Resident Evil 5
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
TBA 2009
Capcom

Resident Evil 4 was a modern masterpiece. Taking that structure and throwing in online co-op play could make for an unbelievable game.

What we're looking for: A release date, hands-on time, and a cigarette.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP
September 16
LucasArts

The heyday of Star Wars games is behind us, but The Force Unleashed is attempting to rekindle that spirit with some new tricks. Boasting impressive physics-based force effects, one gets the feeling that it would be hard to screw up this Stormtrooper-bashing simulator.

What we're looking for: An indication that the gameplay in this newest iteration of the Jedi Knight archetype offers anything notable beyond its humorous effects. And how well do the Wii controls work?

Far Cry 2
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
October
Ubisoft Montreal

The appeal of Far Cry has always been wide open spaces. Now Ubisoft is taking it one step further, promising emergent gameplay over a 50x50km section of Africa.

What we're looking for: Previous demos featured a cobbled-together mission. Getting a look at the dynamic, GTA-esque mission structure is a priority.

Halo Wars
Xbox 360
TBA
Ensemble Studios

The first Halo offshoot, Halo Wars will attempt to bring RTS gameplay to the console. The focus is squarely on combat here, and with an innovative control scheme, we can see the potential for an enjoyable console-based strategy game.

What we're looking for: A release date for the low-key title, and some hands-on time to assure us it's not simply a Warcraft clone.

Borderlands
PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
TBA 2009
Gearbox Software

Gearbox is going post-apocalyptic with this shooter. Inspired by the randomized play of Diablo, it will reportedly feature four-player co-op and a quest-based mission structure.

What we're looking for: Anything else--Gearbox has shown very little of the game thus far.

Spore
PC, Mac
September 7
Maxis

After this much time in development, Spore is either going to be a hit or a flop. Judging by the astronomical sales of the creature creator, we're going with the former. Maxis' cell-to-saucer evolution game still amazes with its scope and detail.

What we're looking for: Gameplay cohesion. How well does each portion of the game mesh--and how much game is there buried underneath the sandbox hype?

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