2011 Spring Video Game Preview

By Michael Lopez

Spring is in the air, which means warmer weather, blooming flowers and longer days. Of course, none of that matters to the hardcore gamers, many of whom will be nestled indoors and glued to their TV screens, controllers in hand. Why? Because spring also promises an onslaught of highly-anticipated video games!

The EA golf game Tiger Woods PGA 12, set to hit stores March 29, may not feature its namesake on the cover, but the simulated Masters tourney will offer plenty of new online capabilities.

Old school gamers are in for a major treat with the new version of Mortal Kombat. Now with 3D graphics, online play and numerous new “fatalities,” it mixes the classic fighter format with plenty of fresh twists. Available exclusively for the Xbox 360 and PS3, expect to see it fly off the shelves on April 19.

And what fun is gaming without a few movie tie-ins? This May, expect to see digitized versions of Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp in Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean. Encompassing all four Pirates movies, it offers 2-player cooperative play and plenty of cute interpretations of Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.

Dig The Sims much? Fans of this series have been able to control virtual people and build up intricate faux communities. Now EA is pushing the concept even further with The Sims: Medieval. Yup, your favorite 2D humans are now donning armor, crowns and jester outfits in the Middle Ages. Could there be virtual dragons to slay? You’ll have to pick up the game to find out.

And though it may not be a game per say, spring’s biggest electronic import is bound to be the Nintendo 3DS. Announced last year, the innovative handheld will become available in U.S. stores on March 27. Featuring groundbreaking technology that lets you experience 3D without wearing glasses, the pocket-sized device is expected to launch alongside three-dimensional Street Fighter and Nintendogs games.

Which upcoming video games are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Hot Stuff, Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean, Mortal Kombat, Nintendo 3DS, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Sims, The Sims: Medieval, Tiger Woods PGA 12, video games