Console-exclusive titles are often the best games a system has to offer. Typically, Sony and Microsoft duke out the exclusive battle pretty evenly, releasing a few major “only on” titles each per year.
This year, however, the lineup seems decidedly one-sided, with Sony releasing far more exclusives than their major competitor. So what’s the deal? Is Microsoft holding back, building up a back catalog of games for the launch of their next gaming platform? Is Sony squeezing every last drop out of the life of PS3 before launching the PS4? Either or both could be true, but all of this seems to point to one thing: We’re probably going to get some big announcements from both Sony and Microsoft soon, most likely at E3.
But for now, how does the battle stack up? Well, let’s take a look at the biggest and baddest upcoming exclusives of 2013.
The Last of Us (PS3) – Naughty Dog’s new IP looks amazing, moving us away from the ruins of past civilizations we explored in the Uncharted series and putting us smack dab in the middle of a post-apocalyptic landscape. The gameplay looks incredibly gritty and visceral, a major divergence from Naughty Dog’s earlier games. I can only hope The Last of Us has a narrative that delivers the same level of beloved characters that Uncharted provided. I get all giggly just thinking about it.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3) – Ni No Kuni has been out in Japan for some time now, where it was very well received, as you would expect anything associated with Studio Ghibli to be. Very impressive visually with a unique story, it seems that this will be one of the best RPGs of 2013 now that it’s finally available Stateside.
God of War: Ascension (PS3) – Kratos’ prequel story will be here before you know it, and not a moment too soon. This installment features the series’ first multiplayer, which looks amazingly cool. Plus, it’s God of War, which means we’ll be ripping enemies apart piece by piece in gloriously violent fashion. That shouldn’t make me happy, but it does.
Beyond: Two Souls (PS3) – This psychological thriller of a game looks extremely interesting, to say the least. Ellen Page lends some serious star power to the title, contributing voice acting and motion capture movement. Made by Quantic Dream, creators of Heavy Rain, this game explores what happens after death, one of the greatest mysteries of all time. Keep your eye on this one.
Gears of War: Judgment (Xbox 360) – The latest installment in the Gears of War universe is actually a prequel that follows not Marcus, but Damon Baird, a fan-favorite character from previous titles. In a robust multiplayer suite and what is sure to be another epic campaign, you will finally be able to experience E-Day, the definitive moment in the Gears of War universe. Good luck, COG. You’re going to need it.
As you can see, the lineup is severely skewed toward Sony, leaving Microsoft trailing in the distance. Regardless of what system they are released for, though, this lineup of exclusives looks absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on all of them.
Check back with your friends at Cheat Code Central for more on these games and the latest news on the most anticipated titles of the year.
| By Joshua Bruce Freelance Writer Date: January 30, 2013 |