As I’m sure you’re already aware, yesterday Microsoft unveiled a bunch of new games and gave a few others some release dates.  As I always do, I opened up my Google powered calendar and started marking dates when games are going to be released.  Later in the evening Maranda and I were talking about games that we were anticipating when I realized just how many potentially great games are coming out this year!  The following is my short list:

• Too Human (Silicon Knights)
• Banjo-Kazooie (Rare)
• Viva Pinata 2 (Rare)
• Gears of War 2 (Epic)
• Fable 2 (Lionhead)
• H.A.W.X (Ubisoft)
• End War (Ubisoft)
• Mirror’s Edge (DICE)
• Fallout 3 (Bethesda)
• Penny-Arcade Adventures (Hot Head)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People (Telltale)

We haven’t hit E3 yet and I’m already booked. Crazy!  Even better, most of those games support co-op in one way or another. I always prefer games where Maranda and I can both play together.  I can’t see her playing something as niche as H.A.W.X but we had a great time playing through the first Gears of War.

Looking at that list a few things stand out.  Firstly, the only thing I don’t really see is that sleeper ultra success that Bioshock was last year.  I’ve got a pretty good idea what to expect from all of them.  Secondly, there are a surprising number of original games.  The stand out original title for me, DICE’s Mirror’s Edge, looks so different and beautiful, it really makes me believe that EA truly wants to turn around as a company.  It’s still a little early, of course, but I’m anticipating good things from them.

Will 2008 surpass 2007?  It’s still a little early to tell but I’m starting to think it just may.  What do you think?

I have to admit, and I’m sure this won’t surprise anyone, I am really enjoying Rockstar’s latest Grand Theft Auto game.  What you may find surprising is that this is the first GTA that I’ve liked since GTA2 (yes two).  Contrary to most people, I didn’t like the change from 2D to 3D gameplay.  In retrospect, this may be attributed to the horrendously underpowered computer I was running at the time.

Regardless, GTA4 is awesome.  You know it, I know it, and judging from the sales figures the better part of the gaming population knows it too.  If I really had to pick it apart I may comment on things like…

• The ridiculous melee system (I’ve been told this has been improved since the last game. I can’t imagine how)
• This game needs mid-mission check points
• Speed up the abysmally slow first few hours of the game.  Maranda is already talking about just giving up because it’s so boring.

Maybe these things are a little unfair.  It’s just that when a game is so close to being perfect it’s a little easier to spot the blemishes.  What do you guys think?  If you could change something about GTA4 what would it be?

I’ve received a few emails asking about the status of the new button pack, and I regret to inform that it will not see release in 2007. They’re ALMOST done though, I’m just finishing off the triggers, thumb-sticks and d-pad. To prove my progress I’ve gone ahead and made another preview image (above, obviously). Speaking of buttons…

I was recently contacted by newly founded development house Blazing Lizard about using XNA Button Pack 1 in their anticipated upcoming release Pirates Vs Ninjas Dodgeball. How f*ing cool is that?! In my reply I mentioned wanting to see robots as one of the playable races and he said that it had already been announced which made me feel kind of like an idiot. How did I miss that? I only subscribe to about 900 billion freakin’ gaming blogs…. sheesh! Anyway, first Puzzle Quest, now PvN-D and you know what? They can be in your game too. Freely available to everyone on Earth as long as you throw my name in the credits. Check out the downloads page for more.

If you check your email, there’s a good chance you’ve already received comic #26 “One Liners” (Canadian XBOX Live members only). For non-subscribers I’ve also added it, along with #25, to the local comic archive (you should subscribe to the official XBOX Canada newsletter, by the way. It’s full of awesome stuff every month). Finally, progress on #27 is moving along well and should hopefully be hitting next month after the Microsofties get back from their holidays.

This will be my last transmission in 2007 as I’ll be heading off to North Bay, Ontario in a few days until the new year. I’m not sure if they have internet or power up there, but I’ve heard something about shad flies. *shrug*

Happy Holidays everyone, I’ll see you in 2008!