This year’s Fall is very, very crowded. Even with titles such as GTA 4 and Metal Gear Solid 4 slipping into 2008, the remaining months of 2007 will undoubtedly burn a whole through gamers’ pockets. With that in mind, PSU’s compiled a Top 5 list of titles that you absolutely must get before the year is out. Do some more chores, work overtime, demand them for Christmas or simply stop buying your girlfriend gifts (a last resort, of course).
5. Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3
:: Game Summary ::
Ratchet & Clank Future Tools of Destruction is a 3rd person adventure platformer where the player begins their journey with the shocking discovery that a villain from Ratchet’s distant past has tracked him down and wants him dead. This revelation brings up many questions as to Ratchet origins and launches Ratchet and Clank into a mysterious adventure where they begin to learn about his past, the villain’s current evil plans, and a glimpse of the future.
Why we chose this title?
The Ratchet and Clank series has always been a solid franchise with excellent gameplay and humorous characters. In R&C Future: Tools of Destruction players will be exposed to all new weapons including Death Springs (pink slinkies of death), Transmorpher grenades (transforms enemies into penguins), and the best weapon probably ever in a game…the Groovitron (forces enemies break out into 70’s disco grooves.)
From our hands on experience Ratchet and Clank Future is definitely worth purchasing if you are a PS3 owner and it’s a title all ages can enjoy.
4. Unreal Tournament 3
Release Date: November 19, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3 and PC (Xbox 360 sometime next year)
:: Game Summary ::
Unreal Tournament III is a sci-fi first-person shooter where people have turned to futuristic gladiator tournaments for entertainment. Equipped with a whole slew of weapons, players will be able to embark on massive online multiplayer battles or stay offline and play the extensive single player storyline.
Why we chose this title?
Both the PS3 and PC versions have been confirmed to support user created maps and mods leaving nearly unlimited gameplay for online gamers. Unreal Tournament 3 will also be running at 60 fps and will have tons of new vehicles, weapons, and game modes. We are positive this title will keep you occupied for years to come.
3. Uncharted: Drakes Fortune
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3
:: Game Summary ::
A 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter on a exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Nathan Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.
Why we chose this title:
With a compelling storyline and great gameplay Uncharted reaches #4 on our list. Uncharted Drakes Fortune is one of those titles that only come around once in every generation of consoles. With things like wrinkle mapping facial animations, pirates (ARRRGGG!), and over 4,000 separate animations for Drake alone; players will find that Naughty Dog has brought a very impressive package with Uncharted.
2. Haze
Release Date: November 23, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3
:: Game Summary ::
Developed by Free Radical Design and published by Ubisoft, Haze is a futuristic first person shooter taking place in the year 2048 where players assume the role of Sergeant Shane Carpenter; a new recruit in the Mantel Global Industries army. From the start, Carpenter is sent to fights rebels in South America in the war between which began in the year 2032. As gamers progress through the game, they find secrets hidden behind this drug called "NECTAR" and the evil agenda plotted out by the Mantel Corporation.
Why we chose this title:
It’s one of the best first person shooter of the year and will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3. Haze will feature a twist and turn sci-fi storyline and it includes all the right ingredients for a great multiplayer game; balanced forces, unique weapons, four-player split screen co-op, and more.
1. Call of Duty 4
Release Date: November 5, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
:: Game Summary ::
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter set in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The story will take the player to three differnet locations where they will play as three different characters; Lieutenant Price in Chernobyl, Sergeant John "Soap" MacTavish in Russia, and Sergeant Paul Jackson in the Middle East. Infinity Ward has been hard at work at not only providing gamers with a great single player experience but enjoyable online as well. It is rumored that all three platforms will be supporting up to 32 player matches online.
Why is this title #1?
PSU.com has had the chance to get hands on with both the single player and multiplayer versions of Call of Duty 4 and we would have to say this is one of the best first person shooters we’ve seen in a long time. Not only is it refreshing that Infinity Ward has moved away from the WW2 settings but its good to see they didn’t have to sacrifice the multiplayer experience in doing so. The multiplayer is so addictive it is sure to compete with some of this years hottest online titles.
Guitar Hero III
Release Date: October 29, 2007
Platforms: Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
:: Game Summary ::
A music title where players use a guitar accessory to strum and press the buttons for the appropriate notes during a chosen song. In Guitar Hero 3 there will be an all new battle mode in which players can challenge each other and use power ups to increase the difficulty of their opponents song. Activision has also included songs such as "Through the Fire and Flames" by DragonForce, "The Metal" by Tenacious D, "Bulls on Parade" by Rage Against the Machine, and "My Name Is Jonas" by Weezer.
Why it missed the top 5
Other than new tracks and multiplayer, the game is nearly the same as its predecessors. Perhaps developers could improve the title next time around by following some of the footsteps Rockband has taken, such as adding new accessories and having downloadable albums rather than single songs. The series could be improved by adding user generated content such as "Create a Rockstar" and the ability to record your session within the game and send it to all your friends through Xbox Live or PSN. While already present in other titles, these additions would prove far more substantial to the overall Guitar Hero experience than merely increasing the number of tracks available.
Assassin’s Creed
Release Date: November 13th, 2007
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, DS
:: Game Summary ::
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Assassin’s Creed is an action adventure taking place during the Third Crusade, in the year 1191. Gamers will assume the role of an assassin named Altaïr, a member of the Hashshashin sect whose mission is to kill nine historical figures propagating the Crusades. Players will travel throughout 3 major cities from the time, including Jerusalem, Acre and Damascus.
Why it missed the top 5
Based on our last hands on preview of the title we are on kind of on the fence. The game sports amazing graphics, a fresh and unique storyline, and if done right fantastic animations. However, the E3 build of the game had many issues including wall clipping, glitchy animations, and a few framerate issues; nonetheless, if these problems can be addressed in time for its November release, there should be absolutely no reason for gamers to miss out on this stellar looking adventure romp.