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Games to get thumbs racing in 2004
Daniel Etherington of BBCi Collective looks ahead to the games
to keep an eye on this year, in his weekly games column.
Compiling this list is a tricky proposition because 2004 looks
set to involve some impressive titles.
Inevitably, many are sequels and I realise the list would seem
to imply I am obsessed with first-person shooters.
Castlevania Lament Of Innocence
Release: 13 February (tbc)
Format: PS2
Another classic games series makes the transition from 2D to 3D,
and about time too (supposedly Devil May Cry was inspired by Castlevania).
You play as Leon Belmont, a whip-cracking, vampire-killing forefather
to the earlier games' protagonists. One for fans of sumptuous
gothic interiors and fast-paced undead killing.
Deus Ex Invisible War
Release date: 3 March
Format: PC, Xbox
The cyberpunk genre may be somewhat passé, as the uninterested
response to The Matrix Reloaded indicated, and this game had a
mixed reception in the US. But, like the original, it promises
an intriguing blend of first-person shooter and role-playing gaming,
set in a dark, detailed near-future world.
Killer 7
Release: 12 March (tbc)
Format: GameCube
More terrorism-themed action, as you enter the mind of Harman
Smith, a man with seven different personalities, each with distinct
skills. In real-time, you must prevent the actions of a bunch
of crazies and get to the source of the world's terrorist troubles.
Realised with stylised graphics that make it stand out from the
crowd.
Far Cry
Release: 26 March
Format: PC
A first-person shooter with online multiplayer options, Far Cry
takes place on a sun-drenched tropical island, rendered in exquisite
detail by German developers Crytek. The game's busily being hyped
for its free-roaming environments, non-scripted enemy AI and credible
physics.
Half-Life 2
Release: 2 April (tbc and on Xbox Dec tbc)
Format: PC
This won the E3 overall Game Of The Show award last May. If it
was good then, just imagine what it will be like when we finally
get out hands on it, five years after Valve started work. Research-scientist
turned hero Gordon Freeman returns here, as the Earth is assailed
by more extra-dimensional nasties.
Halo 2
Release date: 25 April (tbc)
Format: Xbox
Bungie's hotly anticipated sequel to the 2002 masterpiece sat
in our "games to look out for" list this time last year.
Let us hope when it finally appears it does not disappoint all
those who cannot wait to get back into the Master Chief's armoured
boots. This time the Covenant brings the war to Earth.
Full Spectrum Warrior
Release: PC 7 May (tbc), Xbox 5 July (tbc)
Format: PC, Xbox
Based on a US military light infantry training simulator no less,
this particular piece of video game warcraft sidesteps an FPS
approach and instead has you as a sergeant commanding a squad
of nine troops in urban battle situations. With its tactics and
realism, this is a very intriguing proposition. And it is already
an award-winner from E3.
Doom 3
Release: December (tbc)
Format: PC, Xbox
Another sequel in a landmark franchise which began way back in
1993. The traditional action of the Doom games looks set to be
taken even further in a horror direction. Expect compelling single
and multiplayer options, atmospheric visuals and a smooth control
system. And monsters, plenty of monsters.
Resident Evil Outbreak
Release: December (tbc)
Format: PS2
PS2 owners get a chance to return to Racoon City, and what is
more, you do not need to go alone, if you have got Network Gaming.
Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield are back, but for the multiplayer
option you and others can play cooperatively as other Racoon residents,
desperately trying to elude the zombie hordes.
Killzone
Release: December tbc
Format: PS2
A future-set first-person shooter with WWII styling, Killzone
is being touted as the game that will be to PS2 what Halo was
to Xbox. You play an Earth soldier leading three AI squad-mates
against a terrorist faction. So gunplay, gloomy atmosphere and
greatness? Screenshots and drip-fed info are indicating this may
well be something special.
Also watch out for:
Headhunter Redemption, Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand, Metal
Gear Solid The Twin Snakes, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles,
Fahrenheit, The Suffering, Unreal Tournament 2004, Driver 3, Breed,
Metroid Zero Mission, kill.switch, Rome: Total War, Forbidden
Siren, Onimusha 3, Fable, BC, Resident Evil 4, Wario Ware Inc.,
Pikmin 2, Cold Winter, Transformers Armada Prelude To Energon,
anything new on EyeToy etc.
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