It’s a new year and I know you’re ready to find out what I think are the games you should watch for in 2011.   Last year ended with a pretty big bang and there were numerous games that could have qualified for a Game of the Year award although there appears to be just one that will matter.  So 2011 will definitely have to step it up if it plans to compete with what we saw last year. 

As the new year begins, I wanted to give you all my own playlist this year.  These are the games that I feel are worth keeping an eye on throughout the year and most definitely playing as soon as they release.  Is it hype or is it momentum from being a sequel?  Who knows…but there’s one thing for certain…these are the few that make up my “games that will kick ass list” of 2011.

[Games that will KICK ASS List 2011]

Gears of War 3 – I’ve developed such an obsession for this series it borders on psychotic.  I still play Horde Mode and the sight of my level 100 wings makes me smile.  The 3rd entry into the series (and likely last) looks like it’ll be the biggest and most bad ass of them all.  I can’t wait to try Beast Mode and the new weapons!

Bulletstorm – I didn’t put this here because of the Gears of War 3 beta at all.  I put this here because it deservers to be here on its own.  Have you seen the madness in the trailers?  Cliff B. and crew are going bananas with this game.  It’s so over-the-top that playing it is the only way you’ll believe it.

X-Men Destiny – Is this Activision and Marvel throwing egg in the face of DC Universe Online?  X-Men Destiny has a lot of intrigue surrounding it already.  Will you create your own hero?  Will you control your destiny throughout?  There’s a Hero Headquarters set up so that you can keep yourself informed on all things X-Men Destiny.

I’m a big fan of the X-Men and I’ve enjoyed the Marvel Ultimate Alliance games.  And you should know that I absolutely loved X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  I’m excited about possibly creating my own vision of an X-Men hero!  Is it my DNA that will shape my hero destiny?  I’m definitely eager to see what X-Men Destiny has in store this year.  And with Silicon Knights at the helm, you can expect a great level of ass kickery when it ships.

Dead Space 2 – Isaac Clarke is back fresh off of his nightmare onboard the USS Ishimura and its Necromorphs.  Need I say anything else?  I played the demo and I’m not sure if this game will capture the same awesomeness that the first one did.  I enjoyed the demo but strictly because I loved the first one…not really in a “this is better” kind of way.  But I’m all up for killing and slicing with my Line Gun again.

Batman: Arkham City – Why so serious?  Is this the most anticipated sequel this year?  I wouldn’t argue against it if in fact it were.  Batman: Arkham Asylum breathed new life into comic games and in Batman games specifically.  Who can even remember a Batman game now beyond Arkham Asylum?  The sequel is set to deliver more of what made the first one so great.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 – Is there a theme going on this year that you’re noticing?  2011 just may be the year of the comic book themed game much like it appears it will be the year for comic book movies.  There are quite a few games based on our favorite characters in comics.  Marvel vs. Capcom 3 looks to continue the craze and I’ll be right there pitching my insanity for it.

- to be continued

Tune in tomorrow for part two of the ass kickin’ list of 2011 folks!  Part Two includes a trip to Hong Kong, going on a test drive and fancy portals.