Ones to Watch: Xbox 360 Games for February 2010
It is funny that we talked about how big the first quarter of 2010 is suppose to be, but when I looked at the February releases, I did not see all that much to talk about. I think it is more that there are a few tentpole games that are spread out through the first quarter of 2010, but that is about it. Case in point is that there are a total of three truly great titles for February on the Xbox 360.
As for our case mod, this month we have a Alligator skined Xbox 360 with an eye for a power switch. Very cool stuff, and you can read a bit more about it over at UnrealityMag.com.
Also, make sure to read the Ones to Watch articles for the PS3/PSP, the PC and Nintendo DS/Wii.
Bioshock 2 – Probably the biggest title for the month of February on the Xbox 360, Bioshock 2 takes us back to the underwater city of Rapture 10 years later. Also, we no longer play as our shackled tattooed hero from the first game, but instead, as a prototype “Big Daddy” who can use Plasmids. While the game looks really good, and has some of the original development team back from the first title, there are a few questions about the title. Will the multiplayer component be any good? Will playing as a Big Daddy actually be entertaining this time around? Did the game really need a sequel? While I am on the fence, I cannot see myself skipping out on what could be a great title for 2010. Look for Bioshock 2 on February 9th, 2010.
Dante’s Inferno – I feel I can say without doubt that there is no game with more strange controversy surrounding it than Dante’s Inferno. From the “Harass a Booth Babe” contest, to the fake protest at E3, Dante’s Inferno has never really had a lot of fucus put on the actual game play until the last month or so. While I found the demo to be a bit over the top with its boob dropping, the gameplay seems solid, and the framerate is rock solid at 60fps. No, the game is not a strict interpretation of the book, and yes, it is very similar to God of War, but there is a good narrative to be found in Dante’s Inferno. Also, the action is fast and violent, giving those that do not have a PS3,the closest God of War experience they can have without dropping $300 on another console. Look for Dante’s Inferno on February 9th, 2010.
Tropico 3 – I debated for quite some time before putting Tropico 3 on this list. It is not because I think Tropic 3 is a bad game. In fact, its the opposite – I think it is a great game. However, Tropico 3 is a game that has been designed and built for the PC, and is only now porting over to the Xbox 360. After playing the demo, I do feel that the developers did find a way to wrap the controls around a 360 controller. Also, it is so much fun to rig elections, brew rum and so much more. I mean, who does not want to run their own country as they see fit. I don’t expect Tropico 3 to do huge business, but I think that gamers should definitely take a look at it. Look for Tropico 3 on February 16th, 2010.
And there you have it, the cream of the crop for February 2010 on the Xbox 360. Yes, I left out Risen and Aliens vs. Predator. I still have my concerns with Aliens vs. Predator after the travesty that was Rogue Warrior (Rebellion was the developer on that title as well as AvP), and Risen is a technically flawed title that is a lot of fun, but only if you are a PC gamer. It just tries too hard to fit the Xbox 360 mold, and I doubt it will get the patch suppor that it needs on the Xbox 360.
As always make sure to visit the forums to discuss these picks, whether you agree or disagree, and even throw out your own picks. With that, we hope to see you back in March 2010 for another list of games you should be playing.
Tags: bioshock 2, dante's inferno, Ones to Watch, Tropico 3, XBOX 360
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I'm still on the fence about BioShock 2 as well. But God of War III looks so violent and amazing. And Red Dead Redemption's physics are orgasmic. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Three possibly great games in one month is pretty darn good if you ask me, at least when you consider what we have had in previous years at this time. Bioshock 2 will never live up to the first game because original titles rarely ever do, but it looks like it will be a worthy sequel non the less, and if the MP turns out to be good then who knows. AVP looks like its pretty decent from what I have seen so far, everything looks top notch, but we have to wait and see if that lasts for the entire game. I really loved the Dante's Inferno Demo. EA is putting a lot of money behind this games advertising, something they shy away from if the game is really bad, so DI should be very solid.
I don't know if I can get my second run through of Mass Effect 2 done in time for Bioshock 2.
If you didn't find the Big Daddy entertaining in the first game then it might be time to check your pulse.
I loved the first Bioshock tremendously. I played through it a couple of times on the PC and loved every minute of the story, but the end really needed some work. Even Ken Levine has copped to the fact that the end was not as strong as it could have been. And yes, I found the Big Daddy stuff at the end to be less than entertaining. But that probably fits in with the less than stellar ending.
However, while I am on the fence with it, I am warming up to the possibility of it being a good game, but not as great as the first title. I hope to be proven wrong by the final product.
My fear with Aliens vs. Predator is that the developer has been on an awful streak as of late, with their last title being Rogue Warrior, a hideous title in every sense of the word, save the Mickey Rourke dialog and rap at the end. This leaves me very skeptical of the final product.