Your Q1 2013 Release Guide

If there's anything that can be said about every Fall season of releases its that there are two rules of the trade: you'll come home broke and the first three months of the following year will only drive the knife further into you.  This past August you guys liked the piece I wrote up that gave a rundown on what was due to challenge your bank accounts withdrawal limits and I only felt that it would be appropriate if I did the same thing for each season going forward.  Let's face it: that Christmas money you get every year from grandma?  Yeah, you're probably going to have to spend it on one of the games below.

Specifically, this list will address all the major releases arriving between January and the end of March 2013.  The games you are about to see are ones that have all-but-confirmed release dates, not ones with vague "Q1" timeframes so don't expect titles like The Wonderful 101 or Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.  I will attempt to update this list as necessary though.

Hold on to your butts, people.

January 8th

Anarchy Reigns

Developed by: Platinum Games
Published by: SEGA
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3

We (and specifically, Brad) have spoken at length about Anarchy Reigns in the past so one more appearance shouldn't surprise you.  Despite having been delayed back in June after the English port was essentially content complete, the game holds the title for being the first major release of 2013.  It certainly looks to be some decent fun, especially with classic Platinum Games stars like Bayonetta joining the fray so, if you're interested, check the column to the right for more of our coverage.

January 15th

DmC: Devil May Cry

Developed by: Ninja Theory
Published by: Capcom
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PC on January 25th)

Another big release we at 4Player have been looking forward to, DmC finally gets (or fails) to prove that a new take on the beloved character action title less than a month from now.  Capcom recently released a very enjoyable demo for the game on PSN and Xbox 360.  Many will argue otherwise but I have faith that Ninja Theory has plenty of talent to make a fun Devil May Cry but also one with a good story.  Look forward to Nick slowly developing the shakes not unlike that of a needy heroin addict in the week prior to the game's release.

January 22nd

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Developed by: Level-5, Studio Ghibli
Published by: Namco Bandai
Platforms: Playstation 3

Despite the (happy) trend of major titles being increasingly released worldwide on the same day, Ni No Kuni unfortunately was released a little over a year ago in Japan with nary a sign of it elsewhere.  This gorgeous looking title, co-developed with animation legend Hayao Miyazaki's own Studio Ghibli, was bound to head over hear sooner or later and we'll finally get it very, very soon.  Playing as 13 year-old Oliver, you enter an alternate reality in search of recently passed mother with the aid of you fairy companion Drippy.  If anything, it sounds like a great break from the traditional Japanese RPG trope of spiky-haired, emo androgynous heroes that have dotted the genre since time immemorial.  so if you happen to have a PS3 and a hankering for a good-looking RPG, keep an eye out next month.

Strike Suit Zero

Developed by: Born Ready Games
Self-Published
Platforms: PC

Not only does Strike Suit Zero bear a rather interesting development history, it also receives the title of being one of the first major Kickstarter success stories to see release after Double Fine turned crowdfunding into an art form.  A space sim for PCs only (console versions may arrive post-release), SSZ is one part Wing Commander and another part Macross, blending traditional fleet-based space combat with mech-based fighters like that seen in the classic anime series.  It even looks to sound great as the music is composed by Homeworld composer Paul Ruskay.  SSZ has a lot going for it so be sure to keep an eye on it.

January 29th

Hitman HD Trilogy

Developed by: IO Interactive
Published by: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3

HITMAN!  What else can be said about it?  Well, plenty but you all have had to deal with our bickering about it for over a year and a half so hopefully you can deal with it a while longer.  The closeout title of January, this bundle brings together Silent Assassin, Contracts and Blood Money in a "high definition" package for the budge price of $40.  Not bad a deal at all... except when you consider that you can buy all three games on Steam for half that price.  Have you had enough of everyone's favorite bald assassin?

February 4th

Dead Space 3

Developed by: Visceral Games
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

Dead Space 1 was a refreshing new title for the survival horror genre.  Dead Space 2 amped everything up to 11 and was my personal choice for Game of the Year 2011.  This entry shakes up things again, introducing new Necromorphs as well as dynamic drop-in/drop-out cooperative play.  While I had initial concerns about the game coming out of E3 this year my confidence in Visceral has been restored slowly with every piece of news and info released.  The co-op play is exceptionally interesting to me as it manipulates the story just so slightly that it makes me want to play through the game at least twice, once alone and then again with a partner.  The idea that Carver, your foul-mouthed companion, can hallucinate things that Isaac doesn't see sounds exciting and that's only a drop in the hat of what Dead Space 3 has to offer.  Expect a review of the game from us shortly after its release.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Developed by: Sanzaru Games
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: Playstation 3

While I've never experienced any of the games in the Sly Cooper franchise, I have never heard anyone speak ill of the series.  While the series developer Sucker Punch has moved on to making Infamous, Sanzaru looks to be paying proper homage to the last-gen stealth series in a fine fashion.  New to the series will be costumes that allow you access to secret areas throughout different levels and functionality much like that seen with different characters in the Lego series of games.  The story also seems to follow up closely to that of Sly 3 so there's plenty here for series fans to get excited about.  Considering this is really the only stealth-oriented title in this list, Sly 4 may just be a nice fix for those gamers (like me) that will soon be entering withdrawl.

February 12th

Aliens: Colonial Marines

Developed by: Gearbox Software
Published by: SEGA
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC (Wii U at a later date)

This is one game I've been waiting for since it was announced but the wait has been exceptionally excruciating.  After all, it was announced in a cover story in Game Informer way, way back in 2008.  After five years in development I'm glad to see that this is finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.  I was able to dabble in the game at E3 this past year and it was certainly fun despite the fact that it was a multiplayer-only session.  It's certainly looking good and exceptionally faithful to the source material and, besides, it's Gearbox, the guys behind Brothers in Arms and Borderlands.  There's plenty to trust in.

February 19th

Crysis 3

Developed by: Crytek
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

It's been over five years since Crysis arrived on the scene and it continues to be one of the benchmark titles for PC builders wanting to test out their new rigs.  Crysis 2 took us away from the jungle and placed us in a embattled New York City with a revamped alien threat, a slightly confusing story and a less sandbox-friendly design.  Crytek seems determined to rectify this change in direction by offering a compromise of a decaying city retaken by nature nearly a quarter century after the city was supposedly saved.  The game is looking pretty fantastic and while I'm a bit wary of the story it seems that the gameplay experience is shaping up just fine.  Shooter fans coming off of Black Ops II and Halo 4 will find plenty to love in Crysis 3 if the previous game's multiplayer is any indication of what's coming so if you are looking for a great shooter experience you may just find your first one of 2013 just a month and a half in.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Developed by: Platinum Games
Published by: Konami
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3

It's been quite a while since we actually played a new, full-on Metal Gear title and while we'll have to wait for one staring Solid Snake and/or Big Boss, Raiden's first full game all to himself looks to be able to satiate the five year wait we've had to endure.  The shift from being a Kojima Productions title to a Platinum Games product seems to have done the game a service as Rising's completely over-the-top gameplay pays tribute to just how the Raiden character would ideally play.  If the above video isn't enough to sell you on Rising then you'll be pleased to know that a demo was recently released on both platforms.  Look forward to slicing up everything in sight very, very soon.

March 5th

Sim City

Developed by: Maxis
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC

The city-builder genre isn't really that populated with games but the go-to series for constructing the ultimate metropolis has always been Sim City.  Building on what was made in Sim City 4 and 2007's Sim City Societies, the 2013 title brings together a strong focus on building customization as well as competitive multiplayer city construction.  That neighboring city making more tourism money than you?  Build a coal power plant and have the pollution drift into their space.  It's been a long time since a city builder has caught my attention (the last one I really enjoyed was Sim City 2000) but this new entry looks to have the charm and ease of play that anyone can enjoy.

Tomb Raider

Developed by: Crystal Dynamics
Published by: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

Yet another much-discussed title, Tomb Raider finally arrives during the first week of March.  While this reboot of the franchise seems to definitely have some tombs it doesn't look like Lara Croft will be really raiding them this time around as she fights to survive on an lost island filled with hostile wildlife and vicious mercenaries.  This Uncharted-inspired take on Lara's origins isn't tame in any sense of the word and Crystal Dynamics isn't pulling any punches in exploring Ms. Croft's beginnings as a very vulnerable character.  But hey, you can hunt deer and stab wolves in the head when you aren't being threatened with torture or worse, so there's that.  Expect a lengthy discussion about the game when it arrives.

March 12th

God of War: Ascension

Developed by: SCE Santa Monica
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: Playstation 3

It seems that, despite three solid, world-destroying titles that essentially ended any chance of the series continuing on from a narrative perspective, Sony has found a way to milk Greek mythology for at least one more game.  Kratos returns in this prequel attempting to break his bond with the god Ares after being tricked into murdering his wife and child.  In addition to squeezing the last drops out of Grecian theology, Sony felt that it was time to incorporate multiplayer into the series, in which players battle one another for the favor of the gods.  Personally, I never really got into the God of War series but there's evidently plenty to love in this exceptionally violent series so if Metal Gear Rising doesn't satisfy your bloodlust, Ascension may just do the trick.

Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm

Developed by: Blizzard Entertainment
Self-Published
Platforms: PC

It took a decade for Starcraft to finally receive a full sequel and many, many fans will tell you that the wait for Heart of the Swarm has felt just as long.  Continuing from where Wings of Liberty left off, the story revolves around Sarah Kerrigan, newly returned to human form but still a Zerg Queen, who seeks revenge against antagonist Arcturus Mengsk.  As can be expected, this new entry will bring along new units for each of the three sides of the conflict for both the 20 mission singleplayer campaign and the multiplayer component.  Hope and pray that we don't receive a repeat of Diablo III's error 37 incident, people, lest we see war reignited on the Korean peninsula come mid-March.

March 19th

Gears of War: Judgment

Developed by: People Can Fly
Published by: Microsoft Games Studios
Platforms: Xbox 360

The dawn of the Unreal Engine 4 is upon us and while Epic Games has moved on to other projects like Fortnight and the unannounced yet inevitable Unreal Tournament 4, People Can Fly has found a way to extend the UE3 franchise by at least one more game.  Taking place in the early days of the Locust war, before the Lambent threat and humanity's self-imposed genocide, protagonists Damon Baird and Agustus Cole are put on trial for stealing secret COG technology.  The game features a narrative that can evolve and change as you continue on, offering enhanced replayability for a series that, previously, made most move on to the multiplayer.  Speaking of, Judgment will bring along two new multiplayer modes including Overrun, a take on Battlefield's classic Rush mode of attacking and defending teams.  While I have my reservations about People Can Fly's previous game, Bulletstorm, it seems that Judgment could be a nice final send off to the Unreal Engine 3.  That being said however, it is releasing dangerously close to several really big AAA titles so the game's going to need its signature marketing campaign if it wants to succeed.

March 25th

Metro: Last Light

Developed by: 4A Games
Published by: THQ
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

Ok, so I may have partially lied at the beginning of the article.  While Metro: Last Light's release date hasn't been confirmed as of press time, recent leaks have all but screamed for a last week of March release for the post-apocalyptic title.  But hey, what's not to love about this game?  2033 was an incredibly good game, despite its polarizing nature and it elicited one of the best sound designs I've heard all generation.  Last Light is looking to take everything that was good and bad about the game and make it so much better by incorporating new stealth elements, a refined economy system and far more fluid combat.  If you haven't played 2033 stop what you are doing now and track down a copy.  Seriously, check it out; we need to keep THQ going!

Bioshock Infinite

Developed by: Irrational Games
Published by: 2k Games
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

There's no way any Bioshock fan, or any fan of a strong gameplay experience, can ever look his/herself in the mirror and say that they aren't excited for Bioshock Infinite.  There's so much that can and should be said about Infinite that one could spend days reading up on all the gameplay systems, the characters and the city of Colombia and yet only scratch the surface of what there is to be had.  I'm locking myself down on seeing anything of the game going forward but, if you are so interested, you can check out the opening minutes of Bioshock Infinite here.

So, there you have it!  Seem punishing on your wallet?  Well, blame it on the Call of Duty-syndrome this industry has become infested with.  Quarter 1 is shaping up fantastically and yet there are so many more games that might just release in that three month period.  Keep an eye out for more coverage of these titles and more here at 4PN.