This holiday season was shaping up to be an epic lineup of intense AAA titles. Within the past few weeks, many of those titles have been pushed back to early next year, many still within the 2009 fiscal year for publishers, but in the 2010 calendar year. Though the general statement given is “we need a little more time to finalize the game”, this also may help many titles increase their sales by splitting the field in two. Here are some of the games that have already been delayed until 2010:
Here are some caveats for this list: This list was made purely from blind hope. None of these are confirmed, and many of the rumors may be wildly far-fetched. That said, these are things that would be great for gamers and would make me extremely happy. I’ve separated it into two categories: The Big 3 (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo) and Games. I’ve inserted links to the stories/rumors for each.
I started playing interactive computer games 20 years ago on the Apple Macintosh with The Manhole, Cosmic Osmo and Spelunx. Through a dozen systems (NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, Jaguar, Dreamcast, Playstation, Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Xbox 360, Playstation 3) made by a half-dozen manufacturers, the personal computer was one of the few constants as a gaming platform. Since 1998, I have played games exclusively on the PC (running some version of Windows). So why is it that a constant, easily accessible** and innovative platform with the easiest controls** is on its last legs?
*There are far more people with computers than consoles.
**Playing first person shooters and real-time strategy games is infinitely easier using a keyboard and mouse.
Here are 7 reasons that I can think of:
1) Digital piracy is rampant. It’s pretty difficult to stay afloat when 80% of the people playing your game didn’t even pay for it. Come on, PC gamers. It’s no wonder developers flock to the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 where it’s much easier to control piracy.
2) Rise of portable computers and the deemphasis on hardware performance for portability. Consumers no longer care as much about getting the best possible computer as it really no longer matters. To run basic internet and media applications and to do word processing, CPU and video card requirements are minimal. Which brings us to the next issue:
3) No hardware standardization. It’s difficult for PC game developers and publishers to create games that appeal to all gamers without any baseline for computer hardware specifications.
4) Xbox 360′s cannibalization of the market. You wonder how many console developers might have been producing PC games if the Xbox 360 wasn’t around. Microsoft has produced a gaming platform that is truly easy to develop on, but one which unfortunately has cannibalized some of its own audience.
5) PC versions come out after console game releases. Some of the biggest titles in console history were also released on the PC. The problem? Sometimes it can take 3 years to port a game over (see: Halo 2). GTA 4 and Halo 2 both had low PC sales due to a) late PC platform releases and b) the aforementioned Xbox 360 cannibalization of the PC customer.
6) Digital distribution numbers aren’t released. Digital distribution is the best way I can think of to save PC gaming. But right now it’s a duopoly (Valve + Direct2Drive), and very little sales data is released. Greater competition will breed innovation and an increased value to consumers.
7) Windows Vista. Windows Vista just wasn’t a good gaming platform. It registers significantly worse framerates and there were constant driver issues. Rumor has it, though, that Windows 7 will be “great for games”.
Windows gaming is in serious trouble. Digital distribution, Windows 7 and the PC Gaming Alliance’s efforts to standardize PC hardware requirements and bring more console games over to the PC will help, but it may be too little, too late. It’s sad thinking about the most robust gaming system coming to a close. The next two years will be the greatest test for PC gaming, as Blizzard will be releasing Diablo III and Starcraft II, and I’m sure we’ll see some big Valve titles coming soon. If PC gaming doesn’t see a renaissance now, it’s all but over.
Why do you think PC games are dying, and what do you think can be done about it?
If 2006 was the year of the Xbox 360, 2007 was the year of the Wii and 2008 was supposed to be the year of the PS3 (the year that didn’t quite happen), what is 2009? With some incredible exclusive titles for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, along with a number of AAA multiplatform releases, 2009 really looks to be the year of the gamer. There are some incredible titles coming out for all platforms this year, not to mention some that have come out already.
Since I didn’t start this blog until now, I’m only going to look at upcoming titles that should be released by the end of this year. That means no Killzone 2 or Halo Wars (already released), and no God of War III or Alan Wake (release dates in 2010 or still TBA).
Here are 10 unordered titles, regardless of platform, regardless of genre that all gamers can look forward to being released later this year.* This look is taken without bias toward or against any platform, just looking at great games.
*Keep in mind that I have my own genre biases, so if you’re more excited about Guitar Hero XVIII and Rock Band XXII, this is probably not the list for you.
BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams (Release: Q3 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
The first BioShock game, published by 2K Games, was one of the most innovative and fully-engrossing RPGs in a long time. Sea of Dreams takes another trip back to Rapture, ten years later, when the city is submerged in water. You’ll now take on the role of a freed Big Daddy, one who can use firearms and plasmids to wreak havoc on the city of Rapture, and ultimately battle the Big Sister who has been kidnapping young girls. The BioShock 2 Sea of Dreams trailer can be found below.
Assassin’s Creed 2 (Release: Q4 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
Assassin’s Creed 2 has only recently started to release assets regarding its holiday 2009 launch, so there is very little known about this title. I was a big fan of the first game, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the sequel. Assassin’s Creed 2 is rumored to be set in Venice, and the protagonist can now swim, so no worrying about pesky drowning situations. That said, very little has been revealed, so we’ll need to stay tuned for more details. The teaser trailer is posted below:
Halo 3: ODST (Release: Q3 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360
Halo 3: ODST (or, Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) is an exciting addition and change to the Halo Universe. With the release of Halo Wars recently, it’s clear that Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios are continuing to expand Halo, showing us new parts of the world that we might have only seen briefly in the main games. Halo 3 was the last game in the Halo Trilogy, and we may never again see Master Chief. That said, ODST takes us into the life of a rookie Drop Shock Trooper, an elite group of marines fighting on the front lines. Since you are no longer playing as a Spartan, some of your skill-sets are diminished, and you will likely have to make use of technology more than brute force. The Halo 3: ODST trailer can be viewed below:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Release: Q4 2009)
Platform: PS3
Uncharted 2 flew under my radar for the late part of last year, and though I’d heard mentions of it early this year, I was much more interested in the upcoming release of God of War III in 2010. However, with the recent gameplay video of Uncharted 2′s multiplayer (seen below), my excitement level was instantly piqued. Among Thieves looks like it could be a very interesting cross between a Tomb Raider / Assassin’s Creed platformer and a Gears of War shooter. The video speaks for itself.
I Am Alive (Release: TBA)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
I Am Alive could be an exceptionally unique experience if it lives up to its trailer, which was released at E3 in 2008.* Its premise is that of a man caught in the aftermath of an earthquake in Chicago. Little is known about specific gameplay, but the storyline could prove to be exciting and different. This is right there up on the level with the interest I had for Mirror’s Edge and for the elusive Alan Wake.
*How many titles could we say that about?
Here’s the only Wii title, because I’m still waiting to find that amazing core title that I was hoping would be used with the Wiimote. So far I’ve been much more pleased with Johnny Lee’s use of the Wiimote than my own. That could all change with Wii MotionPlus. With a much more accurate motion sensing system, MotionPlus could add a new level to the game, allowing for a truly skillful virtual use of the Wiimote (as opposed to what you get when you box in Wii Sports). From fencing to frisbee, this could add a whole new level of play for the Wii and should delay the next generation of consoles (at least for the Wii).
Final Fantasy XIII (Release: Q4 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
I am equally excited about Final Fantasy XIII and worried that it will not fulfill my lofty expectations. The trouble for me is that I loved the early games in the Final Fantasy series (namely, 2, 3, 5) and then FFVII was a pivotal experience in my gaming life and it blew me away. Every RPG I’ve played since has made me think back and compare to the Final Fantasy VII gameplay with disappointment. Will it live up to the hype? We’ll find out soon enough.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Release: June 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
It is a very rare occasion for me to be truly excited about a video game title based on comics/movies/tv. I am almost always underwhelmed as the developers and publishers cut corners to hit the right date, take little creative license (most copying entirely from the movie storyline) and feel that they can put out an inferior product because people will buy it anyway. I don’t feel this way at all about Batman: Arkham Asylum. It looks to offer dramatic gameplay, great use of Batman’s tools (and strength), and at best could do for Batman video games what Batman Begins did for the Batman movie franchise. I am extremely excited about its June release. Below is a gameplay trailer done by walkthrough with Gamespot.
Dante’s Inferno (Release: Q4 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
Venture into the 9th circle of Hell in what looks to be an epic title released by EA. Dante’s Inferno takes the famous divine comedy and tries to adapt it for a video game. It’s an interesting take on an action game, and has a chance to be a big hit during the Holiday season (if it can beat out some of these other titles). It’s difficult for new IP to succeed when released in Holiday, but if Dante’s Inferno can put in great gameplay mechanics to match the solid storyline, it has a chance.
Max Payne 3 (Release: Q4 2009)
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
Though I wasn’t willing to foot the $13 to see Mark Wahlberg take on the role of Max Payne on the silver screen, I am absolutely willing to fork over $60 to play the third game in the Max Payne series. One of my most cherished PC games, bullet time was an amazing gameplay mechanic that added tremendously to the third person genre. I look forward to using it on this generation’s consoles and look forward to see what they do with the film noir storyline. One of the few games in which multiplayer absolutely does not matter to me, Max Payne looks to provide superior storytelling and gameplay to make it to the top of my games list. My biggest concern is playability on a console as opposed to using a keyboard and mouse. Below is the official Max Payne 3 Trailer (which leaves much to be desired).
