We all know the big hitters this year, the games you've been waiting to play since their announcements at the likes of E3 and GDC over the past couple of years. We've had Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain is fast approaching as is God of War 3, Halo Reach, Final Fantasy XIII , Splinter Cell and many more but what about the games that could turn out to be another "Dead Rising" or "Crackdown"?. Games low on the radar that could turn into huge profit and critical acclaim by surprising many by its qualities, here is a short list of games I think could potentially make that grade.
1. Split/Second - Xbox 360/PS3/PC
Not much actual gameplay has been seen of this "Michael Bay" style racer. Think Need for Speed Shift meets Armageddon with sublime visuals, solid framerate and appealing multiplayer. Gran Turismo 5 is the racer this year most car fans wait impatiently for and understandbly so although Split/Second could provide an alternative alongside it or as first choice for those who prefer a racer with more concentration on the action rather than simulation.
2. Transformers: War for Cybertron - Multi
It's about time we had a decent or above average Transformers video game, the last two efforts have fallen short by a long way to meet any requirement of enjoyable video gaming. To be fair to the developers who worked on Transformers & Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen they had a silly deadline to meet the cinema release of both films (I always believe a movie video game should be released with the DVD/Blu Ray to give the developers more time). High Moon Studios have had time and with that time they have, according to early previews used it well. Gears of War meets Optimus Prime? I wouldnt rule it out just yet.
3. StarHawk (rumoured) - Playstation 3
Sequel to the excellent online third person shooter Warhawk, StarHawk is strongly rumoured to have been in development for over two years with an element of sci-fi. Warhawk still has a large community despite the Halo's and Call of Duty's of this world which is some testament to the quality of the original. With Project Director Dylan Jobe hinting at a sequel and big improvements to go with it, I wouldnt be surprised if StarHawk turned out to be a really appealing experience for those who have to yet to feel the wrath of the Tow Missle.
The Epic Games Store has two more free games waiting for you this week.
MonsterVine: "For a one man passion project that’s in Early Access, while allowing for things like “There’s only one map,” Manor Lords is in pretty good shape."
With Arkane Austin shutting its doors this week, it's a good time to reflect on one the most innovative roguelike-inspired triple-A experiences of recent years.
I’ve got it, never played it. Prey is a game I really wanted to like and it’s a game I really should have liked, everything about it is right up my street. But I just don’t know what it was but I just couldn’t stick with it.
Out of all my PS3 games, WarHawk has received the most play time, and is the only one I have 2 copies of (I have 2 consoles). Unlike most games that come and go, I find myself still going back and playing it on occasion. I hope StarHawk will be as good. If you haven't played WarHawk, your missing out!
Every few years they announce another transformers game that is not part of the movie adaption, they usually never turn out good hopefully this one is better than ok (7/10).