TOTAL WAR: ROME II
Developer: The Creative Assembly
Publisher: Sega
Due: October
Web: totalwar.com/en_gb/rome2
The Creative Assembly has revealed the first of eight playable faction to feature in Total War: Rome II — it's none other than (surprise, surprise) Rome itself. As the dominant power in Italy, the militaristic Roman Republic features well-equipped heavy infantry on its front lines, backing more lightly-armoured troops. The rear is guarded by bronze-armoured warriors, supported by legendary Roman cavalry.
Mandatory military service elevates the faction's attitude toward war to one of honour and duty, resulting in a highly disciplined army. This translates to a bonus toward military research and development, as well as the ability to easily maintain public order. Furthermore, the faction is split into three playable houses: The Junia, The Cornelia and The Junia, each bringing unique benefits to the war table.
We'll see new factions revealed in the coming months, each promised to offer their own political systems, tech trees and unit combinations to hopefully offer completely unique playstyles.
THE CAVE
Developer: Double Fine
Publisher: Sega
Due: Q1 2013
Web: thetaregame.com
Cheekily quipping how little he boots up his Xbox, The Cave designer, Uncle Ron Gilbert, has stressed that the game's PC version will take full advantage of the platform's control scheme to feel like it's a classic adventure. Characters can be moved around just by pointing and clicking the mouse, whilst switching to other characters will be as simple as pressing one of the number keys on the keyboard. Thanks, Uncie Ron!
CITADELS
Developer: Games Distillery
Publisher: Bitcomposer Games
Due: Q2 2013
Web: bitcomposetrorn
Direct from Bratislava comes this real. time strategy take on Arthurian legend, with players able to command the forces of good or evil. Ifs been a while since we've had a good castle-building sim (we're still mad at you, Stronghold) so ifs refreshing to hear that Citadels will focus heavily on the construction and defence of (hopefully) impregnable fortresses. Oh, and there will be traps. There are always traps.
TOMB RAIDER
Developer: Crystal Dyamics
Publisher: Naieco Bandai
Due: March 5
Web: tombraider.com
Taking a bite out of Far Cry 3, Crystal Dynamics has revealed a weapon upgrade system and set of skill trees for Lara Croft to clamber up in the developer's Tomb Raider reboot. Scrap material collected from the environment can be put to use to craft faster firing weapons or more damaging arrows. Various skills also allow Lara to spend experience points on survival and combat skills. Plus, Eidos Montreal is developing the game's multiplayer mode - expect the skills to feature there, too.
BIOSHOCK INFINITE
Developer: Irrational
Publisher: 2k
Due: February 26
Web: bioshockinfinite.com
Shocking tweets from Randian rockstar Ken Levine have confirmed to no one's disappointment that BioShock Infinite will be released without a multiplayer component. Though we're sure someone at 2K is upset about that, the original BioShock made perfectly good bank without having players able to shoot electro bolts at one another. And how about that cover art? Sure is a man with a gun. Down with the establishment, etc.
DIRTY BOMB
Developer: Splash Damage
Publisher: Warches
Due: TBA
Web: dirtybombgame.con
Splash Damage, developer of the incredible Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory and far less credible Brink, has announced its new multiplayer MS. Called Dirty Bomb, it's set in London which has been recreated with painstaking accuracy (minus the iconic Underground logo). From the tech involved, expect this to be a PC-exclusive free-to-play deal. So, Splash Damage has returned to the platform it knows best — but can it navigate the rough microtransaction waters?
SYBERIA III
Developer: Microids
Publisher: Anuman Interactive
Due: 04 2014
Web: facebook.com/microids
Benoit Sokal, creator and writer of the Syberia series, has officially announced its long-awaited third instalment! Sokal will once again handle the game's script, which is fantastic news because returning protagonist Kate Walker (pictured right, from Syberia II) is one of PC gaming's most well-written protagonists. Sokal is again partnering with Eliot Grassiano, Microids Founder, to direct the adventure game. We've got chills.
Developer: Rain As
Publisher: Rain As
Due: Q1 2013
Web: desura.com/games/teslagrad
We here at PCPP are big fans of magnets. That feeling when you try and push two of the same magnetic poles together? Awesome. So, Teslagrad is a 2D indie platformer that leverages not only magnet-love, but the very magnetic properties that inspire such reverence. Use those opposing forces to traverse obstacles or defeat enemies as you climb the "Tesla Tower", and unlock advanced Teslatastic (our word) technology! Let's hope the attraction is mutual.
SUI GENERISDeveloper: Bare Mettle Entertainment
Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment
Due: May 2014
Web: baremettle.com
The rather pompously-titled Sui Generis is a nevertheless successfully-Kickstarted PC RPG with a focus on deep simulation. Without classes or powers, players are free to explore interactions between items and skills in combat that leverages physics-based collision detection — a swung flail will damage whatever the physics determine it comes in contact with. Its developer promises an environment that will be just as dynamic; we'll have to wait and see if it's as reactive as they claim!
ENERGY HOOKDeveloper: Happion Laboratories
Publisher: Happion Laboratories
Due: TBA
Web: gamedevblog.com/energybook
One of the developers of the Spider-Man 2 game — notable for its amazing web-slinging mechanics, but not much else — has begun development of a game based entirely around such swinging called Energy Hook. Even its early cel-shaded prototype looks amazing, capturing the speed and momentum of swinging through a metropolis (with the help of a jetpack). Oh, and you can run on walls. Mirror's Edge meets Man-Spider? We like the sound of that.
