Coming attractions...
IF YOU told me two years ago that 2021 would see Earth crumble under the threat of Omicron, I'd have assumed we were finally under attack from Transformers.
Never have we needed a New Year more – but cowering in our homes while bloated with vaccine will be made that bit easier thanks to a clutch of bangers on the horizon, many of which were originally slated for 2021. Meh, pandemics – what can you do?
First up is a remake of one of the PS3 generation's finest survival horrors. The original Dead Space launched back in 2008, and diminishing returns with sequels haven't soured the classic original, which EA are tarting up for a new generation next year.
While the fundamentals remain, as engineer Isaac Clarke battles terrifying Necromorphs while isolated on board a mining ship, this promises to be more than just a pretty retread, including content cut from the original.
For the Sony set, Ragnarok, the sequel to 2018's God of War reboot, will see neck-bearded demigod Kratos return, copping some carnage in the vast, snow-blown Lake of Nines.
It's founderin' out there and Kratos must protect his son in a chilly world of gods in a game that promises to expand the scope of the original and include more characters from Norse mythology.
If that sounds a tad too testosterone-jacked, Nintendo has you covered with The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 2, which will see Link and Zelda facing off against a formidable enemy in the sequel to 2017's Game of the Year.
The sky's the limit this time around, with floating cities and paragliding mechanics. It looks like more of the same, but if that same is Breath of the Wild, I'll take it.
April 28 sees the long awaited sequel to the cult PC cult shooter Stalker land on Xbox, promising new terrifying mutants in an even bleaker irradiated world. First announced back in 2010, Stalker 2 promises "one of the biggest open-worlds to date".
We won't have long to wait for the sequel to 2017's Horizon: Zero Dawn. Launching on February 18, the open world PS5 adventure brings Aloy to the mysterious West, where new enemies, a frightening blight and an underwater environment await.
Petrolheads will be well catered for with Gran Turismo 7, as PS5 grunt fuels the stylish design and slick presentation of Sony's premier racing sim. With miles of beautifully rendered tarmac to skidmark and flawless recreations of every jalopy right down its lug-nuts, GT7 will be the most comprehensive celebration of the combustion engine yet committed to binary.
A pamphlet distributed at Japanese retail stores this week promised "420 different car models and over 90 racing tracks". GT7 is set for release on April 3. Gentlemen, start your engines…
