2012 has been slated as a year for gaming greatness. All the 'world ending' conspiracies aside, some of the world's best series will come to their climax this year, with Mass Effect 3 leading the charge in what is set to be a year of sure-fire epilogues for the avid gamer.
However, if you aren't looking to wait until the middle of the year to pick up something to get your gaming juices flowing, or just fancy picking up a game or two to keep you going, then why not take a look at what February has to offer? Indeed, it appears as if February is starting the year in style, with over 40 games being released across platforms, and some of the world's biggest series making a reappearance.
First up we have Final Fantasy XIII-2. Releasing on Xbox 360 and PS3, those of you in the USA will be receiving the game just short of February, seeing a release date of January 29th, while Australia and Europe can look forward to a release date of the 2nd and 3rd February, respectively. The series looks to continue the story of it's predecessor, with Lightning's sister Serah Farron and new character Noel Kreiss taking over the position of main protagonists, while Lightning takes a backseat with a seemingly more linear storyline running throughout the game. If you can't wait until the start of February to get a taste of this behemoth, a demo is available now on both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.
February also sees the continuation of The Darkness series, with The Darkness II releasing on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 - First in America on 7th February, then the 10th February in Europe. The story is set to continue with protagonist Jackie Estacado as he attempts to better understand the origins of The Darkness after an attack causes him to release The Darkness again. An interview with Project Director Sheldon Carter reveals what developers Digital Extremes are aiming to achieve with The Darkness II:
"Jackie is now the Don of the Estacado family; he’s living large, he’s the mob boss and he’s suppressed the Darkness for the past two years, until an attack that provokes him to release the Darkness once again.
For us story-wise, the first game was written by Paul Jenkins (who also wrote some of the graphic novels), we had to have him as a writer in our game too. It’s a natural extension, a true sequel to the previous game." - Sheldon Carter, Digital Extremes Project Director
With positive reviews from game critics and a strong prequel to follow up, you can guarantee The Darkness II will be one to beat.
In other news, Bethesda will be rewarding those of you with enough patience to wait out the usual downloadable content flurry in February, with the release of the Fallout: New Vegas - Ultimate Edition across PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 (February 7th for America, February 10th for Europe). This version ties together every piece of downloadable content released for the game, including Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, Lonesome Road as well as the two weapon and armor packs; Courier's Stash and Gun Runners' Arsenal. In one, neat package, gamers unfamiliar with the Fallout franchise would do well to check out one of the best RPGs of 2011.
With many more well-known titles such as Naruto, Alan Wake: American Nightmare and the Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition slated for February releases alongside over 30 other titles, it looks as though 2012 is already heating up to be a mighty year for gamers and developers alike, and with the promise of Mass Effect 3, Bioshock: Infinite, Far Cry 3 and the much awaited Diablo III all in the scope for 2012, one thing's for sure: 2012 will be a year to remember.
Want to share with us what you'll be purchasing this February? Let us know on our forums or via the comments section below.