Most Anticipated Games of 2013

As we begin to close out the year, it seems to be a time of looking both
backwards at the year that just passed, and forwards at the year that is yet to come. For the time being, I've decided to do the latter, and started to scout out the release announcements for next year. I have to say, there are a good few titles on there that keep me looking forward, and have me already formulating my excuses for some unexplained absences from work.
But until I get those excuses locked in, lets have a look at my three of my most anticipated games of the coming year. In no particular order...

1. Crysis 3

Crysis is a series that forces me to ignore all my rules and preconceived notions I have about gaming. As much as I attempt to remain part of the the "graphics aren't everything" camp, Crysis has consistently pulled me out of it with its absolutely awe-inspiring visuals. I play Crysis first and foremost to see the level of beauty they have managed to accomplish, the gameplay itself is almost incidental. Though furious warfare seems as good a way as any to liven up a scenic tour.
Crysis 3 looks to not dissapoint in the visuals department, and its PC crippling specs can attest to that. I'm looking forward to seeing just how far they can push the graphical envelope.

2. SimCity

It's no secret that I absolutely loved SimCity 4(the last real installment of the franchise), so needless to say I have been anticpating this return to form for years. The SimCity developers blog has done nothing to help this matter, showing me a game that seems to have the detail of city creation that I have been hoping for. Bleak industrial wastelands, high tech beacons of learning and technology and colourful tourist destinations are now within the grasp of the aspiring city builder.
Judging by the amount of hours logged into SimCity 4, I may want to set aside a week and a few cases of Red Bull for this installment come launch.

3. Total War: Rome II

The Total War games and I have a history. One that has often kept me up until 3am on a work day, firmly caught in the "One More Turn" vortex. My favorite of the series has easily been Rome, being the perfect balance of vibrant setting, tight mechanics and lack of unnecessary features. As years went by I hoped for a sequel. Especially as instalments like Napoleon and Empire came though, instalments that I was never very fond of. 
But now the long awaited sequel has been announced for late next year, and it looks bigger and better than ever. My only worry is with its October 2013 release date, it easily falls in to the danger zone for "pushed to Q1 2014". I just hope that doesn't happen, because I am all too ready to take control of the Roman legions once more.