The end of 2014 approaches us, bringing with it the promise of many days off from work, the generous spirit of gift giving and holiday game sales. For the gaming community, this also means the much anticipated release of brand new games across a variety of platforms. If you can't afford to go on vacation during the holidays this year, don't despair. We’ve put together a list of 8 fantastic titles brought to you by the magicians of the game industry. From the comforts of home, fill your holiday season with heart-pumping adventure in exotic locales! Explore and go on quests in fantasy realms! Meet unforgettable characters, from the suspiciously shady to the just darn delightful! And take lots of pictu...erm, screenshots.

Far Cry 4

Release date: November 18, 2014

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U

From the director of Assassin’s Creed III comes the much anticipated sequel to Far Cry 3, the open world, first-person shooter and adventure game. Far Cry 4 puts players in the role of Ajay Ghale who undertakes a mission to fulfill his mother’s dying wish: that her ashes be spread in Kyrat. This fictional province is set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, so expect things to get a little chilly.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris

Release date: December 9, 2014

Developer: Crystal Dynamics

PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4,

Sexy, adventurer heroine Lara Croft of the Tomb Raider series is back this December. In the hot, arid deserts of Egypt Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris promises a four-player co-op gaming experience – a first time addition to the game series. Dangerous temples, chock-full of deadly traps are, of course, a given.

Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 ReMix

Release date: Early December 2014

Developer: Square Enix

PlayStation 3

Previously released in Japan on October 2 of this year, this mashup of anime-esque dystopias and cheerful Disney dispositions comes to the rest of the world this December. An HD compilation of past titles in the series, Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 ReMix , brings the experience of Kingdom Hearts II FINAL MIX (PS2 only) and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX (PSP only) to PlayStation 3 owners outside of Japan, for the first time.

Little Big Planet 3

Release Date: Late November, Early December

Developer: Sumo Digital, XDev Europe

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

The abominably cute and loveable Sackboy returns, but he’s not alone ! This time he’s brought three friends: Oddsock, Swoop and Big Toggle (who is also Little Toggle) . The little companions have accidentally released evil Titans onto the LittleBigPlanet paradise of Bunkum and, like all responsible heroes with big hearts (i.e. you), must now save their world.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Release Date: Mid to Late November 2014

Developer: Bioware

PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Dragon Age: Inquisition throws you into massive game world. Make in-game choices that will affect the outcome of your story - your end goal is merely to save the world from itself . You could take the time to peacefully explore the beautiful continent of Thedas, until you realize that you are actually in the middle of a bloody civil war. Try not to get yourself killed in the crossfire. Remember, if at first you don't succeed, save often and reload.

The Crew

Release Date: Early December 2014

Developer: Ivory Tower, Ubisoft Reflections, Asobo Studio (Xbox 360)

PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4

Maybe adventuring and questing is not your thing. Maybe you just want to cruise around the streets of Seattle in your souped-up BMW. Maybe you want to do some off-roading in your Bentley. What? It's your car and you can trash it if you want to. Enter the persistent world of The Crew, where you can zip your way through online missions in co-op and multi-player. We hear the list of available cars to choose from is a dream come true for automobile enthusiasts, ensuring that win or lose, you will be crossing that finish line in style.

Grand Theft Auto 5

Release Date: November 18, 2014 (console) January 27, 2015 (PC)

Developer: Rockstar

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Some of us are greedy. We want the best of both worlds. We want to explore drive hijacked vehicles, adventure run from the law, and defeat enemies shoot things up in the process. Therefore, we are thrilled that GTA franchise is returning with it’s 5 th installment of auto-theft, bloody murder and high-adrenaline escapes . Violence and bloodshed is never funny – except when it’s in online multi-player and in the fictional city of Los Santos, San Andreas.

Super Smash Bros.

Release Date: Late November, Early December

Developer: Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Games

Wii U

Besides days of work, game sales and new games, we understand that the end of the year can also instill a sense of nostalgia in the heart. Reminisce on old lovers consoles while you play as Link, Mario or the dog and duck from Duck Hunt . Assume the role of your favorite video game character and battle with friends and strangers. You can finally punch out that annoying relative who comes over once a year (or your entire family) with zero real-life consequences. No one is judging.

Feature photo by ZedLord-Art