stay on target: gaming hit list for 2004
![[Samus sees the face of a new evil]](http://www.toase.net/gfx/metroidprime2-01.jpg)
For the most part, making lists about games that are supposed to come out shouldn't be common practice. Especially when the industry is so unpredictable with the ever increasing number of slipped deadlines. I've read too many magazines and web sites over the years where the same game appears on these lists two, even three years in a row. But I think the majority of game commentators have given up on Duke Nukem Forever by now, as it's hard to take a developer seriously when they haven't doled out so much as a screenshot in three years. I'm mostly putting together this list out of necessity, because it seems a lot of great games coming out this year are being overshadowed by 2003's most anticipated titles: Doom III and Half Life 2. And don't worry, I'll get to those after. The standard caveat also applies - this list is not meant to be platform-complete, just a reflection of my personal picks for this year.
We saw team-based multiplay on a massive scale defined by Starsiege: Tribes. I hopped onto the bandwagon with Tribes 2, but this was near the end of my previous computer's life. The graphics were horribly choppy and set to low res textures, and the fact that I could never manage to use my booster pack while aiming effectively made this a frustrating play (I'm not even going to mention the words I've had with teammates over this game). Now that Irrational Games has taken the reins of this franchise, they've opted to include a single-player campaign, fleshing out the universe previously exposed only by the scenery on the battlegrounds. I expect this to be a solid title that might just take a bite out of UT 2004's fanbase. ETA: October 2004.
I first saw the Japanese version on Magic Box last summer, and was imediately thrilled that this revered series would be heading to the Gameboy Advance. You might have played a version of this game in the arcade on a NeoGeo cabinet (that was my first experience) or for the lucky few on the Neo Geo home system. The Playstation saw some ports over the years, and the PS2 and XBox are getting Metal Slug 3 in September. But now finally GBA fans are getting a taste of this great looking side-scrolling shooter. Remember Contra? I liked it too, but this game does it in style. Unfortunately, it's only single player with the option of two playable characters. This would have been a great game to link up for. It should be in stores late August.
A new engine, new characters, a new realm to explore, and new enemies to smite - all of which I am confident will all add up to an exciting new adventure. Dungeon Siege successfully captured the feel of Diablo-style action RPGs and put it into a beautiful 3D environment, and Gas Powered Games created an excellent engine for RPG modders to play with. The game also promises more character-focused gameplay as opposed to minimal party management and auto-levelling stats, which should provide for a deeper RPG experience. As long as MSFT doesn't badger GPG into an XBox port, us PC gamers should be okay. Look for it September 2004.
7. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (multi)
I've seen the preview videos and trailers. It looks like UbiSoft refined the engine, but nothing much else new was done graphics-wise. The new environments in the single player campaign will most likely supply a well-balanced and engaging batch of covert ops missions. But that isn't the reason you should be buying this game. The Multiplayer component, which many gamers thought couldn't - or wouldn't - be done within the stealth-action genre, will turn a lot of heads and I guarantee will be copied by a few developers before the year's end. SC:PT is supposed to be out in March for all platforms, but don't be suprised at a two or three month delay because of an XBox exclusive.
6. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles (GCN)
It was pretty big news when everyone found out that Final Fantasy was returning to Nintendo's console lineup - especially with the dearth of RPGs on the Gamecube. After many initial reports that it was a real-time, multiplayer-centric experience, required GBAs to play, and managed to win an award for "first class work in pictures and music", the hype became a deafening roar. Will this game be the next reason to own a Gamecube, or will it completely flop? Some of the reviews that appeared before its release were quick to dismiss it as a gimmicky and poorly implemented game. I played the game this weekend in both multi and single player modes, and all I will say for now is that it's on this list for a reason, and it's not a single-player game. A full report is on the way.
5. Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon (GBA)
I've basically said all there is to say about my love for the Shining Force series since I started this site. Having a portable remake of one of my favorite games of all time delivered to me, as if the Great Gaming Gods were actually listening, is quite remarkable. Now there has never been an official release date aside from April for the UK, but from some various sources I've read it should arrive in North America by June. You can check out a pretty decent preview if you want to see some shots of the translated game, which shows many of the improved graphics.
4. Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA)
Can you believe it? Number four. And this one's actually out already. I assure you that side scrolling 2D platformers are not dead, and this game has prompted me to actually write down some thoughts on the matter. Nintendo has done a fantastic job with the updated comic-influenced visuals and interface that clearly use Fusion as a basis, as well as the newly remastered theme songs which altogether form a revitalized Metroid experience. I must admit playing the unlockable NES version of Metroid in Metroid Prime brings me back to an age where games didn't have to be beautiful to be loved. It was the challenge.
The single-player component is the only thing that knocked this title back. I have the utmost confidence that DICE will capture the era mixed with the flair of the numerous films based on this conflict creating a diverse - and most importantly fun - multiplayer experience. DICE says they rewrote the rendering engine for this game, which would improve its performance, but I don't see any real visual enhancements over Battlefield 1942. Not like this is a bad thing, though, because BF1942 looked just fine. Another significant change beyond the obvious new player models, weapon emplacements and vehicles are the playmodes. Doing away with Deathmatching and Capture the Flag entirely, muliplayer battles will consist of Conquest, Expanded Conquest and Custom Combat. Conquest is what most people loved BF1942 for anyway, so this isn't a big deal. Custom Combat is starting to sound like UT or Medal of Honor though, because you can choose which weapons and armies are allowed on the map. The hunt for Charlie begins in March.
2. Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault (PC)
After zooming through Call of Duty in a weekend, I immediately looked to 2004 for the next WWII shooter that will continue to recreate one of the most popular game settings of the last few years. The reason being of course is that EA is taking a new approach to the series: a vastly improved graphics engine that implements some of the most realistic physics I've seen, AI squadmates with "personality", and intelligent squad tactics. Something tells me EA realized the "one man army" methodology may have taken credibility from the series, particularly if you look at the expansions Spearhead and Breakthrough and compare it to the feel of team based combat in Call of Duty. Take a look at some of the tech videos that were released last year; it's a very impressive looking game. The battle for the Pacific begins in June.
1. Metroid Prime 2 (Tentative Title) (GCN)
Ever since I got my Gamecube, I practically salivate at the thought of picking up my controller to play the masterpiece that Retro Studios fashioned for our consumption. A 14 second teaser was shown at E3 2003, with very little concrete information about the game revealed through the year. There has been some speculation that it will contain a multiplayer feature, although I'm not sure how well this would work. Samus versus the Space Pirates? Or could any number of human players don the Chozo power armour and face off against a team of Metroids? If Retro Studios wants to put the same kind of polish on the single-player campaign, I can only see the multiplayer component suffering and the game would probably be better off without it. And if the prophecies are true, we can expect Metroid Prime 2 in time for Christmas, rounding out a truly wonderful year for gaming, and putting to rest the rumour that MP2 would be released for Nintendo's next console. We'll be finding out for sure at E3 2004, but until then this game is at the top of my list.