2011: Go For Launch

As launch dates firm up, or slip into oblivion, here is the up to date list of must buy games for 2011:

(Updated 6/21 with dates and a handful of 2012 launches)

Bulletstorm (2/22) - The most fun game hands down at last years E3. Epic's take on a true over the top shooter. (8 out of 10)

Killzone 3 (2/22) - The most solid PS3 shooter reloaded. And now with jet packs!!! (8/10)

Dragon Age 2 (3/8) - I could never get into Dragon Age despite the great story and huge world, but as the sequel looks more like Mass Effect 2, I'm in. (7.5/10)

Crysis 2 (3/22) - The prettiest game ever, until Rage launches. But will it be fun? (8/10)

Portal 2 (4/21) - Not really my thing, but a brilliant and creative take on puzzles. (9/10)

Brink (5/17) - I so want this to be good. A campaign MMO RPG FPS. With British accents!!! (4/10)

LA Noire (5/17) - Rockstar's gorgeous open world crime drama set in 1950s LA. (10/10, as in perfect)

Infamous 2 (6/7) - Infamous was sooo under-appreciated as an amazingly crafted action platformer. I wouldn't miss the next chapter for the world. (8.5/10)

Duke Nukem Forever (6/14) - I've seen it, it is real, and I can't wait for Gearbox's take on the classic franchise.

Madden 12 (8/9) - The official start of the 2011 gaming season. Hopefully it isn’t the only pro football we”ll see this year.

Deus Ex Human Revolution (8/23) - The Matrix meets Blade Runner meets Splinter Cell. Need I say more?

Gears of War 3 (9/20) - Think Gears 2, except with a prettier engine and more developed game play. An absolute blockbuster.

Rage (10/4) - Absolute can't miss RPG shooter from id. Best looking engine ever and I do mean ever. My hands on time at E3 gave me a contact high. Most anticipated shooter of a season of shooters.

Batman Arkham Asylum 2 (10/18) - I want it, I want it now. Arkham was the best super hero game ever and this looks better in every way.

Battlefield 3 (10/25) - Designed to be a Call of Duty killer, but I am concerned about the graphics and frame rate of the console version. Will DICE pull it off?

Uncharted 3 (11/1) - The next chapter of what Indiana Jones should have been. Amazing writing, graphics, and gameplay. Midnight launch game for sure.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (11/8) - I had my doubts when Infinity Ward cleared out, but after the demo levels I've seen, I have no further concern. Hail to the modern shooter king baby.

Elder Scrolls V (11/11) - Bethesda is bringing out the big guns this holiday and by guns I mean swords. Todd Howards' brilliant team is up to something good... Again.

Halo Combat Evolved HD (11/15) - Released on the ten year anniversary of the first Halo. The first project from M$'s new Halo stewards, 343. For $40, a steal.

Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword (2011?) - Now that I finally beat Donkey Kong Country, other than my workouts, this may be the next game to be played on my Wii... or possibly my Wii 2...

Ghost Recon Future Soldier (3/2012) - My E3 2010 game of the year. Techy squad based, stealthy, badassery.

Mass Effect 3 (3/6/2012) - Best science fiction intellectual property in existence and I get to play more!?!? I heart Cdr. Sheppard.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (Q1 2012) - No single 2012 game has me more excited than this rookie studio, making an epic RPG. From an Elder Scrolls lead, award winning writer, and art genius Todd McFarlen. Please be as good as I think it will be.

Bioshock Infinite (Q1 2012) - The first Bioshock is legendary, but with slightly flawed game design. Looks like 2K sunk in big $$$ on technical resources to match the writing and art. The result is triple A in every sense. My E3 2011 game of show.

Far Cry 3 (2012) - The E3 11 demo absolutely blew me away. This is the true sequel to the game I bought a new PC rig to play (FC1).

Halo 4 (Q4 2012) - The start of a new Master Chief trilogy and the first title not developed by Bungie. 343, the pressure is on. And will it be a launch title for the next Xbox?

Overstrike (Q4 2012) - The first multiplatform release from the beloved Insomniac Games. Spies, humor, and cool weapons? IN.