(UPDATED) We're in the home stretch of 2015 but the year's biggest games are still ahead
Being an early adopter with a new gaming console is always a fun, if pricey endeavor, but the first year is typically slow on essential games.
Yes, you get the odd exclusive launch classic but that's often about all, with developers instead learning the hardware and working on enhancing their top franchises.
Which means right about now is the best time to jump on board the next-gen express, because 2015 looks to be absolutely stocked with must-play experiences for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. PC players will reap most of the rewards too - and don't worry, Wii U owners, we've got a few games in the mix here for you.
Whether you're looking for the latest AAA sequels or prefer something with an original hook, we've got it all here in our list of the 30 most intriguing games on the horizon for the rest of 2015. Start saving your loose change and clearing your backlog.
1. NO MAN'S SKY
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC
Who knew that a game made by a tiny indie team would be one of the headline games of the year? That's the case with No Man's Sky, a jaw-dropping space simulation that gives you your very own procedurally generated planet to explore, full of odd creatures and distinctive sights. And at any time, you can fly your ship into the stars and drop in on other users' planets as well. It looks amazing, but can it really live up to the surprising hype?
Due: TBD 2015
2. ROCK BAND 4
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Here's the long-awaited comeback tour that we've been clamoring for. Finally, Harmonix is gearing up to bring Rock Band to modern consoles, and the new entry sounds like it'll keep the basics of the original: guitars, drums, and vocals, without the complex modes and keyboard focus of the last main game.
All existing DLC will be compatible within the same console family, and new (but similar) instruments will be released, although they're looking into making the old ones work. Back to basics, what's old is new again… whatever - the fact is, we're excited.
Due: 6 October
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3. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 3
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, PS3
No huge surprise here: we all knew a new Call Of Duty was coming, and it was Treyarch's turn in the rotation, so Black Ops 3 it is!
We've got the full details about the trilogy-capper in our Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 hands-on preview, but it'll hardly spoil the surprise for us to reveal here that it takes place in another grim future setting, and that zombies will naturally make a return in their own frantic side mode. So about the same, then?
Due: 6 November
4. BLOODBORNE: THE OLD HUNTERS
Platform: PlayStation 4
A downloadable expansion pack on our anticipated games list? When it's the first huge new chunk of content for one of the best games of the first half of the year, then yes, absolutely.
Bloodborne is a smashing PlayStation 4 exclusive, and The Old Hunters promises to deliver new areas, enemies, outfits, weapons, magic, and more to the brutally tough battler. If the main game is any indication, it should be 17.15€ very well spent.
Due: 24 November
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5. MINECRAFT: STORY MODE
Platforms: PC/Mac, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, iOS, Android, Wii U, Vita
Minecraft meets the Walking Dead games? That's essentially what Minecraft: Story Mode sounds like, as the standalone, episodic series follows Telltale Games' established adventure game formula.
Each decision you make along the way helps shape the story ahead, letting you put your own personal spin on the quest – and it makes multiple playthroughs more fun. The idea of a Minecraft narrative is a bit weird, sure, but Telltale's recent output gives us a lot of faith in the premise.
