My most anticipated games of 2012

Next year looks like it’s going be the best year for games yet – it’s what I tell myself at the end of each year, but it never turns out to be so. 2012 might just change that, given that new installments of some of my favourite franchises are slated for release next year. Following are my five most anticipated games of 2012:

5. Max Payne 3

Spoiler: I’m a sucker for great storytelling. There’s nothing that I enjoy more in video games than engrossing plots with interesting characters and this list shows it – all the games on it are story-driven. And that’s the part I’m most excited about in Max Payne 3. Now, I haven’t yet played the previous two titles, I’ve only seen the disappointing movie. But that doesn’t mean I’m any less excited. Quite the opposite – I can’t wait to get my hands on Rockstar’s next sure to be masterpiece!

4. The Last of Us

I know, I know – the release date of the recently announced The Last of Us is yet to be set, but, hey, I can hope it will be out by the year’s end, right? The reason why one would want to play this game as soon as possible, besides the whole world ending in 2012 thing, is pretty fucking clear, I think. For me, it’s the holy-fucking-shit visuals and cinematic feel in general. Plus, it’s coming from the guys who bestowed us with such gems as Uncharted and Jak & Dexter.

3. Grand Theft Auto V

I’m the type of gamer who prefers his games serious in tone, the kind who would pick Grand Theft Auto over Saints Row any day. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the franchise’s galore of black humor, I friggin’ love it (The Lazlo Show FTW!). It’s just that it’s the story that makes me motivated to keep on playing all throughout the game. Although we don’t know that much yet about the game, the first trailer shows just enough to make a GTA fan, like myself, all giddy with uncontrollable excitement. Visuals are much improved, mountains are climbable (or so it seems), planes are back (yay!), pets finally exist, oh, and pesticide can be sprayed on immigrant workers! What’s not to love?!

2. Mass Effect 3

Funnily enough, this one appeared on my last year’s most anticipated list when it was still scheduled to be released in Fall 2011. Now, BioWare promises March 2012 is when the game will hit store shelves for certain. Like I said earlier in the year, Mass Effect 2 is one of my favourite games ever made (second only to BioShock, in fact), so finding the threequel on this list is no surprise. Promised to take the best elements of 1 and 2 and improve upon them, Mass Effect 3 might just be the title in the series which will cater to the needs and expectations of both ME 1 and 2 fans (I fall into the latter group). And let’s not forget that Mass Effect 3 is considered to be the last chapter of Shepherd’s story arc. Fingers crossed Bioware delivers a fitting conclusion to one of the best stories told in gaming. Bring on March 6!

1. Bioshock Infinite

It’s been quite some time since Bioshock Infinite was announced in 2010 and, interestingly, there is still no end to the wait in sight, apart from official word that it’s coming in 2012. Considering the original’s late August release served the game well financially, it’s a safe bet Infinite will be released around the same time. Although much of the game is still under wraps, the game continues to amaze with what little is thrown at us even to this day which speaks volumes. From time to time, I still go on Youtube and watch the lauded 10 minute video demonstration (see it below if you haven’t yet, you owe it to yourself!). It really exudes what the game is all about – a riveting atmosphere which is rarely found in games, strong narrative which keeps you playing for hours on end, well-developed characters, complex and engaging combat system, and astounding art direction. This video was all it took to sell me on the game and I’m surely not the only one. I have a feeling the original Bioshock will no longer be my most favourite game of all time by next year’s end. Its aerial counterpart is looking more and more like its rightful successor.