15 Best Months To Be A Gamer (Since 2000)

1. March 2014 €“ Souls, Sticks And Titans...

So let's take a look at the most exciting month so far this year. The biggest release was the first big next gen release €“ Titanfall. An exclusive to Microsoft (Windows and Xbox One), Titanfall was a major selling point for the One, despite launching five months after the system's release. Created by Respawn, a development team made up of ex-Infinity Ward staff, the game features fast and furious combat involving mechs and pilots. While the game didn't quite live up to the enormous hype built around it, it's still a great FPS which should go onto be a highly successful series.

From Software's Dark Souls was an unexpectedly huge hit thanks to its difficulty and intriguing world, meaning a sequel was almost inevitable and Dark Souls 2 looked to better its younger sibling in one way €“ sheer volume of player deaths. Dark Souls 2 is an even more unforgiving experience and while it may simply feel like an extension of the excellent first game, some may argue it betters it.

There was a point in time when we thought we'd never see South Park: The Stick Of Truth. Having been in development since 2009, developers Obsidian were hit multiple times by delays before finally finishing the product for release in March. Thankfully, the game was well worth the wait thanks to Matt Stone and Trey Parker's direct involvement in the title leading it to play like an extended episode of the show - which is obviously awesome. Plus, the role-playing elements are surprisingly in-depth thanks to Obsidian's input, making for a great package all round.

There was plenty else to enjoy in March too, starting with a first glimpse at Metal Gear Solid V with the prequel title Ground Zeroes. While only containing a few short missions, Ground Zeroes offers enough of a taste of The Phantom Pain's gameplay and graphics to get us salivating already. The Warcraft card game spin-off Hearthstone was officially released this month too and the first expansion to Diablo 3 €“ Reaper of Souls €“ made it a busy month for Blizzard fans.

Metacritic Roundup: Titanfall, 86. Dark Souls 2, 92. South Park: The Stick Of Truth, 85. Average: 87.67.