9 Video Games to Watch for in 09
I know, I know… not another top “something” list but this year promises to bring us some of the most anticipated sequels to our favorite games, some interesting reboots of classics, and some that redefine what a game is and what it can be. Of course there will be the obligatory graphical improvements and upgrades to computer AI of the enemies. 2009 also shows potential for true stereoscopic 3D gaming to become mainstream and practical if the CES is any indication with all of the stereoscopic displays and 3D technology that was showcased. My friend and fellow blogger Nixie was lucky enough to go to the CES last week and wrote up an excellent article of her experience and opinion. Although I still question how viable the technology is, it’s still an exciting concept and possible next step towards a real life Holodeck.
So, without further ado, the nine games this year that will be keeping us glued to our couches…
#9 – Darkfall Online
Developer: Aventurine
Genre: MMORPG, MMORTS, MMOFPS
Platform: PC
Release: Feb 25th
Although I’ve grown tired of the standard MMO fare of grinding and equipment obsession but Darkfall Online is looking to be a breath of fresh air in that regard. Instead of grinding to get an ever higher level, there are no levels. Like EVE Online and Ultima Online, Darkfall is based around skills. It also boasts an open PvP world with the ability to loot anything and everything off of a player. Although some might be concerned about players killing other players, but to address this Aventurine has instituted an alignment element in which it is very easy to turn “evil” from killing players and very hard to go good after turning evil. It also boasts a realtime weather system that can obstruct your view when fighting. The monsters will also form groups and move locations when hunted en masse. All of this is wrapped up into a server that boasts a 10k player capacity.
#8 – flower
Developer: thatgamecompany
Genre: Casual
Platform: Playstation 3
Release: February
From the makers of flOw comes the new definition defying game, flower. When I first heard about flower I wasn’t exactly sure what to think, but after some more researching it has grown on me. Like Rez this game is a combination of music, graphics, and intuitive controls to evoke an emotion. Like it’s predecessor, flower utilizes the PS3′s Six-axis controller to direct a collective of flower petals through a bleak landscape bringing color back to the environment by causing other flowers to bloom. As you move in the environment the music responds to your actions. Although it’s not your typical game, flower shows potential to make an interesting statement on suburban sprawl and it’s effect on the environment. It also looks to have some amazing looking environments that take full advantage of the PS3′s Cell and RSX processors.
#7 – Heavy Rain
Developer: Quantic Dream
Genre: Psychological Mystery/Thriller
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Release: TBA
Heavy Rain is an interactive thriller in the same vein of it’s predecessor, Fahrenheit or Indigo Prophecy as it was called in the US and Canada. Although it’s in noway connected to Fahrenheit, the games are extremely similar in that they both allow the player to make decisions that ultimately determine how the game plays and ends. Although very little has been revealed about this game, the thing that caught my eye with this game was the sheer level of detail in the graphics and their ability to convey the emotions of the characters. The control scheme also sounds interesting in that you will use the analog triggers of the controller to move the character forward and the left stick to control the view and direction of movement of the character. With the bar set high already by Fahrenheit, Heavy Rain has it’s work cut out for it.
#6 – F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Developer: Monolith
Genre: Horror FPS
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Release: February
Alma is back again to wreak havoc in this sequel. You play Sergeant Michael Becket who leads a FEAR team to rescue Genevieve Aristide, the scientist who attempted to restart the Origin project and let loose Alma. The game starts 30 minutes prior to the end of the first game. Along with the improved graphics the sequel has added a new aspect by having parts where you drive a mechanized drone. The original was great at making me jump out of my seat at almost any moment and the sequel doesn’t appear to be lacking in this ability either and will explain the origin [sic] of Alma and her relation to Armacham Technology Corporation.
#5 – God of War 3
Developer: SCE Studios Santa Monica
Genre: Action-Adventure
Platform: Playstation 3
Release: December
I unfortunately never got the chance to play the original two games, but I don’t plan to make the same step with the sequel. Very little has been revealed about the game aside from it explaining “why there are no more Greek myths.” There have been hints dropped that the game will involve the war between the Olympians and the Titans with Kratos possibly taking down both. I’m sure the game will have many of the same style puzzles as in the first two games along with improved combat and possibly wielding dual swords. Hopefully we’ll hear more about this game in the coming months.
#4 – Wolfenstein
Developer: Raven Software
Genre: FPS
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Release: TBA
The Nazi’s have discovered an inter-dimensional portal known as the “Shroud” in search of power to rule the world. You as BJ Blazkowicz have to learn to harness the Shroud against your enemies while taking down Himmler and his SS forces. Although little information has been released yet for this game, it is already showing possibility to make a splash this year, if RavenSoft is able to get it out the door. In addition to the single player game, the multiplayer looks to continue the success of Return to Castle Wolfenstein. I doubt I’ll be the only one awaiting this anxiously. If you want to see how amazing the graphics are, just take a look at how far we’ve come:
Oh the memories...
#3 – DC Universe Online
Developer: Sony Online Entertainment
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC
Release: TBA
Ever imagined fighting villains alongside the likes of Batman, Superman, or the Green Lantern? Well in DC Universe Online you can do just that! You can jump into the game right away by having a character modeled after your favorite superhero or supervillain or take the time and customize your character to have the powers and looks you want, just like City of Heroes and City of Villains. The game also promises the opportunity to play in all of familiar environments such as Metropolis and Gotham City. The missions will thrust you alongside your favorite heroes from the comics to assist them in fighting the infamous villains. The potential for this game is almost limitless. Lets hope the developers don’t let us down!
#2 – Diablo 3 & StarCraft 2
Developer: Blizzard
Genre: RTS & RPG
Platform: PC
Release: TBA
Both of these games are looking to be so amazing that I just couldn’t pick one that was better, so they tied for 2nd place. Blizzard has finally seen fit to give us sequels to some of their most famous franchises, and they’re not MMOs! Both look to have some amazing graphical improvements to them, which is a given. StarCraft 2 has increased the number of units on the screen to an insane amount, as you can tell from the screen above. Diablo 3 has made some gameplay changes which have been pretty controversial since they were announced, namely making the game more of a Gauntlet style gameplay. Although both have changes, they both have kept strong elements from their originals. My only worry is that there will be imbalances between the races of StarCraft 2 or the classes of Diablo 3. Knowing Blizzard though, they won’t release either game until their perfect. Lets just hope it’s sometime this decade!
#1 – Final Fantasy XII
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Release: Japan – 2009, US – March 2010
If you’ve ever played any of the prior Final Fantasy series of games you probably already know the premise of the latest installment. You play a group of characters whose task it is to save the world from some evil corporation or government. In the thirteenth installment you play as a character named Lightning, who is described as a female version of Cloud from Final Fantasy VII. The antagonist in this latest saga is the theocratic government of Cocoon, a city in the sky above the world of Pulse that was created by the fal’Cie. Anyone that has been to the ground of Pulse and influenced by it is quarantined and exiled from the city by the Cocoon government. It is up to Lightning and her group of friends she meets along the way to take down the government and free the people of Cocoon from their oppressors.
Final Fantasy XIII has a battle system akin to the Active Time Battle system where battle sequences are incorporated into the environment. It is said to make the battles feel more like the battles that were seen in the Advent Children movie. If they’re able to pull this off successfully, then we’ll be in for a real treat and some epic battles. Square Enix surprised everybody when they announced they would be releasing XIII on the Xbox 360, thus ending the reign of the series being a Playstation exclusive. They will be releasing the game first of course on the Playstation 3 in Japan by the end of the year, and hopefully shortly after on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 in the US and Europe. Of course Square Enix will make it all look as gorgeous as ever and I doubt I’ll be the only one chomping at the bit to get my hands on it when it comes out in the US. Now to decide whether to get it for the PS3 or the 360…
If you thought 2008 had it’s fill of amazing games, 2009 promises to up the ante and give us money reasons to fork over our hard earned money. What games are you anxious to get your hands on? Did I miss any biggies? Let me know in the comments!
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Author: Justin "Trip" Drew (39 Articles)
Justin is a full time Network Security Admin for Rackspace and technology geek. When he's not securing people's networks he can be found playing video games, watching movies, and occasionally playing fetch with his dog Mac.
16 Jan 2009, 6:44 pm
Heavy Rain definitely = orgasms. Also, DC Universe Online is another definitely “maybe” in my list of time consuming games to play. Thanks for letting me know about it! <3