As usual, there are plenty of extremely promising titles on tap for this year's holiday season and it'd take a while to list them all. But perhaps you're a little strapped for cash and you can really only afford to nab one $60 title, or maybe you just want to know what should top your priority list. Well, as we're not entirely certain that Gran Turismo 5 will launch in 2009 (although we still believe it will), we can tell you that Naughty Dog's Uncharted 2: Among Thieves should be #1.
It's not just the stunning visuals. It's not just the stellar voice acting combined with intriguing characters and Indiana Jones-esque plot pacing. It's not just about the gameplay, which we've already heard will boast entirely new stealth and combat mechanics. It's not about the addition of multiplayer. No, it's the entire package, and what it represents for both the industry and the gamer. Thing is, you kinda know what to expect with even the best stuff that's coming our way; it all seems to fit snugly into a certain genre and while Uncharted 2 would technically be called "action/adventure," there are many different elements tossed in. It's a cinematic adventure crossed with the puzzle-solving of something like Tomb Raider and the intense combat associated with third-person shooters like Gears of War . In short, it almost seems impossible that someone might find this game unappealing. I mean, is that even possible ?
The available media should be enough to convince you, even if you've already salivated over the screenshots. To learn more about the intricate behind-the-scenes details, check out the Director Interview, which is in two parts (here's Part 1 and Part 2 ). If you didn't get into the multiplayer beta, go ahead and watch some Co-Op and Multiplayer action . And when you're finally ready, lay eyes on the two newest videos that came straight from GamesCom last week: the Chloe Trailer and Fortune Favors Trailer . Once done with all the media, the seasoned game veteran will notice several important things: polish, engaging action, and of course, a few genuinely humorous portions. In all honesty, this is about as close as gaming can currently get to a big-budget action flick in the movie theaters.
Naughty Dog is pulling no punches with this sequel. Just remember the excellent original title and think "bigger and better," and that's all you'll need to know. If you're a PS3 owner – or you will soon be the proud owner of a snazzy new PS3 Slim – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves absolutely must top your list. Really, you can't afford to miss this one.
Related Game(s): Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Another 2 reasons why Uncharted 2 should be in your "must have" list.
A quadruple-A title since MGS4.
Game of the Year.
I have this pre-ordered and I couldn't agree with you more. When I played in the beta I absolutely loved both the multiplayer and the co-op. They definately did not seem tacked on. Both were engaging and a lot of fun imo. This game should definately be number one on everyones to buy list though I don't know if it could beat GT5 for the GOTY both are huge titles it would be very close.
The multiplayer is pure awesomeness. Other than some little problems, otherwise it's ready. I just thought $60 bucks is a bit steep for me. Especially when I plan to get both Uncharted 1 & 2 together.
Same here.
Loved the first uncharted, gotta see where they take the Mr Drake in this one.
This game and Batman:AA are the titles i'm hanging out for right at the moment.
agreed. picking up batman this week and that will keep me entertained until mid october. can't wait!
Just got Platinum in Uncharted….
Congrats
i do not think so, my top list is FF13, v13, GOW3, The Last Guardian, Demon's Souls, WKC, Resonance of Fate, Bayonetta and etc. anything related to shooting, be it first person of third person, will not be my choice. MGS series is the ONLY exception due to Kojima's incomparable and insurmountable talent.
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 8/24/2009 12:16:59 AM
Out of all the games you list only Demon's Souls is coming out this year.
Lucky for you otherwise your post would have been irrelevant (no offense meant) because Ben was talking about your most-wanted game for this year.
Yeah, I'm only talking about 2009 releases, although I didn't make it very clear.
While I understand your apathy towards "anything related to shooters" I just gotta throw out there that your entire list will most likely have shooting related events.
Previous iterations of IPs in your list have definitely used shooting mechanics, be it guns, bows n arrows or bolts of lighting/magic.
I mean the character in Bayaonetta has a gun in each hand and one strapped to each friggin foot! lol
They might not be 1st or 3rd person shooters, but saying that MGS is the only exception might be shooting yourself in the foot… if you'll pardon the pun.
Anyway, that said, I agree. I loved the first Uncharted… when I was solving puzzles or jumping from one precarious ledge to the next. I personally thought the shooting aspect was over the top. Fun to a point, but way more emphasis on that part of the gameplay than I had thought it would be going into it.
The sequel sounds like they've added some more stealth/puzzle action, which I'm looking forward to, but I'm not gonna be kidding myself thinking the firefights will be any less rabid.
One thing's for sure though, it'll be gorgeous!
Bayonetta is a "shooter" then.
ooops, that was an oversight on my part, I thought wut Ben meant was Uncharted 2 should be the top of all the coming big titles. my apology
@orvisman and bearbobby
yea I know Resonance of Fate involves shooting , which was why I was hesitant at the beginning, but after closer examination of recent postings here and other sources , I believe it will be a great this gen JRPG, and I will call it a classic RPG that uses shooting as battle and leveling up mechanisms. 😉
Also, yea, Bayonetta has shooting as well, so has even FF13 or etc…but u guys know wut I meant– the shooting in these games feels differently than the shooting in "straight-out" first or third person shooters, and that, will not be my choice. with that said, I love Kojima's shooting because it was supported by a great emotional and deep story and plots, I did not find this feeling in any other pure shooting games. that is why.
p.s. I believe in the Uncharted 2 itself, the puzzle solving part and story part will be more intriguing and involving than the intense gun fire part. but this is again, my opinion only.
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 8/24/2009 5:35:19 PM
Why? Because I love the first one and I must have the second one when it come out.
I will be getting U2 however Ratchet and Clank is first on my agenda. And I'm shelping to gamestop to pick up Batman at midnight tomorrow. With everything else coming out in the next few months it will be a wonder if I go to work at all. *hugs PS3*
I know what you mean, with work and school I don't know how I will do it, but I will definately be playing U2, R&C:ACiT, GT5(if it comes out) along with others.
Thats cool your gamestop is having a midnight release mine isn't so I have to wait until after work. Maybe I should quit work and school they just get in the way.
It already does !
Drake's fortune was so awesome can't wait to get part 2.
Should be GOTY.
Nolan North rules!
Last edited by cLoudou on 8/24/2009 12:51:28 AM
every person should know that modern warefare 2 is going to be the best game
Batman Arkham Asylum is going to be the best game.
I don't see MW2 being the best game of 2009.
But hey, it's gonna be the top 5 of 2009 that's for sure.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 8/24/2009 1:13:21 AM
Its going to sell more, but it definitely not going to be the best game. compared to everything that sony has coming this fall, modern warfare is average in comparison. Well….modern warfare 2 may be the best game on the 360, if it can beat out ODST and its fans. I honestly dont want to play any game on 360 other than ODST. And thats only if you cant jump like master chief did the halo series.
Like johnld said; it's going to sell more that's about it.I am willing to bet that Uncharted 2 will receive better scores all around and it will be critical acclaimed.
Ha funny man moneybags here.
Yeah it will be! (the best game on 360 maybe…)
Dammit Dammit Dammit! I have to chose between MW2, Uncharted 2 (I know this isn't for the PS3) Halo 3 ODST and a PSP GO! my summer job just ended and just bought a PS3 and an HDTV! I don't have a lot of money.
No, Moneybag, MW2 will not best the "best game" or I believe what you meant was game of the year. Uncharted 2 has way more to offer for it's -derserved- GOTY nomination. It won so many awards at E3 it's ridiculous. What will happen is what happens to every COD game, at first people praise and go nuts over it then a few month's later people tire of it and look for something else to fill the void they expected MW2 to do.
MW was great but it was missing something, destruction, vehicles, and OPEN maps. Which is what Bad Company did and is what Bad Company2 will do for everyone who thought they would still be playing MW2.
I'll take Codemasters' Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising over MW2 any day.
sorry drake, but if i could only get 1 game this year it would have to be ratchet and clank a crack in time.
hell i love that series so much im buying a new ps2 just so i can play R&C 3 up your arsenal.
curse sony and there so called BC with ps2 games, when all the titles ive tried dont work properly.
R&C3 laggy as hell.
GOW1 laggy as hell.
GH1 and GH2 laggy as hell.
im starting to wish i saved myself the 300 bucks and went for the 20GB instead of the 60GB.
I cant even believe we are having this discussion, uncharted was in one word awesome, U2 is 'bigger and better'….more awesome. What a treat! Very high chances of being GOTY.
a month ago i found out they are movin my company to another state, they are asking us to stay with them til the end and they will give us severence pay as well as us getting on unemployment. by december i will be out of work but i will still be gettin paid and all i will be doin is playin my ps3 as much as possible lol. i cant wait for this game, might not get it right away but i will have plenty of time comin to catch up 😉
off topic but i noticed when i was comparing my trophies against a friend of mine, all the trophies for the new dlc shows up for fallout 3 but it doesnt show up under my regular trophies. whats the word on that? when is that comin out?
GOTY edition of Fallout 3 will be out Oct. 13th according to Amazon.
Last edited by sunspider13 on 8/24/2009 5:34:55 PM
Seeing you guys said that U2 got a lot of awards so I checked it out and…….definitely a GOTY contender though this year is hard to predict unlike last year where there's only GTAIV and MGS4 for the top award.
I hope I see some adverts for Among Thieves in mainstream media.
08-25 Batman Arkhum Asylum
09-09 Beatles rock band
09-15 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2
10-06 Alpha Protocol
10-13 Brutal Legend
10-27 Dj Hero
11-17 Assassins Creed 2
Unfortunately this did not make the cut for me this year. Maybe next year when I'm having another gaming drought or I could possibly take out brutal legend but probably not.
Last edited by fundando on 8/24/2009 3:30:37 AM
I see three things wrong with that list starting with DJ Hero.
buh, DJ hero will prbably get plenty more use than a lot of these. Fact is Istill own a Jap PS2 just so I can play all my beatmania games,
Ok I'll give you that one, but Ultimate Alliance 2 and Brutal Legend before Uncharted 2?? I just can't see that. Of course you're your own gamer right? Have fun!
I'm very excited about Ultimate Alliance because it is one of the only games I'm going to able to play through with three other friends. PLus we are all throwing money in the pot for this one.
Brutal legend well I can't really explain what is drawing me to it.
PS3 GOTY? yes, for sure.
Overall GOTY? Probably not, MW2 will get that most likely.
*prepares for a tonne of thumbs downs*
Don't prepare for the thumbs down, you betta prepare for MORTAL KOMBAT! lol
but yeah, MW2 may sell more, but I doubt it will be GOTY.
3 words – Call of Duty
Need I say anymore?!
Actually you should have said less because no one cares.
Battlefield 2 will probably top MW2 in every possible way as for U2 I can guarantee that the single player campaign will overpower MW2.
Call of what?! Don't you people get tired of repetitive FPSs which lack any imagination? Only run and gun! Haven't you played Killzone 2? Don't get me wrong, I like COD, however I can fully say that I'm done with it, at least for a year to come.
A new fresh experience like Uncharted 2 will be awesome for a change. Modern Warefare 2 maybe a good FPS, but definitely not as valuable and innovative like Uncharted 2 from a gaming point of view.
Last edited by Paolo Kutaragi on 8/24/2009 11:10:55 AM
I can only go by experience…
MW had an immense multiplayer, and IW can only follow that using their experience.
ND, in uncharted 1 did exceptional things, but to say it's goty the before it's out yet is jumping the gun.
Thanks for intelligent response hawkeye.
I thought this site was meant to be where then sensible gamers reside.
Obviously I was mistaken.
Yes – I played and am still playing KZ2, It's an amazing game graphically, the actual shooting aspect…
…in my opinion, feels a little lightweight.
Repetitive FPSs, by design all FPS rely on the same mechanic.
KZ2, COD they're in the same boat.
UC1, Tomb raider same boat.
Well, his response may have been unnecessary, but to be honest, when someone's name is right in front of you and you can't get it right, that doesn't exactly scream intelligence either. And I agree that MW2 and KZ2 are in the same boat, but Tomb Raider and Uncharted? Really? Sure, it is the same genre, but they are radically different from each other. Extremely different mechanics.
MW2 will probly be in top 5….PS3 game of the year is out of GT5, Uncharted in my opinion…as for overall…i dunno…when was the last time an exclusive got game of the year i cant member to be honest…but i think its out of…Uncharted…MW2…GT5…Halo(coz 2 Xbox owners its a must have)..i dont think AC 2 will be doe if im honest….me i wont be buying MW2 i think its over hyped yerr online was good…but…what makes tha only better then Killzone??…Uncharted online is going to be madness!…and im sure MAG will live up to hype…&..people may not agree..but i think the realistic FPS Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will be better online im not sure doe..i might give it a try.