Looking Forward: 2008

Games of 2008.

After the gargantuan number of excellent titles we saw in 2007, it’s hard to imagine next year being as fruitful. Luckily though the gaming industry has never looked stronger and we have rounded up some of the more anticipated titles that we can expect sometime in 2008.

Spore

Delayed for nearly three years, it’s almost a curse to say that we can expect this in 2008. But with EA Games doing the publishing and gamers all around the world screaming for it – we’re staying hopeful. Spore is an epic simulation game from the genius mind of Will Wright, the creator of The Sims. Using an incredible evolution engine you basically play God by creating life and watching it evolve, starting with a simple cell organism right through to the development of complex civilisations filled with technological advances. Eventually your creations will get to space exploration where you can scope out other life-forms all over the galaxy! A total must for those with a God-complex and accessible for gamers of all ages. ETA: Late March 2008

Devil May Cry 4

Dante is back in his supernatural world but this time he is up against a new protagonist known as Nero... who happens to look just like Dante, which was pretty clever on behalf of the 3D modelers at Capcom. Luckily there is another baddie who comes in the form of a busty near-naked female mercenary. We only assume they spent all their time getting her just perfect and forgot about making a different male character. Still, jokes aside, this game does look like a visual and action packed treat hot on the heels of the excellent Devil May Cry 3. ETA: On the PS3, XBOX360 and the PC around February 2008

Gran Turismo 5

In the world of racing simulators, no series is as highly revered or beloved as the Gran Turismo franchise. Fans of the series have already had the pleasure of playing an early preview of the PS3 exclusive game thanks to the PLAYSTATION® Network – and so far racing game fans are impressed. GT5 will boast the largest selection of vehicles ever in a Gran Turismo game and considering the last one had 700 cars, fans will be overloaded with choice. Unfortunately there is no confirmation on whether GT5 will encompass motorcycle racing but they have successfully signed up the Ferrari franchise for the first time in the series. ETA: Mid-to-Late 2008

Grand Theft Auto IV

Probably one of the most hyped titles of 2008, this fourth installment brings a whole new graphics engine, new features and new gameplay to the series. This time round you fill the boots of Niko Bellic, a rough looking character from Eastern Europe. Niko has recently arrived in America and the game takes place in the already established Liberty City from previous GTA titles. With the game only available on next-gen platforms, Rockstar is pulling out all the stops to create a more realistic experience with the new technology at their disposal. The graphics will be amazingly detailed, with a great deal of time dedicated to a proper physics engine and improved enemy AI (including intelligent cops, if this isn’t an oxymoron). Even the gameplay will be more life-like. For example, stealing a parked car can no longer be done simply by opening the door and driving off. Now it involves Niko approaching the car unnoticed, breaking the glass and then hot-wiring it. Rockstar has also promised seamless gameplay with no loading times once in the game, and proper multiplayer support. ETA March 2008

LEGO Games

Following the uber success of LEGO: Star Wars, fans can expect two new franchises to follow next year. LEGO is launching a new building block series revolving around Indiana Jones early in 2008, and a game will be in the works to take place across the trilogy in a similar humourous vein to the Star Wars titles. Then later in the year, the popular LEGO Batman range will be getting a game as well. Not many details announced so far but the prospect of building items for Batman’s utility belt out of Lego sounds too good to be true! Both these titles will be developed by the original crew at Traveller's Tales.

Resident Evil 5

Dust off your diapers as Resident Evil crawls its way onto the next-gen consoles. Initially slated for a PS3 exclusive, Xbox 360 fans will be delighted to hear that they will be able to have night-terrors too when it arrives towards the end of 2008. Early images of Resident Evil 5 show a dramatic change in scene from the creepy dark environments seen in previous installments. This time you are stuck in a hot and sandy desert city under a pounding sun. From early glimpses we can only speculate that the main hero will be Chris Redfield from the original Resident Evil. Producer Jun Takeuchi has also revealed that RE5 will be an authentic sequel to the series' main storyline rather than a side story. Hopefully this is a sign that some kind of a conclusion to the series' long storyline isn’t too far away. ETA TBC

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

No, just joking. But there will be a game for this next year… you get to run and swim. Lots.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

This game casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game will be set during the era between Star Wars: Episode III and IV during the hunt of the Jedi to extinction by the Sith. Basically the game will arm your character with some of the most extreme Force powers ever witnessed and then allow you to attack a given scenario however you wish. So we’re talking using your grip power to pick up a large crate and drop it on your enemies. Or chucking your lightsaber and impaling some poor Stormtrooper who was one day off retiring from the Empire. With juicy next-gen graphics and a great plot, this could be that perfect Star Wars game we’ve all been waiting for. ETA: Late 2008

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Yes, believe it or not, those guys “who you’re gonna call” are back. Ghostbusters the Video Game will be a continuation of the 80’s block-buster films and will even be written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Seeing as the sequel movie was set in 1989, this game will take place in New York City circa early 1990. The coolest thing about this prospect is the chance to shoot those damn awesome photon blasters that ejaculated coloured streams everywhere. Plus you’ll get to hear more of Bill Murray’s wise-cracks about mucous. The game will feature appearances from all of the original parapsychologists: Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson. We can expect this title on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC late in 2008.

Turok

Turok has come a long way since the Nintendo 64 classic. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Turok is a first person shooter game set on a dark, mysterious planet in the near future where dinosaurs and ravenous creatures rule. Players take on the role of Joseph Turok, a former Black Ops commando who is onboard a ship that is shot down while approaching the planet. Using instincts and elite military training, you must elude an army of well-trained soldiers as well as the natural predators that populate the dangerous environment. Expect some hair-raising experiences creeping through a lush jungle and coming face to face with a raptor. The Special Limited Edition might come with heart medication. ETA: Late February 2008

Alan Wake

A psychological action thriller set in an idyllic all-American small town. You'll play as Alan Wake who, after meeting the love of his life and writing a best-selling novel, suddenly sees his good fortune turn for the worst. His special lady disappears in circumstances similar to those seen in his book, he’s hearing voices in his head and he's tortured with insomnia. Using your environment as a weapon and having to stay on your toes just to stay alive, Alan Wake does look to be a unique direction for a game. Thanks to the cinematic graphics and intriguing plot, this Microsoft game looks to be an immersive and promising title. ETA: Late May 2008

Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law

The lawyer who will stop at nothing for justice is coming to the PS2, PSP and the Nintendo Wii next year. The game will allow you to step into the shiny wingtip shoes of Harvey Birdman, third-rate superhero turned third-rate attorney. You’ll be able to visit familiar locales from the show, interview off-the-wall cartoon characters, paw through their personal items looking for clues and then take the whole kit and caboodle to court. A must for fans of the show. ETA: Early 2008

Metal Gear Solid 4

MGS4 is a next-generation adventure set in the aftermath of MGS2: Sons of Liberty. The concept behind the latest Metal Gear Solid project is "no place to hide," and this edition in the series will force Snake into unexpected circumstances with an all-new storyline that breaks away in some ways from the previous franchise entries. Expect plenty of crazy costume changes for camouflage and those little exclamation marks that float on heads. This game will be a PS3 exclusive due out mid 2008.

Lost: The Game

Based off the highly addictive TV show Lost, you play as a previously unknown passenger of Oceanic flight 815. Along with fellow survivors Locke, Sawyer and Jack, you have survived the crash and find yourself on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Through a series of clever flashbacks and encounters with other people on the island you unravel mysteries of the island and discover secrets of your own. Maybe now we can finally find out what that god damn polar bear was all about !!
ETA: Late January 2008