Halo 3: ODST

Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: FPS
Release: Fall 2009
ESRB: Pending

The first expansion of the Xbox 360 exclusive juggernaught that is Halo 3, this expansion breaks away from Master Chief, instead it follows a team of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST) as they embark on a top secret mission against the covenant.  The expansion promises to introduce around five hours extra campaign game play, and will include new armor sets, so that you can further customize your Spartan as you play online.  The gameplay will be slightly different than the typical Halo style, ODST will rely more on stealth and squad combat, seeing as you are a normal human instead of a super soldier.  This expansion will include all of the features from Halo 3, including four player coop and forge map editor.

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Dragon Age: Origins

Developer: Bioware
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: RPG
Release: Second half 2009
ESRB: Pending

Dragon Age: Origins will be a party based RPG that relies heavily on your choices to sculpt the world and story around you.  It is named origins because from the start of the game you choose your origin, and the world will play out differently depending on your choice.  The combat system utilizes the real-time-with-pause that closely resembles those used in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Baldur’s Gate.  There will be three main starting classes, each customizable with multiple skill choices, as well as multiple races to choose from.  Though resembling classic fantasy role-playing styles the game will be darker than most role playing games and will include epic large scale creature battles.  To those MMO fans out there,  Bioware has included a rather extensive crafting system, such as creating weapons, or gather herbs for potions.  Dragon Age: Origins is set to release on multiple platforms, and will include a toolset that resembles the one present in never winter nights 2.  With this toolset players will be able to create and play through their own quest.  With the many choices, weapons, classes, a toolset and multiple endings, Dragon Age: Origins will be sure to keep you entertained for many hours.

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Kingdom Under Fire II

Developer:  Blueside & Phantagram
Genre: Action RTS
Release: TBA 2009
ESRB: Pending

Kingdom Under Fire II promises to be one of the most anticipated games of 2009.  KUF II will retain much of the original game play, which consists of a combination of both hack and slash action  and real time strategy, while making vast improvements to them.  In this game you will be taking control of multiple unit platoons of varying types.  Once you enter battle you take control of a hero and the game will turn to hack and slash combat, letting you fight along side your units. Due to the increased power brought by the Xbox 360 the unit number that you can command will be more than doubled from the original game, this is sure to make the battles far more intense.  There will be three factions that you can choose from, The Human Alliance and Dark Legion along with a new race called the Encablossians.  There will be a brand new cast of playable characters, as well as a few from KUF: The Crusaders. The game has received a graphical overhaul and considering the amount of units on screen looks amazing.  KUF: II will have online play, that is set to be much more complete and in-depth than the original.  With a decreased learning curve and a higher emphasis on tactical maneuvers  and action, this game could very well be one of the shining stars of 2009

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Lost Planet 2

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action
Release: TBA
ESRB: Pending

Set ten years after the original Lost Planet, Lost Planet 2 thrusts players back onto the surface of the planet EDN III to continue the battle against the insectoid creatures named the Akrid.  Lost Planet 2 seems to be taking a step away from the first game, by focusing more on squad based combat.  EDN III seems to have had a slight climate change as well, instead of just the frozen waste lands that the first game was composed of, the official trailer shows lush forest and jungle regions.  Capcom also promises an improved multiplayer and coop experience.  The game appears to still have gigantic boss battles, and large walking mech suits will still play a large role in the gameplay.  Not much has been released on this game because of its very recent announcement; be sure to check back for updates.  You can view the official trailer here. 

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Mass Effect 2

Developer: Bioware
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Action RPG
Release: 2009
ESRB: Pending

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 and PC exclusive Mass Effect, the recently announced Mass Effect 2 is  one of the biggest games in 2009.  Not many details have been released at this time, so I will update as they come available.  What has been said is that  the game will include many if not all of the original weapons and armor, along with many new ones.  You will also be able to import your character from your Mass Effect saved games.  The choices your made in the first game will follow you into the second installment, customizing the game experience based on your previous decisions.  You can view the teaser trailer here.

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