Episode 9: The Next Generation

As many of you know, the big 3 have all talked about new consoles coming our way in 2012. The new Xbox console (NextBox, Xbox 720, Loop) saw a wave of gossip recently including having SIX TIMES THE PROCESSING POWER of the Xbox 360, a possible Blu-ray drive, and by NOT allowing "used" games (possibly by making gamers register the game to their console). The last one there is by far the most controversial but, in my opinion, not as terrible as it may seem. In my experience, places that sell used games tend to underpay for and overprice the games when they do resell them. Keep in mind, these are all rumor and speculation. Nothing has been confirmed by Microsoft as of yet.

Speaking of Xbox, Microsoft is also considering dropping the Microsoft Points system and going to a straight money system like Sony and PC.

Nintendo was also buzzing about the upcoming Wii U recently. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata said recently the "final format" for the Wii U would be unveiled at E3 this year and they plan to release it globally by year's end (although, there is talk they may change the name so consumers realize it's a new system). There is also talk that the Wii U may have NFC (Near Field Communications) capabilities. This would allow you to use your phone to purchase games or content just by holding it near the controller!

Enough about the console gossip, let's look at some new games!!

First up, the only big release hitting stores this week is the 2nd ever Final Fantasy sequel, Final Fantasy XIII-2. The story picks up 3 years after the original with Lightning missing and Serah on a quest to find him. Here's the trailer:



Next up, a sequel I personally have been waiting for, The Darkness 2! Similar story and gameplay to the first but with "Quad Wielding" which now allows Jackie to use firearms AND The Darkness simultaneously! This one won't hit stores till October but here's the launch trailer:



Lastly, coming our way in March, MLB 12: The Show with Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox taking the cover this year in the US and Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays taking the Canadian cover. Watch the trailer and see some of the new features (basically all aimed at making the game more realistic):



Before I head out, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 posted a calendar of all the upcoming content releases thru September. Click here to check it out.

There you have it, if the buzz is even half true, it sounds like a big year is coming our way in the gaming world. Until next week, get out there and get your game on!