2010 is, based on our research, set to be one of the biggest years in gaming. We’ve counted a huge number of games that are either set for release or expected in 2010. This list, however, is incomplete. In it, we’ve included big-name releases, favorites, and what we’ve played and reviewed.
(Update: 2/20) The first batch of games we’ve reviewed now have links to each of them, as well as scores. Anything we’ve previewed has also been updated, so you can see our initial impressions.
Notes
- New titles will be added as they appear
- Any and all changes, specifically release dates, will be edited when applicable
- Only titles we have sufficient information on have we written short previews for
- Our ultimate goal with this list is to see how many excellent titles release, and to continue documenting them with previews, interviews, and ultimately, reviews. As time progresses, include links to all articles made for each title for easy navigation
- This list does not and will not include all new releases. This list exclusively includes games we expect to be popular and/or excellent
Bayonetta
Developer: Platinum Games/Sega | Publisher: Sega | Release Date: Jan. 5 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
Bayonetta Review: 7/10
Darksiders: Wrath of War
Developer: Vigil Games | Publisher: THQ | Release Date: Jan. 5 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
Darksiders Review: 7.5/10
Army of Two: The 40th Day
Developer: EA Montreal | Publisher: EA | Release Date: Jan. 12 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
Army of Two was a decent title, but the sequel promises to promote Aggro, the cooperatively designed gameplay mechanic which makes one player invisible when the other makes a violent commotion. With a fleshed out story, more moral decisions that actually carry influence, and the same witty banter, The 40th Day may just be more than this year’s early buddy-title.
Dark Void
Developer: Alright Games | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: Jan. 19 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Dark Void Review: 5/10
Mass Effect 2
Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: Jan. 26 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360
Mass Effect 2 Preview
Mass Effect 2 Review: 9/10
5 Tips to Best Enjoy Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 2nd Opinion
MAG
Developer: Zipper Interactive | Publisher: Sony | Release Date: Jan. 26 Rating: M | Platform: PS3
MAG Impressions
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: Jan. 26 Rating: M | Platform: Wii
No More Heroes was one of the few Wii games not from Nintendo that didn’t suck. A story of assassins fighting to claim the top spot and mini-games that include mowing lawns and gathering coconuts. How could this formula go wrong? For Wii owners who don’t mind a little gore, Desperate Struggle will get you to turn on that console again for some actual single-player fun.
Stalker: Call of Pripyat
Developer: GSC Gameworld | Publisher: GSC World Publishing | Release Date: February 2 Rating: M | Platform: PC
Returning to Soviet Russia yet again, the Stalker series has been known to push the boundaries of computer gaming with unique gameplay and high-end graphics. We expect the same here again with the Call of Pripyat, though we still know little about this already-released game in Russia. Once we learn to read Russian, we’ll know more about it.
Dante’s Inferno
Developer: Visceral Games | Publisher: EA | Release Date: Feb. 9 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3, PSP
Dante’s Inferno Review: 8/10
Dante’s Infeno Anime Review
Bioshock 2
Developer: 2K Marin & Australia, Digital Extremes (MP) | Publisher: 2K Games | Release Date: Feb. 9 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Bioshock 2 Review: 8.5/10
Heavy Rain
Developer: Quantic Dream | Publisher: Sony | Release Date: Feb. 23 Rating: M | Platform: PS3
Heavy Rain Impressions
Red Steel 2
Developer: Ubisoft Paris | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: Feb. 16 Rating: RP | Platform: Wii
As the first non-Nintendo and non-sports title that makes proper use of the Motion+ Wiimote add-on, Red Steel 2 is all about sword- and gun-play. I got to try it out at E3 and had a blast. Intuitive controls and as realistic sword fighting as you can get on a videogame make Red Steel 2 one of the Wii’s most sought after titles.
Aliens vs. Predator
Developer: Rebellion Developments | Publisher: Sega | Release Date: Feb. 19 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
It’s hard to think of any game people have wanted more than a good Aliens vs. Predator title. That dream is becoming a reality, where players can choose between human marines, the Aliens, or even the Predator. Each species has special traits: humans work in teams, Aliens have excellent vision and can climb walls, and the Predator has ridiculous tech in his disposal. And that’s all just for multiplayer…we can’t wait to see what the single player campaign will be like.
Napoleon: Total War
Developer: The Creative Assembly | Publisher: Sega | Release Date: February 26 Rating: T | Platform: PC
Singularity
Developer: Raven Software | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: TBA (Q1) Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Similar to Timeshift, Singularity allows players to make use of both time and gravity with a special TMD (Time Manipulation Device), which contorts time forwards, backwards, and to a standstill. The TMD also acts as a sort of energy canon and can lift and fling objects like Half-Life 2’s gravity gun. Combine a story of an unwilling protagonist fighting in a time vortex with Nazi scientists, and you’ve got Wolfenstein meets the Time Machine.
Supreme Commander 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games | Publisher: Square Enix | Release Date: March 2 Rating: T | Platform: PC, 360
To many, Supreme Commander was the true successor to the only true Starcraft competitor, Total Annihilation. Indeed, from the creator of both franchises, SupCom proved itself one of the finest RTS’s on the PC (though it’s Xbox 360 version was truly laughable). I only had a brief chance to see Supreme Commander 2 at PAX, and I forced myself away because I knew if I started playing, I wouldn’t stop until I finished the level. An hour or two later.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Developer: EA Digital Illusions CE | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 2 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Impressions
Final Fantasy XIII
Developer: Square Enix | Publisher: Square Enix | Release Date: March 9 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
It’s Final Fantasy XIII. ’nuff said.
God of War 3
Developer: Sony (Santa Monica Studio) | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release Date: March 14 Rating: M | Platform: PS3
Those who purchased the God of War collection know that the ending of the God of War trilogy aims to be the most epic yet. Kratos returns nastier and fiercer than ever, going so far as to rip heads clean off. Saying Kratos is pissed is an understatement. In God of War 3, he doesn’t have to earn his godhood, and for the first time he’ll receive help. While some have remained skeptical because prior lead David Jaffe did not work directly on the project, God of War 3 will be epic, and it will be a hit.
Command and Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight
Developer: EALA | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 16 Rating: T | Platform: PC
As one of the biggest steps forward for the Command and Conquer series, Tiberian Twilight has been kept under wraps under a heavy lock and key. That doesn’t mean we won’t hear more about it soon, but considering how well done the recent Red Alert 3 and following expansion packs were, Command and Conquer fans have another prodigal RTS to look forward to.
Metro 2033
Developer: 4A Games | Publisher: THQ | Release Date: March 16 Rating: RP | Platform: PC, 360
Just Cause 2
Developer: Avalanche Studios | Publisher: Eidos | Release Date: March 23 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
After watching a 30 minute playtest at E3, Just Cause 2 stunned many, myself included. It’s absolutely daring: jam pack an island with hundreds to thousands of different ways to cause chaos, and let the panic ensue. Now armed with a powerful grapple hook and redeployable parachute, there’s little players can’t do. If you can see it, chances are you can break it or blow it to kingdom come.
All Points Bulletin
Developer: Realtime Worlds | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March Rating: M | Platform: PC
An MMOFPS, All Points Bulletin (APB) is far from your typical shooter. It’s no MAG, but this progressive FPS title gives players around the world the opportunity to fight in real-time on a massive scale. Imagine World of Warcraft as an FPS. That’s what APB is setting out to be, and with EA backing them up, they may well pull it off.
Super Street Fighter IV
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: April 1 Rating: T | Platform: 360, PS3
The latest Street Fighter brings us to super mode, introducing eight brand new characters, new cinematics and story for all players, and even a new soundtrack. Completely unlocked so hardened gamers can join the fight once they open the box, Super Street Fighter IV will give all the great combat Street Fighter IV did with new moves, new maps, and all at a lower price.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: April 13 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360
Sam Fisher returns, but this time he’s been cut loose from 3rd Echelon, suspected for killing his boss Colonel Lambert. On the run, Fisher’s got yet another mission to save the world. More agile and advanced than ever, Fisher must navigate the world alone, work his way up to the best toys money can buy, and do it all quickly and quietly. With a long list of new and interesting features, Splinter Cell: Conviction may be the most exciting the series has seen yet.
Red Dead Redemption
Developer: Rockstar San Diego | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: April 27 Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
It’s the end of the wild west, and as an ex-con trying to make right with the world, Red Dead Redemption provides an open world platform for gamers to enjoy. Think Grand Theft Auto on a horse. Play the missions you want, the way you want, and do it all for a price. Using the same Rage engine that powered GTAIV, Red Dead Redemption is the open world sandbox title we’ve all been waiting for.
Nier (Gestalt)
Developer: Cavia | Publisher: Square Enix | Release Date: April 27 Rating: M | Platform: PS3, 360
Skate 3
Developer: EA Black Box | Publisher: EA | Release Date: May 18 Rating: T | Platform: 360, PS3
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Developer: Kojima Productions | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: May 25 Rating: M | Platform: PSP
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: May Rating: T | Platform: PC, 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS
Split Second
Developer: Black Rock Studio | Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios | Release Date: May Rating: E+10 | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
ModNation Racers
Developer: United Front Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release Date: June 30 Rating: E | Platform: PS3, PSP
Dead Rising 2
Developer: Blue Castle | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: August 31 Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
While Frank West fought through 53,594 zombies to break the news story of his life, Chuck Greene finds himself in a similar situation in Fortune City. Surrounded by mindless hordes, this motocross champion must escape with his life, and save his daughter, before it’s too late. Armed with more weapons and his experience on a bike, players can enjoy a Las Vegas-esque city killing thousands upon thousands of zombies. There are even new challenge, and possibly multiplayer modes to enjoy.
Blur
Developer: Bizarre Creations | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: TBA (Spring) Rating: E+10 | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Alpha Protocol
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Sega | Release Date: TBA (Spring) Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
I had the chance to see Alpha Protocol twice, at E3 and PAX. While it impressed initially, it was also meant to release back in 2009 but never did. And no one knew it wouldn’t until the supposed release date. So while it’s receive much attention, we’re wary of this title.
Alan Wake
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios | TBA (Q2) Rating: M | Platform: 360
Brink
Developer: Splash Damage | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: Fall Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Brink has, on at least two occasions, utterly stunned me. At E3, I saw the first glimpse of the SMART system (smooth movement across random terrain), which allows players to run in a Mirror’s Edge parkour style. The combination of SMART with in-mission objectives and small, centralized combat make Brink high on our must play list.
American McGee’s Alice 2
Developer: Rogue Entertainment | Publisher: EA| Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: 360, PS3
Crackdown 2
Developer: Ruffian Games | Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios | Release Date: TBA (Q2?) Rating: RP | Platform: 360
Crysis 2
Developer: Crytek | Publisher: EA | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Crysis Warhead wasn’t enough. Sure, far too many people couldn’t (and still can’t) run Crysis on their PCs, but Crysis 2 will be playable on consoles. While we don’t expect much from the console versions, we’re eagerly awaiting to see what new can come out from Crytek’s biggest franchise.
Dues Ex 3
Developer: Eidos Montreal | Publisher: Square Enix | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC
EA Sports MMA
Developer: EA Sports Tiburon | Publisher: EA | Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: 360, PS3
Fable 3
Developer: Lionhead Studios | Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios| Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: 360
Fallout: New Vegas
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Final Fantasy XIV
Developer: Square Enix | Publisher: Square Enix | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PC, PS3
Gran Turismo 5
Developer: Polyphony Digital | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment| Release Date: TBA Rating: E | Platform: PS3
When Forza Motorsport 3 came out, reviewers raved that it was a Gran Turismo killer. Yet overheard at PAX, even Microsoft employees were grateful that the newest racing simulator from Polyphony Digital was delayed. Gran Turismo 5, in development for nearly five years, will have 950 unique car models, around 70 circuits and 20 track locations, and anyone who owns Gran Turismo PSP or Gran Turismo 5 Prologue can transfer their data to GT5. The whole BNG staff can’t wait to see how it turns out, and we’ll get our first chance at CES, so stay tuned!
Halo: Reach
Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios | Release Date: TBA (Q4) Rating: M | Platform: 360
Supposedly Bungie’s last Halo title, Halo: Reach is the prologue to the Halo series, taking place during Eric Nylund’s first Halo novelization, The Fall of Reach. Little else is known except that the Master Chief returns as the protagonist, and we expect cooperative play to include, instead of Elites as in Halo 3, to be other Spartans. We also expect Halo: Reach to ship in September 2010 as most Bungie titles do.
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days
Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: Eidos | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
LA Noire
Developer: Team Bondi | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PS3
The Last Guardian
Developer: Team Ico | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PS3
Lost Planet 2
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: 360, PS3
Mafia II
Developer: 2K Czech | Publisher: 2K Games | Release Date: May - July 2010 Rating: TBA | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Max Payne 3
Developer: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar | Release Date: TBA (Q4) Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Mechwarrior
Developer: Pirahna Games | Publisher: TBA | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PC, 360
There is no game series I want to see return as much as Mechwarrior. If Pirahna Games manages to do a good job, and release it this year, then 2010 will be the best year ever.
Medal of Honor
Developer: EALA | Publisher: EA | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Metal Gear Solid: Rising
Developer: Kojima Productions | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Metroid: Other M
Developer: Project M | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: Wii
Natural Selection 2
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment | Publisher: UWE | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360
Natural Selection 2 is the long awaited standalone sequel to the critically-acclaimed Half-Life mod by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Set a few years after the original, Natural Selection mixes first-person shooter and real-time strategy elements. It also features a robust level editor, allowing mapmakers to expand on the game’s content.
Quake Arena Arcade
Developer: Pi Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: Xbox Live Arcade
As a Quake Arena fan, I didn’t expect to enjoy playing on a 360 with it’s controller and enjoy it. Yet five minutes later, I’m beating all other competitors. When I asked the developer why the auto-aim is so high, he exclaims “there is no auto-aim.” When a console game controls view so well that there’s zero need for auto-aim, especially on a fast paced game like Quake Arena, you know it’s a winner. That, and there are upwards of 25 new maps expected for this Xbox Live Arcade title.
Rage
Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty
Developer: Blizzard | Publisher: Activision Blizzard | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PC
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
Developer: Lucasarts | Publisher: Lucasarts| Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PC
Spec Ops: The Line
Developer: Yager Development | Publisher: 2K Games | Release Date: TBA Rating: RP | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: TBA Rating: E | Platform: Wii
Call of Duty 6/7/something
Developer: TBA | Publisher: Activision| Release Date: TBA Rating: M | Platform: PC, 360, PS3
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
Developer: Blizzard | Publisher: Activision Blizzard | Release Date: TBA Rating: T | Platform: PC
