Editor’s Note: We’ve reached the runner-up of 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, #5, #4, #3, #2.

Come one, come all and gather around the fire on this merriest of days, as we finally reach number one on our Top 25 Most Anticipated of 2012 feature. We’ve gone from twenty-five down to this, number one, showcasing the games of next year we’re most excited for, and now, as you all have your turkey dinners and play with your presents, we will reveal our most anticipated game of 2012.

With a bigger gap between first and second than between second and fourth [Ed - in regards to the points system we used], this game clocked in above all others on our list, with three staff, including myself, voting it their most anticipated of next year. Indeed, only Ryan didn’t put this game on his list, and that’s just because he’s a big scaredy-cat.

So, without further ado, the MediaKick Staff’s Most Anticipated Game of 2012 is Irrational Games’ BioShock Infinite!

Let’s be honest, It’s not exactly a surprise that BioShock Infinite has placed at the top of our list. The original game in the series, BioShock, was nothing short of a masterpiece. The first-person shooter originally launched on Xbox 360 back in 2007, with a PlayStation 3 version launching in 2008, earning numerous game of the year awards, including a BAFTA. BioShock was a master-class in terms of story-telling, narrative design and mechanics, and its setting, the 1960’s era underwater dystopia of Rapture, was and is still one of the most interesting and well realised settings ever seen in a game.

Its sequel, the aptly named BioShock 2 was actually developed by 2K Marin and returned to Rapture, a few years after the original, and, although it didn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of quality that the original did, it was still more than a quality game, as our Harry rightfully points out: “BioShock was the best game of 2007; BioShock 2 was only less than an excellent game when compared to BioShock. As for Bioshock Infinite? Well, to call the preview trailers enticing would be a gross understatement. The game looks brilliant and thoroughly inventive, and taking the BioShock universe and putting it in a whole new environment is something I cannot wait to behold. This is my number one anticipated game for 2012 because I wholly think this will end up being my Game of the Year for 2012.”

Now though, series creators Irrational Games are back for BioShock Infinite, with Ken Levine once again heading up a BioShock project, which is seriously exciting in itself. For Infinite, the series masters have taken the game to a new setting, the fictional floating city of Colombia in 1912. Players will take control of a voiced character for the first time, with a former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt taking the spotlight. Booker is sent to Colombia to rescue Elizabeth, a girl held captive in the floating city, guarded by a beast known as the Songbird.

Elizabeth is a powerful girl, who has the ability to travel through time by utilising “tears” in Colombia, an ability that has caused the warring factions of Colombia, the Founders and the Vox Populi, to hold her captive. We are told that the relationship between Booker and Elizabeth will be at the forefront of the game’s plot, something that has been evidenced by the many wonderful, awe-inspiring trailers we have seen since the game’s announcement.

MediaKick contributor Igor, who also rated the game as his personal most anticipated game of 2012, is also very excited by the prospect of Colombia: “BioShock literally set my gaming world alight. I simply could not fathom how incredible this series was and the only solution was to keep playing them over and over again. 2K mastered atmospheric gameplay with the BioShock series, incorporating elements from the classic System Shock into a brilliantly crafted Utopian society – it was a marvel to be part of. Now moving the series to a completely different environment, the sky to be exact, fans of BioShock have plenty to look forward to in BioShock Infinite. New style enemies and other crafty additions to an already fantastic formula will surely make exploring the floating city of Columbia an absolute joy. I can’t wait to see what’s in store and I have no doubt that Bioshock Infinite will be one of 2012′s most successful titles.”

A staple of the series, Plasmids return as Tonics in BioShock Infinite (strange substances that give people dangerous powers), with the terrifying Murder of crows tonic seen in the first trailer. Plasmids added a major tactical element to the original games, with certain ones allowing one to enter secret areas, get the drop on enemies and were even essential to advancing the story. The balancing act of using plasmids and guns in fights was a staple of the BioShock series, and let’s hope that for Infinite, that balance is once again bled into the gameplay. Staff writer Dave Irwin agrees, and is also excited by Booker’s grapple: “It’s BioShock, in the sky during a revolutionary age. Not sure on the concept? How about a steam-punk look with girders running through the skies that you can actually travel on? Still not sold? Throw in time travel and “tonics” and you should be in for a trip and a half. I would still love Irrational Games to go back and remake System Shock/System Shock 2, but this is the next best thing.”

A strong narrative has always been a major pro for the BioShock series. Th first game’s story was written by Ken Levine, and really helped capture the lonely feeling of Rapture, while also really pushing the survival-horror motif. The way the back-story was developed through audio files in the game was simply genius, and one of the features that made the story and setting so endearing. Contributor Rob was also a big fan of the narrative, and again hopes Infinite can help capture the same quality the original did: “The first BioShock took us all by surprise. Not only did it look fantastic and play amazingly, but it had such a rich and diverse narrative. The story was profound and the setting was unique, it was truly one of a kind. The sequel matched those heights and more by adding multiplayer to the fray. So comes Infinite, with a new world to explore, weapons to use and a new character to protect. What’s not to like?”

Finally, our editor David Howard has also chipped in, citing the story, combat and design innovations as elements that make him excited for BioShock Infinite: “BioShock. Perhaps one of the best story’s of this generation, it was a gripping adventure from start-to-finish, in a fantastic universe and some superb gameplay. Infinite looks set to be even better – the setting is marvellous, additions to combat sound incredible and the innovation in level design and mobility look utterly brilliant. It’s hard to not be excited for Bioshock Infinite, and when a game looks that good, it’s hard not to take notice.”

Indeed, BioShock Infinite looks to be the standout title of 2012. With Move support confirmed, players are promised now ways of experiencing this fantastic series. So as we come to the end of this feature, I wish you all a merry Xmas, and hope that all the game we have highlighted in this series of articles turn out as we hope and that all are excellent games. If they are even half as good as BioShock Infinite looks, I’m sure we’re in for a very, very prosperous year of gaming in 2012.