41 Must Buy Video Games Of 2014

38. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII €“ February 11th (PS3, 360)

The slew of Final Fantasy 13 games haven€™t exactly been endorsed by critics or fans but if there€™s one thing everyone can agree on, it€™s that Square has actively taken feedback and fixed major gripes. 13-2 may have had one hell of a ridiculous story but its combat was much more involving and satisfying, and they've also added some much-needed exploration with towns and time traveling, which is always good. Furthermore, we€™ve stuck it out with the Lightning series for this long so it€™s tough to deny without directing our eyesight elsewhere that there€™s no interest in its conclusion.

37. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze €“ February 21st (Wii U)

Nintendo€™s console contribution to the generation is finally getting some worthwhile games (Super Mario 3D World) and 2014 looks to further quell that drought. There are four playable Kongs including Donkey, Diddy, Dixie, and a reintroduction to the family tree with Cranky Kong, Cranky is basically a rip off of Scrooge McDuck from Duck Tales, but I€™ll welcome that. This will also mark the first time we€™ll be seeing the classic apes in HD. The fact that this one also looks to be more retro styled platforming perfection that Nintendo consistently delivers upon is just the icing on the cake.

36. Tales Of Symphonia Chronicles €“ February 25th (PS3)

This HD release packs in both entries in the Tales of Symphonia franchise, and while I haven€™t played them personally, I have already jumped on pre-ordering the Collector€™s Edition as I haven€™t played a game in the franchise I didn€™t like. It€™s fast paced real-time JRPG action with a story that gleefully embraces every genre trope in the book yet manages to engage. The wonderful world of the internet tells me that Symphonia in particular is one of the best in the storied series spanning 20+ games, so it feels like a safe bet.
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