The Weekend Gamer
Thoughts on gaming culture, living among non-gamers, and growing up in the nintendo generation

2008=meh.

As we’re sitting in the last 15 days of 2007, it’s only natural that we look back at the year that was, and ahead to the year that will be.  2007 was an amazing year for video games, especially in the last half of the year–Halo 3, CoD4, the Orange Box, Assassin’s Creed, Bioshock, Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Guitar Hero 3, Rock Band, Mass Effect.  And those are just the AAA titles, not the niche nuggets of gold that flew under the radar.  Nor does that list even consider handheld titles on the DS like Phantom Hourglass. 

We were spoiled this year.  As I look ahead to 2008, there are big name titles on the horizon, but I can’t help but feel underwhelmed by what is a definite 2008 title.   MGS:4 looks fantastic, but I’ve never really been a fan.  GTA:IV is going to be the flagship title for many, but I dislike the franchise and it’s not a draw for me.  Most AAA games run on a three year development cycle from concept to store shelf, and so games like Gears of War 2 and Final Fantasy XIII won’t be here this year.  I’m also doubtful of Ninja Gaiden 2 making it for the holiday 08 season.  Ditto with Resident Evil 5. 

I will be semi excited to get my hands on Super Mario Smash Bros. and Mario Kart for the Wii, but as I said yesterday, I’m growing weary of Nintendo first party characters (heresy, I know!). 

I suppose I’m hoping for more Bioshock surprises in 08 to fill the void.  That game was under the radar until people saw it at E3.  From there the hype for the quality and story of the game picked up quickly until it was very suddenly a must have that just showed up on our doorsteps.  I’m excited for the lesser known titles and developers to unleash their niche games.  I’m excited for the Penny Arcade duo and Hothead Studios to finally release the first chapter of their episodic RPG. 

But on the whole, there is nothing confirmed that gets me incredibly excited like last December, when Halo 3, Mass Effect, Assassin’s Creed, Super Mario Galaxy, and Rock Band were all known quantities for 2007.  2008 is just a big unknown in comparison. 

 Perhaps it’s just my tastes though.  What game are you most excited for in 2008?  Do you think next year’s titles will live up to this years onslaught of games?

–WG

2 Responses to “2008=meh.”

  1. You’re insane.

    Spore alone counts as 5 games, for all the time I know it’s going to drain from my life. 2008 will be the Year of Spore.

    Fable 2 looks awesome, and I wasn’t a fan of the first. Endwar’s sounds great so far. The Frontlines demo was fun, and that should be great once there’s a constant online war going. GTA is always fun. The Agency looks like a breath of fresh air to MMOs. Warhammer is more of the same, but silly, unrestrained carnage in a massive war. Turok looks like it might be fun.

    Project Offset looks incredible, and might be out next year. Huxley could be cool, as could Fallout 3. Legendary: The Box might be fun, and Prototype.

    And hopefully I’ll have my hands on Metaplace and be cranking out my own games sometime next year. :)

    I’m only certain about Spore being great, but 2008 is looking like a pretty good year to me.

    Aaron - December 20, 2007 at 6:03 pm

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  2. I personally think all these titles will be with us in 2008:

    Gears of War 2
    Resident Evil 5

    and to a lesser extent, Final Fantasy XIII

    themoviereport - April 11, 2008 at 7:36 am

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