Gamers eyeing March release of ‘Simcity,’ ‘Bioshock’ sequel

There are no major video game releases this week, so let’s look at a few of the games we’re most looking forward to for 2013:

“SimCity.” The original city-building simulator returns with more detailed visuals and many more options for running (or wrecking, depending on how you play) your urban utopia. Release date: March 5 for Windows PC and Mac.

“Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm.” Blizzard’s continuation of its real-time strategy series focuses on the Zerg race, but we presume it’ll continue the intriguing loveamid-war story line we fell for in “Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty.” Release date: March 12 for Windows PC and Mac.

“BioShock Infinite.” Ken Levine of 2007’s breakthrough “BioShock” returns with a story about an alternate America of the early 1900s where warring factions spar on a floating airship of a city called Columbia. Huge, ambitious and highly anticipated. Release date: March 26 for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

“The Last of Us.” An apocalyptic trip across America from the developers of the “Uncharted” series as two characters try to survive in the aftermath of a plague. Release date: May 7 for PlayStation 3.

“Pikmin 3.” The success of Nintendo’s new Wii U system will depend on how great games like this one turn out. Hardcore Nintendo fans will again grow plants, this time with more detailed controls using the GamePad screen. Release date: no official date announced yet, but it’s due out in the spring for Wii U.