Set in a nightmarish world, Scorn is a survival horror title that sees the player exploring a bizarre bio-organic labyrinth. The gameplay is entirely non-linear, and along with various puzzles to solve, there are enemies to fight. Fortunately, you can discover different bio-mechanical tools (lovingly implanted into your flesh) that can turn the tides.

What is this world, and how did it end up this way? Solving that mystery is one of the key plot points. Scorn will be available for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, and Xbox Series X/S, along with launching day one for Xbox Game Pass. Head here for more extensive gameplay footage.

With information on the new Uncharted game seeping through the woodwork and the hype train picking up speed drastically, it felt like the right time to stop and think about where the Uncharted series has come from and where it might be going with its third instalment. Is three going to be the magic number? Or has the series already reached it’s pinnacle with the fantastic Uncharted 2?

Naughty Dog, a company previously associated with the Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter franchises, wowed consumers and critics alike when they released Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune to adventure hungry gamers late 2007. Uncharted was a game that didn’t necessarily innovate, to the point where it seemed more like a new Tomb Raider game with a male protagonist, but what it did do it did very well indeed. Unafraid to adhere to the conventions laid out by other contemporary adventure games, Uncharted proceeded to smash all expectations with its tight gameplay and snappy dialogue, giving us an expectation-smashing blockbuster and the PS3’s first killer app.

Not content with being a stellar example of how to make the archetypal action adventure game, Uncharted also showed the world just how high the production values could go on a game. The visual side of Drake’s Fortune has been praised to the point where it hardly needs saying, yet this is for good reason. We all knew that the PS3 was a machine that would be capable of outstanding graphics, but it was Uncharted that truly showed us for the first time what Sony’s current gen hardware was capable of. The audio too, excelled to the point of seeming more like a Hollywood movie than a video game. With a stellar score and legendary voice acting and dialogue between characters, Uncharted earned its place in the pantheon of gaming legends.

Yet it was not all sunshine and rainbows. Like all human creations, Uncharted had a few rough edges to it’s name. Occasional cover glitches and some loose shooting mechanics prevented it from achieving the perfection it was so close too. There was also the issue of some horrendous grenade mechanics that, like most early PS3 games, had six axis controls shoe-horned into the control scheme to the game’s detriment. So, with a few loose screws to tighten, Naughty Dog set out on their subsequent project.

Two years on and the new project came to fruition with the dawn of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. A game that scored ridiculous scores across the board and was dubbed game of the year by many respected publications, Uncharted 2 is still considered the pinnacle of the 3D action game by many.

Among Thieves made the first essential move of correcting past mistakes. There were more weapons, more moves and tighter gameplay mechanics than ever before. They also fixed the bloody grenade controls, though that was pretty much a given. They went on to include an even better single player campaign, with twice as much exploration, twice as many plot twists and twice as many women, making for a stellar story-based single player experience. They also did the unthinkable and upped the graphical threshold even more. With fantastic set pieces to show off the game’s outrageous visuals, Among Thieves will be considered one of the best looking games for years to come.

Naughty Dog also managed to improve the Uncharted experience with an impressive array of online multiplayer modes that were new to Uncharted 2. In spite of the usual sceptics fearing that the multiplayer would feel “tacked on,” Uncharted 2 featured all the classic multiplayer game types you could ask for on some well designed maps with an engaging levelling up aspect. The inclusion of a co-op survival mode also filled the need that all games seem to have following the success of Gears 2’s Horde mode, yet it managed to still feel like part of the Uncharted universe and was a fantastic addition to the game.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has been heralded as the greatest PS3 game ever and, in some people’s eyes, as the greatest game of all time. With this in mind, where can Naughty Dog possibly take the series from here? What little we know of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception implies that it will be set largely in a desert environment. Whilst it is hard to imagine exactly how the general graphics of Uncharted 2 could be improved, a desert setting leaves a lot of opportunity for the design team to go to town on complex sand and water physics and animations. It may truly redefine how we view physics engines in gaming if Naughty Dog can master the animations on flowing sand particles and, considering how technically ambitious the previous Uncharted games were, I’m sure that they’ll be able to deliver on this.

The only other changes that seem to be already in the pot are all minor gameplay tweaks. Creative director Amy Hennig has stated that gameplay tweaks will include “enhanced backward climbing, automatic ammunition pick up, and the ability to fight multiple enemies at once.” There has also been a lot of mention about enhanced AI patterns that will allow enemies to form up into separate squads that will act independent of each other. If these changes go according to plan, there is no reason why Uncharted 3 won’t be considered game of the year for 2011 like its predecessor was back in 2009.

We’re still at a point where we have so little information on Drake’s Deception that we can start making wild assumptions in the hope that they will come true. So what kind of things should be going into Uncharted 3? With the single player of Uncharted 2 being so refined and balanced, I doubt there is a lot that needs tinkering with that. Add in a few more weapons and attacks and we’ll all be happy with more of the same. What could really be maximised on is new multiplayer unlocks and modes. The levelling system was decent enough in Among Thieves, but Naughty Dog have the chance to make the best multiplayer experience yet with Drake’s Deception. Fingers crossed they’ll also incorporate split-screen co-op and multiplayer, though I’m not holding my breath for that one. Considering how the game will supposedly focus more on Drake and Sully as they travel the world though, a co-op campaign mode may well be on the cards.

What kind of features do you want to see in Uncharted 3? Do you think it will live up to the hype? Let us know in the comments section below.

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!

9.  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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. 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 no, 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.