A Look at 2010 in Gaming

Without question, 2009 was the Wii's worst year on the market. Not only did its hardware sales slow down, but it also did not receive any game that will truly stand out in memory, barring maybe a couple.

It looks like the Wii will be back in 2010, and with a vengeance as it gets what is arguably the best lineup any console has had in recent memory.

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WII:

Like I have done with the PS3 and the Xbox 360, we will be having an in-depth look at the Wii's lineup in 2010, as it looks to win back hardcore gamers into its fold.

TATSUNOKO VS CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL STARS:

Tatsunoko VS Capcom made waves when it was released in Japan for catering to the old school of fighting. However, it was extremely unlikely that this game would ever hit the west, thanks in no small part due to numerous licensing issues. However, Capcom have managed to figure a way out and Tatsunoko VS Capcom looks set to be not only one of this generation's definitive fighters, but also one of the best games next year.

NO MORE HEROES 2: DESPERATE STRUGGLE:

The sequel to the stylish and ultra-violent No More Heroes, Desperate Struggle is out to refine the already sound formula of the first to perfection, and to provide the ultimate hardcore gaming experience on the Wii. Wielding two katana blades will be awesome, and No More Heroes 2 just can't come soon enough.

RED STEEL 2:

The original Red Steel was a (rather disastrous) Wii launch title but it didn't exactly work out the way it should have as it evidently demanded too much of the underpowered Wii. Not so with the sequel, though. With a visual pallet that harkens to the graphical style of the Prince of Persia games, and gameplay built around the exclusive use of Wii MotionPlus, Red Steel 2 will not only right the wrongs of the first game, but it might also prove to be one of next year's best gameplay experiences.

MONSTER HUNTER 3:

The Monster Hunter series comes to the Wii and with the transition, it finally realises its full potential. With gorgeous visuals, and the addictive gameplay that has come to be a trademark of the series, Monster Hunter 3 also moves the series online, thus positioning it as the viable competitor to Pokemon. We can be pretty sure that this game will not only be the best in the series, but also one of the best games on the console next year,

SIN AND PUNISHMENT 2:

Very few Nintendo first party games are actually violent in the traditional sense of the word, but the original Sin and Punishment brought style to killing. Now, the sequel to the N64 on-rail shooter is set to hit the Wii and it looks like it will finally defy the many misconceptions and prejudices that are held against the on-rail shooting genre. Keep your eye out for this one.

EPIC MICKEY:

When Disney Interactive announced a complete re-imagining of the universally loved Mickey Mouse, there were many who had apprehensions. But when the first concept art, and subsequently screen shots, for the game Epic Mickey were released, everybody was convinced. Epic Mickey moves the character into a post apocalyptic setting and combines it with the gameplay of Okami. An unlikely mix for sure, but one that promises intriguing possibilities. Watch this space for more.

THE GRINDER:

High Voltage Software's first attempt at making a true hardcore game for the Wii may not have had the desired outcome, but they are still at it. Next year, they bring us The Grinder, which looks to be the Wii's very own Left 4 Dead. Will it be good or bad? Have High Voltage learned from their mistakes? Well, we'll find out soon, won't we?

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA:

This is possibly going to be the biggest title of 2010. If it releases, that is. So far, all we've seen of this game is one tantalising piece of concept art. That's it. No trailers, no screenshots, nothing. But we have been told that this game is a reboot of the Zelda series, that it uses the Wii motion plus, and that it will be finally shown at E3 2010. Because this is Nintendo, and because we're suckers for anything Zelda, that will do for now.

METROID: OTHER M

So Team Ninja's working on a Metroid title, huh? That's a recipe for potential disaster, but from whatever we've seen of this game so far, it seems to be a gorgeous re-imagining of Super Metroid. It also looks to be a narrative based Metroid game that finally clears up several mysteries surrounding everybody's favourite Bounty Hunter. Not much is known at the moment, but hey, it's Metroid. Anything will fly.

SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2:

Another 3D Super Mario title on the same Nintendo home console and in less than three years, and featuring Yoshi to boot? God, Nintendo must really love us. The sequel to what is arguably this generation's best game is set to hit the Wii next year, and Miyamoto promises it will be bigger, better and harder than the original Super Mario Galaxy. We have literally wet our pants with glee.

TALES OF GRACES:

A new Wii exclusive instalment in Namco's Tales series, Tales of Graces looks gorgeous from whatever we have seen of it so far. With an anime style cel-shaded visual pallet, and the old school JRPG gameplay that the Tales series is renowned for, this is one title to keep an eye on next year. Watch this space.

DRAGON QUEST X:

What could be the biggest release in Japan next year, Dragon Quest X hits the Wii less than a year after Dragon Quest IX was released for the DS. Being the sequel to one of the only games to have received a 40/40 from Famitsu, and to a title that sold three million copies on its first day in the market, expectations are high from this one. Coming from Square Enix, we can be sure that Dragon Quest X will not disappoint.

MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

Endless Ocean 2: Beautiful Ocean

Gladiator A.D

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That is all for the Wii. Which games are you looking forward to the most? Tell me via your comments.

Check back tomorrow for the PC's lineup of 2010.

A Look at 2010 in Gaming

The Xbox was relatively quiet in 2009. Sure, it got blockbuster exclusives like Forza Motorsport 3 and Halo 3: ODST as well as super hit multiplatform titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but by and large, as far as the 360's game library goes, this was indisputably its worst year on the market.

All that looks set to change next year, though. The 2010 lineup of the 360 is arguably going to be its best ever.

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XBOX 360:

Like I did with the PS3 yesterday, we are today going to have an in-depth look at the upcoming games for the Xbox 360, as it continues on its quest to become this generation's definitive hardcore gaming experience.

BAYONETTA:

Bayonetta is Sega's entry into the action genre, and is much akin to games like Devil May Cry and God of War, what with it being directed by the same person who directed Devil May Cry. But Bayonetta achieved something which none of these other games could- it scored a perfect 40/40 in Famitsu (at least the 360 version did). Bayonetta is definitely a must have for all PS3 and Xbox 360 owners.

MASS EFFECT 2:

Arguably the best series exclusive to the 360, Mass Effect is set to receive its first sequel next year. Continuing the story where BioWare's transcendental masterpiece left off, Mass Effect 2 promises to fix all the niggles and problems that plagued the first game. And, going by BioWare's record on the Xbox 360, we can be pretty sure that they'll make good on their promise to provide us with the best Role Playing experience on Microsoft's console.

BIOSHOCK 2:

Bioshock is said to be, by many, the best game of this generation. After the success that Bioshock gathered on the 360, PS3 and PC, it is no big surprise that 2K Interactive will be releasing a sequel, along with a Special Edition version. Bioshock 2 will be releasing February next year, and with all the hype that has been surrounding it, and after the critical and commercial acclaim that the first game met with, this one is sure to be one of the biggest hits of next year.

DANTE'S INFERNO:

Created by Visceral Games, the developers of the acclaimed title Dead Space, Dante's Inferno is another action game releasing next year. With a story concentrating mainly on Hell and hellish monsters, and a protagonist named Dante, it is akin to Devil May Cry in many ways. With the graphics that this game has and the stylish combat it promises to feature, Dante's Inferno is sure to become one of the highest selling games of 2010.

TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL: CONVICTION:

It's taken forever to come, and it's undergone many facelifts, but it spears now that the time has finally come when we will be able to experience Ubisoft's freshets take on the stealth action genre. This game wowed us all at E3 earlier this year, and we can be pretty sure that the effect the end product has on us all will be no different.

FINAL FANTASY XIII:

The release of any title with the name "Final Fantasy" in its name is bound to be a highly anticipated occasion in gaming. The same is bound to happen to Final Fantasy XII. Looking to radically change the series with many new gameplay mechanics, an all new epic story and an even better presentation $tyle FFXIII, a game which has been due for release for longer than any of us can remember, promises to be the defining RPG experience. Final Fantasy XIII will certainly be a contender for GOTY 2010.

DEAD RISING 2:

Dead Rising was probably the first 'next-gen' game ever, as it incorporated all features the next gen consoles had to offer. Dead Rising 2, this time releasing on both the platforms (X360 and PS3), promises to take the formula of the original game and make it all the better. Capcom has never disappointed us, so we can surely expect Dead Rising 2 to be one heck of a game.

ALAN WAKE:

Remedy will go all guns blazing and provide us with a double doze of their trademark stylish action with Max Payne 3 and Alan Wake next year. And while the former is the sequel to a widely loved niche series, it is Alan Wake that will really define Remedy's talents as a developer. Alan Wake has been in development for nearly six years now, but the wait is now almost over- Alan Wake hits stores next year and we will finally know if the long, often torturous, wait was ultimately worth it.

MAX PAYNE 3:

It's been forever since Max Payne 2 was released. But our long wait for the next instalment in the stylish series seems set to end next year (finally!!!). Max Payne 3 places us in the roll of a much older and consequently more mature (if that's even possible) Max and it places emphasis on the stylish run and gun gameplay that the series has come to be known for. Not much else is known about the title at the present, but we can be pretty sure that it'll be awesome when it does come.

CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW:

Konami's Castlevania series is one of gaming's oldest franchises but it's fast losing its relevance today. Unfortunately, Castlevania could not survive the transition to 3D. The series repeated forays into 3D gaming have ranged from the pretty good (the N64 games) to the absolutely pathetic (PS2 ones). In fact, the only reason the series survives today is because of the continued 2D side-scrolling instalments. All that seems set to change next year, though. With Kojima taking the helm of a new 3D Castlevania game, which seems to be modelled heavily on God of War, we can be pretty sure that the next Castlevania game will be an unforgettable one. For good, or for bad? We'll have to wait to find out.

CRYSIS 2:

The sequel to Crytek's 2007 graphical wonder, Crysis 2 is now appearing on the severely underpowered consoles as well. You can trust Crytek, though, to max out the potential of the 360. We don't know much else about this game at the present, but we can all rest assured that Crysis 2 will not disappoint.

FABLE III:

Peter Molyneux is known to talk big, and make a lot of empty boasts, but it is also universally accepted that his end products do not disappoint. The Fable series, in particular, while never fully reaching its true potential, has continued to entertain and enthral tons of gamers on the Xbox consoles. Now the third instalment in the series is set to hit the 360 next year, and it promises to be the most radical instalment so far. Let's wait and watch if Molyneux actually delivers on his promises this time!

CRACKDOWN 2:

Crackdown 2 is the sequel to Microsoft's 2007 surprise hit. The sequel looks set to remove all the cons of the first game while simultaneously trying to retain what the original was about. While not much else is known about the game apart from the trailer that premiered at E3 earlier this year, we can be sure that Crackdown 2 will be one of next year's highlights for the 360.

HALO: REACH

The Halo juggernaut shows no signs of stopping. After two successful games this year, Microsoft looks set to delve deep into the series' mythos and set the stage for the events that later happen in the main Halo trilogy. While we have absolutely no information about this game whatsoever, we know one very important thing that assures us all that this game will truly be one of next year's best- it's Halo. And Halo never disappoints.

MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

Darksiders

Dark Void

Lost Planet 2

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Just Cause 2

Red Dead Redemption

Mafia II

Super Street Fighter IV

Blue Dragon 2

Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days

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That is all for the Xbox 360. Which games are you looking forward to the most? Tell me via your comments.

Check back tomorrow for the Wii's lineup of 2010.

I have decided to do a feature where we will be having a look at all the games coming on all the platforms next year, one by one. Today, we will have a look at the PS3, and all the games it is getting in 2010 that might interest us.

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PS3:

2009 has been the year of the PS3 out and out. Releases upon releases like Uncharted 2, Demon's Souls, Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Killzone 2, inFamous and many more, along with tons of other multiplatform games, are what made the PS3 shine this year.

And the PS3 shows no signs of stopping. With more exclusives like The Last Guardian, God of War III, Agent and multiplies like Bayonetta, Dante's Inferno and Lost Planet 2 releasing on the PS3 in 2010, it seems as if the PS3 is on its way to become the console with the best library this generation.

BAYONETTA:

Bayonetta is Sega's entry into the action genre, and is much akin to games like Devil May Cry and God of War, what with it being directed by the same person who directed Devil May Cry. But Bayonetta achieved something which none of these other games could- it scored a perfect 40/40 in Famitsu (at least the 360 version did). Bayonetta is definitely a must have for all PS3 and Xbox 360 owners.

MAG:

MAG is a dream come true for all those who love shooters. With an involving online experience, and some personalized touches provided by gameplay mechanics such as character creation and as such, MAG is definitely the shooter all PS3 owners have been looking forward to. Releasing in January 2010, MAG is sure to grab thousands of eyeballs, and sell like peanuts.

BIOSHOCK 2:

Bioshock is said to be, by many, the best game of this generation. After the success that Bioshock gathered on the 360, PS3 and PC, it is no big surprise that 2K Interactive will be releasing a sequel, along with a Special Edition version. Bioshock 2 will be releasing February next year, and with all the hype that has been surrounding it, and after the critical and commercial acclaim that the first game met with, this one is sure to be one of the biggest hits of next year.

DANTE'S INFERNO:

Created by Visceral Games, the developers of the acclaimed title Dead Space, Dante's Inferno is another action game releasing next year. With a story concentrating mainly on Hell and hellish monsters, and a protagonist named Dante, it is akin to Devil May Cry in many ways. With the graphics that this game has and the stylish combat it promises to feature, Dante's Inferno is sure to become one of the highest selling games of 2010.

HEAVY RAIN:

Heavy Rain, SCEA's much anticipated title slated for release next year, is known mainly for its quick time event based gameplay and its beautiful and awe-striking graphics. With a very stylistic presentation $tyle Heavy Rain promises to take interactive storytelling to an all new level. Most definitely, Heavy Rain is a must buy for all PS3 owners.

FINAL FANTASY XIII:

The release of any title with the name "Final Fantasy" in its name is bound to be a highly anticipated occasion in gaming. The same is bound to happen to Final Fantasy XII. Looking to radically change the series with many new gameplay mechanics, an all new epic story and an even better presentation $tyle FFXIII, a game which has been due for release for longer than any of us can remember, promises to be the defining RPG experience. Final Fantasy XIII will certainly be a contender for GOTY 2010.

GOD OF WAR III:

God of War is, arguably, the biggest franchise in gaming today and is set to receive its final chapter next year, along with a Special Ultimate Edition. Building upon the foundation laid very successfully by the PS2 and PSP games, God of War III looks bigger, better and grander than any other game ever made in every way. So what, ultimately, will happen to Kratos? Will he be able to avenge his loved ones and kill Zeus, the King of Olympus, once and for all? Well, we'll just have to wait till March next year, when the final chapter of God of War will finally be released.

GRAN TURISMO 5:

Gran Turismo 5 is the fifth entry (duh) into the famed series. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue was a disappointment, but fans are hopeful that the real version of the game will be nothing like that, and that it'll actually live up to the reputation and the prestige of the series. Forza Motorsport 3 claimed the throne of the best racer this year, but Sony promises to go all guns blazing with GT5 next year, and reclaim the throne it deserves.

DEAD RISING 2:

Dead Rising was probably the first 'next-gen' game ever, as it incorporated all features the next gen consoles had to offer. Dead Rising 2, this time releasing on both the platforms (X360 and PS3), promises to take the formula of the original game and make it all the better. Capcom has never disappointed us, so we can surely expect Dead Rising 2 to be one heck of a game.

MODNATION RACERS:

Even the might of Gran Turismo cannot really counter Nintendo's venerable Mario Kart racing franchise. However, Sony seems to be taking a second shot at the kart racing next year with ModNation Racers. An unholy mix of Mario Kart and LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers will allow placer to create their own tracks, karts and character models and share them online with friends, all the while retaining the mayhem and chaos that Mario Kart is known for. Truly it seems as if all gamers will get the best of both worlds.

3D DOT GAME HEROES:

Another Atlus published games that shot to fame overnight, 3D Dot Game Heroes is Atlus' spastic tribute to the Legend of Zelda series, and it shows. From the graphics and the music, to the sound effects and to the gameplay and its overall structure, 3D Dot Heroes invokes the NES/SNES Zelda adventures. I don't think anybody's complaining, though. After all, we all get to play Zelda now, don't we?

MAX PAYNE 3:

It's been forever since Max Payne 2 was released. But our long wait for the next instalment in the stylish series seems set to end next year (finally!!!). Max Payne 3 places us in the roll of a much older and consequently more mature (if that's even possible) Max and it places emphasis on the stylish run and gun gameplay that the series has come to be known for. Not much else is known about the title at the present, but we can be pretty sure that it'll be awesome when it does come.

CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW:

Konami's Castlevania series is one of gaming's oldest franchises but it's fast losing its relevance today. Unfortunately, Castlevania could not survive the transition to 3D. The series repeated forays into 3D gaming have ranged from the pretty good (the N64 games) to the absolutely pathetic (PS2 ones). In fact, the only reason the series survives today is because of the continued 2D side-scrolling instalments. All that seems set to change next year, though. With Kojima taking the helm of a new 3D Castlevania game, which seems to be modelled heavily on God of War, we can be pretty sure that the next Castlevania game will be an unforgettable one. For good, or for bad? We'll have to wait to find out.

FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE:

So yeah, this was one of the biggest surprises at E3 09. However, our excitement kind of vanished away when we learnt that the fourteenth Final Fantasy game would, in fact, be online. After the less than stellar Final Fantasy XI, Square has promised that FFXIV shall be equipped to rival current MMO king, World of Warcraft. Are these just empty promises though? We'll find out next year.

THE LAST GUARDIAN:

When Team ICO announces a game, you can be pretty sure they'll have something special in store. The Last Guardian, the spiritual sequel to PS2 masterpiece Shadow of the Colossus, seems all set to take emotional narration in video games to the next level. Next to no details are known at the moment. But hell, we can look forward to this game based purely on its pedigree and its lineage.

MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

Darksiders

Lost Planet 2

Super Street Fighter IV

Red Dead Redemption

White Knight Chronicles

Agent

Quantum Theory

Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days

Mafia II

Just Cause 2

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Star Ocean: The Last Hope

Crysis 2

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That is all for the PS3. Which games are you looking forward to the most? Tell me via your comments.

Check back tomorrow for the Xbox 360's lineup of 2010.

I posted another review, guys. This time, it's Elder Scrolls IV: blivion. Check it out here and tell me how you liked it via your comments. Also, please recommend this review as helpful/unhelpful.

NOTE: This review has been posted in the Reviewers Union also.

Cheers!

Hi guys

I finally posted my UC2 review. Please check it out here. I also reviewed Demon's Souls. Please check it out here. Also, I've reviewed Dragon Age: Origins. Check it out here. Please check out my reviews and tell me how you liked it via your comments. Also, pease recommend my review as helpful/unhelpful.

NOTE: Reviews have been posted on the Reviewers Union too.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!