It seems like the reign of Xbox is coming to an end. In recent times, the PS3 has seen a dramatic improvement in its appearance. It appears that 2008 will become the year for the PlayStation. PlayStation 3 has many big names coming to the market this year. If all the games on the list are being released in the coming year, the only thing we can do is awe. Please note that the following list does not represent all exclusive games available for every console. But, it does provide us with an idea of what games are expected to be coming out this year.
PS3:
Resistance 2 (PS3)
Guaranteed success. While the initial game was a fantastic game and quite a big success, however, it was only an initial game. Imagine what they could achieve after a couple of years and a few games already played. Eight players in a Co-Op! Expect tremendous outcomes in this new game.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3)
Another sure-fire success. Anybody who enjoys Gran Turismo will grab this game. If you’re one of the fans of the game, you’re an avid player. The graphics keep improving, H.D. replays, ’nuff said!
Haze (PS3)
I hope that the game can stop its lengthy period of delays this year. This game promises to be a flurry of action, with options for four-player co-op drop-in, dropout, split-screen, or online multiplayer options. This game will continue to amaze visually, and not only the high-quality graphics but also the fantastic, distinctive design elements.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
Who isn’t aware of this game? It’s still a few months away, but it’s already awe-inspiring. If any game can be worthy of the attention it has received, then leave it to Solid Snake, old or young. Like the majority of games in this list, The graphics are spectacular. The game appears to be packed with an immense amount of gameplay and story. The game comes with an enormous arsenal of weapons and combat/stealth strategies. If you have a PS3, you’re nearly required to purchase this. You’re sure to.
SOCOM Confrontation (PS3)
It’s still early days for this title. There aren’t many details revealed. The game supports at least 32 gamers online. Weapons can be customizable, much like SOCOM 3. Similar to those of the earlier SOCOM game, this one’s primary focus will be on online multiplayer. It is believed that this game will be similar to Warhawk with online-only play, perhaps with a Bluetooth headset and possibly with a full. The first SOCOM headset was the first headset to be developed for use on consoles.
LittleBigPlanet (PS3)
It could possibly be one of the best ingenuous adorable, fun, and most anticipated games of this year. Little Big Planet looks to expand the PS3 audience with this “build-your-own-game” game. Get your heart pumping Nintendo Miis, and this game looks fantastic. The level of imagination permitted is astonishing. The game supports four players, co-op and against. Additionally, it’s child-friendly but not obnoxious cute.
God of War III (PS3)
The PS2 launched with the heaviest of bangs (though it’s still the shadows) with the first God of War and its sequel that’s still running on the old console. The fans were waiting to see a “next-gen” God of War experience, and it appears like 2008 will be the year you’re looking forward to, perhaps. We don’t know much at the moment, but the game’s creator, David Jaffe, is not working anymore on the game, so we’ll wait and see how things go.
Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) – Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3)
If you’re a fan or not, it’s essential to appreciate the size of the Final Fantasy franchise. They continue setting the graphical standards with each release. In the next release, XIII is expected to build on its name. In addition to improving the visual and storytelling element that the game offers, they are revamping the combat, too. The combat system in Final Fantasy XIII promises the acceleration and intensification of fights.
MotorStorm 2 (PS3) [Teaser TrailerMotorStorm 2 (PS3) [Teaser Trailer
Another sequel to an earlier PS3 exclusivity, MotorStorm 2, hasn’t revealed much about itself, but from the trailer, we could anticipate another pre-rendered rig that is too high to hit with their graphics in the game. It’s not a bad thing, the original was stunning, but the trailer it showed earlier appeared to be ten times better. It was the most beautiful of the racers in some time, and we’ll find out how it compares to similar games like Gran Turismo 5 H.D. later this year. Some of the improvements include new cars/trucks/motorcycles, tracks, and best of all, a much needed 4-player split-screen mode. The game is also believed to have online support for 16 players.
Killzone 2 (PS3)
Video and screenshots have demonstrated how great the game appears in action. But how does it play? The first game wasn’t exactly well-received by critics, but I really liked it (minus the numerous bugs). It definitely wasn’t as good as the “Halo Killer” it was advertised as. The sequel must show its worth within a competitive shooter market. Guerrilla Games has yet to provide any details about the game’s gameplay, i.e., co-op, multiplayer, customization? The game definitely looks great, though. We’ll have to watch and look around too.
XBOX 360:
Ninja Gaiden II (360)
Now, finally, this year’s Xbox 360, I thought we’d never see it. Ninja Gaiden II, the first true, official sequel to the series, is set to improve everything that made the first so loved by the public. There are more action villains, More blood (almost excessive), and even more speed. The game’s creators also addressed the difficulties that specific (many) experienced with other games. They’ve stated that without reducing the difficulty, they’ll be changing the controls to improve the experience and reduce the irritation of new players. They’re also adding new weaponry to the game as well as tons of brand new animations for characters to keep the graphics up-to-date.
Too Human (360)
An epic story is being developed; Too Human is already scheduled to be part of the trilogy. Everybody loves the idea of a trilogy. They’ve built a vast world using new technology and an organic style. The game is based on stories, with an innovative new camera system that is designed to give you the most accurate view of actions during gameplay. It also comes with an array of RPG elements that will keep you entertained. Like most RPGs, there is the possibility of upgrading virtually everything from weapons to armor and even exceptional capabilities that enhance the range of your combat. The game also comes with a unique combat system making use of the right analog stick that can be used for melee and ranged attacks.
The Fable 2 (360)
The sequel to a game that was a giant technological leap, Fable 2, looks to be at its predecessor in every aspect. It’s the ultimate decision between evil and good. Your options this time are more extensive. Like the previous Lionhead game Black & White, the player will receive pets to aid you in the game, as well as a person you can connect with. Peter Molyneux, the game’s creator, has stated that he wants the game to make the player emotionally invested. It’s just a guess that you should anticipate that your dog is going to eventually pass away. Alongside the game’s conscience-based aspect, Fable 2 is also an early game that introduces money into the game prior to its release. You will begin earning money to buy Fable 2 before the game ever hits the shelves due to the arcade games that are available for download via Xbox Live.
Banjo-Kazooie 3 (360)
It is not known much about Bajo-Kazooie 3 if that is indeed the case. Rare, the company that is developing it, released a brief teaser trailer in September of 2006. It didn’t actually display any gameplay; however, it did reveal the new style of boxy art that you can see in the images above. It will feature the standard Bajo-Kazooie elements of the platform, collecting every object in sight, working together to conquer different areas, defeat enemies from different angles, as well as massive open worlds. It’s a good thing that the Xbox 360 isn’t exactly known for its platformers which is why this game will be an excellent new addition. When we last saw a Banjo game was with the N64.
Gears of War 2 (360)
Do I really need to speak? Gears of War 2. You could have predicted they’d make it. The first game was an enormous success, it even beat Halo for the most popular online multiplayer, but it was only because it was the final-gen Halo 2. The game has everything that and exciting that Unreal Engine 3 has to provide. More enemies in the game, More destruction, better lighting effects, even more, chainsaw action. Another day of emergence awaits us this autumn.
Halo Wars
Halo hasn’t died! It’s at least the Halo universe hasn’t died. Halo Wars was the very first Halo game that’s not an actual Halo game. It’s a real-time strategy. Although the game isn’t created exclusively by Bungie however, it’s being built from the bottom to be able to play on the Xbox 360 and console gameplay. They’ve claimed to have resolved some of the issues that make real-time strategy games difficult on consoles. Did you have the knowledge that Halo was initially a real-time strategy game designed to run on the Mac? It’s true.
Splinter Cell Conviction (360)
The next phase to follow for Sam Fisher looks remarkably similar to the Bourne Identity type game. However, it is stunning. The game has dropped the green-eyed glasses for a men’s backpack (ala Jack Bauer), beard, and hoodie, and they’ve also got stripped-down and raw, dirty Splinter Cell game in which you’re now in the hands of the law. The game’s new look is set to be different than Sam’s look and focuses on what Ubisoft claims to be “All new gameplay that is based on improvisation.” Your inventory actually includes the world around you, grab up chairs and throw them or other objects. Utilize crowds to your advantage, like Assassin’s Creed. This could be a fantastic opportunity to refresh the game, or it could deviate from its roots and cause a loss of the fans.
“Lost 4 Dead,” (360) (360)
Zombies, Co-Op, Valve, Source, ’nuff said. “43” in Left 4 Dead actually means something “43” in the title left 4 Dead actually refers to something more than the word l337. It’s a 4-player cooperative mode for a first-person zombie shooter. Many people have high hopes for this game, and it appears it’s going to meet them. Are you not an avid fan of being human? They’ve provided you with a solution. You can play as a zombie or “infected,” as they’re referred to during the gameplay. There are many kinds of zombies, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The eating of the brain should start in October.
Alan Wake (360)
Are you a fan of psychological thrillers? Alan Wake is presented as more than more of a “movie” similar to a game instead as opposed to a typical action game. The official description is “psychological adventure thriller.” This game’s been under development for some time (it was awarded the GameSpy’s Best of E3 2005) and is said to have an expected release date of 2008. We’ll find out. The game looks stunning; the game’s creators have put in many hours getting the right mood for the thriller. They’ve added real-time day-to-night light and effects on the weather.
Honorable Mention Heavy Rain (PS3), The Agency (PS3), L.A. Noire (PS3), Tekken 6 (PS3), Huxley (360), GTA4 (360 exclusive episodic content), Age of Conan (360)
This is quite a lot, and I’m already exhausted. This should give you something to consider when you’re considering an acquisition of a console this year. There are probably many games to come out that aren’t listed here. I’ve already covered some of the biggest console exclusives of the year 2008.
