2012 In Video Gaming: 10 Games to Wait For

Year 2011 has been very good for a gamer, possibly the best in a long time. We had Littlebigplanet 2, Killzone 3, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Uncharted 3 and the list goes on. The year 2012 will see many original video games, as well as the release of numerous sequels to already successful franchises. Here are ten titles to wait for in 2012.

1. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

This upcoming single-player RPG developed by 38 studios has all the potential to be a success. The game universe is created by fantasy author R.A. Salvatore and responsible for the artwork has been no other than Todd McFarlane (Creator of Spawn). Taking God of War and marrying it with Oblivion is a BIG promise (one made by Curt Schilling), but we will see does the game live up with the hype. Oh and btw Claudia Black (you know.. Morrigan) is doing some voice acting.

2. Torchlight II

Supposedly being bigger and better than the original game, Torchlight II features overland areas with multiple hub towns, and a longer campaign. New features are heard to be included as well such as time of day cycles, weather and renewed user interface. Players can now also customize their appearance with choice of gender, face, and hair style. We are eager ready for this new hack-and-slash rpg. PC, MAC

3. Final Fantasy XIII-2

Claiming to fix the problem fans hated in Final Fantasy XIII, read: linearity, the game continues five years after the events of FFXIII. The game claims to add freedom, new towns, and improvements to the (already excellent) battle-system. Glorious world design, excellent combat and strong storytelling: These are the things look for in Final Fantasy XIII-2. PS3, XBOX360

4. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

We love eye candy and interesting stories. A game which combines both, is surely welcomed. If you already haven't heard: Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a game developed by LEVEL-5 with Animation by Studio Ghibli. The title surely has the potential to be a keeper. PS3, 3DS

5. The Last Guardian

What can Team Ico can offer us this time? If you loved Ico or the Shadow of Colossus there is no need for explanation because it is something good. Unfortunately, The Last Guardian has been a title people have just been waiting... and waiting.. and waiting with most recent news being Yoshifusa Hayama, The Last Guardian's executive producer, leaving the studio to develop some Facebook games!!! The Last Guardian is a third-person perspective game that combines action-adventure and puzzle elements. PS3

6. Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Uncharted: Golden Abyss is the first Uncharted prequel and first Uncharted title on handheld devices, meaning Sony's upcoming PlayStation Vita. We will see how the Uncovering of the dark secret behind the 400-year-old massacre of a Spanish expedition goes on PS Vitas OLED screen. PlayStation Vita.

7. The Last of Us

We don't know much about this title yet, since it was just recently released. Resembling I am Legend, the game has astonishing graphics and developer team which no doubt can deliver a real adventure. If Uncharted meets Enslaved in this game, consider me sold. Even with so little detail, this game might already be the most hyped PS3 game for the following year. PS3

8. GTA V

GTA V, the latest installment in the Grand Theft Auto series and another GTA that is set in Los Santos, San Andreas! The game looks awesome so far and will most likely deliver what is to be expected.

9. Borderlands 2

Gearbox's shoot and loot game looks better than ever. The first Borderlands was purely an awesome game. Building upon the gameplay elements of its predecessor, Borderlands 2 features all-new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in a crafted story. PC, PS3, XBOX360

10. Mass Effect 3

Earth has been taken, the galaxy is on the verge of total annihilation, and you are the only one who can stop them. This probably is the game everybody is waiting for. Mass Effect 2 was the best sci-fi RPG I've ever played. So get ready to follow YOUR story of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 3, if you have the save-game files for Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. If you don't.. I suggest you leave home now and don't come back without those earlier Mass Effects.

Trailers for games to wait for 10 Games to wait for can be found here.

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I am editor-in-chief and a webmaster at Bag of Games. I have always been captivated with games, be it console, board, card or any types of games. It is only fair that I share my honest thoughts and reviews about them.

How to Play DS Games on Your 3DS In Native DS Resolution

After picking up a Nintendo 3DS over the weekend, and after playing "Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars" for a couple of hours I decided to fire up "Sim City DS" to compare how the older DS games played, and to be fair I love a bit of Sim City now and then.

What I noticed though, is that the 3DS will stretch out original Nintendo DS games so the image can look a little pixellated, I decided to quit out of the game and have a little look at the system settings on the main menu to see if I could find any options to optimise the picture quality.

No, there are no options.

After a little bit of playing about though, the solution came to me.

After turning on your 3DS with your DS game inserted:


Press and hold the Select and Start buttons, these are on the left and right of the Home button below the touch screen
With Select and Start held down, select the DS game icon to launch it
Keep both buttons held down until the game has loaded
When the game has loaded, release the buttons

When the game has loaded up it will now be in its native resolution,

This does come with Pro's and Con's to this though.

Pro

Image is a lot clearer

Game runs a little smoother

You are still able to play all your favourite DS games the way they were meant to be played

Con

Black borders, instead of the black borders being slightly noticeable on the left and right sides of the top screen, they will now be roughly 1/2 inch thick on the left and right sides, and just over 1/4 inch thick on the top. With roughly 1/4 inch on 3 sides on the bottom screen.

To me this is not too much of an issue, but to other's this may be a bit off-putting.

In all I'm quite happy with how the 3DS has been performing, this is nothing more than minor irritation though. I am looking forward to the future releases and will enjoy playing my old DS games for a long time to come, and as long as Nintendo continue to release top quality titles, and re-release the older NES and Snes games on the upcoming eShop for the Virtual Console, I am confident that the 3DS will have the same success as the previous Nintendo DS handheld's.

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Gary D. Cook is just a regular guy from the UK, works in a cinema as a projectionist by day, and plays games in his spare time. Join him at http://tactixalgamer.blogspot.com/ to hear more about his views and opinions from the world of video game's and occasional movie news.

Is Nintendo Restructuring Their Strategy for Wii U?

Nintendo Wii U is Nintendo's upcoming video game console which is also a successor of Nintendo Wii. This gaming console is set to launch next year probably around April. All this while, including during E3 Expo back in June this year, it seems that Nintendo's selling points for Wii U is its controller. Wii U promised High Definition visuals that is expected to exceed those of Sony's PS3 as well as Microsoft's Xbox 360. However, now that Sony has announced that their upcoming Playstation Vita (PS Vita) will also be able to be used as a controller for PS3, it seems that Nintendo Wii U has got its direct competitor even before launched. Since Sony has also been presenting the superiority of the visuals and graphics of PS Vita, it looks like Nintendo has to rethink their strategy. After all, it's a bad idea to only focus on a console's controller, like what Nintando has been doing so far for its upcoming Wii U. Now that the small, sleek, and powerful PS Vita can also be used as a controller for PS3, not to mention it can also play PS3 games on the go, what will Nintendo's next strategy be?

First, Nintendo pulled Wii U from the display of a video game trade show, the GamesCom 2011, that is supposed to take place in Cologne, Germany from August 17 to August 21, 2011. This is amongst the largest trade fair and event highlight for interactive games, and Nintendo decided to pull off. Sure there is something Nintendo is planning? Restructuring their plans for Wii U maybe? Maybe Nintendo realized that they need to do something for Wii U 'now', rather than later, before the console ends up like Nintendo's 3DS. Nintendo has recently cut the price of 3DS in order to get more sales. The 3DS's sales just weren't like how Nintendo had expected to see, and now they cut the price by 40% to avoid making more losses. Now, what will happen to Wii U? Will the same thing happen to this upcoming console?

Furthermore, it has been known now that Nintendo are targeting hardcore gamers with the upcoming Wii U, as opposed to casual gamers, which are Nintendo Wii's customer base. Is this a gamble move that will cost Nintendo not only their existing customers (of Wii, which is 'casual' gamers) but also losing their targeted customers, which is hardcore gamers too?

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The author has been writing for gaming websites such as Nintendo Wii U and a few others in the past year.

Into the Third Dimension - The Appeal of 3-D Entertainment

Remember a time when 3-D movies did not used to be popular?

For the past few decades, various forms of three-dimensional entertainment have only appealed to a selective niche market. They were mostly contained within amusement parks, targeted towards children and their parents during the typical family summer vacation. These 3-D movies never hit it off in mainstream culture, because wearing those clunky glasses to the cinema did not feel comfortable, convenient, or economically viable. Besides, the enjoyment derived from an additional dimension was not substantial enough for businesses or consumers to invest in this media.

In the age where many naysayers predicted the demise of television and movie entertainment, few people expected there would be a sudden upsurge in 3-D films during the recent years. Not only did they reach out to the younger demographic, but many adult moviegoers are also fascinated by the unique viewing experience. These consumers were even willing to shell out extra money in the cinema for the three-dimensional alternative. As evident by the unprecedented number of 3-D movie releases in the upcoming year, this form of entertainment has been surprisingly revived. The real question remains: how long will this modern phenomenon sustain?

Like many cultural norms in the recent era, the renewed popularity of 3-D films started with Avatar. James Cameron's massively successful cinematic juggernaut introduced us to a breathtaking visual experience. The movie was just gorgeous in every aspect and detail. This included watching the magnificent CGI visual effects come to life, as well as the effortlessly natural stereoscopic 3-D projected on the big screen. Viewers were so immersed into the movie that they nearly forgot they are watching one. Avatar in 3-D helped the moviegoer fully engage and experience an enriching visual universe beyond their imaginations.

Avatar triggered a curious response in the consumer market. Investors suddenly realized there was a high demand for 3-D movies, contrary to the popular belief in the past several decades. Moviegoers also discovered how much they enjoyed interacting with a three-dimensional film. Hence, many family-friendly franchises capitalized on this phenomenon. The marketing campaigns for Toy Story 3 revolved around the 3-D elements more than the fact that it was the final installment. Shrek Forever After, along with other children's movies, followed in similar footsteps. Likewise, the horror genre also found a receptive audience. The final edition of Saw was shot in 3-D, because is there any better way to enjoy splattered blood, disjointed body parts, and twisted psychological warfare?

Naturally, the mass appeal of three-dimensional entertainment soon branched out from the cinematic medium. There is a new line-up of 3D technology ranging from televisions to video games to computer software. Toshiba is expected to launch the first no-glasses 3D television by the end of the year. The 3DS will be available to the public in 2011. Even Roxio announced its plans to release video editor software that allows home users to create, edit, and share their three-dimensional media.

My personal theory is that the 3D popularity began with the Wii gaming console around 2006. The Wii may not have introduced a new gaming experience per se, but it certainly popularized the notion of interacting with an entertainment medium, because blending reality with the virtual world has always been an appealing prospect. Three dimensional films and televisions operate in similar fashions, since they allow the viewer to experience rather than just watch the entertainment. 3D transforms a spectator into an observer, so that we are now one step closer to the medium.

Unfortunately, smacking the 3D label at the end of a product feels like the stamp of approval nowadays. One must wonder if this recent technological trend is worth all the fuss that it creates. Given its original niche roots, marketing a novelty product to a mass market may be quite challenging. The 3D elements in Avatar were positively received because they felt fresh and new at the time, but will the appeal be lost if these features existed everywhere else? For now, it seems ambiguous whether the three-dimensional entertainment is here to stay as many have predicted. It could survive as long as the 3-D elements manage to blend in with the product, instead of having it define the product altogether. For example, the emphasis on a 3-D movie should focus on the story first rather than the additional visual component.

Nonetheless, it seems likely that 3D entertainment will exist in mainstream culture for a very long time. What is next in the future of three-dimensional products? 3-D books? 3-D online stores? 3-D pornography?

Sorry, but you know the last trend is definitely inevitable.

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The Recently Trendy blog contains a collection of academic essays that analyzes the effects of Internet trends. We observe the latest pop culture trends and attempt to interpret these online phenomenons, as well as their curious impact on our society.

New Nintendo Wii Fitness Game Coming Soon

If you have children -- or simply don't live in a cave -- you've undoubtedly heard of the Nintendo Wii Video Game Console. Launched last year, the Wii has exploded on to the gaming scene, crushing it's Sony Playstation 3 opposition.

Normally, video games are associated with couch potatoes and blamed as one of the causes of our rising childhood obesity problem. But, the Wii changed things up with their innovative, action-packed technology.

Not only did they add a physical element to their system, but they made it extremely easy to learn and use, opening their market up to everyone from children to grandparents and everyone in between.

The thing that makes the Wii so different is the controller. Instead of simply pressing buttons and not needing to move anything other than your fingers, the new Nintendo controller allows you to move your entire body to affect what you see on the screen.

For example, in one of their most popular titles, Wii Sports, you need to swing your controller to hit a virtual tennis ball just as you would swing a real tennis racket on the courts. This allows users to get actual physical exercise right in their living room while playing a video game and having fun.

With such a fun and new way to get sedentary people up and moving, some gyms have even begun setting up full Wii rooms where members can play and burn up to 125 calories per game.

Nintendo is going to take this trend one step further with their upcoming game, Wii Fit. Wii Fit will incorporate a "Wii Balance Board" that will sense the player's full body motion, allowing for jumping, leaning, and endless other possibilities.

The game will be releasing in Japan in time for Christmas, but we'll have to wait until early 2008 in the US. That doesn't mean you can't get a Wii now though and enjoy the Wii Sports games and other titles.

Having a "Wii Night" at home is a great way to spend some fun family time, while helping to keep everyone healthy and fit at the same time.

Of course, with all these benefits, the Nintendo Wii is still in high demand and will only get harder to find as the holiday season progresses. So, keep your eyes peeled next time you're at Wal Mart or doing some Christmas shopping, and snag one up to get fit and fun!

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FitBuff.com is your portal to total mind and body fitness. We have a variety of articles, advice, and information to help you improve your overall life across ten different categories: brain power, dating, exercise, family, grooming, money, nutrition, sex, stress, and work.

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Three Awesome Games That Every Gamer Is Waiting for in 2011

Every new calendar year there are one or two titles that every gamer is looking forward to in the upcoming video game season, however rarely does a release list look quite as impressive as the upcoming 2011 list of games. Three games stand out more than anything this year, and they all have one big thing in common: People have been waiting a long time for them.

1. Diablo 3 (Blizzard) -- For years, Diablo 2 was the powerhouse of the competitive online world, and even to this day you can find thousands of players online at any given time hacking away at demons, or running through bosses for the millionth time still hoping to find that ever-elusive Windforce. Now, after eleven long years, Diablo 3 is ready to take back the crown its series once held and take gamers back on the road of a hero, this time with a brand-new crafting and rune system to further add depth to what is expected to already be one of the most replayable games ever made.

2. Defense of the Ancients 2 (Valve) -- Defense of the Ancients, or DotA for short, is a bit of a phenomenon in the world of online multiplayer games. While most games are developed by big companies and distributed by major publishers, DotA began as a community mod for Blizzard's popular Warcraft III game. After years of community updates and a massive increase in attention by fans who loved the unique style of play, Valve managed to hire the latest developer of DotA and patent the name for future use. Yes, that's right, Valve took the mega-popular DotA game right out from under Blizzard's noses, and are now in development of DotA 2, which is scheduled to release early in 2011.

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda) -- The Elder Scrolls series hit mainstream affection in 2002 when it released its critically acclaimed third-installment in the series, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Unlike many of the games during its time, Morrowind introduced gamers to the concept of a massive, free-roaming world that put it in the player's hands to decide how they wanted to craft and enjoy their experience. A few years later, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was released, and while it initially garnered good reviews for its impressive graphics and reworked combat system, it has ultimately been considered by many to have been a disappointing continuation of the saga, especially coming after the masterpiece that was Morrowind.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the fifth installment in the series, and is set to introduce several new features and enemies, including dragons, dungeons and a controversial removal of the long-standing class-based system. Many gamers are looking for Skyrim's release in 2011 to be the true sequel worthy of building upon Morrowind's success, although only time will tell whether or not Bethesda's latest installment can bring the series back to its glory days.

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David is an avid gamer and current video games entertainment writer. When not salivating at the prospect of defeating hoards of skeletons in Diablo 3 later this year, David can be found teaching gamers in the real world how to approach a girl and win on his Alpha Male tips website.

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I Have Seen The Future Of Video Gaming

I have seen the future of video gaming and it is 3D. This revelation came to me in an around about way since I am not an avid gamer, but I have been battling a four month addiction to Nazi Zombies. An addiction that is somewhat puzzling since I have played quite a few computer games before, going all the way back to Atari and Pac-Man. I have also played such games as Legend of Zelda, Crysis and Call of Duty, the popular game developed by Treyarch. Mostly role-playing games where you have to gun or sword your way to victory, but none of these games have so obsessed my time like NZ has done. Hitler's revenge I guess.

So when the latest COD Black Ops was offered up, truth be told, I bought it more for the Zombie side dish, rather than the main course. However, when I popped the disc into my PlayStation 3, the game came up in 3D on my new Samsung 46 Inch 240hz HD 3D TV. I was so surprised because nowhere on the game package was anything mentioned about it being in 3D. I have since re-checked the package and there's no mention of the game being in 3D - invisible marketing perhaps?

Once I started playing Call of Duty in crisp full HD 3D, that's when my revelation came to me. This is definitely the future of computer gaming, if it isn't already. Some of the sequences were so awe inspiring, the only word that comes to mind is "WOW". Even that doesn't give the 3D experience justice, doubt if any words could accurately explain what I was seeing and feeling. Jumping, rappelling, ricocheting, shooting... your way through some of those scenes was simply mind blowing and well... a revelation.

Without a doubt, 3D is the future of video gaming.

Actually, it was one of the sequences of running/fighting on the Kowloon Rooftop, which gave me an actual tactile experience so real, you forget that you're actually playing a computer game and not experiencing this in person. Maybe I am getting a little too carried away, or had too many of those holidays spirits while I was playing the game, but still I have never experienced a game like Black Ops before, never.

Nor have I experienced 3D like this before, not in the silly 3D horror movies of the 70's, not in the Terminator 2 show in Orlando, not in the 3D Piranha movie I saw last summer. Not by a long shot.

Now the 3D was not perfect on my system, unless you're looking directly at the TV, there was some small ghosting of the images which definitely tells you you're watching a 3D image. It also made me realize that while 3D has been around for ages and has improved greatly, especially in recent years. However, the technology, both in filming and reproducing of the images, still has a way to go before it becomes perfect. It is like watching the first color movies of the early 40's and 50's and comparing them to the color movies of today.

While watching the recent FIFA 2010 World cup Blu-ray, I could see where some of the 3D sequences such as the street scenes of the children playing soccer and the staged commentators... these came across as more controlled and better presented than the actual football games, although even those where well worth watching in 3D. In other words, 3D and 3D technology still has a long way to go before all the bugs are ironed out. If they can get rid of those awkward glasses, the system would really be perfected. However, I still believe 3D technology has a little ways to go before it will win the popularity and acceptance that HD or High Resolution has accomplished.

Still, in video gaming, 3D images adds so much to the gaming experience - there's no stopping it. The awkward glasses will slow down the upcoming revolution but it will not stop it. As more and more games and 3D content becomes available, full HD 3D will become the next viewing standard for TVs and gaming consoles.

Now, you will have to excuse me, I have just turned the power on and there are bloody monkeys crawling down the walls in full glorious 3D!

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The author has a keen interest in all things laptop and runs an online Laptop Guide featuring the latest top gaming notebooks: gaming laptops

For more information on 3D Gaming Laptops Click Here: 3d gaming laptops

Copyright Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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