Vanguard

Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Entertainment

The console wars have ended with a draw, and now consumers await the latest title releases for their preferred console type. With games for the PC, PlayStation3, Xbox or the Wii coming available over the remaining months of 2008, there should be a game for every type of gamer out there. The most talked about games for each console have consumers waiting impatiently to play the game they long for most. But, for now, gamers must settle for just a bit of information about a few of the most prominent titles due out this year.

PS3

The PS3 platform may be considered the hardcore gamers console in some circles, but the September release of "LittleBigPlanet" could change that view. With such features as user-created content that is rendered with a realistic physics engine, a comprehensive tool set for world creation, puzzles to solve and the chance to take personal creativity to the next level, this game should draw in all types of players, from casual to expert. Players can make their individual worlds as public or as private as they want, allowing others to explore them and others' worlds in return.

Still playing to more hardcore gaming fan base, PS3 is also releasing "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots" in June. The new features of the games will include a revamped close-quarters combat system, optional first-person view and multiple paths to choose from in more open-ended play. Every street is a battlefield, as battles are not about countries anymore, but rather more about factions fighting factions.

Wii

The Wii again plays up its biggest strength: Mario. "Mario Kart" will release in late April. This game has seen a title on every console created by Nintendo since the Super Nintendo. "Mario Kart" will feature a 16-player online mode, new steering wheel peripheral, new karts, ability to do stunts and the expected Wii controller makeover for true interactive play.

The Wii continues to stick with the idea of getting players up and moving with "Wii Fit." The May release should draw big appeal with casual gamers tired of the same old grind at the gym. The game tracks fitness progress for each player and includes aerobics, yoga and stretches. These exercises will be made interactive with use of the new balance board controller.

PC

The computer gamers will be highly familiar with the next "World of Warcraft" release, "World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King." This game is simply an expansion of the wildly popular MMORPG "World of Warcraft." It will include visual enhancements, a higher level cap, new Death Knight Hero character class, and more talents, powers and customization. Unfortunately for WOW fans, the release date is still unavailable.

Perhaps the most anticipated game for PCs in all of PC history, "Spore" will finally hit shelves in September. As perhaps the only PC game with the endorsement, somewhat, of Robin Williams, this far-reaching game should also draw fans because of its scope and level of creativity. Players can create and control a galaxy of life forms, starting from single-celled organisms up through highly evolved being capable of space travel. "Spore" is the introduction of the new "massively single-player" genre that allows uploading of users' creations to be used as non-player characters by other users.
Multiple consoles

The ever popular "Guitar Hero IV" will seek sales just in time for the holiday season. The new games will likely see little more than some visual tweaks and new music. But this is more than enough for "Hero" fans. The latest gossip is that the game should include music by Def Leppard.
This summer will see the release of the latest game from the "Star Wars" franchise, "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed." While word on this game is still somewhat sketchy, it should provide graphics far beyond that of previous games of the series due to 3-D character animation.

The ubiquitous and criminally minded "Grand Theft Auto IV" will be available this month. The game will feature a redesigned Liberty City that more closely mimics its inspiration, New York City and finer graphics detail and display than previous versions, including use of the same 3-D character animation used by "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools