The Best War Games's 15 Most Anticipated Games of 2013
While the time of year has come to look back at our Top 10 Games of 2012, it's also an occasion to take a collective breath, and start to look at what the next year will hold. Starting with a list of over 50 games releasing in 2013, the The Best War Games editorial staff has narrowed down and ranked what games appeal to us the most.
From shooters to platformers and action adventures, there's a wide variety of titles that have caught our eye. They may not be the only games we're all looking forward to playing, but they're the ones we'd give anything to have arrive a little sooner. And unlike last year's, the release dates don't look to be pushed back into 2014.
Without further ado, continue on for our 15 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2013.
15. Beyond: Two Souls
Release Date: TBA 2013 (PS3)
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
This one had our attention since we first laid eyes on the announcement trailer. Their follow-up to Heavy Rain, Quantic Dream's next project was expected to be an extension of its successor's modes of gameplay and approach to story. But with Beyond: Two Souls, David Cage is promising even more of a change - one that won't be challenging players' thumbs, but "their minds." Guaranteed to push the limits of the industry and relying on top talent, we're sure we'll still end up being surprised.
14. Star Trek
Release Date: April 23, 2013 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: Namco Bandai, Paramount Digital Entertainment
We may have been skeptical about the tie-in game for the upcoming sequel to J.J. Abrams' reboot, but we've more than come around on Star Trek. Taking a page out of the industry's leading action adventure franchises, but not forgetting the importance of Spock and Kirk, the game's progress pleasantly surprised us at E3 2012. With the decreasing amount of local multiplayer to be found in today's market, the fact that Digital Extremes has designed this one around co-op is promising. Also, it includes Gorn. So there's that.
13. Pikmin 3
Release Date: Spring 2013 (Wii U)
Developers: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
It's the game Nintendo fans have been demanding for years, and may end up being a major selling point for those still on the fence about the Wii U. Pikmin 3 isn't revolutionizing the formula of the first two games, simply adding new Pikmin, new enemies, and better graphics than ever before. Unfortunately the Big N didn't embrace online multiplayer for the third iteration like we'd hoped, but from what we've played of it, that will simply be an afterthought for a game that will both delight and challenge the already-sizable fan base.
12. Rayman Legends
Release Date: February 26, 2013 (Wii U)
Developer: Ubisoft Montpelier
Publisher: Ubisoft/Nintendo
Anyone who either played or read our review of Rayman: Origins knows why we're so excited for the next iteration on classic platforming from Ubisoft. The art style, multiplayer and precise controls and mechanics made it one of our favorite games of the year, and Rayman Legends is building off that success. With new characters, a new classical art direction and new forms of gameplay as a result of its exclusivity to the Wii U, Nintendo made their latest console a lot more enticing.
11. Battlefield 4
Release Date: TBA 2013 (Beta) (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: DICE
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Our most anticipated modern military shooter (now that Bad Company 3 seems to have gotten the axe), we've got high hopes for Battlefield 4 now that its predecessor laid the groundwork. The developers at DICE have maintained their desire to bring more innovation to the FPS genre, and Battlefield 3 took some big technical steps. The game is still without a release date, but a Beta or launch is rumored (and expected) for November.
10. Crysis 3
Release Date: February 19, 2013 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: Crytek Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Crysis 2 held its place atop the list of games that can put a PC to the test, and Crysis 3 looks to do the exact same (and then some). The staggering power of CryEngine 3 aside, the story is what many will be drawn to in this age of bombed-out, brown and dusty post-apocalyptic shooters. Set among the tropical swamps and overgrown New York City of 2047, Crytek's visual prowess is being put into gameplay, not just polish. New weapons, new enemies and the same classic choose-your-approach strategy is all making a return, in what looks to be its best iteration to date.
9. DmC: Devil May Cry
Release Date: January 15, 2013 (PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: Capcom
First impressions are really everything. So when DmC: Devil May Cry was revealed to be somewhat of a reboot of the series, with a new-look Dante, the reaction was predictable. Now the developers at Ninja Theory claim potential players are coming around, and realizing that the gameplay is what counts - and that won't be nearly as different. The fighting looks to be just as insane and intense as in past games, and our hands-on experience with the game proved it scratches the same itch as always. The demo will hopefully convince the last holdouts, but we're giving the developers the benefit of the doubt.
8. Dead Space 3
Release Date: February 5, 2013 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: Visceral Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
We're still not convinced that Dead Space 3 won't be foregoing much of the chilling scares and psychological trauma that first set it apart from other third-person shooters, but there's no denying it will be a polished experience. The developers at Visceral first raised eyebrows by confirming that the campaign would be co-op - somewhat unusual for a game built on isolation and fear. They maintain that co-op will add to the scares, not reduce them, and the wealth of reviewer and fan criticisms of Dead Space 2 were heard. With the addition of a new weapon crafting mechanic, suits and gameplay and more, Dead Space 3 is one game that should grace any short list.
7. South Park: The Stick of Truth
Release Date: TBA 2013 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: THQ
One of the few optimistic pieces of news attached to THQ of late, Obsidian Entertainment's work on bringing South Park to life with the help of the show's creators is looking more than a little promising. Despite several disappointing titles bearing the show's name, South Park: The Stick of Truth is poised to succeed where others have failed. With writing from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, a visual style that perfectly replicates the TV show, and classic RPG gameplay, the game may end up as a pleasant surprise for both fans of South Park's crude humor and old-school RPGs alike.