The end of the world is fast approaching, and if there are any remnants of Earth left over after the Mayan calendar ends, then we will have some very interesting games in the first quarter of 2013. Here are ten video games to look forward to early next year.
Anarchy Reigns
With roots in the Wii’s hyperviolent Mad World, Anarchy Reigns delivers a chaotic post-apocalyptic brawler like no other. With Bayonetta making a cameo as a downloadable character, you’re pretty much obligated to pick this one up next year. Unless you’re getting her newest title on the Wii U, that is. Check out the Anarchy Reigns story trailer here.
DmC: Devil May Cry
Dante is back. Well, sort of. He’s got a new look that has most of Capcom’s faithful in an uproar. To go with this new look, he’s bringing an emo, in-your-face attitude that Capcom hopes will win the hearts of newcomers to the Devil May Cry series. I must admit, the gameplay looks undeniably solid. Go ahead watch the trailer.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Sony’s charming raccoon burglar will be back for yet another stylish heist. Due to a mysterious debacle, his family ancestry of master thieves, the Thievius Raccoonus, is at risk of being lost in time. Of course, Sly and company are up to the challenge of recovering it, even if it means time-traveling to do so. The Sly Cooper series has earned its rightful fan base with a great mix of action, stealth, and humor, and I’m sure Thieves in Time won’t disappoint. Watch Sly and friends travel through time here.
BioShock Infinite
Though not directly connected to the previous BioShock titles, BioShock Infinite is a tantalizing title filled with action, intrigue, and steampunk wonder. Seeing the world through the first-person viewpoint of Booker DeWitt, your mission is to rescue a young woman by the name of Elizabeth and help her escape from the flying city of Colombia. Yet this won’t be your typical escort mission, as you are not only armed with familiar powers like vigors and nostrums (think plasmids and tonics from previous BioShock titles), but Elizabeth brings her own useful barrage of magical talents that will help both of you survive. Keep on the lookout for this title early next year, and check out BioShock Infinite’s trailer in the meantime.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Rarely there come a game that is as beautiful and heartstring-tugging as Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. With phenomenal anime-style artwork by Studio Ghibli and an almost Tales-like RPG combat system, Ni No Kuni puts you in the role of thirteen-year-old Oliver whose grieving tears over the loss of his mother bring his toy doll to life. Now, taken to an alternate reality where magic exists, Oliver just may be able to save his mother from the afterlife. Watch reality change before your eyes in this gorgeous trailer.
God of War Ascension
As anyone who has played the God of War series knows, Kratos has a bit of an anger problem. Yet in God of War Ascension, we don’t take command of the pale, ash-covered Kratos we’re familiar with, but a much younger version. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing how this prequel unfolds. Being the first in the series to boast a multiplayer mode, we can’t wait to rage out with a group of online friends. Watch Kratos do what he does best in the Ascension trailer.
Dead Space 3
Isaac Clarke just can’t seem to get a chance to rest. Suffering from hallucinogenic sleep deprivation caused by the Marker, he’s back for a third—and possibly final—round with Necromorphs. And for the first time, he isn’t alone; he’s accompanied by Sergeant John Carver, a person who seems more soldier than friend. With drop-in/drop-out co-op gameplay, we’re all nervous as to whether or not having a partner will lessen the overall terror. Prepare to witness Isaac’s third round by watching the Dead Space 3 trailer.
Beyond: Two Souls
After being teased with Project KARA, we were all sort of disappointed to discover that it was only a tech demo. Yet Quantic Dream restored our hope at Sony’s E3 press conference, where they revealed Beyond: Two Souls as their current work in progress. Not too much has been revealed about the game so far, but we know you play as both Jodie Holmes, young lady on the run, and a mysterious ghostlike apparition that, while unable to be seen, has the ability to interact with the world to some degree. You can check out the trailer and begin drooling here.
The Last of Us
Set in a lush, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungus-like virus that is turning humans into terrifying monsters, The Last of Us puts you in the shoes of a man named Joel. He’s not alone, though; he’s accompanied by Ellie, a young girl. This game’s atmosphere is thick with a tense survival horror undertone, emphasized with highly polished graphics and layers of emotional/psychological intrigue. Don’t just take my word for it; watch the trailer for yourself.
Grand Theft Auto V
Despite the New York Times’ questionable spoiler slip, we’re all anxiously awaiting Rockstar Games’ next open-world masterpiece, Grand Theft Auto V. The ability to play as three protagonists is a definite departure from the Grand Theft Autos of old, but we hope that just means we’ll be able to enjoy three times the mayhem. Plan on running over hookers, attacking random citizens, and wondering who is going to betray you early next year. Take a look at the most recent trailer here.
*The views expressed within this article are solely the opinion of the author and do not express the views held by Cheat Code Central.*