And we're back. The holidays have come and gone as quickly as that first life in Dark Souls, and while many of us are still playing catch up on the barrage of great games from the 2011 Holiday season, we can't ignore the fact that it's a brand new year, which means another onslaught of games to send your wallet into hiding and your boss to question those "sick days". So, what's in store for gamers in 2012 then? Plenty. In fact, we'll show you. Here's our top 10 most anticipated games for 2012 (in no specific order):
Syndicate
Developer: Starbreeze Studios
Publisher: EA
Release Date: 24 February 2012
I probably wasn't the only one to think that the announcement of a reboot of the classic Syndicate franchise seemed like a straight forward cash-in. I mean, "fast-paced, futuristic, action shooter" doesn't really sound anything like the isometric styled tactical gameplay of yesteryear. And it isn't. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. While the gameplay won't be anything like what Bullfrog did back in 1993, it will still play out in a dark, digital world where everything is connected and controlled by various mega corporations fighting for control, setting up a potentially rich world to explore thanks to the franchise's origins. Throw in some interesting weapons, brain chip hi-jacking, and the makers of The Chronicles of Riddick games (Starbreeze Studios), Syndicate could well be one of the highlights of the year for action shooter fans.
Mass Effect 3
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: EA
Release Date: 6 March 2012
The Reapers are here. Despite our best efforts, and those around us - some even laying down their lives - they are here. We are at the precipice. The end of the line. It's time to make our final stand and decide the fate of the galaxy. It's time for the final chapter in the Mass Effect story, and we couldn't be more excited.
Max Payne 3
Developer: Rockstar Vancouver with Rockstar New England, Rockstar London & Rockstar Toronto
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release Date: TBC (Expected March 2012)
Max is back, and he's bringing the payne. Yeah, I just did that. He will also be bringing a "dark and twisted story", a "seamless, cinematic action experience", and multiplayer for the first time. It's Max Payne, people, how can you not be excited?!
BioShock Infinite
Developer: Irrational Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Release Date: TBC (Expected June 2012)
BioShock: The game that introduced us to Big Daddies, Plasmids, and, of course, the incredible underwater city of Rapture, is back, but this time the first-person franchise heads to the skies, with BioShock Infinite taking place on the floating city of Columbia in an all new narrative. Expect a re-worked and expanded arsenal of weapons and powers, brand-new animation and AI systems, and an entirely new and more expansive environment than we've seen before in the BioShock games. In other words, keep your eye on this one!
Borderlands 2
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games
Release Date: TBC (Expected Q2 2012 - Q1 2013)
Shooting and looting. It's a good combination. Even better when done with three other players on the barren, desolate - yet all too inviting - world of Pandora, which is filled with dangerous creatures, gangs of bandits, mercenaries, controlling mega-corporations, aliens, and Claptraps. Oh, and did I mention there's plenty of loot?! Borderlands 2 promises all-new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, and... loot! Hell, yeah! Check me out everybody! I'm dancin', I'm dancin'!
Darksiders II
Developer: Vigil Games
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: TBC (Expected Q2 2012)
Just in time for the Mayan-predicated apocalypse in 2012, the sequel to 2010's fantastic hack 'n slash adventure Darksiders is set to take us on a new adventure with a new Horseman, Death, as he does what he knows best in an attempt to restore mankind after the apocalypse and redeem his brother’s name (who's blamed for starting the apocalypse). With promises of a richer experience with a larger world, full weapon and armor upgrade systems, bigger and more challenging dungeons, and new enemies and bosses, Darksiders II could be THQ's big hit of 2012.
Tomb Raider
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: TBC (Expected Q3 2012)
The first lady of action adventure gaming is back, returning in a reboot that's set to show us the root of Lara's transformation from fresh faced adventurer to tough-as-nails survivor. Tomb Raider (2012) promises a more mature gaming experience, one that will explore both Lara's physical and emotional limits, and one that developer Crystal Dynamics hopes will connect gamers with the heroine in a way not yet explored in previous games (no, not that way, you sicko). If the gameplay can deliver, Tomb Raider (2012) could just be what the franchise needs to put it back at the top.
Halo 4
Developer: 343 Industries
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: TBC (Expected Q4 2012)
Halo! Master Chief! The veteran soldier is set to grace our Xbox's once again, this time to "confront his own destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe" in a brand new trilogy. Sounds like just another day on the job for Petty Officer John-117, and we can't wait!
Far Cry 3
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal with Ubisoft Shanghai & Massive Entertainment
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: TBC
There aren't many game worlds that can top Far Cry 2's Africa setting. The sounds, the setting sun on the African plains, the bush fires, the NPCs speaking Afrikaans - it was truly absorbing. Oh, and the gunplay was pretty fun too. We might not be going back to Africa (yet), but with Far Cry 2 as a platform, the tropical setting of Far Cry 3 has never been so inviting.
Grand Theft Auto V
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release Date: TBC
Grand Theft Auto V. The fifth canon in the Grand Theft Auto series. The one after GTA IV. The next game in the franchise after the highest rated game EVER on the Xbox 360. Do I need to say anymore? Los Santos is back, re-imagined, and ready for intrepid gamers to tear it apart.
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What are your most anticipated games of 2012? Let us know in the comments below.
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