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The Hottest Videogames of 2011

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The Hottest Games of 2011

It happens every year at E3. Inevitably, the games that get people the most excited are the ones that won’t be out that year. That was particularly true this year – as some of the biggest titles on display won’t hit retail shelves until holiday 2011. It’s frustrating for players, but for stockholders, it can make the case for a long-term investment. Action games (and shooters) are the largest sales category in gaming – making up 32 percent of all sales. And a blockbuster title can make a company
Photo: Sony

It happens every year at E3, the world's largest videogame expo. Inevitably, the games that get people the most excited are the ones that won’t be out that year. That was particularly true this year—as some of the biggest titles on display won’t hit retail shelves until holiday 2011. It’s frustrating for players, but for stockholders, it can make the case for a long-term investment.

Action games (and shooters) are the largest sales category in gaming—making up 32 percent of all sales. A blockbuster title can also make a company’s year.

Related Article:Videogames: Shooters Thrive as Court Case Looms
By Chris Morris, Special to CNBC.com
Posted 1 July 2010

Gears of War 3

Publisher: MicrosoftThe latest chapter in this hit Xbox 360 franchise will be Microsoft’s flagship game next year – and it’s looking to follow the clearly marked path of its predecessors. The game will let four people play cooperatively, comes with new multiplayer modes and innovative new ways to kill the Locust enemies.
Photo: Microsoft

Publisher: Microsoft

The latest chapter in this hit Xbox 360 franchise will be Microsoft’s flagship game next year—and it’s looking to follow the clearly marked path of its predecessors. The game will let four people play cooperatively, comes with new multiplayer modes and innovative new ways to kill the Locust enemies.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Publisher: Electronic ArtsWhile this persistent online world isn’t a lock for 2011, EA execs are quietly guiding analysts to look for it then. Massively multiplayer games can be cash cows – just ask Blizzard Entertainment, which runs “World of Warcraft”. EA’s hoping this title, set in the rich Star Wars universe will prove just as appealing.
Photo: Electronic Arts

Publisher: Electronic Arts

While this persistent online world isn’t a lock for 2011, EA execs are quietly guiding analysts to look for it then. Massively multiplayer games can be cash cows—just ask Blizzard Entertainment, which runs “World of Warcraft.” EA’s hoping this title, set in the rich Star Wars universe will prove just as appealing.

Portal 2

Publisher: Valve SoftwareThe original “Portal” took the gaming world by storm with its story-themed series of puzzles. This sequel, which will be longer and deeper, hopes to build on that. It’s a rare beast – a game that has an action vibe, but in which you never shoot or fight anyone.
Photo: Valve Software

Publisher: Valve Software

The original “Portal” took the gaming world by storm with its story-themed series of puzzles. This sequel, which will be longer and deeper, hopes to build on that. It’s a rare beast—a game that has an action vibe, but in which you never shoot or fight anyone.

Dead Space 2

Publisher: Electronic ArtsThis action/horror series’ first installment was one of the creepiest games of 2008. The sequel will ramp that up, with some truly scary moments – and pacing that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Photo: Electronic Arts

Publisher: Electronic Arts

The first installment of this action/horror series was one of the creepiest games of 2008. The sequel will ramp that up, with some truly scary moments—and pacing that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Publisher: Square EnixThe “Deus Ex” games pioneered the concept that there was more than one way to achieve an objective in gaming. Wrapped in a conspiracy-rich storyline, this installment is being made by a new team that has high expectations to live up to. Whether they’ll succeed is to be determined, but the early work seems encouraging.
Photo: Square Enix

Publisher: Square Enix

The “Deus Ex” games pioneered the concept that there was more than one way to achieve an objective in gaming. Wrapped in a conspiracy-rich storyline, this installment is being made by a new team that has high expectations to live up to. Whether they’ll succeed is to be determined, but the early work seems encouraging.

Rage

Publisher: Bethesda Softworksid Software pioneered the first person shooter and is the company behind the “Doom” and “Quake” franchises. This is their first new property in 14 years and it’s looking really, really good. It took home “Best of Show” awards from many publications at E3 and was one of the most buzzed about titles among convention-goers.
Photo: Bethesda Softworks

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

id Software pioneered the first person shooter and is the company behind the “Doom” and “Quake” franchises. This is their first new property in 14 years and it’s looking really, really good. It took home “Best of Show” awards from many publications at E3 and was one of the most buzzed about titles among convention-goers.

Twisted Metal

Publisher: SonyThis vehicle combat game has appeared on every PlayStation model – and now fans get a new taste from the original creators. The game will let up to 16 players play together online, trying to destroy each other with cars, helicopters and motorcycles.
Photo: Sony

Publisher: Sony

This vehicle combat game has appeared on every PlayStation model—and now fans get a new taste from the original creators. The game will let up to 16 players play together online, trying to destroy each other with cars, helicopters and motorcycles.

Max Payne 3

Publisher: (Take Two Interactive SoftwareThe noire detective looks a lot different in this oft-delayed sequel of the much-loved series. He’s balder, has a paunch and his years of hard living have caught up with him. But he’s still not someone you’ll want to cross. Originally scheduled for 2010, the game was pushed back for additional polishing.
Photo: Take Two Interactive

Publisher: Take Two Interactive Software

The noir detective looks a lot different in this oft-delayed sequel of the much-loved series. He’s balder, has a paunch and his years of hard living have caught up with him. But he’s still not someone you’ll want to cross. Originally scheduled for 2010, the game was pushed back for additional polishing.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Publisher: NintendoSecond to Mario, there is no character in the Nintendo library that’s more popular than Zelda. This latest installment in the franchise will utilize the Wii’s MotionPlus sensor, giving characters more precise control of the game’s swordplay and archery elements.
Photo: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Second to Mario, there is no character in the Nintendo library that’s more popular than Zelda. This latest installment in the franchise will utilize the Wii’s MotionPlus sensor, giving characters more precise control of the game’s swordplay and archery elements.

Bulletstorm

Publisher: Electronic ArtsThere are action games – and there are over the top action games. “Bulletstorm” definitely falls in the later category. Plot? Who cares. This is a game about taking out enemies in creative fashion. The more unique the kill, the more points you earn. Rather than getting bogged down in drama, though, the title is laced with clever humor to keep things interesting.
Photo: Electronic Arts

Publisher: Electronic Arts

There are action games—and there are over the top action games. “Bulletstorm” definitely falls in the later category. Plot? Who cares. This is a game about taking out enemies in creative fashion. The more unique the kill, the more points you earn. Rather than getting bogged down in drama, though, the title is laced with clever humor to keep things interesting.