The Year Ahead for your Xbox 360

Already 2009 is looking pretty solid for Xbox 360 gamers. There are plenty of anticipated sequels as well as a few notable new IPs already announced. Below you’ll find a guide for what’s coming in 2009 on your Xbox 360 as well as estimated release dates . Of course these dates are just guesses in a lot of cases, we all know they’re picked by throwing a dart at a calendar .

The sequel to F.E.A.R. As the point man and his FEAR team investigate the Origin compound, Sgt. Michael Becket and an elite squad of soldiers are deployed to Genevieve Aristide’s penthouse condo to retrieve and interrogate her, unaware that they are part of a new project codenamed: Harbinger.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcXFIvry-O8
Website : http://projectorigin.warnerbros.com/projectorigin/index.html

Resident Evil 5 : Shooter : Capcom : March
From the ashes of old conflicts, a new terror arises. The Umbrella Corporation and its crop of lethal viruses have been destroyed and contained. But a new, more dangerous threat has emerged. Years after surviving the events in Raccoon City, Chris Redfield has been fighting the scourge of bio-organic weapons all over the world. Now a member of the Bio-terrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSSA), Chris is sent to Africa to investigate a biological agent that is transforming the populace into aggressive and disturbing creatures. Joined by another local BSSA agent, Sheva Alomar, the two must work together to solve the truth behind the disturbing turn of events. Featuring a revolutionary new co-op mode of gameplay, Resident Evil 5 will let players experience fear together as terror moves out of the shadows and into the light of day.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILuP43jcaXw
Website : http://www.residentevil.com/

Chronicles of Riddick : Shooter : Atari : April
With The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, players will not only be challenged to survive Butcher Bay, but will also engage in a new single-player experience and, for the first time in the Riddick universe, take action in intense multi-player combat. The game introduces the ominous Merc-ship Dark Athena, which sits silent like a marauding spider, awaiting helpless prey in the dark reaches of the galaxy. Players must face a large, bloodthirsty operation led by the dreaded Captain Revas and her slaves-turned-controllable combat drones, storm though death-defying events and fight fierce enemies in a battle of malice and gore.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ73GvgL7D0
Website : http://atari.com/riddick/

Halo 3 :Recon : Shooter : Bungie : TBD
Recon AKA ODST is a new game in the Halo universe focusing on the foot soldiers of the USNC. ODST is build on the Halo 3 engine and will focus on earth based urban style combat against the Convenant and you will play as one of the USNC soldiers. There is no solid release date information on this title other than late 2009. It would be reasonable to expect it sometime in Oct/Nov timeframe.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WroxHMo6B_k
Website : http://www.bungie.net/Projects/whvidldshbyjsdo/default.aspx

Call of Duty 6 : Shooter : Infinity Ward : Nov
Nothing much is known about the next version of Call of Duty other than Infinity Ward are the ones working on it. Current rumors talk about a sci-fi setting or some type of MMO. Since Infinity Ward is closed lipped about their project, we’re left to our wildest imaginations. We expect this title to launch in November 2009 like the last three COD titles have done.

Wolfenstein : Shooter : ID Software : Dec
id Software's newest chapter in the legendary "Wolfenstein" series will deliver players deep behind the enemy lines of a war-torn Germany, where Nazi experiments with technology and the supernatural threaten to turn the tide of World War II. Utilizing a revolutionary new graphics technology targeted specifically at next-generation hardware, this new Wolfenstein experience will draw players into a world of unmatched exploration, action and espionage
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey8g56I7yM8
Website : http://www.idsoftware.com/



2009 ACTION

Bionic Commando : Action : Capcom : Feb
The first true sequel to the classic 1988 Nintendo Entertainment System original, Bionic Commando sees the return of the bionically-enhanced Nathan "Rad" Spencer, voiced by Mike Patton, the former lead singer of Faith No More. Time has not been kind to Spencer: 10 years after his heroic defeat of the Imperials in the original game, he has been betrayed by the government he swore to serve, imprisoned for crimes he didn't commit, and sentenced to death.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQnTsEp3LtI
Website : http://www.bioniccommando.com/en

Velvet Assassin : Action : Gamecock Media : March
Inspired by the fascinating story and unbreakable spirit of British secret agent Violette Szabo, players take control of Violette Summer, a beautiful spy deep behind enemy lines with no support or official backing from the British Government. Intense stealth action gameplay with a startling real-time lighting system and surreal visuals combine to produce an incredible gaming experience. Through third person gameplay, sneak up on enemies and pull the pins from their belted grenades. Infiltrate a Gestapo prison and slip cyanide to your own men before the Germans make them talk. And slink through the shadows to finish off your unsuspecting enemies with a single, silent move. Through Violette’s fever dreams, experience what she experienced. Walk where she walked. And kill those she killed.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUaG7fUjvo
Website : http://www.velvetassassin.com/

Prototype : Action : Sierra : April
You are Alex Mercer, the PROTOTYPE: a shapeshifter with amazing powers of combat, destruction, and deception. Consume targets for their form and memories to assume a perfect disguise, or instantly transform your body into an array of deadly biological weapons, cutting your way to the heart of the conspiracy forty years in the making. Stalk the streets of New York City, searching for the life you lead before. Take the form of anyone in your path, using an arsenal of identities to confound. Exploit or annihilate your enemies. Mankind is your mask.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV7xn-EGC1Y
Website : http://www.prototypegame.com/splash/

Batman Arkham Asylum : Action : Warner Home Entertainment : May
Not developed specifically for a movie, Batman Arkham has the potential to be one of the best Batman games ever. In Batman: Arkham Asylum, developed by Rocksteady Studios, the player assumes the role of Batman as he delivers The Joker to Arkham Asylum. There, the imprisoned super-villains have set a trap and an immersive combat gaming experience unfolds.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsh8xok9LH0
Website : http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/

Overlord 2 : Action : Codemasters : June
OverlordTMII is the sequel to the hit warped fantasy action adventure that had players being delightfully despotic. In Overlord II, a new Overlord and a more powerful army of Minions take on an entire empire in a truly epic adventure, inspired by the rise of the Roman Empire. As the Glorious Empire conquers kingdoms and destroys any sign of magic it finds, it's time to go Minion Maximus and send in the horde.
Screenshots : http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/screenshots/1570/E3_2008_Screenshots__Overlord_II_PC_PS3_X360/index.html
Website : http://www.codemasters.com/games/?gameid=2806&format=XBOX360

Ghostbusters : Action : Atari : June
Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise and featuring a completely new story, is coming to six game systems in 2009. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film’s original theatrical release, the game reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation. Penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters: The Video Game brings members of the original cast together for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. Players will have the chance to chase, attack, and catch ghosts in a funny and frightening battle to save New York from its latest supernatural plague.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyVGSGynYpg
Website : http://www.ghostbustersgame.com/

Splinter Cell Conviction : Action : UBI Soft : June
Conviction’s story will take place two years after the events of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent. Sam Fisher comes out of hiding because of an unspecified danger to his friend and co-worker Anna Grímsdóttir. Upon his return to Third Echelon, he discovers the organization has fallen into disarray caused by bureaucratic limitations and internal power struggles. Incensed by the inability of Third Echelon to do what's right, Sam strikes out on his own.
Trailer : http://splintercell.us.ubi.com/conviction/video/video.php
Website : http://splintercell.us.ubi.com/conviction/


Brutal Legend : Action : EA : November
The latest creation from gaming icon Tim Schafer and the award-winning team at Double Fine, Brütal Legend is a 3rd person Action/Adventure game starring Jack Black in the role of roadie Eddie Riggs, who sets on an epic quest to build an army of rockers with only a broad axe, a big block V8 and his faithful guitar in hand. Eddie Riggs has been drawn back through time to a mythical world dripped in Rock and Roll folklore; where great Metal titans once ruled and power chords rang from the countryside for all to hear. When an oppressed people request Eddie’s knowledge of modern warfare, he pulls from his own experience in the only occupation he’s ever had, a roadie for a Heavy Metal band. From this springs the most hellacious army man has ever seen, and thus brings this ancient world into the Age of Metal.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WYH2sFCGvE
Website : http://www.brutallegendgame.com/splash/

Wolverine : Raven Studios : Action : May
X-Men Origins : Wolverine features all that happened to Wolverine, right from his escape from the Weapon X facility to the jungles of Africa. Much focus has been done on making combat true to life and savage as you would expect an uncensored Wolverine would be. This is shaping up to be the most best, most brutal Wolverine game ever.
Sadly there is no official website or trailer for this game yet.

2009 ROLE PLAYING

Star Ocean The Last Hope : RPG : Square Enix : March
The newest RPG from Square Enix brings all the hallmarks of Star Ocean--an incredible story, intense graphics, and real-time battle action-to Xbox 360 gamers. The year is SD 10. Following World War III, humanity voyages into the stars in search of a new home�cand a second chance. What they discover instead a terrible threat. Now, mankind must fight for a new home in the great Star Ocean!
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAgiraUSItM
Website : http://square-enix.com/games/starocean/

Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel : RPG : Atari : March
In SACRED 2 - FALLEN ANGEL you assume the role of a character
and delve into a thrilling story full of side quests and secrets that
you will have to unravel. Breathtaking combat arts and sophisticated
spells are waiting to be learned. A multitude of weapons and items
will be available, and you will choose which of your character's attributes you will enhance with these items in order to create a unique and distinct hero.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmEyohOPh8M
Website : http://www.sacred2.com/en.html

Alpha Protocol : RPG : Sega : June
Loyalty carries a price and no one knows this more than agent Michael Thorton. A talented young agent cast out by his government, Thorton is the only one with the information needed to stop an impending international catastrophe. To do so means he must cut himself off from the very people he is sworn to protect. As players determine how to accomplish different objectives, the decisions made and actions taken in each mission will ultimately transform the type of secret agent Michael Thorton will become. Every choice the player makes as Michael Thorton will carry consequences for his future and the fate of the world.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jOgcBrmKHU
Website : http://www.sega.com/alphaprotocol/

Mass Effect 2 : EA / Bioware : RPG : TBD
Mass Effect was conceived as a trilogy so fans are expecting two more games in the series. With it’s outstanding facial construction, character customization, nicely done conversation tree and big screen movie quality story line, hopes are high for episode two. Hopefully with much less Mako driving up Mt. Everest. This game has officially been confirmed as in the works but that’s about all we know so far. We expect Sheppard to make a return and rumor has it that if you have your old save game, you’ll be able to import your Mass Effect 1 character. Expect the release date to be forth quarter 2009.
Website : http://masseffect.bioware.com/


2009 SANDBOX

GTA4 : Lost & Damned Expansion : Sandbox : Rockstar : Feb
he first of two Xbox 360-exclusive expansions to Grand Theft Auto IV puts you in the boots of a member of a biker gang and will add new music, vehicles, and multiplayer modes.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7sSKKkbzr8
Website : http://www.rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned/


Saints Row 3 : Sandbox : THQ : TBD
Saints Row 3 has officially been confirmed as being in the works but no release date has been discussed. Volition seems to be able to pump these out annually so we fully expect to see this game release sometime in 2009. Dan Sutton, the Associate Producer behind Saints Row has said that Saints Row 2 tied up loose ends and Saints Row 3 will be going in a new direction. So far nothing has been revealed about what that new direction might be.
Website : http://www.saintsrow.com/


GTA4 Expansion #2 : Sandbox : Rockstar : TBD
As part of the deal Microsoft paid for, Rockstar is committed to release two exclusive expansions to GTA4 for the Xbox 360. The first has already been revealed and dated, Lost & Damned, nothing so far has been revealed about the second expansion. However we expect it to come out sometime in the may/june timeframe since originally it was stated that the second one was suppose to release three months after the first.

2009 THE REST

Lord of the Rings Conquest : RTS : EA : January
The RTS that started it all on the Xbox 360 and paved the way for the rest on the platform returns. Play through all the battles from the films and fight through an all-new story in the Evil campaign. Wield a sword, shoot a bow, use stealth, or conjure magic. Take control of Trolls, Oliphaunts, horses, catapults, heroes, and villains: the choice is yours. Featuring 16-player clashes in a wide variety of different modes. Up to four friends can play either cooperatively or competitively in the same room with split-screen.

Halo Wars : RTS : Ensemble : March
Halo Wars is a traditional top down RTS style game by legendary RTS developer Ensemble Studios. Unfortunately this will mark the last game they develop because Microsoft is closing Ensemble right after the game hits the shelves. Since RTS games are kind of a niche on consoles to begin with, it’ll be interesting to see how Halo Wars sells with it’s development team shown the door. Microsoft has pledged continued support for the game but we heard that about Shadowrun when they closed Fasa as well. The game will feature 15 campaign levels and a simplified controller layout, A select units, RB selects all on-screen units, LB selects everyone, X is move/attack and Y does special unit attacks. Besides the war between the USNC and the Covenant, you will also encounter the Flood on the battlefield who is on nobody’s side but their own, you can’t play as the flood but they can work both for and against you.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bLjqxYlZVM
Website : http://www.halowars.com/

Street Fighter 4 : Fighting : Capcom : Feb
Street Fighter IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II, and infusing them with Capcomís latest advancements in next generation technology to create a truly extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts. Everything that made the legendary Street Fighter II a hit in the arcades, living rooms and dormitories across the globe has been brought back in Street Fighter IV. Players will be able to play their favorite classic characters, such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile, along with new characters, including Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. Characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the gameplay system. Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUHmTSJ7b-Q
Website : http://www.streetfighter.com/

Fight Night Round 4 : Fighting : EA : July
Fight Night Round 3 came out early in the Xbox 360 lifecycle and it blew us away with it’s visuals especially the up close face pounders where you saw impact ripples, sweat, pain and the jaw bounce off your glove. We have high hopes for Round 4 with a few years between the last one and plenty of Xbox 360 development experience under their belts.
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnT11wNQSE
Website : http://fightnight.easports.com/splash.aspx


H.A.W.X. : Flight Sim : March
In Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. the setting is 2012. As the era of the nation-state draws quickly to a close, the rules of warfare evolve even more rapidly. More and more nations become increasingly dependent on Private Military Companies (PMCs) – elite mercenaries with a lax view of the law. The Reykjavik Accords further legitimize their existence by authorizing their right to serve in every aspect of military operations. There goes the neighborhood…
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g3AxOG0mNg
Website : http://hawxgame.us.ubi.com/

That's it, that's 2009 in a nutshell. So far it's looking like a great year to be an Xbox 360 gamer !