Isolation

What good is a gift guide if it doesn’t have at least one game that will absolutely scare the crap out of you? Fellow Editor Shawn P best described Alien Isolation as a “chilling, suspenseful and downright terrifying love letter to fans of the Alien franchise”. Only Bethesda’s Evil Within game rivals Alien Isolation in the 2014 fright factor category. The way the game creates a tense feeling of utter helplessness is spot on. If you’re not a fan of horror games and are easily disturbed by them, it is best you avoid this one as Alien Isolation will have you sleeping with the lights on for the next 6-months.

For more information on Alien Isolation, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Assassin’s Creed Unity

Assassin’s Creed Unity was absolutely assassinated (huzzah!) by gamers everywhere at launch. Ubisoft released the game half-baked with all sorts of framerate issues which sent gamers everywhere in a tizzy and sent the Ubisoft PR team working overtime. Issues aside, Unity is pretty damn good game and a vibrant one that shines on next gen consoles now that patches have cleaned things up. Assassin’s Creed fans and those new to the franchise should find plenty to love here. Is it the best Assassin’s Creed game? No, but it’s a solid showing for the franchise and one that makes a solid gift this holiday season.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed Unity, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW

Trevor Houston

COG’s Christmas 2014 Multi-Platform Buyer’s Guide