Games of 2010 is a sneak peak at some of the titles The Black Panel is likely to cover over the next 12 months.
People who complain about Melbourne’s public transport system clearly haven’t attempted to catch a train in Russia recently. As revealed in METRO 2033, all services have been suspended indefinitely as the last remnants of humanity battle for survival in the tunnels beneath a post nuclear Moscow. As protagonist Artyom, you’ll square off against horrific mutants and brave the irradiated atmosphere of the surface world. This jet black first person shooter from THQ and Ukrainian developer 4A Games is due for release on PC and 360 in 2010.
For better or worse, kart racing games are back in the spotlight. One of the more promising entries in this much maligned sub-genre is MODNATION RACERS from United Front Games. You’ll be invited to create custom avatars, vehicles and tracks and share them with the game’s online community. Rumour has it that there will also be a race of some kind, so let’s hope the driving model receives as much attention as the customisation options. Publisher Sony is yet to nail down a release date for this family friendly PS3 exclusive.
With Final Fantasy XIII on the horizon, it would be all too easy to overlook another forthcoming Square Enix fantasy epic. More an action adventure than an RPG, NIER is set in an alternate world beset by a deadly virus known as the Black Scrawl. When the titular protagonist discovers his daughter has been infected, he decides to aid her recovery the only way he knows how, by butchering people with a gargantuan sword. Hey, it’s the Square Enix way. Look for Nier on 360 and PS3 in autumn 2010.
Gamers who grew up in the 90s will be intrigued by the promise of an entirely new first person shooter id Software. The Texan studio responsible for Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake is hard a work on RAGE. Set in the now obligatory post apocalyptic wasteland, the game appears to offer a blend of traditional first person action with high speed combat racing. Though the game was announced in 2007, publisher Bethesda Softworks is yet to commit to a 2010 launch for this highly anticipated PC, 360 and PS3 release.
After years of paying the bills with Nicktoons spinoffs, Halfbrick is beginning to spread its wings. Puzzle platformer RASKULLS is among 2010’s most promising XBLA originals. According to the Queensland developer, the game’s cute but cadaverous cast will be featured in both solo and online multiplayer modes. You should probably know in advance that one of the Raskulls is dressed as a Koala.
Games of 2010 PART 1 l PART 2 l PART 3 l PART 4 l PART 5
