10. Outlets for independent developers -
Now more than ever, independent game creators have the opportunity to have their creations available to the public. By using things like XBL, these developers can reach audiences that they potentially could not before. Great games such as Alien Hominid are doing well, and it's thanks to these services.
9. Serial games-
While they've been done in the past, we are seeing this develop some serious potential. The Sam & Max games are great, and though games like the Half-Life 2 episodes have stumbled, gamers have a lot to look forward to. The serial game allows users to get a taste of a game without having to commit to a questionably large price tag while publishers can put out a game at a relatively cheap cost through alternative media forms.
8. Grand Theft Auto IV -
I genuinely like Rockstar's approach to releasing information on this game. They're not tooting their own horn. They're not divulging more than a whiff, and it's making the buzz all that more enjoyable. Ongoing debates as to the main character, details of the gameplay, and analysis on the trailer have all proven that a game doesn't need a ton of released screenshots to stir up a frenzy.
7. Fallout 3
I'm hooked. I love the art shots they've released of the landscape. I like the complete secrecy (but I really want a release date!). Until June, I'm salivating over this one. I don't think Bethesda is going to butcher the license. I think certain fans decide way before a game is released to doom it rather than wait until any real information is released. I'm not that type. It's Fallout, baby!
6. The Console Wars
I'm a fan of the big three. I don't have a preference one way or the other. I will probably buy a Wii at some point in the near future and will buy a Playstation 3 when I see a game that I truly want. I own a 360 and have been immensely satisfied. I think this generation of consoles has taught the three that it's about innovation and the games, but I can't wait to see where the next few years take us.
5. PC Gaming
If you've been reading my blog, then you know I've purchased a laptop recently. There have been some amazing releases for the PC in the last few years, and the future looks good for the PC. Games like Crysis, Fallout 3, and Bioshock all look excellent, and Vista can only improve from here. What will DX10 bring to the table? Will we see games like Duke Nukem and Jagged Alliance make their long-rumored appearance?
4. Halo 3
I'm admittedly not the biggest Halo fan out there. I enjoyed 1 & 2, but not to the extent of the rabid fanatics. That being said, I'm pumped for Halo 3. It has a solid release date, the beta woes appear to be over, and Bungie seems to have another solid hit on their hands.
3. Everything that's old is new again -
To say that I love retro gaming is like saying that Elvis sorta liked peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Man, I love me some retro gaming! With the big three supporting a staggering amount of older games, I'm in old geek heaven.
2. Final Fantasy XIII -
This could be the game to make me finally splurge on a PS3. From what I've seen I've been blown away by the graphics, the setting, and the atmosphere. With each new Final Fantasy game, I'm always excited, but especially so when it's coming out on a new system. Let's hope Square Enix comes up with something as entertaining and innovative as they have in the past.
1. Original games
We have seen the release of some great original games within the last year or two, including Gears of War, Resistance, Wii Sports, Supreme Commander, and Stalker. There are many more good-looking original games on the way, including Blue Dragon, Last Remnant, Bioshock, and many others. It's a time when developers are feeling their oats, and gamers are reaping the benefits. What games released today will be the next great series? Will we see Blue Dragon XIV? Only time will tell.
