Review: Dragon Ball Z – Ultimate Tenkaichi (PS3)

This month, I had to change things up a bit for the Ones to Watch article on the PC platform, because to be honest, there are only two titles that really deserve a look from gamers.  That said, I have included two others that I have been on the fence, but might be purchases depending on where you stand.

Our case mod this month is a genius creation.  We have an R2-D2 body, encased with the power of Intel technology.  Very cool stuff, but unfortunately, TheContaminated.com did not have much info on the actual case design.

Also, make sure to read the Ones to Watch articles for the PS3/PSP, the Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS/Wii.

STALKER: Call of Pripyat – The latest entry in the STALKER franchise has you playing as a soldier that is sent in to find several downed helicopters in the Chernobyl disaster zone.  Call of Pripyat is a sequel to the original STALKER title, and looks to expand on the fiction that was created in that title.  This could be a hit or miss for the STALKER series, as the last entry, Clear Sky was received with mixed reviews, and a setting that was average at best.  Look for STALKER: Call of Pripyat on store shelves February 2nd, 2010.

Star Trek Online – The long troubled journey for Star Trek Online finally comes to a head with its release in February.  After a sample of the beta, I was on the fence with the title myself, as the title has some great ship to ship combat, with average to weak ground combat.  The ability to play as a race of your own creation is a solid feature, although it could be abused over time to create less than desirable results.  At the end of the day, Star Trek Online will probably end up being received well by fans of the series, but never breaking out as a solid blockbuster MMO title.  Look for Star Trek Online on store shelves February 2nd, 2010.

Bioshock 2 – Okay, lets get the big title of the month out of the way here, as Bioshock is a highly anticipated title, albeit trailed with a ton of questions.  The first Bioshock came out of nowhere, selling millions of copies, and creating one of the more unique worlds to explore in quite some time.  Added into the mix was a great story, full of philosophical questions.  The sequel takes us back to Rapture, but ten years foward from our last visit.  While all of the story stuff seems to fit well, the multiplayer component is the item that has caused the most contention with gamers.  Some want to see it gone, while others love the addition.  We will soon see how that plays out.  PC gamers will also get the addition of achievements via Games for Windows LIVE, which adds one thing that was sorely missing from the first title.  Look for Bioshock 2 on February 9th, 2010.

Aliens vs. Predator – After what seems to be a forever hiatus, the Aliens vs. Predator series has finally come back to give current generation gamers a taste of a great licensed product.  This new incarnation of Aliens vs. Predator does not mess with the formula that made the previous AvP titles great.  Create solid environments and let the three factions, Marines, Aliens and Predators duke it out.  My biggest issue with the new title is the recent development streak for Rebellion.  Not too long ago, I played Rogue Warrior, and it was horrible, and it but doubts into my head for Aliens vs. Predator.  I hope that does not play out, but I am still on the fence for this title.  Look for Aliens vs Predator on February 16th, 2010.

And there you have it, the best February has to offer on the PC.  Check back next month for more Ones to Watch on the PC.  Also, make sure to hit up the forums and discuss what you think of these picks, or add the ones you feel will be great in February.