Most Anticipated Games 2010 #2

Now that 2009 is over and the New Year is already upon us; I thought it appropriate to compile a list of our Most Anticipated Games of 2010 and when we might actually get to see them. It’s definitely set to be an exciting year for gaming, with Project Natal looming, the Wii MotionPlus gaining momentum and Sony brimming full of confidence.

Red Dead Redemption (PS3, 360)

This western shooter is the successor to the 2004 release, Red Dead Revolver, which received mixed reviews. Rockstar Games feels like they’ve done a better job with this one and aren’t afraid to shout about it. The game will make use of the Rockstar Advanced Game Editor that is used by the goliath that is Grand Theft Auto IV, as well as the Euphoria animation engine, which is also used by Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Together they feel they have a winning graphical package at the very least, and it’s no surprise that high hopes and a heap of pressure have been placed on its shoulders.

The game is centred on a former outlaw, John Marston, who’s thrown into an open-world environment and soon gets dragged back into the deep end. Gun-slinging his way across towns, partaking in GTA-style missions as well as side missions, and generally roaming around doing whatever the hell he feels like. They’re not the only similarities between the two; if you can see it you’ll probably be able to travel to it, if it moves you’ll probably be able to shoot it.

Perhaps what’s best about Red Dead Redemption is its ability to adapt to different scenarios. Instead of having to do things a set way in a set order or risk failing, you’re granted more freedom to do thing’s your way, and the A.I. will follow suit. We caught word of a mission whilst testing involving clearing a town, and in the midst of the action the sheriff was accidentally shot. Instead of pushing restart the game play simply went on and the deputy went scampering away, whimpering into his neckerchief.

The game is set for release on April 27, 2010.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

It’s hard to top what the first game achieved and it seems Nintendo agree, because what they’re serving up second time around is essentially the same thing, the same solid platforming action and the same insane gravity-bending mechanics. What they are doing differently however is adding a galaxy full of new features; in fact Miyamoto has said to expect 95-99% of the game to include new stuff, whilst keeping the key things that we came to love previous, including our personal favourite – the Bee Suit.

The most intriguing new feature seems to be the ability to dig into the earth and uncover hidden switches and areas for further exploration. This could open the game up ten-fold and really add an extra dimension of exploration. You’ll also be able to ride Yoshi (yay!) and whilst on him be able to exploit his extraordinarily long tongue. This will probably be needed though as the game is rumoured to be a lot more challenging.

The game doesn’t have an official release date as of yet, but Miyamoto stated that the game is very far along in development and that the only reason we didn’t see it in 2009 was because of a potential clash with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Watch this space.

Splinter Cell: Conviction (360, PC)

The fifth instalment in the Splinter Cell series, which is being developed by Ubisoft Montreal, sees Sam Fisher going rogue after discovering the death of his daughter, Sarah, was no accident. The pursuit of her killer sees him get wrapped up in a bigger conspiracy, however, and unearths a plot that becomes a series threat to Washington DC.

Conviction introduces a handful of new game play features. ‘Mark and Execute’ will allow the player to tag specific targets, such as enemies or objects, and prioritise in which order to shoot them in certain situations. ‘Last Known Position’ will allow you to see a shadow of yourself on screen that represents where the guards believe you to be hiding, and manipulating this allows you the upper-hand.

There will also be the option of interrogating your enemies, including using surrounding objects against them to convince them to talk. A crowd mechanic, similar to the one found in Assassin’s Creed II is also being introduced, which allows the player to mingle within groups of people to go undetected.

Conviction will include a new multiplayer mode called Deniable Ops, as well as a new co-op campaign exclusive to the Xbox 360. The game is currently scheduled for release in April and will be available for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 systems. There’s also set to be a Nintendo DS version on the horizon.

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)

For those who have been living under a rock for the last thirteen years; Final Fantasy is one of, if not the biggest role-playing series of all time, and done so much to push the genre forward in that window. Now the thirteenth iteration is coming to our shores and since its release in Japan last month is being very hotly anticipated. This game in particular has been hotly anticipated for five long years but Square-Enix’s flagship series is finally making a welcomed return to our consoles and it seems it’s doing so with a bang.

The game looks absolutely stunning, each cutscene and animation is polished to a tee. The in-game battles are as captivating and as fun as ever, only this time they’ve thrown in some new core battle elements that keep both the classic game play in tact, whilst also completely turning it on its head. A smart move which is set to keep hardcore fans of the series happy, as well as attracting fresh blood.

Final Fantasy XIII is set to be released on March 9th in North America, Europe and Australia on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

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Be sure to stay tuned for the third part of our feature.

Craig Bryan, NoobFeed