Thirteen Games To Blow Your Mind Off In 2011

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC (PC)

Another Bioware game.

You see, this one is significant, and in more ways than one- not only does it mark Bioware’s return to the Star Wars universe (the last game they made in the Star Wars universe was Knights of the Old Republic, which went on to become a classic), it also marks the first time Bioware is making a game that isn’t an RPG (even if it is an MMORPG), and it also marks the first time that genre honchos Blizzard, with their reigning game World of Warcraft, face a significant or serious threat.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is possibly one of the most ambitious games ever created. A look at the game’s development trajectory, one look at the game’s agenda and the developer’s vision for their title, a single glance at the game’s trailer, and that much should be clear. Of all the games that are due for release next year, it is perhaps Star Wars: The Old Republic that has the most chance of truly changing gaming as we know it forever, Star Wars: The Old Republic that could potentially be the next Ocarina of Time, causing a paradigm shift in gaming:

A look at that trailer makes you wonder why Lucas hasn’t made a new set of films set in the time of the Old Republic (though then again, considering how cavalierly he handled the prequels, maybe it’s best that he hasn’t). The production values are already through the roof, the graphics (though CGI) are jaw droppingly gorgeous, and the setup seems to be brilliant. As a universe, Star Wars is perhaps the most conducive to being made into an MMORPG, with so many different potential character classes and so many lush and exotic locales.

One thing’s for sure- World of Warcraft has never faced a threat such as the one it faces now. Star Wars, after more than three decades, is still huge, and has a command over public imagination. Coupled with EA’s massive marketing budget and the high finesse and polish that we can expect from a core Bioware title, I think it is safe to assume that The Old Republic will be one of the biggest titles next year.