2008 Game predictions Part 2

The 2nd part to what games I think are going to be awesome in 2008.

Ninja Gaiden 2: This shouldn't need any explanation. Ninja Gaiden was one of the best games on the original Xbox. It has essentially been remade a number of times on different consoles (i.e. Ninja Gaiden Sigma on the PS3), along with an expansion pack-type thing also on the Xbox (Ninja Gaiden Black), but this is the first actual sequel and is a 360 exclusive (for now - mark my words, it will find its way to the PS3). Ninja Gaiden 2 is going to be bigger and bloodier than before and it lands here June 3.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames: This is the game that should've come out last November, but has been delayed until this August. I wouldn't be surprised about another delay though. Its been delayed twice (to my knowledge). First, from November to March, then from March to August. There could've been one in between though, I hadn't checked for a while. Anyway, gameplay videos I've seen look amazing (on the current-gen anyway - those poor people stuck in lastgenland). So, let's hope it finally does make its way onto the 360, PC, PS2, and PS3 this August.

Alone in the Dark: This survival-horror game is coming to the 360, Wii, PS2, PC, and PS3 this June. I personally don't know much about it, except the fire is awesome. I think that the background graphics (walls and stuff) could use a slight touch-up, but other than that, it looks pretty sweet. If you want any more info, I would suggest asking my friend Carlos about it.

Splinter Cell: Conviction: Another Splinter Cell game, even though that's not a bad thing. It looks like gameplay's taking a turn here - you won't be able to survive by just sitting in dark corners. Sam Fisher is now a full-fledged fugitive and pretty much won't have any type of support, whether from 3rd Echelon or his friends. You're going to have to learn to use your environment as a weapon rather than relying on guns or whatever other stealthy tools you've come to know and love. This is making its way to the 360, PC, and DS sometime in Q2 (hopefully).

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: The newest Star Wars action game that pus you in the place of Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and takes place between Episodes 3 and 4. I don't know a whole lot about what the gameplay's going to be like, but if this turns out to be a gem in the Star Wars gaming franchise, there shouldn't be any excuse for you to miss it. It should hit shelves in August on the 360, PC, DS, PSP, Wii, PS2, and PS3.

Fable 2: "Fable 2" is really all you need to know here. Sequel to one of the best games to be released on the Xbox, is stepping it up. Now, you'll have more choices and consequences of your actions. Be a polygamist, but don't let your wives find out, or they might have a couple words for you. This time around, you'll also have a dog. He acts as you HUD or danger detector. Its rather hard to explain, but should be pretty awesome. More new features include: pregnancy for female characters, gambling, online co-op, and jobs. You wil lalso be able to download Fable 2: Pub Games from the XBLA before the games release. You can make money gambling there, then when Fable 2 is finally released, transfer all of that money to your character. Just don't expect to see this game til late thie year.

Prototype: I think this game has some serious potential, if it can get away from the Spiderman-esque feel it has. Running through the bustling streets is not something I care a whole lot to revisit (not saying Spiderman 2 was a bad game, it just doesn't need to be redone). But other than that, you play as a shape-shifter with no memory of his past on the run from the military as you try and solve the mystery of his existence. Along with the shape-shifting ability, you can even "consume" people, allowing you to take on their appearance in tight situations where you need to avoid detection. It still needs a lot of work, but we also have most of this year to wait - maybe Radical will fix its flaws by then (the graphics also need some work).

Alan Wake: The story here is rather complicated, but I'll try: Alan Wake is best-selling suspense novelist who gets his inspirations from his eerie dreams triggered whenever he's sleeping near his fiancee. But when his fiancee disappears, he stops dreaming, and sleeping all together. He eventually moves to the town of Pride Falls in Washington and checks into a sleep clinic. After partially being cured, he finds a girl who is eerily like his lost fiancee. She looks the same, and whenever he's sleeping with her (no, not like that), he has his dreams. But now they're starting to happen in real life. Now he's got to figure out what's happening and yadda-yadda-yadda. there is more to it, but you won't find it here (well, maybe here, just not now). It sounds more to me like a movie than a game, but maybe that's a good thing. Not sure as to what the gameplay's going to be like, but the graphics and everything associated with them look pretty sweet. Hopefully it won't be long before we see this, Europe's release is March 21, but there hasn't been a date set for the US yet. I'll keep ya posted.

Brutal Legend: There's literally almost nothing known about this game, except you play as Eddie Riggs who is pulled back in time to learn his true purpose. And the rest has to do with the awesomeness of metal, heavy metal, rock, etc. As far as I can tell, you're gonna be bashing beasts with guitars. Why? I don't know. I'm sure we'll find out in due time.

Gears of War 2: It has officially been announced (about time too), and should be here this November!!! There's VERY little known about it at this time, it was just confirmed yesterday or something. But, if it in any way follows Gears' footsteps, we're looking at a potential game of the year.

There's my top games for 2008. Let's hope they turn out to be as awesome as they're looking right now.