25 Games to Watch in 2009

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Posted January 29, 2009 by BThompson in Features.

2008 was a great year for gamers. There seemed to be a blockbuster title tailor made for just about everyone’s tastes. Unfortunately, a lot of those titles poured onto the shelves in the last quarter of the year, giving us all precious little time and finances to play through everything we wanted. While 2009 might experience the same kind of end-of-the-year traffic jam, it’s also good to see so much on offer throughout the coming months. Here are just 25 of the games we’re anticipating the most.  And if we’ve left something out, feel free to whine about it in the comments.

NOTE: While these are arranged in as close to a release order as possible, some dates haven’t been locked down yet. All dates are subject to change, so don’t complain to us if you’ve camped out at the local store only to find your game isn’t on the shelves in the morning. Before fixing yourself a Thermos of soup and unrolling your tent, wait until you know for sure.

Street Fighter IV [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Does it really have to be explained why the world is feverishly anticipating Street Fighter IV? This is the triumphant return of the greatest fighting series of all time. It’s bigger and prettier than ever, but it’s still as 2D as it was back in the days of the Super Nintendo, and that’s the way it should be. (Release: February 17 in North America, February 20 in Europe)

Patapon 2 [PSP]

Sony’s handheld hasn’t exactly been flooded with titles in its lifespan, but the first Patapon was one of the few must-buys. A combination of a rhythm, strategy, and distinctive art style made for an addictive and unique game perfect for on-the-go playing. Patapon 2 picks up right where the first left off. You’ll guide the titular tribe as it makes war against a new rival in a strange land. Looks like it’s time to start hunting down your neglected PSP. Hint: it’s probably under the bed. (Release: February 13 in Europe, February 19 in Australia, TBA in North America)

Star Ocean: The Last Hope [Xbox 360]

The fan favorite sci-fi RPG series Star Ocean returns for its fourth installment, this time on the Xbox 360. And don’t worry if you’ve never played a Star Ocean game before because this one’s a prequel. The word on the street is that The Last Hope will up the sci-fi ante, allowing you access to your very own spaceship that can land on several different planets. From the looks of it, this is shaping up to be a refreshing change of pace for Square Enix after the disappointing Infinite Undiscovery and The Last Remnant. But fans shouldn’t be concerned about too much change, since you can still play as a fresh-faced young man with pointy hair and a big ol’ sword. Ah, the memories… (Release: February 24 in North America, April 24 in Europe)

Killzone 2 [PS3]

Every console needs a sci-fi shooter (except the Wii, which only needs kart racers and things you can waggle sticks at) and the PS3 has Killzone. The first game was touted as a Halo killer before release, but it eventually launched to mixed reviews. However, from the looks of Killzone 2, those technical problems have been solved and the ante has been upped. It probably won’t pop a cap in Halo, but it might just stare down Microsoft’s signature franchise until it slinks away quietly. (Release: February 25 in Europe, February 26 in Australia, February 27 in North America and the U.K.)

Halo Wars [Xbox 360]

It’s very possible that Microsoft could slap the Halo brand on a pile of rancid beef and it would sell sixteen quadrillion copies, which is why it’s kind of admirable that the title hasn’t been exploited to death already. Halo Wars steps out of the first person shooter mold and delivers a real-time strategy title. True to the series, the game will focus more on managing battles than obsessing over resources. It will be interesting to see how well a genre so suited to PC gaming will translate to the Xbox 360. There’s no doubt, however, that Halo Wars will remain true to the spirit of its predecessors. You’ll encounter many familiar species and vehicles and the story fits into the Halo timeline, about twenty years before the original game. Now if only the multiplayer will be full of prepubescent boys telling us how much they’ve enjoyed their romantic encounters with our mothers, this will be a worthy Halo experience. (Release: February 27 in Europe, March 3 in North America)

Empire: Total War [PC]

The fifth installment of the Total War series of strategy games takes place in the swinging 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll choose from fifty or so factions to dominate the globe through diplomacy, colonization, and, of course, war. Specifically, the total kind. Empire will also feature real-time naval battles, a first for the series. If you conquer enough territory, you just might be able to follow in Britain’s bootsteps and create an empire on which the sun never sets, which would be great unless all your citizens are vampires; or maybe I just don’t understand metaphor. (Release: March 3 in North America, March 4 in Europe)

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars [DS]

Yes, it seemed odd at first that Rockstar’s flagship franchise built on killing hookers and blowing up mobsters would find a home on a handheld console known more for kid-friendly games that end in a superfluous “z”, but there’s something almost perfect about that very subversive fact. While the kid next to you on the bus is tapping away at My Poniez Happy Trainer, you’ll be swiping your stylus across a pile of cocaine, getting it ready for the streets. It also doesn’t hurt that Chinatown Wars will be a full-featured GTA game, recreating almost all of the Liberty City map from GTA4 but with a top-down, cell-shaded look. Count me in. (Release: March 17 in North America, March 20 in Europe)

Resistance: Retribution [PSP]

This third-person follow-up to the popular PS3 shooter Resistance: Fall of Man has you taking control of a former British Royal Marine employed to drive an invading alien menace out of Europe. Retribution will also feature eight-player online deathmatch, capture the flag, containment, and assimilation modes. Best of all, you’ll be able to do your alien shootin’ anywhere you want. Another reason to not regret your purchase of a PSP. (Release: March 17)

Highlander: The Game [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Okay, this one’s kind of personal. I’m fully aware that this game looks like any other generic third-person action title. But it’s the Highlander franchise that has me intrigued. For such a cool concept (immortals swordfight through time, cutting off each other’s heads until only one remains), it’s utterly mindboggling that the property has been so mucked up. Through five (arguably) terrible movies, a muddled animated series, and an occasionally good but never great TV show, fans have been led through a trail of thorns for years. But at the very least, this new Highlander game will be better than the old Atari Jaguar one. Right? (March 31)

Saboteur [Xbox 360, PS3]

In Pandemic’s Saboteur, you take control of a freedom fighter in occupied Paris during World War II. And unlike seemingly every other game set during this time, it isn’t a first-person shooter. Saboteur looks more Splinter Cell than Rainbow 6. But the most interesting aspect of the game is the Okami-inspired use of color. When the Nazis control an area of the city, the environment is black and white. When you help make it safe again, the world returns to full color. Just like in real life! (Except not at all.) (Release: First Quarter)

Champions Online [Xbox 360, PC]

Developer Cryptic Studios have already proven their expertise with massively multiplayer superheroics in City of Heroes, so Champions Online promises more of the same. But this time, it should be bigger and better. The mechanics of the classic pen and paper RPG Champions allow for a more action-centric MMO experience. Plus, this will be one of the first serious MMOs offered on a console. We’ll see if people who’ve never purchased a graphics card can be fused to their controllers like PC users have been fused to their mice and keyboards. (Release: Spring)

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Sort of a hybrid remake/sequel to the surprisingly excellent Xbox shooter, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, Assault on Dark Athena features the original adventure with upgraded graphics as well as an entirely new expansion of that story. Those of you who never played the first game probably passed because it looked like a lousy cash-in on a not-very-loved movie. But you couldn’t be more wrong. (Unless you said Nepal is a country in North America. In which case, you’d be more wrong.  And an idiot.) At the very least, you should pick up this game to help out Vin Diesel’s career. An actor can only get by on his fastness and furiousness for so long. (Release: Spring)

Ghostbusters: The Video Game [Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, PS2, DS]

The original cast of Ghostbusters may be getting a little long in the tooth (and wide in the waist) to strap on their proton packs and work on busting more ghosts on the silver screen. But the miracle of hi-res polygons can defeat such shortcomings. And the promise of a hefty paycheck for not a lot of voice work can lure in the most reluctant stars (I’m looking at you, Bill Murray, a.k.a. the voice of Garfield). It would be enough that Ghostbusters is a continuation of one of the most beloved movie series’ of all time. Even better is the fact that it actually looks fun. Destructible environments, moody graphics, and nearly realistic Egon hair seem to all be on display. The only disappointment might come in knowing that crossing the streams in-game probably won’t result in life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Maybe in the sequel. (Release: June 16 in North America, June 19 in Europe)

Alpha Protocol [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

As much as we love sci-fi/fantasy RPGs, it’s nice when the genre takes on a new…genre? Anyway, Alpha Protocol takes the fast-paced, modern action of international espionage and adds character levelling, stats, and all that other stuff that makes OCD-prone RPG fans all atwitter. The fact that Obsidian Entertainment, developers of the classic sequels to Knights of the Old Republic and Neverwinter Nights, are behind the wheel just ups the excitement ante. (Release: Summer)

Overlord II [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Not since Dungeon Keeper has being so evil been as fun as it was in the first Overlord game. The sequel promises even more minion-controlling goodness as you task your goblin followers with wreaking havoc across larger environments with even more resources than before. Mounts, warships, and machines of mass destruction will be available to your slightly idiotic acolytes in order to spread your evil across the land. With a graphical overhaul and another script from Rhianna Pratchett (daughter of Terry Pratchett, the master of comic fantasy), Overlord II should be even prettier and wittier than the first. (Release: Summer)

Brutal Legend [Xbox 360, PS3]

After creating many of the greatest adventure games of all time (The Secret of Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, Full Throttle, Grim Fandango), designer Tim Schafer has earned enough trust to assume his Brutal Legend will be another masterpiece. We were a little disappointed with his last effort, the overrated and underplayed Psychonauts, but we’re hoping any problems with that game had to do with the growing pains of moving to next-gen consoles. With experience, wit, and the voice of Motorhead’s Lemmy in his corner, there’s nothing stopping Schafer from delivering the goods this time around. (Release: Third Quarter)

Halo 3: ODST [Xbox 360]

In this standalone expansion for the hugely popular Halo 3, you eschew the familiar Master Chief and instead take on the role of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper in a story that takes place before the main plot of its parent game. Because you won’t have access to Master Chief’s superhuman powers and rocking armor, you’ll be more vulnerable to damage. This means a bit more stealth gameplay for those who are into that kind of thing. Though Bungie promises you’ll be able to play guns a-blazing if you want. This being Halo, who doesn’t want? (Release: Third Quarter)

I Am Alive [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Developer Darkworks don’t have much of a pedigree, but the sheer freshness of the concept for I Am Alive is enough to make it a game to watch. Set in the aftermath of a citywide disaster, the game chronicles one survivor’s journey through the rubble of Chicago. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the horror is taken out of the survival horror genre. As much as we love blowing the heads off zombies (in and out of real life), we’re intrigued by a game with a more realistic and human bent. (Release: October)

The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf [Xbox 360, PS3]

Based on the hit PC RPG, The Witcher, Rise of the White Wolf is pretty much the same thing with a new graphics engine, retooled interface, and an upgraded combat system. This is a darker fantasy universe than The Lord of the Rings or World of Warcraft, with a decidedly European flavor. If you thought Fable II was a little too cute, you’ll be pleased to slip into the shoes of supernatural monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. And if the words “monster hunter” give you flashes of Pokemon, you should know you’re not just in the wrong ballpark. You’re in the wrong sport. How’s that for stretching a metaphor? (Release: Fall)

Mass Effect 2 [Xbox 360, PC]

The first Mass Effect took the deep plots and complex character interaction developer BioWare is known for and transplanted them into a beautiful sci-fi world. Though a few corners were obviously cut (the same terrains and building layouts used over and over, for example), this world seemed huge. The combat system was a step above traditional RPG mechanics as well, offering something between the stats-based system of Knights of the Old Republic and the cover system of Gears of War. With such a wide open canvas to work with, it’ll be very exciting to see where BioWare takes the story. Also, is it too crass to hope for some more girl on girl action? (Release: Fourth Quarter)

Alan Wake [Xbox 360, PC]

This long-delayed action thriller has been in the pipeline for over three years now, but it’s looking likely that 2009 will finally see the release of Alan Wake. All the hype could be artificial, but the screenshots look pretty, and the story sounds intriguing. A thriller novelist looking for inspiration has to deal with the fact that his next book is coming true. The only problem is that he doesn’t remember writing his next book. Oh, and his wife has disappeared. Is she in another castle? We’ll find out sometime later this year. Or the next. Or whenever the heck this game is finally birthed. (Release: Sometime in 2009…we hope)

Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

The first Bioshock set a gold standard for current-gen shooters. Successfully mixing an engaging and deep story, tight combat controls, and a rich, detailed environment, it turned what could have been a standard run n’ gun affair into a real experience and a standard talking point in the “are games art” debate. Also, you could kill little girls if you wanted. So psychopaths had something to enjoy. Not much is known about the sequel except that it’s happening and it’s called Sea of Dreams. The teaser attached to the PS3 port of the original game didn’t show much but an open ocean and a pretty sunset. But we do know that the development has moved from 2K Boston to 2K Marin, so it’s a slightly different team. Whether this translates to a different game is anyone’s guess. (Release: Sometime in 2009)

Ride to Hell [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Yes, this is another open-world sandbox Grand Theft Auto clone. But, as Saints Row 2 proved, sometimes the clones can outdo the originals in key areas. And what Ride to Hell has going for it is the unique setting. The sun-drenched, hippie-riddled California of the 1960s could provide a perfect backdrop for sex, drugs, and motorcycles. In that order. (Release: Sometime in 2009)

StarCraft II [PC, Mac]

To many, the original StarCraft is the strategy game to end all strategy games. It took a formula perfected in the early Warcraft games and thrust it into space. If you doubt the greatness of StarCraft, just know that no other eleven-year-old game still inspires a league of professional players. Here’s hoping Blizzard can pull out another masterpiece that will last over a decade. No pressure. (Release: Sometime in 2009)

Velvet Assassin [Xbox 360, PC]

Like Saboteur, this is a World War II stealth action title. But with a reality-inspired female protagonist, it’s another fresh take on the tried and true game mechanic of Nazi killin’. With Lara Croft as old and rickety as a Golden Girl, it’ll be nice to have a new heroine we can root for/roleplay as/find ourselves disturbingly attracted to. (Release: Sometime in 2009)

Tagged as Alan Wake, Alpha Protocol, Bioshock, Brutal Legend, Champions Online, Chronicles of Riddick, Ghostbusters, Grand Theft Auto, Halo, Halo Wars, Highlander, I Am Alive, Killzone, Mac, Mass Effect, Overlord, Patapon, PS2, Resistance, Ride to Hell, Saboteur, Star Ocean, StarCraft, Street Fighter, Top 25, Total War, Velvet Assassin, Witcher