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08-05-2008: Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2008 |
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10) Dead Space
Genre: Action
Developer: EA Redwood Shores
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Why?: I'm not sure how many more times I have to say it, but
Dead Space is one worth watching. Each time I see Dead Space -- and
every time I play it -- I want it just a little bit more. This moody
survival horror shooter has cool enemies and cooler weapons. And how
many games let you blow aliens in half in zero g? That Dead Space is
only #10 on my list is a testament to the number of great games coming
in the second half of '08.
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9) Shaun White Snowboarding
Genre: Sports
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Why?: It's been several years since Xbox gamers had a worthwhile
snowboarding game. Finally, those who dig games in the mold of 1080°
and Amped have a new snow-swept title to play this winter. Shaun White
Snowboarding is a realistic action sports game with four wide-open
mountains -- all of which are online arenas for you and your friends at
all times. I have been dying for another great snowboarding game and
SWS has all the makings of continuing the tradition set by 1080°
Snowboarding a decade ago.
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8) Portal: Still Alive
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Microsoft
Why?: Portal was the smash hit portion of Valve's Orange Box,
released in '07. So it was not a shock to learn that Valve was working
on a sequel. What was surprising, however, was Microsoft's announcement
that it would release what amounts to a 1.5 version of Portal on XBLA
with additional content. Little else is known about the new Portal. It
has been reported that I want this very badly and am willing to pay up
to 1200 Microsoft Points ($15) for the chance to play more Portal.
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7) Rock Band 2
Genre: Music
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: MTV Games
Why?: Despite the opinion of one Mr. Erik Brudvig, Rock Band 2
is not just the original with more songs. There's actually quite a bit
being added this year, including an extensive series of challenges.
These challenges, which are updated daily, recognize the DLC you own
and the types of songs you like playing. You will be challenged in the
areas that matter most to you. Did I mention that GNR is debuting a
song from their (never happening) next album? That's hot.
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6) Fable II
Genre: Role-Playing Game
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Why?: Peter Molyneux is famous for delivering on half the things
he promises. With Fable II, he's been wise to only promise things he
could show working in the game. So the many proclamations of Mr.
Molyneux appear as if they will happen for Fable II. If, in fact, that
is the case, then Fable II is going to be a stellar RPG for a system
still suffering from a dearth in the genre. While Fallout 3 may have
all the hype for RPG of the year, don't count out a strong showing from
Fable II.
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5) Bionic Commando Rearmed
Genre: Platformer
Developer: GRIN
Publisher: Capcom
Why?: Bionic Commando Rearmed may just change the way people
view classic remakes. Though the levels are almost identical to the NES
original (now two decades old), everything about BCR feels fresh. It
doesn't hurt that the visuals are among the best yet for an XBLA game.
Or that there are some new weapons added to your arsenal. Oh, and let's
not forget that there's a whole new level that's been added to the
game, making the final battle a real kick in the ass (but in a good
way).
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4) Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft
Why?: Nintendo fans have long awaited the return of
Banjo-Kazooie. Those fans will need to buy Xbox 360s -- and accept that
Rare is going way outside the box for its new platformer. I'm not sure
why there is such a backlash against Banjo 3 from our readers, but they
are all nuts. This game is going to be awesome. From the vehicle
creation to the fun single-player challenges to the inventive worlds to
addictive multiplayer -- Nuts & Bolts has all the right pieces.
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3) Gears of War 2
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Why?: The original Gears of War was a technical marvel and a fun
game, but in many ways it was more style than substance. The sequel
gets props for adding more story depth, multiplayer bots and the
awesome Horde game mode. Few need convincing that Gears 2 is a day one
purchase. The game looks awesome, plays better than the original, has
mortars and meat shields, and Brumak riding. What more could you need?
How about a replica Lancer (you'll shoot your eye out)? 'Nuff said.
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2) Fallout 3
Genre: Role-Playing Game
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Why?: Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion sucked away 100 hours of my
life. And that game was buggy and had a terrible main story. Yet I
loved it. After a half hour with Fallout 3, I can assure you that it
plays much, much better than Oblivion. And it looks great. The VAS
system, which allows you to target individual body parts, is a
(literal) blast. As long as Bethesda can deliver on a central story
that's as engrossing as the world it's created, Fallout 3 will be a
definite contender for Game of the Year.
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1) Prince of Persia
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Why?: The newest iteration of the Prince of Persia franchise
harkens back to the original game. Rather than surrounding players with
enemies, all of your battles are one-on-one affairs. This allows for
intense (and cinematic) combat where one well-placed hit can end your
life. Of course, combat is only a small part of Prince of Persia. The
real star is wall running and platform jumping, which perform smoothly
and look stylish. There really is no bigger gift than to have Prince of
Persia come out this winter.
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