Are you prepared to take pre-orders on this year’s biggest blockbusters? James Batchelor takes a look at the hottest games that retailers can expect throughout 2012
Q1 2012: HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING
JANUARY may have been quiet but there’s no denying the supply of new titles into retail is picking up in 2012’s opening months. We’ve already had new entries in high-profile franchises such as Resident Eviland Final Fantasy, and that continues in the next few months with a slew of big ‘3’ titles. Arguably the biggest is Mass Effect 3, the climax of EA and BioWare’s critically acclaimed sci-fi trilogy. There’s also stealth action with Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D and Ninja Gaiden 3. And Kinect fans can dance along to the third Zumba game with Zumba Fitness Rush. Nintendo 3DS will mark its one year anniversary with a strong
Publisher Release Dates
Game/Platform Zumba Fitness Rush (360)
Mario Party 9 (Wii)
Mass Effect 3 (360, PS3, PC) Asura’s Wrath (360, PS3) FIFA Street (360, PS3) Kinect Rush: Disney (360) Ninja Gaiden 3 (360, PS3)
505 Games February 24th Nintendo EA
Capcom Microsoft Tecmo Koei
Game/Platform We Sing Pop! (Wii)
March 2nd March 9th March 9th
EA March 16th March 23rd March 23rd
Resi: Operation Raccoon City (360, PS3) Capcom March 23rd www.mcvuk.com February 17th 2012 25
STREET KICKS OFF BIG YEAR FOR FIFA
THERE’S plenty for footy fans to look forward to in 2012. Not only does March see the return of EA’s urban soccer series FIFA Street, the publisher is also already hard at work on the inevitable FIFA 13, which should land in September. And although it’s not been announced, we can expect to see a tie-in game for this summer’s 2012 UEFA European Championships.
offering that ranges from flagship titles Kid Icarusto casual hits like Harvest Moon: Tale of Two Towns. And survival horror fans are in for a treat this spring with new Resident Eviland Silent Hilltitles.