Most Anticipated Games for 2008: 7-8
8. Resident Evil 5
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: 2008 (possibly 2009!)
The Umbrella Chronicles wasn't exactly the worthy successor to Resident Evil 4 (which most consider to be the high point of the series) that many fans were expecting. That leaves Resident Evil 5 as the game to satisfy zombie lovers. Capcom made headlines when it announced that the game would be released on both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, which marks the first time the Resident Evil series moves to Microsoft's console. The game is also noteworthy for the fact that original Resident Evil hero Chris Redfield is the main protagonist for Resident Evil 5. The rest of the details about the game are murky, though the somewhat controversial trailer shows Redfield in what looks to be an African desert town infested with - what else? - zombies. Resident Evil 5's story takes place a decade after the events of the original Resident Evil and will fill in the blanks of Redfield's life during the previous 10 years. The developers have stated that the gameplay will be similar to that of Resident Evil 4, and a quick glimpse of the extended trailer proves that to be true. But instead of doing battle in a remote European village, gamers will be grappling with faster, more vicious zombies (ala "28 Days Later" and 2004's "Dawn of the Dead" remake) while also fending off intense desert heat. If Capcom can follow the successful formula of Resident Evil 4 while also bringing some new elements to the table, then Resident Evil 5 looks to be a winner. The only problem may be the game's launch date; last summer, one of Resident Evil 5's producers told Famitsu that the game would probably be pushed back to 2009. There's been no official word from Capcom about the game's release date, so cross your fingers.
Upside: Zombies, next-generation graphics, and Resident Evil 4-style gameplay.
Downside: The game's intended 2008 launch has been in doubt.
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7. Fallout 3
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: Fall 2008
Bethesda Softworks years ago decided to take on the daunting task of developing the long-awaited third installment of Fallout, the popular futuristic RPG series created and produced by legendary (and now defunct) game maker Interplay. Bethesda picked up the rights to the Fallout franchise after Interplay cancelled its Fallout 3 project, codenamed Van Buren, in 2003 before falling into financial disarray. The good news is that Bethesda, makers of the Elder Scrolls series and the acclaimed Oblivion, appears sincere in its desire to stay true to the Fallout franchise, blending the game's post-apocalyptic setting with dark humor, a strong narrative and compelling characters. In fact, some familiar names return for Fallout 3, including original Fallout narrator Ron "Hellboy" Perlman and the Mr. Handy robot companion. An early build of the game was shown at E3 2007, and it looks quite impressive. However, Fallout 3 will look and play decidedly different from its predecessors. For one thing, the graphics have gotten a nice next-generation polish and the game will feature a first-person view as well as a third-person overhead perspective. Also, Fallout 3's turn-based combat system gets a slight makeover with V.A.T.S., or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, which allows players to hone in on specific body parts of their enemies and aim for the sections that present the highest probability of success. Still, Fallout purists may be put off by some changes, including the shift from California to Washington, D.C. Fallout 3 will also bring back the Pip-Boy interface, but only 14 skills will reportedly make the cut rather than the 18 skills of the first two Fallout titles. Despite the changes, RPG fans should be pleased that Fallout 3 is no longer vaporware.
Upside: A strong RPG developer has picked up the Fallout torch.
Downside: The potential console-ization of Fallout is a concern.
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