 |
| Half Life 3 being released is a good example of that latter thing, the "rumor" part. In short, don't hold your breath. |
So, why bring it up? Well, with all the rumors being strewn about, I wanted to pin down a few things we do know about what will be coming up this year, and what we know will be revealed at the upcoming E3 '12 (June, 5th-7th). I'm going to give a brief breakdown of what we can expect to hear over the coming year from each of the big three console companies.
 |
| Thanks for clearing up the confusion on the consoles capabilities Nintendo. Image: Nintendo. |
Nintendo
The Wii U will be probably be released in 2012, and likely unveiled at E3, or just before/after. I know, with such certainty we can dispel the rumors immediately, right? Other than that, though, Nintendo has been incredibly tight lipped about the system and it's capabilities. That's not unusual for the big N regarding an upcoming system, but this one seems to be driving quite a few people crazy. I think this is mainly due to the interesting new controller design, and, to be honest, because it's Nintendo. They've been known to throw curve balls; some successful, others not so much. Wondering on whether Nintendo's new "game-changer" will really change the game seems like a hobby for some people, regardless of whether they're for or against it. It's unlikely anybody will be able to predict it's performance though. If it's one thing Nintendo does, it's defy expectations of sales; for good or bad. We do know what the controllers look like, and the system will not improve graphic resolution on Wii games ala PS3 to PS2/PS, and it's backwards compatible. Except that any and/or all of that info could, quite literally, change at any moment.
 |
| DS prototype on the left, release version on the right. It may not seem like much, but the differences were huge. |
So, what can we expect from Nintendo this year? In short, just about anything. Having been hands-on at the unveiling of the DS at E3, 2004, I can tell you that Nintendo has no problem completely changing things around at the last minute. I remember a fat-stylused, mono-speaker mess, that left me, and others, with low hopes for the system. By the time the DS was released though, I was all for it. In the space of just months Nintendo turned a chunky mess of plastic into a system that changed minds on how handheld games would be played. So whether it's a good showing or a bad one for the Wii U, here's to hoping for the best.
 |
| Dude, you have wings. Why are you running?! Image: Nintendo |
While I may be uncertain about other things, 2012 looks very good for the 3DS. It may have taken a bit, but Nintendo is finally getting some excellent third part support on the system. With titles like Resident Evil: Revelations, Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater, and first party support in the form of Paper Mario 3DS and the long awaited, and much anticipated, Kid Icarus: Uprising, the 3DS is shaping up to have a killer year. If the 3DS wasn't a must own system before, it will be soon.
 |
| The middle name of Halo 4 is probably not actually going to be "Freaking". Image : Xbox.com |
Microsoft
Be prepared for lots of good games. The Xbox 360, like the PS3, is in its prime, and will continue to land hard hitting games. On other fronts the Kinect will be coming to PC's in February, with a $250 price tag, and is apparently not being aimed solely towards gamers. Microsoft recently revealed they are pulling out of CES, in order to consolidate their release information; however they will be returning to E3, and currently have no plans of pulling out of future E3 events. While some expect Microsoft to announce the successor to the Xbox 360, MS isn't commenting, and I'm with the editors of Gamezone on saying it's beyond unlikely.
 |
| There are literally a dozen other, and probably better, Bioshock Infinite pics I could have used, but this was the only one with an obscure Star Wars reference. Image: Bioshockinfinite.com |
The lineup of games coming to the 360 in the near, and even distant, future are certainly impressive though; many of which have me champing at the bit in anticipation. With Mass Effect 3, Borderlands 2, Bioshock Infinite, and, yes, Halo-freaking-4, all on the horizon, fans of the 360 are going to have an amazing year. With indie hits continuously coming to the Xbox Live market, the system looks to be supported very well, this year and in those to come. All in all, not a lot to say on what to expect from Microsoft this year other than continued strong support for the Xbox 360 in it's current role. As I stated above, the 360 is honestly in its prime, and I feel Microsoft has nothing to gain by announcing a successor to the console at this point. While it would certainly add to the hype of future gaming consoles to be released by the company, it could also detract from sales. The "wait-and-see" crowd are ever patient, and if something better is just on the horizon, why spend money on something that's soon to be obsolete? No, I think Microsoft will likely only release further info regarding flagship titles like Halo, and peripherals such as the Kinect. Anything further wouldn't be much of a benefit to them, and could potentially hurt sales of currently popular media.
 |
| I have nothing witty to say about The Last Guardian. It just looks like it's going to be awesome. Image: Digitaltrends |
Sony
Despite what rumors may say, Sony has flat out said they will not be revealing the PS4 at this years E3, or any time soon for that matter (which has been confirmed here, here, and here, among other places). Sony has said repeatedly that the PS3 will have a ten year life cycle, and it looks like they're sticking to their guns on that. Only time will tell how that will play out for Sony, but so far they're doing pretty well by it. In line with Microsoft, expect a lot of good games coming to the PS3, and likely the PS Vita, over the coming year. PS3 is set to have one of it's best years yet with killer exclusives coming, such as the The Last Guardian (website is in Japanese), the return of Twisted Metal and Sly Cooper, and awesome 3rd party support, including games like Metal Gear Solid: Rising. Sony has made me doubt in the past, but they're really pulling it together for 2012.
 |
I don't know what game this is, but I'm assuming Michael Bay has a hand in it. |
Also worth note is that Sony has a lot riding on the PS Vita this year. Sony had a rough year in 2011, and that rough year is putting a lot of pressure on the Vita to make it big. During an interview Sony's Andrew house was refreshingly honest about things. In regards to 2011 he said "Yes, it has been a pretty tough year, no question..." and for the Vita "From the SCE (Sony Computer Entertainment) perspective, I think a lot rests on the success of PS Vita. ..."(source). So what does that mean for the gamer? Hopefully it means Sony will put forth a ton of effort in landing as much support for the Vita as they have the PS3. I've been a doubter, but the Vita is starting to look like a pretty cool system. With games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Army Corps of Hell, Escape Plan, and Gravity Rush on the way, Sony might just blow us away. Of course, it could go the other way too, but with having a lot riding on the PS Vita, I think Sony will do their best to appeal to gamers and make it a fantastic system.
 |
| Sly Cooper, the words craftiest raccoon thief. Image: Benji-xd (awesome art!!) |
All in all 2012 is going to be a great year to game. With new hardware, new games, sequels, remakes, and reintroduction of classic and even not-so-classic franchises, the future has never looked more promising. Whether you're a fanboy of one company, or a casual gamer, 2012 promises to blow us away with content and creation like we've never seen before. If you're not excited about at least a couple titles for your system this year, then you may want to have your pulse checked, because you might be dead. With gaming assaults on every major front, this is the year of the gamer.
So here's to the future, and a great start to a great new(ish) year.
Until next time, game on.
No comments:
Post a Comment