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.
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.