1 of 10
Resident Evil 6
In development since: 2010
Why we want it now: It's a big game, literally. It's the biggest Capcom production to date, with a development staff of more than 600. Its makers promise that this installment is a giant stride forward for the franchise. Given that the whole zombie thing is kind of getting worn out, bold statements like that get us all hyped up. At the same time, people are also saying that this sequel should see the series return with a more survival-horror mood, as opposed to the action-oriented feel of the R.E. 5.
Target release date: October 2, 2012
Tomb Raider (360, PS3, PC)
First announced: 2010
Why we want it now: We kind of like Lara Croft. Okay, we like Lara Croft. She's had her bad days, but in her last few games (Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld), we've seen her return in top form. Now she's back for another round of raiding tombs and hunting spiffy relics with a new, grittier look in this franchise reboot. Yep, Crystal Dynamic, the guys behind the game, are restarting the series. The game stars a younger Lara in one of her first adventures.
Target release date: Delayed to 2013. Can you say, hassle?
Dead or Alive 5 (360, PS3)
First announced: 2010
Why we want it now: Akira from rival fighting series, Virtual Fighter 5, is in the game as a guest character? How cool is that? Dead or Alive was initially seen as V.F. clone, only simpler, more accessible and more frenetic. That the lead character from that series is making an appearance in the newest installment of Dead or Alive is enough to give us a nerd-gasm.
Target release date: September 5, 2012
Medal of Honor: Warfighter (360, PS3, PC)
First announced: 2012
Why we want it now: First-person shooters are a dime a dozen, so why do we want this one? This game which is built on the same engine as Battlefield 3 will let you rescue Abu Sayaff hostages. Digital retribution!
Target release date: October 2012
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (360, PS3, PC)
First announced: 2009
Why we want it now: Ignore the quirky name. A Metal Gear game always gets us psyched. Especially one that almost got cancelled completely after severe difficulties the developers, Kojima Productions, encountered in development. Revengeance is a turning point for the franchise as the focus shifts from stealth to all-out sword-slashing action courtesy of cyborg Raiden. If anything, it's a chance for Raiden, who was unjustly lambasted in Metal Gear Solid 2 for replacing Solid Snake as the lead, to show he can be just as awesome.
Target release date: Late 2012
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3)
First announced: 2008
Why we want it now: Because the Japanese are already playing this game co-developed by animation giant, Studio Ghibli. It features Ghibli's trademark water-color-like worlds that made films like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle a treat to watch. The Japanese version was released way back in November 2011. So the question is, what's taking them so long to translate?
Target release date: Early 2013
Super Mario Wii U (Wii U)
First announced: 2011
Why we want it now: The Wii U, Nintendo's next generation console, needs a Mario game when it launches in late 2012. Or maybe not. The original Wii did launch without a Mario game, and it was succesful nonetheless. But we don't want Nintendo to think that do we? As far as we're concerned, a new Super Mario game just might compel many of us over to adopt a Wii U early.
Target release date: TBA
Assassin's Creed III (360, PS3, PC, Wii U)
First announced: 2012
Why we want it now: The series has only gotten better and better as it went on. Though the game is set in the 1700s, the latest installment will focus on the quest to prevent the world from ending in 2012. How's that for relevance, huh? Throughout the quest, you'll also encounter American icons including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. "Hey, aren't you those dudes on dollar bills?" we might have asked them.
Target release date: October 2012
Far Cry 3
First announced: 2010
Why we want it now: Far Cry 2's open-world style left a lasting mark on us. Imagine playing Grand Theft Auto with shooting mechanics that actually work! We've missed that. It's been four years since Far Cry 2 was released. Far Cry 3 has been delayed a couple of times, but that has made us want it even more.
Target release date: September 2012
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Xbox 360, PS3)
First announced: 2010
Why we want it now: More than a decade has passed since the original Tekken Tag Tournament made it so much fun to be a PS2 owner, in that console's early years. It's back now, bringing with it a new bunch of tag mechanics that should allow it to compete with this generation of fighting games. Or we talk too much. Tekken is simply digital beat-up fun at its finest.
Target release date:September 2012
