Looking forward

Since we are only a couple of weeks out from E3, let’s go over some of the few new releases coming up that have already been announced.

I’ve been griping about not having any games just jump out at me and totally enthrall my senses since the beginning of the year. Final Fantasy XIII has turned out to be a bit of flop (more on that in another post), and I’ve been bored out of my mind trying to find a game that just really hits home as a full out winner. Of course, I still haven’t played anything more than the demo for Dante’s Inferno, either. ;) I was piddling around on the Xbox Dashboard last night and found a couple of release trailers that made my fanboy giddy with oodles of excitement.

Crackdown 2. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first game. Like many, the only reason I bought it was to have my in to the Halo 3 Beta testing (*facepalm*: “Sucker!”). I don’t know if they are basing the game’s popularity on sales (uh, duh. Halo 3 Beta was included) or actual documented playing. Now, I will admit that I eventually got in and played for a little while, but it wasn’t something I would call a headliner as far as most awesome games are concerned. But, apparently, a new Aussie company has given this release a work over with a new story, better graphics, even more stuff to just destroy and blow up, and a hugomongus multiplayer experience. Sheer curiosity will have me adding this one to my rental queue in just over a month (July 6). Eh, who knows. I may even pull my old copy back off the shelf and play it a little more.

Laura Croft and the Guardian of Light. As I mentioned Tuesday, Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix (Eidos’ new parent) are bringing Laura back for some XBLA action. No release date yet, but keep an eye on Xbox Live Arcade this Summer.

Halo Reach. After Monday’s post, you already know my feelings for Halo (probably more than you care to know). The release date has been announced. Get ready to drop September 14. I’ll be in line at midnight waiting on my copy. Work will just have to get over the fact that I won’t be in that day. ;)

Call of Duty Black Ops. I had no idea a new game was even in the works. Well, if this was a real analytical blog, I would be doing more reading keeping up with the gaming world. ;) Based on the trailer (uncut version available on their website), which is mostly FMV sequences, this one has received a huge overhaul in the graphics department. I’m wowed… impressed… no, flabbergasted! This looks awesome!! The Call of Duty series has pretty much controlled the World War era and set the standard for the historical (mostly fictional) FPS. I think I might actually be ordering this one without doubt. I’ve always waited on these, but as I’ve played through the series (and am in love with each one), I’ve slowly added them to my collection. I’m still working my way to the Modern Warfare series (don’t kill me). November 9th. Keep your eye on this one! ;D

Castlevania Lords of Shadow. The Belmonts are back! The Castlevania series has to be one of the longest running storylines in gaming rivaling even Mario’s plethora of adventures. I’d even be willing to bet that it’s cultish fan base even rivals the Browncoats (Joss Whedon’s Firefly/Serenity TV/Movie for all you non Sci-Fi-nerds). On the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in the 80s, Simon Belmont first appeared with his trusty whip to battle the menace you all know so well, Dracula. Yes, THE Dracula. Ever since then, the Belmont name has been cursed throughout time to ever be haunted by the vampiric pain in the butt. Castlevania has been one of Konami’s major cash cows ever since. Stories have split, moved forward and backward in time, and taken on alternate timelines. This will be the first entry into “next-gen” graphics. And from what I saw in the trailer (yes, they did show gameplay!), this is going to blow your mind! Konami’s not releasing a whole lot of info on the the promo site, so I can’t tell you too much about the game other than the Belmont this time is Gabriel. Just go watch the trailer and mark your calendars for this November 13 release. If you need some catching up, check out the Shopping Channel on your Wii for WiiWare and NES Castlevania classics.

Now of course, Cliffy B’s announcement of Gears of War 3 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last month had me checking my pants for puddles, but it’s another year away. Watch next April for that one.

Although E3 is not the presentation spectacular it used to be, tune in to G4TV June 15-17 for updates from the Expo floor and get ready for a wild ride.

 

l8rz!