Sometimes it’s hard to find high-quality video games between March and August. Most game developers try to release their high-profile products just in time for Christmas, and if they can’t meet that deadline, they’ll get them out by Valentine’s Day. Even so, there are almost always a few exciting games available in the middle of the year.
Here’s a look at the five most anticipated video games this spring/summer:
Diablo III (PC/MAC)
Blizzard Entertainment’s newest addition to the Diablo franchise was recently pushed back to an April-June publishing date. Diablo fans have been waiting for this game for years, and judging from its cinematic opening, it appears that their patience is about to pay off. Armed with beautiful graphics and strong voice-acting, the clip sets the tone for the entire game. This action RPG is sure to be a hit, especially considering that gamers have waited 12 years for this sequel. Release Date – Spring 2012
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (PC, Xbox 360 and PS3)
The latest installment of Capcom’s ever-popular Resident Evil series moves in a new direction. Operation Raccoon City introduces a third-person shooter experience that places the user in a team-based environment. The player is expected to work with his or her team to complete the mission that Umbrella Corporation has assigned them.
One thing I think many gamers will enjoy about this Resident Evil is that it’s set in September 1998 during the aftermath of the original Raccoon City T-virus outbreak. Fans of the series will enjoy a trip down memory lane, while newcomers will have a chance to piece together what really happened in Raccoon City. Release Date – March 20, 2012
Max Payne 3 (PC, Xbox 360 and PS3)
The setting Max Payne fans are used to seeing has changed. With his family dead, Max is no longer the gruff detective players grew to love. Instead, he left New York City behind to work in Sao Paulo, Brazil as a private security officer. Max is burdened by his past and now has to deal with a slew of personal issues that are destroying his life. I think players will enjoy the change in scenery as Max searches for truth in an environment where he’s not in control.
Early screenshots of the game show a crisp, well-designed Max Payne taking the fight to his enemies. That all I need to be excited for its release. If the game maintains the same level of excellence the first two Max Payne installments did, Rockstar will have yet another hit on its hands. Release Date: May 15, 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man (Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii)
Little is known about the newest Spider-Man game hitting the market this summer. Activision hasn’t released much information about the game-play except that it will have a new feature called Web Rush. This new mechanic will throw gamers into situations where Spider-Man has specific combat choices to make in a world where he’s free to roam wherever he wants. This feature alone should appeal to players. But if you throw in the fact that the game serves as an epilogue for the new Spider-Man movie, this game could prove to be a hit this summer. Release Date: July 3, 2012
Madden NFL 13 (Xbox, WII, PS3 and Vita)
Electronic Arts’ Madden series is at a crossroads. The game has been stagnating ever since the company purchased NFL licensing rights, which eliminated EA’s competition. Madden 12 kept many of the same bugs that past installments have had, while doing little to improve on the previous game. It’s getting to the point where I’m debating whether or not I want to keep purchasing an annual product that isn’t improving.
Since EA hasn’t released any details on Madden 13, it’s too early to tell if the company can turn this game around. I recommend keeping an eye on how EA develops the game before buying it. This could be the year the Madden gets the facelift it needs. Release Date: August 28, 2012