Since the holiday season is creeping upon us, I thought I’d take a look at some of the most anticipated games this year. There is always a huge rush of titles at this time, and this year is no different. Hopefully we can sort through what games look legit and what games you should avoid.
PS3:
The PS3 has some solid multiplatform offerings coming out, but the real gems of its lineup are the console exclusive games. Kicking things off is the excellent Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. This is a solid game all around. The single player, multiplayer, and co-op experiences all deliver on so many levels. This game is a real testament to the level of polish and attention to detail that developer Naughty dog has devoted to this incredible game. For those of you who have been waiting for a solid AAA PS3 title, wait no longer.
Another recently released game is the latest in Sony’s staple series Ratchet & Clank. While its definitely been a while since I’ve played a Ratchet & Clank game, the latest incarnation Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time maintains all of the fun elements of the past titles while making enough changes to keep the series fresh and innovative. What is interesting is that, other than Uncharted 2, no other game companies are making these action platforming games. For those who may be turned off by the game’s kiddie looking animation and graphics, don’t be fooled. The game offers one of the most sophisticated and mind bending gaming experiences you’ll find on any system.
Coming out Nov. 17 is Sony’s God of War Collection. This includes the original God of War I and II both digitally remastered in glorious HD. Even better, is the fact that this bundle includes a beta code to the highly anticipated God of War III. The bundle costs a measly $40, and should definitely be worth it as both games are excellent. I’ve wanted to revisit them, but my PS3 isn’t backwards compatible. Thankfully, with this release you can jam them on your PS3 even if it isn’t backwards compatible.
XBOX 360:
In case you’ve been living in a cave, Microsoft has released the latest game in its beloved Halo series. Halo 3: ODST dropped last month and has been receiving heavy rotation in 360s across the world. the latest chapter in the Halo saga puts you in the shoes of the members of the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper squad. The fresh perspective is a welcome addition to the Halo universe and the gameplay is as tight and responsive as the best games in the series. The gunplay is fast and frenetic like any other Halo game, backed up by a pretty solid story. Factor in the inclusion of all 21 (including 3 never released) maps and you’ve got enough Halo action to keep you busy for some time. There is a review floating around this site somewhere if you want more details.
Grand Theft Auto : Episodes from Libery City came out this week. This includes both Xbox 360 exclusive episodes: the previously released ’The Lost and Damned’ and the all new ‘The Ballad of Gay Tony’ with some additional content. Both episodes are also available for download from Xboxlive marketplace individually, but the double package is a great deal. If you no longer have GTAIV, buying the Episodes disc will enable you to play the new content without the original game disc, which is a huge plus. ‘Ballad of Gay Tony’ looks to be the most action packed episode yet, complete with insanely over the top action reminiscent of the best GTA: San Andreas had to offer.
Left 4 Dead 2 hits the streets on Nov. 17. This game looks to take the intense action of the first game and add new zombies, new campaigns, new characters, and all new modes. As a rabid fan of the first game, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. Hopefully this game is just as much of a blast to play with friends as the first was. There is nothing like trying to survive against endless hordes of zombies with a couple of buddies. For one of the best co-op multiplayer experiences on any system, look no further than the Left 4 Dead games.
WII:
The New Super Mario Bros. comes out this November for the Wii. This game looks to usher in a new era of solid Mario bros. gameplay. Very sinmilar to the resurrection of the Street Fighter franchise, New SMB boasts the same classic 2-d gameplay with beautifully rendered 3-d backgrounds. The gameplay should look familiar to anyone who’s played SMB 1-3, although with some interesting looking additions. Mario can now don a penguin suit and throw snowballs that freeze his enemies. Frozen enemies can be jumped on like platforms in order to access other areas. Further adding to the fun is that 4 players can jam co-op simultaneously.The gameplay looks very old school and very addictingly fun. I only pick up a few Wii titles each year, and this looks like it will definitely be one of them.
MULTIPLATFORM:
With all of these great console exclusive games on the horizon, there is the hugely anticipated release that is on nearly every gamer’s mind. A little game you may have heard of called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. From all of the media that has been released on this game, it looks flat out incredible. The graphics look superb and the gameplay looks like COD4, only improved dramatically (if that is even possible!). This game looks like it has enough hi tech military shooter action to make even Tom Clancy weep. This is perhaps one of THE most anticipated releases in years, and its release will definitely be epic.
Dropping the same day as Left 4 Dead 2 is another highly anticipated sequel, Assassins Creed 2. This game looks to have taken everything wrong with the first game and improved upon it. Early indications show that this game could possibly live up to the massive potential that the first game failed to capitalize on. Not to mention the game takes place in a historically accurate recreation of Florence, complete with incredible graphics and environments, and you have all the makings of a winner. Although this game doesn’t have a multiplayer component, I’m excited for it as I can pick it up for PS3 and show my system some love this holiday season.
Another multiplatform title that may have slid under the radar of most is DJ Hero. This is the latest music game to come out and in this one you assume the role of…a DJ! Early reports say that the turntable controler is just awesome, and the gameplay, while still a rhythm game essentially, is fresh and fun enough to breathe new life into the music game genre (which in my opinion has gotten a bit stale). I look forward to scratching records at the virtual club in this game as all the reviews I’ve read so far say that it is a blast to paly.
On The Radar:
Out just after the holidays are three major releases: Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2, and God of War III. Expect more info on these as things develop. For now, just take the time to take in the gaming goodness that is being unleashed this holday season.