One editor’s journey into the darkest depth of his desires. 15 ways to dull the ache of another year and avoid social interaction.
No, we don’t know everything, and our list may not have your most anticipated game of the year, but we think we’ve got a good list here, and the odds are looking good for us having a great year of gaming, no matter what we play.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV (online) is the fourteenth entry of the popular FF series. The Square Enix game – which will be released for the PS3 and Windows platforms – is expected to feature an aesthetic blend of sci-fi and classic fantasy elements. There is no shortage of Roman numerals so expect this series to go on until people lose interest in ancient cultures and their stupid counting schemes.
Lost Planet 2
This long-awaited Capcom game features 6 new episodes, each with multiple characters and progressive environments that include detailed cities, lush jungles, arid deserts and misty swamps. The story for LP2 was written by Hosokawa San, while the title was produced by Jun Takeuchi of Resident Evil 5 fame and directed by Kenji Oguro.
APB (All Points Bulletin)
APB is a massively multiplayer online video game for Microsoft Windows. The title takes place in various urban sprawls and includes two teams: Enforcement and the Criminals. APB was designed by David Jones, creator of the original Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown, and is being developed by Realtime Worlds.
BioShock 2
This cross-platform (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) FPS title returns players to the dystopian city known as Rapture.
The protagonist and player-controlled character is a Big Daddy, an individual which has had his/her organs and skin grafted onto an atmospheric diving suit.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
The fifth installment in the Splinter Cell video game series was developed by Ubisoft Montreal. The game – which is currently scheduled for release in April 2010 – will be available for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 platforms. Conviction introduces a number of new gameplay features, including “Mark and Execute,” “Last Known Position” and a multiplayer mode entitled Deniable Ops.
God of War III
This PS3 exclusive is the fifth and final chapter of the popular series, following God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War, God of War: Betrayal, and God of War II. The game is expected to feature a number of new weapons along with a more user-friendly combat interface.
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty
After years of delay, the Starcraft 2 (PC and Mac) is slated for release during Q2 2010. The title was initially designed as a single game, but was later divided into three separate installments: the base game, and two expansion packs – Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Gameplay in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is expected to be similar to the first Galaxy installment, albeit with 3D planets comprising varying sizes and landscapes. The game is also set to include the Bee Suit, Launch Star and Airships.
Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) will likely be released sometime during 2010. The game is currently being developed by Polyphony Digital and will be published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3.
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
Star Wars: The Old Republic (TOR) is a massively multiplayer (PC) online role-playing game developed by BioWare. Set in the Old Republic, the title features two main factions: the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire. Each faction contains different classes with a separate backstory and storyline that affects players’ choices.
Dark Void
Dark Void was developed by Airtight Games and published by Capcom on Unreal Engine 3 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows platforms. The title’s soundtrack was composed by Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary, who recorded the score with a 63-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony at the Eastwood Scoring Stage.
Halo Reach
Halo: Reach is an exclusive first-person shooter (FPS) for the Xbox 360. The prequel is expected to take place during the year 2552, just days before the events of the 2001 video game Halo: Combat Evolved.
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 was developed by BioWare Edmonton with assistance from BioWare Montreal and will be published by Electronic Arts. The game is the sequel to Mass Effect, and will be released on Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in North America on January 26, 2010.
Alan Wake
The protagonist in this Microsoft Xbox 360 game is an author who visits a small town with his wife to cure a bad case of writer’s block. However, Wake soon finds himself trapped in a nightmare, with his wife kidnapped and following a self-authored thriller which has begun to emulate real life.
Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online (Cryptic Studios) for the PC is a massively multiplayer online game that allows players to explore the galaxy and defend bases as well as ships.
