For video game lovers, 2012 could be déjà vu all over again.
Just as in 2011, there's a top-flight list of anticipated releases, with highlights such as Halo 4 for Xbox 360, Twisted Metal on PlayStation 3 and an expected Grand Theft Auto V from Rockstar Games.
And for the most part, gamers won't have to worry about deciding to spring for a new system to play games on. The first new home system in six years is expected next holiday season from Nintendo. Its Wii U (no release date or price) is on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, as is Sony's new PlayStation Vita handheld, already out in Japan and due to launch in the USA Feb. 22 ($299 for 3G/Wi-Fi model; WiFi, $249).
Handhelds such as Vita face a "significant challenge," says analyst Colin Sebastian, with Robert W. Baird & Co. "There's a market for high-end handheld experiences, but we see the majority of handheld gaming moving to smartphones and tablets."
But in games, there's an "embarrassment of riches," says video game writer Chris Morris. "The best games of any console always come out towards the end" of the life cycle, when "developers and publishers have figured out how to tweak the most out of them."
U.S. retail sales of video game hardware, software and accessories fell 21 per cent in December from a year ago to $3.99 billion as players bought fewer games for their aging consoles.
Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360 will turn seven years old this year, while Sony Corp's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Corp's Wii will turn six.
Market researcher NPD Group says December sales of software - the video games themselves - fell 14 per cent from a year ago to $2.04 billion.
That's a bigger decline than the 5 per cent drop expected by analyst Doug Creutz of research firm Cowen & Co.
Nintendo 3DS RRP: £29.99 Out now
THIS remake to the critically acclaimed 2007 PSP puzzler Crush comes across like a crazy clash between the Mario games and Back to the Future films.
It's all rendered in eye-popping 3D and centres around Danny, an unfortunate character suffering chronic insomnia.
Mad scientist Dr Reuben tries to cure him with his C.R.U.S.H. device, an ingenious invention that allows Danny to explore the inner workings of his head and, quite literally, recover his marbles.
THIS remake to the critically acclaimed 2007 PSP puzzler Crush comes across like a crazy clash between the Mario games and Back to the Future films.
It's all rendered in eye-popping 3D and centres around Danny, an unfortunate character suffering chronic insomnia.
Mad scientist Dr Reuben tries to cure him with his C.R.U.S.H. device, an ingenious invention that allows Danny to explore the inner workings of his head and, quite literally, recover his marbles.
The gameplay hinges on your ability to switch between 2D and 3D viewpoints with the press of a button.
It allows you to reach what appeared to be inaccessible areas oyt cds of a level by giving you the option of traversing it in a completely new dimension. It's a simple and yet innovative mechanic that works well.
With plenty of intricately designed levels to conquer and a bundle of extras to be unlocked along the way, Crush 3D will keep you scratching your head well into the new year.
Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360 will turn seven years old this year, while Sony Corp's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Corp's Wii will turn six.
Market researcher NPD Group says December sales of software - the video games themselves - fell 14 per cent from a year ago to $2.04 billion.
That's a bigger decline than the 5 per cent drop expected by analyst Doug Creutz of research firm Cowen & Co.
It’s quite usual to see queues of schoolchildren in uniform on 1st Main and 6th Main road of Kengeri Satellite Town at all times of the day. They are, unfortunately, not there waiting their turn to enter a library or to learn computer skills, but to satisfy a new age addiction — gambling on a range of video games.
The queues of children outside video parlours in Kengeri Satellite town — some near the Robin theatre in the locality — cause parents heartburn but they can do little to stop them as they often go to them without their knowledge, during lunch breaks and when they should be out doing some physical activity like playing outdoor games. It’s no longer a laughing matter as many of them are known to lose hundreds of rupees while testing their skills at the video parlours.
One 16-year-old college student, Lohith Kumar, has been stealing money from his father to try his luck at the games and has been losing steadily, driving his parents crazy with worry, says C. Venkatesh of the area, who has been fighting the mushrooming of video parlours in Kengeri.
Lohith has been bunking classes and his progress report shows a downward trend, rues his father, K. Nagaraj. But this is the story of a lot of students here, who have become addicted to video games and wait for the parlours to open. A number of auto drivers to have become addicted to the games and spend their hard earned money in the parlours.
“Members of the Bhagat Singh Vedike have been fighting these parlours which are leading the youth up the wrong path and spoiling their futures. Complaints have been lodged with the local legislator to take action against such joints,” says Mr Venkatesh.
Kengeri corporator R. Anjanappa, agrees that the video parlours are a nuisance. “I will lodge a complaint with the Kegeri police station and have them evicted shortly. We are waiting for the appointment of a regular police inspector before taking action,” he claims.