Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360, Q4 2011) Developed by Epic Games
Why we’re excited: The battle for the planet Sera, or at least what remains of it, continues. Humanity’s existence is on the brink, as does the series’ baddies, the ugly alien-looking Locust, as the rise of a new nefarious force, the Lambent threatens to end all that breathe. Huge space marines toting impressively humongous machine guns with chainsaws built right onto its business end still get our blood pumping.
Killzone 3 (PS3, February 22, 2011) Developed by Guerilla Software
Why we’re excited: Otherwise known as the sequel to that game which got gamers screaming “OMFG, GRAPHICS!” back in 2005. In the last game, the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (think a much more epic United Nations) has finally rid its adversary, the Helghast Empire, of its leader. No one though comes out unscathed in a war like this, so even the ISA is in disarray, with ISA operatives and series protagonists, Sev and Rico, trapped in the ensuing chaos. They’ve still got guns though so we wouldn’t worry too much. Also, OMFG graphics!
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC, Q2 2011) Developed by Bioware
Why we’re excited: It’s a massively-multiplayer online game set in the Star Wars universe. If that doesn’t give you a hard on, you’re either dead, or, well, you’re not a Star Wars fanatic like the…rest of ordinary society. It’s being developed by the same guys who brought us the stellar Knights of the Old Republic for the original Xbox, so we’re confident that this is going to be a good game as well. Could be good enough to challenge World of Warcraft’s reign as MMO king.
Portal 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, April 19, 2011) Developed by Valve Software
Why we’re excited: The original game was really just an add-on to 2007’s The Orange Box. Something that the developers might have added just for the heck of it. But what an add-on it was. It was a smart, addictive, and challenging puzzle game that you couldn’t put down once you began. And this was in an era where puzzle video games usually scored you a raised eyebrow. Now we have a proper, full sequel in the works. Mind-screw, here we come.
Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, February 2011) Developed by Capcom
Why we’re excited: Crossover videogames are extremely popular because they provide answers to the classic boyhood question of “Who would in a fight, cartoon/comic book/movie character A or cartoon/comic book/movie character B?" Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 provides just that, with around 40 characters from the Marvel and Capcom universe duking it out for crossover supremacy.
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, Xbox 360, Q4 2011) Developed by Rocksteady Studios
Why we’re excited: Guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of Bat-fans everywhere, this Bat-game is a sequel to what is considered the best Batman game ever, Arkham Asylum. This time though, the caped crusader is out of the creepy confines of the famed Asylum, and put into the mean streets of Arkham City, doing what the costumed detective does best: striking fear into the hearts of criminals. He thinks it’s a superpower.
The Last Guardian (PS3, TBA 2011) Developed by Team Ico
Why we’re excited: For those who haven’t been paying attention, Team Ico’s games have always been some of the most inspiring and surreal works in the industry, and are the industry’s best bet in qualifying games as art. Their latest opus, The Last Guardian, which stars a boy and his giant dragon/bird beast (a la Neverending Story) is shaping up to be just as magical.
Duke Nukem Forever (PC, PS3, Xbox 360, TBA 2011) Developed by Gearbox Games
Why we’re excited: Because it’s getting released (we think). The game has been in development since the late 90s, so when it finally does get released, that must count for something right? We’ve waited this long for the potty-mouthed, womanizing, alien-trashing Duke Nukem to arrive; no way we’re not playing it.
The Legend of Zelda: The Skyward Sword (Wii, TBA 2011) Developed by Nintendo
Why we’re excited: Much like Mario, The Legend of Zelda had always been opium for Nintendo gamers. So no matter how many sequels, no matter how many times Nintendo puts us in the shoes of Link, the franchise is guaranteed to sell. The next one has a new selling point, in the form of 1:1 motion controls. For non-geeks, that means that Link will move exactly the way you wave your Wii controller. It’s as close as Nintendo fanboys will ever get to being the long-eared hero.
