Mattalorian: E3 2010 Most Anticipated Games
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Dead Space 2 is looking faster, deeper, and more intense. The slower pace of the first game definitely added to the horrific atmosphere, introducing a layer of vulnerability that is largely foreign to most horror action games. The new direction is certainly compelling, but I just hope it pans out in the end and doesn't compromise what Dead Space is all about.
Regardless if you're cutting dudes or watermelons, the innovative slicing mechanics in Metal Gear Solid: Rising makes it look like a thrilling new take on the series. Raiden plus Fruit = sign me up!
Spec Ops: The Line looks absolutely brutal. Start to finish, your journey through post-sandstorm-disaster Dubai is punctuated by absolutely horrific displays of injustice and sadistic suffering. Making moral decisions is more fluid, as well - instead of the "Press A to absolve, press B to damn to hell" style of decision making in most games, you simply perform the action necessary within the context of gameplay.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was probably my favorite game ever. The Gothic art direction was beautiful, the 2D sidescrolling gameplay was doubtlessly unmatched, even compared to modern titles, and the RPG mechanics integrated with the core gameplay in a wildly compelling way that added hours upon hours of extra value. The game still holds up, without question - so it's almost surprising that it's taken them this long to create a new Castlevania game done in that style. Castlevania: Harmony of Despair is a modern reboot of Symphony of the Night, using other characters found throughout the series, and a variety of other modern innovations. If they were just selling Symphony of the Night with the ability to play as Soma Cruz and Simon Belmont, I would be sold right there. It's that much more breathtakingly awesome that they've decided to create an entirely new game that hits all the same chords as the original Symphony of the Night, while introducing a variety of modern mechanics that adds a layer of polish needed to make it a passable title in its own right.
I'm cautious about Skyward Sword. On one hand, I think the new art style is quite clever, and I'm *always* up for more 3D Zelda action, but I don't think they can get away with making "just another Zelda game." If they don't add enough innovations to the core hookshot-launching, dungeon-conquering gameplay, then I probably won't even pick the game up. Sorry, Nintendo - Zelda is getting OLD.
I have a confession to make - I never played through the first Trine. I loved the Steam demo to death, but I just never got around to picking it up. It was the the beautiful soundtrack, gorgeous graphics, and pleasant storybook narrative style that made the game truly remarkable. Aesthetics combined with the clever level design and puzzling environments made it a downright unforgettable experience. Trine 2 will deliver on all those things, plus the addition of online multiplayer is a godsend.
I love stealth-oriented tactical gameplay, and it looks like Future Soldier is bringing all the things you love about Tom Clancy titles to the next level. Stellar graphics, compelling weapon variety, brilliant situations that encourage out-of-the-box thinking, and a high-tech arsenal that sets the game miles apart from most other third-person-shooters.
Oh, Portal. In a world of cookie-cutter first-person-shooters, and dull uninspired humor, its dramatic entrance changed the industry forever. Even after playing through the game for the 170th time, I still laugh at the downright brilliant humor, and experience the thrill of a successful execution of launching yourself through a good dozen portals trying to reach the exit. Portal 2 is taking the brilliant humor and gameplay, and turning the visual experience 180 degrees. In contrast to the super-clean, white science facility seen in the first game, the Enrichment Center is now completely overgrown with vegetation. GLaDOS is, of course, Still Alive, and a bit of overgrowth isn't going to stop her from making the most of the situation by creating a new Enrichment Center, utilizing the overgrowth and aged environment in the most clever ways possible. Along the way, you'll meet a whole variety of colorful characters - even if they're all small spheres.
I like Treyarch - I hate Activision. For that reason, I'm not going to be picking up Call of Duty: Black Ops. Instead of complaining about Activision's Nazi-esque corporate policies, I'm simply going to make a statement with my dollar. Black Ops looks cool - the new unrestrained, crazy direction looks phenomenally different from previous titles - but I'm not going to buy it.
2D violence will never get old. Shank is a brutal 2D brawler using a super-tight combo system, and a thoroughly awesome visual style. Plus, each type of character has their own "name", Final Fight style. They won me over right there.