Most Anticipated Games for 2008
Now that 2007 is well behind, it's time to look at the top games scheduled for release in 2008. In putting a list together of the 10 most anticipated games for this year, we looked at each title's pedigree, including the developer talent and track record as well as previous titles if the game is a sequel. Of course, hype played a big factor - does the game have a playable demo? Has it been shown at conventions and trade shows? Does it look polished enough for release this year. We also examined the platforms and sales potential for each title. For example, title A may be released on three or four platforms and take in more sales, while title B may only be released on one platform but if it dominates that particular platform, then it may rank higher on the list; then again, depending on the platform, title B may not. Here's a quick look at 10 top shelf titles scheduled to launch this year:
10. Halo Wars
Platforms: Xbox 360
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Games Studios
Release Date: Late 2008
This might be the strangest title on the list. And it certainly has the biggest risk/reward ratio. On one hand, Halo Wars bears the Halo namesake, which automatically gives it an excellent chance of success. On the other hand, it's not a first-person shooter - it's an exclusive real-time strategy game for the Xbox 360. Before you laugh off that idea, consider that Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars made its may to the Xbox 360 last year, and recent RTS hits World in Conflict and Supreme Commander are headed to the House that Halo Built as well. So it turns out that maybe RTS console games aren't so bad after all. And what better way to improve the genre's fortunes on consoles than to make a Halo RTS? Ensemble Studios steps in for original Halo developer Bungie, and the developer brings a solid resume to the project after achieving success with the Age of Empires series. Halo Wars is a prequel to the original Halo: Combat Evolved, focusing on early battles between the UNSC and the Covenant. The story follows the crew of the Phoenix-class UNSC ship Spirit of Fire and its AI persona Serina, who stumble upon the Covenant and an ancient Forerunner artifact on the planet Harvest. Both the UNSC and the Covenant will be playable in Halo Wars, but it's unknown if the Flood will make an appearance in the game. Players will be able to control various units and vehicles like Scorpion Tanks and Warthogs. And what about the controls? Fully aware that console controllers aren't exactly made for RTS games, Ensemble reportedly spent several months working on the controls before it even approached Bungie with the idea for Halo Wars. Halo Wars could be a spectacular misfire, but it also could be one of the top titles of 2008.
Upside: A proven RTS developer plus Halo equals major potential.
Downside: Consoles aren't exactly known for outstanding RTS games.
9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: Q2 2008
You could argue that no other exclusive title for the current generation console war has more riding on it than Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. And that's if the game actually remains a PlayStation 3 exclusive, which has been in doubt over the past 12-18 months because of persistent rumors regarding a possible Xbox 360 port. Nevertheless, MGS4 has been hailed as the PS3's killer app for quite some time, and the console could certainly use a strong exclusive to help gain ground on its rivals. So what does Guns of the Patriots have going for it beyond a strong legacy of MGS predecessors? Basically, the fourth and reportedly final installment of the Metal Gear Solid franchise (according to series creator Hideo Kojima) will feature the same kinds of suspenseful stealth action, cool weapons, memorable villains and labyrinthine plot for which the series has become famous. Guns of the Patriots picks up in 2014, five years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 2. The aging hero Solid Snake has been charged with assassinating his old enemy, Liquid Ocelot, who is operating private military companies across the globe and planning a major offensive. The plot will take Solid Snake and his allies, including Meryl Silverberg and Raiden, to locations in the Middle East and South America. In addition to the game's impressive graphics and visual style, Guns of the Patriots will have a few changes. First, Solid Snake will have a new OctoCamo suit to enhance his stealth abilities and protect players from physical damage. Second, the series' close quarters combat system has been revamped, and the game will actually have an optional first-person view instead of the traditional third-person perspective. And finally, there will be plenty of new boss villains, including the Beauty and the Beast Unit. If this is truly the final MGS title, then expect Guns of the Patriots to go out with a bang.
Upside: Kojima hasn't made a bad MGS title yet.
Downside: Being a PS3 exclusive will give it a narrow audience.
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