Spring Games Guide
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Set in the evacuated ruins of a ravaged New York City, this high-octane sequel lets players use a super-powered Nanosuit to defend the planet against a massive alien force. Featuring the next evolution in the cutting-edge 'CryEngine' game tech, it will definitely boast showstopping graphics. Here's hoping it's packing showstopping fun, too.
Platforms: PC, Mac
The virtual dollhouse gets the Middle Ages treatment with this brand new, standalone effort. Create heroes, take them on epic quests, negotiate with neighbors and furnish their kingdom any way you see fit. Just be sure to stock ye olde kitchen -- those little buggers get hungry quickly.
Glasses-free 3D in the palm of your hand? That's the promise of Nintendo's new portable machine, and all signs point to them delivering in a big way. Boasting a robust suite of built-in software alongside 3D-enabled takes on hit franchises like Street Fighter, Pilotwings and Nintendogs, it's aiming to change the handheld game. Hope you placed a pre-order, because it's already tapped to be a big seller.
Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, PS3
While it's been anything but a smooth ride back to the top of the leaderboard for Tiger Woods, his video game hasn't dropped a hole in years. This year's version goes where none have gone before by featuring Augusta National, the first time the vaunted Masters course has appeared in a U.S. golf sim.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
It's still alive. The sequel to one of the most celebrated video games of its era, Portal 2 once again pits test subject Chell against the passive-aggressive computer GLaDOS as she attempts to survive another round of spatially-challenging platform levels. Two-player co-op and a variety of new items will make it another can't-miss -- and unlike the cake, that's no lie.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
It's baaaaack. The controversial brawler returns this spring, bringing with it iconic characters like Liu Kang, Sub-Zero and Scorpion alongside a slew of other favorites from past games. It's also bringing new 3D graphics, new modes, new moves and of course gruesome new Fatalities. Already earning plenty of pre-release buzz, it's shaping to be a must-have for fighting game fans -- and a lightning rod for critics of violent video games.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
A mind-numbing 14 years in the making, this once-dead first-person shooter has not only been revived by 2K Games, it's actually, legitimately, TRULY coming out in May. But don't expect it to be a forward-thinker: early buzz is that it's as immature, gritty and straightforward as its musclebound star, so grab some bubble gum and start chewing.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Following the early spring release of Lego Star Wars III comes this Lego-fied treatment of the swashbucking film franchise. It seems like a perfect match. Expect plenty of swordfighting, treasure-hunting, and good-natured pillaging as you adventure through all four films in the series -- including 'On Stranger Tides', which releases just a week after the game.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
From the publisher of Game of the Year types like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption comes a more subtle open-world game that looks no less impressive. Set amidst the seedy underworld of a crime-ridden 1947 Los Angeles, it stars Mad Men's Aaron Stanton as a detective out to solve grisly murders. It also stars cutting-edge motion capture technology and a compelling sense of style. Definitely one to watch.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
The creepiest name in first-person shooting returns with the third installment of F.E.A.R. Playing as the son of the psychically gifted Alma, you're out to deal with your disturbed family and, possibly, save the world. Chances are no matter how it plays out, you'll want to play it with the lights on.
Platforms: PS3
Cole McGrath didn't intend becoming a superhero, but the electrically-charged star of Sony's Infamous is pretty much exactly that. The open-world sequel takes place in a town inspired by New Orleans, gifting Cole with new abilities and granting gamers the ability to create and share their own missions.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
Made by the creative mastermind behind musical cult-hits like Rez and Space Channel 5, this Kinect-compatible action game lets players rhythmically blast enemies while gliding through various dream-like environments. It's a bit out there, but that's often where you find the coolest stuff.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Bad things have happened in Wonderland in the eleven years since the original American McGee's Alice game thrilled fans, but great things are in store for gamers. Featuring visceral combat and macabre versions of famous characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, it's shaping up be a real treat for those brave enough to head back through the looking glass.