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Top ten most anticipated games of 2012

by Steven Williamson on 1 February 2012, 11:58

Tags: Bethesda Softworks, Sony Computers Entertainment Europe (NYSE:SNE), Square Enix (TYO:9684), Rockstar Games (NASDAQ:TTWO), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA), Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), 2K Games (NASDAQ:TTWO)

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An action-packed 2012

4. Max Payne 3

Any gamer of a certain age will remember with great fondness the revolutionary bullet-time-based gunfights that were first introduced in Max Payne. Such was the impact of this technology in 2001 that many developers went on to use the same or similar slow-motion effects to enhance their games and give them cinematic flair.

Nowadays, slow-motion has become something of a gimmick, but we're mightily glad that Rockstar has decided to resurrect a version of bullet-time for Max Payne 3, which should be perfectly suited to the fight style of the original master of slow-motion gunplay.

While Max Payne 3 will retain the shoot-dodge mechanic of old, Rockstar has enhanced its Euphoria physics engine significantly so gun-fights should feel more visceral than ever while still retaining the same Max Payne style that was so popular back in the day. With the might of Rockstar behind it, we can also expect overall production to be super slick, with interactive cut-scenes, detailed character models and a world that is brimming with life.

It remains to be seen whether the new multiplayer mode, which will feature rankings and a clan system, adds anything to the game, but we’re keen to see how it all plays out. Though it's unlikely Max Payne will innovate yet again, Rockstar knows how important this franchise is to its fans and we have the upmost faith that it will deliver the goods.



5. Mass Effect 3

Bioware’s sci-fi action RPG romp has created a cult following since its inception in 2007. In 2012, we can expect more of the same from Commander Shepard and his motley crew, as Mass Effect 3 looks set to end the current trilogy with some style.

Bioware says it will pull in over 1,000 variables from Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 to shape how players experience the final chapter and will deliver a narrative that tugs at our hearts strings.

We’re really looking forward to visiting Earth for the first time and seeing how Bioware has refined and improved the combat system over previous games.

What’s most intriguing, however, is the brand new four player co-op storyline that runs alongside the single player campaign. The Mass Effect franchise already offers great value for money with its lengthy campaigns, but the addition of a multiplayer component looks set to increase its replay value significantly. We’ve high hopes that the Mass Effect trilogy will bow out on a high.



6. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

For the first time in history, the Metal Gear Solid series won't be a PlayStation exclusive, which is great news for Xbox gamers who will now have the chance to see why the franchise is so hugely popular.

However, things will be quite different to previous games. Developer Platinum Games has decided to adopt a new approach for its latest instalment, opting to turn MGR: Revengeance into an all-out action game that focuses on sword-fighting and a sophisticated cutting system, allowing gamers to cut through enemies and almost any object in the game like a knife through butter.

It goes without saying that Hideo Kojima’s hack and slash epic will boast some startling production values, but with the creator focused firmly on making a game that pushes the boundaries of conventional action games with its innovative combat system, it’s the gameplay that really gets our juices flowing.



7. Diablo III

Blizzard’s next instalment of its dark fantasy, horror-themed action game has been the subject of feverish fanboy gossip for many years, and at numerous points it's seemed that it would never actually see the light of day.

The fact that we’re now on the verge of its release is incredibly exciting and though we’re delighted that Blizzard is sticking to the hack and slash, dungeon-crawling style that fans loved in the past two games, we should see it now hurtle into this new era with a host of game-enhancing features.

A buffed-up quest system, a random level generator, and a random encounter generator are just a few of the features that should take Diablo to the next level, while the PvP combat, skill-modifying items, variety of classes and intense auction house bartering should ensure we’re all glued to our PCs over the coming days, weeks, months and probably years.