Now, I’m not hating on 2011, but I just can’t wait for this year to be over. It’s already December, and the new year is looking fresh beyond the horizon. Despite the fact that 2012 holds our “supposed” doom and the end of the world (please be zombies, PLEASE BE ZOMBIES), there are a few things that I am looking forward to. Here are a few things I’m most looking forward to in 2012:
1. BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite, though not a direct sequel or prequel to the previous BioShock games, is the newest first-person shooter developed by Irrational Games in the BioShock series. Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite takes place in a city, Colombia, which is suspended in the air by giant blimps and balloons. Built and launched in 1900 by the American government as a floating “World’s Fair” facade, the city broke out into a civil war when it was revealed that it was in fact a well-armed battleship and had become involved in an “international incident” after firing upon Chinese civilians during the Boxer Rebellion. Two main factions remain in the dystopian society: the Founders, those who retain power over the city led by Zachary Hale Comstock, and the Vox Populi, a resistance group led by Daisy Fitzroy. The player plays as Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton National Detective, who has been given the task to infiltrate the city and rescue a woman named Elizabeth. Centrally involved in the civil war, Elizabeth is wanted by both factions and by her Songbird, a robotic bird-like creature who’s been her warden over the last 12 years. Just by this description alone, I already want to spend the rest of my time playing this game. Many other elements, including tears in the fabric of space-time, are included within the game, making it just that much more alluring.
2. Bamboozle 2012
The Bamboozle is an annual three-day music festival held in New Jersey. Originating in 2003, the festival was held at Asbury Park until 2005, where it moved to the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford. This year though, to celebrate “10 Years in the Making”, the Bamboozle is moving back to Asbury Park for the event. This year will also be my sixth year of attending the Bamboozle festival. All different types of genres are present at the Bamboozle festival, from ska to hip-hop to punk rock. I went to the show in ’06, ’08, ’09, ’10, and ’11, and each time has been the time of my life. I’ve gotten to see so many bands perform there, like Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Coheed and Cambria, Bullet for my Valentine, Rise Against, The Used, Rx Bandits, The Gaslight Anthem, Streetlight Manifesto, and even Snoop Dog and Ke$ha, along with a ton of other great bands. While the line-up for this year hasn’t been announced, I’m hoping that the change in location will help re-establish the punk-rock roots and bands that originally helped start this festival.
3. World War Z
World War Z is an upcoming horror film based on the post-apocalyptic horror novel written by Max Brooks. Starring and produced by Brad Pitt, the film follows a U.N. employee who’s interviewing the survivors of the Zombie apocalypse, better known as World War Z. While Max Brooks himself has no involvement with the film, he favored Brad Pitt for the role of Gerry Lane, the U.N. employee. With a budget of $125 million, I’m severely hoping that this will turn out to be one of the best zombie movies ever filmed.
4. The Beautiful Things tour
Anthony Green of Circa Survive is releasing his second solo album titled Beautiful Things. To promote this album, he’s going on tour with one of my favorite bands, The Dear Hunter. If only I could go to every show.
While my list for things to be excited for in 2012 seems pretty dim now, it’s sure to expand within the upcoming months. 2012 has a lot to offer besides our impending doom, which as I said before, I really hope is zombies.