Games of 2012
So, you've ate the mince pies and you're on leftovers or a diet already. What does 2012 hold for videogames?
2012 is set to be a transition year. Sure we've got the Wii U probably arriving at some point, but it's doubtful we'll see lots of the Xbox 720 or PS4 this year. Why? They're selling enough games their manufacturers don't quite yet want to introduce new hardware, killing off the old. 2013, that'll be the year, or maybe even 2014. So what does the year have in store?
New hardware
The Sony PS Vita handheld launches 22 February. We've already covered off its basic good/bad points. In essence, great core games but too many gimmicks and there's the real issue of smartphone gaming to consider as a rival now.
Later in the year, although how much later remains a mystery, comes the Nintendo Wii U. The new home console continues motion-sensing, but adds a touchscreen controller. Much more, as is usual for Nintendo, isn't known. But some are guessing it to be akin to a current generation PS3 or Xbox 360 in terms of power.
Reboots
Tomb Raider, Max Payne 3, Syndicate, SSX, Soul Calibur V, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Silent Hill: Downpour, FIFA Street, Devil May Cry. The list of old dogs learning new tricks is a long one. I'm genuinely excited about Devil May Cry, Tomb Raider and Max Payne, I'm mildly curious about the broader range of references FIFA Street is using (Gears Of War multi-player, racing game acceleration controls etc.), and I'm downright saddened by Syndicate and the bits I've seen of SSX.
Returns
Perhaps there just hasn't been loads of new games announced yet for 2012. But if not, if it's not a reboot in 2012 it'll be a sequel. Some are very welcome – step forward Diablo III, BioShock Infinite, Borderlands 2 and GTA V. Some are a bit wait and see - Darksiders II, Luigi's Mansion 2, Guild Wars 2, Mass Effect 3, The Darkness II, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Far Cry 3. And some… Metal Gear Solid: Rising, Prey 2 – just seem increasingly irrelevant in the world of games to me.
What are you waiting for in 2012? What's going to make your year brighter and better? (Apart from this blog, of course…) Let us know, as ever… And meanwhile, happy New Year!
SIMON MUNK
Simon Munk has been playing videogames since 1976. He has written on games and technology for over fifteen years for titles including MSN, The Times and FHM. He has won the GamesMediaAwards for Consumer Magazine Writer twice. Simon's favourite game ever is Gauntlet.