Resident Evil 6, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Medal of Honor Warfighter, and Everything You Need to Know from Gamescom 2012

Despite being the world’s largest video game convention, Gamescom never quite seems to generate the same frenzy as the Entertainment Electronics Expo or Comic Con International. However, with Comic Con constantly facing diffusion from other mediums and a less than stellar E3, Gamescom 2012 (which took place last week) was the place to be for gamers. Five days of previews, reveals, and thrills are mind numbingly difficult to follow so, for the sake of our readers, PolicyMic provides you complete coverage of all the good things that happened on one unadulterated page.

DmC (also known as Devil May Cry)

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Ninja Theory Genre: Action Release Date: TBA 2013 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC Details: Capcom caused quite a ruckus when it announced that the Devil May Cry series was being rebooted, complete with an appearance overhaul for the legendary protagonist, Dante. The once white haired bad-boy is now a dark Goth with a more overtly demonic look. However, appearances may be a bit deceiving as developer Ninja Theory does not seem to have strayed too far from the formula that keeps the series relevant in an age when God of War is often considered the best franchise of the genre. The gameplay is fairly similar to previous entries in the series but a major new component includes environmental changes during the fight, causing some much-appreciated chaos in a franchise normally known for long, uninterrupted choruses of violence. The game also seems to have  political theme, with the protagonist trying to free citizens from the brainwashing of a very recognizable talk show host. Also confirmed is the return of Vergil, Dante’s twin brother and the head of The Order, the organization that the protagonist hesitantly joins.

Resident Evil 6

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Genre: Action Release Date: TBA 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: Capcom revealed the new service Resident Evil.net, a player tracking system that allows gamers to check their own statistics (such as play time, high scores, etc.) as well as those of their friends. The purpose is to create a competitive environment similar to the Leaderboard system implemented in most single-player games. The technique has been used by numerous other developers, such as Bioware (Mass Effect), although the purpose there was to see gamer preferences for upcoming sequels (a purpose this system will likely serve as well). However, unlike previous stat-collection systems found inside games such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, this method is far more detailed, highlighting everything from play time to weapon preference. The service will also serve as a real-time information hub, allowing players to see who is closing in on their score, friends that are available for play and even community events.

Remember Me

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Dontnod Entertainment Genre: Action Release Date: May 2013 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC Details: Shown briefly at last year’s Gamescom as Adrift, Dontnod Entertainment’s Remember Me is a futuristic action game that takes place in Paris, year 2084. The game is built around the concept of removing people’s memories and injecting them into others, with the story involving a secret agent who is marked for death by unknown assailants. The game’s creative director explained the importance of the concept of memory within the game, with the protagonist Nilin actually playing the role of a small rebel group that fights the gigantic corporation set out to erase people’s minds. The game is instantly being compared to both Watch Dogs and Mirror’s Edge in terms of presentation and stylistic choices. The gameplay is very similar to Assassin’s Creed, with a heavy focus on parkour-like movements.  

Okami HD

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Genre: Adventure Release Date: September 30, 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: Having already been released on the Playstation 2 with a remake for the Playstation 3, Okami HD appears to be Capcom’s laziest offering at Gamescom. The game is a visual update of a modern classic, where players assume the role of a wolf in a tale of mysticism and artistic mastery. The original was very well received and is often cited as one of the strongest examples of artistry in videogames.

Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure HD Ver.

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Genre: Fighting Release Date: August 22, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: Another HD remake, Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure seems like a rather disappointing fighting game. While Capcom is certainly well versed in the art of creating two-dimensional fighting games, the remake of something over a decade old is likely to be a gentle diversion at best. Add in the fact that HD remakes rarely have the panache of modern-day graphics, with this one even lacking 16:9 widescreen support and you get a game that does not deserve a spot on your gaming radar.

SimCity

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Maxis Genre: Economic Simulation Release Date: February, 2013 Consoles: PC, Mac Details: SimCity is a series based around the concept of managing a city. What begins as a simplistic simulation of deciding when to ship out garbage quickly evolves into a local disaster, involving everything from invading aliens, budgeting problems, and riots within the city. Fans of the franchise who don’t own PCs will also be glad to learn that the game will be coming to Mac as well, although PCs are still considered the premier gaming format for non-console versions of games. The game also incorporates an online function known as SimCity World, a networking system that allows people to both cooperate and compete, with players from all over the world affecting everything from the economy to the energy prices.

Guardians of Middle-Earth

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: Monolith Productions Genre: Battle Release Date: September 30, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: An online battle game developed by Monolith Productions, Guardians of Middle-Earth throws players into an arena and forces them to utilize various skills in order to survive. Different characters have different strengths and weaknesses that help them survive: Such as Legolas, an archer with high basic damage, low ability damage, and even lower survivability. Another revealed character, the Witch-King, has considerably lower basic damage than the archer but nearly twice the ability damage and over three times the survivability. In terms of difficulty, however, the King is more difficult to control than the archer. The game’s battles are heavily magical, with everything from ancient swords to fireballs.  

Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel (Also known as Army of Two 3)

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Visceral Montreal Genre: Third-Person Shooter Release Date: March, 2013 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: The third installment of EA’s cooperative third person shooter franchise, The Devil’s Cartel is built using the same engine as the company’s Battlefield 3. The story revolves around Alpha and Bravo, two independent contractors that find themselves in the middle of a drug war. The game looks impressive, with detailed environmental art that gets destroyed very realistically and very quickly. The small demo included a look at “Overlook” mode, a special mode within the game that allows for a small period of incredible destructibility on behalf of the player. As always, the game also has a heavy focus on helping out the other player, with one player handling a helicopter gun to assist the other on the ground below. The game plays up the buddy cop feel but has been previously criticized for being a weak single player offering and its environment seems far too similar to other recent shooters. The developers also showcased a picture-in-picture mode where one player was allowed to view the others actions in a smaller screen in the bottom right corner, allowing them to better keep in tune with what to plan next.

The Simpsons: Tapped Out

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Electronic Arts Genre: Simulation Release Date: March 1, 2012* Consoles: iOS, Android Details: Technically less of a reveal and more an announcement, EA declared that it would relaunch The Simpsons: Tapped Out. When released in March earlier this year, the game was rather popular but caused EA’s servers to crash. Now, however, they seem to be well equipped for the anticipated traffic and will re-launch the title next month. Upon its previous release, the game was deemed suitable for the casual crowd or fans of the franchise, but not for anyone who is serious about gaming or is not a pre-existing fan of Homer’s antics.

Crysis 3

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Crytek Genre: First-Person Shooter Release Date: 2013 Consoles: PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: The third title in the series known for delivering graphics that are years ahead of most of the competition, developer Crytek has a point to prove with its latest entry; they want to prove that this series is more than just a pretty face. The new multiplayer mode, titled “Hunter,” sees two players playing the titular role of hunters as they stalk and take out rival operatives within a gigantic New York City. Every time the operatives fall to the Hunters, they become a part of their cause to hunt out the remaining agents. If even one operative, however, manages to survive, the Hunter team automatically loses. 

Dead Space 3

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Visceral Games Genre: Third-Person Action Release Date: February 5, 2013 Consoles: PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: The only series in recent times that has been able to deliver the thrills and scares once associated with Resident Evil, the third Dead Space game will allow players to create their own weapons using materials they scavenge throughout the game. Some combinations include ridiculous chain-guns combined with rocket launchers and the company has even encouraged players to submit their own creative constructions as part of a competition on the game’s official website. The game’s limited edition will also allow players access to another type of armor or weapon, based on the player’s choice.   

FIFA Soccer 13

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: EA Canada Genre: Sports Release Date: September 30, 2012 Consoles: PSP, Android, Wii, 3DS, iPad, PS3, Vita, Xbox 360, iPhone Details: Another installment of EA’s long-running official FIFA franchise, the game finally incorporates Match Day, a system that will cause the statistics of players within the game to change based on actual events in the real world. For example, a very highly ranked player within the game suddenly starts doing poorly in real life and his abilities in the game will decrease considerably. The system forces players to take real-life statistics into consideration when selecting their team members and will finally put an end to out of form players doing incredibly well in simulations.  

Medal of Honor Warfighter

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Danger Close Genre: Shooter Release Date: October 23, 2012 Consoles: PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: Using the same gameplay engine as the upcoming Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel, the latest in the Medal of Honor series will have an even larger focus on multiplayer than its fellow EA game, with the first-person perspective allowing for far more players to join in. While not necessarily any danger to the Activision’s throne at the top of the FPS genre, the game seems well made and should allow EA to maintain some footing in the category that the giant does not seem to control.

Routine

Publisher: Lunar Software Developer: Lunar Software Genre: First-Person Horror Release Date: June 30, 2013 Consoles: PC Details: A game that is all about survival, Routine puts players in the body of a man stuck on an abandoned moon base. The game will utilize no set path, no health bars, and no point system. The player will be tasked to find the answer to their questions with only one life and absolutely no options for retries or health packs to prolong their weak and feeble existence.

Spy Hunter (3DS)

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: TT Fusion Genre: Combat Racing Release Date: October 31, 2012 Consoles: Nintendo 3DS Details: With intentionally dated cut-scenes and classic, fast-paced gamplay, the latest in the Spy Hunter franchise clearly intends to target gamers from a bygone era. While the game offers nothing new that hasn’t already been done in the combat racing scene, or even the sandbox driving genre, the game looks to be undeniably explosive and unabashedly violent. Be sure to keep this one on your radar.

Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Superbot Entertainment, Bluepoint Games Genre: Fighting Release Date: November 20, 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3, Playstation Vita Details: Clearly inspired by Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series, this Playstation exclusive is a crossover fighter featuring characters from many of Sony’s established franchises such as God of War, Twisted Metal, and Jak Dexter. At Gamescom 2012, it was announced that the four new characters joining the cast would be Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet from Ratchet & Clank, Dante from DMC, and Spike from Ape Escape. Sony also took the opportunity to announce Cross Buy, a purchase system wherein if a player buys the Playstation 3 version of a game, they receive the Vita version for free. The games taking part in this promotion so far include Playstation All-Stars, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault.

Tearaway

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Media Molecule Genre: Adventure Release Date: TBA 2013 Consoles: Playstation Vita Details: A Vita exclusive from the makers of LittleBigPlanet, this game bears all the marks of Media Molecule’s creative art-design including vibrant colors, varied designs, and a cool blend of 2D and 3D graphics. The game stars iota (sic), a messenger whose destination is, strangely enough, the player. Players will be able to use both the front touch screen and the back touchpad in order to bend, contort, and manipulate the world in order to help iota get to the end. Also, the entire world is made of paper; yes, paper.      

Ratchet and Clank: Full Frontal Assault

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Insomniac Games Genre: Action Release Date: Unspecified 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3, Playstation Vita Details: Already hotly anticipated as a PS3 game, Sony announced at Gamescom that the game would also be coming to Vita. Originally announced in May, this game seems to be taking the series back to its roots, with a fine mix of weapons fighting alongside a tower-defense mechanic. For gaming novices, the most popular tower defense game is probably Angry Birds, although this is far more complicated than hurling a bloated chicken at some very gentle pigs. Here, the objective is to use parts found within the stages to strengthen your tower, after which you must use weapons to fight off waves of enemies. Insomniac has announced a system where the player will constantly have to be busy, making for a rather hectic, if somewhat familiar experience.  

Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified

Publisher: Activision Developer: Nihilistic Genre: First-Person Shooter Release Date: November, 2012 Consoles: Playstation Vita Details: The handheld counterpart to one of the largest videogaming franchises in history, Declassified has the look and feel of the franchise’s console counterparts. There are shootings, stabbings, sneaking, and some nicely detailed animations. Certainly, it does not have the graphical flair of the big boys, but that is to be expected from a handheld. It is troubling that Activision has not gone with Infinity Ward for its development and that the first gameplay video is being released so late into development, but so long as it is passable, it should bring by the console version’s fans like flies. However, from recent play sessions, it players are commenting that the multiplayer for the Vita version is too simplistic, allowing little skill and even less gratification.    

Killzone: Mercenary

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Guerrilla Games Genre: First-Person Shooter Release Date: TBA 2013 Consoles: Playstation Vita Details: First hinted alongside the rumors for Vita, Killzone: Mercenary brings the massively successful Sony property to handhelds. Created specifically for Vita, and that too by the same developer behind the console games, Mercenary is being hyped as the “game not possible on any other platform.” The trailer showcased live-action footage interspersed with gameplay sequences, focusing heavily on the shooting of the aspect but also emphasizing close up combat using knives. The trailer also makes note of highlighting the environments, showcasing some rather detailed backgrounds.

Playstation Plus (the service, not a game)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment (offered content varies) Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment (offered content varies) Genre: - Release Date: Active for Playstation 3, coming soon to Playstation Vita Consoles: Playstation 3, Playstation Vita Details: A subscription based discount/free content service, Playstation Plus allows customers to receive content at rates that would be rather less affordable if the content was purchased without a subscription. This month, the free game offered to subscribers is Rockstar Games’ hit, Red Dead Redemption. Also, it has been announced that players will now have 1GB of storage space, more than six times the paltry 150MB offered previously. Finally, Sony also announced that the service would be coming to Playstation Vita in the near future. 

Wonderbook (Interactive Reading Peripheral)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment (offered content varies) Developer: SCE Studios London (offered content varies) Genre: Storytelling Release Date: Unspecified, late 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: A storytelling system that promises to bring books to life in the viewer’s living room, the Wonderbooks service just got a big partner;  Disney was announced as a collaborator. While children will likely be pleased with all the Hannah Montana or the Mickey Mouse books, keep in mind that Disney now owns Marvel and that can have some serious potential for adults. Other series coming to the service include Walking With Dinosaurs by BBC, Book of Spells by J.K. Rowling and Diggs Nightcrawler by Moonbot Studios.   

Until Dawn

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Supermassive Games Genre: Survival Horror Release Date: TBA 2013 Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: Incorporating the Playstation Move peripheral, Until Dawn is the long-rumored survival horror game by Supermassive Games. Built around the concept of using a flashlight, the game is incredibly dark and seems to be Sony’s response to Alan Wake, the well-received Microsoft exclusive built around the concept of using a flashlight.

Puppeteer

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: SCE Studios Japan Genre: Platformer Release Date: TBA 2013 Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: Under development by Sony’s Studio Japan, the Playstation exclusive sees players assuming the role of a boy who has been abducted by the Moon Bear king and turned into a puppet. The game definitely takes Japanese theater as inspiration for level design and it is intended to be a game where the environments play a larger role in the story than most other features. The revealed screens are colorful and the artistry is self-professedly “weird.”

Rain

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: SCE Studios Japan Genre: Adventure Release Date: TBA Consoles: Playstation 3 (Download via PSN) Details: Another exclusive revealed at Gamescom, Sony’s Rain (working title) sees players assuming the role of an invisible boy as he tries to save yet another damsel in distress. The invisible boy is made visible by raindrops hitting his body and forming a layer of visibility around him but they also reveal other enemies, making the premise more dangerous than it initially appears.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Sanzaru Games Genre: Platformer Release Date: February, 2013 Consoles: Playstation 3, Playstation Vita Details: The latest in Sony’s long-running platformer franchise, Thieves in Time sees players assuming the role of Sly Cooper, cunning “thievius raccoonus.” If it isn’t already apparent, this game runs on a level of quirkiness that sets it apart from most other platformers. While it can be said that Mario games generally set the standard for the genre, there is usually more backstory to Sly’s adventures and the latest, involving a band of rogues that all work in different ways to plan heists, is sure to be good, rib-tickling comedy. The gameplay, as always, has a bit of fetching to it but Sony generally does well to mix up the missions in interesting ways. Also, the game is earning big kudos for incorporating a seamless integration between the console and Vita versions. Not only will purchasing the console version automatically give you the Vita version for free, but you will be able to take your save from the console and transfer it to the Vita when you want to head out and play. The content on both will be the same, despite some necessary control changes.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Publisher: Konami Developer: PlatinumGames Genre: Action Release Date: February 19, 2013 Consoles: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC Details: Developed by the studio that brought gamers Bayonetta, the latest in the Metal Gear franchise sees players assuming the role of Raiden, the oft-criticized protagonist of Metal Gear 2. Also, while fans of the franchise commonly stand by the stealth elements as the best feature of the franchise, this will be a hack-and-slash game (a genre where your only objectives are to, surprisingly, hack and slash). The game is likely set to be one of the spin-offs of a big franchise that no one cares about but Bayonetta was well-received so if fans can be okay with such drastic changes, they may yet find something they like.

Tank! Tank! Tank!

Publisher: Namco Bandai Developer: Namco Genre: Party/Action Release Date: December 31, 2012   Consoles: Wii U Details: Being touted as a battle party game, this simplistically titled videogame by Namco allows players to get inside tanks and fight with other players, all of whom have their picture above their own respective tanks. The players have options such as guns, lasers, and rockets and the trailer emphasizes the chaos and destruction all around. While some parents may not be okay with their children playing such a violent game, it may prove to be a decent guilty pleasure.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Publisher: Namco Bandai Developer: Namco Bandai Genre: Fighting Release Date: September, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: Perhaps the best example of what happens when numerous anime stereotypes are thrown into a game and told to duke it out, the latest in the Tekken franchise knows the strengths of the series and is sticking to them, with gameplay that should immediately look familiar to series veterans. Unlike its “hardcore” alternative, Virtua Fighter, this series has always been easy to pick up and play, although mastering it is still a task for the patient. The trailer shows all the old characters the series is known for, with inspiration from Bruce Lee to Wesley Snipes. The game has previously garnered some controversy when the creator told his immature fans to act like adults and stop their incessant whining.

Rabbids Land

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Genre: Party Release Date: TBA Consoles: Wii U Details: While the gameplay and, quite frankly, even the humor is getting pretty stale at this point, there is always another Rabbids game on the way. This time, the party franchise takes things another step further, with the trailer showing interaction with both the Wii Remote and the Wii U Controller simultaneously. As always, this is not an award-worthy game but rather one you play with friends; friends who are comfortable laughing at jokes about defecation.

Far Cry 3

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Genre: Shooter Release Date: December 4, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC Details: A story-oriented shooter, the latest in the Far Cry franchise sees players in darker times than ever, with a level of grit that is worthy of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo or even A History of Violence. The game, if done correctly, stands to be the first one that does not glorify violence despite giving players a chance to enact it. The cooperative mode shows a team of four multicultural outcasts trying to escape their past, something that puts them in a rather violent position. The graphics are stunning, the gunplay is downright vicious and the story is more than your average shooter’s. Keep an eye out for this one.

Command and Conquer

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Bioware Victory Genre: Strategy Release Date: December 31, 2013 Consoles: PC Details: With the announcement that the game will be free-to-play, EA’s latest may give off the air of being of low quality. However, the game is being built using the same engine as EA’s blockbusters and looks to take hectic battles to a whole new level. No one does strategy quite like Command and Conquer but keep in mind that free-to-play usually isn’t all that free, with the best items requiring purchase.

The Last Guardian

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: SCE Studios Japan Genre: Adventure Release Date: TBA Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: Still in development, the oft-delayed mostly non-existent game seems destined to fall off the radar and never be seen again, only to pop up with just enough hope for players to cling to. The game is still under development but is being “redone,” making the earlier work nothing if not obsolete. Also, as we have seen in the past, games that get delayed too much are built on dated technology and result in absolute disappointment when released.

 The Unfinished Swan

Publisher: Sony Comptur Entertainment Developer: Giant Sparrow Genre: Puzzle Release Date: December 30, 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3 Details: Incredibly artistic and unbelievably compelling, the latest exclusive sees players in a first-person perspective as they see a world form in front of them through blotches of ink. While few details are known, it certainly should undergo interesting developments in the days to come.

Need For Speed: Most Wanted

Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Criterion Games Genre: Racing Release Date: October 30, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Vita, IPhone, Android, PC Details: Having seen a recent return to form, the NFS series is now set to produce another hit on Vita with Most Wanted. While the games in the franchise generally follow the same basic rules, what really makes the Vita version compelling is that it plays almost identically to the console versions, making the save transfer system a dream. Also, if this game can prove that products on Vita can look as good as consoles, it will urge developers to be less lazy when developing for handheld devices that actually have some power.  

Rayman Legends

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier Genre: Platformer Release Date: TBA Consoles: Wii U Details: The only Wii U exclusive that many fans are excited about, Legends takes gamers back to the days of yore, when gaming was meant to be so difficult you pulled your hair out. After his short-lived stint with the Rabbids, Rayman has been re-established as his own hero and will start in a colorful, devious game that is sure to remind us of the difficulties of dying repeatedly. Of course, for those who like things easy, the game offers you the opportunity to take special toys and place them on the Wii U controller, for some additional in-game support. Gimmicky? Yes. Will it sell? Yes.

Just Dance 4

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Genre: Dance Release Date: October 9, 2012 Consoles: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 Details: With a trailer using the song "Moves Like Jagger" and promises of fitness, the dance game is sure to sell, despite the fact that the controls never really imitate one’s moves accurately and the actual track list is usually pretty thin with one or two songs carrying the package.

DayZ

Publisher: Indie Developer: Indie Genre: First-Person Shooter Release Date: Unspecified 2012 Consoles: PC Details: A first-person shooter not made by a billion dollar company, DayZ will have to be competitive in terms of gameplay in order to garner any attention. The creator has stated that they are serious about ironing out the bugs and should therefore be going for a smooth, gritty experience.

Soul Sacrifice

Publisher: Sony Compture Entertainment Developer: Marvelous Entertainment, SCE Studios Japan Genre: Action Release Date: TBA Consoles: Playstation Vita Details: From the creator of Mega Man comes a story of immorality, violence and sacrifice. The most mature title by Keiji Inafune, formerly part of Capcom, Soul Sacrifice came about after the creator left his old job. The game fittingly allows players the ability to sacrifice the enemies they defeat and it truly a rather disturbing premise.

Anno Online, Might and Magic Heroes Online, Silent Hunter Online

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Genre: Simulation Release Date: TBA Consoles: Web Details: Just like any of the drivel that comes out in the form of free-to-play, Anno Online is a game you won’t have to pay for but you probably would not want to either. Two of the games are all about magic while the third is about submarines, thus making up Ubisoft’s push into the free-to-play market and the death of good gaming, just a little each time projects such as this are announced.

LEGO Lord of the Rings-Helm’s Deep

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: TT Games Genre: Action Release Date: October 30, 2012 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii Details: Attempting to recreate a cinematic feel with LEGO never quite works out, which is what the LOTR’s franchise should have considered when they agreed to this treatment. The LEGO formula, as always, involves childish puzzles and humorous takes on classic franchises, which is fun, if a bit stale. Of course, when it comes to LEGO, there is always another game coming so you can skip one or two even if you are a fan.

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: Netherrealm Studios Genre: Fighting Release Date: December 31, 2013 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: From the people that brought you Mortal Kombat, the latest game from the studio stars characters from the DC Comics Universe fighting each other in bloody combat and, before anyone else points it out, it does not make sense that anyone can fight Superman in hand to hand combat. The latest trailer shows off a fight between Superman and Nightwing, the original Robin, and demonstrates well how the two characters control differently. However, the game has been criticized for feeling slow and sluggish, particularly when compared to modern fighters. Whether the speed can be brought up by release date is to be seen but right now, this one is just for the fans.

Street Figher x Tekken

Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom, Namco Genre: Fighting Release Date: Unspecified 2012 Consoles: Playstation Vita (already out for other systems) Details: Capcom’s half of the crossover fighting series between Street Fighter and Namco’s Tekken, the game plays rather like one would expect, meaning is fast with fireballs and anime style art. The game has already been seen quite a bit for other consoles and, if the Vita version can keep up, fans should be happy to pick this up.

Deadpool

Publisher: Activision Developer: High Moon Studios Genre: Action Release Date: Unspecified 2013 Consoles: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Details: A videogame starring Marvel’s own Merc With a Mouth, Deadpool seems to be a simplistic game made with nothing but love for the character. Whil the design, right down to the groin-kick head slicing, is nothing that people have not seen before but the real beautiful thing is how much Wade Wilson comes to life. He knows he is a comic book character in a videogame, he talks to the player, he references Star Wars and Star Trek. What more could the nerd inside all of us want?

World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria

Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment Developer: Blizzard Entertainment Genre: MMO Release Date: September 25, 2012 Consoles: PC Details: Already having established itself as the game all other MMO’s will compete with for years to come, WOW is now offering its fourth expansion for players who feel like they need to spend another five years in the game. Blizzard is known for making quality products and will delay if necessary so, if their past record is any indication, this game will be great even before it is released. There was some rather interesting news at the event as well, such as an EA personnel saying he has seen the next generation of consoles or all the games that were there in relatively small capacity, such as the latest Tomb Raider. Be sure to keep an eye out for the live feeds that will no doubt be recorded and find their way online. However, for those that find such research too hectic, here is everything you will need that is noteworthy at Gamescom 2012.