What I’m Hoping For From 2009
Can anyone believe it’s been a whole year since, well, last year? I remember having my doubts that 2008 would top 2007, seeing as the latter was so rich with stellar 360 releases. Truthfully, I feel I can’t even pass judgement about whether games were better this year seeing as I’ve currently missed out on a bunch of the big triple-A releases with my one-game-only-at-a-time ethic. But what I am entitled to do at this time of the year is share with you what I hope 2009 brings us in regards to gaming.
Alan Who?
Yes. Alan who, not Alan Wake. Way back in January 2006 when I first purchased my 360, I also picked up a couple of Xbox 360 magazines to get a grasp of upcoming releases. One game that stood out was Alan Wake, which I assumed would be making an appearance within the next 12 months or so. But look, 2008 is drawing to a close and we’ve barely heard anything about this game. The release date is beyond vague; in fact, it’s currently non-existent. Where is it? How is it shaping up? I’m going to be keeping my fingers crossed that ’09 is the year of Mr Wake, and indeed psychological action thrillers.
Sony Taking Middle Class Into Consideration
Dramatic heading, but never-the-less, I’d really like to see a PlayStation 3 price cut in the next 12 months. I briefly flirted with the idea of buying a PlayStation 3 last year when I received a bonus for work, but after some logical thinking decided against it. I couldn’t justify spending that amount of money for a console that, at the time, only had a couple of games that I’d buy. But now, with LittleBigPlanet and Metal Gear Solid 4, if a reasonable price cut came along, I’d once again flirt with the idea of buying a PlayStation 3.
More Army Of Twos
Not necessarily a sequel, though that would be muchos great. My favourite gaming memories of last year involved playing through Army of Two with my best friend. We started off playing in split screen mode, though that was hella confusing, and ended up finishing the campaign over Xbox Live. This game hit the nail on the head as far as co-op went, ticking all the right boxes with so much emphasis on helping one another out and sticking together, planning your next move tactically, deciding who takes what role etc. I don’t think it was designed at all to play through on your lonesome, though that was possible. There was so much more substance if you had a buddy playing through it with you. More games like this please!
Blu-Ray For The Xbox 360
I was daft enough to buy the HD DVD add-on when it was still stupidly expensive (I think they are retailing at about £25 now). I bought it because my ex was a movie nut and figured he’d appreciate it, but in the end we split up anyway, and he didn’t even notice any difference between standard def and high def. Meh. Anyway, now that there’s no ambiguity as to what format the future will be all about, I’d like to get a Blu-Ray player at some point. If the PlayStation 3 doesn’t see a decent price cut soon enough, then I really hope Microsoft releases a blu-ray add-on. However, all those rumours have so far been quashed by Microsoft themselves. So, fingers crossed for that PlayStation price cut then.
Rainbow Six Vegas 3 With More Substance
If you’re a regular reader, you may have gathered I love me some Rainbow. Oh yes, tactical squad based shooting is what holds my interest as far as multiplayer is concerned. Rainbow Six Vegas 2 was one of my most anticipated releases of 2008. It did, however, come across as more of an expansion pack for the original Vegas, not a full blown sequel. Regardless, I still had a great time with the Multiplayer (though I never quite made it to Elite. Damn.), but I’d like to see Vegas 3 with a better co-op mode and general improvement with the story.
My Xbox 360 To Last Through 2009 Without Dying
Yeah, right…
That’s about all that immediately comes to mind. What are you hoping for from 2009?
I have to disagree with your comment about Microsoft coming up with a prettier gaming console on the outside. I think it’s a cracking looking console! I never owned the original, which looked ridiculously bulky. But the 360, yeah, I think it’s a nice looking machine. Can’t say as much for the ‘insides’ seeing as I’ve had two deaths and am on my third 360 :p
The Tomb Raider series means a lot to me, and while I admit it has lost its footing in recent years, I’ve always stuck by Lara. The latest Tomb Raider, however, has been completely re-imagined and – at some points – doesn’t even feel like a TR game. It’s a welcome change, though, and has me well and truly hooked.
Mike Robinson