The “Top X Anticipated Games of 20XX” has become an annual requirement for just about everyone in video game journalism nowadays; this article proves that I am apparently no different in that regard. To be at least somewhat unique, I’ve decided to split the typical top ten list into two parts this year: sequels and original titles. More predictable and less exciting than original IP, sequels come first in this two-part feature. Behold my most anticipated franchise incrementations of 2009:
Street Fighter IV (360, PS3)
This one takes me way back to my childhood, when I, like GN’s OLD SKOOL columnist George Brandes, used to run the Street Fighter II machine at the Playland Arcade and hear things like, “OH! Shorty just whipped yo’ ass!” on a fairly consistent basis (although Microsoft’s Ken Lobb admittedly beat me to a pulp when I challenged him at E3). Street Fighter IV features incredible graphics and online match-making to go along with its time-tested gameplay, and all 12 warriors from the SFII roster make a return to the arena, along with five brand new characters and eight veterans from other games in the series. New focus attacks and ultra combos, along with all of the special techniques from earlier games, will help to make Street Fighter IV the epitome of the 2D fighter.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
“What’s Tomb Raider?” That’s the question Uncharted made gamers ask when it was released in late 2007, as it did everything right that the aging Lara Croft had been struggling with for years. The characters, storyline, graphics, and gameplay were all excellent, and came together to form what was far and away the best title on the PlayStation 3 at the time (and still ranks among the best). The sequel, although only shown in teaser form thus far, can only improve on what was already “must-have” video game quality.
Resident Evil 5 (360, PS3)
I’m a Resident Evil junkie, and for good reason. Resident Evil 4 was, and still is, one of the best games I’ve played in years, improving with subsequent update. Resident Evil 5 looks to take that winning formula and expand upon it in 2009. The game continues to move the franchise away from its slow, methodical roots toward more intense action play, but it is masterfully done, distinguishing RE5 from the typical, everyday shooter. Adding new tweaks to streamline the play mechanics, including new control schemes for dual-stick purists and fast weapon- and item-switching for us impatient folk, this is shaping up to be the best Resident Evil yet.
God of War III (PS3)
The God of War franchise is undeniably awesome. The setting and storyline are epic, the gameplay is nearly flawless, and Kratos is one of the most badass videogame characters in existence. Even on the lowly PSP, God of War: Chains of Olympus was one of the best games of 2008. Sony’s Santa Monica studio is taking the reigns again for God of War III — the first installment in the series on seventh generation consoles. Built on a brand new game engine, God of War III promises larger-scale battles than in previous GoW games, a new weapon system, and of course better visuals than ever before. Kratos seeks vengeance on the gods of Mt. Olympus in this final chapter of the God of War story. I’ll be on his side.
BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams (PC, 360, PS3)
BioShock 2 is essentially a mystery at this point. Our only glimpse at the game as of yet comes in the form of the teaser trailer above, but just knowing that the game exists and is penciled in for a Q3 2009 release is enough to get the gaming community excited. It seems that, with Rapture left on the ocean floor, BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams is coming to the surface, Little Sisters and all. If BioShock 2 is anything like its predecessor (which happened to be my personal choice for 2007’s GotY), then it will undoubtedly be one of the best gaming experiences of the year.
A winner is almost you: Assassin’s Creed II (PC, 360, PS3)
Assassin’s Creed II has yet to be confirmed, but rumors have been flying that it could potentially be released this December, and that it may take the series to a new time period — most likely the French Revolution. Assassin’s Creed is still one of my favorite games of this generation, so I can only assume that its sequel (especially if they heed everyone’s advice and vary the mission structure a bit) will be even better. My only reservation is about the time period; I don’t exactly know how guns will fit the play style.
