I really do enjoy these year-end posts — there is something about taking in the big picture that puts my love of gaming into perspective.  After writing extensively about what games I played in 2012, it only makes sense to begin thinking about which games I will be playing in 2013.

Release: January 22, 2013

The Ni No Kuni demo was enough to convince me that this Level 5/Studio Ghibli joint promises an adorable and nostalgic JRPG experience.  I fell in love with nearly every creature I saw — I mean a tree with a duck bill?  Brilliant!

Release: February 12, 2013

With Persona 4: Golden in my rearview mirror, I need to be on the lookout for other games that will fill the void.  Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable has been on my radar since this absolutely bizarre trailer.  In addition to the obvious aura of absurdity surrounding the game, I’m also enticed by the promise of some true multiplayer — something I’ve yet to experience on my Vita!  I never played the Xbox version of EDF (nor the multi-plat sequel) so this game could be a bit of a wildcard.

Release: February 19, 2013

Early impressions of Metal Gear Rising didn’t agree with me.  The emphasis on explosions, one-liners, and dismembered bodies stood in direct contradiction to what I love about Metal Gear.  And yet…  From what I’ve seen of the game’s action, it looks breathtakingly fast and fun — though I admit I worry it will also become extremely repetitive.  Maybe it’s not so bad to lose yourself in some indulgent violence once and a while?  I will proceed with caution into Platinum Game’s take on the Metal Gear Universe.

Release: Spring 2013

Animal Crossing for the Gamecube grabbed me in a way I never expected.  How could arranging furniture, selling fruit, and running errands for surly animals be so enjoyable?  I still don’t really know the answer to that question…  But with all the new features in Animal Crossing: New Leaf — like becoming the mayor of your own town – I look forward to becoming absorbed in this furry world of commerce all over again.

Release: TBA 2013

Yikes, poor Dragon’s Crown — this game actually appeared on my list of games I would buy in 2012!  After some obvious delays, publishing rights were handed off to Atlus who are promising a release sometime in 2013.  Development woes aside, any game with Vanilla Ware’s gorgeous art is sure to be worth checking out.  The promise of multiplayer gameplay across both the Vita and PS3 make Dragon’s Crown an awesome ace in Sony’s pocket!

Release: TBA 2013

Soul Sacrifice is a new IP with some heavy baggage.  It’s one of the first games developed by vocal ex-Capcom producer, Keiji Inafune’s new studio.  The game is also having a hard time shaking constant comparisons to Monster Hunter…  Hopefully Soul Sacrifice’s refreshingly unique aesthetics and imaginative gameplay will allow it to speak for itself.

Release: May 7, 2013

Sony’s blockbuster exclusive may play it a bit safe for my liking, but I’m a sucker for post-apocalyptia.  If The Last of Us manages to capture the essence of survival-horror action with a fresh story for an exhausted genre, well…  this could become 2013′s biggest contender.

Release: March 2013

Last, but certainly not least… The game that promises to suck up the most of my time: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.  As the final installment of the 3rd generation of Monster Hunter games, MH3U touts the most content we’ve seen in a MonHun since Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.  Since the game is being ported to the Wii U, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate promises true online multiplayer and HD visuals — two features all seasoned hunters will agree are essential.

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These are all the games that, in a perfect world, I’d like to acquire in 2013.  Looks like I’ll be buying both a 3DS (I’m looking at this one currently) and a Wii U!  I also anticipate my Vita getting more use with a number of promising titles on the horizon.

What’s at the top of your list for 2013?