Back when the next generation consoles were released, meaning Xbox 360 and Playstation, no one did not know what to expect. The Xbox 360 came off with a good start releasing in 2005, while the PS3 sort of tumbled out of the gate. As soon as 2009 hit, not only was the 360 doing wonderful, but surprisingly, Sony’s new toy was going crazy. Many analysts, gaming journalist, even gamers themselves started to see that both consoles had a statement: to be the best that they can be. With titles like Killzone 2, Halo 3: ODST, Resident Evil 5, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Street Fighter IV, and the highly awarded Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, there was no doubt that 2009 was a fabulous year.
All that changed on January 5, 2010 with the release of Bayonetta, a game that surprised everyone. After playing it, you may find yourself wanting to get a loan to buy every game coming out, because that may just have to happen. We are not responsible for past due payments on any of your bills or debts. So without further ado, here are the top ten games to get before the summer:
10. MLB 10: The Show – March 2, 2010 (PS3)
Sports games are made to simulate the real thing, meaning it’s not perfect. Annual sports games can sometimes be as simple as washing and rinsing the formula. MLB 10 made sure that these two things would not come easy. Sony has created something, and made sure nothing is like it. With 1080p resolution, true detailed graphics, and gameplay like no other sports game, this is one game that has no curves, and a must get for any baseball fan.
9. Super Street Fighter IV – April 6, 2010 (PS3/360)
Back when the original game was released, fighting fans went crazy. Just months after release, Capcom announced that will publish a “retail expansion” with new characters and moves. This may sound plain and boring, but fighting fans shall pick this up with no hesitation.
8. Bioshock 2 – February 9, 2010 (PS3/360)
2K Games shook the industry when they put out a game that plays under water. It was pretty hard to pass it up. With the release of the sequel next month, it’s a safe bet that it should put up good numbers. After all, who wants to mess with the Big Daddy?
7. Mass Effect 2 –January 26, 2010 (360)
Exclusively only the Xbox 360 for a console game, Mass Effect 2 is bound to do greatness. When Mass Effect hit stores, it was looked at like a “meh” type of game, but truth be told, it was, in reality, a game to be reckon with. With a deep story, and even deeper gameplay, there is no way to deny this game’s destiny.
6. Splinter Cell: Conviction – April 2010 (360)
There are action games. There are stealth games. Then, there are Splinter Cell games. When Ubisoft mentioned Sam was being introduced to the Xbox 360, gamers went ballistic. With new counters, weapons, and a movie-like story, Conviction is sure to be one hell of a game.
5. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – March 2, 2010 (PS3/360)
After the release of Dead Space, EA has been on a roll, putting out great quality games for next generation consoles. After the success of Activision’s shooter, this game is looking to take the crown of not only an quality shooter, but a shooter to blow your mind away. Sure it won’t sell over 4 million copies on day one, but don’t consider it a flop, either.
4. Heavy Rain – Febuary 23, 2010 (PS3)
Making a game that isn’t a shooter or action can be difficult at times. There are risks to be taken. Well, that is what Quantic Dream plans to do: make a game about risks. Sure it isn’t a mainstream genre, but it sure as hell looks good. There isn’t a game out there that even comes close to looking good. Don’t be surprised if you see this game pulling a fast one.
3. Modnation Racers – Spring 2010 (PS3)
We all remember Mario Kart. It was fun, cute, and very addicting. United Front Games is looking to take that onto a different level. Customization in this game is endless. There are already pictures of superb work around the net. Some may say it’s not fair to put MNR so high in this list, but damnnit, it’s that damn good. If you loved LittleBigPlanet, then this game is for you. If not, still pick up this game.
2. Final Fantasy XIII – March 9, 2010 – (PS3/360)
At the end of Microsoft’s presentation at E3 2008, the gaming industry dropped their jaws and flooded the internet with the announcement of Final Fantasy XIII going multi-platform. With the success of Final Fantasy 7 under Square Enix’s belt, it is really hard to say this game will not succeed right along with it. With breaking records already in Japan, just know that this monster game is no spell, it is the real deal.
1. God of War 3 – March 2010 (PS3)
If you lived under a rock for the past three years, you still probably knew something about God of War 3. Seeing Kratos in high-definition is just brilliant. Playing as him is even better. When Sony released God of War: Collection for PS3, it was the first step into the right direction. As gamers prepare for this massive game, Santa Monica is making sure this one delivers a one-two punch, and then some. I’m not saying that it will sell over five million in one day, but I’m not saying it won’t sell at all either. Either way, God of War 3 is most anticipated game before the summer. Point. Blank. Period.
Honorable mentions:
Dante’s Inferno, Fable 3, Mafia 2, UFC Undisputed 2010, Max Payne 3, , Lost Planet 2, Yakuza 3
Well there you have it. As my buddy Torrence Davis would say, “Gamegeddon is here for 2010.” And my friend, he is right. Be on the look out for the top games towards the holidays. Be prepared to kiss that tax refund good bye.
