E3 2012 is approaching quickly and we’re already giddy about what’s going to be shown on gaming’s biggest show. Here’s our most anticipated games of E3.

10. Borderlands 2

The success of the original Borderlands caught most everyone by surprise. While the look of the game helped set it apart from other first-person shooters on the market, the gameplay more than stood up on its own. Gearbox has promised even more loot, new guns and an improved experience in addition to the fun co-op play for the series return. I can’t wait to get my hands on it on the show floor.

9. Halo 4

The return of Master Chief capped Microsoft’s E3 presentation last year and they are sure to center their lineup around the title this year. An entry in the Halo franchise is always exciting for fans, but with a new developer in 343 Industries at the helm for the first time, this game is just as intriguing as Bungie’s new title, which sadly will not be at the show.

8. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

More than just the name, this title is very interesting. Essentially rebooted after the failure of Metal Gear Solid Rising, Platinum Games, known for their ultra-stylish Vanquish and Bayonetta, look to put their own spin on the MGS series. In truth, if it can’t be directly under Kojima himself, their’s no other developer I’d want working on a Raiden-centric Metal Gear game.

7. Tomb Raider 

While the Tomb Raider reboot will not be shown to the public at E3, that doesn’t mean it won’t be at the show and the demo video shown at last year’s show alone still has me excited for Crystal Dynamic’s gritty return for Lara Croft.

6. Hitman: Absolution

I’ve never played a Hitman game before. I have heard really great things about the series, Blood Money especially, but just never got around to it. I intend to change that with Hitman: Absolution. Developer Io faces the challenge of balancing expectations of old fans who are expecting countless solutions to your objectives with meeting the high standards of gameplay from new fans, like me. I think they are up to the challenge and I can’t wait to see more of Agent 47.

5. Metro: Last Light 

2010’s Metro 2033 has become a bit of a modern cult-classic in the gaming industry. While the original’s action was passable, the atmosphere and originality of the title drew many players in. The demo that was displayed last year looked fantastic and I’m eager to see what 4A Games has been working on since then. If the game turns out to be even half as tense as the recent live-action trailer was, it could be something special.

4.  Dishonored

Many have described Dishonored as a mix of Assassin’s Creed, Deus Ex and Mirror’s Edge in a steampunk Victorian setting after the first trailer was released. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will. I can’t wait to check out what Arkane Studios and Bethesda have been working on.

3. Assassin’s Creed III 

I’ve been looking forward to this game ever since I first saw the first piece of artwork. I’ve always loved the Assassin’s Creed series, but as a U.S. history buff, an American Revolution set entry is a gift. After seeing the demo shown at PAX East, I’m already sold at this game, but I’d still like to see even more from Ubisoft about what this game is all about.

2. Wii U launch titles

Though we’ve known about the Wii U for a year, it’s still kind of a mystery. We know Nintendo will not be revealing a specific launch date or price point for the new console at the show, but hopefully they’ll surprise with some big titles for the system’s release, whenever that may be. More than just Mario and Pikmin, I’m hoping Nintendo will give us a reason to get excited about the Wii U.

1. The Last of Us

With Bioshock Infinite absent from the show this year, this is the game I am drooling over the most, even though I have only seen two trailers and read a handful of details about it. Coming off of the Uncharted series, Naughty Dog is one of the best developers in the industry and is sure to breathe new life into a crowded, zombie-filled genre. The most recent trailer, above, shows not only great visuals, but also the potential for great story telling with a mix of The Road and The Walking Dead. I’m also curious to see how Naughty Dog will handle the gameplay with Joel and companion Ellie.

Honorable mentions:

With all of these titles and those that have yet to be announced, E3 2012 doesn’t look like it will disappoint.

What games are you anticipating seeing most from the show this year?