The system is still riding high on its price drop from this past fall, putting up huge numbers during the holidays and bringing tons of new gamers into the fold. The PlayStation Network has gotten bigger and bigger, and though the release schedule for 2010 is fairly quiet so far, we expect this year to be even bigger on that front.
Magic? Sony as a whole is betting a lot on 3D technology across pretty much all its various legs, including games. Sony's 3D displays are set to launch in the middle of the year, and we should see at least a handful of games get patched to support the "format". It remains to be seen if this'll be a selling point for games (or movies for that matter), but it's an interesting development even if you don't really plan on spending the cash to update to a new TV. The PlayStation 3 is also in prime position to support 3D Blu-ray movies as it'll receive updated firmware to play the discs, which is great news.
Of course, Sony's other big hardware push for the year is the Motion Controller (which may or may not see a name change before it's released). Now slated to hit shelves in the fall, the controller allows for one-to-one motion input on the screen and features an analog stick and other buttons. The prototype demo shown at last year's E3 certainly made it look as if the technology provides very responsive input, but we're still skeptical about whether or not its coupling with software will make us want to ditch our Dual Shock 3s.
What's curious at the moment is that while Sony has a ton of stuff lined up for the first half of the year, including MAG, God of War III, Heavy Rain, White Knight Chronicles, Gran Turismo 5 (hopefully) and more, we don't really know what to expect from the important fall and holiday shopping seasons. The Last Guardian seems like a likely late-2010 release, but Sony hasn't really set any firm dates on a lot of other content. Everyone has been talking about a new Twisted Metal game for some time now, and we expect that, if it's actually in production, we'll see the announcement at this year's E3 and its release later this year.
We'll probably also see announcements for the next Resistance and Infamous titles at E3, though they may just be short teaser clips. As for the rest of the show, we're scratching our heads at this point, but it's still a good ways out.
Really, Sony has the first half of the year locked down very, very well, thanks to fantastic releases from both first- and third-party studios. The question mark is for the second half of the year, but if Sony can perform a repeat of the first half of 2010 in the second bit, we're in for one hell of a calendar year on the PlayStation 3.
So let's take a closer look at some of the biggest games heading to PlayStation platforms in 2010. First, we'll preview the PS3 lineup. And keep reading for an in-depth look at what's in store for the PSP, too.
Head to the next page to see the PS3 games we're anticipating most in 2010 >>
Overview: During its E3 2009 press conference, Sony announced that Rockstar North was working on a PlayStation 3-exclusive game called Agent. A logo was shown. And… that's pretty much all we know.
Why It's Hot: The guys behind Grand Theft Auto are making a new game? One that's exclusive to the PlayStation 3? That's pretty much as hot as you can get if you're a PS3 gamer. No, we don't know anything about it, but we're OK with that for the time being. Now, when does this year's E3 begin again?...
- Chris Roper
Overview: B Company returns in EA's second offering of the newly revitalized Battlefield world. Combing through dense jungles, war-torn villages and ice-capped mountaintops, players will take to the field in the industry's biggest vehicular warfare title to date. All new multiplayer modes debut, bringing back not only the gold rush mode from the original Bad Company, but also a more traditional take on Battlefield warfare.
Why It's Hot: As a huge fan of tactical military games, Bad Company is a highly anticipated shooter for yours truly. Mixing in deeper destruction, refined controls (that proved to be all the rage during my time with the pre-release build) and a huge scale of warfare, Bad Company is looking to be on the right track. The first game was a good starting point, EA's revitalization of 1943 was a gigantic success on XBLA, and Bad Company 2 is setting itself up to be a must-play FPS this year. Plus, blowing crap up is fun.
- Steve Butts
Overview: The underwater world of Rapture was the setting for one of the best modern games. Then things changed. The sequel was announced, but no longer was Irrational Games handling development. Instead, BioShock 2 was handed to newly formed 2K Marin, which included a few staff members that had traveled over from Boston, where Irrational is based. The new game takes place roughly 10 years after the original and follows along with a new story. You play as a Big Daddy this time and come across a range of new weapons, abilities, and enemies. Now you can have weapons and plasmids at the ready simultaneously, allowing you to dish out punishment more rapidly, and more effectively combat some of the deadlier foes walking around.
Why It's Hot: There are a few specific things I think work better in the sequel, particularly the research and the way Little Sisters are dealt with. Instead of simply snapping photos, now the camera has a basic video function. Start the camera before you start attacking and it'll record the conflict and grade you based on performance, a system that lets you research without slowing down the action. The Little Sister mechanic has also been changed. Since you're playing as a Big Daddy, you get the option to adopt the girls and walk around with them as they harvest Adam from corpses, adding a new dimension to one of the more peculiar and twisted relationships in videogames. Even with a number of improvements, will Rapture still be as interesting a place the second time through?
- Charles Onyett
Overview: Think God of War meets Castlevania -- that's interesting enough to pay attention to, but Lords of Shadow also happens to be headed up by none other than Hideo Kojima of Metal Gear Solid fame. The footage that we've seen looks pretty intense, and any classic franchise that is helmed by the director of a second major franchise is going to get second and third looks, especially when it's this pairing.
Why It's Hot: Hideo Kojima working on a Castlevania game? What's likely to be a good 3D Castlevania game? That's pretty much all I needed to hear. Of course, I don't simply want it to be God of War with a different art direction and Dracula; I'd love to see a 3D Castlevania game that has an interesting story, great presentation and combat that involves a number of new and unique twists. For my money, Kojima is one of the few that might be able to pull this off well, so I'm pretty excited about it.
- Chris Roper
Overview: Welcome to Fortune City. A bustling metropolis not too far removed from modern day Vegas, this epicenter of activity has a new attraction standing (or shuffling) at center stage: Zombies. Taking the role of Chuck – forget Frank. Frank… isn't here. – players run rampaging through the streets of Fortune City to rid the world of the infected in this comedic survival horror game. The franchise is seeing a new lead character, an all new dev team under Capcom's wing, and a whole lot of over-the-top action. You'll have to wait until later this year to get it, but Dead Rising 2 is a no-brainer for everybody's wishlist.
Why It's Hot: Why is it hot? Is that really a question? Uh… the game is about chopping up zombies, running through Vegas (er… "Fortune City") with create-your-own weapons and modded motorcycles that look like they're pulled out of some freakish Harley Davidson-sponsored Death Race 2000. Yes, I'm anticipating this game. Hell I'm anticipating a real zombie apocalypse. Plus, after three days in Vegas you're about ready to kill everything in sight as it is, am I right? Just bring on the American Gladiators Altraspheres and let's do the damn thing already.
- Mark Bozon
Overview: After releasing the enormous post-apocalyptic RPG Fallout 3 in 2008, developer Bethesda Softworks is taking a breather from the franchise. But that doesn't mean your 2010 will be Fallout free. Bethesda has passed the torch to Obsidian Entertainment for Fallout: New Vegas, an entirely new installment in the Fallout saga. Both companies have been tight-lipped about the details, but we know it won't be a continuation of Fallout 3. Expect new characters, a new setting and a standalone storyline. Obsidian is no stranger to sequels. They're the development house responsible for both Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2, both quality RPGs.
Why It's Hot: It's more Fallout. Expect most of the things you loved about Bethesda's effort to return in New Vegas. Bethesda and Obsidian would be crazy to move away from V.A.T.S., S.P.E.C.I.A.L. and all those other kooky acronyms we grew to love so well in Fallout 3. We're looking forward to seeing the new world Obsidian builds inside Bethesda's re-imagined Fallout universe. Five-dollar all-you-can-eat giant rat buffet, here we come!
- Ryan Geddes
Overview: Final Fantasy XIII is the long-awaited, current-gen entry to Square Enix's legendary franchise. Starring the stoic heroine Lightning and a band of strong-willed rebels, Final Fantasy XIII looks to bring back the Japanese role-playing game in a big way, after games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age brought Western RPGs to the gaming forefront. Besides the emotional narrative that the Final Fantasy games are known for, Final Fantasy XIII will feature a complex battle system and several character customization mechanics that will allow players to develop each of their characters in a very individual way.
Why It's Hot: I was originally concerned about Final Fantasy XIII, as the game seemed much more linear than I would have liked. After a recent preview event, however, I came to see just how much effort was put into polishing the game. Although players are only able to control one character at a time during battle, there seems to be more than enough to do in order to customize that battle to suit the player's tastes. This includes developing classes for each character, building up particular skills and modifying weapons and armor. If Final Fantasy XIII's story can live up to the hype, this could be one of the finest JRPGs we've seen during this generation of consoles.
- Ryan Clements
Overview: God of War III is the third and (supposed) final chapter in Kratos' hunt for revenge against the gods. The first two titles are action-gaming classics, and the third installment only promises to be even bigger and more epic. It's also the franchise's first PlayStation 3 appearance, and Sony Santa Monica looks to have really pushed the system in the graphics department with some incredible character detail and lighting. It's pretty much a sure-fire hit for PlayStation fans.
Why It's Hot: One word: Kratos. The first two games (and even the PSP installment for that matter) rank at the top of my list of favorite action games of all time, and I'm not alone. Sony Santa Monica looks like it may have actually outdone itself yet again, and regardless of the console generation leap, that's still a pretty incredible feat given how good the first two titles were. Santa Monica has been pretty quiet on nearly everything about the game as the demo contains only basic combat elements and doesn't spoil any huge moments, but we know it'll be filled with them. How can you not already be sold?
- Chris Roper
Overview: The fifth major installment in Polyphony Digital's simulation racing franchise, Gran Turismo 5 will include nearly 1,000 cars, a variety of tracks, extensive online options, a brand-new physics engine and jaw-dropping visuals. Few games even approach the level of depth and scale that the Gran Turismo franchise offers, and the fact that nearly every other racer is compared to it should tell you something about its importance. We've been waiting a long time to get our hands on this one, but Polyphony wants to be sure that it's as complete and polished an experience as possible before we get behind the wheel. If it's as good as many people hope it'll be, the wait will have been more than worth it.
Why It's Hot: It's not a secret that I'm a huge Gran Turismo fan, and for good reason. Polyphony's attention to detail is staggering, and its titles offer up the most authentic driving experience outside of actually owning these cars. There's still a lot of stuff that hasn't been made 100% official (realtime weather, how the licensed leagues like NASCAR and WRC will work, etc.), but judging by the recent Time Trial demo, it'll drive like a dream. It's a sure bet that the track list will be stellar and fun to drive, and you know it'll look incredible. Really, the only thing that we need to know right now is the final release date...
- Chris Roper
Overview: Quantic Dream has crafted what can best be described as an interactive story, one that allows you to mold the way it unfolds through your own choices and actions. Four seemingly unconnected strangers are brought together in response to the actions of a serial killer, and it's up to you to find out what's happening and, ultimately, the identity of the killer. While it's not paced like an action game, it's much more involved than most adventure titles as you'll be engaged in combat and other action scenarios quite often, but it's the storytelling and character development that gets the focus here.
Why It's Hot: Heavy Rain is a very experimental title, even more so than Fahrenheit (known in North America as Indigo Prophecy) as it's less linear in some respects. It remains to be seen if the pacing will pick up and kick the experience into overdrive (as the opening starts a little slow), but this is definitely near the top of the list when you're talking about interesting titles coming out this year. If Quantic Dream was able to make Heavy Rain as exciting and involving of a game as it is in terms of presentation, then we could be in for one hell of a ride.
- Chris Roper
Overview: We don't know a ton about this one, but what we do know is that it'll focus on the interactions between a boy and a giant, friendly creature that looks like a mix between a bird and a dog. The Last Guardian is being developed by Team ICO, the developer behind the PlayStation 2 classics ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. Very little has been shown, but the cinematography and character animation looks to be unparalleled. It also seems to have a focus on using stealth and smarts to outwit opponents rather than fight them directly.
Why It's Hot: It's the next game from Team ICO. If you don't know why that's a big deal then snag a PS2 and copies of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. You'll thank me later.
- Chris Roper
Overview: We all remember the racing circuit part of the first Mafia, right? Such an incredible game with great writing, a powerful story and characters, stylish third-person gunplay, unmatched atmosphere and thematic cohesion, stunning visuals (at the time), and then you got to that damn racing circuit and it all came crumbling down. Then you got past it and it was like a clear sunrise after a hurricane. With the sequel, it's February in 1945 in Empire City, and you'll follow along with a decade in the life of mobster Vito. Like before, Mafia II will be an open world game mixed in with story-focused missions that mix third-person combat with driving sequences.
Why it's Hot: Open world third-person action games aren't as rare as they once were, which means Mafia II's got more competition to outclass if it really wants to stand out from the crowd. Anyone who played the original, like myself, is greatly looking forward to 2K Czech's game, as I'm hoping for the same mix of strong characterization, a well-presented story, and excellent attention to detail as it relates to the time period in which the game is set. The way the characters are clothed, the design and sound of the vehicles on the street, the soundtrack, and the overall feel of the world will hopefully contribute to making this an entertaining experience that's matched by a sense of authenticity most games don't even bother to try for. We'll see.
- Charles Onyett
Overview: Zipper Interactive passed over the reigns for SOCOM in order to work on an original title, and in doing so it's been able to really take all of its previous online experience to the next level. Featuring a staggering 256 players in online matches (that's 128 versus 128, broken into squads), three different factions, multiple career paths and more, MAG could wind up being an online title that's just as deep as it is big.
Why It's Hot: SOCOM was pretty much the poster child for the PlayStation 2's online functionality, so we're excited to see what Zipper has in store for us with its first PlayStation 3 release. While chaos in games may bring down the experience quite a bit, it seems like MAG was built from the ground-up for huge clans to really dive into, and if a big online userbase can support the title, it could have some serious legs for the long haul.
- Chris Roper
Overview: The Max Payne franchise, at least when you're talking about the games, is about two things: being incredibly angry and killing an insane amount of enemies with a preposterous amount of bullets. To do that, Max can dive and roll all around the dark, dilapidated environments in which he frequently find himself. Using his slow-motion 'bullet-time' ability, wiping out multiple foes with stylistic sweeps of high-velocity projectiles. All the while pieces of the environment are splintering and shattering amidst the chaos, and you're having a great time at the controls. Remedy isn't handling the third game in the franchise, but Rockstar Vancouver is hard at work on what we all hope is another action epic.
Why It's Hot: Max Payne has, for me, been one of the best examples of an action game done right. It was brimming with personality, embraced and toyed with its genre's clichés, and served as an entirely unmistakable experience. No title since the first two games has managed to strike the same kind of balance of story, character, and unrelenting action entertainment. With the third game, Rockstar's changing things around a little, and to me that's great since I don't want to play something that's exactly the same. Max Payne is now older, presumably even more bitter, and the dark, rainy streets of the first few games has been scrapped entirely for the bright and sunny setting of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Will it be able to recapture the mood of the first games? Not much of the game has been shown so far, but I think Rockstar knows exactly how to deliver an experience like this.
- Charles Onyett
Overview: Mix one part Mario Kart with two parts LittleBigPlanet and you'll have a really good idea of what ModNation Racers is all about. ModNation allows you to customize and create every aspect of the game, from the racers to the vehicles to the tracks themselves, and all of this content can be easily shared online. Racing games have largely been defined by the content that ships on the disc, so it'll be interesting to see what sort of tracks we'll see in the hands of the community. Keep in mind that LittleBigPlanet now has over 1 million user-created levels, so even if ModNation Racers can snag 10% of that, there will be an incredible number of tracks to try out.
Why It's Hot: LittleBigPlanet broke new ground in terms of user-created content for console games, especially in terms of its tools' ease of use. ModNation looks to do the same sort of thing for the racing genre, and I'm stoked to see what'll happen. What's great is that, with most every racing game, there will always be some favorite tracks that have to be left out for licensing reasons or what have you. With ModNation Racers, the community can just go ahead and create those tracks. - Chris Roper
Overview: A new action title from id Software, Rage is a post-apocalyptic first-person shooter that includes racing sequences, vehicular combat and RPG elements. Set after a giant asteroid crashes into Earth, players attempt to explore this devastated world, discover what happened to the rest of humanity, and survive the lawless threats that roam the land. In an open-ended but directed story, players will be able to pick their path through mutants, raiders and other hazards that want to destroy everything in front of them.
Why It's Hot: At first glance, the premise of Rage sounds like Fallout 3: a post-apocalyptic adventure where you emerge from underground bunkers to search for survivors. However, Rage includes Mad Max styled vehicular sequences, along with Running Man-influenced gameshow fights against hordes of mutants. Shootouts aren't typical either, as you can use turrets for fire support, or drive RC cars packed with explosives into enemies. With an adventure set in the American Southwest and cobbled together weaponry, Rage should stand out from other disaster action games.
- Jeff Haynes
Overview: One of the things that's never been done very well before is the videogame Western. Rockstar is hoping to change all that with Red Dead Redemption, and action game set in an open world. Of course many associate Rockstar with its Grand Theft Auto franchise, and while many similar elements are at play in this world, it's looking like a unique kind of experience. You play as John Marston, a former outlaw whose past has caught back up to him. So he sets out on horseback to shoot and gamble and steal as he deals with death and carves his own path on both sides of the law and the Mexican-American border. With a giant world, plenty of towns and interesting NPCs to interact with, loads of content and some beautiful visuals, Red Dead Redemption could very well wind up being a bullseye.
Why It's Hot: When it comes to open worlds in video games, I like to play the bad guy. What'll be interesting to see is how the effects of saving a town versus slaughtering its residents will affect how the world reacts and treats your character afterward. Will I eventually be able to walk back through a town after I've eliminated its populace, or will I have to stay out in the barren plains, moving by night on horseback and hunting wild animals in the twilight while planning my next move? I can't wait to find out how this virtual world works.
- Charles Onyett
Overview: Very little is known about this sequel to 2008's "physics-demo-posing-as-a-game of the year". What is known for sure is that it will feature Starkiller, one or more lightsabers, probably a Rancor, and almost certainly several different iterations of the force. The rest is purely conjecture based on the teaser from December's VGAs which, funnily enough, featured Starkiller in an arena, fighting a massive tusked beast with two light sabers, next to a dead Rancor. Also he used Force Lightning.
Why It's Hot: The original was pretty underwhelming, but LucasArts has had almost a year and a half to learn from their mistakes, and to improve further on the bits they got right. I wish I could say more, but there is literally no information about this game. Therefore, I am going to make things up: Starkiller is really Luke's cousin. Starkiller kills a star at some point (possibly with two lightsabers). The Force Unleashed II is in fact just a remastered version of the original, but with more CG aliens in the background.
- Nick Kolan
Overview: We expected that Street Fighter IV would make a big impact on the fighting game community when it launched last year, and we also expected that a sequel would be in the works soon afterwards. Lo and behold, Capcom revealed Super Street Fighter IV, an update to the immensely popular fighter. While the original Street Fighter IV rekindled the dying 2D fighting genre, Super Street Fighter IV looks to improve that formula with new characters, modes and more. Street Fighter veterans like Dee Jay and T. Hawk return to expand the already robust roster, making this game one of the most complete Street Fighter experiences to date.
Why It's Hot: Street Fighter IV was an awesome fighting game and a great reemergence of the Street Fighter legacy. Super Street Fighter IV will be just as good, if not better, thanks to the new characters and intriguing new modes. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of Super Street Fighter IV -- at least for the hardcore fans -- are the inevitable gameplay tweaks that come with each of Capcom's updates. This is great for the devoted tournament fighters that want the most balanced experience possible, and Super Street Fighter IV will be another step in the right direction. Besides, the car-bashing mini-game is back. How could you go wrong?
- Ryan Clements
Overview: There has never been a grade-A Transformers game, despite the fact that the universe of the Autobots and Decepticons is ready-made for the videogame treatment. Hopefully, War for Cybertron does for Optimus Prime what Arkham Asylum did for Batman – finally provide the complicated hero with a videogame and storyline that befits the power of the mythology. Fan-favorite heroes and villains battle it out for control of the Transformers' home world in their own unique campaigns, set in the sunset years of the great Cybertron civil war. Developer High Moon describes it as a rollercoaster action game like Gears of War, so expect lots of firefights, big explosions, and even bigger bosses. Was that Omega Supreme we spied in the teaser?
Why It's Hot: Hardcore Transformers fans – the kind that openly wept at the death of Optimus Prime in the original animated flick – were devastated by the fast and loose revisionism of the movies. War for Cybertron could undo the damage. The return of Generation One designs is also welcome, although expect to see the robots transform into otherworldly vehicles. (Remember – they have not yet been to Earth to scan our cars and trucks yet.) High Moon Studios also promises a dark, gritty storyline that drills into the Transformers mythos, such as the complex, Greek tragedy-esque relationship between Megatron and Starscream. How cool is that?
- Levi Buchanan
Overview: Developer Level-5 has handled a number of legendary Japanese role-playing games, including Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy and Dragon Quest VIII. PS3 owners should be pleased to know that the developer is also behind the upcoming PS3 exclusive, White Knight Chronicles. An RPG that mixes a traditional single-player quest with multiplayer components, White Knight Chronicles is one of the most anticipated JRPGs on the PS3 -- and for good reason. Players guide Leonard, a young swordsman, from his humble roots as a winery staffer onto an epic quest to save the princess of Balandor.
Why It's Hot: White Knight Chronicles has a number of exciting elements to its name. First and foremost: players can create a character that actually takes part in the single-player, story-driven quest of the main game, and that same character is also used for online multiplayer sessions. I'm somewhat concerned about a few mechanics in White Knight Chronicles, though -- mainly the battle system and story pacing -- as they both feel less polished than Level-5's other works. With that said, this JRPG still has plenty of potential.
- Ryan Clements
Overview: Yakuza 3 brings the expansive and storied franchise to the PlayStation 3 for the first time. The series thus far has relied on fantastic storytelling, lots of choices in what you'll do and where you'll go and intense action sequences, and Yakuza 3 looks like it'll take all of those elements to the next level. It's also a very, very good-looking game, and given the level of presentation in previous installments, could be approaching Hollywood-esque storytelling levels.
Why It's Hot: The Yakuza franchise has taken a unique approach to the open-world genre by not really giving you a ton of places to go, but instead giving you a lot to do in the world. I appreciate this take a ton as it requires less searching the city for something to do, and you can more easily take a relaxed approach to playing when you need a break, rather than running around and punching old ladies in the head.
- Chris Roper
Head to the next page to read our PSP 2010 preview >>
There's no getting around the fact that the PSP has been through some good times and it's been through some bad times. Although the system struggled early in its life, games like Patapon, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and God of War: Chains of Olympus helped give Sony's portable a serious boost. And while the PSP might never attain the same notoriety as Nintendo's DS, there's still a devoted throng of gamers willing to stand by the system with furrowed brows and up-thrust chins.
Fortunately, 2010 looks like it will have a few reasons to keep PSP gamers happy. The most prominent highlight that we know of so far is the upcoming arrival of Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker in May, the next portable iteration of Kojima's incredible tactical action series. Just from our limited time with the publically available demo, we can already see that Peacewalker will be a fantastic addition to the PSP library.
Other notable games arriving this year include Valkyria Chronicles 2 and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3. For those of you unfamiliar with the Valkyria Chronicles name, Valkyria Chronicles 2 is the sequel to SEGA's brilliant strategy role-playing game that hit the PlayStation 3 exclusively in 2008. The sequel, which features a new cast of characters, will continue the same excellent blend of traditional turn-based strategy with third-person shooting.
On the other hand, Fireteam Bravo 3, which is due out at the end of February, will continue the SOCOM franchise and make a hearty number of PSP owners quite happy. Our reactions to Fireteam Bravo 3 have been very positive so far and we'll have a full review of the game in the coming weeks.
There are other titles coming this year that are also very exciting. Persona 3, the JRPG smash hit for the PlayStation 2, will be making its way to Sony's portable in July. We're also hoping that we'll finally have confirmation of a U.S. launch of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and Final Fantasy Agito XIII. We predict that we'll hear something about these big-name Square Enix affairs by this year's Tokyo Game Show, if not earlier.
But there are more things to look forward to than just games, of course. While it's unlikely that a full "sequel" to the PSP hardware will emerge this year, perhaps we'll see an update to the PSPgo. Sony has released upgraded PSP hardware on an almost yearly basis since the PSP-2000 during the September/October timeframe, so it's not unreasonable to say that we could see an even better PSPgo at the end of this year. Perhaps Sony will finally incorporate a second analog nub to the system, or improve the platform's battery life or memory capacity.
For those of you that still think 2010 looks like a quiet year for the PlayStation Portable, fear not -- IGN's own Greg Miller has a prediction for you. If readers look back to last year as evidence, 2009 looked quiet indeed until Destination PlayStation at the end of February. At this Phoenix event, Sony announced MotorStorm: Arctic Edge, LittleBigPlanet (portable) and several PSP hardware bundles. This event started last year off with a bang, so having a similar series of announcements this year is entirely possible. Greg stands by his (uninformed) claim that we're sure to see some Uncharted PSP news early this year, so PSP gamers just need to keep their collective fingers crossed.
Overview: Ace Combat returns to the PSP in Joint Assault. The game's design really highlights the multiplayer aspect by allowing you to play cooperatively with up to three other players, including missions where you'll break off into two teams that can influence each others' levels. We haven't seen the game in action yet, but the promise is high.
Why It's Hot: Any Ace Combat game always has the possibility of greatness. Not all of them have been, of course, but there's always that chance. The multiplayer setup sounds like it could be pretty slick, especially if the team stuff actually makes a big influence on what's happening. The PSP could use some good flight games (particularly since Ace Combat has been off the RADAR for a while), so let's hope it makes a safe landing.
- Chris Roper
Overview: Dante's Inferno is essentially EA's attempt at creating an action-filled third-person title akin to God of War. What's impressive is that the portable version seems to be a fantastic port of the console game, which is certainly no small feat. The title loosely follows the original poem, taking players through the circles of Hell, one by one. It's a very, very M-rated game, which may be a plus or minus for you.
Why It's Hot: I think that the console game seems like it could be pretty fun (I've only played small portions thus far), but I was actually more impressed with the PSP version when I got my hands on it a couple months back. For a PSP game, it looks really, really good, and it also plays quite well. I don't know that you'll want both this and the console version as they're essentially the same game, but if you're looking for a good action title on the PSP, this may just fit the bill.
- Chris Roper
Overview: This is basically the portable version of Dead or Alive Extreme. Rather than a fighting title, you can play a series of mini-games with the girls, buy them presents, take them to photo shoots and even play some poker. It might not be the most action-packed game around, but the DOA Extreme franchise has found a fairly dedicated following due to its quirkiness.
Why It's Hot: What's important about this game for me is that it's a conversation piece. Some people like it, some people hate it, but most everyone will argue about it one way or another. That's the sort of thing the PSP needs these days, making this a great addition to the library. In terms of the game, I hope the team spends more time making the stuff that you actually do more fun than it's been in the past. If so, it could sort of work as an entertaining mini-game collection.
- Chris Roper
Overview: Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is a remake of the SEGA CD classic RPG. Harmony tells the story of Alex, a young boy that wants to follow in his hero's footsteps. Along with his best friends, he embarks on a quest that soon takes him across the land and pits him against the Magic Emperor, who wants to control the entire world. The PSP version of the game has been re-mastered with a new visual presentation and soundtrack, additional gameplay features and new story elements.
Why It's Hot: A kid who wants to be just like his hero follows his dream and saves the world. There's a reason why Lunar's story is so familiar, and the latest version, Silver Star Harmony, could be the best one yet. The enhanced visuals pop on the PSP's screen, and the addition of new story elements as well as a re-mastered soundtrack make this a classic that RPG fans will love.
- Jeff Haynes
Overview: After the events of Metal Gear Solid 3, Naked Snake -- AKA Big Boss – has gone to the rainy shores of Colombia to train his "military without borders." In the midst of an average session, a man shows up and claims to be a professor from Costa Rica. It seems a military force has invaded the defenseless country, and he's here to beg Snake for his help. Of course, there's going to be much, much more to this story. We know a young Master Miller is going to be back, and there's a girl named Paz. There are also guns, Metal Gears, and crazy co-op!
Why It's Hot: Metal Gear games are usually good, but this one looks very good. First, the graphics look amazing for a PSP game, but more importantly, it looks like this title is giving us four-player co-op for stealth espionage action. That's never happened before. There are armor loadouts, swank weapons, and another chapter in the Metal Gear Solid saga. Lots of people have been wondering about the gap between the last time we saw Naked Snake and the jaded Big Boss in the original Metal Gear game. This title should help answer what happened to our hero.
- Greg Miller
Overview: The latest installment of the critically acclaimed franchise, MLB '10: The Show brings a ton of new features to this year's gameplay, making this one of the largest yet. The popular Road to the Show mode has been expanded to include the Catcher position. A new movie maker feature allows you to save and highlight your favorite plays. New fan and park details add to the presentation of each game. Catchers can also provide pep talks to boost the energy of your pitcher during a close game.
Why It's Hot: The Show has been the best baseball series for years because of its attention to detail and focus on the fundamentals of the sport. MLB '10: The Show should be the strongest chapter yet. Playing as a catcher in Road to the Show adds a brand new dimension to this already awesome mode, particularly when it comes to calling pitches during each inning. A new movie maker and sharper visuals that improve the excellent television-styled presentation make this game a must for any baseball fan.
- Jeff Haynes
Overview: The mission seems simple – an operative is behind enemy lines, and every person sent to make contact with the agent is never heard from again. As Wraith, leader of an elite SEALs team, you'll take three squad members into battle in a mission that's off the books. There's no HQ to rely on; it's up to you and your team to get in, get the target, and get out with minimal impact. If only it was ever that easy. Play alone, play against others online, play co-op ad-hoc and online, and shoot the hell out of bad guys.
Why It's Hot: I haven't been excited for a SOCOM in years. Fireteam Bravo 3 does it for me because it's more action than tactical – at least that's how it is when I play. Sure, you can use the simplified menus to order your team into cover, to take out targets, and so on, but I play it like an action game. I'll tell the team to hold, I'll stealth kill for a while, and when I'm found, I tell everyone to fire at will and we clean the bad guys' clocks. You can play the game how you like, and the ability to play co-op through the campaign with my buddies across the country sure is enticing.
- Greg Miller
Overview: The original Valkyria Chronicles was an incredible gem for the PlayStation 3. Combining turn-based strategy gameplay with third-person shooting, Valkyria Chronicles told the story of a brave, independent nation swept up in a global conflict. PSP owners can thankfully join in on the action with Valkyria Chronicles 2, the sequel to SEGAs strategy role-playing game. In Valkyria Chronicles 2, players will take control of a group of young adults enrolled at the Lanseal Royal Military Academy. Although heroes like Welkin and Alicia from the first game will make cameo appearances, the cast of Valkyria Chronicles 2 is almost entirely new. Hopefully this will be a great continuation to the PS3 classic.
Why It's Hot: I was a tremendous fan of the original Valkyria Chronicles, so I was ecstatic to hear that a sequel was in the works. When I found out that it was a PSP game, however, I was somewhat less enthused. After all, the original game was beautiful on the PS3 and controlled brilliantly, so I can only hope that the experience is preserved when SEGA moves it to Sony's portable. Welkin and Alicia (and the rest of the fantastic cast) were highlights of the original Valkyria Chronicles, so the new characters have quite a bit to live up to.
- Ryan Clements
