Video Game Franchises Getting a Reboot in 2011

Successful video game franchises can lose their luster through out the years. 2011 will see the revamping of a few video game series. Whether they're trying something new or going back to their roots, these games are creating hype with their make overs.

Mortal Kombat (PS3, Xbox 360)
The last game in the series, Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe, toned down the violence to receive a Teen rating. It also had an extremely short and shallow story mode. While the game wasn't necessarily bad, it fell short of the older Mortal Kombat experiences. In 2011, a new MK game that will be closer to the earlier games is scheduled for release. It's reported to give hardcore players a deeper experience. The graphics are being called 2.5D. The backgrounds are rendered in 2D, while the fighters will be 3D. Fans can bet the game is rated M, as there are new X-Ray moves that show the inside of the opponent's body while bones are breaking. The characters will focus on the first three MK games. 26 playable characters are suppose to be featured, including Cyrax, Reptile, Raiden, and Scorpion. Exclusively for the PS3 is Kratos.

Tomb Raider (PS3, Xbox 360)
In recent years, the popular Tomb Raider franchise has fallen short of its former glory. Square Enix just announced a reboot scheduled for a 2011 holiday release. The story is suppose to follow Lara as an inexperienced young woman, stranded after her boat capsizes. This origin story is hoping to revamp the series and developers are urging gamers to "forget everything you knew about Tomb Raider." The game is rumored to be set in Japan with Lara needing to survive on an unknown island.

Silent Hill (PS3, Xbox 360)
Silent Hill was once one of the major survival horror game series. Since 2008's disappointing Homecoming title, the franchise has been mostly silent. Konami plans to change that in 2011 with a new game. Players are inmate Murphy Pendleton, who finds his way to the town after a bus crash. The game is suppose to return to its roots, but with a new storyline and changes in combat. There will also be side quests that change with the way you play.

Lord of the Rings (PS3, PC, Xbox 360)
This franchise has been sputtering since the movies ended. There has been LOTR games like the cartoony Aragon's Quest and the average Conquest title, but nothing released on consoles has shone in recent years. War of North is set to be released in 2011. The RPG game is said to be more mature then other LOTR titles in terms of violence. Players are a war hero in the battle of the North. There will be co-op multiplayer for up to three people. Characters are able to be upgraded and customized. Hopefully, this new Lord of the Rings will be a deeper, more satisfying experience then recent games.

These games are still many months away from being released. Yet, their big name titles have gamers paying attention. Wouldn't it be great to recreate the feeling of pulling off your first fatality or the first time you stepped into Silent Hill? In 2011, maybe we'll get that again.

Sources:

http://mortalkombat2011.com/

http://www.vg247.com/2010/12/06/square-announces-tomb-raider/

http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707374/konami-confirms-silent-hill-8-for-2011.html

http://www.holyfragger.com/multiplatform/action/lotr_war_in_the_north/news/?a=1357