March madness: Spring video game preview

In November, when Playstation 4 and Xbox One debuted, gamers had a new console to play for the first time in eight years.

And with highly anticipated games like Destiny, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Watch Dogs coming out this year, the outlook for 2014 is promising.

In addition to the games coming out for the next generation consoles, there are plenty of great games coming out for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 this year.

Here are a handful of the best new gaming experiences this spring:

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

Release date: Feb. 25 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360

After a lengthy slumber, Dracula awakens to discover his castle under siege and his powers diminished. As he explores his castle to regain his power and defeat the enemies that seek his demise, the Prince of Darkness must also prepare to face his greatest foe yet: Satan.

The original Lords of Shadow was epic in scope and full of enjoyable combat scenarios, puzzles and stunning surroundings. With streamlined combat, larger environments and an all-new game engine, Lords of Shadow 2 looks even better.

South Park: The Stick of Truth

Release date: March 4 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360

Despite multiple delays and setbacks, fans of the popular television show will finally be able to enter the world of South Park, create their own characters and embark on a quest to obtain the legendary Stick of Truth. Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park: The Stick of Truth looks like it's packed with humor from the show and the makings of a great role-playing game.

Dark Souls II

Release date: March 11 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360

The grim, dark and brooding world of Dark Souls II may not be for everyone - at least if its predecessor is any indication. Dark Souls (2011) was one of the year's best role-playing games, but it was also one of the most challenging titles. Dark Souls II looks to be no different. Though the game has a new setting, the enemies look just as merciless and daunting, which makes killing them all the more satisfying.

Titanfall

Release date: March 11 for PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One

Titanfall is one of this year's most anticipated titles. Whether running on foot as an agile pilot with a jetpack and machine gun or roaming the map in a massive mechanized Titan,Titanfall has a dynamic and fast-paced style of multiplayer. As a multiplayer-only title that incorporates single player and story elements into each match, Titanfall will not only be one of this year's best games, but a tremendous leap forward for gaming.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Release date: March 18 for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One

The first part of Metal Gear Solid V and prologue to the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Ground Zeroes followsSnake as he infiltrates a top-secret military base in Cuba to extract two of the base's prisoners. Ground Zeroes, unlike previous Metal Gear Solid games, is designed to give players more options to accomplish each mission and objective, especially within the game's large, open world. Metal Gear Solid's 'tactical espionage action' appears to have been enhanced. For a franchise that has developed over a decade, Ground Zeroes is taking the series to a new level.

Infamous: Second Son

Release date: March 21 for PS4

Years after the conclusion of Infamous 2, Delsin Rowe discovered that, like Cole MacGrath - the protagonist of Infamous 1 and 2 - he had powers too. Unlike Cole, Delsin can mimic other conduits' (people with superpowers) abilities. With his newfound power, Delsin decided to rebel against the government agency that hunts and oppresses conduits like him.

Players can also mimic other characters' abilities, and that gives a chance to constantly change how the game is played. The opportunity to constantly change how the game is played, combined with the superlative visuals, story and morality that has made previous Infamous titles so enjoyable will make Infamous: Second Son the best one yet.

The Walking Dead: Season Two

Digitally released episodically throughout the year for PS3, Playstation Vita, PC, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, iOS and Ouya

The grim choice of who lives and dies was one of the many elements that made the first season of Telltale Games' The Walking Dead one of 2012's best gaming experiences. Through the game's unique art direction, game play and emphasis on player choice, The Walking Dead embodies the popular comic book series by Robert Kirkman in its aesthetics, tone and ethics. Season Two follows Clementine, a young survivor struggling to maintain her humanity in a world where the walking dead are more trustworthy than the living.

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