With the end of 2011 and we start to look to the new year, there begins a whole new horizon in the video game world. This year saw the dawn of motion controls and the introduction of 3D technology to the gaming world, as well as some truly inspired games. As we look into the coming year, there are some new places and faces we look forwards to see and so, let's examine some of the most anticipated games coming up in 2012.
10- The Next Call of Duty Game

The very same day that Modern Warfare 3 broke records with worldwide success Activision announced that the series would continue in 2012. If it's anything like the past few years, it'll come out in November, and you should look forward to a new take on the series. While we can only speculate right now, expect something similar to Black Ops that has a fun story and legendary online features.
9- Diablo III

In the realm of computer games, Blizzard reigns supreme. From World of Warcraft to Starcraft II they continue to put out revolutionary games that have a huge fanbase all over the globe. With the success of the earlier Diablo games, it's no surprise that cave-spelunking powerhouse is going to be epic and awesome. The story is still vague, but if the trailer is any indication of how huge this game might be, then we are in for a treat.
8- Street Fighter X Tekken

Coming out in early 2012, Street Fighter X Tekken is shaping up to be the definitive crossover fighter since Marvel Versus Capcom. Both series have strong characters and storylines, while the fans of both games will argue that each respective game has the best fighting scheme in the gaming industry. It's going to be truly interesting to see how these very different fighting styles will get blended into one game. Will they keep the more arcade-friendly control scheme of Street Fighter, or will they make it more like the Tekken series, which is more combo based? Only time will tell!
7- Borderland 2

A sequel to probably the most underrated game of 2009, Borderlands 2 is looking to be as big a treat as its predecessor. The plot was weak, but the game was exceptional. The graphics were distinct and tight, the gunplay and enemies were fun, the characters were zany and memorable, as well as having a great set of downloadable content. In the sequel you can't really hold your breath on a story, but you can look forwards to new characters, a bigger setting and the feeling of joy you get when fragging a skag.
6- SSX

It has been a long time since the gaming world has been excited for a snowboarding game. However, title after title from EA's SSX franchise have been awesome and innovative. It's hard to do that with a game about going down a mountain on a piece of waxed fibreglass! This newest incarnation takes you to the highest points and farthest reaches of the Earth, pitting you not against the clock or your opponents but rather against nature itself. You must race against extreme cold and dizzying altitude in what could be one of the most memorable sports games of the year.
5- A Proper Pokemon 3DS Game

While there is a lot of speculation out there, as of yet we haven't heard how Pokemon will translate onto 3DS. Sure, we have Pokemon Rumble Blast, which is a handheld port of Pokemon Rumble for the Wii, but it's hardly a revolutionary addition to the series. What we are waiting for is the next 'color' in the series, revamping and redefining you Pokedex and letting us explore a new world. With the might of the 3DS behind it, Nintendo could put out an entirely new adventure game, and we're all waiting with bated breath to hear about what to expect.
4- Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

Capcom met mixed reviews with their Resident Evil 5 release which failed to scare the pants off us as other Resident Evil games have done. However, this game looks to go back to basics. From what we have been told so far, Operation Raccoon City is dark and cramped, has interesting and distinct characters, the zombies are back of course, and we have some bullet-resistant bosses. It is shaping up to be simple and fun, with a element of tension which makes the game stand out against other zombie horde shooters. With the introduction of multiplayer and hidden bonuses, we might actually have a game here which rivals the almost-perfect Resident Evil 4.
3- Metal Gear: Rising

The Metal Gear Series left a lot of loose ends and characters that need further development. The plot to this series has a rich plot behind it, but what this newest instalment in the series promises to be new and fresh. In this title, you control Raiden from Metal Gear Solid 2 excep this time he`s cybernetically enhanced and awesome. It`s anybody's guess as to where this story may go, but Hideo Kojima doesn`t lend his name to poor games, so expect a complex plot and breathtaking visuals which are punctuated by imaginative and fun boss battles. Let`s not forget the tactical espionage action either!
2- Grand Theft Auto V

The Grand Theft Auto games have always been controversial, well-made, and very fun games to play. From beating up gangsters to high octane car chases, the developers at Rockstar give us games that are both gritty and over-the-top. From the trailer available at rockstargames.com, this new incarnation of the GTA franchise puts the main character in what looks like a fictional town on the southwest coast of the United States. What's most exciting about this game is that it looks to bring back the style of story which graced Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which is arguably the best story in the series. Keep your eyes open for this one, as it's bound to please.
1- Bioshock Infinite

2K Games' dark first person shooter role playing game series takes a leap out of the underwater city of Rapture and into the clouds. This time around we get the surreal floating city Columbia to explore, and it looks to capture the imaginative styling which the first two delivered. The Bioshock series, and its System Shock predecessor, have always given us an in-depth story-line, great music, and a truly inspired sense of atmosphere. Gamers worldwide are waiting with bated breath for this release.
Last Updated (Wednesday, 11 January 2012 06:36)







