2013 promises to bring excitement to the gaming industry, as more details on Microsoft’s and Sony’s next consoles are released throughout the year. That doesn’t mean there won’t be amazing games to look forward to, however. Here’s a few of the games that could define the year of us:

“Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch”

Released Jan. 22

Take the esteemed animation studio behind “Princess Mononoke,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Spirited Away,” add a respected Japanese RPG developer, and you’ve got “Ni no Kuni,” one of the biggest reasons to buy a PS3 this month. This game looks so good it hurts, but it remains to be seen how well it will sell despite a noticeable lack of mainstream marketing.

“Tomb Raider “

Released March 12

This reboot of a celebrated game series could revive Lara Croft as an exciting character once again. The hugely influential Croft’s origin stories will be explained and the game is expected to be darker than previous entries.

“Bioshock Infinite”

Released March 26

Though it was delayed, the latest Bioshock is expected to deliver on the series’ signature noir experience. Players will explore the air city of Columbia during the 1910s and other periods of time, all the while solving a grand conspiracy and shooting horrific enemies.

“Metro: Last Light”

Released March 2013

This take on the popular Metro: 2033 universe has garnered a lot of buzz for its apocalyptic, survival-horror and action gameplay. There’s no solid release date yet, but expect this game out at some point this spring.

“The Last of Us”

Released May 7

Speaking of survival horror, “The Last of Us” is expected to wow PS3 users later this year. Gamers will take control of two humans fighting off zombie-like creatures, the military and more as they struggle to survive.