By: David Kaplan, The Campus Gamer
Although the summer tends to be a drought for the gaming world as developers prepare for the holiday season, there are some great titles hitting the shelves that are worth keeping an eye on. Here is the first section of my top ten gaming picks for the month of May.
10. Red Dead Redemption (X360 and PS3)
Red Dead Redemption is the follow up to 2004’s Red Dead Revolver. This one is bound to deliver style and story because it is made by Rockstar Games, best know for the Grand Theft Auto series. Like Grand Theft Auto, this game is a third person open world action/shooter. Rather than the modern urban landscape, travel back to the turn of the century in the Wild West. Be prepared for classic gunfights, whiskey, and run-ins with the occasional mountain lion.
9. Backbreaker (X360 and PS3)
Backbreaker Football, as you may have guessed from the title, is a new football game coming out this month. Although the Madden series dominates football in the gaming world, I see promise from this title. I’ve been keeping my eye on this one while its been in development and the thing that sets it apart from Madden is that most of the game is based around physics technology as opposed to pre set animations. Objects in the environment act and react realistically to one another as their real life counterparts would. If the quarterback gets hit in mid throw, the trajectory of the ball will be different than if he was unscathed. This also allows for near limitless styles of tackles. The angle, speed and force at which your player moves all effect how the tackle plays out. The game’s camera also gives you a better sense of being on the field and right in the game rather than the traditional top down field view you are used to. It’s unfortunate that Madden Football currently has exclusive rights to the NFL and Players Association as the lack of real players and teams is likely to turn people away from what may very well be the best football experience in gaming yet.
8. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (all platforms)
The newest entry in the Prince of Persia series looks awesome for the sole principal of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The last title to be released almost two years ago got mixed reviews due to its new look and setting. The developers thought they needed to reinvent the series and while the game was good, it wasn’t all it could have been. This game looks to be in the same vein as Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, which some consider to be the best in the series.
7. UFC Undisputed 2010 (X360 and PS3)
The increased popularity of UFC over the last five years is something of a phenomenon. Licensing your name to an annual video game is clear indication you’ve “made it.” Madden, NBA, WWE and now UFC. 2009 was the debut of UFC Undisputed and this year’s version looks to improve on all the things that make this game fun. Your favorite fighters? Check. The octagon? Check. Brutal knockouts and submissions? Check. Joe Rogan? Bonus!
6. Alan Wake (X360)
Alan Wake has been in production and teased many times over the last 3 years only to finally make its debut now. This game is a psychological suspense thriller where you play as Alan Wake, a troubled writer whose stories start blending into his realities. I don’t want to give too much away because I don’t want to spoil this game for myself before having the chance to play it, but this looks to be presenting an experience similar to Heavy Rain and Resident Evil. Story drives the game in a very cinematic experience, but expect to be playing the game and getting a little creeped out. Your flashlight plays an essential role in the game as the light wards off evil
Stay tuned for the top five games later this week!
