If only it were as simple as shelling out you’re pocket money on a bunch of crackers every Diwali, for the gaming crazy population that we constitute it means stocking up on as many titles you can to make up for the free holiday time. Now, even with the generous contributions from a relative or two, there’s always a limit to how much you can spend, and an immediate concern to get the best value from what’s hit the market this festive season.
With a quick assumption that you’ve already got your hands on breakthrough early releases for 2008 like MGS: Guns of the Patriots and GTA IV here are 7 other new titles you shouldn’t go wrong with:
1. FIFA 09 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PSP, Wii):
The new addition to everyone’s favourite football simulation just stepped up its multiplayer with a 10 on 10 online so even if you cant get you’re friends to come over the tournaments never have to end. To emphasize on simulation, you can count your next gen blessings with 250 core gameplay additions and enhancements in FIFA 09 that deliver the most responsive, intelligent and realistic action ever for the series.
Why buy FIFA 09? You can’t go wrong when it comes down to inviting friends over for FIFA tournaments. Besides if you hope to stand a chance in the Fifa Interactive World Cup (The FIWC comes to Mumbai in November) you need to get this right now.
2. Crysis Warhead (PC):
If you’d rather prefer going all out with an FPS then look no further than the follow up to 2007’s PC game of the year. Don’t brood over it being an expansion as it actually works out to being a solid stand-alone release with a parallel storyline and with everything you loved about Crysis stepped up a few notches (more weapons, more locations, enhanced online mode etc.). Also, the gameplay of Crysis Warhead has been refreshed with improved AI backed by better looking/running visuals so nothing gets overdone.
Why buy Crysis Warhead? Anything added that makes Crysis multiplayer more fun is well worth it, especially the new Team Deathmatch. Otherwise, you could always fall back on the intense storyline and refreshed gameplay mechanics.
3. Spore (PC):
Will Wright’s Spore is the type of game almost anyone can get into, with no need for any prior gaming experience at that. Starting off as simple as controlling a small spore you go on to shaping it to become a complex creature living in civilization and even ultimately looking to space for more options. It’s more like you get to play God and control the entire process of evolution. Already slated as a bestseller in the same direction Sims went, you don’t want to be left out of the hype this game has gathered already.
Why buy Spore? Well if you’re looking for something different and are patient enough for a game with a really broad scope then look no further for you’re new favourite pastime.
4. Rock Band 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii):
The first Rock Band challenged the immense popularity of the Guitar Hero series by making it possible for players to play as an entire band with more instruments, complete with a mike for vocals and yep, were still talking about a videogame. While Guitar Hero will soon release Guitar Hero: World Tour to counter that, Rock Band 2 already made its stand this September. Even though the only major additions to the follow-up are the online World Tour mode and a larger list of songs, a game like this doesn’t need much to keep the pure unadulterated fun coming.
Why buy Rock Band 2? Best party game ever. Period.
5. Dead Space ( PS3, Xbox 360, PC):
An answer to the prayers of those who think videogames have gone too soft on us, Dead Space is as dark and bloody as it gets this October. In this horror laced gore-fest of a space adventure, you play the main character, Engineer Isaac Clarke sent to repair mining ship USG Ishimura after it mysteriously cut off communications to Earth on coming across an alien artifact.
The storyline proceeds to turn into a living nightmare when soon there are the nastiest aliens seen in a video game popping at you at random turns and that makes up for the horror bit. When you talk gore, this one has it in spades with a rather interesting feature that doesn’t let you just kill the aliens right away but strategically dismember their ugly bodies till they cant go on at all. Next-gen eye popping graphics included.
Why buy Dead Space? Cheap thrills to satisfy the bloodthirsty and an over the top FPS that will actually keep you up all night.
6. LittleBigPlanet (PS3):
Probably the most interesting and widely discussed release for the Sony PS3, LittleBigPlanet promises to stand true to the claim that whatever you think up can be created within its charmingly detailed world. You, play a cute somewhat living version of a sock puppet character called Sackboy, and try to combine, customize, invent and do whatever it takes to create you’re very own complex levels from a highly interactive interface, almost in total control of you’re imagination.
In the same vein as Spore it makes for endless possibilities and you can also go neck deep into the game, creating, exploring and just playing around with upto 4 other players. Satisfaction lies in uploading your finished masterpieces online for everyone to see and rate.
Why buy Little Big Planet? Again for those who want to try something different, with an open ended imagination, let loose in an open ended world. Also, if cute is what you aim for then step right up.
7. Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Xbox 360, PS3):
After the success of GTA 4, Rockstar will cater to fans of this gorgeous open-world racer. The next game in the series stays true to its predecessors with its intense simulation, breathtaking environments and of course a whole new bunch of fancy cars, only this time over we get a storyline.
Much under wraps for now it will basically have the same young guy trying to make it in street racing background to work well with the free roam aspect and give more weight to race challenges with special characters. Worth also mentioning is that there will be bikes this time over and a separate online multiplayer world to give you some real competition.
Why buy Midnight Club Los Angeles? Best looking racer out this October. You’ve learnt to trust Rockstar and this game is all set to be another feather in their cap.
To be clichéd, theres something for everyone this Diwali and if you’ve already got what you want then lucky you. Save up for the November haul of games including NFS Undercover and EA’s exciting Mirror’s Edge.
- By Jash Singh Reen