A Gamer's Take on Some of 2009's Anticipated Games

I just wanted to express my opinions on some of the much talked about games that are slated to release this year. These are merely my opinion formed around the news and facts I've heard and read about these games. First on...

HALO WARS(X360)

One of the most popular FPSes on the Xbox is finally getting an RTS cousin. Great ain't it? Probably not so great after all. With Ensemble Studios in trouble and so much confusion that has prevailed around this game's development and release, there is a healthy chance that it might turn out to be an anticlimax to the great series. Perhaps they are milking the series too much.

Expectation Quotient: 2.5/5

BIOSHOCK 2: SEA OF DREAMS(X360, PS3, PC)

Bioshock was indeed a true cIassic. With its mind-boggling vistas and an eeire atmosphere which made you jump by the mere absence of enemies, few games make you feel the way Bioshock did. Here comes the second in the series... the sequel (or maybe a prequel, as some say it is). Given the record of the three -Shocks that preceeded it, this one might make it the elite league too.

Expectation Quotient: 4.5/5

F.E.A.R 2: PROJECT ORIGIN(X360, P3, PC)

Here comes another sequel in our list. While the original F.E.A.R was a success, the two games that were released under the same banner did not match up to the standards set by the original. F.E.A.R 2: PO continues where the original left albeit with a different character as the protagonist. This one is promising.

Expectation Quotient: 3.5/5

DIABLO 3(PC, Mac OS X)

The game that brings back sweet memories of mindless zombie and monster massacre. Blizzard has finally decided to go on and bring one more Diablo to the table. While so much has been said about the change in art ****and some nifty new features, Diablo will be the same mindless hack n' slash at heart including the frenzied clicks that will probably be one of the main reasons for buying a new mouse( No seriously). Fans are gonna lap this one up.

Expectation Quotient: 4/5

GOD OF WAR 3(PS3)

One of the most celebrated PS3 exclusive action games is back, maybe bigger than ever before with all its adrenalin pumping action and frenetic button mashing. Make way for Kratos and his awesome arsenal of moves. This one is surely gonna be a bloodbath... definitely not for the faint-hearted. With this ending the trilogy fans are in for a wild treat.

Expectation Quotient: 4.5/5

RESIDENT EVIL 5(X360, PS3)

The fifth installment of this survival horror series has already made a bang with its 'cool as hot' stills. There's the part about the important part lighting is going to play in the game. With a gameplay similar to RE4, some additional features, a new story and a whole new setting, Resident Evil 5 might turn out to be the best in the series.

Expectation Quotient: 4/5

STARCRAFT 2(PC, Mac OS X)

After about a decade in the backburner, Blizzard has revived the game that revolutionized RTS gaming, especially multiplayer. As is the nature of Bliz relatively little has been made public given the fact that the game is so close to release, but the hype has already grown out of proportions. Can Bliz weave the same magic again. The decision to break the game into three separate parts is not very encouraging. But then, it IS a Blizzard game. I just hope that the hype does not become the game's villain.

Expectation Quotient: 3.5/5

WARHAMMER 40,000: DAWN OF WAR 2(PC)

Sharing the fate of F.E.A.R, Dawn of War had an initial success which it failed to repeat on its expansions. That aside, the sequel has veered from its styIe and has done away with the 'distraction' of base-building, which hitherto has been a main component of the gameplay. It's one for the fans but how much fans are going to like it is yet to be seen.

Expectation Quotient: 3/5

EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR(PC)

As much as there have many spin-offs, none have come close to emulating Total War's success in this niche RTS-TBS genre. Sure enough, Sega and Creative Assembly has brought a new member into the Total War. Let's give Empire a arm welcome. With a whole new setting, and the absence of non-ranged infantry Empire is bringing some entirely new features and gameplay pinters to the gamers. Another one for the fans.

Expectation Quotient: 4/5

Comment on what you expect from these games. Do you think any of the games are over-hyped? Or perhaps some of those don't deserve to be on this?

If any of you feel that more games have to be included, just say so and I'll do a second part with those games included.