With the promised 2013 release of a new Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation console, joining the recently released Nintendo Wii U, game makers have stacked up some big games for the early months of the year. Here are 10:
"Gears of War Judgment," March: The prequel to the "Gears" trilogy promises to deliver a riveting campaign featuring new characters, weapons and enemies and new multiplayer experiences.
"DmC: Devil May Cry," January: The next installment of the multimillion-selling franchise will depict a duplicitous world. Spurred into action by the promises of a trusted relation, Dante bursts into this world intent on revenge.
"Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch," January: "Ni No Kuni" is the heartwarming tale of a boy seeking to bring his mother back to life, taking him on an incredible journey across a wondrous landscape.
"Crysis 3," February: The premiere sandbox shooter of 2013 is set in 2047. Take on the role of Prophet as he returns to New York to discover it has been encased in a nanodome known as the Liberty Dome with seven distinct and dangerous environments known as the Seven Wonders. With the freedom to customize weapons and upgrade Prophet's enhanced Nanosuit, become the deadliest hunter on the planet.
"Dead Space 3," February: This third installment in the bestselling franchise cuts to the heart of deep-space terror, and will be the first blockbuster game of the year with more of the suspense, horror, action and atmospheric sound design that fans of the award-winning series have come to expect. Visceral Games adds co-op, weapon customization and an all-new hostile environment.
"Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel," March: "Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel" resets the blockbuster action series that pioneered the co-op experience with a more intense, mature and grittier tone. Players will find themselves on the deadly streets of Mexico as Alpha and Bravo, two operatives working for Tactical Worldwide Operations, a PMC outfit that drops them in the middle of a drug war for an assignment full of corruption and deceit.
"SimCity," March: This is the latest in the original city-building series originated by Electronic Arts' Maxis studio more than two decades ago. The upcoming game lets players address real-world challenges such as sustainability, finite resources and renewable energy. Slated for release March 5 for PC/Mac, "SimCity" has an anticipated rating of E10+ and features multiplayer options, constructible worlds and city specialization.
