With 2012 over, what do gamers have to look forward in 2013. Looking at the current potential of the next year we could be in for a very entertaining time indeed!

XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis

It seems to me that more and more I’m reading about the “death of the games console” or at least that the old ways are soon to be no longer. Whilst excited about change I can’t seem to help but instantly fight the classic-console corner every time I read an article telling me I might not be looking forward to the next console release in the future.

Avoiding my inevitable (and reasonably dull) rant on how much I like the way things are, with no justification what so ever, we actually saw a damn good year of gaming in 2012. Whilst a lot of developers have been limited by the XBOX 360 and PS3’s relative lack of power, we tend to forget that a lot of them have and continue to impress and show us what can be done with specs that embarrass someone with even basic modern PC hardware.

Microsoft and Sony are currently working on the XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis respectively and I am really clinging to hope that they both decide to use some serious hardware this time. To be honest it would be refreshing if Microsoft and Sony manage to provide cooling better than the equivalent of wafting a sheet of paper in front of a very expensive fan heater.

Information is in short supply at the moment but 2013 should bring us more info on the platforms relatively soon. Either way I eagerly await the next gen battle between Microsoft and Sony and hope for a late 2013 release.

The Games

Already there is a truly outstanding roster to look forward to in 2013 with enough completely new titles to get excited about and plenty of AAA sequels to fill it all out nicely. I haven’t managed to get literally every predicted 2013 release here but it should provide a good selection.

Bioshock: Infinite

So far the new Bioshock is looking very nice indeed and I’m sure Irrational Games will not disappoint. It does look at lot less dark and brooding than other Bioshock titles but has a separate plot and setting for us to explore which I’m sure will be great. Looking at a March release for XBOX, Playstation and PC.

Dead Space 3

Probably the best way to pay money to be scared senseless and the only true survival horror game we’ve seen in a long time. Dead Space 3 boasts drop-in/drop-out co-op and a cover system. Sounds a lot like this may be going the way of Resident Evil 5 and the death of one of my favorite franchises but so far Visceral Games haven’t disappointed and hopefully Dead Space 3 will continue this success. Scheduled February release for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.

Gears of War: Judgment

What is there to know? Gears of War is great, third-person thrills from square one right up to the end with some surprisingly emotional cut-scenes thrown in for good measure. I’ve been lucky enough to play previous installments but as a PS3 owner this is a title truly worthy of my jealousy.

South Park: Stick of Truth

Expected in March 2013 this might actually be one of the best in this list.The South Park humor will undoubtedly be present and by definition remind us all that we’re not quite as sophisticated as we like to think. Obsidian Entertainment are taking the reins to create this RPG, and with titles like KOTOR II, Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III under their belt this might make for a surprisingly deep RPG for XBOX 360, PS3 and PC.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

One of the best multiplayer demos I got to try out at Eurogamer completely exceeding my expectations, despite them being quite high anyway. Sometimes its just nice to get on an FPS and kill Aliens, especially with Gearbox at the helm, old school you UGLY…anyway. Feb release date for XBOX 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. Make sure to try the multiplayer, if you can get a squad of friends together all the better.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Definitely the most ridiculous title here, and possible ever but still, Metal Gear is Metal Gear. Since MGS4 Raiden is definitely a complete and total bad-ass and running around as a ninja robot with weird blood stuff should be cool. Hopefully Platinum games have hit the mark, look for a worldwide release in February for XBOX 360 and Playstation.

Dead Island: Riptide

Coming to us in April on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and the PC the second installment to the Dead Island series sees our “heroes” getting into another zombie apocalypse situation (like you do) and hopefully sees them crafting machetes with electrocution damage and sticking nails through bats to go and beat the absolute crap out of the horde getting as much blood on your own face as possible while you’re at it. Encore.

Army Of Two: The Devils Cartel

The previous Army Of Two titles remain one of my favorite games this generation so I’m eagerly awaiting the latest installment from Visceral Games. This time around they will be using the very sexy Frostbite 2 engine rather than Unreal Engine 3 so great visuals should be in the bag. New characters and no doubt an overly convoluted plot combined with Frostbite 2, Army Of Two: Devils Cartel hits the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 in March and is shaping up well.

Grid 2

True there isn’t much to be said about Grid 2 other than the development of a new handling model by Codemasters, absolutely loads of content and stunning visuals. The first Grid was a solid game and if Codemasters  have adequately built on it and progressed the mechanics Grid 2 could be an all time great.  XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC owners should expect a summer 2013 release.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® Blacklist™

Creating a new organization with Sam Fisher as the commander Blacklist promises the usual espionage, betrayals and silent murder from the worlds most surly OAP. Ubisoft have continued with the increase in action rather than hardcore stealth developing “killing in motion” for the latest Splinter Cell title to kill multiple targets quickly, which looks very organic in the video footage. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is slated for a spring 2013 release on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.

Grand Theft Auto V

XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 release expected for Q2 2013. Boasting more vehicles than ever before, new car handling mechanics and improved gun-play we’re all but guaranteed that Rockstar will not disappoint, as if you had any doubts. The single player will see the player cycling between three different protagonists, which sounds very cool. Combined with the usual GTA antics, GTA V is almost guaranteed to be great.

Tomb Raider

Crystal dynamics are behind the new Tomb Raider reboot starting the franchise at Lara’s beginnings in March on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Tomb Raider looks very pretty indeed and the mechanics are much more realistic than previous titles which coincides with the entire tone of the game. There is a solid RPG perk style leveling system and the game promises to be open world. We’re going to see a very different Lara this time around and so far it seems to be a change for the better.

The Last Of Us

From what we’ve seen of The Last Of Us it has managed to generate a huge amount of excitement. Naughty Dog are behind this Playstation 3 exclusive, due for release in May, so we know it’s in good hands. Set in post-apocalyptic America the game sees two protagonists trying to survive against other survivors and infected humans, rather survival horror style. It looks absolutely brilliant and I reckon it’ll be snatching a couple of awards later on in 2013.

Beyond: Two Souls

Quantic Dream’s latest venture and another Playstation 3 exclusive. Beyond: Two Souls is an interactive movie from the same developer that brought us Heavy Rain and it looks absolutely incredible. There isn’t much info yet but if you haven’t seen it yet, check the trailer out below. You will not be disappointed. Ellen Page is staring which is obvious to see when you start the trailer, it really does look stunning. Have you watched it yet? Do it now.