Here’s the second part of my little outlook on Sega’s games of 2012. This part focuses on the titles we haven’t gotten a set date yet. Missed the first part? Read it over here! Ready to read the second part? Then hit the jump!
Aliens: Colonial Marines (2012)
Gearbox has had an interesting track record when it comes to First-Person Shooters. Borderlands was great but on the other hand they are also responsible for releasing Duke Nukem Forever, which was a disappointment, to put it mildly. However, this Aliens game looks really good and I can’t wait to play it!
Shogun 2 – Rise of the Samurai (2012)
Shogun 2 is one of the most popular titles that Sega published this year and it got universal acclaim. It has received already several DLC packs, but the newly announced one is special. Not only has it more content than any of the other packages so far, it’s also stand-alone, meaning you don’t need the main game in order to play it. Judging from the overall quality of the series so far, this cheaper add-on might draw some new fans toward the series.
Phantasy Star Online 2 (2012)
The MMO market is quite packed at the moment. World of Warcraft and the recently released Star Wars: The Old Republic seem like unbeatable juggernauts and Sega already has Spiral Knights in the Free to play market. Phantasy Star Online 2 still gets m hopes up that it will be a success though. I base that opinion entirely on the many demonstrations we’ve seen of the game so far. It doesn’t only look good but it also seems like a return to form for the oldest console MMO there is.
Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown (2012)
When it comes to 3D Fighting games, the Virtua Fighter series is one of the most overlooked franchises there are. Still it has a lot of dedicated fans and Virtua Fighter 5 is a great entry to the series. Since this version is coming to the downloadable platforms with a smaller price, more people will be able to try out this truly unique fighting experience. Who knows, maybe the series will get the recognition it truly deserves.
Yakuza 5 (2012)
Though I doubt it will make its way to the West in 2012, I’m still looking forward to this. Yakuza 4 was a success and it will be interesting to see which direction the series will take in its next iteration.
Super Monkey Ball (2012)
Super Monkey Ball on portables seems to be all the rage these days. We’ve got one for the 3DS, two for iOS and now there will be another one for the PlayStation Vita. Since the device support motion controls, chances are good it will become one of the better titles of the franchise.
Sonic 4: Episode 2 (2012)
While the reactions to the first episode weren’t quite as generally positive as many would have liked them to be, the first downloadable episode of the first real sequel to the genesis games sure sold enough units to validate a follow-up episode. Hopes for this new episode are high, which you can easily see when you keep an eye on the numerous rumors that are flying around. Fan-favorites like Tails and Metal Sonic make an appearance and this episode will be tied to Sonic CD, a fan favorite.
One of two things needs to happen:
1. Gearbox needs to push Borderlands 2 back and release Aliens: CM
2. Gearbox needs to take its sweet time with Aliens: CM so we don’t suffer another Duke Nukem Forever fiasco.