Editor’s Note: We’re into the final five 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, #16, #15, #14, #13, #12, #11, #10. #9, #8, #7, #6.

There’s no two ways about it, Mass Effect is one of the biggest new IPs this generation. Stepping into the space boots of Shepard, fans of the franchise have seen their fair share of near universal destruction in the first two entries of the series. In a more RPG orientated third-person, we guided the first human Spectre through his mission to take down Saren, a rogue Spectre, as he tries to help Sovereign, a Reaper, gain control of the Citadel and call forth the full Reaper fleet.

We’ve also seen our Intergalactic hero endure a number of tricky situations. With the help of his squad mates, old and new, we sought to defeat the Collectors, an insect-like species that live beyond the Omega-4 relay. Depending on how you play through the game and the decisions you make on the final mission, you may find yourself without a full squad and it is moments like these that have made the series quite special.

Since the first Mass Effect, players have been making critical decisions which drastically change the story and the lives of the characters involved in the universe. This lead BioWare to allow players to import their character and the decisions they made from Mass Effect to Mass Effect 2 and then further into Mass Effect 3. It created a story that was personal to the player and made them feel like they made a difference to the universe of Mass Effect, something that Rob is looking forward to finishing:

“The ability to conclude Shepard’s story in Mass Effect 3 is the main selling point to me, the world being shaped by your fair hand has always had me gripped and add to this the Kinect integration and new multiplayer, count me in!” exclaimed our fellow writer.

BioWare isn’t satisfied with just creating a new story however. Multiple features such as new cover/dodge movements for Commander Shepard, dynamic enemy damage, customisable weapons and new skills have been confirmed by the developer with online multiplayer being the most talked about, both good and bad, due to it affecting the single player – something that Phil doesn’t agree with:

“Getting into my personal most anticipated list for next year is no easy feat, but the conclusion to the Mass Effect trilogy is definitely worthy of a place,” he started. “Having played Mass Effect 2 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, I can safely say I’ve enjoyed my experience with it. The blend of setting, story and characterisation and being a decent third person shooter to boot makes Bioware’s sci-fi epic a game that is rarely out of an RPG fan’s thoughts. Yes, the inclusion of co-op multiplayer is a bit egregious – that is not how I want to play Mass Effect 3 – but as long as the single player doesn’t suffer, gamers are in for a treat. I can feel it in my bones!”

However, the important question on Igor’s lips is, will be better Bethesda’s recent RPG, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and will it be a spectacular fight against two of the best RPGs in recent history developed by two of the best RPG studios?

“As of November 2011 role-playing games have a new master – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” claimed Igor. “I believe no game other than Mass Effect 3 can match the sheer volume of gameplay Bethesda’s critically acclaimed title has on offer. Upon release, BioWare will clash with Bethesda to decide the champion of role-play experiences. Judging from previous titles in the series, Mass Effect 3 will be a special game that could take the gaming industry in a bold, new and exciting direction.”

And while I don’t have a passable segue into our last quote from Davs, I will say it is the most annoying comment I’ve seen yet (but only because I love Mass Effect).

“I’ve still yet to complete Mass Effect 1 let alone 2,” he irritatingly stated, “something I will have to rectify over Christmas – yet I’m still very excited for Commander Shepard’s next adventure. It’ll be interesting to see how the multiplayer aspect of the game works, let alone received, but it’ll no doubt be yet another stellar hit from Bioware.”

Whatever I now think about Davs, Shepard will be setting out to save the universe again, possibly for the last time, and no matter how daunting the challenge, we know we are in for an exciting and emotional journey with a cast of characters that are not only believable but one we’ve been through hell and back with.

Despite missing its original 2011 release, the push back into March is actually a blessing – given the sheer volume of games released in the past few months, thought thankfully, I did manage to get a short session with the game this year. It looks fantastic, plays as slick as its predecessors and is shaping up to be one hell of a ride. Make sure you let Mass Effect 3 consume your spare time otherwise you’ll likely miss out on one of the best RPGs of 2012 and this generation.