So far, the year 2011 has seen a moderate amount of video game excitement but there are massive video games gearing up to hit consoles and PCs later this year. We’ve already had several interesting sequels in the form of LBP 2, the hardware-hungry Crysis 2, the horrifying Dead Space 2, and even the second chapter in the Mass Effect trilogy. Hardcore FPS gamers got their hands on FEAR 3 and the much awaited Killzone 3, while those seeking a different experience were shown Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood for PC, Dragon Age II, WWE All-Stars, and NFS Shift 2 Unleashed.
But as we round the turn into the second half of the year, the scenario for video games to be released in fall 2011 seems explosive. There are some huge titles just itching for release. And the sentiment is reflected amongst the gaming community. If everything goes smoothly, September and October could be the most hectic months in gaming this year. Between them are some big names just waiting to be unleashed, which will undeniably get everybody’s ears perked up.
Expected out during the last week of August in North America, Europe and Australia, and to Japan in the beginning of September is Deus Ex: Human Evolution, a game more than four years in the making. Announced back in May of 2007, the action role-playing game got Square Enix on board in late 2009 to publish, and has turned into something you simply can’t miss out on, based on the early builds. Also slated for a late August, early September release is the American football title Madden NFL 12. The good news for those on an EA Sports Season Ticket is that they can get the game 3 days before it hits retail. There is even a Hall of Fame edition available in the US, providing extra impetus to all sports video game fans.
Resistance 3 is another video game scheduled to be released in 2011, in September to be precise. The key aspect which has got us excited about this title is its 16-player competitive online multi-player angle. It will be the first in the Resistance series to feature PlayStation Move support as well as support for 3D. Expected to include four-player co-op is Gears of War 3 coming in mid-September. Initially slated for an April release, the third installment of the series has been pushed back. And if history is anything to go by, Gears 3 will take the gaming world by storm. With over a million pre-orders and several new aspects packed in, the title is expected to blow everyone out of the water.
Towards the end of September, the hunger that has been building up within sports video game fans will be once again be quenched as FIFA 12 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 are set for release. Each game comes with refinements, but FIFA 12 seems to be bringing in way more upgrades; a new game engine, considerable improvements to career mode, as well as a revamped online experience dominate the interesting additions.
October will experience the insanity of the asylum; this time unleashed upon the city. Batman: Arkham City sees the dark knight take on a new challenge with a few upgrades to his batty gadgets, while thwarting sinister ploys from a bunch of loonies. Alternatively, FPS fans can settle for something closer to the Middle East. Based near the Iraq-Iran border, Battlefield 3 ups the heat in both single player and multiplayer modes.
Rounding up the major releases would be one of video game’s most famous treasure hunters, Nathan Drake. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is scheduled for an early November fly out, having bagged the award for ‘Best Game of E3’ by the Official PlayStation Magazine at this year’s E3. We hope Naughty Dog will have learned a few new tricks. But as with Uncharted 2, expect to be thrown a bone.
Besides these, there are a few other video games to be released in 2011 which are worth checking out. Forza Motorsport 4 is coming in October, and NBA 2K12 as well as Spider-Man: Edge of Time are expected out around the same time. Also warranting a look over are F1 2011, Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, and Driver: San Francisco. So gear up and get ready for a rollercoaster second half of the year.