TOP 10 GAMES TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2010

As the year comes to an end, I think this is an opportune time to take a look forward at the year ahead in gaming. Last year we did this and the nine games we previewed were either awesome as expected (Ghostbusters, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Madworld, and Brutal Legend), pretty good (Punch-Out and Resident Evil 5), or delayed until early 2010 (Bioshock 2, God of War 3, and Dante's Inferno). The three games delayed until early 2010 are basically shoe-ins for this year's list as well because all the delays have done is make us salivate more as details leaked out to us. So with no further ado, here are the top 10 games to look forward to in 2010.





1. Bioshock 2: I said it last year and I'll say it again this year: I will go screaming through the halls here at ESPN the day this comes out from sheer, overwhelming joy. With a lot more revealed in terms of the plot and gameplay, this easily tops my list as my most anticipated game as you return to Rapture and assume the role of a Big Daddy 10 years after the events of the first Bioshock. Along with this new twist from the first Bioshock, there is also a confirmed multiplayer mode and the ability to use your Big Daddy suit to explore the ocean immediately surrounding Rapture, which should allow for all kinds of new and creative ways to explore the once great cultural haven beneath the waves. Barring any last minute setbacks, expect Bioshock 2 to hit store shelves February 9, 2010, for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.





2. God of War 3: There are few trilogies in video games that are more celebrated than God of War and this is before the third one has even hit store shelves. Inspired by many classic stories from Greek mythology, you play as Kratos once more as you attempt to work out your anger issues with the gods for the last time. I had a chance to play an advanced demo of this (which I will post a special PS3 Q1 Preview video next week where I got to talk with some of the developers of God of War 3) and you will flip just like Kratos' point of view seamlessly does in several epic boss battles as you should expect to start wrapping up this classic trilogy on your PS3 towards the end of March 2010.






3. Dante's Inferno: Many are calling this a God of War rip-off, but I'm a firm believer that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and this might be even better because it isn't limited to just the PS3. Inspired by the part of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy of the same name, if Kratos has anger management issues, Dante is the ultimate obsessive, smothering boyfriend as he is willing to fight through the nine layers of hell to save his girlfriend's soul while having a tapestry depicting the holy cross stitched to his chest. Just like God of War, Dante's Inferno mixes classic plot with tremendous, bloody action (and a little bit of nudity) and amazing, original monsters based on this classic work of literature to get any action/adventure fan's blood pumping. Just like Bioshock 2, Dante's Inferno hits store shelves on February 9, 2010, for Xbox 360, PS3, and PSP.





4. No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle: Travis Touchdown returns with his beam katana (it's a lightsaber, but that whole copyright thing can be such a pain sometimes) as he has gotten lazy and let his number one world assassin ranking drop all the way down to 51 (possibly in honor of game creator Suda 51?). When things get personal though, Travis once again hones his wrestling inspired moves and attempts to move back up the ladder to the number one spot with even more crazy, over the top boss battles that are even better than those from the first game. The sandbox system is gone to help save on time while you hunt down your quarry and travel from location to location by just going to a map menu now and since that was one of the major complaints from the first game, it looks like No More Heroes 2 could be another sleeper hit from the deranged mind of Suda 51 and his Grasshopper Studios. No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is a Wii exclusive and should hit store shelves January 28, 2010.





5. Dead Rising 2: The first Dead Rising broke new ground in zombie bashing by having an unheard of (for the time) amount of NPCs on screen at one time with no lag. And it was set in a mall allowing you to have a variety of weapons from food court table umbrellas to golf clubs to nerf guns. Dead Rising 2 takes several of the great elements from the first game (regular guy dropped into a zombie invasion) and puts a whole new twist on it that has me chomping at the bit as I count the days until this hits store shelves. Dead Rising 2 assumes you failed to completely contain the zombie virus at Willamette from the first Dead Rising and now there are zombie outbreaks all over the country. These zombie zones have been cordoned off by the government, but with times being tough, leave it to reality TV to step in to offer the masses a chance to risk life and limb for amazing prizes. "Terror is Reality" is one of these reality TV shows that asks people to help control the zombie population in new and inventive ways for the chance at huge piles of cash. Of course, you're being dropped into these living nightmares with nothing but the clothes on your back, but it wouldn't be a zombie game if you were given a gatling gun from the get go. Add in what could be the best online multiplayer of the year as Dead Rising 2 pits you against three other players in an American Gladiators meets Resident Evil scenario and sends you all on your merry competitive ways. Zombie bashing will never be the same again on your Xbox 360, PS3, and PC come the end of Q1.





6. DC Universe Online: It is hyped as what could be the greatest MMORPG of all-time as it allows you to interact with the best of the best of the DC Comics Universe with your own original character and with a member of current comic book royalty in Jim Lee serving as the Executive Creative Director, you know you are in good hands. Unfortunately, it has been delayed countless times and is a game on life support to say the least. DCU Online was supposed to come out last summer, but now we are still waiting to rub elbows with the Dark Knight and Man of Steel and take down the likes of Lex Luthor, Mr. Freeze, the Joker, Bizarro, and many, many, many more as a loose Q3 2010 date has been set for this possible PS3 and PC powerhouse. If DCU Online doesn't come out this year, I think the game will be completely scrapped because it has been in production for far too long for us to wait much longer for it.





7. Mafia 2: Another strong title on the horizon from the folks at 2K (why do they even bother with sports anymore when their shooters and action/adventure games are so awesome?) is Mafia 2. Set in a fictitious mob family in the late 1940s-early 1950s, Mafia 2 combines a GTA-style sandbox experience with a Hollywood-inspired cinematic driven plot as you play as Vito, a small-time hood trying his best to get his piece of the American dream in some less than savory ways. Add in some awesome action sequences and Martin Scorsese couldn't have done a better job with this. Mafia 2 looks to be the strongest release due out in Q2 when it lands on store shelves May 3, 2010, for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.





8. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Every major attempt to bring the fabled history of Castlevania into the 3D realm has fallen flat on its face and the only thing keeping the series alive has been a successful run with the classic side scrolling action on handheld systems. Things may change come the next holiday season. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow has you cast as the mysterious figure Gabriel as you fight through a massive world in the third person. Mix in some puzzles and some holy (or unholy) artifacts to help power up Gabriel and you have the base for a nice action/adventure game. There aren't a lot of details out on this one yet in terms of how Gabriel fits in with the Belmont clan or if Dracula is even the main force of darkness here (although I'm sure he is because it wouldn't be Castlevania if he wasn't), but from what I've seen so far, this could be the best chance to FINALLY bring Castlevania successfully onto modern consoles especially with Hideo Kojima (of the Metal Gear Series) consulting on this project, Patrick Stewart serving as the narrator, and some God of War and Assassin's Creed style gameplay mechanics shown in the early trailer. Expect Castlevania: Lords of Shadow to emerge from the darkness next holiday season for Xbox 360 and PS3.





9. Super Mario Galaxy 2: Everyone loves Mario, plain and simple. Another game expected to be released in time for the next holiday season, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be the first direct sequel to another Mario game in a decade (since Super Mario World 2 back for the SNES). Add in that you are definitely going to be riding Yoshi around and I'm sure you'll see the return of some other classic powers and this is another sure fire hit for Nintendo. Plus, don't forget that you are sure to see a lot of classic Mario themes, enemies, and puzzles mixed in with the tremendous planetary exploration aspect introduced in the first Super Mario Galaxy and this will be another platforming gem from Nintendo. Super Mario Galaxy 2 should be out in time for next holiday season and is, of course, a Nintendo exclusive.





10. Metroid: Other M: Nintendo has the strongest first party franchises out there and another one confirmed for next holiday season is Metroid: Other M. A lot like seeing Hideo Kojima's production studio helping out with Castlevania, Team Ninja, best known for the Ninja Gaiden games, has stepped up to help give a bit of an anime style and storytelling flair to this newest Samus Aran adventure. Mixing some classic side-scrolling action and some 3D arena battles as you progress through the game and interchange between the two seamlessly should keep you on your toes and keep you from getting bored. Add in that at least Ridley has been confirmed as one of the boss battles and it should be interesting to see what Team Ninja can do with this beloved Nintendo franchise. Metroid: Other M is another Wii exclusive and should be out in time for the next holiday season.



So there is my top 10 for the coming year and it is one heck of a list. On top of these games, there are also lots of other games that I just could not take the time to go into right now, plus I did not feel they were worthy of the top 10. MAG, Heavy Rain, Bayonetta, Darksiders, Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands (adding a 4th chapter to one of the better trilogies for the last generation of consoles was not necessary and is thus a major reason that Prince of Persia stayed off the list), Mass Effect 2, Just Cause 2, Epic Mickey, Red Steel 2, Mega Man 10, Gran Turismo 5, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and an unnamed Legend of Zelda title for the Wii (not enough info for me to be confident that this will make it in time for a 2010 release, but Nintendo is the best at keeping secrets) all deserve honorable mentions and should be awesome games in 2010, but these are my top 10 and I stand by them. It is going to be another great year for games and I cannot wait. Until then, have a great New Year and my resolution is that I will be sure to try my best to keep you informed over the course of 2010 just as I did over the course of 2009.



-Ray Carsillo

THE HOLIDAY RUSH

I did this last year where I offered some last minute advice to help out people looking to pick up a couple of more items to stuff in the stockings or under the tree and due to positive feedback, we're doing it one more time!

Now, if you're looking for games for some little ones and don't feel they're ready for an over the top, alien shoot 'em up, or some action-adventure, sword wielding bloodbath, then here are a few E-rated games that will keep them happy till their birthday rolls around.



1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii - Nintendo Wii - Any older gamer will appreciate the nostalgia this game conjures up. Any young gamer will fall in love with the crazy characters, classic side-scrolling platforming gameplay, and the hours of exploration and fun it will provide. Just like every other great Mario Bros. game to ever come out. This Wii game has been flying off of store shelves this holiday season with good reason.




2. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Nintendo DS -Another one of Nintendo's powerhouse franchises with a new chapter in its long and storied history. What's nice about this is that the kids can take this with them on the long car or plane ride you're already dreading. At least it'll keep the kids out of your hair as you prepare for departure delays or traffic due to the predicted bad weather. Not the longest or most in-depth in the Zelda series, it will more than do the job of distracting the little ones this holiday season.



3. A Boy and His Blob - Nintendo Wii - Rounding out the Nintendo dominance of kid-oriented games is a remake of a NES classic. A Boy and His Blob follows a young lad and his alien, shape-shifitng friend, who can help the boy in a plethora of ways by eating magical jellybeans. These jellybeans allow the blob to turn into a gun, a ladder, a trampoline, and many other useful items as you travel across these beautifully drawn 2.5 D worlds.

"But, Ray! My kid is in high school and I don't think these childish games will work for him/her." Never fear! There is plenty of T-rated games just waiting to be picked up.



1. Ghostbusters: The Video Game - All systems - The closest thing die-hards have seen to a third movie, this game picks up about three years after the end of the second movie and brings the story together better than any movie could have. With all the original voice cast returning to reprise their iconic 80s roles, 'bustin' has never felt so good.



2. Batman: Arkham Asylum - XBOX360, PS3 - One of the most critically acclaimed games of the year, Batman: Arkham Asylum is the initial offering of what looks to be a long series of new Batman games. With a free-flow combat system that flows like water and a plot worthy of a comic maxi-series, this game is a must have for any comic book fan.



3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - PS3 - The SpikeTV Video Game Awards game of the year delievers on every front like no other game this year. Plot depth, tremendous characters that pull on your heart strings, probably the best looking game of the year, and flawless gameplay makes this a must have for any gamer's collection if you have a PS3.

Now you're wondering, "What about the games for Mommy and Daddy?" Well, there are plenty of M-rated games out there for long after the kiddies go to bed.



1. Madworld - Wii - It's rare to see a phenomenal M-rated game on the Wii, but Sega's Madworld delievers in ways I never thought a Wii game could. An unfathomable amount of gore and language brightens up the black and white world of "Jack", a man tasked with winning a "Running Man"-esque game of death in a world that just screams "Sin City". Either interacting with the entire environment to find new and interesting ways to kill your enemies, or just relying on the chainsaw on your right hand, you will have fun wreaking havoc in Madworld.



2. Assassin's Creed 2 - XBOX360, PS3 - My pick for game of the year, Assassin's Creed 2 expounds on the plot of the first game and trumps the action by leaps and bounds. A new free-flow combat system, being able to wield two weapons at once, poison, guns, and an entire economic system make what was once a repetitive, tedious chore to beat in AC1, makes AC2 one of the most unique mainstream gaming experiences of the year.


3. Halo 3: ODST - XBOX360 - My choice for first-person shooter of the year, any Halo fan needs to have this game. Aside from the amped up difficulty due to you acting as a lower class of trooper than Master Chief's Spartan self, the film noir aspect of taking over every member of your squad at different moments as you unravel the mystery of the Covenant's attack is one of the most immersive plot techniques I've seen in gaming in years.

Those are the games that will make everyone you know, no matter their age, happy. On this last list, are the games that leave everyone cringing and they will be returned. Guaranteed. Avoid these games at all costs Grandma!



1. Fairytale Fights - XBOX 360, PS3, PC - A nice concept that falls flat on its face. Living through some classic fairytale character's stories with some bloody hack-'n'-slash combat is a nice thought, but horrible gameplay, a poorly kept-together plot, and nothing really special about using these fabled characters from fairytale lore aside from the random weapons they find was really a disappointment.




2. TMNT: Smash-Up - Nintendo Wii - It uses the same engine as Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but it lacks everything else. Only a handful of selectable characters, a miserable story mode, and controls that aren't nearly as responsive as the Nintendo character counterpart. A bitter disappointment for any TMNT fan and another TMNT media project that doesn't include the original theme music!



3. The Conduit - Nintendo Wii - This is probably one of the most hyped games of the year and instead should be considered as the worst first-person shooter of the year. Basically a remake of Perfect Dark from N64, but with some more high tech weapons and a looser plot. The graphics look like something from the Gamecube and the multiplayer, although probably one of the better ones for the Wii, is still subpar when compared with the multiplayer offered by games for the XBOX 360 and PS3.

Well folks, there it is. For all you last minute shoppers out there, those are some helpful hints. Thanks for reading my article and have a happy and safe holiday season.

-Ray Carsillo

A FOOTBALL BLITZKRIEG!

Ever since the Madden franchise acquired rights exclusivity to the NFL, there have been several alternatives to try and put a dent in the near impenetrable armor that surrounds the football powerhouse that is Madden. Another new contender is stepping into the ring though and it isn't necessarily emphasizing the truck stick.

QuickHit.com is a website that offers a free flash based football game that will rack the brains of Fantasy Football heroes and test the mettle of Madden die-hards alike by combining RPG elements with the pure strategy that you would find out on the gridiron.

RPG elements? Flash based? FREE?! That's right. It doesn't get more revolutionary than this. No downloads required and no credit card either. In fact, before writing this article, I got a quick game in at work even though I signed up on my home PC if you're questioning the download part.

Aside from the pure strategy involved with calling all the plays since you're your custom team's head coach (and if you're a rookie in that department, NFL Legend Bill Cowher lends a few suggestions along the way), you can also decide what players to train (level up) between games and what new abilities they can learn (offensive linemen can learn moves to help them get a pancake block, running backs can break more tackles, etc., etc.).

Now, of course, a team with a higher level will have a clear advantage, but the best part will be when two evenly matched teams duke it out as it is a true test of your football acumen that you just can't find in the often glitch riddled gameplay of Madden (there are ALWAYS at least five plays that will ALWAYS work).

A downside for many people though will be that the game isn't the best looking, but anyone who is a true football fan should be able to look past the simple flash-based graphics and appreciate the great football gameplay that is played out before you, as you get the instant gratification or instant frustration as you see how the play you called turns out.

There is only so much I can tell you about QuickHit.com, so I had an opportunity to talk with the Director of Design on QuickHit.com, Brandon Justice, and I think he can tell you much better than I could just how awesome QuickHit.com is so be sure to check out the video over here!


QuickHit.com Football Preview with Director of Design Brandon Justice and Ray Carsillo

Video by Jared Bodden



So, if you are looking for an alternative to Madden or Madden Head Coach and don't want to keep dropping the $60 every year for updated rosters and tweaked graphics, QuickHit.com might be the answer for you. It's as simple as going there right now and signing up for FREE (Of course, with it being free there are a couple of short ads you might have to sit through between quarters, but they take about as long as the ridiculous load times Madden 10 had this year)!

Ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best.

Graphics: 7.5: It is hard to judge graphics on a flash game because you know right off the bat it could never compare to the power of a console game, and QuickHit.com admits that it would be impossible for them to try (at this point in time, anyway), so in comparison to other flash and free online games, the looks for this game are solid, especially in all the menus.

Audio: 5.0: Generic pads clashing, whistles, and other football related SFX mixed with generic music gives this a middle of the road score.

Plot/Plot Development: N/A: It's a sports sim (with RPG elements)...

Gameplay: 9.0: This is one of the key elements that QuickHit.com shines in. A plethora of plays that are easily selectable with drop down menus that whittle down your options to the specific play you are looking for, no glitches that I was able to notice, and the fantasy football RPG elements between games to level up your players will appeal to every guy who has ever played Fantasy Football and loves tweaking his roster from week to week.

Replay Value: 10.0: RPG and sports games are possibly the most addicting games due to the obsession you develop over time when it comes to leveling up and tweaking your roster as you make another run to a championship. Combining those elements will keep football fans coming back for more. Millions will be lost in workplaces across the country as people keep playing football at QuickHit.com!

Overall (not an average): 8.5: For a work in progress, this is a very addictive and fun (and cheap!) way to pass the time. It can only get better as new features get added to it and it already has a rock solid base to work from.

-Ray Carsillo