Killzone 2

Developer: SCEA
Publisher: Guerrilla
Genre: Sci-Fi FPS
Release: Feb. 27, 2009
ESRB: Mature

Since the first trailer was shown back at E3 2005 (which you can see here), Killzone 2 has received a massive amount of hype. With the game fast approaching, many of us have had the chance to look more in depth into the gameplay and design with the game. It looks like the single-player campaign will sport roughly 8 hours of gameplay for most players. We can’t give away what the story is, but I can say that it involves space and nukes. Also, the multi-player is looking better and better as we draw closer to the release. Not only will it include classes, but it will be tightly based around teamwork with squads and voice communication. According to the developer, you will also be able to track stats and clan information from online. We are anticipating this amazing sequel to the first Killzone with lots of intensity and hopefully can provide a full review of the game soon. Check out this recent trailer of the game entitled ‘Ballet of Death’.

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Final Fantasy XIII

Developer: Square Enix
Genre: Role-Playing
Release: TBA 2009

We've waited, and then waited, and now we're waiting some more, but as Square Enix perfects what will hopefully be a masterpiece, there are many speculations which augur well for this highly anticipated game. So far, we know that many aspects will be shared with Final Fantasy XII. The battles will be integrated into the world environment, but news has come up that additional features will be added. FFXIII seems to be reverting more to the classic FFVII system in that a feature like the "limit break" has reappeared, where you store up points to release several attacks at once which will can hack through your enemies like the good old "omni-slash." A new "launch" command has been created where players can skyrocket into the air for a special attack, but the traditional attacks and magic are still in place. Apart from the battle system, elements of the story seem incredibly similar to FFVII. Although the game deals with races beyond humans, the main city, Cocoon, looks to be much like Midgar, a floating city in the sky dependent on a crystal for energy, much like Mako. Is Square Enix reinventing some of their classic ideas? We can only wait, and wait more.

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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Developer: SCEA
Publisher: Naughty Dog
Genre: Action Adventure
Release: Q4 2009

Although SCEA won't release this game until quarter 4, we can be sure there will be far more treasure hunting, somewhat Tombraider-style, among the jungles and Himalayan cliffs of Uncharted 2. Something tells me there will be thieves. The additions to this game are many: Uncharted 2 will take on many aspects of Tomb Raider and Assassin's Creed, including free movement over walls and objects, and stealth-based missions that might resemble MGS4. The enemies will be much more intelligent this time around, especially on stealth missions, so warming up with MGS4 is probably a good idea. The story, however, resembles something much closer to Indiana Jones in that Drake is searching for a crystal that offers its finder one wish. Someone else is also searching for this crystal, and there will be many other thieves along the way to prevent you from finding this lost treasure which also correlates with the history Marco Polo. The story looks to be fairly creative, as far as to the gaming industry, and much more is to be expected.

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God of War III

Developer: SCEA
Genre: Action
Release: TBA

We're not to expect this game until quarter 4 of 2009, yet so far we know several aspects about the game. The gameplay will be very similar to the previous two installments, and many aspects of the gameplay will be improved. For instance, now there will be up to 50 enemies on screen at one time, as opposed to the traditional 15. Numerous new weapons are to be expected, and the game will look astonishing running on full 1080p HD resolution, if you have that capability. The game will likely be "hell on Earth," as one of the developers explains, and will include a vast amount of Greek mythology that will go from A-Z in the list of Greek gods, with Zeus being at the forefront. The script for the gameplay is 120 pages long, and God of War III will be the last in the trilogy. Hopefully, if there are no delays we will see this game December 16, 2009, and it will one of those games that most PS3 owners will just have to pick up.

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X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Developer: Activision
Publisher: Raven Software
Genre: Action
Release: May 1, 2009

We will likely see this game in May, 2009, and it will be available on a variety of platforms: Wii, 360, Nintendo DS, PC, PC, PS2, PS3, and PSP. There isn't too much revealed about the game so far, but we know that the basic aspect involves you, Wolverine, honing your animals instincts in order to build up your character in a similar way to RPGs. With new instincts and abilities, you will be able to tear your way through your enemies as the plot of the game expands beyond what the movie divulges. There are likely to be numerous combo-attacks and also finishing moves, which might bring us back into the age of Mortal Kombat. The game will be based on levels each with their theme, much like Tomb Raider: Legend, and there will be a variety of cinematics as well that lead you into the levels. You can skydive, leap between helicopters, or just fight in the dirt. It looks promising, and with so many platforms hosting it, many gamers are sure get the full experience.

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Heavy Rain

Developer: Quantic Dream 
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment 
Genre: Interactive Movie 
Release: TBD 2009 
ESRB: TBD

Development for Heavy Rain began over 3 years ago but information about the game has been scarce. Fortunately, David Cage who is the CEO of Quantic Dream took some time to answer questions in a recent issue of D-Pad Magazine. In the interview, David Cage details how the development team is going where no game has gone before. He also noted that the development team hasn’t been impressed with what direction next-generation games are going in, and Quantic Dream plans to make Heavy Rain the first emotionally attaching experience. For anyone who doesn’t know, Heavy Rain is an interactive movie experience that has been molded into a psychological thriller. With so many resources spent on the game and such great promise, it’s easy to see why Heavy Rain is one of the most anticipated titles of this year. Go check out www.dpadmagazine.com for the full interview, as well as previously unseen images of the game. Click here for scans of the magazine which take a closer look at the game's development.

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