At this time of year, there’s a lot to look forward to. At least, for those of us brought up in the pervasive western cultural traditions. Christmas is just around the corner, with all of the over indulgence, celebration and relaxation it can offer. I know I’m looking forward to a little time when I don’t have to think too much about writing or editing features and schedules and photoshopping images.
[drop2]At the time of writing, I’ve still got at least eleven and probably more like eighteen features to write before the end of the year. I’ve got banner images to create for the remaining top 50 in our Top 100 of 2012 and other images and graphics to make up for everything else. That’s all to keep the website constantly refreshed so that there’s at least something new on it each day for people to read. And it’s not including whatever coverage we can pull together when our import PS Vitas, currently winging their way from Japan, arrive at our doors.There’s another cause for anticipation – the PlayStation Vita. It’s out in Japan, as of yesterday, and it’ll be in our shops at the end of February. I’m sure there are several of you who are looking forward to that, I know I can hardly wait for mine to arrive. It’s not really the games I’m most looking forward to though, it’s the device itself. I’m most anticipating playing with the interface and the features. Beyond those hideously ugly icons I think there will be some quite lovely little design touches and animations. I’m a bit of a geek for all of that kind of stuff.
I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the few photographs I’ve seen taken with the Vita’s cameras so I’ll enjoy having a play with that function and comparing to the really quite excellent camera on my iPhone.
Most of all, at this time of year, I look forward to other people’s enjoyment though. I love giving gifts and I like when everyone is in a cheerful mood. I can’t wait to share the results of our Game of the Year with you, show you the conclusion of our Top 100 of 2012 and see what you think of the slightly-less-terrible-than-expected podcast rap that you guys wrote, Lewis, Kev and myself performed, and Tuffcub is currently producing.
We’ve also got another game awards feature in the pipeline for early January that is slightly more interesting (to me, at least) than all of the traditional Game of the Year awards. We’ve invited several of our friends from the freelance arena or other websites to join some of TSA’s editorial staff in awarding games based on their creative or artistic merit rather than the more traditional platform, genre and technical aspects that everyone usually focusses on.
So there’s a lot to look forward to, generally, and we’re hoping that you’ll join us in anticipating some of the features we’ve got lined up for the holiday period and beyond. Christmas is going to be an exciting time for TSA and 2012 could be a very interesting year for the videogame scene too, with the Vita’s release and an E3 that just might see some new hardware announcements. We’ve got a lot to look forward to.
YOURMUMANDME
I’m more than certain that I’ll buy a Vita but only because I love Uncharted, I really hope that the story is as long and immersive as the PS3 versions.
I should be looking forward to FFXIII-2 but I honestly can’t get into it like I used to. Fingers crossed for Versus though, maybe it can save the series.
Burgess_101
i can not wait for Vita ! i have missed having a portable games machine my psp-1000 has been half broken for years
MayContainEvil
Game wise, I am looking forward to Mass Effect 3, the MGS HD Collection and Final Fantasys Versus and XIII-2. Also that new Transformers game with Grimlock in, but I’m having a mental blank on the subtitle >_<
I'm also looking forward to getting some time over Christmas to continue reading the Wheel of Time (I'm up to book 7) and A Song Of Fire and Ice (only just read A Game of Thrones) series.
colossalblue
oh man, Song of Fire and Ice just keeps getting better the more you read of it!
Smallville2106
When does MGS HD Collection come out? I’ve got someone on my friend’s list and they have been playing it for weeks.
MayContainEvil
Thanks Peter, that’s good to know :)
The MGS HD Collection comes out around the start of February here, but it’s been out in the US for a month or two.
Jakster123x
Keep up the good work! Can’t wait for the Vita
Moshbag
Twisted Metal.
LosHavros
Finally getting to play Uncharted 3. I could have got it on launch day, but I’ve waited patiently. Hopefully it’ll be worth it!
give up
Starhawk, Twisted Metal and GTA IV.
dude90
V you mean?
cc_star
Starhawk
Even though I’ve been playing it & leaving feedback for weeks
Jakster123x
I’m a little divided on Starhawk at the moment. I don’t really think I’ve played much of it though
cam_manutd
I agree. I was expecting for it to be warhawk-ish but it plays quite similarly to Gears well in terms of shooting anyway. Still good concept though and it can only get better :)
Kitch
Starhawk is now starting to find it’s stride. With a mate online, using tactics, it’s an amazing game. The patches and tweeks are coming thick and fast. I’m loving it. TDM is pretty savage now.
cc_star
It’s super tactical
If you’re in a game with morons who’ve used up the team’s structure limit around the home flag, it’s less fun – A lot less of this goes off than a few weeks ago, but there are still a few games where people think it’s a building simulator… I equate these to the people who camped in missile silos in Warhawk
Once teams actually establish forward bases the action is immense & the constant tweaking is making it better & better, so my high hopes for the title are turning into reality
But it’s absolutely amazing once
MICKY17
Loving Starhawk. It gets better and better with every patch. Clearly the beta testing community is doing its job well. One of my most anticipated of 2012.
sparkyscrum
I can’t wait for the Vita. I mainly play my gaming away from home so chance to play decent games that so far have been possible only on a home console. Plus the original ideas that are also coming through like Escape Plan.
cam_manutd
MGS HD Collection
Starhawk
Last of us
Should be a good year…