This week, EA Sports dropped the latest edition of SSX on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, marking the return of one of the greatest winter sports video games of all time. SSX comes on the heels of UFC: Undisputed 3, another much-buzzed-about early 2012 release that has lived up to expectations. What else is in store for this year? Here are 10 of the most anticipated video games of 2012 and beyond.

UFC: Undisputed 3
Systems: Xbox 360, PS3
Available: Now
The 2012 installment of THQ’s fighting masterpiece was one of the most highly anticipated sports games of the year. The face-pounding, chest-kicking blood bath that is Undisputed 3 is a breath of fresh air for fans of fighting games. The game boasts an impressive selection of fighters across seven weight classes. And with new additions like “Finish the Fight,” which allows you to continuously pound on your helpless opponent until the ref pulls you off, UFC should definitely be in your collection if it isn't already.

SSX
System: Xbox 360
Available: Now
We all remember the ridiculous snowboarding phenomenon that was SSX: Tricky, and if you don’t, shame on you. Resurrected like the mighty phoenix, SSX takes riders to the top of the world in its most recent installment. Using NASA's totally sweet cameras, EA Canada digitally mapped the world's tallest mountains using pictures captured via space cameras. In true SSX fashion, you take on the role of an extreme snowboarding team racing to be the first down giants such as K2 and the Himalayas. Taking down these beasts come at a risk as players will have to avoid blacking out during high altitude runs or freezing to death in the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica.




Mass Effect 3
Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Available: March 6, 2012
Chock full of all the delicious action role-playing we can handle, Mass Effect 3 returns as the final installment of the series. The completely and totally customizable character Commander Shepherd is unique for all players and serves as the anchor to which the majority of them cling to the franchise. On trial for your crimes committed as a result of the events in Mass Effect 2, you escape when Earth is hit with an onslaught by the Reapers, and flee the planet in order to amass a force big enough to lead a resistance. The ever-popular RPG style game play is making players anxious that all their choices will finally pay off in ME3. Without a doubt, BioWare is going to make this one hell of a finale.




Prototype 2
Systems: Xbox 360/PS3/PC
Available: April 24, 2012
Activision looks to deliver again with Prototype 2, the long- and much-awaited sequel to the 2009 infection-epidemic thriller. Taking place 14 months after the events of the first game, you play as James Heller, a Blackwatch soldier fighting the infected in the now-quarantined New York Zone. Infected by Alex Mercer with the mutated virus, you gain powers equal to those of Mercer from the original game. With the improved strength, speed, health, and the absolutely crazy-looking tendril power, Prototype 2 looks just as good — if not better — than the original.




Diablo 3
System: PC/Mac
Available: TBD, Q2
With over a decade since the release of Diablo 2, the announcement of a potential Q2 release of Diablo 3 has the entire gaming world buzzing. Updated graphics, new characters, more items, and a brand new story taking place 20 years following the events of Diablo 2 are all in the cards. Seasoned veterans of the Diablo franchise will be happy to note that renowned item-identifier Deckard Cain is so far the only confirmed NPC in the game, so make sure to listen for any updates. News about the game is very limited and Blizzard has yet to release any definite release date. Aside from specifics on the Diablo 3 site, we’ll just have to wait and see once the game comes out.