This year feels a lot like we are on repeat due to the fact most game publishers are milking major series before the new consoles come out. There is a bright spot (depending on how you feel about playing more.and more.and more. Mario games.) however with the Nintendo Wii U. The Wii U marks Nintendo's first foray into hi-def graphics for a home console and introduces a revolutionary new controller called the Gamepad. While it has the same ol' same ol' analog sticks and array of buttons that "hardcore" gamers have become accustomed to with the 360 and PS3, the Gamepad stands out with its integrated 6.2" touch screen. Very cool, and I personally can't wait to play on one, though I doubt very much I will be purchasing the Wii U for myself in the future.The Wii U marks the only new hardware for the year, with several "new" software titles being released. New is a very, very loose term in this post.
First up and probably the game that will receive the most hype, discussion and play this year will be Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The perennial fan favorite returns again. Where this game differs from previous Call of Duty installments is that it is the first game in the series to move to a near-future setting. It is produced by the same guys and gals that made the first BlOps (that's what the cool kids call it anyway. Oh, just me? Previous statement stands.) Bets are on if this will be the last CoD game we see for the current console generation. Considering that it is expected this game will be ported to Wii U (the first next gen console), all signs point to yes. Let's see if this generation will go out with a bang.Rating: Like you would even need to ask, this one is signed up for Mature.
Next is my favorite game of the fall, Assassin's Creed III, simply because I'm an American History teacher. Also, I am really excited about jumping back into the Assassin's Creed universe. The reason I say "jumping back in" is because I refused to buy another Assassin's Creed game after Assassin's Creed II because of the fact they didn't change the main character for two more games. The main character, Ezio, appeared in ACII, AC: Brotherhood and AC: Revelations.
In AC:III, players take control of a half-English and half-Native American, Connor Kenway during the American Revolution. The ultimate plot remains the same, trying to defeat the Templars, BUT, an exciting new setting, an exciting new character and...did I mention its the Revolution? Can.not.wait.
Rating: Expect this one to run a M. But, a very, very cool M.
Anyway, this marks the first Halo game to be designed and developed completely outside of the control of Halo creators and originators, Bungie Studios. Microsoft's studio 343 Industries is taking the reigns on Halo 4 after sinking their teeth in by overseeing the re-production of Halo 1 in the Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, handling the servers and multiplayer aspect of Halo: Reach after Bungie stepped away and the development of the Halo Waypoint application on XBox Live (Source).
Rating: Another M worthy game due to fantasy violence and a weird relationship between AI and Spartan.
PS, world history teachers, to earn brownie points with your students, tell them the Master Chief's story is lifted from that of the Greek City-State of Sparta. Hence him being called a "Spartan". They'll geek out.
Well, just like last year, this isn't the be-all, end-all of the games that are being released this year, but you can expect them to take up the majority of air time due to major advertising and you can expect your students to lose much sleep on school nights because of these.
Hope everyone's year is going great, and you will definitely hear from me again.
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