This has been a stellar year for games.  Standards have been set, records have been broken, and the game industry has continued to thrive in a sagging economy. Of all the great games we have had the pleasure of playing this year narrowing down a select few to comprise a “top ten list” was no simple task.
Please do not assume because we have not mentioned a game on this list that we do not consider it good, we just simply think that it didn’t have that extra something to be included on the list.

Before we even start I would like to say kudos to all the developers out there! You guys have given us some truly exceptional games this year, and we look forward to 2009!

As the year is quickly coming to a close, we eagerly look forward to the new year and what is to come from the gaming industry. 2008 has been huge for games, and developers have their work cut out for them in the coming year. Here at NBS with great curiosity and anxiousness we have looked into a couple projects and from what we have seen 2009 has potential!

If you are wondering what is to come in 2009, here is our list of games that we think deserve a look.

10. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Due: 2009

For all of the Batman fans, who are waiting for a game to do the Dark Knight justice this one just may be it. Based on the popular graphic novel this game is a dark, gritty journey through everyone’s favorite funny farm. In Batman Arkham Asylum our caped crusader will have to face some of his most deadly foes; including Killer Croc, The Riddler, and The Joker.  In terms of game play you will not only need to use Batman’s combat skills, but also his forensic knowledge, and tech gear to progress through the game.

9. Wii Punch-Out
Developer: Nintendo
Due: 2009

Based on one of the most beloved classic NES games, Punch-Out is back on the Nintendo Wii.  Mac will be returning in this title as well as his classic competitors; Glass joe, Von Kaiser, and King Hippo. The same type of game play from the classic version will be carried over in this title but with the infusion of motion control. Although the art direction seems more cartoon-like in this title rather then realistic, it still has promise.

8. Aliens: Colonial Marines
Developer: Gearbox Software
Due: 2009

Based on the Sci-Fi classic film series Aliens Colonial Marines will pick up where Aliens 3 left off. The plot of this title is based on a search-and-rescue squad in search of Lt. Ellen Ripley, who was last seen on the Sulaco. In this FPS you will play as one of four marines who each have a different weapon. You are able to transition between the four marines, but you have to be careful which you choose because one may be better suited then the other for a specific missions. The classic Aliens will be featured in this game including facehuggers, drones, and the queen. This game is worth a look for Alien fans and FPS fans as well.

7. God of War 3
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Due: 2009

The first God of War in full HD, we will get to see Kratos rip his enemies to shreds in full 1080p. There is not much information out on God of War 3, but from what we have surmised this third installment should be the end of Kratos quest. This title is most likely going to be released end of 2009, possibly 2010.

6. The Sims 3
Developer: EA GAmes
Due: February 2009

In The Sims 3 the scope of your control will be broader then in any previous game. You will have control over an entire neighborhood, in which you can observe the inhabitants, and pop in and out on their day to day lives. When designing your own little universe your customization options will be vast, as you can customize it as well as it’s inhabitants. When designing your characters you will be able to create their physical attributes, as well as personality traits. If you love customization options you will want to get a look at this game as it has more then any other previous title.

5. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: BioWare
Due: 2009

After many rumors and whispers it is confirmed that the MMO title form another LucasArts, and Bioware pairing is in the works. Star Wars The Old Republic will have the two major classes; the Jedi, and the Sith, as well as others for the Star Wars folklore.  Along with a deep storyline, character development will be dynamic as you can choose a path of light or darkness, in which every decision you make has consequence.

4. Bioshock2: Sea of Dreams
Developer: 2K Games
Due: 2009

The second installment to the successful FPS,  BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams has been confirmed, and is expected in 2009.  Very little is known about this title but from what we have seen this game could quite possibly be  prequel, although this is just speculation.  Expect this title late in 2009.

3. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Developer: Monolith Productions
Due: February 10, 2009

In the sequel to uber scary FPS survival horror title, everyone’s favorite psychotic ghost girl (Alma) is back, and she is screwing with more minds then ever before. In F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin you will explore the city that was annihilated by the cataclysmic explosion  of the previous game, in search of answers to the Alma mystery. The same slow-mo feature will be available in this title as you face off against more replica clones, as well as new enemies; living and dead. Get ready to jump out of your skin a second time, around February 2009.

2. Final Fantasy xIII
Developer: Square Enix
Due: 2009

The latest installment in the classic RPG series, has at long last been announced. In one of the biggest surprises this year Final Fantasy XIII was confirmed for release on PS3, as well as Xbox 360 to the dismay of Sony. In FFXIII you will be playing in real time, and like in previous titles you will rely on teamwork to progress, using a combination of magic, swords, and guns. Combat will be based around coordinated combo’s and also using the features of each environment to amplify inflicted damage. This title could potentially be the best yet from Final Fantasy.

1. Resident Evil 5
Developer: Capcom
Due: March 13, 2009

The latest Installment in the premiere survival horror series Resident Evil 5 is the most anticipated release of 2009.  Much like its predecessor RE4, this game will have the same over the shoulder view that helped make it so successful. RE5 will revolve around co-operative play, in which you can play as two characters; the Zombie Vet Chris Redfield, and new comer to the franchise Sheva Alomar. If you choose to play alone a highly advanced AI will take the place of Sheva, and If either character bites the dust the game ends. Resident Evil 5 is most likely to be the most visually stunning of any game in the series, and the most enjoyable in terms of game play. A new story, a new continent, and a new way to waste hordes of mutated products of Umbrelle Corp. Resident Evil 5 could be another extremely popular title in this franchise.

On Saturday last week Warner Music Group ordered YouTube to remove all music videos of their artists from the site, as negotiations between the two groups crumbled. There are literally thousands of video’s that could be pulled from YouTube because of this order.

Negotiations between YouTube and WMG broke down Saturday because supposedly they were asking for a larger share of YouTube profits. Although it is not said how much WMG was asking for, they were quoted as saying “We simply cannot accept terms that fail to appropriately and fairly compensate recording artists, songwriters, labels and publishers for the value they provide.” It seems YouTube wouldn’t oblige the request as they now have to pull all music videos under the WMG label, and also music video under Warner/Chapelle group as well.

WMG was one of the first major media companies to make a deal with YouTube in 2006, and since they are pulling out (and taking their videos with them), the other media groups paired up with YouTube may be asking for better compensation as well. Sony Music Entertainment, and EMI Music are among the other groups who are currently signed with YouTube.

WMG’s video pull is a tough blow for YouTube, and it has come at a bad time, since Hulu is hot on their heals. From here we can only wait and see if the other media groups follow WMG’s lead and try to hit YouTube up for some more cash as well.

A new Sims 3 trailer has been released and it looks promising! This new trailer is all about the customization, and it looks pretty extensive. Unlike the previous trailer released from Electronic Arts this one is free of weirdness. Just a basic trailer that features the vast customization options of the new Sims 3 title.

The video starts with the different options you will have in designing your character then it shows how your options broaden to your house and car. The customization seems very in depth, so much so that you will even be able to choose the type of fabric for your furniture, and paint detail for your car.

Since Sims fans are all about the options it seems from this trailer they will be getting it! The Sims 3 Drops February 09!

Here is the link to Kotaku’s Tariler

Lately there has been a windfall of Resident Evil 5 content released, as we are drawing closer to the games release. Today fans have just gotten another little nugget of joy to nibble on. Thanks to Capcom, we are getting the first real glimpse of the Resident Evil 5 box art for Xbox360, and PS3.

The box art we are looking at is supposedly the same art we will see on the date of the games release, as Capcom has said “This art will dominate North American store shelves when the game launches on Friday, March 13th, 2009.”

It seems the cover confirms that the main plot line of the game will revolve around Sheva, and Chris, as I am sure you have assumed. I am just hopping an image of the collectors edition comes out soon because that’s the one I will be drooling over.

Here’s a link to Capcom’s post on box art!

I am personally elated to be finishing out the week with this news. The first in hopefully a long line of installments of documentary footage from BioWare has been released for Star Wars the Old Republic. The video went up today on the official SWTOR website, and it is really our first peak into what we can expect from the game.

In the Documentary the developers go over the basic plot, game play, and a couple other little nuggets of joy from their latest project. I could tell you more but I thought I would embed the video so you could just see it for yourself.  No Release date yet for this MMO title.

ENJOY!

Here is the link to the Video on SWTOR

As we are quickly approaching the end of the year, various video game contributors have released their top picks for video games of the year. As good of a year as it has been for games it is hard to narrow down a list of the best, and near impossible to choose one particular game to be given the honor of being “Game of the Year.”

G4 TV’s  X-Play recently did “X-Play Best of 2008″ special, and in it they bestowed the honor of game of the year to no other then Fable 2 (”OH NO YOU DIDN’T”). This just sent Kevin Pereira, (an Attack of the Show host) into a bit of a tantrum.  With a great deal of finger pointing, and some podium kicking Kevin called out Adam Sessler (an X-play Host) on the decision.

Here’s the Clip Kiddie’s!

On the following episode of X-Play Sessler Responded, and apparently Pereira is going Down!

Consider the gauntlet Thrown! Although I am sure this is all in good fun, I am still looking forward to watching Attack of the Show and seeing how this all turns out. My money is on Sessler!

The Return of the Prince
The new title from Ubisoft’s popular platforming series has at long last arrived. Prince of Persia is  completely different from its predecessors, and there was a fair amount of risk that was taken in its development. From the subtle changes in game play, and the not so subtle changes in art concepts, and character design. Prince of Persia is not a fourth installment of The Sands of Time series, it is a reinvention of the franchise. Only 3 years after the release of The Two Thrones, the Prince is back.

The Corruption
The story begins in a desert, in which our nameless protagonist Prince is lost. Searching for Farah, his donkey (that’s right, a donkey) which is weighted down with the booty of the Princes recent endeavors. The Prince seems hopelessly lost until he stumbles upon a women named Elika, who is at the moment being pursued by some guys with sharp pointy objects. Casting their lot together the Prince and Elika flee the pursuers into a great temple in which she claims is the home of Ahriman, the God of Darkness. Elika confesses, that her family comes from an ancient line of guardians, commissioned by Ormazd the God of light to guard a great seal within the temple. This seal has kept the God of Darkness trapped for centuries. Once inside they meet Elika’s very agitated father who in a fit of rage shatters the seal and releases Ahriman.

Finally freed, but weekend Ahriman can only manifest himself as the corruption which consumes any living thing it comes in contact with. As one in a long line of ancient defenders against Ahriman, Elika is gifted with the magic ability to purge corruption. The Prince, who’s only goal in life is to find his gold touting donkey is reluctantly convinced by Elika to aid her. The two unlikely allies work together to free the world of the corruption, thus weakening Ahriman so that Elika may restore the seal and bind him once more within it.

Side scrolling, to 3D, to HD…this franchise has come a long way
This franchise has seen a vast number of changes, and this title may be the most significant yet. The first and most distinct change is the environments which are the triumph of this title. Gorgeous in their design the landscape of Prince of Persia are like living artwork.

Although the core aspects of game play that fans love from this franchise have continued in this title, they have been revamped. Platforming is more fluid and smooth, making the Prince’s acrobatics more realistic. Combat is no longer about button smashing hordes of enemies, it revolves around one on one combat with strategically timed moves, which are enjoyable once mastered. The cinematic sequence are another enjoyable aspect of combat as well. The other highly notable change would be the non-linear, open world type of game play. One of the shortcomings of the Sands of Time series was the linear game play, and developers scrapped that concept by allowing gamers to forge their own path through an open world setting.

Although Ubisoft removed a lot of the drawbacks from the previous serious I am afraid it has also created some new ones. For one, the Prince is not able to develop any new skills, or abilities, or even change weapons. You get a sword, a gauntlet, and a scarf don’t expect more than that.  The dialog in this game is atrocious. I still wake up at night with a cold sweat and hear the Prince’s lame banter in my head (it gives me chills).

The Prince

Although the Prince carries similar mechanics from the previous games such as acrobatics, and combat styles; he is nothing like the prince of the past. Long gone is the noble Prince of the Sands of Time series that fans have come to love. In this title our Prince is more of a frat boy then a noblemen. The new Prince only desires money, women and thick carpets (I’m serious he really likes thick carpets). Over all the deign of the new prince is a fresh new style, but his personality is a stark contrast to his predecessors. Immature, and conceded, but only on the surface deep down he truly cares for his companion, Elika.

Elika emissary of Light

The Prince is perfectly complemented by Elika who is strong willed, and selfless. She not only gives the Prince a sense of purpose, but she becomes essential to his progression through the game. The highly capable AI that is Elika will aid you in almost every aspect of game play.  Since this title is non-linear there are instances when getting lost is easy and if that should ever occur Elika can use her magic abilities to create an orb of light that will guide you on the correct path. If you fall when leaping from one platform to next Elika can catch you and drop you in a previous location. If you fall to an enemy Elika will blind them with a burst of light allowing you to recover.

The one notable drawback to Elika is the fact that she removes a great deal of challenge from the game. If you fall she catches you, if an enemy attacks you she blinds them, making it impossible to die. Despite that one minor flaw Elika is the perfect companion to the prince and a great edition to this franchise.

No Death, No Time Travel, No Problem
Despite Prince of Persia’s minor draw backs it is still an enjoyable game, and a much needed breath of fresh air in a stale franchise. Although death has been abolished, the dialog is poor, and there is ZERO skills or weapon changes for the Prince; this game is still worth getting. With lush environments, enjoyable game play, and an absorbing plot laced with a hint of romance (between the Prince and his own reflection) this game is a great edition to the Pop Franchise. We give Prince of Persia 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

When I was cruising the feeds today I came across a story that was so strange I had to do a post on it. As you may already be aware, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is due for release in February, and promotions have begun in preparation for that.  There has recently been a press release for the game, and in and of itself there is nothing strange about that, but the way in which it has been executed is about a 10 on the weird ‘o’ meter.

Mike Fahey, one of the guys over at Kotaku did a post shortly after Thanksgiving about a mysterious combination briefcase he had come into possession of, along with it video instructions from a shadowy figure (Zoinks). Mr. Shadow said to post an image of the briefcase on Kotaku and when it is confirmed that the image is on line he will send the combination for it via the F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin forums.

Well, Mike posted the image in an earlier post and low and behold a week later, shadowy figure guy posted the combination in the Project Origin forums. After all the waiting the briefcase was opened for the first time today and Mike posted the video on Kotaku.  Once opened Mike discovered (as he predicted) a severed limb, nah just info on the upcoming F.E.A.R. 2 promotional event In New York.

Although we have seen some pretty meticulously crafted press releases before, this one certainly takes the cake. The briefcase wasn’t just delivered to Mike he had to follow instructions from an anonymous letter to go to a storage facility ( just two miles from his house) to pick up the briefcase.  The fact that the guys over at Monolith were able to gather enough information to orchestrate this is really cool, and frankly a little scary. I think they should consider getting out of the game business and maybe give espionage a shot. 

Kudos to the folks over at ComingSoon.net, because thanks to them we now have new pictures of the upcoming  Street Fighter film. Specifically the pictures are of the films main character Chun-Li played by Kristin Kreuk. There are five picture total which depict various scenes, three of them action sequences in which one of them CHun-Li uses her signature move.

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li is an adaptation of the popular video game from Capcom, and if you didn’t know that please leave now! The film is directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak from a script by Justin Marks (Spelling his name is a lot easier). The movie has a whole bunch of stars in it including Kristin Kreuk (as you already know), Michael Clarke Duncan, Neal McDonough, Taboo, Chris Klein, Edmund Chen, and a lot more whom I will not name right now but just refer you to the link to the films Web page.

The film follows the story of Chun-Li who is searching for inner peace, nah I’m just messing with yah the movie is really about kicking the crap out of bad guys. The basic plot revolves around Chun-Li’s personal history and her pursuit of justice, through beating people senseless.

It is a little to soon to tell if this film will live up to the buzz it has generated, but as of now it’s popularity has grow just a bit bigger.

Images Provided by ComingSoon.net