GAMERS have been having a blockbuster year, with the majority of highly anticipated games released so far exceeding expectations.
However, the adventure has only just begun. If you are new to the medium, check out runaway hits like Grand Theft Auto 4 and Metal Gear Solid, or test your skills in Burnout Paradise and Devil May Cry 4. If you crave for more, here are the top games to look out for this year.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
(Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP)
Feel the power of the Dark Side of The Force as you take on the role of Darth Vader's secret apprentice, who assists in hunting down the remaining Jedi after the rise of Emperor Palpatine.
Set in the years between Episode III and IV of the six-part Star Wars saga, the game promises to make full use of the hardware to deliver a more realistic game experience and allow gamers to use Force abilities, like lightning and throw, as seen in the movies.
Rock Band 2
(Xbox 360, PS3, Wii)
Although last year's Rock Band was never officially released here, Singapore has an open market ripe with parallel imports, so expect retailers to bring in the sequel.
The classic gameplay of having a drummer, two guitarists and a lead singer still stands, although the game will now include a more advanced vocal detection engine, a drum set that allows for expansion with cymbals, as well 84 brand new songs.
For those who have Rock Band, the good news is that the older instruments and the old songs will be compatible with the sequel.
Gears Of War 2
(Xbox 360)
When the best weapon in a first-person shooter (FPS) game turns out to be a chainsaw, you know that the game does not fall within expectations. Continuing the war against the alien Locust, players will have access to new weapons, but the basic game remains intact. Instead of a mindless FPS, the tactic of using cover remains.
Gamers can now pick up dead aliens to use as shields and also face off against other enemies who have the same chainsaw weapon.
Guitar Hero World Tour
(Xbox 360, PS3, Wii)
Despite adding drums and vocals to the game, Activision is sticking to the Guitar Hero branding. Guitar Hero World Tour follows the successful format of Rock Band, allowing four players to jam as a band.
There is official distribution for the Guitar Hero series here, meaning prices won't be dictated by retailers. The sequel adds new elements, including a touchpad on the guitar controller to allow users to tap music notes or alter their tone. There will be a six-piece drum controller (above) instead of a four-piece one found in Rock Band.
The game will also have an option for players to create their own songs and share them among the online community.
Lips
(Xbox 360)
Microsoft's answer to Sony's highly successful SingStar singing game, Lips follows the successful formula of allowing gamers to croon to music videos of their favourite pop songs.
However, it also takes things one step further by allowing users to sing from their own collection of songs.
Packaged with two wireless, motion sensitive microphones, players can also use the mikes as tambourines to sing and perform to an audience.
Spore
(PC)
The designer of the popular Sims game has a new creation - of life. In this online game, gamers take on a life form and guide its evolution from a single-cell organism to an intelligent being and finally as a species that interacts with others in Space.
Starting off as a cell, players determine the nature of their creation and then move into the Creature phase, where it evolves into a hunting animal. The Tribal phase allows for interaction with others, while the
Civilisation stage expands the interaction to a global level. The final Space stage provides new goals of exploration and contact with other cultures.
This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 20 Aug 2008.
