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.

Round table discussions between two of the biggest US game makers have been taking place since the rejected February 2008 bid from EA (Electronic Arts) to buy Take2 Interactive the makers of Grandtheft Auto and Bio-Shock.  EA, most famous for it’s legendary Madden NFL and The Sims Series has made several round-table attempts since February to purchase Take2 Interactive.  The lastest offer of $25.74 per share to take over Take2 Interactive was ignored and passed up at it’s August 18th deadline.

This week the US Federal Trades Commission approved the merger however, talks seem to indicate that this might play out much longer still yet.

Last year’s revenue for EA totalled more than 4 Billion dollars and ranked them as one of the top 8 largest software companies in the world.  Take2 speculated to be worth around 2 Billion while not quite as big, also has a great bargaining chip on the table with the new release of Grandtheft Auto IV coming out they expect to rake in record profits during this economy down turn.

While theaters and restaurants are struggling, companies such as Dish Network, DirectTV (Hughes), and most of the entire gaming industry are experiencing a huge upturn in sales.  Instead familes are opting to stay home for entertainment and save the gas money; in May of this year, the gaming industry posted an astonishing 53% increase in sales.  The sales have gone up so much, that XBOX 360’s set for Japan have all sold out, and the US sales are getting close as well.  The Nintendo Wii, the first physically interactive gaming system is experiencing the same problem since Christmas 2007, and most stores that carry the system sell out the day they arrive.

For more news on EA, you can visit thier news section ..  EA News.

To follow the press with Take2 Interactive you can check out their press release / news section.