The 10 most anticipated games of 2011

The gaming industry has advanced in leaps and bounds over the last two decades. Growing from an 8-bit sanctuary for the inner most circles of geekdom to one of the most lucrative facets of mainstream entertainment. It has evolved from developer’s basements and garages to massive multi-million dollar corporations shelling out astronomical budgets to churn out blockbuster epics.

With A-list voice acting from some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the latest in cutting edge digital technology, it is little wonder that some titles have grossed more than the highest grossing films of all time.

This is only the beginning. The 2010 release of Xbox’s motion based controller system, the Kinect, and its arch-nemesis, the Playstation Move, will allow gaming to transcend the hardcore and open the flood gates to the general public. Not to mention the gaming gold rush that has hit app stores for tablets and smartphones the world over, the culmination of which is Sony Ericsson’s official announcement of its Xperia Play (the long rumoured Playstation Phone).

All of which means more sales, bigger budgets and better games for everybody.

So bearing all this in mind, we have compiled a list of the titles that we believe are sure to get you counting the days. Our top 10 most anticipated titles of 2011.

1. Mass Effect 3

After the super-massive success of the previous Mass Effect installments, Mass Effect 3 is sure to be no exception. Commander Shepard is back to make his last stand in the Earth’s defense. With its revolutionary cinematic cut scenes, jaw dropping visuals and enthralling game-play, this inter-galactic RPG is bound to be the biggest game of the year.

2. Gears of War 3

The third in the series of one of Xbox’s most potent exclusives, Gears of War 3 promises to be the bloody mess that we have all come to know and love. Now complete with a lady Gear for that added touch of diversity.

3. LA Noire

Another one of Rockstar Studio’s ground breaking urban epics. What makes this game so special you ask? Well, two things. First, it’s a Rockstar production. And second, this trailer is entirely comprised of in-game footage. The extraordinary realism of the characters in LA Noire is down to the latest in motion capture technology called MotionScan, an innovative new technique developed by the studio that records actors from every angle by 32 surrounding cameras in order to accurately capture their facial expressions which are then projected on to their digital counterparts.

4. Batman: Arkham City

The Dark Knight is back in the sequel to his highly successful trip to Arkham Asylum. Arkham City is bound to be full of the dark, gritty, hardcore elements that we had so much fun with in the previous installment. And on that note we would like to personally thank Christopher Nolan for delivering our favorite DC superhero from campiness. We’re looking at you Adam West.

5. Marvel VS Capcom 3

Few things gets us gamer geeks more excited than a good ol’ VS game. Especially if it involves some of the most iconic figures of our childhood. Over a decade in the making, Marvel VS Capcom 3 will give you the opportunity to finally answer the age old question: Who would win in a fight between Ryu and Wolverine?

6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

More than eight years have passed since the last installment of the highly acclaimed Dues Ex franchise. At last 2011 will be seeing the release of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the third game in the award winning series. Once voted the best PC game of all time, Dues Ex combines elements of an RPG with a first person shooter in a revolutionary way. Let’s hope that Human Revolution can fill the enormous shoes of its predecessor.

7. Mortal Kombat

Kratos!! Enough said. Watch the trailer and see.

8. Crysis 2

Crysis 2 is the sequel to the 2007 hit Crysis. A post-apocalyptic first person shooter that takes place three years after the original game in a now evacuated New York City. With a new and improved engine and all the game play elements that got you hooked the first time around, you won’t be able to take off that Nano Suit long enough to go to the loo.

9. Duke Nukem Forever

After more than a decade of law suits, controversy and endless delays, the infamous Duke Nukem Forever will finally explode onto shelves come May 2011. Almost 13 years after the title was first announced to be under development by 3D Realms in April 1997. The legendary game that was the epitome of a misspent youth is back to warp a whole new generation’s fragile little minds. Come get some!

10. Prototype 2

More Prototype? Yes please. We know this is technically only scheduled for release at the start of 2012 but we had to include it in this list because we’re just too damn excited! For those of you who didn’t get enough of running up buildings and dismembering mutant creatures with massive blades that shoot out of your body the first time around, fear not, you’ll get your chance to to do it all over again soon enough. Not much has been revealed about this game, but if it’s anything like the first it’s definitely one you’ll want to look out for.

This is only a taste of whats to come. Killzone 3, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Portal 2, just to name a few, are all to be released this year. And who knows what else is still to be announced? If your most anticipated game of 2011 isn’t on the list, leave a comment and we’ll include it in the next one.

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