My most anticipated games of 2013

Bioshock Infinite

 

Release Date: 26 March 2013

Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

The next instalment of the Bioshock series, which has already been the subject of much controversy due to the covers art work (seriously, get over it). The game takes a whole new direction and is set in 1912, where you control former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt. You are sent to the flying city of Columbia to rescue Elizabeth, who has been held captive there for the last twelve years.

Gameplay-wise, Bioshock Infiniate is a first-person shooter with RPG elements. You move around the environment using a grappling hook and a series of railways in your attempt to find Elizabeth. Plasmids and Tonics have been replaced with Vigors and Gears, which will grant powers and increase your strength.

Once you find Elizabeth, she will be controlled by an AI and will her actions will depend on the situation. She may stay out of battle, or use her powers to help you. However, using her powers causes her pain and this ‘moral choice’ is similar to sacrificing or harvesting the little sisters.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Release Date: 01 Febuary 2013 (was delayed by 2 weeks)

Platform(s): Playstation 3, (DS version in Japan only)

This game was developed by anime masters Studio Ghibli – need I say more? The story follows a young boy known as Oliver who is trying to bring his mother back from the dead (it’s a lot less creepier than it sounds). Throughout his journey he acquires magical skills to become strong enough to defeat the White Witch.

I actually was luckily enough to have a play of this at the Eurogamer Expo (UK based expo) and was blown away. The game is a turn based RPG where you can control several small Pokémon looking companions, as well as your characters. These can be used to implement various tactics such as shielding your characters and blocking particular attacks.

I think most RPG and Studio Ghibli fans are eagerly awaiting the release of this game, and although it has been delayed by 2 weeks, when it does launch there will be a free gift to download with it, a free companion.

The Last of Us

Release Date: 07 May 2013

Platform(s): Playstation 3

A survival game from Uncharted developers Naughty Dog. You must survive an apocalypse which is brought on by a modern plague. The two main characters are Joel (an adult) and Ellie (a teenage girl).

You take control of Joel throughout the game, and Ellie is controlled by an AI. Naughty Dog have announced that much of the gameplay will be focused around dealing with other survivors who are desperately trying to stay alive by stealing weapons and provisions. It has also been confirmed that The Last of Us will have multiplayer, however this will not feature a co-op campaign.

While not much else is known about this game at the moment, the trailer has certainly been impressive and early videos suggest that this has the premise to be an amazing game. I just hope that it doesn’t go down the same tedious route that Dead Island (or should I say Dead Boring) did.