Platform or Shooter?
Splinter Cell 4 : Double Agent
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, GameCube, PC
Release Date: Spring 2006
Splinter Cell blew gamers away with its unique cell shading and lighting effects coupled with stealthy gameplay and cool gadgets. The latest addition plans to ‘innovate and revolutionise the Splinter Cell franchise.’ Over 12.5 million copies of Spinter Cell have been sold worldwide and Ubisoft will hope for another award winning game come the Spring. Expect more spy gadgets, more thrills and plenty of walking around like you’ve deposited something in your trousers.
Click for larger imageApe Escape 3
Platform: PS2
Release Date: 17th Jan U.S
Ape Escape was my all-time favourite platform game for the Playstation and I’m delighted this spin off is making its way to the Sony PS2. Capture over 430 apes over different terrains and landscape armed with new gadgets vehicles and powered up costumes.
Check out the official website here
Click for larger imageGhost Recon Advanced Warfighter
Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PC
Release Date:February 2006
GRAW has been delayed numerous times, hopefully to ensure that the final offering is exactly what Ghost Recon fans expect. ‘Set in 2013, the U.S. Army will implement the Integrated Warfighter System evolving what we know as the modern soldier. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices and enhanced survivability into one fully integrated combat system. The IWS program has been developed to meet these new threats head on. Now, it can be tested on the battlefield.’
Expectations are high for the latest Recon instalment and Ubisoft will be hoping this will be their trump card of 2006.
Click for larger imageStar Wars – Empire At War
Platform: PC
Release: February 2006
Star Wars: Empire At War is the newest Real Time Strategy (RTS) game based in the Star Wars universe. There have been many mediocre Star Wars games over the past 20 years but Petroglyph games who also developed the Command and Conquer series hope to win over fans. The game will focus on the battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance and will be set in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
Click for larger imageMotoGP Ultimate Racing Technology 2006
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: March 2006
Created exclusively for the Xbox 360 the graphics look stunning. Compare a real photo of one of the bikes to an in-game shot and it’s hard to tell the difference. Once again the game will provide us with blistering, heart pounding races over Xbox live. This will be one of the hottest racing games of 2006.
Click for larger imageMetal Gear Solid III:Subsistence
Platform: PS2
Release Date: Spring 2006
The latest instalment in the successful Metal Gear solid series sees a new 3rd person camera view which hopes to offer a more stealthy, intense experience. There will be new online modes, ‘Team Battle or “Snake Vs Enemies”. The pack will consist of versions of the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 3.
Click for larger imageHalo 3
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: Quarter 2 2006
Okay, so this is the 11th title, but it had to be mentioned. Not much is known about Halo 3 apart from the fact it is in development. Check out latest rumours whilst we wait for further information. Halo 3 will undoubtedly be the biggest selling game of 2006.
Check out our Halo 3 rumour round up here
You may have your own favourites that are not listed here. Head over to our forums to tell us what games you'll be buying in 2006.
