6. A new timezone

I’ve had my fill of M4 Carbines, M16′s, AK47′s and Uzi’s, just like back in 2006 people were sick of Thompsons and MP40′s. We need a new setting developers, simple as that. Modern warfare was certainly a neat idea when Call of Duty 4 spearheaded the campaign in a world of dusty towns and nuclear silos- but it just seems that developers don’t know when to stop. They pounce on popular ideas like vultures, and don’t stop munching on it until we, the consumers, are left with a pile of bones- and that doesn’t leave us an awful lot to chew on.

5. Boss fights

It’s pretty unfortunate, but the shooter genre is almost completely devoid of boss fights, let alone interesting ones. Of course, most levels will round off with you fighting waves of minions, but how about a genuine boss? Lost Planet is a step in the right direction in this respect, but it’s far from perfect.

4. More diverse mechanics

Fire. Move. Duck. Fire. Duck. Move.

I’m not saying that developers need to totally reinvent the shooter genre- after all, the cornerstones of most shooters is ducking and diving, then popping up for a quick shot. But a little diversity goes a long way. Take Sniper Elite. Released back in 2005, it is one of a handful of sniper simulators, and probably the only sniper sim to actually be enjoyable. However, it is a shooter nonetheless, and some missions were such a refreshing break from tradition (see above video), that it is immense fun to replay them over and over again.

3. Cover mechanics do actually get boring, you know.

Despite leaving behind the World War Two village-clearing mechanics about 5 years ago, developers have unwittingly moved into the World War One, trench-warfare genre. I’m not talking about setting, but in mechanics. Almost every shooter in the last 4 or 5 years has used the cover mechanic as a cornerstone of combat, but all this does is simplify fighting into a boring battle of attrition.

2. Better storylines

A good story can infinitely improve the user experience, even without really noticing it. Good stories can also be the difference between wanting to continue the game, and giving up at the 50% mark because you simply have no desire to continue. Although story has been pushed to the wayside somewhat in shooters because, ‘They don’t need it’- a game with a good story will logically always be better than a game with a badly designed story.

Plus, shooter storylines are incredibly predictable- all you need to do is glance at the back of the box, and you know the game will be about bad-men-Russians, space marines or terrorists. Half Life 2 managed to create a rich and involving experience, bordering on Orwellian brilliance. Not so Call of Duty.

1. Improved gore and hit detection

We used to be able to shoot people in the legs, and they’d fall over. We could shoot people in the hand and make them drop their gun. Not so any more. Now both gore and hit detection has been simplified to headshots- or anywhere else. Especially with the latest round of shooters which claim to be super-realistic, it would be nice to see a few limbs fly off.

…Oh, wait.

“Looking to get your hands on Crysis 2 early? Now is your chance! Early registrations will be tracked, and our first wave of users will have a chance to win a key as and when the Crysis 2 beta takes place. All you need to do is sign up early and one day in the near future you may be receiving a mail with an invite to the game.”

The new site launches 10 AM GMT, so you guys better be set.  Crysis 2 is due in Autumn 2010.

Developers used to know how to please an audience, but in recent years, they’ve definitely lost some of their edge. Get on the case dev’s, here’s what you need to fix! Some of these points might make you think, ‘Yeah yeah, we already know all that’, but tell me- how many games in recent memory have managed to satisfy all of our wants?

Difficulty

Aw, I died again. Never mind, respawned in a jiffy

Why it’s awesome: Ever remember the days of games that truly punished you when you failed? You’ve got to think pretty far back don’t you? By stripping away the affects of death or failure in games, not only do developers continue to churn out mindless rubbish, but it reduces the impact and euphoric feeling that we used to get when you did complete a level, defeated a boss, or beat the game.

Innovating boss fights

I’ve had enough of quick time events

Why it’s awesome: Boss fights used to be prevalent in almost any action game pre-2006. But now, not only are they much scarcer, but they aren’t half as fun as they used to be. God of War revitalised boss fights upon release 5 years ago, can continues to use it’s tried and tested formula. Resident Evil 4 also managed to do some new things in the boss fighting arena, including a level where you hunted down a distant cousin of the Lock Ness Monster (see above).

But now, we’re stuck with fending off against hordes of bog-standard minions, or bosses who are just like your average evil Joe- but bigger. C’mon developers, don’t treat us like fools!

Just…innovation!

Oh yay, another Prince of Persia clone

Why it’s awesome: I don’t mind seeing a new Madden game every year. But please, at least change something! And I mean aside from a new roster. Seriously, new graphics just don’t cut it any more, and the same can easily be said for football games, shooter games and platform games of late. Ubisoft just keeps on reskinning the old Prince of Persia formula, which, while entertaining, loses its appeal after so many games, the last two Call of Duty’s have released with little innovation to credit, and so on. Fortunately there are developers who are constantly taking risks and advancing, but they are becoming fewer and fewer.

Longer games

I’m looking at you, Call of Duty!

Why it’s awesome:It seems to be that the further back you go, the longer games you get. Now I know that there is a fine line between ‘just right’ and ‘too long’, but really guys, anything less than 6 hours or so is highway robbery for the kind of money you pay in the first place. Now of course there’s multiplayer and all that jazz, but if a developer touts a single player, they ought to deliver .

Less damn DLC!

$60 game + $15 DLC x4 = $120. Fail.

Speaking of length, I have one very, very big problems with many games of late. It seems we are being sold about 60% of a game, only to have the next 40% sold to us in roughly 2-6 instalments of $15, which can end up the equivalent of buying the same game twice- or even worse. You know what I’m talking about- DLC. They used to be called expansion packs, which still weren’t great, because they still usually cost money, but at least old style expansions added something significant, like a new class to play as, or a new campaign to play through.

Support

Why it’s awesome: This issue is more apparent on the PC than on the consoles, but the point holds weight on every platform. When I buy a game, I want to get what I pay for. Now I understand if a couple of niggles and glitches creep through, but it’s evident that some games don’t even get beta tested. Let me give you an example; Empire Total War was released in February 2009. It’s a great game, we even said so in our review. But get this- the AI can’t do naval invasions. That’s right, not at all.

It should also be noted that one of the most popular PC games of all time, Team Fortress 2 is successful primarily for one reason- updates. Valve knows how to keep things fresh, and I would recommend taking a leaf out of their book any day.

It’s a long list developers, but I haven’t lost hope yet. Get this stuff sorted and we can all reap the rewards.

Got your own wishlist? Leave it in the comments below.

There is no denying that Gears of War and Uncharted have been AAA star new IPs for both Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively. Both titles have created a huge amount of hype and have been system sellers. Now we here at Gamingbolt thought to put these games face to face and see which one is the ultimate King of the Kings. We’ll judge both these franchises under three different scales and the one winning on two of them will be our winner. So without any delay lets start our first ever GB Face-Off.

• Characters:

Who kicks more @$$ with ease?

• Gears of War: In Gears of War, you assume the role of Marcus Fenix, a former prisoner and war-hardened soldier. This dude defines the word bad-ass, literally. He fights hordes upon hordes of locusts without any fear or sense of mercy. He takes cover, times his moves tactically and takes down the enemies with ease. And when he runs out of ammo…that becomes a nightmare for locusts because that means CHAINSAW time. One of the most awesome ‘oh-snap!’ moments this generation happens right there.

• Uncharted: Uncharted features the journey of protagonist Nathan Drake, supposed descendant of the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Now this guy has got some moves. He’ll come at you from places, of which you’ll have no idea. He can jump from impossible heights, stealth kill you, use his large variety of weapons and take you out one by one. In other words when you are up against Nate, you can never feel safe.

• Verdict: Both characters are personal favourites of mine. But when it comes to intense level of bad-ass-ness, combined with sheer level of believability and sense of charm, Nathan Drake gets our nod. He is without any doubt one of the most lovable characters this generation.

• Sales and Scores:

Its about $$$!!!

• Gears of War: Gears of War was the most hyped Xbox 360 title back in 2006, when it was first released. And it lived up to all the expectations. It won great praise from critics and it sales sky rocketed. With original Gears scoring 94 and its sequel 93 on Metacritic, these games were hitting the spot. Both Gears of War titles have sold above 11M combined to date.

• Uncharted: Uncharted was also a much hyped PS3 exclusive. And it didn’t disappoint either. Although the first Uncharted title didn’t score that high on Meta, with an average score of 88, it’s sequel was met with amazing critical acclaim with a Meta score of 96. However the sales paled in comparison to Gears, with original Uncharted selling just over 2.5M and although it’s been just over 2 weeks since Uncharted 2 was released but initial trends(1.1M so far) show it will be tough to better 4M-5M.

• Verdict: Uncharted 2 has just released so it’s a bit unfair comparing its sales with Gears of War but still there is no doubt in its potential to outsell Gears. So Gears of War with average Meta of 93.5 of both titles up against Uncharted’s 92, and far above all time sales means Gears of War takes this part of Face-Off fair and square.

• Overall Package:

King of the Kings!

• Gears of War: When Gears of War was released back in 2006, it was without any doubt the most visually stunning title anywhere. Everything from high resolution textures to high polygonal characters models was amazing. And it raised the bar again with its sequel although it wasn’t much of a leap. But still it was the best looking console game at its time. Aside from graphics, other aspects of the game were also top notch; mainly the multiplayer, which added a great deal of life to the game. Presentation and sound were the other strong aspects while story was the weakest link.

• Uncharted: Naughty Dog created an amazing new PS3 IP in the shape of Uncharted. It boasted amazing levels of graphics with the original title but it sky rocketed to new heights with the recently released sequel. Uncharted 2 raised the bar so high, in terms of production values, that it almost abused it. Everything from story, voice acting and presentation to non-stop action was of Hollywood standards. With multiplayer added, it’s one of the most complete gaming experiences out there in the market.

• Verdict: Although Uncharted 2 was released almost a year after Gears 2 so it’s a bit unfair to compare them in terms of visuals but what Naughty Dog was able to pull off with Uncharted 2, we highly doubt even the might of Epic Games isn’t in the position to compete right now. So Uncharted gets our nod again on this scale too.

• Final Verdict: Uncharted wins Hands-Down!

10.  Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

I’ll admit it: I haven’t played almost any Zeldas before this. In fact, except for the brief week that I had an NES and played Super Mario Bros. 3, after which I got a PS1, I don’t have almost any experience with Nintendo. I was born during the birth of the fifth generation, and my sweet childhood memories lay with the PS1 and PS2. I picked this game up though, due to it being one of the most promising-sounding games at the time that I bought it. I’ve read about Legend of Zelda’s storylines and characters on the internet plenty, so I had some kind of weak grasp on what the series was about. I started playing, and it was pretty good. Control scheme was, as my first NDS game, surprising, and I liked it, and though the storyline wasn’t something very epic, the game somehow kept me playing, and I liked it.

9. Metal Slug 7

What can be said about the Metal Slug series, that hasn’t been said? Basically a run-of-the-mill 2D shoot-’em-up that were popular in the ’90s, with the quirky and cartoony (and violent) charming and memorable art style, Metal Slug is among many peoples’ eyes, one of the best and most famous 2D shoot-’em-up series. I had as much experience with Metal Slug before this that much, that I’ve played Metal Slug X on the PS1. Needless to say, the controls are tight, the humor is great, the game is fun, and the mech battles are a fun addition.

8. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

For many DS gamers, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars’ critical acclaim may be familiar. Why did I give this the 8th spot, not the 1st? Well, for one, there are in my opinion better games, and two, as much as the game was interesting in the beginning, with the great stylus-based mini-games, nicely-done cutscenes and the wonderful fun that’s to be had driving around in the city at high-speed, and lets not mention the fantastic re-creation of GTA IV’s Liberty City, the more I played, the less I felt like I wanted to play this. I guess it was the sudden down-grade from the consoles, or because of how much I’ve played the GTAs over the years. As long as I did like it, it was wonderful, though.

7. Suikoden Tierkreis

And again, even though they were on one of my favorite consoles of all time, I have not played any of the Suikodens. The game starts off in a village, with foreign invaders blah-blah-blah. Sounds pretty cliché, but the story gets only better, and better. Plenty of different places to visit, great story, memorable characters and 108 different characters to collect, that you can use in your party. The combat is regular turn-based JRPG fare, but it’s done decently, so if you don’t like turn-based games at all, the gameplay will probably turn you off. Overall a very engaging and interesting game though, and I definitely recommend to any JRPG fan.

6. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Ah, Kingdom Hearts. The games on the PS2 are one of my most favorite games of all time, this probably being the reason that I loved this game so much, despite its flaws. The game was definitely a disappointment compared to the other ones in the series, but the gameplay was terrific (except for the hardware which you used to play it with) and the storyline went a little bit more interesting near the end, almost redeeming the snail-slow start. And the music, oh god, the music. Without music, Kingdom Hearts wouldn’t be the same. The music makes me cry, the music makes me feel sadness, the music makes me feel upbeat when the game’s soundtrack is set like that. The music is what makes most of the games memorability, the music is what plays with my emotions the most in the series. Especially Roxas’ theme. That song makes me so sad, but at the same time, it’s so beatiful. Yoko Shimomura is a musical genius, no doubt about it.

Be ready to check back for Part 2 (5-1) tomorrow!

10. Deus Ex | Developer: Ion Storm | Released: 2000

Dues Ex took the FPS world by surprise on its release. It offered a complex, strategic gameplay that truly amazing. Players action directly impacted the storyline. The plot made frequent hairpin turns as friends turn into and everything was dependent on how you played it. Ability to upgrade your skills and bunch of other amazing tricks meant it had the ingredients of a true classic and assured that it touched the greatness in FPS genre.

9. Counter Strike | Developer: Valve Software | Released: 2003

Counter Strike is one game that everyone played, even if they didn’t play games overall. It started out as a Half-Life mod but soon turned into the most popular online shooter ever in the history of gaming. Its appeal lies in its simplicity. Simple, round-based, terrorists vs. counter-terrorists gameplay with a combination of weapon purchase system, and its overall elegance and perfection meant there was no stopping it. Its contribution to online gaming satisfying millions of fans cannot be denied.

8. Duke Nukem | Developer: 3D Realms | Released: 1996

This game, for its time, was revolutionary because it combined its environments with never-before-seen levels of interactivity e.g. functional mirrors, functional toilets, and many more movie references. Gameplay and interactivity that it offered are still unmatched. It was a game in its own league and set the bar real high for the shooters to come. Whenever there is a list made of top revolutionary FPS in gaming history Duke Nukem will always be right up there.

7. Quake | Developer: id Software | Released: 1996

Quake was one of the best-looking games of its time. Quake introduced us to true 3D gaming. Due to 3Dfx used for Quake, games became not only three-dimensional but also textures were improved too. Perspectives looked correct in Quake and the gameplay gave birth to the keyboard-and-mouse gaming combination which required to aim left, and right, up and down while moving your character forwards and backwards. And also the soundtrack inspired the mainstream music in games that came after it. Quake was truly a masterpiece.

6. Bioshock | Developer: 2k Boston | Released: 2007

A collective gasp spread throughout the gaming community when Bioshock was shown for the first time to the public. Bioshock was more of an experience than simply a game. With amazingly innovative RPG style gameplay and a refreshing storyline and presentation, Bioshock marked a significant turning point in the FPS genre. Bioshock gave the players an amazing amount of freedom regarding how they want to approach the game e.g. you could blast the enemies straight away with great variety of weapons or with powerful genetic abilities or may be hacking turrets and security bots and turning them against you enemies, possibilities were endless. Bioshock was without any doubt a true modern classic.

5. Doom 2 | Developer: id Software | Released: 1994

Doom 2 was a revolutionary game for its time, and still an absolute pleasure to play to this day. Doom II undoubtedly set new standards for a shooter. But its main contribution was helping pave the way for the FPS genre among masses. Having a wide range of weapons and enemies meant this game was one hell of a ride. Doom 2 still rules the hearts and minds of hardcore gamers of that generation.

4. Halo: Combat Evolved | Developer: Bungie Software | Released: 2001

Halo: Combat Evolved developed by Bungie was released on November 15, 2001 as a launch title for the Xbox, and was considered the platform’s killer appetite with more than five million copies sold worldwide as of November 9, 2005. Halo soon became a household name and helped establish the Xbox brand. Its contribution, in bringing the console audience towards FPS genre and actually making them realize that a good FPS can be done on a console, is immense. From an engaging story and characters  to awesome controls and soundtrack, Halo had everything that console gamers wished for. Many game magazines have praised Halo as one of the best and most important games of all time.

3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | Developer: Infinity Ward | Released: 2007

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare captured the hearts of gaming community the day it was released and become the biggest phenomenon of this generation. People were first stunned by the single-player campaign it offered but then son realized that the multiplayer part of Modern Warfare is even more fun, in fact more fun than any thing out there. A combination of new RPG-styled Perk abilities, weapon upgrades, and amazing controls meant Call of Duty 4 was onto something big and it shows when you consider its 12 million+ astonishing sales worldwide.

2. GoldenEye 007 | Developer: Rare Ltd. | Released: 1997

GoldenEye 007 released back on Nintendo 64 was a true milestone in FPS games. GoldenEye was a simply an amazing title on all fronts and is till day regarded as one of the most inspirational title in multiplayer gaming. GoldenEye had a winning formula offering an overall package yet to be matched by any other FPS. If it wasn’t for GoldenEye we might have not seen such hits as Halo or Call of Duty yet.

1. Half Life 2 | Developer: Valve Software | Released: 2004

It’s difficult to find a game more spell-binding than Half-Life 2 out in the market especially at the time when it was released. Its one of the most compelling experiences you’ll find in any genre let alone FPS. The moment you find yourself riding that train, gamers knew that they were in for something special. Half Life 2 had some of the most memorable cinematics and an awesome cast made it even better. Half Life 2 tops our list without any hesitation due to the sheer amount of influence it made on the genre at all levels.

20. Left 4 Dead | Developer: Valve | Released: 2008

Its one of the greatest zombie games and certainly one of the finest co-op games ever made. It perfectly captures the tension of a Hollywood zombie movie. Both critically well acclaimed and graciously received by the fans, left 4 dead was an instant hit when it released last year both on Xbox 360 and PC. Also it just managed to sneak in to our Top 20 mainly due to its true innovation in the genre as far as multiplayer and co-op modes are concerned.

19. F.E.A.R | Developer: Monolith | Released: 2005

Horror movies have frightened us many times with innocent looking but scary kids. Well one of the games that followed the suit was F.E.A.R. Featuring Alma, named after the character ‘Alma Mobley’ in Peter Straub’s novel Ghost Story, a psychic who seeks revenge against Armacham Technology Corporation. F.E.A.R featured amazing graphics, some of the smartest AI ever seen and a fast-paced action packed gameplay, combine all of this in one of the creepiest settings and you have one hell of a experience.

18. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas | Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Released: 2008

Rainbow Six: Vegas, was the sixth game in the Rainbow Six series. From the very first moment you order your team-mates to rappel into a building, blast through the windows, you know you are into one extra-ordinarily special experience. With an emphasis on teamwork, Vegas was also a blast both offline and online. Rainbow Six: Vegas’s gorgeous visuals, well-executed cover mechanic, amazing presentation, and highly addictive multiplayer gave the series a breath of fresh air it needed and turned it into a top notch shooter. Rainbow Six: Vegas is, till date, one of the finest tactical-first person shooters ever made.

17. Far Cry | Developer: Crytek | Released: 2004

Released back in 2004 on PC, Far Cry boasted jaw-dropping graphics, adaptive AI, open-level design and intense firefights. Even today, Far Cry’s technical abilities are impressive. From a very engaging single-player campaign to the intense multiplayer, Far Cry was an incredible experience. Critically, it was a success and a sleeper hit of 2004. Overall, it offered great fun and is a classic indeed.

16. Wolfenstein 3d | Developer: id Software | Released: 1992

Wolfenstein 3D is a video game that is generally regarded as having popularized the first person shooter genre. It was one of the founding fathers of the genre. Created by id Software, it was original, innovative and fun. What more can you ask from a FPS? And if it wasn’t for Wolfenstein, we might not have witnessed some of the most incredible FPS games that followed after. For this Wolfenstein 3d deserves a lifetime achievement, if there was any.

15. Crysis | Developer: Crytek | Released: 2007

Based in future, where an ancient alien spacecraft has been discovered beneath the ground on an island near the coast of the East Philippines, Crysis is literally one surprise after another. In Crysis, the player fights both North Korean and extraterrestrial enemies in various environments. It offered an open-world gameplay, astonishingly detailed visuals, and overall great production values. It was one of the most complete PC shooters ever created. Although it required a huge amount of investment in PC hardware to experience it in its full glory but its safe to say, it was worth it!

14. Battlefield 1942 | Developer: Digital Illusions | Released: 2002

In Battlefield 1942 you took on the role of one selected unit in the midst of a massive battle. It offered one of the best team multiplayer. Battlefield’s online play was extraordinary for its time, giving the players the experience that they are part of a history in motion. Huge battles, different variety of vehicles, historically accurate maps and team-based gameplay that was unmatched, Battlefield 1942 proved itself as one of the most realistic, accurate and fun World War II experience of its time.

13. Unreal Tournament | Developer: Epic Games | Released: 1999

A first person shooter loaded with amazing maps, diverse game styles, awesome weapons, and one of the best bots in the business, Unreal Tournament was as close to flawless, both in its ability to entertain and in its fine presentation. Everything in the game was utter perfection. Whether you’re in it for the single player quest or the online extravaganza, from its good weapon balance to its great level design Unreal Tournament had everything what you need.Unreal Tournament is now regarded as a modern classic but it was a bold and risky move by Epic Games at that time. Upon its release, Unreal Tournament became an instant classic and a very influential game for future First-Person Shooters.

12. Metroid Prime | Developer: Retro Studios | Released: 2002

Metroid Prime was the most original, diverse and simply awe-inspiring game back on Gamecube. A great example of how a classic videogame series can be vividly reborn. It wasn’t your traditional first-person shooter. Just like its 2D predecessors, Metroid Prime’s main focus was on exploration and adventure rather than actual combat. Developers, Retro Studios, turned Metroid franchise on its head and created a game that was far ahead of its time. From a greatly polished gameplay to the gorgeous visuals and amazing soundtrack, Metroid Prime was undoubtedly a masterpiece. It was simply a remarkable game, and a stunning achievement on all accounts.

11. Perfect Dark | Developer: Rare | Released: 2000

Perfect Dark, originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, developed by Rare, creators of the multimillion-selling GoldenEye 007. In Perfect Dark, players took part in an epic single player mode, engaging in stealthy espionage and epic gunfight sequences. Multiplayer experience was a blast and one of the best at its time. Incredible variety of weapons mixed with beautiful visuals, fantastic soundtrack, loads of in-game options, a cooperative mode and a counter-operative mode, separated it from rest of the pack. Its scope and complexity was light years ahead of the competition. And no wonder, upon release, Perfect Dark received very strong reviews from magazines and websites.

Don’t forget to check back later for Part 2 of the article!

5. Rhythm/Music/Dance Games:

This is one of the most exciting genres that we think Project Natal can take a great deal of advantage. Games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band have been great success in recent years. Project Natal can prove to be a revolution in this genre. Instead of following the on-screen instructions and pressing the required buttons mindlessly, natal can detect our movements and we can play all the instruments in real time. Imagine strumming a guitar or playing a piano onscreen with our hands, without any controller. Also this can prove to be a dream device for all those dancing games fans, longing for this kind of revolution for sometime now.

4. An Action Adventure Game based on the likes of SOTC:

This is one of our dream fantasies. Shadow of the colossus was an amazing game back on PS2. Now think of an epic game on the lines of SOTC. Huge bosses in a vast vast world and we all alone with the Project Natal tools take on these monsters. How fun it can be to climb upon all those huge enemies and conquering them. That sounds a win win scenario. Hell, how about a game like Okami on Project Natal. This would do wonders for an already extremely innovative game.

3. A Real Time Strategy Game:

Personally this is one genre which excites me the most. For so many years a good Real Time Strategy game on consoles has been a dream for all the RTS fans which is yet to be fulfilled. Fine recently some RTS games have released on consoles with a bit of success but nothing comparable to all those luxuries of ever so elusive pc controls. But this can change dramatically with Project Natal. Think of that R.U.S.E trailer released a while back, where you control all of your units via a strategic touch sensitive table, now if you apply this in real time gameplay through natal, this can do wonders. And that control barrier in RTS games on consoles can vanish forever.

2. A Stealth Action FPS:

Stealth Action genre, made popular initially by Metal Gear franchise and then Splinter Cell, has been here for a while. Recent games such as Batman and upcoming SC: Conviction have given new dynamics to this genre. But Project Natal might provide the perfect tools, needed to move the genre into a whole new direction. Imagine controlling Snake from a first person view, knocking the doors, trademark move, to distract enemies. Or better remember that famous Red Steel trailer first shown at E3? Where the guy ducks behind walls to avoid onslaught of bullets, now take this scenario in real-time and you can imagine all the exciting possibilities.

1. Play. Customize. Share:

Now this is kinda weird imagination. Think of a game on the lines of LittleBigPlanet, where you have all the tools to make any object you want in the world. You pick the objects, join them together in whichever way you want with ease using Project Natal. Now take this concept into a game like Borderlands, where you get all sorts of tools to make weapons, you combine them in your own ingenious ways. Or may be in a game like NFS where you customize cars using the powers of Project Natal. Possibilities are endless here.

These were our picks, share your wild imaginations in comments sections.

10. Infamous

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Sucker Punch
Release Date: May 26, 2009
Genre: Third-Person Action
Meta Score: 85
Innovation: 85
Impact: 80
Sales: 0.9M+

Infamous was released not so far ago from the creators of the award-winning Sly Cooper series, Sucker Punch brings you Infamous, the first open-world action/adventure title by SCEA for the PS3. It showed all the characteristics of the next big Playstation franchise. It was compared with prototype all the time leading to its release but it managed to create a space of its own and proved to be more critically acclaimed than prototype in the end. It all starts from a massive explosion leveling everything and everyone in its path. At the center of the blast crater a lone man stands up unharmed with incredible powers. Players experience what happens when a real person suddenly starts developing super powers. Infamous lets you experience fame and/or infamy and battle powerful, iconic villains, all the while giving you the feeling of becoming a modern day superhero.

I am famous now!

9. Resistance

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Insomniac Games
Release Date: November 13, 2006
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 86
Innovation: 80
Impact: 80
Sales: 5.6M+

Resistance launched back on PS3 release and since had a sequel too. Developed by Insomniac Games, in Resistance: Fall of Man, the U.S. and Britain band together in a last effort to save Europe and Asia from a horrific species, Chimera, of unknown origin, propagating a virus that converts other life forms into more Chimera is overrunning all of Europe. Resistance: Fall of Man draws players into a deep, frightening story. In addition to an epic single player campaign, the game features a great online gameplay.

Its hard to resist.

8. Left 4 Dead

Published by: Electronic Arts / Valve
Developed by: Certain Affinity/Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 89
Innovation: 80
Impact: 85
Sales: 2.8M+

Left 4 Dead was custom made solely with online gameplay in mind and it proved to be a master stroke. Theme of the game is…Fight together…or die alone. A new strain of the rabies virus emerges and spreads through the human population. The pandemic’s victims become disfigured, wildly violent psychopaths, attacking the uninfected on sight. You are also trapped in a city crawling with thousands of the Infected. You must fight your way along with other survivors to safety or die alone. A co-operative multiplayer action game from the well known makers of “Counter-Strike,” Left 4 Dead is built on most advanced version of the Source Engine.

Did you get left?

7. Assassin’s Creed

Published by: Ubisoft
Developed by: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Genre: Action
Meta Score: 81
Innovation: 85
Impact: 90
Sales: 8.4M+

Assassin’s Creed developed by Ubisoft Montreal, redefined the action genre. Though criticized for its repetitive gameplay, Assassin’s Creed managed great deal of success in sales. The story takes place in September 2012, following Desmond Miles, a bartender kidnapped by a laboratory conducting research into genetic memory. By the sessions conducted on Miles, the player learns he is a descendant of Altaïr Ibn La-Ahad. As the story progresses you unravel various truths and realities which you never see coming. Everything is presented in a slick and elegant manner.

Assassinating never gets old.

6. Mass Effect

Published by: Microsoft
Developed by: BioWare
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Genre: RPG
Meta Score: 91
Innovation: 85
Impact: 90
Sales: 2.4M+

Mass Effect was a highly anticipated rpg by Bioware. Mass Effect delivered an immersive, story-driven gameplay experience which was presented in a cinematic style. It used extraordinary levels of visual fidelity. Players play as elite human Spectre agent, Commander Shepard, entrusted with keeping law and order in the galaxy. As they discover and explore the uncharted edges of the galaxy, they learn the truth that the universe they know is about to come to a violent end and that they are the only being who can stop it.

Certain effect on a massive scale!

5. Dead Space

Published by: Electronic Arts
Developed by: EA Redwood Shores Studio
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Genre: Third-Person Action Adventure
Meta Score: 89
Innovation: 90
Impact: 90
Sales: 1.8M+

Dead Space was a sleeper hit of 2008. Everyone was expecting a very good game out of dead space judging from all the previews and stuff but on its release it surprised everyone with quality it offered and exceeded everyone’s expectations. The Dead Space experience is all about surviving in its sci-fi world through strategic dismemberment. You are never truly safe in Dead Space. Engineer Isaac Clarke is your main character, sent to repair the Ishimura’s communications array, but he arrives to find a living nightmare. Clarke’s repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet.

Being alone in space is never a good idea.

4. LittleBigPlanet

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Media Molecule
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Genre: Platformer
Meta Score: 95
Innovation: 95
Impact: 90
Sales: 2.4M+

LittleBigPlanet was hands down the most innovative high risk title released this generation thus far. It created a new genre of its own i.e. Play. Create. Share. The LittleBigPlanet experience starts with players learning about their powers and interact physically with the environment. There are places to explore, creative resources to collect and puzzles to solve requiring a combination of collaborative teamwork. Players creative skills grow and you soon start creating and modifying surroundings and start sharing them with the whole community. Level editor is simple and easy to use. All in all LBP provides an evironment of creativity never before seen in a game.

Play. Create. Share

3. Uncharted

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Naughty Dog Software
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Genre: Third-Person Action Adventure
Meta Score: 88
Innovation: 85
Impact: 85
Sales: 2.6M+

Original Uncharted in our opinion was one of the most under-rated game ever. Uncharted offered amazing gameplay combined with outstanding story and jaw-dropping visulas. Uncharted released at the right time giving a kick-start PS3 needed at that time. One of the high point of Uncharted was its story and the way it was told. Nathan Drake, modern-day fortune hunter, goes on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island. Nathan becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Drake and his companions fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island. .

Unmatched Beauty.

2. Bioshock

Published by: 2K Games
Developed by: 2K Boston
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 96
Innovation: 90
Impact: 90
Sales: 3.1M+

Bioshock released back in 2007 in midst of higher level of anticipation among gamer of all types, and it didn’t let down either. Bioshock proved to be a new milestone in FPS genre and gave a new angle to how we play a FPS. Bioshock was a obvious choice for a second place on our chart. BioShock creates a living, unique and unpredictable FPS experience. After your plane crashes into icy uncharted waters, you discover a rusted bathysphere and descend into Rapture, a city hidden beneath the sea. Take control of your world by hacking mechanical devices, commandeering security turrets and crafting unique items critical to your very survival. You can upgrade your weapons with ionic gels, explosives and toxins or can genetically modify your body through dozens of Plasmid Stations scattered throughout the city. And Make meaningful choices and mature decisions.

Big Daddy of them all.

1. Gears of War

Published by: Microsoft
Developed by: Epic Games
Release Date: November 7, 2006
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 94
Innovation: 85
Impact: 95
Sales: 12M+

Gears of War arguably defined this generation of gaming and raised the bar for visuals with never before seen graphics. With over 12 million sales between 2 titles and critical acclaim all around, Gears of War enjoyed enormous success since it first released and topping our chart here shouldn’t be surprise for anyone. Gears of War blends tactical action with survival horror. Gamers are thrusted into a deep and harrowing story epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Marcus Fenix, the main hero, and his fire team as they face the onslaught of merciless warrior fiends. To survive, you can suppress your enemy with blindfire, take cover in interactive environments, or use weapons and teammates to unleash hell on the enemies.

Chain-Saws its way to the top!

]]> http://gamingbolt.com/best-new-ips-this-generationpart-22/feed 9 http://gamingbolt.com/best-new-ips-this-generation http://gamingbolt.com/best-new-ips-this-generation#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0000 Asad Nawabi http://gamingbolt.com/?p=1775 We have probably just passed halfway through this generation but already have been fortunate enough to witness some of most original games ever made. So we thought to list down some of the best new IPs that were made during current generation. Now we’ve ranked these games on four different scales i.e. review scores, sales, innovation and overall impact on gaming. Games scoring good overall on all four scales(review scores being top priority) have been better placed on the list. With bit of explaining done, lets get down to the list with one thing in mind, this lists consists of Top 20 IPs so the article has been divided in two parts. Here is the first part of the article listing games from 20-11.

20. Mirror’s Edge

Published by: Electronic Arts
Developed by: DICE Sweden (Digital Illusions)
Release Date: November 11, 2008
Genre: First-Person Action Adventure
Meta Score: 80
Innovation: 85
Impact: 75
Sales: 1.4M+

In a city where information is heavily monitored, agile couriers called runners transport sensitive data away from prying eyes. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, your sister has been framed and now you are being hunted. You are a runner called faith – and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story. Flow is what keeps you running, what keeps you alive. Mirror’s Edge delivers you straight into the shoes of this unique heroine as she traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat and fast paced chases. With a never before seen sense of movement and perspective, you will be drawn into Faith’s world. A world that is visceral, immediate, and very dangerous. Live or die? Soar or plummet? One thing is certain: in this city you will learn how to run.

Have faith in faith.

19. Wii Sports

Published by: Nintendo
Developed by: Nintendo
Release Date: November 19, 2006
Genre: Sports Compilation
Meta Score: 80
Innovation: 85
Impact: 85
Sales: 47.5M+

Tennis (1-4 players): Players grab the controller like a racket and swing – the game will register forehands, backhands, volleys, lobs, slices, spin and power depending on how fast the user swings and at what angle. Don’t worry about moving around the court to get to the ball – the game automatically moves players into position. Baseball (1-2 players): Grip the controller like a bat and swat fastballs out of the park in a home run derby. Timing and bat speed will make all the difference between going yard and whiffing, so keep an eye on the ball and swing for the fences. In the two-player game, one player pitches and the other bats. Golf (1 player): Step up to the tee, hold the controller like a golf club and swing naturally to smack the ball onto the green. The harder players swing the club, the farther the ball will fly, so be sure to take some practice swings before going for the pin. After reaching the green, line up putts carefully, practice the stroke and try to hole out.

Party time.

18. Shadow Complex

Published by: Microsoft Game Studios
Developed by: Chair Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2009
Genre: Shooter
Meta Score: 88
Innovation: 90
Impact: 90
Sales: 250K+

The next evolution in downloadable games, Shadow Complex marries the quality and depth of a full retail title, the stunning visuals of Epic Games’ industry-leading Unreal Engine 3, and a classic side-scroller. Set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, Empire, Shadow Complex introduces a compelling universe in which you collect items and power-ups and evolve your character into a force of destruction.

Its complex.

17. Skate

Published by: Electronic Arts
Developed by: Black Box
Release Date: September 24, 2007
Genre: Extreme Sports(other)
Meta Score: 85
Innovation: 80
Impact: 80
Sales: 2.03M+

SKATE delivers the feel of skating through innovative controls, authentic cameras and a fully reactive skateboarding city. The game features professional skaters such as Danny Way and PJ Ladd, as well as a reactive city and relevant in-game cameras. SKATE’s unique control scheme captures the true feel of skating versus the typical button mashing gameplay of past skating games.

Skating is fun.

16. Motorstorm

Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developed by: Evolution Studios
Release Date: March 6, 2007
Genre: Racing
Meta Score: 82
Innovation: 75
Impact: 80
Sales: 4.2M+

Welcome to MotorStorm, the world’s most brutal off-road racing event where the goal is to win at all costs. Choose from seven vehicle types, from high-flying dirt bikes to powerful big rigs, and destroy anything that gets in your way in a no-holds barred sprint to the finish. Try and survive. Real-Time Deforming Terrain: The terrain literally gets torn up with each passing vehicle, causing each lap to be different. Advanced particle effects cause debris and muck to “stick” to each vehicle. Vehicular Combat and Damage: Destroy anything that gets in your way. Smash your opponents and view spectacular Hollywood-style crash sequences. Take the Race Online: Intense head-to-head off-road racing. Challenge the competition over voice chat. AI opponents simulate human traits, like showing off, attacking, taunting, and doing whatever it takes to win.

Destruction is fun.

15. Dead Rising

Published by: Capcom
Developed by: Capcom
Release Date: August 8, 2006
Genre: Third-Person Action
Meta Score: 85
Innovation: 80
Impact: 75
Sales: 1.8M+

Frank West is a freelance photojournalist on the hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. He travels to a small suburban town in pursuit of a hot lead, only to find that it’s been overrun with zombies. What a way to start an assignment. Frank heads for the local shopping mall, assuming that he’ll be safe there, but the zombies have taken over the place. Now it’s up to you to help Frank survive this onslaught of the undead, using everything you can find in the mall to help fight off the bloodthirsty mob and search for the truth behind this horrendous epidemic. With an open, free environment, you’ll be able to explore plenty of areas both inside and outside the mall. Zombies come in never-ending waves, so be prepared to use the endless supply of vehicles, makeshift weapons and more against these former humans. A real-time system means that key events happen at certain times, so you need to pay attention. You can even use Frank’s photojournalistic skills to capture the mayhem on film for posterity — if anyone is left, that is.

Keep'em coming!

14. Grid

Published by: Codemasters
Developed by: Codemasters
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Genre: Racing
Meta Score: 87
Innovation: 80
Impact: 80
Sales: 1.6M+

GRID takes players to dramatic and beautifully realized race locations over three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events. Packed with the most powerful race cars – new and classic, circuit and drift – players will compete to conquer the most prestigious official race tracks and championships then beyond to compete in challenging city-based competitions, and then on through to road events and urban street races.

Never shy of any challenge.

13. Portal

Published by: Electronic Arts / Valve
Developed by: Valve
Release Date: October 9, 2007
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 90
Innovation: 90
Impact: 85
Sales: 1.5M+

Portal is a new single player game from Valve. The game is designed to change the way players approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in a given environment: players must solve physical puzzles and challenges by opening portals to maneuvering objects, and themselves, through space.

Play to experience.

12. Crysis

Published by: Electronic Arts
Developed by: Crytek Studios
Release Date: November 16, 2007
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Meta Score: 91
Innovation: 80
Impact: 85
Sales: 1.4M+

Earth, 2019: A colossal asteroid crashes down to Earth. The North Korean Government quickly seals off the island chain, claiming the mysteries of the asteroid for themselves. The United States responds by dispatching an elite team of Delta Force Operators to recon the situation and report back to the Pentagon. Amid rising tensions between the US and North Koreans, the asteroid suddenly bursts open, revealing a massive, 2km high alien ship. The ship generates an immense force sphere, freezing a vast portion of the island and drastically altering the global weather system. The invasion of Earth has begun. The two rival nations unite to stop the aliens and save mankind. The newly formed alliance fights epic battles against the marauding Aliens. With hope rapidly fading, the player must lead a crack squad through lush tropical jungle, harsh frozen landscapes, and finally into the heart of the alien ship itself for the ultimate Zero G encounter with the aliens. Crysis offers players a highly immersive FPS experience in which they will have to adapt their tactics, weaponry, armour and gameplay style to survive and defeat the alien invasion.

Beauty can be cruel.

11. Rock Band

Published by: MTV Games
Developed by: Harmonix
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Genre: Music
Meta Score: 92
Innovation: 75
Impact: 80
Sales: 13M+

Rock Band allows gamers to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity. Built on unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band spans all genres of rock and includes many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time.

We will rock you!

Stay tuned here for the second part of this article soon!!! Till then try and guess the remaining 10 games in comments section.