Hi! Today I thought we'd look ahead and see some of the potentially interesting games that will be released this year. 2009 is a year of sequels it seems, wiith stuff like Assassin's Creed 2 and Bioshock 2, but there are some interesting new things as well. The list is rather short, 3 games only. So feel free to suggest a few others in the blog comments.

Alpha Protocol

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Release Date: October 2009
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

I wrote a blog about this one a while back (see here) so I'll not go into the basics. Instead, I'll be directing you towards some interesting media that made its way on the net since then:

• Latest Developer Diary
• Latest Trailer
• Alpha Protocol Feature on Gametrailers TV (this one is really juicy)

In short, I'm looking forward to this one, specially after seeing that Gametrailers TV feature. However, they still need to iron out some of the rough edges, like character animations, they probably need to tweak and balance the gameplay as well, not to mention bug squashing. But since most of the footage was collected from an early game build (devs on the Obsidian forums said the build was from last year), I imagine the game will be in a good state on release. Here's hoping the game ends up every bit as good as it sounds.

UPDATE: There's a lot of new stuff about AP, but I'll just post the more interesting ones. So here you go:

• E3 2009 CGI Trailer
• Developer Walkthrough Part 1
• Developer Walkthrough Part 2

Assassin's Creed 2

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: Q4 2009
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

The sequel to one of the more interesting games of late has great promise. True, AC1's gameplay suffered because of some bad design decisions, and quite frankly wasn't a whole lot of fun after a while. The positive side is that it provided a good platforming experience, a superb game world, and used an impressive engine. So Ubisoft has a pretty solid foundation to build upon. The setting this time around will be Firenze (Italy), during the Renaissance.

There's not much info on the game, but there is a list of improvements and new features floating around the internet. I'll mention the more interesting things only, but keep in mind that said list is NOT official.

• You'll have a ton of new weapons to choose from including an axe, a hammer, a mace, a spear, 2 different sword types, a spear axe, and 2 smaller blades.
• Each weapon has a special move.
• You CAN swim.
• Da Vincis workshop is in the game.
• Locations include Saint Mark's Basilica, The Grand Canal, The Little Canal, and the Rialto bridge.
• You play as a new ancestor of Altair / Desmond - and you will see the countryside of Tuscany.
• The main characters name is Ezio Auditore de Firenze.
• Big characters are in the game including Machiavelli, Caterina Sforza, and Lorenzo de Medici.
• You'll get to glide on Da Vinci's flying machine
• Game will feature a new notoriety system that governs how enemy soldiers and people will treat you.
• 16 unique mission types.
• No more eavesdropping or pick pocketing missions.
• If you get beat up to much you will need to see a street side doctor to regain full strength.
• Hidden objects (like flags in the first one) are there to uncover but this time if you track them down you will get in-game bonuses that make it worth your time.
• New enemy types with unique attitudes and weaknesses are present in the game. Archers are mentioned, as well as elite enemies, dagger wielders, "Brutish" armored troops with heavy armor and 2 handed swords and axes, and an intelligent halberd enemy will probe hiding places with their weapons if they think you're near by.
• While hiding in a hay bail you can assassinate people this time, but it may expose your position.
• You can still climb towers and ride horses.
• The Lorenzo de Medici assassination attempt is in the game.
• There is now a night and day sequence in the game.

AC2 sounds great on paper, but then again so did the first one. So I'm not going to pass any judgements yet. I'm interested, and that's all I'll say.

UPDATE: Here's some media that just got released:

• E3 2009 Official Trailer
• E3 2009 Ubisoft Conference Gameplay Video
  
• E3 2009 Setting Interview

Risen

Developer: Piranha Bytes
Release Date: Q3 2009
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360

I must admit that I've grown rather fond of Piranha Bytes lately. I've played the Gothic trilogy, and although I've yet to finish any of them (all in due time), I like what these guys come up with. They are very good with world building, multiple choice quest, and faction play, which already elevates them above 90% of RPG developers. Of course, their game mechanics have been kind of lacking, so maybe Risen can be the turning point for that.

Risen is basically a spiritual successor to the Gothic series. It's set on a volcanic island (with a bit of a Mediterranean look) in a completely new medieval world crafted by Piranha Bytes. It's been confirmed that there will be various guilds and factions to join, but Risen will probably offer everything you'd expect from a Gothic game. Sadly, there's little in the way of solid information, so I'll just point you towards some screenshots and videos that highlight the nice graphics. I'm not sure if that Q3 2009 release date is very accurate considering the lack of info, but one thing's for sure: if you liked the Gothic games, keep an eye on this one.

UPDATE: Risen fansite 'Risen Island' has posted an interview with a Piranha Bytes dev. You can read the english translation over HERE (you might need to scroll up a few posts). The translation isn't too good, but there's some new info in there, so enjoy!

That concludes our program for this evening. See you next time! And peace!