Notable Xbox 360 and PS3 game releases for March 2013

This March is unlike anything we've seen before in the gaming industry. If you thought February was packed with some pretty awesome Xbox 360 and PS3 games, you are in for a real treat. All you have to do is look at tomorrow's list of game releases. Normally, publishers tend to wait until the latter half of the year to release their blockbuster titles, but with next-gen consoles expected to dominate the holiday 2013 season, they have to get the last of this generation out. Below are the Xbox 360 and PS3 game releases for March 2013:

MLB 13 The Show (PS3) / MLB 2K13 (Xbox 360, PS3) – March 5, 2013

Major League Baseball's Spring Training is in full swing, which means the release of two separate baseball games.

For Sony fans, you have the PS3/Vita exclusive MLB 13 The Show. With a new Beginner mode, Playoff Mode, revamped Road to the Show and Dynasty systems, and all-new camera angles and gameplay features, there's plenty to be excited for. Check out some of this year's biggest features.

If you don't have a PS3 or Vita, you don't really have a choice in what game you get this year. MLB 2K13 is the only other baseball title available. For much of the year, it didn't even look like Xbox 360 owners would get a baseball game, but thanks to a last minute deal agreed upon by 2K Sports and Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and Major League Baseball Advanced Media, we get to spend another summer playing ball. Unfortunately, the uncertainty surrounding the agreement might have left little time for improvements. Other than the return of the Perfect Game Challenge, we know very little about what to expect with MLB 2K13.

Tomb Raider (Xbox 360, PS3) – March 5, 2013

A younger Lara Croft makes her much-awaited return in the new Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix. Tomb Raider has drawn comparisons to "torture porn" thanks to some pretty brutal gameplay clips shown to date. It didn't help that game producer Ron Rosenberg likened Lara to a "cornered animal" that fans would want to help — much like a rape victim.

Despite the flub, there's no denying Tomb Raider looks fantastic. It's definitely not the Tomb Raider I grew up on, but that's ok. It's brutal, it's action-packed, and Lara is a complete badass.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 (Xbox 360, PS3) – March 5, 2013

Naruto fans have a lot to look forward to with the latest release of the Ultimate Ninja Franchise. After Naruto Generations, which blended old and new Naruto characters, Shippuden Ultimate Ninja 3 will continue the storyline after Ultimate Ninja 2, and will feature over 80 playable characters.

New to the series will be the Ultimate Decision Mode, which will allow players to alter events, resulting in alternate storylines. Additionally, a new beat 'em up mode will let players take on a multitude of enemies across various stages. Those who pick up the game on day one will be treated to some sweet costumes, including Goku's outfit from Dragon Ball Z for Naruto himself. Talk about fan service.

God of War: Ascension (PS3) – March 12, 2013

The first of three highly anticipated PlayStation 3 exclusives (The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls) makes its debut on March 5. A lot of emphasis has been placed upon the newly implemented multiplayer feature, but don't let that fool you into thinking Sony Santa Monica forgot about what God of War is all about — the action-packed single player.

This time around, the God of War: Ascension story will show a more emotional side of Kratos. Because it's a prequel, set six months to a year after the death of Kratos' family, we will experience a whole new side to the character, who is often criticized as being one-dimensional. Speaking to lead designer Mark Simon, he assured me come the end of the game, we'll have a deeper understanding of why Kratos is the character he is.

Gears of War: Judgment (Xbox 360) – March 19, 2013

One of the largest Xbox 360-exclusive franchises, Gears of War: Judgment takes you back before the events of the original trilogy. The campaign takes you back to the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day, the Locust Horde's full-scale planet-wide assault on the surface of Sera. You'll play as Kilo Squad, led by Damon Baird and Augustus Cole, as you fight to save the city of Halvo Bay.

While the Gears campaign is always solid, the replay value exists in the multiplayer. Gears of War: Judgment introduces a variety of new multiplayer experiences including OverRun, a new class-based competitive mode that pits Locust and COG soldiers in a head-to-head battle.

BioShock Infinite (Xbox 360, PS3) – March 26, 2013

Finally!!! I know I'm not the only one that feels like this game has been in development for-ev-er. This month, we'll finally be able to travel to Columbia, the mysterious city in the sky. In the game, you play as former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt. He's headed to the air-city of Columbia to find Elizabeth, a young woman who has been held captive there for the last twelves years. Why? We don't know for sure, but there certainly seems to be more to her than meets the eye. Back in December, we had some decent hands-on time with BioShock Infinite; check out our initial preview and thoughts.

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (Xbox 360, PS3) – March 26, 2013

I'm not exactly sure what to make of this game as there hasn't been much released. We've had one really poor leaked unofficial gameplay trailer and one pedestrian-looking official gameplay trailer. I want this game to be good. I'm a fan of The Walking Dead; I love Daryl and Merle Dixon. I just hope Activision isn't looking to just capitalize on The Walking Dead name with some generic first-person shooter. Until I get some hands-on time with this game, I'll remain skeptical.

Remember, these are just a few of the many titles coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this March. Be sure to check back later today for this month's PC, Wii U, 3DS, and Vita game releases. In the meantime, follow @Matt_GZ for the latest gaming news or if you just want to talk video games.