PC gaming's 29 hottest prospects in 2013

By Chris Scullion for CVG UK

While consoles prepare for a fresh transition in 2013, PC gamers can sit safe in the knowledge that 'next-gen' gaming is a mere upgrade away.

The remaining big games headed to the platform in 2013 suggest that not only will the PC be receiving some of the best multi-platform releases of the current console generation, but next-gen games such as Watch Dogs will remain a permanent fixture on high-spec rigs too.

Here's our run-down of the big releases headed to the PC throughout the rest of the year. If any in particular have your interest peaked, or if there's anything you feel that's missing, let us know in the comments below.

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1. Starforge

Publisher:

Codehatch

Developer:

Codehatch

Release date:

Q4 2013

Starforge has been described by some as "a realistic-looking Minecraft in space with guns", which alone should be enough to peak interest. The aim is to change terrain in order to build your own fortress that - along with your trusty shotgun - will protect you from invading aliens. It's clear that this crowd-funded indie project is massively ambitious but it's already come impressively far and has just entered Alpha stage (the Alpha version can be bought on Steam at a lower price, much like Minecraft's original pricing structure).

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2. Clang

Publisher:

Subutai

Developer:

Subutai

Release date:

Q3 2013

This Kickstarted combat game initially doesn't sound like anything too special - it's a one-on-one arena-based duelling game featuring swords. So far, so normal. Throw in the fact that the game's director is legendary sci-fi author Neal Stephenson (who promises the game's story will evolve and grow over time) and that the sword-fighting gameplay will be developed with the input of expert swordsmen, and it starts to become more obvious why this is one to watch.

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3. Battlefield 4

Publisher:

EA

Developer:

EA Digital Illusions

Release date:

Q4 2013

The announcement may have been teased more than a man in a pink shirt, but when EA's well-oiled military combat machine finally did report for duty it was via an impressive 17 minute video. Much of what Battlefield 4 will actually contain remains a mystery, but as with most successful sequels it probably won't mess too much with the established formula. Expect a beefed up single-player campaign with multiplayer retaining a mix of infantry, vehicular and airborne combat in a comprehensive variety of the world's most powerful military muscle and technology. See our new Battlefield 4 preview for more details.

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4. Smite

Publisher:

Hi-Rez Studios

Developer:

Hi-Rez Studios

Release date:

Q2 2013 (currently in beta)

Hi-Rez Studios is the team responsible for the fantastic Tribes: Ascend, so it should come as no surprise that its next game is currently getting the thumbs up for those playing in beta (where it's been for quite a while now). Smite is a sort of third-person take on DotA, except instead of defending Ancients with a team of warriors, here you choose from a selection of gods from major religions and fight other gods to protect your minotaur. The beta's available to play for free now on the Smite website.

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5. Dragon Age III: Inquisition

Publisher:

EA

Developer:

Bioware

Release date:

TBC

The third instalment in BioWare and EA's RPG series will once again be set in the Dragon world of Thedas, though it promises to be a much larger game, with some territories being described as four or five times bigger than Ferelden, the original setting for Dragon Age: Origins. Its been hinted that Dragon Age III: Inquisition will take place in the land of Orlais which is apparently the most 'French' of Dragon Age's lands. Expect plenty of trademark high fantasy roleplaying and BioWare's customary levels of polish as you attempt to save the world from itself.

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6. Battle Cry Of Freedom

Publisher:

Flying Squirrel Entertainment

Developer:

Flying Squirrel Entertainment

Release date:

TBC 2013

This indie multiplayer game is still in the very early stages but if it manages to make good on its ambitious promises it could be fantastic. It's going to be set during the events of the American Civil War and promises battles of more than 500 players, trenches, explosives, buildable barricades and even playable musicians who can play a selection of tunes from that period. It's a bold claim but Flying Squirrel does have previous (it made a Napoleonic Wars add-on for Mount & Blade: Warband) so it could well deliver.