If you've got a lot of chocolate on your biscuit join our....club
There are plenty of exciting games to look forward to in 2008 which aren’t on the list you're about to read, but I’ve pondered away and chosen the 20 games which I think have the potential to be great titles over the coming year. The headline is a bit presumptuous, after all you never know how a game will turn out until you play it (just look at the disappointment that was Assassin's Creed - in my opinion), but there's a number of titles due out that should make 2008 another great year for videogames, including some brand new IP's, such as Alan Wake and Ghostbusters, and also sequels to past franchises such as Fable and Resident Evil.Take a deep breath, grab yourself a glass a water (new year, new health kick...right?), and take a browse through some of the biggest games coming our way in 2008.
Splinter Cell Conviction - Xbox 360, PC
The Splinter Cell series was getting a bit stale and Ubisoft is obviously aware of that. Therefore, in 2008 they’ve made the wise decision to re-define the series and attempt to re-invent player's perception of next-gen gameplay, graphical detail, and innovation.
To survive in Splinter Cell Conviction we’ll need to build an underground network of allies who will help you obtain hi-tech gadgets and stay one step ahead of your pursuers as we struggle to unmask the forces that want us dead.
We’ll be able to blend in with a realistic crowd and navigate within a civilian environment (much like Assassin’s Creed), mimic them to go undetected, or instigate panic as a divisive way to become untraceable as you escape danger.
The trailers and the screenshots are looking fabulous. Let’s just hope the game lives up to its promise.
Click for larger imageThe Club - Xbox 360, PS3, PC
This may not be on many people’s list for top games in 2008, but it really caught my eye when I saw the demo in Leipsig back in August 2007. I’ve been keeping an eye on its progress, and although I haven't played it yet, it’s looking good.
The Club is not about one particular character, but a collection of tough brawlers who each has their own reason for risking their life to beat The Club, an underground bloodsport association (think Fight Club with guns). Some are driven by greed, some are driven by a higher purpose, and some are driven by pure insane bloodlust.
Within The Club, Bizarre Creations has delivered on their promise of redefining and refreshing the mechanics of 3rd person action shooters and delivered a title that is heavy in fast paced arcade-style action and high on thrills. From the design of the characters to the Gears of War style sprint animation, The Club has a unique visual style and it looks set to be an addictive and rewarding shooter of the highest calibre. I've got high hopes for this one.
Click for larger image