Prince of Persia
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Q4 2008
Ubisoft Montreal

This relative reboot of the Prince of Persia franchise is mixing things up with a new cel-shaded art style and non-linear gameplay. Players will be able to steer the prince around an expansive world, choosing to pick off bosses in whatever order they like.

What we're looking for: A visual makeover is fine and all, but has the combat been changed to an enjoyable degree?

Nintendo Games

Nintendo's Wii post-E3 release schedule is a blank slate. Any announcement will naturally be exciting.

What we're looking for: A hardcore holiday game to stoke the fires of traditional gamers. (Read: Anything but Animal Crossing.)

Killzone 2
PlayStation 3
February 2009
Guerilla Games

After a long, storied period of development, this should be the final E3 before the release of Guerilla's PS3 shooter sequel. We're excited if only to finally see a version of the game that is nearing completion.

What we're looking for: A taste of the online portion. Multiplayer is nice--an announcement of online co-op would be nicer.

Dragon Age
PC
Q1 2009
BioWare

The makers of Baldur's Gate are returning to the realm of dark, hardcore fantasy with this RPG. Dragon Age is said to resemble the style of a Dungeons and Dragons title, with tactical real-time combat and multiple party members. A modified version of the Mass Effect conversation system will power the story.

What we're looking for: More details. Luckily we won't have to wait until E3--the game's official website is set to go live on July 9.

Gears of War 2
Xbox 360
November
Epic Games

Gears was a great game no matter how you slice it. Plenty of titles have adopted elements of the game since its release, so Epic will need to spice things up for the sequel.

What we're looking for: Some new variations on the duck-and-cover level design of the first, outside of the on-rails sequence of the first trailer.

Crysis Warhead
PC
Fall 2008
Crytek

The first half of Crysis was one of last year's better shooters, a fun romp through a technically beautiful setting. But as in Far Cry, the second half of the game left a little to be desired. If Crytek can learn from their past mistakes, the third time around could be the charm. The stand-alone Warhead will focus on team member Psycho, but few specific details have been revealed so far.

What we're looking for: With direct competitor Far Cry 2 around the corner, we'll want to see more than a few new levels and nanosuit abilities.

Left 4 Dead
PC, Xbox 360
November 4
Valve/Turtle Rock

The co-op focused zombie shooter is looking better every time we see it, and it was great from the start. Valve has a surefire hit on their hands if they can balance and refine the game before its release later this year.

What we're looking for: Some more playtime from the zombie side of things would give us a clearer picture of the overall game.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
PC
August 29
GSC Game World

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. had its issues, but underneath the initial bugs was one of the more refreshingly deep gaming experiences of last year. This stand-alone prequel will clear the air with stunning art and extensive gameplay enhancements.

What we're looking for: A more random, dynamic feeling to the game's life simulations. And what's going on with the multiplayer component?

Turn the page for more.