The period from September to December is usually the time of the year when game development companies start releasing the most anticipated games of the year. This is the time when the games that people have been talking about and waiting for are finally given a release date (usually in the last few months before the year ends). 2010 is a good year for games and it is most apparent when you look at what’s going to be released in the coming months across all platforms. So better check your wallet and make sure you have enough funds to get all of these wonderful games.
1. Gran Turismo 5
Development for Gran Turismo took an interminably long time. First announced way back in 2006, it faced constant delays and the release date kept getting pushed back. But finally (and hopefully) the release date has been set in stone for November this year. If you’re a racing fan, the pinnacle of the racing genre is GT5. No other game comes close even when some others say otherwise, cough, Forza. What to expect with the newest iteration of the Gran Turismo series? Online play for up to 16 players, cool weather effects and even a 3D mode for those who have pockets deep enough to buy a 3D-capable TV.
2. Little Big Planet 2
The original Little Big Planet was a resounding success when it was released. It was a game that kept on giving — with periodic content updates, new costumes and, of course, a wide range of user-created content. Media Molecule promises to outdo the first game by miles by calling out to gamers’ creativity. If the first game allowed players to create their own platforming levels. But the LBP2 will allow players to create literally any game they want from every kind of genre. It is so powerful that it offers a highly customizable AI behavior, make different triggers and basically control every aspect of making games. The goal is to allow the player to create the game that he wants to make, whatever it may be. LBP2 is set to revolutionize customizability in games.
3. Call of Duty
First person shooters remain a top game genre even in 2010 and the Call of Duty franchise is one of its biggest titles. The almost yearly release of a Call of Duty game has consistently met with rabid reception from gamers and Call of Duty: Black Ops will expectedly be another hit. The new game will, as the title suggests, revolve around Black Ops missions in countries like Afghanistan and Vietnam. The Single Player is expected to give fans the requisite military storyline and intriguing missions but, as with the recent slew of Call of Duty games, the real appeal will be in the Multiplayer component. A number of different multiplayer modes will be included in the game and expect a new mode, too.
4. Halo Reach
It’s a new Halo game, so what else can we say? Anything with a Halo stamp on it is surely going to be a massive hit. A lot of anticipation surrounds Halo Reach because of the introduction of space combat to the already well-established Halo gameplay. And fans really should check it out because there are rumors that this may be the last game in the series.
5. Civilization V
Turn-based strategy fans will all agree that Civilization is the veritable god of the genre. It is a blackhole that sucks up people’s time and has the power to ruin relationships because of its addictive gameplay. Civilization V, the newest iteration of the game, will surely be a game changer of sorts because of new changes to the established gameplay, the most significant of which is the decision to change the tile grids from squares to hexagons. It sounds simple enough but this will really have a big impact on how the game is played. Of course, expect the introduction of new unit types, cities and maybe even civilizations.
6. Rock Band 3
A few years ago, rhythm games were exploding like no other new game genre but lately enthusiasm for it has waned. But this may all change with the impending release of Rock Band 3. The new game is introducing a number of new features and improvements that will serve to refresh not just the Rock Band franchise but the whole rhythm game genre as well. First, a new instrument – the keyboard – will be introduced. Then real guitars with strings and frets will also be released to coincide with the addition of a new Pro mode that is touted to really teach players the intricacies of the instruments they choose to play.
7. Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Kirby’s one of those Nintendo game characters that don’t see a lot action. But when he does appear in games, you’re to get a game that’s wonderfully fun to play. Kirby’s Epic Yarn wow’ed crowds at the recent E3 bcause of its quirky yet cute art style, incorporating string and fabric into the environment. It’s also a great platformer that will be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Yes it’s a great year for games! Want to get a closer peek at these titles? Check at the video game trailers !