Games get delayed all the time.

Sometimes games get delayed to the point of no return – StarCraft: Ghost, anyone? Tears are shed, pre-orders are refunded, and gamer rage is abundant during cancellation. Like it or not, there are millions of future games out there just waiting to be delayed.

But what about those games that get pushed forward from their initially announced release date? Generally, these titles are not remembered as often as those delayed. So, to prove to you gamers that sometimes release dates get pushed forward, here is a list of those in recent times that have been released ahead of schedule.

Dead Space (Multiple Systems)

This deliciously horrifying game that blatantly borrowed from a couple of previous hits (Bioshock and Resident Evil 4, to name a couple) was originally slated for a Halloween 2008 release. The never happened, as the game was pushed forward to an October 24th release and then pushed forward again to the 14th. A game was pushed forward twice? Blasphemy!

Resident Evil 5 (Multiple Systems)

Resident Evil 5 came out on March 13th, 2009 in North America, right on time for those keeping track. However, Japan’s original release date for the game was March 12th, which was bumped forward a week to March 5th. Next time move up the North American release as well, Capcom.

K, thanks!

Red Faction: Guerrilla (Multiple Systems)

The latest game in the Mars-centric series was originally blasting off  June 9th, 2009, but was pushed up a week. The demo is available for the 360 and PS3 now, so give it a try before you buy. Beware of the Ostrich Hammer!

Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)

This PS3-only gem was originally slated for a November 11th release in Europe and North America, but an announcement was made that moved the European release two weeks earlier. The same was not true for North America.

But soon after the European announcement, the game was edged forward a week in North America. If you own a PS3 and have not bought this game, shame on you.

Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (Wii)

This swashbuckling Dragon Quest rendition for the Wii was supposed to be released February 26th, 2008, but was pushed forward in order to space itself from the blockbuster Super Smash Brothers Brawl. The game was released on February 19th, 2008.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360)

Previously a Playstation exclusive, the Square Enix RPG’s fourth appearance was originally slated for March 3rd, 2009. However, amid much glee from Star Ocean fans, the game released a week ahead of schedule.

inFamous (PS3)

This PS3 exclusive was originally slated for a June ‘09 release and was pushed forward to May 26th, according to an April announcement from the Playstation blog. The game has already gone gold, and early copies will contain a beta code for Uncharted 2’s multiplayer. Definitely a must buy for PS3 owners.

 

 

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See!?! It does happen. Maybe not as often as delays, but these seven games stand as evidence. However, it does seem that games are pushed forward by mere weeks and knocked back by months, if not years (or worse).

If any developers are listening, please deliver the following to us as soon as possible:

God of War III

Diablo III and Starcraft II

Batman: Arkham Asylum (Recently delayed from June of this year to the end of the summer… Damn!)

Final Fantasy XIII

That is all (for now). Thank you for you cooperation.

Are there any games that you want to get your grubby paws on ASAP? Let us know in your comments!