The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: After years of waiting, it's finally happening: Bethesda is continuing the Elder Scrolls series. I've been a fan of the franchise since before the age of Morrowind, so it comes as no surprise that my most anticipated title of the year is the fifth game in the series. My enthusiasm for the game isn't just blind fanboyism either. Bethesda promises a bevy of fixes, which includes a (desperately needed) new engine.

With the promise of that brand new, advanced engine powering Bethesda's phenomenal storytelling, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim commands attention as one of the biggest potential titles of 2011. It cannot arrive fast enough.

L.A. Noire: In our video game past, we've handled the role of both cops and robbers. L.A. Noire from developer Team Bondi appears to offer the chance to play as investigators. There's a big difference between the older generation of detective adventure games--where clues are essentially buried within glorified hidden image levels--and what L.A. Noire looks to accomplish.

Players must read suspects and decide if their body language and facial expression show any subtle hints of deceit. At least, that's the goal the Rockstar-published title is going for. Aside from its impressive actor-capturing tech and cool period-piece story, L.A. Noire has a solid cast of actors--including Mad Men's Aaron Staton--to deliver a style of game that seems both immediately familiar and completely original at first glance. We're extremely interested to see how the game turns out.

Gears of War 3: The trilogy comes to an end with Gears of War 3. After making some extremely tough decisions in the game's last installment, heroes Marcus and Dom continue to fight for the survival of the human race against the menacing Locust horde.

Not enough for you? How about a new adversary: the imulsion-infected baddies known as Lambent.

It sounds like Gears of War is about to add an adversary potentially as annoying as Halo's Flood. Also, the previous game's end left us with a bad feeling that the Locust are just human beings that have been mutated via unspeakable experimentation (which would be extremely lame) but Epic Games is known for some solid experiences and we're willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Also, it's going to be mighty fine to slice through our friends online in the continuation of one of the Xbox 360's best multiplayer experiences.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds: A little known fact about Xav de Matos (other than him occasional referring to himself awkwardly in the third-person) is that he has always had a love for the Street Fighter franchise. From his ridiculous collection of games and memorabilia, and reading way too many comics and books detailing the world of the franchise, you'd think he'd be an expert at playing the game.

Admittedly, I'm really not that good. Even though my skill is overshadowed by many other impressive players, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds is on my most anticipated radar for 2011. Not only does it look outstanding but the game aims to give players the chance to familiarize themselves with some very hardcore characters within both universes. I might not be the best at playing the game but I know what the game should be: an over-the-top, fun, and powerful fighter that promises to take you for a ride.