My most anticipated games

I thought I'd do something different, and give a list of games that I'm greatly anticipating, in the next six months. (Which would take us to April 2008.) These are in no particular order.

Assassin's Creed - This was first shown at X05 as Project Assassin. It later went on to be given a name, and branded a PlayStation 3 Exclusive. (Despite debuting at Microsoft's then-annual XBox-themed event.) "Officially" multi-platform since early-2006, Assassin's Creed has looked incredible. Though I'm still waiting for a pre-release demo of the game (which they promised about a year ago), I can honestly say that I cannot wait to play this game. The graphics look awesome, and the gameplay looks promising. It looks like it gets some of its inspiration from the Prince Of Persia: Sands of Time trilogy, and that's a good thing.

Unreal Tournament 3 - I've played the recent beta demo, though I'm still eagerly waiting a Linux demo. Anyway, the demo looks promising. There are some issues that I've read about on the official Epic forums, but I'm hoping they get resolved. Either way, I love UT2004, and I'm enjoying UT3. While it may be coming out on the PS3, I think I'm sticking with the PC version. Though, I think it's ridiculous that one single man is working on making the Linux version of UT3. I mean, that's just not right. One man porting the Windows binaries to Linux? I'm glad it's being made, but I hope the guy is getting paid well. I don't know how many people are working on the Mac version. The Windows and Mac versions will have their own separate boxed versions, while Linux users will have to buy the Windows version, and download a Linux installer from Epic's website. I guess it's better than nothing.

WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - What can I say? I'm a whore for the WWE Smackdown series of games. I've bought every single version since the first. Every year I get the new one. This year is no different. There's not much other reason I'm looking forward to this, other than I'm a whore for the series. Though I am annoyed that the XBox 360 version gets custom entrance music and the PS3 version doesn't. How is that different from the Custom Soundtracks I mentioned in an earlier post? To me, a "Custom Soundtrack" is a playlist that overrides the default music that the game is shipped with. But being able to import your own music, only for the sake of using it as an entrance theme in a wrestling game, is something completely different in my book. I want to be able to give my custom wrestler his own music. Not some lame ass "butt rock" music THQ signed for the game soundtrack, or leeching off some other wrestler's theme.

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns - Finally, a console version of Fire Pro. I own both the GBA versions that came out in the US. I've played Fire Pro G, and Fire Pro D through nefarious means. And I must say, I absolutely love Fire Pro. I'm so excited to play a PS2 version of Fire Pro in full English, and without the need of a mod-chip.

Twisted Metal: Head-On (PS2) - David Jaffe's new studio, Eat, Sleep, Play is working on the PS2 port of Twisted Metal: Head-On. But it's not just a straight port from the PSP. The PS2 version will have higher resolution and higher polygon graphics. Plus, the PS2 version will include Twisted Metal: Lost, a mode that features five or six tracks from the canceled Twisted Metal Black 2. Along with all that, the PS2 version will come with a Twisted Metal documentary, and other bonus features. It's shaping up to be a must-have for any Twisted Metal fan. I own Twisted Metal 2, 3, 4, and Black, and I cannot wait to get this.

Metal Gear Solid 4 - I'm looking forward to this game, as a Metal Gear Solid fan. I've followed the story, and since this is supposed to be the absolute end of the series, I just want to see how it ends. Add to that Metal Gear Online, which looks like an interesting online component, and the package can't be missed. My only concern is that there will be a second edition of MGS4, in the vain of MGS2 Substance and MGS3 Subsistence.

LittleBigPlanet - Sony's unique game has me quite intrigued. The concept is basically enabling the player to make whatever they want (within reason), and allow them to upload and share this content with other people. Create full levels, new objects, outfits for Sackman, and more. The fact that it's so focused on user creativity makes the game something to look for.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl - The lone Wii game on my list is hardly a slouch. I love the Smash Bros. series of games. I just love them. I really want this for two reasons: Solid Snake and Sonic. How long have gamers waited for Mario and Sonic to go at it? I'd rather ignore the Olympic-themed crossover (the games are totally fixed, as evidenced by the fact that Mario can keep up with Sonic in the 400 Meter Dash). I would like to see Tails included, but Sonic is fine, I suppose. This game has become a three-company crossover, with Konami and Sega throwing down with Nintendo. Classic Smash Bros. gameplay, mixed with fresh characters, new elements, and the excitement of having Sonic beat the snot out of Mario makes me desperately want a Wii.