31 Reasons Why I'll Be Broke By The End Of 2011

You may not realize it yet, but video games' busy season is upon us. The release of Gears of War 3 next Tuesday starts a string of 10 consecutive weeks holding at least one game I hope to purchase. I tried to save up as much cash as I could, and even worked out an agreement with my wife Kelly that allowed for $30 from each of my paychecks to be put in a separate video game fund. Even with all of my saving, I look to be about a billion dollars shy of having the funds needed to buy everything I want this year. Yes, I know, most people don't always get what they want, but that doesn't mean I can't complain about it.

The games below are on my wish list. Feel free to provide your very own list in the comments section.

GEARS OF WAR 3 – September 20
I'm going to finish this fight. Or is it find my dad? Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing how Epic finishes this story.

X-MEN DESTINY – September 27
The jury is still out on this one, but we're due for a quality X-Men game. Silicon Knights is also due for a hit after Too Human.

ICO AND SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS COLLECTION – September 27
Yes, I've already played these games and have them stuffed away in a box in my closet. I now need to play them in HD!

DARK SOULS – October 4
Phil insists that he wants to train me in Dark Souls. He says he wants to be "the old man to my Rocky." Not sure what that means, but I can't wait to get my ass kicked playing this game.

RAGE – October 4
So you're telling me that this FPS runs at 60 frames per second, features extensive looting, and is set in a post apocalyptic world? Sounds like something I might like to play.

SPIDER-MAN: EDGE OF TIME – October 4
Beenox's first Spider-Man title was one of my surprise games of 2010 and I have a feeling that the sequel will be every bit as good.

ACE COMBAT: ASSAULT HORIZON – October 11
I'm a huge fan of the series, and can't wait to see what Namco has in store for this installment.

DEAD RISING 2: OFF THE RECORD – October 11
Dead Rising 2 just wasn't the same without dear, old Frank West snapping photos of zombies doing stupid things.

FORZA 4 – October 11
I'm not a car enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love this series and the sense of progression it offers.

SESAME STREET: ONCE UPON A MONSTER – October 11
Don't judge! It's a Double Fine production!

SKYLANDER: SPYRO'S ADVENTURE – October 14
I'm curious to see how collectible action figures work with a video game.


BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY – October 18
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Batman: Arkham City are my two most anticipated games of the year. October 18 marks the first day of a five day gaming vacation for me!

RATCHET & CLANK: ALL 4 ONE – October 18
The classic gamer in me would much prefer a traditional Ratchet & Clank game. Who knows, though, four-player co-op could make for a more entertaining experience.

KIRBY'S RETURN TO DREAMLAND – October 25
I think the name sums it up. I've been waiting for this for over a decade. Actually, I never knew he left. Regardless, Kirby usually delivers sizable platforming thrills.

SILENT HILL DOWNPOUR – October 25
After Dead Space 2, I've been looking for a quality horror game. Konami needs to get this series back on track.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL EXTENDED CUT – October 25
The Wii version was one of the funniest (and most profane) games I've ever played. More is always welcome, Sega. Please bring us a Super Extended Cut on Xbox 360 next.

BATTLEFIELD 3 – October 25
I cannot wait for the Battlefield 3 versus Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 smack talk to begin! I'm not throwing my hat into either camp at this point. I'm excited for both of 'em.

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE'S DECEPTION – November 1
I gave the last game a 10. Yes, I want to play the sequel.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: WAR IN THE NORTH – November 1
An untold Lord of the Rings story with co-op sounds like a weekend well spent.

LEGO HARRY POTTER: YEARS 5-7 – November 1
I've played every LEGO game to completion and have no intention of stopping any time soon.

METAL GEAR SOLID: HD COLLECTION – November 8
I'm convincing myself that these games need to be played again in HD. I'm a sucker for minor changes. By the way, did I tell you I purchased the Star Wars Blu-rays?

CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 – November 8
This is easily the biggest release of the year. Can Infinity Ward rebound after the layoffs? Does this series' multiplayer still have teeth?

THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM – November 11
This is the day I say goodbye to my wife and friends for a good month. I'm going to kill so many dragons!

SUPER MARIO 3D – November 13
A new portable Mario title is exactly what I need for my travels.

SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD – November 15
Why is this game releasing four days after Skyrim? I know I'm going to sink over 100 hours into both of these games.

ASSASSIN'S CREED: REVELATIONS – November 15
Ubisoft is promising answers in this installment. Remember when the creators of Lost delivered that promise?

JURASSIC PARK – November 15
Dinosaurs. Jurassic Park theme. Nuff said.

HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY – November 15
How much money am I spending on game re-releases?

RAYMAN ORIGINS – November 15
Ubisoft is really releasing Rayman and Assassin's Creed on the same day? Isn't there a law out there that states that a company can't release two triple-A games on the same day?

NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN – November 15
I'm a little wary of the out-of-car action at this point, but I do like seeing EA take chances with one of its flagship franchises.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA:  SKYWARD SWORD – November 20
Shigeru Miyamoto just announced that this game will feature between 50 and 100 hours of gameplay. Best news I've heard at the wrong time of the year.

Obviously, there's always a chance a few of these titles will be pushed into 2012, or may be of a quality that doesn't demand an immediate purchase. I'll weigh my purchasing decisions on the launch day of each game. No matter what happens, it looks like we'll all have a huge back catalog to catch up on come the new year.