Three established franchises heading in a new direction
8. Bioshock Infinite
Though we can expect similar gameplay concepts and themes in Irrational
Games’ third entry in the Bioshock series, we’re most looking forward
to exploring the brand new environment of Bioshock Infinite.
The primary setting of Bioshock Infinite is the city of Columbia, which
is suspended in the air by giant blimps and balloons. The art and level
design in past games has been exceptional and, judging by early
screenshots and trailers, we can once again expect a stunning-looking
environment, complete with a rail-based system for transport and
futuristic air-ships.
We’re also looking forward to the new gameplay mechanics, which include
working alongside Elizabeth, who players will be tasked with rescuing,
as they fight together using telekinesis, electricity manipulation, and
animal control to destroy the violent factions that dwell in the
dangerous depths of the city. If you enjoyed the original Bioshock, this one will demand attention in 2012.
9. Grand Theft Auto V
With Rockstar North promising a bold new direction in open-world freedom,
storytelling, mission-based gameplay and online multiplayer, Grand
Theft Auto V looks set to be the studio’s most ambitious game yet.
Everything we currently know about GTA V, apart from its San Andreas
location, is pure speculation, but we can be confident of the high quality of Rockstar's work so can't help but be excited at the proposition of a new open-world playground that begs to be explored.
Judging from the extremely short trailer below, we can probably expect a similar experience to past games, but we're expecting big things from the multiplayer arena now that the Edinburgh-based studio has had time to learn from mistakes made in GTA IV.
Note: GTA V is widely rumoured to launch in 2012, but the release date hasn't technically been confirmed. Expect to hear more on this one at E3 in June.
10. Halo 4
With Bungie no longer in charge of the award-winning Halo franchise, all
eyes will be on 343 Industries
as it attempts to meet the incredibly high expectations of die-hard Master Chief fans.
It also appears that 343 are planning to make Halo 4 a more gritty shooter than previous iterations by adopting what it calls a "maturer" theme and more "realistic" audio than past games.
It's a helluva list, isn't it? And it doesn't even include the likes of Guild Wars 2, Far Cry 3,
Agent, Syndicate and Hitman Absolution. Be sure to let us know which
games you're looking forward to by joining the debate in the HEXUS.community
forums.
