The Count | Top 5 Anticipated Original Games Of 2009

GamerNode - The "Top X Anticipated Games of 20XX" has become an annual requirement for just about everyone in videogame journalism nowadays; this article proves that I am apparently no different in that regard. To be at least somewhat unique, I've decided to split the typical top ten list into two parts this year: sequels and original titles. Moving on from the predictable list of sequels, here is my list of the most anticipated original IPs of the coming year:

Trine (PC, PSN)

Trine is a very interesting puzzle/platform game set in a beautiful 2.5D fantasy world. Players take control of three different characters to overcome obstacles and beat back an army of undead, often manifesting objects out of thin air to solve physics-based puzzles, or using a Bionic Commando -like grappling hook to swing across large chasms. The burly, hammer-wielding Warrior, the deadly accurate and agile Thief, and the platform-conjuring Wizard can be swapped out at any time, depending on the task at hand. Little else is known about Trine, but from what I've seen so far, it definitely looks like a keeper.

Prototype (PC, PS3, 360)

If the sole purpose of gaming was to make players feel empowered, then Prototype may very well be the most successful work of electronic entertainment of all time. In this game, Alex Mercer wakes up in a morgue, defying death from the outset. He has no memory of his past, but has been endowed with supernatural strength, speed, and agility, as well as the ability to absorb the skills, knowledge, memories, form, and appearance of the people he kills. From instantly learning how to maneuver a helicopter or tank, to unlocking the secrets of his and the virally infected New York City's history, consuming victims like this can prove to be very useful. Radical Entertainment claims that there will be over 750 unique superpower combinations in this sandbox of destruction. What's more, Mercer can easily pull off a T-1000 impression, impaling enemies with spikes or clubbing them to death with weapons made from his own "biomass." I want what he's got.

Alan Wake (PC, 360)

Alan Wake, the newest offering from Max Payne creators Remedy Entertainment, looks to redefine the way we look at videogame horror. Billed as an action thriller, this grisly game is the story of author Alan Wake, a novelist whose frightening fiction begins to creep off the pages and into his life. The funny thing is that most of the plot for his story came from his own dreams to begin with. Drawing influence from the Silent Hill and Max Payne series, Alan Wake is set in what the developers claim is a 38-square-mile portion of rural Washington, in a town that the titular protagonist comes to realize plays host to more than its fair share of paranormal and otherwise terrifying activiy. Themes of dreams, reality, light and darkness are prevalent here, as Alan's level of consciousness can be ambiguous, and even when he is awake, the various sources of light found throughout Bright Falls are his main sources of protection. That, and a .44 magnum.

Brutal Legend (PS3, 360)

Tim Schafer is one of the few videogame designers whose every thought somehow seems to transform into gaming gold, so it should come as no big surprise that his studio's first project since Psychonauts scores high on the "do want" list of many gamers. Jack Black will lend his voice and likeness to this comedic action/adventure game about a roadie who must raise an other-dimensional army to save humankind from eternal servitude...to demons. In an open world where everything is fashioned out of heavy metal (music, not steel), this Tenacious D -like character can be truly heroic, and with each subsequent mission, his hard-rocking warband grows stronger and larger. From what we know so far, Brutal Legend is set to be one of the most over-the-top absurd games out there, befitting both Schafer and Black -- and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Heavy Rain (PS3)

After Quantic Dream's last game, Indigo Prophecy, it's hard not to put Heavy Rain at the very top of my most anticipated games list. Billed as a game made for adults, this story-driven adventure aims to affect players on a mental and emotional level like no other. Heavy Rain is a malleable film noir thriller in which decisions players make will have serious repercussions in the game world, be those consequences immediate or long-term. Much of the gameplay will focus on this thoughtful interaction with the images on-screen, rather than dexterous controller manipulation. The heavy themes involved will play out via the game's already-stunning visuals and audio. For anyone seeking the next step in gaming, Heavy Rain may very well be the ticket.

'Twill be a good year:

There are a lot of really exciting new IPs on the way in 2009. This list just represents a small portion (arguably the most intriguing, so please do argue) of that bunch. Games like inFAMOUS, Dragon Age: Origins, Darksiders: Wrath of War, Alpha Protocol, Flock, and many others are very promising, too, making 2009 look like yet another great year to be a gamer.

16-Bit, Dood -- Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? Preview

GamerNode - Even the stars themselves are surprised at Nippon Ichi Software's new side-scrolling Disgaea series spin-off. Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero takes the demented plushie slaves of the Netherworld -- despicable human souls sewn into peg-legged demonic penguin skins that explode on impact -- and sends them on an epic adventure even Odysseus himself would shy away from. That, or they're out finding dessert.

Someone has pillaged the spoiled, iron-fisted, Prinny slave-driver Etna's dessert stash, so she decides to send 1000 Prinnies (yes, players have 1000 "lives" in this game) on a mission to retrieve ingredients from all ends of the Netherworld to re-create the ultimate tasty treat. Think of it like a sugar-coated, edible Triforce that you have to risk your life to get and then give away to someone who physically and emotionally abuses you.

Lucky for the Prinnies, Etna crafts a magical scarf that makes them only slightly less volatile on the field of battle, so players will be able to withstand a total of four hits per Prinny (in standard mode; one on hard) as they traverse the game's ten themed levels. Still, the game makes it surprisingly easy to die.

Equipped with blades, butt-stomps, and the occasional vagrant bomb, the detailed 2D Prinny sprites will make their way across impressive 3D stages, from forests to fortresses to volcanoes, collecting desserts and fending off a number of new and returning foes, including a boss encounter at the end of each area. Simple square-button slashing will get players through each stage, but the bosses require just a bit more strategy -- namely, the temporarily stunning butt-stomps. It's really a shame the Metal Slug-esque vehicles the Prinnies find along the way can't come through the boss gates.

Despite the massive number of lives at the player's disposal -- and these Prinnies really do define the word disposable -- this game is not easy. Like the great side-scrolling 16-bit action games of which it is so reminiscent, patience and precision are required to be successful during both the combat and platforming portions of Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero.

From the build I had the chance to play, Prinny is shaping up to be a solid title, and with exceptional visuals, fun-yet-challenging gameplay, and plenty of comic relief, it's definitely worth looking forward to. It ships to US retailers on February 17th, dood. (I couldn't resist.)

The Count | Top 5 Anticipated Sequels Of 2009

GamerNode - The "Top X Anticipated Games of 20XX" has become an annual requirement for just about everyone in videogame journalism nowadays; this article proves that I am apparently no different in that regard. To be at least somewhat unique, I've decided to split the typical top ten list into two parts this year: sequels and original titles. More predictable and less exciting than original IP, sequels come first in this two-part feature. Behold my most anticipated franchise incrementations of 2009:

Street Fighter IV (360, PS3)

This one takes me way back to my childhood, when I, like GN's OLD SKOOL columnist George Brandes, used to run the Street Fighter II machine at the Playland Arcade and hear things like, "OH! Shorty just whipped yo' ass!" on a fairly consistent basis (although Microsoft's Ken Lobb admittedly beat me to a pulp when I challenged him at E3). Street Fighter IV features incredible graphics and online match-making to go along with its time-tested gameplay, and all 12 warriors from the SFII roster make a return to the arena, along with five brand new characters and eight veterans from other games in the series. New focus attacks and ultra combos, along with all of the special techniques from earlier games, will help to make Street Fighter IV the epitome of the 2D fighter.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

"What's Tomb Raider?" That's the question Uncharted made gamers ask when it was released in late 2007, as it did everything right that the aging Lara Croft had been struggling with for years. The characters, storyline, graphics, and gameplay were all excellent, and came together to form what was far and away the best title on the PlayStation 3 at the time (and still ranks among the best). The sequel, although only shown in teaser form thus far, can only improve on what was already "must-have" videogame quality.

God of War III (PS3)

The God of War franchise is undeniably awesome. The setting and storyline are epic, the gameplay is nearly flawless, and Kratos is one of the most badass videogame characters in existence. Even on the lowly PSP, God of War: Chains of Olympus was one of the best games of 2008. Sony's Santa Monica studio is taking the reigns again for God of War III -- the first installment in the series on seventh generation consoles. Built on a brand new game engine, God of War III promises larger-scale battles than in previous GoW games, a new weapon system, and of course better visuals than ever before. Kratos seeks vengeance on the gods of Mt. Olympus in this final chapter of the God of War story. I'll be on his side.

Resident Evil 5 (360, PS3)

I'm a Resident Evil junkie, and for good reason. Resident Evil 4 was, and still is, one of the best games I've played in years, improving with subsequent update. Resident Evil 5 looks to take that winning formula and expand upon it in 2009. The game continues to move the franchise away from its slow, methodical roots toward more intense action gameplay, but it is masterfully done, distinguishing RE5 from the typical, everyday shooter. Adding new tweaks to streamline the gameplay, including new control schemes for dual-stick purists and fast weapon- and item-switching for us impatient folk, this is shaping up to be the best Resident Evil yet.

Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams (PC, 360, PS3)

Bioshock 2 is essentially a mystery at this point. Our only glimpse at the game as of yet comes in the form of the teaser trailer above, but just knowing that the game exists and is penciled in for a Q3 2009 release is enough to get the gaming community excited. It seems that, with Rapture left on the ocean floor, Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams is coming to the surface, Little Sisters and all. If Bioshock 2 is anything like its predecessor (which happened to be my personal choice for 2007's GotY), then it will undoubtedly be one of the best gaming experiences of the year.

A winner is almost you: Assassin's Creed 2 (PC, 360, PS3)

Assassin's Creed 2 has yet to be confirmed, but rumors have been flying that it could potentially be released this December, and that it may take the series to a new time period -- most likely the French Revolution. Assassin's Creed is still one of my favorite games of this generation, so I can only assume that its sequel (especially if they heed everyone's advice and vary the mission structure a bit) will be even better. My only reservation is about the time period; I don't exactly know how guns will fit the gameplay style.

Color Outside The Lines -- Crayon Physics Deluxe Review

TheGameReviews - In recent years, it has become quite obvious that the majority of the creativity in the videogame industry comes from small, independent developers. Some of the best games in 2008 were of this innovative, home-grown variety, and already in 2009, Crayon Physics Deluxe is continuing the trend.

Designed entirely by Petri Purho, under the label of Kloonigames, CPD explores what it might be like if one's every stroke on a piece of paper were to become actual objects in a two-dimensional environment, subject to all the laws of physics. The object of the game is simple: guide a small crayon-drawn ball to the star(s) in each of the game's 75+ single-screen levels. The catch, however, is that the ball can only be nudged slightly left or right; any other locomotion must be provided by drawing various objects on the paper to force the circle along, most often employing gravity to help accomplish that goal.

The simplest example of this indirect prodding is introduced in the first level, where players are asked to draw a box above the ball, creating a falling block that knocks the ball toward the star. Other possibilities range from simple lines to complex ad hoc mechanical apparatuses. Basic lines can bridge the many gaps and chasms between platforms, form slopes to guide the ball and build up momentum, or act as barriers to prevent the ball from escaping its desired course. A single line becomes a rope when fastened to small, penciled-in 'knobs' on two separate objects, and other advanced tools such as levers and pendulums are formed using hinges and pivot points on existing structures. Players can even create a self-driven car by drawing two wheels and a body, or activate conveniently placed rockets by dropping something on them. These, of course, can be attached to whatever strings, platforms, containers, or other things players deem necessary to move the ball to the star.

What is great about CPD is that there is no single correct solution to any of the puzzles, but many different ways to be successful. Where one person may draw a cantilever platform to reach the star, another player may employ something that more closely resembles a catapult. Of course not everything is possible in CPD. For the most part, however, solutions are restricted only by the player's own creativity, and some of the resulting sequences are nothing short of amazing. It's a shame there is no YouTube integration in CPD (a la Spore), because that would be the icing on the cake.

Players can't share gameplay videos, but they can share custom levels. The level editor allows players to quickly and easily draw up their own challenges and then upload them to the Crayon Physics Deluxe Playgrond website with just a few clicks. Downloading levels is a bit more difficult, as players must manually save the files in the Crayon Physics Deluxe directory via their internet browser. Being able to grab new levels from within the game itself would have been a far more user-friendly approach.

CPD has a few other drawbacks, as well. Unfortunately, because the game doesn't demand any specific approaches for successfully completing levels, players may simply find a few proven strategies and stick with them, only devising something new when their go-to game has failed. It is also possible to muscle through many of the levels, forgoing more elegant solutions and piling layer upon layer of virtual crayon wax until the game is essentially beaten into submission, and can't help but let the player win. A simple limit on the number of crayon strokes allowed for each level could have prevented this. Yes, fewer restrictions and the freedom to be creative are wonderful things, but one can't help but wonder if CPD might have been a more rewarding experience had the level design forced players to use a greater variety of solutions within a limited number of 'moves.'

In terms of presentation, there is little more to ask of CPD than what is already in place. All of the game's visuals appear to be hand-scribbled crayon marks on a folded-and-unfolded piece of drawing paper. Further driving home the crayon theme, players are allowed to draw on the overworld map, and even erase much of what is already there. As for the game's music, the lullaby-like tracks are a very good match for the simple and relaxing gameplay, but more would have been better, as they do repeat themselves frequently.

Crayon Physics Deluxe is a fun and innovative title offering extensive replayability and the opportunity for players to creatively interact with the game. A little extra tweaking and tuning could have made Crayon Physics Deluxe really stand out, but as is, the game is still a fine choice for an entertaining gameplay experience.

The Count | Best Of 2008

Braid (XBLA)

Braid is incredible. It was, in my opinion, the best game of 2008, and one of two (maybe 3) "perfect 10s" I've ever played. From its ingenious time-manipulating gameplay to its emotionally powered story to its beautiful audio and visuals, I have trouble finding any way to fault this masterpiece. While most puzzle games wear out their welcome in a matter of days (or less), Braid's puzzle/platform action is still one of my go-to titles on a rainy day (or any day, for that matter), because it is so much more than your everyday gaming experience.

Penumbra: Black Plague (PC)

Penumbra is probably not something you'd expect to find on this sort of list, as it is a relatively obscure PC title from a tiny Swedish development studio, and was released very early in the year. Nevertheless, this combat-less first-person horror adventure did so many things so well that it is impossible to ignore. The Lovecraftian atmosphere delivered a genuinely frightful experience (something rare in gaming), the physics-based puzzles were clever and engaging, and the story and characters had depth and meaning uncommon to the medium at large. Black Plague was simply excellent.

Fallout 3 (PC)

Bethesda's done it again. If Fallout 3 was just "Oblivion with guns," that'd be enough, but it's much more than that. The game refines the mechanics of its predecessor while adding the entirely new aspects of gameplay necessary to do justice to the cherished Fallout license. It may have cut back on the lore of Oblivion, but for everything taken out, something equally as impressive was added.

Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

Oh Kojima. Although he could be called the Jackson Pollak of videogame designers, the end result of his throw-everything-at-'em approach to storytelling is truly epic. There has never been a game that could rival MGS4's meticulously directed cinematography, and the heavy themes found therein are also somewhat unprecedented. As a game (because it's true that much of it plays like a semi-interactive film), MGS4 mixes it up with a variety of gameplay, and always keeps things interesting. By the time this game is over, players feel like they've just taken part in something monumentally historic, and in a way, they have.

Mirror's Edge (360, PS3)

I'll admit that I am both a bit of a neophile and a whore for climbing and acrobatics, so when a game like Mirror's Edge comes out, it seems tailor-made for someone like me. This parkour-based first-person platformer doesn't dial down the excitement, because even during the moments Faith isn't being chased by squads of riot-ready guards, the free-flowing gameplay builds a sense of motion and momentum that keeps your hands glued to the controller and your eyes fixated on the action. The minimalist Orwellian plot set an intriguing stage for the action, as well, even if the main story arc wasn't exactly the most compelling narrative. In any case, this one was tough to put down.

LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

I named it "Best of E3 2008," and LittleBigPlanet remains one of the best games of the entire year. There is limitless fun to be had with this game, be it via offline solo play, online co-op, level-building, or even simply customizing and re-customizing your Sackboy as you scour each level for new items, stickers, and decorations. The best part, though, is the fact that the game never ends, as members of the community are constantly conjuring up new content that is arguably better than the core game itself. LittleBigPlanet is the closest thing to a virtual toy that I've seen in the videogame world, and never fails to put a smile on my face.

Honorable mentions: Too Human, Persona 4, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Left 4 Dead