Holiday console guide 2014: PlayStation 4

Published 4:11 pm Saturday, November 15, 2014

If you’ve picked up a current-generation console, odds are you’ve picked up a Playstation 4.

Sony’s videogame wunderkind brand is leading the console marketplace at the moment due to its friendly policies toward sharing games and its innovative potential on several fronts, from the Playstation TV to the upcoming Playstation Now library of PS3 games. It shares many games with its competitors, but I’ve found the PS4 to be an excellent system for gaming, online streaming and more.

You can find PS4s for $399, though some console bundles with games like “Destiny” cost $449.

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Here’s a look at some of the best PS4 games to pick up this year:

 “inFAMOUS: Second Son”: Rated M, available now

This sequel to the “inFAMOUS” franchise tells a new story about people who acquire superhero powers and the implications that can bring. It’s for older gamers, but it’s one of the best action games on the market and a great title to buy.

 “The Last of Us: Remastered”: Rated M, available now

This thoughtful zombie-survival game garnered many accolades when it was released on the Playstation 2 last year, and the PS4 version is a marked improvement with more single-player and multiplayer content. Definitely for more mature gamers, however.

 “Little Big Planet 3”: Rated E, available Nov. 18

This is likely going to be one of the best games coming to the PS4 this holiday season. This family-friendly, ridiculously fun game is the third entry in the innovative “Little Big Planet” series. It’s likely going to have a lot of content to explore and is definitely a must-buy for families with young gamers.

 “Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare”: Rated M, available now

Once again, you’ve likely picked this up for your favorite gamer, but just in case you haven’t heard, the latest “Call of Duty” game has been released. It’s still a shooter, it still has adult themes, but Kevin Spacey plays an important character in the game’s campaign (read: story) mode and “Call of Duty” multiplayer is still pretty addictive. Definitely for older gamers, especially the online multiplayer.

“Dragon Age: Inquisition”: Rated M, available Nov. 18

The people behind the massively popular “Mass Effect” series are back with another title in their “Dragon Age” lineup of games, which are fun open-world RPGs. This game is already garnering rave reviews and looks to be a hit, though it’s probably for older gamers.

If none of those games seem like a good fit, fear not! The PS4 still has games like “LEGO Batman 3, Beyond Gotham,” “Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor,” “Minecraft,” “Madden NFL 15,” “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn,” “Wolfenstein: The New Order,” “Assassin’s Creed: Unity,” “Alien: Isolation” and more.

Look to the Herald over the next few weeks as we cover more consoles and titles for discerning buyers this holiday season.