I haven’t done a video game feature yet, so it seems obvious to write about some of the most anticipated games of 2013…and my chances of actually playing them.
BEYOND: TWO SOULS TBD for PS3
THE DEAL: This psychological thriller is Quantic Dream’s follow-up to 2010’s Heavy Rain and features a performance from Juno herself Ellen Page as the main character. The player experiences 15 years of her life as we try to piece together the secrets of the mysterious ghostly companion at her side and discover what lies beyond after death. Quantic Dream’s success with Heavy Rain in redefining how we play games has gamers excited for this next project.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: SLIM TO NONE I don’t own a PS3 which poses a challenge considering this is a PS3 exclusive.
BIOSHOCK INFINITE March 26 for 360/PS3/PC
THE DEAL: The original Bioshock from 2007 is an already classic game due to its cinematic-like quality, rich narrative with twists around every corner, and the setting of Rapture, a utopia-turned-wasteland beneath the sea. Bioshock Infinite is the third game in the Bioshock franchise, but don’t expect to return to Rapture. Infinite takes place in a new city (in the sky rather than underwater) and new time period, and it remains to be seen whether there’s any connection to Rapture. However, after Bioshock 2 took a slight misstep (I say slight because it wasn’t a disaster), we can expect Infinite to return to the creativity and originality that made the original a nearly universally acclaimed game.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: HIGHER THAN WIZ KHALIFA I’m playing this game no matter what.
DEAD SPACE 3 February 5 for 360/PS3/PC
THE DEAL: The original Dead Space was a refreshing entry into the horror genre, piling on the blood and gore as Isaac Clarke took aim at the limbs of thousands of Necromorphs on the planet-cracking ship, the USG Ishimura. Its sequel improved on the foundations laid by its predecessor with a faster-moving story, more action, and actually giving Isaac some character. The third game in the series takes place on an ice planet with new emphasis on cooperative multiplayer. Is this a good idea for a series built on solo play and its claustrophobic atmosphere? Time will tell.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: VERY HIGH I own, and highly enjoyed, the first two games, and definitely plan on playing this one. Lets hope it doesn’t suck.
GEARS OF WAR: JUDGEMENT March 19 for 360
THE DEAL: Judgement is the fourth game in the Gears of War series, but acts as a prequel to the trilogy before it. Because after 3 titles, the obvious thing to do is a prequel. Since it’s a prequel, players can say bye to Marcus and say hello to Damon and Augustus, whoever they are. Really, does anyone play Gears of War for the story or characters? My assumption is that they play to chainsaw the shit out of Locusts.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: LOW I’ve never played the first three games so I don’t know about my chances of playing this one. But considering it’s actually a 360 exclusive and we don’t get many of those, maybe I’ll give it a shot. Knowing me, though, I’d rather just get the first couple games for really cheap and play those.
GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION March 12 for PS3
THE DEAL: The popular series gets its seventh entry and second game on the PS3, the first being 2010’s God of War III. Apparently, Kratos has something against Ares in the campaign, but talk of the town is actually a new-to-the-series multiplayer mode.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: SLIM TO NONE Don’t own a PS3, so I can’t afford to care about the single player or the new multiplayer. Woe is me.
GRAND THEFT AUTO V TBD for 360/PS3
THE DEAL: It’s Grand Theft Auto, one of the biggest gaming series ever. And it’s been five years since GTA IV, so ya just know people are waiting to get their car-stealing, cop-shooting fix.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: POSSIBLE There’s other games I’m looking forward to playing more, but if the chance arises, I’ll be on it.
INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US April 16 for 360/PS3/Wii U
THE DEAL: This DC fighting game is from the creators of the 2011 Mortal Kombat game so expect something similar to that. The game is expected to feature the likes of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Catwoman, Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, and Bane (but no Tom Hardy). Sadly, no word on whether Aquaman will make an appearance. Sigh.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: POSSIBLE I love me some superheroes and if the reviews are good, maybe I’ll find myself playing this one.
THE LAST OF US May 7 for PS3
THE DEAL: The Last of Us is an upcoming PS3 exclusive from Naughty Dog, the creators of the Uncharted series. That already puts it ahead of the pack on gamers’ buying lists. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where zombie-like creatures roam the streets. Gamers like their zombie games, and I don’t think The Last of Us will have to do much to set it apart from the crowd: it’s got Naughty Dog, stunning graphics, and an Ellen Page (there she is again) look-a-like going for it already.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: OKAY, I GET IT, PS3 HAS A LOT OF DAMN EXCLUSIVES!! Games like this make me wish I could afford both an X-Box and Playstation.
PIKMIN 3 TBD for Wii U
THE DEAL: I’m gonna assume this is one of the bigger exclusive releases for the Wii U seeing as though the last game was 2004’s Pikmin 2 for GameCube. I’ve tried the Wii U and it’s got loads of potential. And I’ve seen the game in action on a demo and it looks fun enough. The gamepad will be used primarily as a map, so too bad they couldn’t make use of the co-op potential.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: LOW I doubt I’ll be playing it…unless my roommate picks it up.
SOUTH PARK: THE STICK OF TRUTH March 5 for 360/PS3/PC
THE DEAL: A South Park RPG from the makers of Fallout: New Vegas with heavy creative influence from Matt Stone and Trey Parker that looks exactly like the show’s visuals? It’s no question that fans are excited about this one.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: I RESPECT ITS AUTHORITY No way I’m missing this one. I’m a big fan of South Park and can’t wait to play.
TOMB RAIDER March 5 for 360/PS3/PC
THE DEAL: This long awaited (and long delayed) reboot finally has a release date. Fans of Lara Croft can expect a dark and gritty (as with everything nowadays) retelling of her origin story, and how she became the tough-as-nails heroine that she is. Also expect multiplayer.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: POSSIBLE If reviews are good, I may find myself picking it up one way or another. Seeing as how it’s released the same time as South Park, I may have to wait. Chances are I won’t play it, but I like my dark and gritty origin stories, so we’ll see.
THE WALKING DEAD: THE GAME SEASON 2 TBD
THE DEAL: Okay, so this hasn’t been officially confirmed for 2013 yet. But Telltale Games has stated that a season 2 is a definite. We just don’t know when it’s coming. As long as it’s ready to go, I say it would be smart to release it late this year…fans are eager to learn what happens next.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: HELL YES…when it’s actually released. The first five episodes made up one of the best games I’ve ever played.
WATCH DOGS TBD for 360/PS3/PC
THE DEAL: The demo previewed at E3 was highly impressive, with awesome visuals and highlighting unique gameplay that combines stealth, shooting, and hacking. Despite little being known about it, this is one of the most anticipated games of 2013…but also one of the ones that could be pushed back. Let’s hope it’s not.
MY CHANCES OF PLAYING: HIGH…if it’s actually released this year.
Take One 