Top Five Most Anticipated PS3 Games for Q1 2012

A new year means a host of new games will be coming to the Playstation 3. Though the PS3 is close to the end of its life cycle, there is still plenty to look forward to in the early months of 2012. Here are five games that are sure to make a splash in the first quarter of 2012.

MLB '12: The Show, March 6, 2012

The MLB franchise from Sony is consistently among the best sports games for PS3 each and every year. The latest offering in the series, which is scheduled to be released on March 6, 2012, is going to make use of the Playstation Move controller by allowing even more integration with all aspects of gameplay. Users will able to play entire games using only the Move controller, which was not possible in prior versions.

Twisted Metal, Q1 2012

Playstation's oldest franchise gets new life in 2012 with the release of this exclusive PS3 title. Fans of the series will remember that this game has always been a strong multiplayer game. Given the success of previous versions, this latest offering figures to be an exciting experience on PSN. Aircraft will also be included for the first time, allowing players to take flight in a helicopter as one of the vehicles of choice.

Mass Effect 3, March 6, 2012

Mass Effect 3 will be the third installment of an extremely popular franchise. Part of the appeal of the series is the choose-your-own-adventure style of gameplay that makes for a unique experience based on decisions made throughout the campaign. The freedom offered by Mass Effect 3 promises to be even greater, and for this reason, it is definitely one of the most anticipated titles in the first quarter of 2012 on PS3.

Max Payne 3, March 6, 2012

Playstation fans who are familiar with the first two installments in the Max Payne series can't wait for this title. The engaging story will now continue on the PS3 and be sure to offer the very same suspense and drama seen in the first two. A new multiplayer mode will give players an entirely new experience and combine the very detailed narrative style of gameplay with online action.

Ninja Gaiden III, March 20, 2012

By now, there is a recurring theme for success on the PS3, and fortunately developer Team Ninja has recognized that a solid multiplayer experience is a must for any game to be considered elite. New to the Ninja Gaiden series will be an online mode that will add a completely new experience to the game. The meat of the game is in single player mode, where main character Hayabusa will be explored in detail as his life experiences are explored more deeply.

Michael C. Jones is a Yahoo! Featured Contributor in Technology and a PS3 owner, following all the latest trends in the gaming industry.