The original Xbox went out with a bang back in 2005 and delivered some of the consoles best games during its final year. It is actually looking like the Xbox 360 will repeat this feat over the next 12 months, and we already know is the last full calendar year for the Microsoft hardware. The year ahead is littered with spectacular send-offs and sequels made to push the current hardware into the future and as we eagerly await the Xbox 720/Durango next winter. You can probably expect some new Xbox 360 games in 2014 but I’d imagine this will coincide with the next hardware releases like King Kong and Fifa 06 did last time around.
There are plenty of fantastic games already announced for 2013 and the point of this list is to let you know exactly what you should already be keeping an eye on. I’ve reduced the number in specific ways both because I think the games will either be not good enough or they’ll breach the console generation gap and release on the Xbox 720 – I’m looking at you Star Wars 1313.
Another interesting point is that the majority of games announced for this year are due in the first half of the year which presumably means that developers don’t fancy their games getting lost in the next-gen hype.
With all that out of the way, let the Xbox 360’s swan song begin!
Grand Theft Auto V
Who could start this list without the final GTA game of this generation? Besides the fact that Rockstar have a fantastic reputation, this sandbox is rife with humour, personality and adult content. Every single GTA game has surpassed expectations and I expect this one to do exactly the same. It is due to be released in spring this year and has an interesting co-op premise that promises even more hours of play than ever before. It’s actually bean five years since GTA IV so we know a lot is going to have changed for the better which is the best thing about a franchise that still hasn’t conformed to the plain Call of Duty idea of releasing every single year.
BioShock Infinite
Ken Levine has become one of the most recognisable faces of the Video Games industry and for very good reasons. Him and the team at Irrational Games have proven that smart game design and clear gameplay is always a marketable asset and one that has delivered great sequels and new IP’s alike. Infinite looks like a chance to increase their opportunities again; delivering a sequel to a franchise that already has a lot of love while also making this seem like a new game in its own right. The biggest change is the addition of the NPC- Elizabeth - who will be integral to the gameplay, a risky choice maybe, that follows the line of ICO and it’s parameters for ‘protection’. It seems like this game has been in production for an age but this year we will finally get to wander the cloud-city of Columbia.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Not a lot of people have probably heard about this one yet but it’s shaping up to be a cracker. It’s from the creative minds behind last years ‘Journey’ and just that fact has a few eager heads spinning. It’s supposed to be a short 3 to 4 hours downloadable game but one that story driven and set in a fantasy realm. It’s one of those games that will make you play from start to finish in one sitting.
The Cave
Ron Gilbert is back to doing what he does best and his new baby is already littered with dry wit and clever ideas. Unlike most adventure games, The Cave features platforming and puzzle-solving elements that is key to working with it’s massive cast of characters. Interestingly you can only play as three at any time so the replay options on this are likely to be high. After the Monkey Island franchises what’s not to be excited about?
Splinter Cell: Blacklist
Since Conviction was released in 2010 we have noticed that the Splinter Cell franchise is going to become more of an action title than ever before. It’s unlikely that we’ll head back to the stealth elements of Chaos Theory anytime soon but for what it’s worth Blacklist is shaping up to be the Metal Gear Solid of the New Year. Sam Fisher is back, again, and appears to be slicker, faster and cleverer than ever before. The only downside is that Michael Ironside still isn’t voicing Sam himself.
Gears of War: Judgment
When Gears of War jumped over to developer People Can Fly there was a sense of worry over how the series would go. This is a typical Gears game in any sense of the word but one what isn’t in line with the Marcus Fenix trilogy you’ve been playing over the last few years, People Can Fly are the creators of Bulletstorm and it’s in their skill kills, brutal challenges and arcade action that Judgement takes a lot of it’s foundations. It’s like a faster Gears game with more blood – if that’s possible – and environmental kills. It’s exciting and should definitely feel at home in the hands of any Gears of War veteran.
Crysis 3
If the fantastic Crysis 2 is anything to go by this third instalment should be immense. The CryEngine is getting shaper with each use and this looks to lovingly create an urban world littered with jungle foliage. I should also say that the gameplay is right up there with the eye candy to produce another Nanosuit masterpiece. Expect more freedom this time around when completing your objectives. Although Crysis 2 was a great game in itself the developers have really listened to fan feedback, the only downside is that we haven’t received confirmation of the 3D TV support that gave added depth to the last game.
Aliens: Colonial Marines
We all know there is a hell of a lot riding on this one. After the tragic failure of AvP the development cycle for this one has been watched with a fine eye. It’s been in development for a couple of years now and with Gearbox helming this franchise reboot (of sorts) the game looks to be in safe hands. Unfortunately we aren’t likely to know for sure until it releases in, at this point in time, early February. Big game review sites are stating that it’s a good game at the moment and that it gives off a very claustrophobic feel just like the movies.
Dead Space 3
It wouldn’t be right to talk about the big games of next year without mentioning everyone’s favourite horror survival franchise. This is a series that has really taken the bull by the horns and is arguably the finest horror franchise on offer today. While Resident Evil and Silent Hill have dropped in popularity this ‘horror on a spaceship’ has become one of the fan favourites. There is a lot of new additions to the tried and tested formula and the co-op campaign option is looking to have just the same amount of shocking twists and turns as it’s predecessors.
Star Trek
I find movies tie-in’s to be terrible, boring and completely repetitive but the new Star Trek game looks like it might change my mind. Granted it doesn’t actually follow the ‘Into Darkness’ formula of the movie but this action-adventure looks to be something we should all keep an eye on. Build around Kirk and Spock this co-op style game has great graphics and licensed likenesses to help with its authenticity. Hopefully it really can change all our minds on the recently poor licensed title genre.
Tomb Raider
After getting to play a snippet of this back at the Eurogamer Expo in September I have been eagerly watching the interweb for new previews, videos and announcements. It seems to be taking Lara in a completely different direction and that’s a rare accomplishment for a franchise that has such a strong fan backing. This is a fresh take on the origins story with action, puzzle and gun play all taking place through its epic looking single player. The recent announcement of multiplayer won’t hurt either with the Uncharted vibe certainly giving it a good fast paced feel while staying true to the tried and tested formula.
It’s going to be an interesting year for game and an even more important one for the new hardware announcements which we all know are due anytime now. Is there anything I’ve missed off this list? Any choices you don’t agree with? If so sound off in the comments section below.
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