The Big 2012 Game List

As amazing of a year as 2011 was, I don’t expect 2012 to match it. That said, there are some very polished titles coming in what will undoubtedly be the last holiday season for the current generation of hardware. So here is my big list of games, along with a couple words to help you decide if they are for you:

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (2/7) - RPG, meets fighter, meets WoW. It is unheard of that my most anticipated title of the year is also the first game out of the chute. As much as I can’t wait for Borderlands 2 and Halo 4, this game has the potential to be something new and amazing. The good news, we don’t have long to wait.

Ghost Recon Future Soldier (3/6) - My E3 10 game of show, this title has languished in development for too long to be a guaranteed top scorer. That said, tactical, team shooting goodness is a safe bet.

Mass Effect 3 (3/6) - What do you get when you improve the already solid mechanics of the sequel and wrap in the best sci-fi IP since Star Wars? Hopefully, another Bioware classic.

Darksiders 2 (June) - Darksiders was a hidden gem of a title, heavily influenced by Zelda. Despite a crappy story, the game’s mechanic were too good to miss. I expect this title to be held back by poor writing, but be worth playing due to its amazing puzzles and progression.

Aliens: Colonial Marines (Q2) - Nothing too deep here, but does it need to be with the grand daddy of all sci-fi horror IPs? Race in the rainy dark, scares around every corner, and try to shoot aliens in the face before they implant yours. What’s not to love?

Bioshock: Infinite (Fall) - Bioshock was one of the best games of this generation. The next chapter, this time in the sky, looks even better. But can the gameplay and five year old hardware live up to the demo’s promise?

Halo 4 (Fall) - 343 Studio’s first take at M$’s most valuable IP. Either way I will buy it and wait at midnight, but will it be good enough to make me wait for Halo 5?

GTA V - The last GTA was great, but got way too bogged down in minigames that just weren’t that much fun. Red Dead Redemption was a better expression of the media and engine. Will GTA V keep improving or devolve into low-brow bowling irrelevance?

Borderlands 2 - The first title was one of my favorite shooters of all time, despite a nonexistent story and ending. My hopes are VERY high for this one. Don’t let me down Gearbox!!! Oh and plenty of DLC please!!!

Brothers in Arms: Furious Four - The freshest take on the WWII shooter I’ve seen since, well, birth. Borderlands meets Inglorious Basterds. Shoot Nazis in the crotch for points. Nuff said.

Far Cry 3 - The prettiest and most intriguing sandbox shooter of the year. I can only hope the new hardware is ready, else a weak sauce port may be in order.

Prey 2 - The iD tech engine is the best I have ever seen. But can a vertical, gritty shooter from a lame IP make me actually enjoy the game?

Star Trek - I love this license. I love this J.J. Abrahams’ reimagining. I love Kirk and Spock. So why do I think this will suck? May I be very, very wrong.

Overstrike - The best trailer of E3. I adore Insomniac and am very excited for their spy/Incredibles looking new IP. What’s that? It’s multiplatform!!!

Luigi’s Mansion - The only handheld game currently announced that I care about. Marioland 3D showed me what a 3DS game could be. Hopefully, the magic stays in the family.

The Last of Us - Naughty Dog are masters of game storytelling and Hollywood set piece levels. Will their split into two teams water them down or maintain the quality?

Rainbow Six: Patriots - Not sure if this will make 2012, but if all it becomes is COD with SWAT, I’m still very down with that.

Fortnite - An interesting move by Epic. I like the art style and zombies are good. But why do I get the feeling this is a pet project to hold them over for Gears 4 on the 720?

Here’s what I expect for E3 2012 announcements:

God of War IV - This series has been great and all, but the quintessential gore/anger game hasn’t done much new lately. Are there any tricks left for this pony?

Call of Duty: Black Op 2 - We know its coming and we know we’ll buy it. Just give me the preorder date so I can get this over with.

Medal of Honor 2 - I presume EA will be back with another non-COD killer. Hopefully, they find a way for a game longer than four hours and with characters I care about.

Bungie TBD - Bungie has been dark for too long. It is time to show their new property. Please don’t suck.

Respawn TBD - I expect E3 will unveil something from the house that built COD. Sci Fi shooter maybe? Either way, I hope they kick Activision’s rear.

Splinter Cell Next - I REALLY liked the new direction Conviction took. With a little engine refinement and a few new features, this could be my sleeper of the year.