There are games that define every console, and there are others that make a quick splash and then fade to black. Listed here are those you'll most likely remember even when you grow old and no longer can handle a controller; their sequels will keep your kids playing while you watch on the sidelines with jealously eating you heart away.
We'll commence with the Xbox 360.
Mass Effect 2 ~ It has been a roller coaster ride with this title. EA has gone back on fourth with seemingly no way to make up their minds on whether Mass Effect 2 should remain exclusive to the Xbox 360, or go multiplatform. Recently, Bioware's Watamaniuk mentioned during a presentation that as much as three platforms were targets for Mass Effect 2, namely the Xbox 360, PC, and "probably PS3." If that is not a confirmation, then nothing else is right? Well the only problem is, today EA clarified the "misunderstanding," stating, "Let me clarify today: ME2 is coming to PC and Xbox 360 only." A release date was later announced, mark your calenders for January 2010.
Alan Wake ~ In a recent interview managing director for Remedy Entertainment said Alan Wake has been in development for 5 years, and they could release the game anytime. The highly anticipated title holds a lot of promise; here's to hoping it's able to deliver. The game will be available Q2 2010.
Splinter Cell: Conviction ~
Hands down one of the most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusives. Some have compared the game to the venerable Metal Gear Solid franchise, and while I would not so far, I would say the title, like Metal Gear Solid, has redefined it's genre, being in fact the best stealth/action game on any system.
Forza Motorsport 3 ~ The biggest exclusive racing sim on the Xbox 360 is also one of the best titles on any platform. Game reviewers have given Forza 3 nothing but high marks across the board and believe me, it's well deserved. The game is out now.
Halo 3: ODST ~ It's now the third fastest selling Xbox 360 title of all time and has sold over 2.5 million copies in two weeks. Those are outstanding numbers, and while some have complained about the game being an extension pack, millions of satisfied Halo enthusiasts are enjoying the title as we speak. Halo 3: ODST is available now, go pick it up if you haven't already.
Gears of War II ~
So the aforementioned titles are Xbox 360, now for the memorable titles on PS3:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves ~ Need I say more? The name alone says it all. Deemed as the best looking game on any console, one of the best stories this generation and one that makes Hollywood's best films hide underneath a couch. It is the single biggest game to land on Sony's black behemoth in years, on track to be the highest scoring PS3 exclusive on Metacritic, and has received favorable reviews across the board. A definite nominee for GOTY 2009. Heck, nominee for best game of all time.
Killzone 2 ~ The stellar game from Guerrilla Games is arguably the best FPS ever made. There's no going around it. Top-notch graphics, unparalleled gameplay and controls, massive worlds and an over-the-top feel. The effort Guerrilla placed into Killzone 2 is just amazing. Released on February 27, 2009, it has gone on to sell over 2 million units and counting.
We recently broke news concerning Guerrilla Games and their plans to hire skilled people in order to expand their team. There's no doubt in my mind that Killzone 3 is already under construction. Buy Killzone 2 for cheap now.
God of War III ~
O.K., we all know it; God of War III will be like nothing we've ever seen. In all departments the game will shine, but especially its graphics, story, gore, epic proportion and overall quality. March 2010 will will be the biggest month in gaming for millions of PS3 owners. Millions. Santa Monica has been working tirelessly for years to bring the gods and Kratos to the PS3 and in four months, the final EPIC battle commences.
LittleBigPlanet ~ Media Molecule came out swinging with what would later be one of the most brilliant games of any generation. LittleBigPlanet captured the hearts of gamers young and old worldwide, and has managed to build a very dedicated online following, one that has fully realized the potentials of the play, create, share concept. The concept was ingenious, the tools of creation were revolutionary and very easy to use.
LittleBigPlanet is well on its way to sell over 3 million copies worldwide, which has given Media Molecule the ammo it needed to press forward with yet other titles. If you don't have this gem, get the GOTY edition, it's packed with new content.
Resistance: Fall of Man ~ Be honest, not many games give you the satisfaction of taking down ugly looking aliens who want to destroy our planet. Well maybe there's an overload of such titles out there but the Resistance games are like none other. Resistance: Fall of Man was released at launch alongside the PS3 and up to this day is hailed as one of the titles that displayed what the PS3 could do from the onset, when many people thought Sony's black behemoth was going under.
Part 3 is rumored to launch late 2010, and once again, you'll take the fight to the Chimera head-to-head.
Gran Turismo 5 ~
This title has been in development for so long that PS3 owners can hardly wait. Gran Turismo 5 will have one of the biggest releases ever. The franchise has sold over 53 million copies worldwide and predictions are GT5 will outsell them all.
Fathers and Sons will play it together, strangers from all over the world will bind together online and experience what will be to many the real racing simulator. In fact this title alone will move hundreds of thousands of PS3s, there's no doubt in anyone's mind.
GT5 will leave an imprint so lasting that our children's grand children will be talking about it. Well maybe not but you get the point : ). Gran Turismo will be out March 2010 in Japan, and not too long after in the U.S. and Europe. Go pre-order the thing.
As you can see, it doesn't matter what system you own, (I own both), there are excellent titles on each console. These titles will be remembered for ages to come just like Mario did for Nintendo, and Sonic for Sega. Don't fret, gaming is not a dying, but a reproducing breed.
11/26/09 Ernice Gilbert
