Start Saving $$$ Now – 2011 Set to Break the Bank for Gamers

CC2K Games Editor BR goes absolutely bonkers over the slate of video game releases scheduled for 2011.

2011 is almost here, and it looks to be 9 months of steady quality releases culminating in a holiday season bursting at the seams with highly anticipated games. Start pinching pennies and selling off plasma; you’re going to need the cash. Here’s a breakdown of just some of what we gamers can expect (hat tip to kotaku).

January-March

Deadspace 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, Killzone 3, Bulletstorm, Dragon Age II, Crysis 2

BR’s Most Anticipated Game: Deadspace 2

Why?

I was very late in discovering Deadspace. I’ve written about that, and about just how great that game is. If you’ve played it, you know. If the thought of a sequel alone isn’t enough to get you excited, check out this trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7Qy_4sWs3I

April-June

Portal 2, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection

BR’s Most Anticipated Game: Portal 2

Why?

Anyone who opened The Orange Box (and there were many of you) discovered the amazing game Portal. Those who missed it might have downloaded it from XBLA. Either way, you know Valve knocked it out of the park, creating a game that not only revolutionized the platformer, but delivered an original, engrossing, and downright creepy narrative. Portal 2 promises much, much more of the same:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO70BUXx7sc

July-September

Resistance 3, Rage

BR’s Most Anticipated Game: Rage

Why?

The summer months are always the slow time of the year for video game releases. They usually allow us to catch our breath, finish up those early-year releases and check out some nice indie games. Then monster developer Id decides to drop Rage, a game in development since 2007 and its first major release since Doom 3 smack dab in the midst of the summer heat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jecDe-rK24

Did I mention that Rage has been designed as a first-person shooter/racing game? Or that it is estimated to require 2-3 dual layer DVDs for Xbox 360, and that an uncompressed software build is ~1 terabyte in size? May I borrow a tissue? I seem to have, ahem, soiled myself.

October-December

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mass Effect 3

BR’s Most Anticipated Game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Why?

Sure, I’m looking forward to the third act of Bioware’s space opera Mass Effect. I’m sure it will be great. But we’re talking about another Elder Scrolls game here. TES III: Morrowind initially deterred me, but after breaking through, Crom did I love that game. Then, four years later Bethesda ups the ante with TES IV: Oblivion. Bigger, better, built on a whole new game engine, and supported with heaps of downloadable add-ons back when we were still learning of the potential for Xbox Live in delivering digital game content. Now, four years later (coincidence, I think not!) Bethesda announces TES V: Skyrim with the following trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGMOMkACtn4

Did I mention that once again Bethesda has developed an entirely new game engine for this that is described as nothing short of “spectacular!”? Fuck. I. Can’t. Wait.

Due sometime 2011 (release date not yet set, likely holiday season 2011)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Star Wars: The Old Republic, DC Universe Online, L.A. Noire, Gears of War 3, Batman: Arkham City, Max Payne 3

Seriously, there is just too much awesomeness in 2011. I didn’t even get to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ays_ZW7kNE

And I didn’t say anything about all the PS3 games coming out, because I don’t have a PS3! G’ah! Forget selling plasma, you really only need one kidney to survive, right? RIGHT?!