Ah, fall: the changing colors of the leaves, brisk winds carrying sweater weather eastward, and more new awesome videogames than you can possibly imagine. Our pixelated preview makes sense of the madness. Part 1 of our Holiday Videogame Guide
By Rebecca Swanner
Sequel Central
Who says the second, or third, or tenth addition to a franchise isn’t as good as the original?
FALLOUT 3
Bethesda (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Of all the titles coming this season, Fallout 3 is the one we’re most looking forward to. The roleplaying game takes the franchise in a new direction from the last core release ten years ago, mostly by featuring way more action. After you customize your character and leave Valve 101 in search of your father, you’ll interact with angry civilians, traverse the vast postapocalyptic world, and learn how to fight using the targeted system (because just trying to shoot enemies using your sniper skills has wretched results).
Good to Know: Though little has been said on the game’s length, keep in mind that it was developed by the same folks who brought you the rich role-playing game Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
CASTLEVANIA: ORDER OF ECCLESIA
Konami (DS)
After two successful releases—Portrait of Ruin and Dawn of Sorrow—the franchise is ready for a third go-round as a 2-D platformer. This story follows Shanoa, a magician who can absorb glyphs that enable her to cast different spells and attacks.
Good to Know: We finally get to leave the main castle and go for a nice little stroll outside … on our way to another castle.
SAINTS ROW 2
THQ (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
In this sandbox game packed with gangs and guns, your customized member of the Saints has just emerged from a long coma and is out for revenge against the gang who attempted to knock him off. You’ll be able to use human shields and control vehicles in the open world with the PS3’s Sixaxis.
Good to Know: The co-op mode lets you wreak havoc on the city with the help of a friend.
BIOSHOCK
2K (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
This year, PS3 owners can try to survive the underwater world of Rapture, where surgically enhanced Splicers and armored Big Daddies roam. Guns and plasmids, which let you shoot fire, ice, and other deadly elements from your hands, should help you do just that.
Good to Know: The trophies and downloadable content for the PS3 are different from—and expand on—those for the Xbox 360.
BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II
Midway (Xbox 360, PS3)
Blitz is the anti-Madden. Because it’s not sanctioned by the NFL, you get to enjoy a much more violent game of football. No refs, no penalties, and more wicked injuries than the ER on St. Paddy’s Day.
Good to Know: You’re treated to mini movies of the injuries from inside the human body, so when you crush your opponent’s testicles, don’t be surprised if you’re the one feeling squeamish.
MOTORSTORM: PACIFIC RIFT
Sony (PS3)
MotorStorm was the first game that showed the PS3’s graphic capabilities to their best advantage. Here, the revved-up racing action takes place on a tropical island filled with lava pools and thick vegetation that will be trouble for your tires.
Good to Know: The racing title supports split-screen multiplayer and the ability to squash your opponents with monster trucks.
MORTAL KOMBAT VS. DC UNIVERSE
Midway (Xbox 360, PS3)
This new edition of Mortal Kombat stars such classic franchise characters as Sub-Zero opposite DC Comics’ heroes and villains. You can use Superman’s flying skills, Catwoman’s whip, or Batman’s gadgets in the all-new, vertically enhanced fighting arenas.
Good to Know: Since many of the DC peeps don’t kill their enemies, the game doesn’t have actual fatalities, but it does have brutalities.
TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD
Eidos (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, DS)
In the first TR game built specifically for next-gen systems, Lara Croft is on the hunt to retrieve Thor’s hammer before it falls into the wrong hands and civilization gets destroyed. Her improved grappling hook, digital camera, sticky grenades, and tranquilizer darts will help.
Good to Know: Thanks to gameplay improvements and Croft’s scuba gear, you glide gracefully through the water instead of careening like a buffalo.
FAR CRY 2
Ubisoft (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
You’re a mercenary who has to stop a civil war in Africa by assassinating an arms dealer. You get a
choice of characters, and the ones you don’t select become your allies. Once they die, they’re gone for good and you’re on your own. Your character is the only one that can respawn.
Good to Know: The world is sprawling, allowing for long adventures, but you’ve got excellent maps.
PRINCE OF PERSIA
Ubisoft (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
This action-adventure game has gotten a visual makeover, with graphics that resemble 3-D concept art. As usual, you have to harness the prince’s hardcore acrobatic skills as you move through the nonlinear world, but this time your purpose is to strip it of its darkness.
Good to Know: Your partner Elika will help you and catch your clumsy ass if you don’t nail a jump.
WORLD OF WARCRAFT: WRATH OF THE LICH KING
Blizzard (PC, Mac)
This second expansion to the WoW universe will keep you entertained with a raised level cap, the new
continent of Northrend to explore, and umpteen new spells, weapons, and collectibles. It feels good to be a pack rat.
Good to Know: Finally, Warcraft has added the Hero class of the death knight, and he’ll be open to players who are above level 55.
NBA LIVE 09
EA (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP)
The game updates players’ stats daily, impacting how they move and react, and puts them on the disabled list (or the opposing team) when real life calls for it. Other improvements include enhanced two man-game features and the ability to maneuver around more easily.
Good to Know: Create your own reel and make your personal ESPN highlight show.
NBA 2K9
2K (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2)
Instead of relying on the characteristics of the real players, 2K9 lets you make adjustments to a player’s personality, ambition, and role on the team to suit your mood. True five-on-five online play means each man is controlled by a different gamer.
Good to Know: The new “Shot Stick” mechanic makes it possible to adjust your shot in midair, improving your percentages.
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