Gamers were hit with a massive bombshell last week when 2K confirmed that the release of BioShock: Infinite, the massively-anticipated shooter from developer Irrational Games, had been delayed until early 2013. To make matters worse, this week we found out that Crystal Dynamics’ lush-looking Tomb Raider reboot had also suffered a delay bullet, with the game now hitting stores in Q1 2013. With both titles unequivocally among the most eagerly-awaited videogame releases of 2012, the pill was a hard one to swallow to say the least.
However, it’s not all bad news. Sure, we’d love to have been exploring the airborne city of Columbia in Infinite or fending off homicidal Island dwellers as a young Lara Croft this year, but there’s still plenty more to tuck into in 2012 – and we’re not talking about Call of Duty or FIFA. Nope, this year is host to a number of gems that you would have likely passed on had Infinite or Tomb Raider seen the light of day in 2012, and it’s these games we’re shining the spotlight on in our latest feature article.
So, BioShock: Infinite and Tomb Raider have been delayed, but fear not: Here’s 5 games you should be playing later this year instead.
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DUST 514
Need a shooter to satisfy your itchy trigger finger due to the lack of BioShock this year? Sick of Call of Duty? Then look no further than CCP’s ambitious Dust 514, a first-person shooter set in the stunning EVE universe. Not only is the game going to be up for grabs on PlayStation Network for free, but most intriguing is the fact it’ll connect with EVE Online, the insanely popular MMO released for PC some years ago. Unlike that game however, Dust 514 plants its feet firmly on the ground, focusing on foot soldiers slugging it out in various wars across the universe. Powered by Epic’s celebrated Unreal Engine 3, Dust 514 will be bolstered by a wealth of microtransaction features, as well as its own PlayStation Vita companion game, allowing gamers to purchase new items and customize their characters among other activities. Players can expect massive battles for up to 48 players (possibly more, according to CCP) and a heap of tactical objectives to get their teeth into. Sure, it’s not the narrative-driven experience that BioShock: Infinite looks to offer, but those looking for their shooter fix outside of the CoD spectrum can’t go wrong with Dust 514. Keep an eye on this.
SLY COOPER: THIEVES IN TIME
Everyone’s favourite anthropomorphic Raccoon (well, there’s not many candidates is there?) is making his long awaited return in late 2012 with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time on PlayStation 3. Okay, sure Sly isn’t exactly an obvious substitute for a voluptuous babe like Lara Croft, but those of you looking for an alternative slice of action-platforming should definitely look into Thieves in Time. Sly Cooper’s compelling mix of stealth, combat and platform-hopping has proven a great recipe for success in the past, and we see no reason why developer Sanzaru Games won’t repeat Sucker Punch’s previous efforts. Pleasingly, Thieves in Time also includes a batch of new features thrown into the mix, such as the chance to kit Sly out in various new power-giving costumes (Robin Hood, suit of armor etc). The most interesting part however is the chance to slip into the sneaky shoes of Sly’s ancestors; each one coming equipped various abilities unique to that particular character. Also being beefed up are the game worlds themselves, which Sanzaru is trumpeting as being three times the size of those found in the original PS2 trilogy.
THE LAST OF US
Okay, we’re acutely aware that Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us may slip into early 2013, but as it stands the game’s launch is labelled late 2012/early 2013. So, there’s a chance it may come out this year after all. But let’s not worry about that for now. The Last of Us, hailing from the house of Nathan Drake, is possibly one of the most exciting games on the horizon full stop, let alone on PS3. A post-apocalyptic tale of survival and human relations, the game picks up years after a vicious fungus disease has ravaged the globe, and focuses on two survivors – gruff bloke Joel and teenage girl Ellie – as they battle against mutated humans and malevolent scavengers. The game is utterly gorgeous, and possibly the title to take Uncharted 3’s crown as the most scrumptious-looking title on Sony’s beloved black box. Make no mistake; this is going to be massive, and while we haven’t seen much of the gameplay at present, is sure to offer a dynamic experience outside of the bread-and-butter combat. One of the most intriguing elements is the relationships between Joel and Ellie; there’s a pseudo father-daughter thing going on, and Naughty Dog has said this will form a large part of the narrative, lending the bleak backdrop a palpable human quality. The survival element is incredibly juicy too, and it sounds like players will be tested to their limits as they scavenge for ammunition and supplies while fending off relentless attackers. You don’t want to miss it.
BORDERLANDS 2
The original Borderlands was one of the most unexpected video game success stories of the current crop of consoles, and thank the lord for that, as it means we’ve got a sequel. Developer Gearbox Software is really shooting the works this time around, building on the original’s brilliant marriage of first-person shooting, gorgeous visuals and role-playing action. Set five years after its precursor, Borderlands 2 packs enhanced AI that will give players a run for their money, giving battles a firm strategic kick up the arse. Players can also look forward to more dynamic quests, which depending on your actions throughout will directly affect the on-going storyline, plus a wealth of customisation options for weapons. Throw in an extensive online multiplayer component, and you’ve got a sequel that’s bigger and more badass than its predecessor, and one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the year.
PLAYSTATION ALL-STARS BATTLE ROYALE
Ever wondered who would win out of a punch-up between Fat Princess and Kratos? Then PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is your new best friend. Being a multiplayer-centric title, Sony’s answer to Super Smash Bros. is just the ticket you need to keep you occupied into the New Year while you wait for 2013’s biggest hitters. Sure, it doesn’t appear to rewrite the rule book, but this is the type of game that does exactly what it says on the tin; pits PlayStation’s greatest heroes against each other in an all-out battle packed with crazy power-ups and lush stages. Up to four gamers can compete together, and we’ll eat our hats if the game doesn’t boast an extensive multiplayer component to boot. The character roster is already looking pretty meaty, and at the time of writing there’s still a boatload more heroes waiting to be revealed, so chances are if your favourite hasn’t yet been confirmed they’ll still make the cut. As mentioned the game bears many similarities to Nintendo’s brawler, but developer Superbot Entertainment has managed to spice things up by introducing a unique power meter to the proceedings. As you duff up your opponents, this bar will gradually fill up, until it’s fully charged allowing you to unleash an all-power, screen-filling super move upon your victims. Sounds like a winner to us.