Empire: Total War
Creative Assembly
PC
Early March
Creative Assembly is bringing out the big guns with the next in its series of strategy-RTS games. Set in the 19th century, naval warfare and musketeers will be the weapons of choice. An expansive "Road to Independence" campaign will take players through the American revolution, and a full campaign multiplayer mode represents a series first.
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Monolith Productons
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
February 10
The sequel to Monolith's The Ring-meets-Office Space shooter is shaping up to offer a few wide-open environments to go along with the cubicals. Also, there will be mechs. Mechs with big guns. That you can drive.
The Sims 3
EA Maxis
PC
February 20, 2009
Here we go again. In what is sure to spawn countless expansions, EA Maxis' debut of the next full Sims sequel will come fairly early in 2009. This one promises an expanded, less-segregated neighborhood--on a technical level, that is.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Ubisoft Montreal
PC, Xbox 360
Q2 2009
Ubisoft's oft-delayed fifth Splinter Cell title should finally make its way to stores this year. Taking place two years after the events in Double Agent, Conviction will see former special-ops soldier Sam Fisher take a turn as a bearded fugitive, blending into crowds sans thermal optics.
Fallout 3 DLC
Bethesda Software
PC, Xbox 360
Early 2009
While not quite qualifying as a full game, the DLC for Fallout 3 is looking like something to get excited about. Spread across three installments, the content will infuse the already-expansive game with new characters, quests, and monsters. It will also expand the level cap, and leave the end of the game open for endless exploration.
Burnout Paradise
Criterion Games
PC: Februrary 2009
Criterion's open-world expansion of the Burnout formula will make its way to the PC in 2009. The port will add more multiplayer content and online features, in addition to unspecified "community-driven" content. A full PC demo is also on the way, offering a glimpse of the entire game for a limited trial period.
Battlefield Heroes
EA DICE
PC
TBA 2009
EA's stab at a free-to-play, microtransaction and ad-supported Battlefield game should finally roll around next year. A lighthearted take on Battlefield 1942, Heroes will speed up the gameplay with instant vehicle spawns and game-supported wing-riding.
Mirror's Edge
EA DICE
PC: January 13, 2009
The critical reception of Mirror's Edge was split down the middle, and much to EA's surprise, its sales were a poor reflection on the company. The company hopes to pick up the pace with this PC port of the parkour-inspired game, which will now also make its way to Steam.
Saints Row 2
Volition, Inc.
PC: January 5, 2009
Saints Row 2 put a co-op focus on Volition's GTA-esque franchise, carving out a larger niche in the open-world genre. The PC port will, according to Volition, be identical to the well-received console version.
Street Fighter IV
Capcom
PC: TBA 2009
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3: February 17, 2009
Ryu and company are back for the first time since 1999's Street Fighter III 3rd Strike. The graphics look slick, and the character list is extensive--however, real fighter fans will be more interested in the new "focus attacks" and combos.
Lord of the Rings: Conquest
Pandemic Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, NDS
January 13, 2009
Think Star Wars: Battlefront, but replace the AT-ATs with Oliphaunts. Four classes--warriors, archers, scouts and mages--will provide the basis for the large-scale, match-based title, with players also take on the role of the heroes from the Lord of the Rings film adaptations.
Godfather 2
EA Redwood Shores
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
February 2009
The most interesting feature of EA's Godfather sequel is "The Don's View," which allows players to view a strategic map of the open-world city. The name of the game is territorial expansion, with players needing to conquer districts and staff them with henchmen for defense in a RISK-style metagame.
Borderlands
Gearbox Software
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
TBA 2009
Described as "Halo meets Diablo," Gearbox's Borderlands is looking like a winning combination in theory. Running dungeons in co-op mode, with the promise of randomized guns and vehicular craziness, could make for a terrible new addiction.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Relic Entertainment
PC
February 23, 2009
Fans of Relic's RTS games have a lot to look forward to this year. Dawn of War II, perhaps the most anticipated RTS that we know is coming out this year, represents a big shift for the franchise. The emphasis is on small-scale combat this time around, with less of a focus on base-building. A few RPG elements, and mechanics borrowed from Company of Heroes, have made this an interesting project to watch.
Bionic Commando
Capcom
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
February 10, 2009
We've got the retro remake, and now Capcom is bringing out a full next-gen re-imagining of the hookshot-focused action franchise--though the PC version might be delayed slightly. Commando's controls are a cross between Spiderman swinging and standard third-person shooting, making for an entertaining mix.
Wheelman
Midway
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
February 16, 2009
The Wheelman is a driving-oriented open-worlder set in Barcelona, Spain. Vin Diesel will star in both the game and the movie, which will see simultaneous releases in February.
Damnation
Blue Omega Entertainment/Codemasters
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
February 24, 2009
Damnation creators Blue Omega won Epic's "Make Something Unreal" contest, and now their Civil War-themed mod is making its way to stores. The Unreal Tournament 2004 mod-turned-game is billed as a "vertical shooter," which emphasizes over-the-top action via mid-air acrobatics and vehicle stunts.
BattleForge
EA Phenomic
PC
Early 2009
BattleForge is a card-based RTS game that allows players to trade, win or buy cards that represent in-game units. The game will reportedly support 12-player multiplayer, in either co-op or competitive play.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
Relic Entertainment
PC
April 2009
Relic will also be producing another expansion to Company of Heroes, that outstanding World War II RTS game. While apparently not introducing any new factions, Tales of Valor will offer three fresh campaigns, new multiplayer modes, and a fancy "direct-fire" feature.
Dragon Age: Origins
BioWare
PC: Q1 2009
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
BioWare is attempting to rekindle the glory days of Baldur's Gate with this throwback RPG. It's party-based combat and old-fashioned conversations, with a few Mass Effect-style upgrades. The "Origins" comes from the introduction of the game, which will tell the story of each of the game's races.
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.
Ubisoft Romania
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
March 2009
Tom Clancy is providing some Ace Combat competition this year with H.A.W.X., a flight sim that offers an optional flight assistance mode for Maverick-wannabes. Four-player co-op and eight player deathmatch round out the package.
Stormrise
Creative Assembly
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
March 2009
Adept at massive RTS simulations, Creative Assembly is leaving behind Total War for a more micro approach with Stormrise. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the game will task players with managing only a few specialized units across a diverse battefield. Enemies will attack on the ground, in the air, and across rooftops.
Alan Wake
Remedy Entertainment
PC, Xbox 360
2009?
Oh, Remedy. We love your past games--Max Payne, Max Payne 2... Death Rally--but we also look forward to playing some new ones. Alan Wake, the cinematic action/adventure/exploration/horror game that centers around the titular character, was teased way back in 2005. We can only hope that this impressive-looking title avoids a horrifying fate as a second DNF, and makes its way to stores this year.
Wolfenstein
Raven Software, id Software, Pi Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
We got our first look at Wolfenstein at last year's QuakeCon, and everything seemed in order. Nazis, guns, supernatural powers--expect all of the standard Wolfenstein trappings, along with a new Veil mechanic, which allows hero B.J. Blazkowicz to use various special powers.
Team Fortress 2 DLC
Valve Software
PC, Xbox 360
2009
We're still waiting on the rest of those class updates, and according to Valve, the Scout is on-deck for the next treatment. No doubt we'll also see some new maps--and, hopefully, the much-needed release of DLC on the Xbox 360 version.
Left 4 Dead DLC
Valve Software
PC, Xbox 360
2009
Along with Team Fortress 2, Valve's zombie shooter provided some of the best PC multiplayer gaming of 2008--which is why we're looking forward to the content updates nearly as much as any other full game. New scenarios will be an obvious boost to the server cycle, and Versus support for Dead Air and Death Toll will make for a welcome addition.
Velvet Assassin
Replay Studios
PC, Xbox 360
Early 2009
Formerly known as Sabotage, Velvet Assassin is a stealth-based World War II title inspired by actual British spy Violette Szabo. This one promises to buck the action-packed WWII trend and provide a stylish, unique atmosphere in which to dispatch Nazis.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Entrenchment
Ironclad/Stardock
PC
January 2009
The first of three micro-expansions to last year's cult strategy hit Sins of a Solar Empire will help PC gamers ring in the new year. Entrenchment promises to be self-descriptive, adding starbases that will allow players to more easily defend planets.
Just Cause 2
Avalanche Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Early 2009
The over-the-top, open-world action series Just Cause is continued in this sequel. According to reports, the AI has been greatly improved over the original, while the setting has been shifted to a fictional island in Southeast Asia.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Blizzard Entertainment
PC
2009?
2008 brought the big news that StarCraft II wouldn't be StarCraft II at all, but rather a trilogy of games, each centering around one of the series' three races. While release dates are still up in the air, we wouldn't be surprised to finally have our hands on the first Terran-centric installment--or at least the multiplayer beta--by late 2009.
BioShock 2
2K Marin
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Q3 2009
Little is known of BioShock 2--only that series creator Ken Levine is not very much involved in development, and that it will be coming out in the third quarter of 2009. It's also subtitled "Sea of Dreams." Mysterious.
THEY
Metropolis Software
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
Warsaw-based developer Metropolis Software--recently acquired by The Witcher developers CD Projekt--is set to release its first major project with THEY, a first person shooter set in the apocalyptic year of 2012. Centering around the invasion of Earth by mysterious robots, Metropolis claims the game will provide nearly 20 hours of gameplay.
DC Universe Online
Sony Online Austin
PC, PlayStation 3
Late 2009/Early 2010
Cities such as Metropolis and Gotham City will provide the backdrop for this MMO version of the DC Universe. Joining either the Justice League or the Legion of Doom, players will be able to participate in dynamically-generated quests, with heroes and villains clashing in the midst of larger events.
Spore Galactic Adventures
EA Maxis
PC
Spring 2009
Will Wright's divisive title Spore will see its first full expansion in 2009 with Galactic Adventures. The expansion will allow players to explore new planets with their creatures, as well as design custom Adventure missions for other users to play through.
ArmA 2
Bohemia Interactive
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
The next military simulator from the original Operation Flashpoint developers, ArmA 2 is set to incorporate new RPG elements to the series, with in-game events impacting the overall campaign. 73 weapons and 167 vehicles will arm players as they fight against unpredictable, AI-powered squads.
Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising
Codemasters
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Spring 2009
Codemasters is continuing the Operation Flashpoint series with this sequel. The scenario involves a hostile China attempting to wrest control of Skira Island from Russia, with the US interceding. A physics-accurate ballistics engine will ensure that over 70 weapons all cause destruction realistically. Multiplayer will support up to 32 players on the PC, with up to 100 AI-controlled NPCs.
Champions Online
Cryptic Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Spring 2009
From City of Heroes/Villains developer Cryptic Studios comes this new superhero MMO. Players will not be limited by a specific class or archetype, and will have plenty of freedom to customize characters--from the hero's movement, to his or her backstory. You can also apparently fight raptors--a minimum requirement for any great MMO.
Rage
id Software
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac
2009?
id Software's first original project in years, Rage represents new ground for the company, stylistically and technologically speaking. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, a key component of the game will be centered around the player's vehicle, which players will use to both race and travel. id will also incorporate traditional FPS gameplay in dungeon-like sequences. We're not sure when it's coming out, but it may well squeak into the end of 2009.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Summer 2009
Could this be a Batman game worth playing? Based on the comics, Rocksteady's Arkham Asylum certainly looks stylish--and with Animated Series writer Paul Dini on board, and voice actors Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy signed up, the presentation is a lock.
Ghostbusters: The Videogame
Terminal Reality
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Nintendo DS
June 2009
Could this be a Ghostbusters game worth playing? All the Ghostbusters team voice talent is on board, and the script was written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis--so again, it all looks good on paper. Players will take on the role of a new recruit, and will no doubt be taken through a "don't cross the streams" tutorial.
Quake Live
id Software
PC
2009
id Software's web-based port of Quake III Arena has been in beta quite a while. By all accounts, it should finally be released this year, bringing the twitchy FPS back to gamers in free-to-play form.
Braid
Jonathon Blow/Number None
PC: Feb-March 2009
Jonathan Blow's lauded XBLA title hits the PC early in 2009, bringing the time-shifting platformer to a new audience. Endlessly acclaimed for its innovative, elegant design, Braid should make it to the new platform by March at the latest.
Prototype
Radical Entertainment
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
April 2009
This open-world action title is set in a modern urban landscape, featuring a hero that can shapeshift and absorb his enemies' powers. Parkour-style acrobatics from a third-person camera make this project a blend of Crackdown, Assassin's Creed and Mirror's Edge.
APB
Realtime Worlds
PC
2009
Designed by Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown creator Dave Jones, APB presents the typical cops vs. robbers scenario, but in an MMO setting. Players will choose between two sides: the Gangs or the Law Enforcement. From there, it's a skill-based effort to deny the other side by either robbing the banks or attempting to crack down on the gangs.
Storm of War: Battle of Britain
Maddox Games
PC
Q2 2009
Looking for a flight sim fix? Developed by Oleg Maddox--creator of the renowned IL2-Sturmovik sim series--Storm of War might be your best bet this year. Utilizing a new 3D engine, Maddox looks to provide some stunning airplane models in its effort to recreate the historic Battle of Britain.
Overlord II
Triumph Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
The sequel to 2007's unique action title, Overlord II is said to greatly increase the scope of the minion-based gameplay. New AI routines will allow the minions to perform actions such as riding mounts, while the control scheme has supposedly been improved overall.
Aion: Tower of Eternity
NC Soft
PC
Q1 2009
Recently named Best Korean Game of the Year, NCSoft's newest MMO is based in a fantasy world where two playable races inhabit a lower and upper plane--one dark, one light. Clearly inspired by heaven and hell, all characters will have the ability to fly by way of angelic wings, allowing for expedient exploration of the ethereal landscapes.
Alpha Protocol
Obsidian Entertainment
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
March 2009
A new RPG from some of the guys responsible for other great RPGs, there's a lot of expectation going along with the release of Alpha Protocol. The game centers around a CIA field agent, and will include plenty of branching dialogue and third-person espionage.
Black Mesa
Black Mesa Team
PC
2009
It's been a long time coming, but the meticulous fan-made graphical update of Half-Life is nearing completion. With a shiny new trailer under its arm, the Black Mesa Team looks poised to finally release the product of its considerable labors this year.
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Volition
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Q2 2009
Continuing the Red Faction series' trademark of destructible environments/geometry, Guerrilla will shift the series to a third-person viewpoint. Set 50 years after the events of the first Red Faction, the game will largely take place on Mars. A multiplayer component will offer the typical Team DM and CTF modes.
Aliens: Colonial Marines
Gearbox Software
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
A four-player co-op Aliens game, with a story by Battlestar Galactica writers, represents a very promising concept. This exciting game is still slated for 2009, though if recent rumors prove true, it may be delayed beyond its target of a summer release.
Saboteur
Pandemic Studios
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
2009
Not to be confused with Sabotage--the now-renamed Velvet Assassin--Saboteur is another World War II game with an unconventional angle. Based on French war hero William Grover-Williams, the game will see the player singlehandedly taking on the Nazis in an open-world setting.
Demigod
Gas Powered Games/Stardock
PC
February 2009
Stardock has teamed with Gas Powered Games to release their own flavor of DotA--that competitive strategy mod for WarCraft III. In Demigod, users will command giant monsters in an RTS setting, using special powers and commanding NPC minions to tip the scale of battle in their favor.
The Last Remnant
Square Enix
PC: Spring 2009
Hiroshi Takai's RPG has already been released on the Xbox 360, to largely mixed reviews. The game makes its way to the PC in the spring--hopefully lacking the graphical glitches that plagued the original release.
Mafia II
2K Czech
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Fall 2009
Set in the 1940s and 50s, the sequel to Mafia will take place in Empire City, a fictional mobster playground based on San Francisco and New York. Boasting a screenplay twice the size of the original game's, Mafia II will feature over 2 hours of in-game cutscenes, continuing the first game's storytelling ambition.
Trine
Frozenbyte
PC, PlayStation 3
Q2 2009
Frozenbyte's attractive fantasy platformer is a bit of a throwback. Players choose from three archetypal classes--the Wizard, Thief, and Warrior--each specializing in agility, puzzle solving, and strength, respectively. Physics will also factor into the gameplay in ways that become obvious upon viewing the trailer below.
Mytheon
Petroglyph
PC
Fall 2009
This free-to-play PC strategy game from Petroglyph--developers of Star Wars: Empire at War--will be entirely supported by micro-transactions. The game is said to include the "best elements of action, strategy and RPG game-play with a heavy emphasis on collectability and combat."
Jumpgate Evolution
NetDevil
PC
Spring 2009
The sequel to NetDevil's PC space-action MMO Jumpgate Evolution will make its way to stores this spring. The game is set to bring new graphics, AI tweaks, a redesigned user interface and other improvements to the base gameplay of the original 2001 title.
Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
Starbreeze
PC, Xbox 360
Spring 2009
Starbreeze's update/enhancement of the original Riddick will also include a significant amount of new content--some ten hours of new missions, according to the developer. A new multiplayer mode will also come packed in with the impressive package.
The Ship 2 (Hollywood Murder Party?)
Outerlight
PC
Outerlight's follow-up to The Ship: Murder Party is on its way, and will likely make an appearance in 2009. While we don't have any hard details on the project, this one is rumored to be titled Hollywood Murder Party--which sounds right up Outerlight's alley.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Infinity Ward
Unannounced Platforms
Fall 2009
We don't have definite details on this one, but Infinity Ward is scheduled to release its Call of Duty 4 follow-up this year, and it's a good bet it'll show up on the PC when it does.
Duke Nukem Forever
3D Realms
PC, ?
What else is left to say of 3D Realms' consistently unreleased title? We have to assume we'll see a finished product by the end of this year. Then again, that's what we said last year. Oh brother.
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