Shephard, Lara, and Lightning

Let it be known that I have begun plugging away at Fullmetal Alchemist, but I’d like to wait until I’ve completed the first “season” (box one of three) to begin reviewing it, so I’m going to do what several of my comrades have done: write about upcoming games I’m excited about.  The games I’m really looking forward to are a little further out (Holiday 2011), so I’m going to talk about a few of them.

First on my most-anticipated list (and I’m sure a lot of people will agree with me on this one) is Mass Effect 3.

The Original Mass Effect was more of an RPG than a shooter.  With Mass Effect 2, Bioware took a step in the other direction, putting more emphasis on combat.  The result was a tighter, more focused game that kept you out of the menu and in the action.  And who really cared about all the accessories in the first game? That being said, there is still room for improvement.  I wouldn’t mind more abilities.  And more guns.  Hopefully with Mass Effect 3 Bioware strikes a perfect balance between RPG and shooter.  Oh, and Clint Mansell’s doing the soundtrack.  I can’t wait to hear it.

Secondly, did you know they’re rebooting Tomb Raider?

Who needs guns when you can kill things with an ice pick or a bow?

Younger, leaner and more realistic, this Lara Croft looks like quite the badass.  We shouldn’t be surprised; from Bond to Batman, modern reboots have usually taken a darker, grittier approach to their story-telling.  I could never really get into the old Tomb Raider games.  Spending minutes lining up the perfect jump with a series of teeny-tiny steps only to miss a ledge and have to do it all over again as the camera struggles to keep up… no thanks.  The recent trilogy (Anniversary, Legend and Underworld) took a more streamlined approach to Lara’s movements.  For me, this was a welcome change.  Add to that an entertaining story arc, beautiful environments and fun puzzles, and you’ve got three highly-entertaining games.  That being said, I understand the need to give the franchise a fresh start.  Doesn’t mean I won’t miss the hot Lara we saw in Underworld.  Will Lara’s voice actress be the same?  And what will Square Enix (now listed on the official Tomb Raider website) bring to the table that we haven’t seen in a Tomb Raider game before?

Rounding out my top three is a game I don’t really know much about: Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Weird numbering system aside, this will apparently be a direct sequel to Final Fantasy XIII.  FFXIII is certainly not a perfect game, but I didn’t really hold its linear game play against it.  Gone is the need to go around leveling, which for me was always tedious anyway.  I enjoyed the combat system as well, at least after the point where you could choose your party members.  Keep the story moving, keep the fights interesting, and it’s okay by me.  Maybe with the sequel, they’ll open up the world for us a bit.  As for the characters, I’m glad to see Lightning will be coming back.  I care much less about the rest of the bunch, but I still wonder who else will make a return appearance.

So… how much longer until December?