Powet Top 5 – The top 5 most anticipated games scheduled to be released this year (And 4 that will be out before this summer)

Welcome to the Powet Top 5, where we explore the top (and bottom) 5 items we think are relevant to any of a variety of topics that span the imagination. Sit back, read, and respond.

The excellent Ni No Kuni, one of many awesome titles that has been or will be released this year.

If you’re reading this, then you already know that the world didn’t end back in December (f course if you were smart, you knew it wasn’t gonna end anyway). That’s a very good thing. Not only do you get to stay alive a lot longer, but there are some very awesome things coming this year. Several new gadgets and gizmos are hitting the block for gamers (including the PS4 and Xbox 720 is rumors hold true), several awesome movies are hitting theaters, and most importantly, several new games are coming out within these next twelve months. This past January has seen the release of the Devil May Cry reboot and the sure-to-be classic JRPG Ni No Kuni, but there are even more awesome titles hitting systems this year. Here are just 5 of the most anticipated.

1. Bioshock Infinite (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)

The third entry in the Bioshock franchise, and the second to be developed by Irrational Games (who made the first game), will take players to a brand new setting. Placing players in the role of Booker DeWitt, you are sent to the floating island of Columbia to rescue a mysterious young woman. Like in the previous Bioshock games, you’ll use a combination of weapons and powers to defend yourself against the game’s bizarre enemies. Unlike the previous Bioshock, you’ll be fighting through outdoor environments for the first time. While departures of several key personnel and numerous delays have caused gamers to worry, the game looks well on track for its late March release. That’s good too, because there is no doubt that fans will find Columbia a more compelling place than Rapture.

2. Injustice: The Gods Among Us (PS3, Xbox360)

Netherrealm Studios’ (Mortal Kombat) upcoming game puts a darker spin on your favorite DC comics characters. Players can take control of over 2 dozen fighters from the DC universe, including revamped versions of stalwarts like Batman and Superman to more obscure (in terms of gaming) characters such as Solomon Grundy and Nightwing. While there isn’t any blood, gore, or fatalities, there are some pretty extreme special attacks. The storyline has been kept under wraps, but early looks at the trailer make it look like a cross between Kingdom Come and Marvel’s Civil War. We already know that Ed Boon and the crew are pros when it comes to fighting games, and they’ve also had experience with DC’s characters. They released the surprisingly enjoyable Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe and they released the Ipad brawler Batman: Arkham City Lockdown. I think we can agree that it’s about time we got a decent DC fighting game.

3. StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm (PC)

This is the second part of the StarCraft 2 trilogy, this time putting players in the role of former Queen of Blades Sarah Kerrigan as she attempts to put the Zerg under her control and get revenge on Emperor Mengsk. Along with a new storyline, the game will feature new units and additions to multiplayer. RTS fans will no doubt eat this up, and the online community will love it. Now if only we could get a new RTS Warcraft game after the Starcraft trilogy was done.

4. Lego City Undercover (Wii U)

An original Lego title (as opposed to being based on an existing license a’la Lego Star Wars) exclusively for the Wii U, players take control of undercover cop Chase McCain out to stop a crime wave in a role reversal of the familiar Grand Theft Auto formula. Players will have access to a number of outfits and gadgets to use, and will utilize the Wii U control pad for certain gameplay features. Players can also use vehicles and construct things out of Lego blocks. While this game obviously has a younger audience in mind, this is shaping up to be an excellent and much needed exclusive for Nintendo’s newest platform. Sandbox games are something that Nintendo’s systems have been lacking, and if done right, LCU will provide a gaming experience that fits the Wii U perfectly.

5. Grand Theft Auto 5 (PS3, Xbox 360)

Speaking of open world games, Rockstar’s star franchise is on deck for a September 2013 release date. Although this is 5 months later than it’s original April 2013 projected release, the extra time will be worth it. Rockstar’s latest will place players in the shoes of three different protagonists and will allow you a variety of ways to complete each mission. Taking place in a revamped version of Los Santos, Rockstar promises to deliver its biggest in-game world yet. With everything the game has to offer, there is little doubt that the game will reinvent the series much like IV and III did before it.

Honorable mentions:
Arma 3
Metal Gear Rising
Dead Space 3
Tomb Raider
SimCity
Action Arcade Wrestling 2
The Last of Us
Beyond: Two Souls
Splinter Cell: Blacklist
Dragon Age 3
Crysis 3