Max Payne 3
Another sequel set for 2012 that has been a long time coming, fans have been yearning for some more of Max Payne’s modern noire style since 2003’s The Fall of Max Payne. Sure, we had a movie adaptation in the interim, but that hardly counts as satisfying the need for bullet time gunplay. The hole left in our lives is set to be filled next year, with an older and wiser Max in a new Brazil setting.
Twisted Metal
The vehicular combat shenanigans of Twisted Metal have earned the series cult status among Playstation loyalists. With the previous console instalment of the series being released all the way back in 2001, (aside from the 2008 port of the PSP’s Twisted Metal: Head On) the upcoming PS3 sequel has a lot riding on it. With the E3 unveiling of the title garnering huge fanfare back in June, there’s no doubt that this will be one of the hottest sequels of 2012.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
I’m very vocal about my dislike for the recent Final Fantasy games and, as the only other direct Final Fantasy sequel was the god awful X-2, I have very low hopes for the upcoming XIII-2. That said, Square Enix have this bizarre power over gaming culture where you almost feel obliged to get excited about their upcoming titles out of sheer curiosity. I know it will break our hearts once more, but I have no doubt we’ll all be checking out XIII-2 when it releases next year.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Yet another stealth sequel straying from its roots in favour of faster paced action. It seems to be a trend that many franchises are trying to mimic at the moment but, in fairness to the upcoming Metal Gear spin-off, the footage that has been shown so far looks pretty phenomenal. With the style and grace usually associated with Kojima’s work and a new gameplay focus on Raiden’s sword techniques, Rising will be a Metal Gear experience like no other when it launches next year.
