A Preview 'The Year for Gamers' - Part 3

Another day, another ‘Year for Gamers’ post.

Beyond: Two Souls

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Quantic Dream
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Release Date: October 8, 2013

Quantic Dream’s Beyond: Two Souls excites me so much because it promises to tackle themes that other games won’t, or can’t. We have already seen, played and finished their masterpiece ‘Heavy Rain’ and now they are going for so much more.

We know that Jodie Holmes’ life-spanning story will cover various periods of homelessness, helplessness and suicidal tendencies as well as love, loss and family values. It’s easy to think about these things but Two Souls is tracking this as an interactive movie more than anything else.

Obviously there are doubts about a Video Games’ ability to convey these emotions correctly but, with the help of Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, Quantic Dream are the best bet for success. E3 showed us even more of the same and eased my worries for this ambitious title.

 

Watch Dogs
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Reflections
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U
Estimated Release Date: November 19, 2013

At this point in time I’m buying Watch Dogs on day one regardless of any additional footage. My only concern is the protagonist, Aiden Pearce, who seems vastly similar to the stoic Assassins Creed Subject, Desmond.

That said the open world, gameplay features and stunning visual have kept my mind fully focused on this Big Brother sandbox. The ‘hacking’ mechanics have been implanted well throughout the world and the moral grey area looks to be darker than ever before.

It’s looking more like a Cyberpunk GTA every time I see it.

 

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (and probably next-gen, too)
Estimated Release Date: TBA

We all know about Kojima’s ballsy attempt at getting people interested in a project, using the old ‘switch-a-roo’, but Metal Gear Solid would have done that without any help. The Phantom Pain was confirmed for release with both of the next generation consoles (or at least the ones worth worrying about – Sorry Nintendo).

Set in the 80s’ the cusp of the action comes from the unhinged Big Boss and his journey from amputee, coma victim to giant evil villain. We know the endgame here, as most fans will, but it’s the journey that Hideo is gunning for.

It looks incredible gorgeous as well and set the pace for the whole convention when it was the first thing shown to the crowd. The details sand storms and the action centric stealth sections made the crowd roar with delight. Would you really expect this to be anything less than a world beater?

Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Wii U
Release Date: October 29, 2013 (current-gen); TBD (next-gen)

Despite being severely disappointed by last year's Assassin's Creed III, I can safely say that I'm back on the hype train after the announcement of Black Flag. The reason why I’m back in the game – Ubisoft have wisely decided to trim the crap from Connors Journey. Black Flag is set to be wide-open…. Sea!

The maritime mechanics contained within III's stellar naval battles proved to be some of the most refreshing and entertaining gaming moments of 2012. It was certainly the best part of the last instalment and those enjoyable sequences are due to be heavily entwined within Black Flag,. Set in the heart of the Caribbean, this pirate/time-travelling adventure has use running through Havana and Nassau as well as lush jungles and bronze beaches. It’s looking delightful and the developer has listened to the harsh critical areas from the last instalment (as any good franchise should).

 

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Publisher: Activision
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: November 5, 2013 (current-gen); TBD (next-gen)

We saw the teaser at Microsoft’s Xbox One announcement but the E3 demo gave us a lot more to go on. Not too dissimilar from previous entries this futuristic warfare shooter is bound to rake in the cash once more. The competition however is getting steeper this year, in the form of Battlefield 4.

I’ve never really felt the Call of Duty franchise, neither Black Ops or Modern Warfare, but have slowly crept into the community of follower. After picking up Black Ops 2 a few weeks ago – for the first time - I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to play. Battlefield has always featured a difficult learning curve online but even my girlfriend, who isn’t a gamer of any sort, can do reasonably well in the close quarter combat of this series.

I can certainly see why the title has become a yearly release and I just hope that Activision have told Infinity Ward that they need to revolutionise something or they will fall akimbo to the DICE push.

Once multiplayer has been seen I’ll start getting really excited.

Batman: Arkham Origins

Publisher: Warner Bros.
Developer: Warner Bros. Montreal
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Estimated Release Date: October 25, 2013

Sure it’s not being helmed by Rocksteady but Warner Bros. Montreal did really well with the handheld instalment. Here, we’re getting a prequel to the previous entries and will show the beginnings of Bruce’s career as well as his initial adventures with Robin. Black Mask has put a bounty on the Caped Crusader and now eight different assassins, including the confirmed Deathstroke and Deadshot, are coming to collect.

It’s Christmas Eve, so expect some snow, as well as the usual collections and side quest routines. Batman and the Joker will be voiced by the new pairing of Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker.

We also recently got a glimpse of the 2 vs. 3 vs. 3 multiplayer offerings that see Batman and his young sidekick facing off against playable, gun-toting hooligans. It’s an interesting premise but until I personally see the execution in action I won’t feel comfortable.

It’s more Batman – what more do you want?

That’s the end of our exciting things to look out for lists. Perhaps you have some examples of other titles we should look at or want to add in your point of view? If so let us know in the comments section below.