Upcoming games

What does the year ahead have in store for all you RPG and racing fans? Here’s what you can look forward to.

This generation has been harsh as far as RPGs are concerned. Sure we've had some great games in Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout 3 and Mass Effect but barring a handful of titles, it's been slim pickings.

However all of that is about to change this year with a variety of sweet role-playing goodness apt for your most jaded, old-school RPG fan and newbies alike.

Final Fantasy XIII — PS3, Xbox360, PC
FFXIII seeks to keep the legendary plot the franchise is known for with a more active, almost real-time combat system.

The game sees you don the role of Lightning (just like Lara Croft but infinitely hotter) and taking on the might of the Cocoon Military in what seems to be the trippiest art-directed FF world yet.

Resonance of Fate — Xbox360, PS3
We have what's probably the freshest Japanese RPG in terms of concept and gameplay, only to be out the same time as Final Fantasy.

Packed with stellar gunplay, some interesting exploration options and a wealth of gun customisation, Resonance of Fate is one of the more interesting RPGs this year.

Fable 3 (Xbox360)
The Fable series has always been the RPG lover's version of GTA or Saints Row except taking place in a more primitive era.

With a rumoured November release and the ability to import your Fable 2 saves, Fable 3 takes the series a step forward. Not only do you liberate Albion (the staple location of the Fable series) but end up ruling it, giving the game a part hack-and-slash RPG and part- Civilization feel.

Pokemon Heart Gold / Soul Silver — DS
Since they are DS remakes of the GameBoy Color Pokemon Gold and Silver games, it would be interesting to see if Nintendo adds anything new for its western release barring full compatibility with existing DS titles.

Like the games before it, your character is that of a budding Pokemon trainer setting off on a quest to be the best there is. Expect the usual addictive Pokemon collecting experience that we've come to know and love since the days of the GameBoy.

Alpha Protocol — PS3, X360, PC
Someone had the bright idea of mixing the gameplay of Mass Effect with the setting of a modern day spy flick that's more Jason Bourne than James Bond. The result ended up being Alpha Protocol.

While it's been pushed back we're anything but disturbed given that the team behind it, Obsidian Entertainment, has make great games such as Neverwinter Nights 2 and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2.

Fallout: New Vegas — PS3, X360, PC
Fallout: New Vegas isn't a sequel to the insanely popular Fallout 3 but rather another title based in the same universe. While details on the sequel have been scarce, expect the same visceral VATS combat system, barren wastelands, super mutants and open-ended gameplay.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm — PC
The world's favourite MMORPG is set for a massive overhaul this year. Along with entirely redesigned areas, new races and a level cap raised to 85, the ability to use flying mounts in Azeroth makes this a must have.

Cataclysm should be out this year although Blizzard remains tight-lipped about the exact release date.

Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening — PS3, X360, PC
Awakening has piqued our interest for reasons more than one. Try 5 new characters, a new realm, a ton of new quests, new character classes and specialisations, and the ability to import your Dragon Age: Origins save file.

Considering that Dragon Age: Origins was around 60 hours of gameplay time at least we'd expect Awakening to add a healthy amount to the clock.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep — PSP
Taking place ten years before the original Kingdom Hearts, Birth By Sleep seeks to tie up the loose ends of the series.
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