Video Game Anticipation

This is just the inner nerd in me talking but I just gotta say that 2007 looks like it will be a great year for video games. Here are some of my most anticipated in no particular order:

Bioshock- System Shock 2 is one of the greatest games of all time and if this is suppose to be its spiritual successor, I can't wait to play it. The cinematic trailer was probably one of the best from this year and the game's mixture of shooting and RPG style story telling looks like a winning combo. Plus, it is by far one of the most athmospheric games I've seen in a long time.

Mass Effect- From the guys who made Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. That sentence alone sold this game for me and all of the trailers and clips that have come out for the game just further its cause. Though it may seem like its inspired by Star Wars, this game seems to have effectively established its own identity as a science fiction story. Also, I just can't wait to see how the new dialogue system and the squad shooter/rpg combo gameplay plays out.

Assassins Creed- My friend obsesses over this game and its easy to understand why. With its great graphics and art design, unique style of stealth combat and a story that looks like it will have more twists than a California interstate, this game is sure to improve on the already great Prince of Persia games in more than one way.

Call of Duty 4- I love this series so much and this departure from the usual formula looks amazing already. By switching from WWII to the modern era, Call of Duty is achieving what Metal of Honor never could by adapting to please its audience. Though there has been little info on it, it already looks like it will be one of the best shooters of this year.

The Darkness- Great graphics, fun gameplay, based on a graphic novel and being made by the guys who did the surprisingly great Chronicles of Riddick game. How can this fail?

Grand Theft Auto IV- Enough said.

Halo 3- See above.

Metal Gear Solid 4- Again, see above.

Lair- I loved Rogue Squadron 2, so this ought to be a great game just because of its graphic power and intriguing ideas. Who would have thought that riding a dragon would be so exhilarating.

Spore- Such an intriguing idea that I can't help but be nerdy about this game. Plus, its made by the guy who did The Sims so we know that it will be a media phenominom like that game.

And of course, the granddaddy of them all....

Starcraft 2- The game people thought would never be made is finally revealing itself. Blizzard is one of the best gaming companies in the world, so they will probably make this game as great of a game as the first one. Plus, the cinematic for the game is just eye-popping.

Ok, nerdiness is satisfied. Now I can get back to the Bait an Oscar contest.