Little Big Planet
Sackboy, Sackgirl. Superstar DJs…here we GO!
Join the corduroy revolution in Little Big Planet, a fantastic four player cooperative platformer that has you controlling a personalized Sackboy or Sackgirl as you jump, move, and grab objects. The levels all have high manipulability and you can spend time individually, collaboratively, and/or competitively rearranging the place into whatever you want. Once youve managed to create your very own Thunderdome level (two sacks enter – one sack leaves) you can share it with other like minded people via PSN. Mark our words well, this will be sack-tastic.
Killzone 2
Gonna take you riiiding to the… killing zone
Enter the designated zone where the elite meet to get killed - for a second time. Hopes for this game have been sky high since that very controversial actual gameplay trailer was shown off at E3 in 2005. Little is known about the game at this stage but Guerilla Games has stated that they want to create an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience that is grounded in reality with what they call "Hollywood Realism". The game will also feature a bold new first person cover system named "lean and peak" which lets you take cover behind an object, and then pop out to efficiently blast your Nazi — I mean… Helghan tormentors.
Resistance 2
Its pointless to resist, pathetic human
Whats better than one campaign mode? Two, according to Insomniac, because Resistance 2s single player campaign will follow the story of Nathan Hale, plus theres a separate co-operative campaign for you that has a storyline running parallel to Hale's campaign. The co-operative play will support up to 8 players online (or two players via split screen) with classes including a medic class, a heavy weapons class, and a special ops class. The online adversarial multiplayer aspect of the game will support a ludicrous 60 players online, too. Early communiqués indicate that the Chimera will be invading the US this time around – Uncle Sam aint gonna stand for that crap, surely.
Resident Evil 5
Welcome to deepest darkest Africa
Theres a scarcely known mathematical equation that wed like to bring to your collective attention: Fast zombies > slow zombies. Not convinced? Wait until you see Resident Evil 5 prove the theorem for us, with freaky homicidal maniacs that make the infected folk from 28 Days Later look like girly girl scouts. The gameplay closely resembles the much celebrated over the shoulder camera style of the last game, but apparently the game's environment will also play a much more significant role. Cop some prolonged exposure to heat and youll soon begin to see mirages and hallucinations - and something tells us these freaky visions wont be happy little elves in gum drop houses running down lollipop lane. Though, that would be just as disturbing.
Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
Beware your crusty demon within
Your Nanas arthritis has been playing up for a reason — theres a storm a-comin… a Motor storm. Moving away from decidedly boring desert environments, Motorstorm 2 will occur in a lush tropical environment complete with thick mud, tangled undergrowth, swift flowing rivers, choking volcanic clouds and searing lava pools. There are other promises on the table too, like Monster trucks, better car and environment destruction, and — our personal favourite — four player split screen antics, which is a feature that more next-gen games need to include. We simply cant wait to go mud plugging with this one (what? its a legitimate vehicle type).
Pure
Its Pure, unadulterated fun.
Vying for your hard-earned, dirt-racing dollar is Pure, the forthcoming title from Black Rock Studio (formerly Climax Racing, the developers of the Moto GP and ATV Offroad Fury franchises). The game is best described as ATVs meet SSX and, like its closest competitors, is all about drop dead gorgeous adrenalin based races where you accumulate boost to take advantage of a myriad of sneaky track shortcuts. Tricking is the order of the day here, and the only thing more impressive than nailing a 30 ft heel clicker is, well, getting nailed when attempting a 30 ft heel clicker. Keep and eye out for this bad boy.
PixelJunk Monsters Encore
The tower of power continues…
Sure, this isnt a big budget extravaganza – but we dont care. PixelJunk Monsters is the best/ most addictive thing since sliced heroin bread. For the uninitiated, gameplay involves stopping waves of enemies by placing defensive towers around your castle. Towers have distinct attributes, such as rapid fire, short distance, air defense, slowing abilities, etc. The only downside with the game is this: we need more of it, now. Sony has answered our prayers thankfully and the Encore expansion pack is on the way. It will include an additional 15 levels, including levels inspired by Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Also, the ice tower is now available without gems and the Tesla tower has been reduced in price. Awesome. Zappy.
Guitar Hero World Tour
Nobody rocks like… Springfield!
Red Octane is set to throw a meaty punch in the battle for the best music game with the fourth iteration of the popular Guitar Hero series. Taking some cues from its upstart rival Rockband, GHWT will also offer the full band peripheral setup with two guitars, microphone, and a three pad drum set that also has a kick and a cymbal. If that isnt rocking enough, Activision has also announced plans to include a Music Studio mode that will let you forge your own rock and then swap it online with your mates. Early reports state that the drum peripheral wont be as annoyingly loud as Rockbands. Thats great news — but, will we be able to play some cowbell? Everything needs more cowbell.
Rock Band
Access to awesome… denied?
Speaking of awesome music games on the horizon; theres Rock Band. However, for those of you about to rock, we awkwardly half salute you and hope that youve packed a lunch – because this patently amazing game has still yet to have a firm Australian release date. For those of you who have yet to import and experience it, Rock Band is a cooperative multiplayer powerhouse that supports a microphone, lead guitar, bass guitar, and a four pad drum set. The game has been out in the states since Christmas and has recently been released in the UK to critical acclaim. EA Australia, if youre listening, we NEED this game, wheres the love?
Shiki-Tei
Two green thumbs up
Aside from building houses, starting fights at the pub, and opening a non twist-top beer with your eye socket – the next manliest activity in the world is gardening. Sony has realized this too and theyre tapping into your dormant Don Burke gene with their forthcoming downloadable gardening title Shiki-Tei. Are we making this game up, just to mess with you? Nope, it exists. You get a garden, you grow crap in said garden, and animals visit (and presumably defecate in) your garden. Sounds different, but were cautiously optimistic about the relaxation potential of this one. We also hope there is a Greek backyard option – sweet, sweet concrete lions.
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