Editor’s Note: Now up to the ninth part of our twenty-five most anticipated games of 2012. After culminating a comprehensive list of the confirmed games for next year, the MediaKick team voted on the games they are most looking forward to for next year, and after processing the results through a methodical algorithm we’re here to bring you the results. Taking a closer look at both what we know so far and why the team are excited for each game, we’ll have an article at midday everyday until Christmas – when we’ll reveal our most anticipated game of 2012. Be sure to check out the previous games so far if you haven’t already - #25, #24, #23, #22, #21, #20, #19, #18, #17.

On Feburary 24, 2012, a series I have certainly wished to return into the mainstream consciousness is going to hit shops. EA have finally revived Syndicate! During the course of the summer, the original game featured on our R/R/R Files feature with a footnote that the game was rumoured to have been in development for years. A few weeks later, the game was confirmed to be releasing early next year. Naturally this had me giddier than an AC/DC fan hearing Back in Black.

Perhaps the most predictable revelation about the new incarnation of the Syndicate series is that it would not be a strategy based game at its core. Having probably seen just how good Deus Ex: Human Revolution performed this summer, Syndicate will be a first-person shooter. Normally I wouldn’t be too thrilled for a game to suddenly change to the FPS model; the new XCOM being a prime example, but here it has the potential to work really well. So much so that it’s sixteenth in our most anticipated list of 2012. Even Ryan, who is a newcomer to the series, but knows of Bullfrog’s reputation with Strategy games:

“Syndicate is yet another game I haven’t played. I generally don’t like RTS titles but Bullfrog created one I grew up with, Populous: The Beginning, and it has made me think more than once to give a go but, for some unknown reason, I never have. So when I heard that it was being rebooted, I thought ‘Great! An excuse to give it a go’ but it turned out to be another FPS we probably didn’t need. I was still interested in the reboot though and sure enough, when the first gameplay trailer hit the internet, it was firmly on my radar. With a great gameplay concept behind it, the Dart 6 chip, and a lovely art style similar to Deus Ex: Human Revolution, it looks to be one of the more interesting FPS’ of 2012.”

For some, it was also the promise of futuristic technology in EuroCorp’s arsenal and similarities to Deus Ex. We recently got a look at the various weapons on offer to EuroCorp’s agents, hopefully in both single and online co-operative play. There are first person shooter staples such as machine guns and sniper rifles, but it is the various alternative modes of fire that really intrigue me. We also have the welcome return of Miniguns and Lasers, plus new harbingers of doom like the Swarm Bomb;then there’s the gadgets used during the course of the 10-minute play-through of what looks like the first mission. Contributor Robert has probably summarised just how good this all sounds the best:

“I’m a massive FPS fan, so this is a must anyway, but couple this with the futuristic feel that makes Deus Ex froth at the mouth and enough high-tech gadgetry on par with Perfect Dark, I am totally game. Plus, that soundtrack! Oh my God!”

But the thing that got most of our tails wagging in anticipation was the first look trailer, something I know for the first few days since the unveiling that I had on repeat. It was something that certainly stuck on all our minds, probably the music had something to do with it. Summing up that trailer and just how good a first impression it made is our Editor, Davs:

“For me, it was that first trailer – a pumping Skrillex soundtrack, a Deux Ex vibe and a fresh take on the first person shooter. I’m sure it won’t turn out to be the most original shooter even devised, but the combination of a corrupt world, the hacking into someone’s mind using their brain chip and a pleasing art style that had been sold. Throw in four-player co-op and a potentially gripping universe and I’m most intrigued.”

The thing that got me initially was that the single player campaign will see a completely new direction, so I was genuinely pleased that there is a multiplayer co-operative element that will house four-players at a time; and feature some re-imagined levels from the first game. While the remix for that trailer was nothing compared to the Skirllex one, the gameplay potential for shenanigans. I can actually imagine walking down corridors, blitzing another Syndicate’s forces with three buddies by my side, just so that we can assassinate one man before he leaves in his hover-car.

Syndicate certainly has the looks and the technology available to really compete with the likes of Deus Ex and Perfect Dark. It might not be completely original since it is using the first person shooter model, but Syndicate had the concept of corrupt organisations long before the News of the World scandal and cyber-warfare long before the original Deus Ex. The grand-daddy has returned. Business is war, and nothing says “war” better than out doing the competition!