The Xbox 360 Games of Spring 2009
What games should you look forward to for the next three months? IGN Xbox has your forecast.
March 25, 2009 -
So far, the Xbox 360's upcoming lineup isn't quite up to 2008's amazing standards, but there are still a lot of killer games on the way. From movie tie-ins to sequels and original IPs, the first quarter of 2009 seems to have something lined up for every gamer. So what's in store this spring?
We thought you might ask that question, so we've taken the liberty of preparing a gigantic list of games you might want to look out for. Hope you like fun.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Release Date: Q3 2009
Genre: Action
What to Expect: When The Dark Knight was released in theaters last year, cynical Batman fans expected a rushed and uninspired videogame tie-in to join it. Imagine their surprise when no such cash-in materialized and a totally unconnected Batman project was announced a few months later. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a dark and gritty action game set in Gotham City's notorious prison. Playing as The Caped Crusader, you'll be heading deep inside Arkham, where the population is none too happy to see you after the whole putting-them-in-prison-for-life thing. Developer Rocksteady Studios is working something called FreeFlow combat into Batman: Arkham Asylum. That means you'll be dealing with multiple enemies simultaneously, using strikes, grappling moves and counterattacks to throw, smash and pummel them into submission.
As proficient as Bats is with hand-to-hand combat, he's also has some wonderful toys at his disposal, including Batarangs, a grappling hook and some kick-ass tactical goggles. You just can't hide from the Dark Knight. Look for popular characters from the comic series such as The Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc and others to make appearances, often to the detriment of Batman's sanity. Could this be the next great comic book game? We'll find out this spring.
Bionic Commando
Developer: Grin
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: Q2 2009
Genre: Action
What to Expect: Grin's high-definition downloadable adaptation of the classic platformer Bionic Commando was one of our favorite gaming experiences of 2008, and we're hoping the full 3D action remake will impress us just as much. Bionic Commando stars Nathan Spencer as a cybernetically enhanced soldier with an extendable grapple arm. Betrayed by his commander Super Joe and framed for a crime he didn't commit, Spencer is unexpectedly busted out of prison after a devastating terrorist attack strikes Ascension City. He's offered a deal: Stop the terrorist group Bio-Rain, and he'll have his name cleared.
Nathan will need to use his newly outfitted bionic arm to grapple and swing his way through levels; grab and throw enemies; and latch onto usable objects. But Nathan has more than just his robotic arm at his disposal. Upgradable weapons like the Tarantula, a multi-shot missile launcher, will be part of your arsenal as well. Add 10-person online multiplayer to the mix, and you have what's shaping up to be a solid spring release that does the old-school version proud.
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: May 26
Genre: First-person shooter
What to Expect: From what we've seen in Hollywood movies (a.k.a. the historical record), pretty much all that anyone ever did in the Old West was fill each other full of holes. That makes the time period and region the perfect setting for a first-person shooter, so Polish developer Techland is bellying up to the bar for another round of Call of Juarez. The upcoming sequel, subtitled Bound in Blood, actually takes place before the events of the first game. Folks say that's called a prequel.
The development team was inspired by Western tales like 3:10 to Yuma; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; and Deadwood, so expect a blend of gritty realism and over-the-top action. Featuring wide-open environments, brutal shootouts and two playable characters (but no co-op), Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood follows the exploits of the McCall brothers as they search for Aztec gold (which apparently the Aztecs aren't using). Bound in Blood will also include multiplayer modes that Techland hasn't released details about just yet. We hope to saddle this one up soon for a closer look.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
Developer: Starbreeze
Publisher: Atari
Release Date: April 7
Genre: First-person shooter
What to Expect: Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay was an example of one of the rarest of all videogame specimens: the successful movie-to-game transition. Released in 2004 to wide critical acclaim, Riddick was a smart, engaging FPS that left fans begging for more. Specifically, they asked for more single-player campaign (which was a bit short) and the addition of multiplayer. Developer Starbreeze has answered all that and more. Assault on Dark Athena includes not only an all-new storyline with a multiplayer component but also a revamped version of the original game, all on one disk.
You once again fill the role of Riddick, and you'll need to use a mix of stealth and firepower to fight your way off of a mercenary ship helmed by a homicidal captain named Revas. And as with the last game, there's a colorful cast of characters on board to make your stay interesting. Multiplayer will feature 12-player deathmatch and a "Pitch Black" mode, both of which we hope to hear more details on soon. All of this, and Vin Diesel himself in the starring role.
Damnation
Developer: Blue Omega
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: April 21
Genre: Shooter
What to Expect: Western-themed games seem all the rage of late, and Codemasters has stepped into the corral with Damnation, a revisionist third-person shooter set in an alternate version of America's post-Civil War years. The focus here is on vertical combat, and Blue Omega has built each level with that in mind. You'll be shimmying up buildings, leaping across platforms and hopping from point to point, all while gunning down your foes with an assortment of steampunk inspired weaponry (rail spike shooter, anyone?).
The main character is Hamilton Rourke, a "peacemaker" who sets out with a small band of like-minded folks to stop an evil industrialist bent on, well, evil. With a collection of old-fangled vehicles, an epic storyline and a full multiplayer suite included, Damnation is looking like an interesting mix of classic shooter and ambitious platformer. If Blue Omega and Codemasters can pull it all together in time for launch, expect Damnation to gain a solid following. Look for our full review of this intriguing vertical shooter in the weeks to come.
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Namco Bandai / KOEI
Release Date: April 21, 2009
Genre: Action
What to Expect: We can see you, you know. Yep, right through your monitor, we can see you snickering and trying to hold back the laughter. G'head, just get it all out now. No, really, go on, laugh all you wa---okay, out of your system now? Good, because henceforth there shall be no more whining, finger-pointing or oh so tired jokes about the 852 billion ____ Warriors games released in the last two weeks or something. No! Bad! That's what our comments section is for (we're kidding, of course, no clogging that up either, not that you'll listen to us or anything).
No, the rest of this little blurb is for all you Dynasty Warriors/Gundam fans out there. All sixteen of you (and Sam Bishop) are no doubt already twitterpated at the notion of getting to jump into Domon and go tearing through massive armies with your super-cool laser sword. Tack on new mobile suits (by an order of magnitude, actually), mobile armor boss battles and some AI tweaks and you have plenty of reason to get geeked out over some futuristic hack 'n slash.
Ghostbusters
Developer: Terminal Reality
Publisher: Atari
Release Date: June 16
Genre: Action
What to Expect: Ghostbusters: The Video Game has had a bit of a bumpy ride since it was first announced in November 2007. Publisher Activision famously dropped the title after its merger with Vivendi in July, and Atari swooped in to save the day. But developer Terminal Reality apparently never missed a beat, and the game's progress chugged along like the Ecto-1. IGN's resident Ghostbusters fan Greg Miller remains as upbeat as ever about the game, which features a script penned by Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis.
Ghostbusters features a full single-player storyline that casts you as the newest recruit on the Ghostbusters team. Joining you will be Spengler, Stantz, Zeddmore and Venkman, all voiced by the original actors. It turns out Manhattan has been overrun yet again by ghosts, and its up to the crew to bag 'em and tag 'em. Along the way, you'll be able to upgrade your equipment and log your captures in Tobin's Spirit Guide. Co-op and multiplayer round out the experience, and we hope to find out more about both soon. In the meantime, don't cross the streams.
The Godfather II
Developer: EA Redwood Shores
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: April 7
Genre: Action
What to Expect: The Godfather II is widely regarded as one of the best movies ever made, which leaves big loafers to fill when it comes to a videogame adaptation. But EA Redwood Shores (The Godfather, Dead Space) has stepped up to the challenge. Set in the same mobbed up world as the Francis Ford Coppola film and Mario Puzo novels, Godfather II will take you to Cuba, Miami and New York as the Don of the Big Apple. Your job is to build the family's wealth and influence through extortion, racketeering and good old-fashioned thuggery.
You can manage the family from above with "The Don's View" and take the fight to the streets by rumbling alongside your soldiers. Each member of your clan has select attributes that makes him suited to specific tasks. Use these Mafioso well to make money for the family, or mark them for death if they're not performing up to your exacting standards. If you've been longing for some old-time Mafia fun, Godfather II just might fit the bill. Can you really refuse the Don?
Guitar Hero Greatest Hits
Developer: Beenox
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: June 2009
Genre: Music Compilation
What to Expect:Okay, Activision, you're starting to get just a
liiiiittle crazy with the Guitar Hero bum rush you announced a while back. Not that we're taking issue with the idea of getting nearly 50 songs from Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, mind you. 48 master tracks are being brought back, but this time they'll be playable with the whole band, Guitar Hero World Tour-style (that's two guitars, drums and vocals for those keeping track), which should give folks itching for some of those classic songs that got them into this whole music game hoopla another go.
Now, for those keeping track, you'll notice those two magic words: "master recordings." Significant only because many of the tracks from the then-still-budding series were actually covers by WaveGroup, the Greatest Hits versions are the actual tracks by the actual artists (that's how Activision and RedOctane roll now, Time-Life-style). Throw in band-wide online play and you've got the makings of an awfully attractive little redux, don'cha think?
Guitar Hero: Metallica
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: March 29
Genre: Music
What to Expect: For hardcore Metallica fans, this may just be the ultimate videogame experience. There are more than 45 tracks to choose from here, 28 of which are original Metallica songs and the rest are from other well-known artists hand-picked by the band. If you want to rock out to crunchy Metallica standards like "Battery," "Master of Puppets" and "Creeping Death," you're bound to be pleased by Guitar Hero: Metallica, which follows the same basic format of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and Guitar Hero World Tour.
But the Metallica edition is also crammed with new features like an in-the-round stage presentation with custom camera angles; an optional second foot pedal that adds in extra bass drum notes; Metallica trivia; unlockable bonus features like videos and behind-the-scenes footage; and numerous online game modes. And every Metallica track in the game comes with a video component to top it all off. So if you're into Metallica and have been holding out for the band's Guitar Hero blowout, save your pennies for this spring. And you might want to invest in some earplugs.
Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust
Developer: Team17
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: March 31
Genre: Adventure
What to Expect: There was a time when Leisure Suit Larry was the most provocative and controversial piece of mainstream computer software on the planet. Since then, we've loosened up a bit, which is why we're interested to see how Team17 and Codemasters plan to titillate gamers once again with Larry's off-color antics. Box Office Bust was one of the Sierra titles dropped by Activision after the Vivendi merger last year. But Codies kept it alive, and the title is now set for a spring release.
In this go-round, you play as the original Leisure Suit Larry's cousin, Larry Lovage, and you come to your uncle's aid when he finds out his Hollywood film studio is being sabotaged. Thus begins a tried-and-true adventure game that serves as an abrupt departure from the last entry in the series, Magne Cum Laude. Although there will be some mini-games this time around, they take a backseat to the main storyline, which will have you completing tasks like rounding up a porn star's clothes so she can go legit. Classy.
Ninja Blade
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: April 7
Genre: Action
What to Expect: If you've never performed a
todome on your opponent after a long and painful battle on the rooftops of nighttime Tokyo, then you haven't really lived, now have you? FromSoftware aims to fix all that with the release of Ninja Blade, an action title from the developer of the Otogi series. You play as Ken Ogawa, a ninja charged with ridding the world's largest city of a horde of infected monsters. And yes, that includes the dreaded Plague Snail, which is just begging for a
todome.
Employ your Ninja Vision to spot your enemies weak points, and then tear them into tiny bits with your collection on weapons, skills and special attacks. Ninja Blade combines fast-paced third-person hack-and-slash action with context-sensitive quicktime events to create large scale set-pieces. From what we've seen of this action title so far, it's not exactly an innovation, but it does feature some of the most over-the-top boss battles we've seen in a while. So check this one out this spring, and remember, it's all about the
todomes.
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: May 26
Genre: First-person shooter
What to Expect: The first Operation Flashpoint was a brutally unforgiving military simulation that thrust gamers into the realistic world of combat. Revered by some as the ultimate tactical shooter and reviled by others as a complicated mess, OpFlash had a mixed reception upon its release in 2001. Publisher Codemasters has taken the concept over from creator Bohemia Interactive, which is now hard at work on the ArmA series. And from what we've seen of the game so far, the results are quite impressive.
This is an FPS in name only – there'll be no twitch jumping and regenerative health here. You'll be given a combat scenario and tasked with assaulting a target however you choose, and you'll need to think tactically and cooperate with your team if you want to complete the mission. Dragon Rising is set on a fictional Russian island in the Northern Pacific that has been invaded by the People's Liberation Army, and the United States has sent the Marine Corps to assist the Russians. With squad-based commands, super-smart AI and realistically modeled vehicles and weapons, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is one to watch this season.
Prototype
Developer: Radical Entertainment
Publisher: Sierra
Release Date: Q2 2009
Genre: Action
What to Expect:A shapeshifter with amnesia? A massive global conspiracy? Weapons, subterfuge and revenge? Yes please. Prototype is an ambitious action game that promises all those things and more this spring, and we're definitely excited to see what Sierra's superhero saga can do. As main character Alex Mercer, you'll have brutal body-shifting powers at your disposal, and you'll need to do whatever's necessary to unravel the "web of intrigue" that's surrounding you and get your life back.
And to do that, you'll need to absorb the memories of the people you kill. Thanks to your shapeshifting abilities, you'll be able to turn your hands into razor-sharp claws, grow a devastating tentacle whip out of your arm or transform the ground at your feet into deadly spikes. Or, if you don't feel up to fighting, let your enemies do your dirty work for you by occupying the body of an enemy soldier and sowing dissention among the ranks. We're suckers mutated antiheroes, so here's hoping Prototype delivers the shapeshifting goods this spring.
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Developer: Volition
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: Q2 2009
Genre: Third-person shooter
What to Expect: The only thing more fun that blowing stuff up is blowing stuff up on Mars, a fact of life well understood by the developers over at THQ's Volition studio. This spring, they'll let you step into the work boots of Alec Mason, an innocent miner who lands on the Red Planet to find work with his brother. But he soon finds himself embroiled in a guerrilla war being waged by the people of the planet against their repressive government overlords. And things get pretty messy.
The Red Faction series is known for its destructible environments, and you'll find plenty to smash this time around. Your goal is to take out as much of the enemy infrastructure as possible without attracting too much heat. Completing these guerrilla actions will net you salvage, which you can then trade in for weapons, upgrades and, of course, bigger and better explosives. And thanks to Volition's GeoMod physics tech, no building will ever come down quite the same way. So grab your sledgehammer, pack a few satchel charges and take the fight to the Martian Man.
Terminator: Salvation
Developer: Grin
Publisher: Equity/Evolved
Release Date: May 19
Genre: Action
What to Expect: In the future, mankind will face annihilation at the unfeeling hands of a robot army of its own creation. So it's best to prepare yourself now by fighting them in videogames. Robots are notoriously stingy with information, and we expect that Skynet is tightly controlling the information Grin Studios is allowed to release about the upcoming Terminator: Salvation game. But here's what we know so far. You'll take on the role of John Connor as he tries to take down the enemy forces featured in the film.
You must battle for survival against Skynet enemies "utilizing an incredibly fluid and realistic control set," according to Cos Lazouras, President of Halcyon Games, which is co-producing the game with Grin. Will Christian Bale make an appearance as a voice actor? Will the Terminators surprise us with their capacity for human emotion? Will Sarah Connor get into trouble? We'll let you know as soon as we get our first look at the game.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10
Developer: Tiburon
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: June 16
Genre: Sports
What to Expect: If you're into the realistic console golf experience, Tiger is pretty much the only game in town. And this year, EA is adding even more features and refinements to the mix that are sure to make Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 this year's definitive virtual golf outing. Things like digital scoreboards, real-time tournament updates, larger crowd sizes and new ESPN commentators have been added to up the drama of the experience, so expect the pressure to be on as you attempt to live up to Tiger's dominating example.
Our time on the fairway usually includes cheap beer and even cheaper cigars, but that's not how the pros roll. Expect realistic weather patterns, precision putting, and a seriously competitive atmosphere when EA's flagship golf title arrives this spring. So dust off your Big Bertha and practice your swing before Tiger comes to town. We're hoping for realistic sand physics, because that's where we'll be spending most of our time anyway.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Developer: Luxoflux
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: June 29, 2009
Genre: Action
What to Expect:To be completely honest with you, we're still not entirely sure
what to expect from the follow-up to 2007's less-than-stellar video game accompaniment to the surprisingly awesome big-screen flick. Two things are fairly certain, though: First, the game has a new developer (Activision's own Luxoflux), and second... well, okay, there is no second right now. We can thing of a fair few things that would make the game a whole hell of a lot better than the first offering (chiefly among them being
more Megan Fox, which can only make everything better), but the biggest would be to have a game that's a hell of a lot more polished and, uh, fun than the first game.
To its credit, Activision certainly
seems to be trying to assuage the fears of those that hoped for some awesome transfomy goodness and instead got... well, Transformers: The Game. It's promising "the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers," though that doesn't mean a whole lot if the game surrounding them isn't fun. Luckily for all of us, Activision is getting ready to spill the beans on things here in the next few weeks, and we'll have a bunch better idea of things then. For now, we're hoping for a pleasant surprise akin to the movies.
UFC 2009 Undisputed
Developer: Yuke's Media Creations
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Genre: Fighting Simulation
What to Expect:THQ has a lot riding on its first UFC-licensed game, not the least of which are the hopes and expectations of mixed martial arts fans everywhere. That 2009 has seemingly been the resurgence of the modern fighting game with stuff like the amazing Street Fighter IV and upcoming brawlers like The King of Fighters XII and BlazBlue.
Undisputed, of course, is grounded far more in reality, which already helps distinguish it, but creating a next-gen mash-up of Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Judo, Muay Thai and good ol' fashioned Boxing means there's more than a little room for variety. Throw in 80+ fighters across five weight classes, and you've got even more. Throw in ring girls, TV announcers (yes, that means we'll likely get fellow gamer and all-around fun guy Joe Rogan screaming about the matches).
The biggest draw (and one of the reasons why the game actually seems next-gen) is the animation engine in place, which promises some seriously realistic moves. Given the pedigree of developer Yuke's (which seems to have a near-monopoly on fighters these days), we've got some high hopes for this one.
Virtua Tennis 2009
Developer: TBA
Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: May 19
Genre: Sports
What to Expect: Tennis videogames aren't known for being shrouded in mystery, but that's just what SEGA has done with its upcoming installment in the arcade series. We still don't know who exactly is developing the title (Sumo worked on the previous installment, but SEGA could be handling this version in-house). So what can we expect from this year's offering?
Well, from what SEGA has announced so far, we know that contemporary stars of the game such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Maria Shaparova will be present. They'll be joined by new additions such as Andy Murray and Ana Ivanovic. You'll be able to fight for the Davis Cup, which is officially licensed, and an improved World Tour mode is part of the package as well. Also, the mini-games that Virtua Tennis is known for will make a triumphant return. Look for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC versions of Virtua Tennis 2009 this May.
Wanted: Weapons of Fate
Developer: Grin
Publisher: Universal Studios
Release Date: March 24
Genre: Action
What to Expect: Based on the graphic novel and film about a secret society of assassins who do battle with an even more shadowy secret society of villains, Wanted: Weapons of Fate is all about the thrill of the kill. You play as Wesley Gibson, who – Spolier Alert – takes up the hunt for his mom after the film ends. With the help of his dad, Cross, Wesley must tangle with some French Fraternity fools by assassinating them in brutal fashion. One of the hallmarks of the Wanted film was the assassins' ability to curve bullets around obstacles in order to thwack their enemies. That's a big part of Wanted: Weapons of Fate, and it's a pretty satisfying feeling to bend a round past a pillar to nail a goon between the eyes.
But assassins don't go in guns blazing, and you'll have to employ stealth, cover and quick thinking to get the jump on your foes. At times, you'll need to blind-fire at entrenched enemies, make them take cover, and then advance or flank them using your super-tuned assassin senses. They'll never know what hit them.
Wheelman
Developer: Midway/Tigon
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 24
Genre: Action
What to Expect: Wheelman is an open-world action/driving game set in the world of Vin Diesel's upcoming action flick of the same name. Co-developed by Diesel's own game studio, Tigon, and Midway Games' Newcastle subsidiary, Wheelman puts you in the driver's seat as Milo Burik, an undercover agent who heads into the criminal underworld of Barcelona. That means lots of high-speed driving, spectacular crashes, on-the-street shootouts and a host of different cars, weapons and gangster gadgets.
There's a main story mode to make your way through that includes 35 missions, and you can branch off with over 100 side quests if you're feeling confident in your driving skills. You'll need them as you track down bad guys and attempt to ram them into little bits. Get good enough at this, and you'll charge up special moves like the Cyclone, which spins your car in a 180-degree turn and kicks you into slo-mo. Then, when the time is right, pop a few rounds into his gas tank for an explosion that would make even Triple X crack a smile.
WWE Legends of WrestleMania
Developer: THQ
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: March 24
Genre: Wrestling
What to Expect:Ah, the bygone days of old-school WWE wrestling, when men were men and people named Hulk were household names. If you've been longing to revisit those halcyon days, THQ has you covered with WWE Legends of Wrestlemania, a rock-em-sock-em retro rampage that will have you jumping from the top rope. You'll head back to the most memorable bouts by Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Hogan, Andre and a hardcore roster of their fellow wrestlers.
The signature feature here is the Rewrite, Relive, and Redefine gameplay that lets you play classic matches as they actually happened, play as the historical loser to try to turn the tables, or take things into the modern realm for a truly crazy outcome. If you've been a Wrestlemaniac for years and years, or if you've only recently become a fan and want to get some historical perspective, THQ will likely have plenty for you to wrap your thumbs around with Legends. With official videos from the past and a killer roster of legendary wrestlers, this one will have you against the ropes in no time.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: May 1
Genre: Action
What to Expect: Like many comic book stars, Wolverine has yet to receive videogame treatment that truly does his bad-assery justice. Developer Raven is looking to change all that this spring with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a fast-paced action game set to release alongside the blockbuster film. The focus here is on Wolfie's anger, strength and razor-sharp deadliness, all drenched in a glorious spray of enemy blood. The movie may be PG-13, but don't expect this mutant to play by those rules in the game.
The action in Wolverine is based on third-person fighting, with combos playing a big role. You can grab and throw enemies, use the environment to your advantage, and leap across the screen to impale poor saps on your adamantium claws. That's definitely going to leave a mark. But Wolverine isn't exactly impervious to damage. As he takes hits, you'll see bullet holes in his skin, knife wounds in his flesh and gashes in his torso. It's a brutal game, just as it should be. Look for Wolverine's signature dark, snarky humor here, too. We like a mutant with a sense of humor.
Xbox Live Arcade
Dishwasher: Dead Samurai
Developer: Ska Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: Spring
Genre: Action
What to Expect: When we first saw The Dishwasher, it was part of the XNA Community Games beta on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Now this 2007 Dream-Build-Play winner is coming to XBLA, and we're eager to see how this indie beat-em-up makes the transition to the big time. Side-scrolling is the name of the game here, and you'll need to bust through multiple blood-soaked levels of combo-heavy action to progress through the urban environments.
Dishwasher has a 2D graphic look, and the focus is on stylized scenes of mayhem and death, all delivered at the end of The Dishwasher's weapons. These you'll be able to buy and upgrade throughout the game. This stylish action title is all wrapped up in a comic book-like wrapper that uses colorful panels to make transitions between levels. The Dishwasher has a slick look, a cool visual presentation and a promising combat style. Hopefully it will shake things up on XBLA this spring.
Flock!
Developer: Proper Games
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: April 9, 2009
Genre: Puzzle Action
What to Expect:The exclamation point is the English language's power-up. It's... mushroom, if you will. A title like Flock seems, well, descriptive, sure, but when you add our stick-point friend, suddenly the idea of using a UFO to herd animals just seems somehow cooler. Luckily, exclamation point or no, the game seems awfully unique, and has lured more than a few of the IGN staff toward its humble concept.
The siren's song having done its job, Flock! quickly sets to work heaping on a few much-needed wrinkles to add some depth and variety. Over the course of the game's 50+ levels, shrinking herds, guiding them to more complex objectives like boulder-activated catapults and managing the spookiness of said animals will all become necessary. Even better, all the stuff done in the normal pre-supplied levels will serve as lessons for when you end up dabbling with the game's level editor, which can then be shared with other players. Plus, who can resist using a UFO to scoot animals around pretty little levels? Oh, wait, sorry. Who can resist using a UFO to scoot animals around pretty little levels?!! Eh, we'll leave it to the guys making the titles. Exclamation points are too powerful for us.
Lode Runner
Developer: Southend Interactive
Publisher: Tozai/Microsoft
Release Date: Spring 2009
Genre: Puzzle Action
What to Expect: The classic arcade game Lode Runner is making its triumphant return this spring on XBLA. To celebrate the action puzzler's 25th anniversary, publisher Tozai and developer Southend have given the game an HD makeover while keeping the traditional Lode Runner mechanics intact. You play as a miner whose goal is to collect hunks of gold scattered throughout each level. Snagging said treasure will open up an exit door, allowing you to move on to the next level. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast, punchy.
To get the shiny stuff, you'll need to climb up and down ladders, shimmy across ropes, and strategically knock out blocks with your, er, mining gun. Firing said gun is as simple as hitting the A button to fire left and the B button to fire right. When you hit a destructible block, it will disappear, and if you're on top of it, you'll fall through to the platform below. Part puzzle game, part action game and part platformer, Lode Runner is a welcome addition to Xbox Live Arcade.
Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
Developer: Infinite Interactive
Publisher: D3 Publisher
Release Date: April 1
Genre: Puzzle
What to Expect: Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a gem matching, puzzle solving, role playing adventure that serves as a sequel of sorts to the first game in the series, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. But this time around, the action is set in a sci-fi space atmosphere rather than a medieval fantasy world. You play as a new recruit who's sent out into the galaxy to maintain order, but that's easier said than done. You soon find out that there's something sinister going on among the stars.
As you make your way through the story, you'll encounter enemy ships, and you'll need to solve puzzles to defeat them. Galactrix features a hex-based matching system that gives you bonuses to your abilities and defenses when you match like-colored gems. Outfit and upgrade you ship, collect party members, build your character's strengths and make your way thorough the RPG storyline. There's a lot of depth to Puzzle Quest, and Galactrix, like its predecessor, is sure to keep you glued to the TV this spring. Outside is overrated anyway, right?
Uno Rush
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: March 25
Genre: Card
What to Expect: Uno continues to be one of the most-played games on Xbox Live Arcade, and a sequel to the classic card game was inevitable. The basic Uno rules still apply, but the pace has been increased, and Avatar support has been added to make it more party friendly. The basic rules of Uno haven't changed. To play a card, you must have one in your hand that is either the same color or same number as the topmost card in the discard pile. If you can't play anything, you have to draw one from the deck to add to your hand. The goal is to get rid of all of your cards, naturally, but with Uno Rush that process can happen in a heartbeat.
There are three game types included in Uno Rush: Standard, Partner, and Elimination. Each can be played locally or online with up to four players and you're free to edit a range of house rules to customize the game however you want. Make sure to scream "Uno!" at the top of your lungs through the Xbox Live headset. People love that.
Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: TBA
Genre: Action
What to Expect: The classic twin-stick mecha action title Virtual On has a rabid following, and SEGA is set to satiate their current-gen appetites with an upcoming XBLA version this spring. Two Twin Stick control options replicate the original arcade version's dual lever control system, marking the first time a Virtual On title will be able to use that setup on a console.
We had the opportunity to take an early look at Virtual On in Japan recently, and it appears to be a faithful recreation of the arcade title. There's a lot we still don't know about the upcoming XBLA version of Virtual On, but we're definitely looking forward to seeing more. With a game like this, it's all about the controls, so we're hoping SEGA nails it. Giant robots for the win.
Wallace and Gromit's Grand Adventures
Developer: Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games
Release Date: Q2 2009
What to Expect:Telltale Games has garnered a reputation for turning cult properties such as Bone and Sam & Max into successful, entertaining episodic adventure games. Now Telltale is tackling Nick Park's beloved Wallace and Gromit franchise, one of Britain's cultural treasure and winner of numerous Academy Awards for animation.
You might wonder if Telltale is up to the task, but the company worked in collaboration with Wallace and Gromit-animation studio Aardman on the story, characters, and setting. Peter Sallis won't voice the cheese-loving, invention-mad Wallace, but Aardman did provide the official back-up voice for the role. Plus, don't forget that Telltale has done a smashing job on its own of delivering plenty of witty humor and gameplay with the Sam & Max series. Frankly, if we had to pick someone to make a Wallace and Gromit game, it would easily be Telltale.
Downloadable Content
Fallout 3: The Pitt/Broken Steel
Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date: March 24/Q2 2009
Genre: Action RPG
What to Expect: If you downloaded Fallout 3's first expansion pack, Operation: Anchorage, then you've probably had your fill of extended combat. What you really want next is more of the epic RPG's storyline, which developer Bethesda promises to deliver in the form of The Pitt and Broken Steel, two new add-ons that are on the way this spring. In The Pitt, you'll be heading to what's left of Pittsburg, Penn., to confront a man named Ashur. This power-hungry oppressor has enslaved the local population and forced them into the steel mills. Sounds like a Billy Joel song.
In Broken Steel, you'll be returning to the Capital Wasteland to continue the main storyline of Fallout 3. The level cap will be lifted as well, so you can once more grind away to your heart's content. So far, Bethesda has been quiet about what will happen in Broken Steel, but the title leads us to believe that the plot once again revolves around the Brotherhood. Look for The Pitt to hit Xbox Live in March and Broken Steel to follow in April.
Gears of War 2: Snowblind Map Pack
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: March 31
Genre: Third-person Shooter
What to Expect: Gears of War 2 continues to be one of the most-played games on Xbox Live, and Epic Games and Microsoft want to keep it that way. To that end, they're releasing a second round of downloadable content for the third-person shooter this spring: the Snowblind Map Pack. This collection of multiplayer maps brings three brand-new battle arenas to the game and introduces a re-made version of a classic Gears map.
Grind Yard is a sniper's playground, with low bunkers and high redoubts for those who like to pop heads. Under Hill features snowy tunnels, and Courtyard is a wide-open space that appears as if it will encourage face-to-face battles rather than a more tactical approach. Fuel Depot, a popular multiplayer map from the first Gears of War, will also make a return in the Snowblind Map Pack, but this time it will be snowed over. So bundle up and prime those active reloads. Along with Snowblind, Epic plans to release Title Update 3, a patch that will fix a number of outstanding issues online. Lock and load.
Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: Spring 2009
Genre: Third-Person Action
What to Expect:Oh Capcom, sometimes you know just the right thing to say to ease our survival horror-deprived minds. No, it's not announcing some kind of new special edition of the game that puts all the spookiness back in, rather they're going in the opposite direction. If Resident Evil 5 eschews the "BOO!" moments for more straight action, at least the post-release content embraces that idea.
More specifically, we're talking about the recently announced Versus Mode, which adds a competitive multiplayer aspect to the decidedly co-op-centric stuff supplied on the disc. Suddenly the lack of Mercenaries Mode's online multiplayer makes a little more sense, eh? The two supplied modes in the DLC piggyback off Mercenaries, using the unlocked characters there in a four-player not-zombie-killin' head-to-head game dubbed Slayer's Rule. By contrast, Survivor's Rule pits all those characters against each other in a more traditional deathmatch sense, providing a decidedly different experience from just about any other deathmatch game out there. After all, if you can't move when you're shooting getting the drop on someone becomes that much more important.
Best of all, Versus Mode spoils unlock new weapons in the main story modes too, and offer a new batch of Trophies/Achievements to earn. Yum.
Rock Band 2: Pearl Jam "Ten" Album
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: MTV Games
Release Date: March 26, 2009
Genre: Music
What to Expect: It's not an understatement to say that Harmonix Music Systems has completely changed the landscape of post-release downloadable content. What started with Guitar Hero II on the 360 has exploded into the weekly offerings provided when Rock Band first launched, and have only solidified with the release of the follow-up, not to mention the addition of the Guitar Hero series Harmonix started joining the DLC party with its more recent entries.
Full albums aren't anything new; Rock Band's been doing that almost since launch, nor has the concept of releasing a full album as DLC along with the CDs release in stores (see: Guitar Hero III and Metallica's "Death Magnetic" album). To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Pearl Jam's aptly-named "Ten" album, though, Rock Band is bringing the full album to the PSN and Live Marketplace. All ten tracks (eleven when you count "Alive," which was already on the Rock Band 2 disc) will be playable with the full band. Ripped jeans, constant rain, flannel and Sam Bishop whining about growing up in Seattle at the height of the Grunge movement are all sold separately.