TVG checks out some of the games worth keeping an eye out for in the New Year…

With releases such as Half Life2, Doom3 and Halo 2 it’s certainly been a good year for gamers in 2004. However it doesn’t look as though we’ll have to wait around for too long before the next “big” thing arrives, as 2005 looks likely to carry on the swing with a number of high-profile releases. Admittedly a worrying number of these carry on the 2004 trend of being based around existing franchises, however we’re sure that they’ll be one or two interesting offers if you like something a little different to shooting everything that moves.

Pariah Xbox/PC March 2005

After the somewhat disappointing release of certain high-profile first-person-shooters, Digital Extreme’s Pariah has certainly shot up our list of anticipated games for 2005. Coming from the creators of the Unreal Tournament series, fast-paced action driven gaming is a certainty. However DE are promising a little more this time around; having gained the opportunity to focus on the single-player section for the first time in years, we’re hoping for something a little different to the norm. However that’s not to say the multiplayer aspects will suffer; whilst PC gamers have been making their own maps for years, the promise of this level of customisation on Xbox Live! should herald the next leap for online console gaming. Rumours of a PS2 version to compliment the PC/Xbox release refuse to die away.

Legend of Zelda GameCube Winter 2005

Despite knowing next to nothing about the new adventures of Link, a new Zelda game is always enough to set your juices flowing. Despite featuring one of the most refreshing visual styles in his last adventure (Wind Waker), the return to a closer realistic style should find the game (sadly) endearing to a larger audience; whilst we’re guaranteed that Miyamoto-san, Aonuma-san and Co will have something special in store for the last major period of releases for the GameCube.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Playstation2 March 2005

OK so Snake’s latest adventure may already be attracting rave reviews in both Japan and America, but at least Konami are once again giving something to long-suffering European fans in the shape of exclusive modes. Those hoping for fewer cut-scenes and narration then the motion-picture exploits of Sons of Liberty will be in for some disappointment, however we can’t think of any other gaming series that has managed to keep us both engrossed and completely baffled at the same time so well.

Resident Evil 4 GameCube March 2005

Much like the majority of other high-profile entries, Resident Evil 4 gains its position mainly based upon its heritage. However Capcom are not resting on that alone when it comes to the latest title in the series that launched the survival/horror genre. Finally revolutions have been made to the camera and control systems to ensure that Resident Evil has finally come of age; however there can be no doubt that the game is easily one of the most visually impressive titles for impending release.

The Matrix Online PC Feb 2005

We’re not massive fans of massively multiplayer games with the notable exception of World of Warcraft, however there’s something about The Matrix Online that keeps us hooked with every set of new screens released or brilliantly cut trailers. It could be good, it could be just like the others; however unlike everybody else we enjoyed the trilogy and long for more bullet-time action.

Conkers: Live and Reloaded Xbox March 2005

Given the straining relationship between Nintendo and Rare and subsequently the Japanese giants decision not to publish Conker’s Bad Fur Day, you could be forgiven for missing out on the excellent N64 title. However there’s no reason to dismay because the bad-mouthed rodent is making his debut to a new legion of fans, promising an enhanced adaptation of the single-player campaign along with an all-new exclusive Xbox Live! offering that promises to provide hours of amusement. Without doubt, Conker’s will eradicate that painful memory of Ghoulies and once again highlight Rare’s trademark design in quirky humour and fun, solid and enjoyable gameplay.

Gran Turismo 4 Playstation2 Feb 2005

OK so it should have been on last year’s list, however we’re assured that the latest title in Polyphony Digital’s driving series will definitely land on our shores in 2005. It’s been awhile since we last laid eyes upon it, having refused to buy into the Prologue release and other such trivial appetizers; however even back then Gran Turismo 4 offered a unique driving experience in a world of its own. Chuck in the finest visuals we’ve seen in a PS2 racing title; more depth then philosophers on pot and you have what should be one of the finest swansongs for the runaway winner of this console generation.

Tomb Raider 7 Playstation2/Xbox/PC

After a series of cash-ins culminating in the disastrous next-generation debut of Lara Croft, it’s fair to say that the next title is “make or break” for the English adventurer with an attitude to match her bust size. Eidos decision to “lift” the franchise from its creators, Core Design, and move it to the capable hands of Crystal Dynamics (with the rumoured assistance of Warren Spector) certainly highlights the publisher’s intention; however with precious little information thus far, it’s fair to say that the jury are well and truly out when it comes to the future of Tomb Raider.

Jade Empire Xbox Spring 2005

An RPG from BioWare is always cause for celebration, however the fact that it’s an original concept is even more reason to get excited. Expect something a little more action-orientated then recent releases, with the trademark player morality issues and a sense of Kung-Fu and the Far East that’s second only to Shenmue.

Unreal Championship 2 Xbox Feb 2005

Admittedly the debut of Unreal Championship on the Xbox couldn’t exactly be defined as revolutionary, and the switch from Microsoft to Midway comes as questionable; however everything we’ve seen so far has impressed and it really seems as though Epic Games want to innovate with this release. The third-camera perspective and evasive/special manouvres are likely to make or break the game, however it should come as a strong release for the legions of Xbox Live! players yearning for the Halo 2 update.

GTA: San Andreas PC/Xbox June 2005

Enough has been said of GTA: San Andreas, it’s simply as amazing as all the hype led us to believe. The only surprising thing is that it’s coming to the Xbox so soon; make sure to pre-order your copy now.

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 PC/PS2/Xbox Feb 2005

Having cut their teeth on the Half Life franchise and porting Halo to the PC, there are not many developers that can hold similar esteem to Gearbox Software. So Ubi’s Brothers in Arms holds a lot of intrigue for us; it’s promise of a “closer” experience then other WW2 shooters will hopefully stand true and we can expect something slightly different to the glutton of similarly themed titles on the market.

Far Cry: Instincts PS2/Xbox March 2005

CryTek created a classy and stylish shooter this year on the PC, so it comes as no surprise to learn it’s coming to the consoles. The quality of an exact port remains in question, however CryTek are promising a different experience to the PC original, most notably with the introduction of traps to the gameplay – although rest easy as the issue of freedom still remains central to the console adaptations. Exactly how these guys are porting this to the Playstation2 remains a mystery.

Cold Fear PC/PS2/Xbox March 2005

Set aboard a mysterious Russian boat drifting in the Bering Sea, Cold Fear appears to have the perfect ingredients for an exceptional action/horror. The game challenges players to use the environment to their advantage, whilst the constant rocking of the boat throughout a ferocious arctic storm should set the scene for a truly

World of Warcraft PC Q1 2005

We’re not huge fans of Massively Multiplayer games, however a recent foray into the European beta-test has become enough to completely engross us. The game offers insane levels of depth, customisation and socialising, but wraps it up in a package that entices rather then scares you away – truly a MMORPG for everybody.

Stubbs the Zombie in “Rebel without a Pulse” Xbox/PC/Mac Summer 2005

We love Zombies, especially those that don’t take themselves too seriously; which is certainly where Wideload Games are aiming with Stubbs the Zombie in “rebel without a Pulse” for the PC, Xbox and Mac. The mere fact that Wideload Games founder Alexander Seropian was previously a co-founder of Bungie Studios, along with a number of fellow staff should also give a hint of the expectations surrounding this title.

City of the Dead PC/PS2/Xbox ???

Perhaps the only way to topple Stubbs is enlisting the help of Zombie-King himself, George A. Romero. A lack of knowledge surrounds Hip Games recently announced title, although a certain American McGee has been harping on about it for months on his personal website. After the success of the recent Dawn of the Dead remake and a reported new original motion picture by Romero himself, zombies certainly appear to be the next big thing – let’s just hope the game stands up on its own.

The Godfather PS2/Xbox ???

Again exact details on this one are sporadic to say the least, although the recent release of a rendered scene featuring the late Marlon Brando certainly wet our appetite. Given it’s EA first attempt specifically at the Mature genre it’s worth keeping an eye out for; let’s just hope they get the style and forget about the likes of Rogue Agent.

Nintendo DS March 2005

We’ve already fallen in love with the Nintendo DS, and given the impressive launch figures it seems as though it’s off to success. Nintendo’s grip of the handheld market is only set to improve when the handheld is due for release in Europe during March 2005. Our only concern thus far is that we want to see more games like SEGA’s Feel the Magic: XX/XY and less deliberately ill-suited cash-in’s like

Sony PSP ???

Rumours of Sony’s entrance into the handheld market have circulated for years, however now it has finally happened and it’s nothing short of stunning. Concerns over the battery-life and exactly how Sony will push movies and music on the device still remain, however there’s very little that Sony could have done better upon its recent release in Japan.

Naturally a lot of surprises lay in wait, with a number titles still to be announced before the current generation rolls off to the Old Age Consoles Home in the sky. After the hugely successful return of Sonic and Co in the multi-format Sonic Heroes, the blue-spikey one is rumoured to be making a new appearance at E3 in May 2005. Rumours of his long-term adversary, Mario refuse to die; accelerated by comments from Miyamoto-san himself, suggesting that Mario 128 will be a GameCube release and not leading the Revolution as many had believed – although we certainly won’t find ourselves too disappointed if the moustachioed one doesn’t make E3 for the second year running.

After the runaway success of Burnout 3: Takedown for EA, Criterion are rumoured to have a new title revving up for action at E3 alongside the reported PSP adaptation, however credibility on this remains sketchy at best. Hopefully the indescribable joys of Katamari Damacy 2 will find its way to European shores and make up for the non-appearance of its prequel; whilst Wanda and the Collosus continues to intrigue given the fact it’s coming from the creators of ICO.

Continuing the theme from Japan, information on a number of titles such as Capcom’s Okami and Killer 7 along with Nintendo’s Odama have gone worryingly quiet in recent months, so we’re hoping for much more in the coming months.

Coming relatively sooner should be the hugely anticipated and highly debated Halo 2 Update, with the promise of a vast selection of downloadable content. It’s fair to say that Halo 2 has easily become the figurehead of Xbox Live!, however slight concerns over balance, along with some strange configurations and the need for new maps has begun to get the Xbox Live! community demanding. The weight is most certainly on Bungie’s shoulders to deliver.

As strange as it may seem the end of 2005 may also bring the launch of new hardware, as rumours of a Holiday 2005 release for the Xbox2 continue to mount. One thing is for sure, neither Microsoft nor Sony will want to lend the type of head-start that ensured Sony won this console war before it even had chance to start; so Sony won’t be too far behind. Nintendo remain an unknown quantity in what is shaping up to be the biggest hardware launches the videogames industry has ever seen; continued comments such as the recent revelation surrounding the removal of Start and A/B buttons continues to muddy the waters, however you can be sure never to rule Nintendo out of the running.