Most Anticipated Games for 2008: 5-6
6. Spore
Platforms: PC, Mac
Developer: Maxis Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: Sept. 9, 2008
Will Wright's God game series The Sims is one of the great successes of PC gaming; not only is it a monster selling franchise, but the games have been enormous crossover hits for non-gamers. Unfortunately, Maxis and Electronic Arts can only ride the Sims' gravy train for so long before it gets tired. So Wright and Maxis are making a bold attempt to break new ground with Spore, a new kind of God game that will allow players to create and control an entire galaxy of life forms. Spore begins with players developing multi-cellular organisms in the "Tidal Pool" phase of the game. The life forms then evolve into larger, sentient land-based animals in the "Creature" phase. The "Tribal" phase of the game further follows the evolutions of the players' creations into more developed, intelligent beings, and the "Civilization" and "Space" phases move the creations into the latter stages of development, exploring new regions and planets. It all sounds incredibly ambitious, but how exactly will Spore be played? That's where the game gets interesting: Wright says the game blends different styles of gameplay depending on the different phases. For example, the Tidal Pool phase will have a primitive hack-and-slash style, while later phases will be more similar to SimCity, Civilization, and Masters of Orion. Players will be able to create and develop their life forms with an assortment of gameplay features and editing tools for procedural generation. While there's no multiplayer component for Spore, the game is being touted as a "massively single player game" that will allow players to upload their creations and share their progress with other Spore players. The game will also boast a funky soundtrack from Brian Eno. Not only is Spore the most anticipated original title for 2008, but the game may outdo the Sims.
Upside: Will Wright returns with a bold, genre-bending title.
Downside: Spore's enormous scope may intimidate some.
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5. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: LucasArts, Krome Studios (Wii)
Publisher: LucasArts
Release Date: Summer 2008
The Star Wars feature film series may be over according to George Lucas, but there's plenty more to be explored. And LucasArts' forthcoming title Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will do just that, filling in some of the blanks between "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" and "Episode IV: A New Hope." Specifically, players will assume the role of Darth Vader's secret apprentice (remember that Vader doesn't know young Skywalker exists until "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back") and the hunt for the remaining Jedi scattered throughout the galaxy. LucasArts' newest Star Wars title aims to do exactly what its title indicates: give players the ability to use the Force in ways they've never experienced before. In fact, the premise of the game, according to LucasArts, is quite simply being able to "kick somebody's ass with the Force" with telekinesis, Force Lightning, and a new ability that amounts to a "Force explosion." And instead of being a high-minded Jedi bound to a moral code, players will instead get to act like a wreaking ball with Vader's apprentice, who wields him like an attack dog. The premise and storyline are irresistible, and the technology behind the game is tantalizing as well. The Force Unleashed utilizes three impressive technologies for its graphics: NaturalMotion's Euphoria for 3D character animation, Havok for physics, and Pixelux's Digital Molecular Matter engine for dynamic destructible environments. Early footage of the game's graphics in action has been impressive (most impressive). And Star Wars fans that have fantasized about using the Wii's motion controls for light saber action have been rewarded. The Force Unleashed looks like it could earn a spot alongside Knights of the Old Republic for the best Star Wars titles of decade.
Upside: Gamers can wield the full powers of the force with reckless abandon.
Downside: The lack of a PC version really hurts.
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