As the year is quickly coming to a close, we eagerly look forward to the new year and what is to come from the gaming industry. 2008 has been huge for games, and developers have their work cut out for them in the coming year. Here at NBS with great curiosity and anxiousness we have peeked into a couple projects and from what we have seen 2009 has potential!

If you are wondering what is to come in 2009, here is our list of games that we think deserve a look.

10. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Due: 2009

For all of the Batman fans, who are waiting for a game to do the Dark Knight justice this one just may be it. Based on the popular graphic novel this game is a dark, gritty journey through everyone’s favorite funny farm. In Batman Arkham Asylum our caped crusader will have to face some of his most deadly foes; including Killer Croc, The Riddler, and The Joker.  In terms of game play you will not only need to use Batman’s combat skills, but also his forensic knowledge, and tech gear to progress through the game.

9. Wii Punch-Out
Developer: Nintendo
Due: 2009

Based on one of the most beloved classic NES games, Punch-Out is back on the Nintendo Wii.  Mac will be returning in this title as well as his classic competitors; Glass joe, Von Kaiser, and King Hippo. The same type of game play from the classic version will be carried over in this title but with the infusion of motion control. Although the art direction seems more cartoon-like in this title rather then realistic, it still has promise.

8. Aliens: Colonial Marines
Developer: Gearbox Software
Due: 2009

Based on the Sci-Fi classic film series Aliens Colonial Marines will pick up where Aliens 3 left off. The plot of this title is based on a search-and-rescue squad in search of Lt. Ellen Ripley, who was last seen on the Sulaco. In this FPS you will play as one of four marines who each have a different weapon. You are able to transition between the four marines, but you have to be careful which you choose because one may be better suited then the other for a specific missions. The classic Aliens will be featured in this game including facehuggers, drones, and the queen. This game is worth a look for Alien fans and FPS fans as well.

7. God of War 3
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Due: 2009

The first God of War in full HD, we will get to see Kratos rip his enemies to shreds in full 1080p. There is not much information out on God of War 3, but from what we have surmised this third installment should be the end of Kratos quest. This title is most likely going to be released end of 2009, possibly 2010.

6. The Sims 3
Developer: EA GAmes
Due: February 2009

In The Sims 3 the scope of your control will be broader then in any previous game. You will have control over an entire neighborhood, in which you can observe the inhabitants, and pop in and out on their day to day lives. When designing your own little universe your customization options will be vast, as you can customize it as well as it’s inhabitants. When designing your characters you will be able to create their physical attributes, as well as personality traits. If you love customization options you will want to get a look at this game as it has more then any other previous title.

5. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: BioWare
Due: 2009

After many rumors and whispers it is confirmed that the MMO title form another LucasArts, and Bioware pairing is in the works. Star Wars The Old Republic will have the two major classes; the Jedi, and the Sith, as well as others for the Star Wars folklore.  Along with a deep storyline, character development will be dynamic as you can choose a path of light or darkness, in which every decision you make has consequence.

4. Bioshock2: Sea of Dreams
Developer: 2K Games
Due: 2009

The second installment to the successful FPS,  BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams has been confirmed, and is expected in 2009.  Very little is known about this title but from what we have seen this game could quite possibly be  prequel, although this is just speculation.  Expect this title late in 2009.

3. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Developer: Monolith Productions
Due: February 10, 2009

In the sequel to uber scary FPS survival horror title, everyone’s favorite psychotic ghost girl (Alma) is back, and she is screwing with more minds then ever before. In F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin you will explore the city that was annihilated by the cataclysmic explosion  of the previous game, in search of answers to the Alma mystery. The same slow-mo feature will be available in this title as you face off against more replica clones, as well as new enemies; living and dead. Get ready to jump out of your skin a second time, around February 2009.

2. Final Fantasy xIII
Developer: Square Enix
Due: 2009

The latest installment in the classic RPG series, has at long last been announced. In one of the biggest surprises this year Final Fantasy XIII was confirmed for release on PS3, as well as Xbox 360 to the dismay of Sony. In FFXII you will be playing in real time, and like in previous titles you will rely on teamwork to progress, using a combination of magic, swords, and guns. Combat will be based around coordinated combo’s and also using the features of each environment to amplify inflicted damage. This title could potentially be the best yet from Final Fantasy.

1. Resident Evil 5
Developer: Capcom
Due: March 13, 2009

The latest Installment in the premiere survival horror series Resident Evil 5 is the most anticipated release of 2009.  Much like its predecessor RE4, this game will have the same over the shoulder view that helped make it so successful. RE5 will revolve around co-operative play, in which you can play as two characters; the Zombie Vet Chris Redfield, and new comer to the franchise Sheva Alomar. If you choose to play alone a highly advanced AI will take the place of Sheva, and If either character bites the dust the game ends. Resident Evil 5 is most likely to be the most visually stunning of any game in the series, and the most enjoyable in terms of game play. A new story, a new continent, and a new way to waste hordes of mutated products of Umbrelle Corp. Resident Evil 5 could be another extremely popular title in this franchise.

We recently did a post on how Nintendo was taking steps to prepare for the Wii demand for Christmas, and from what we had surmised they were all system go for this holiday season.  Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime was quoted as saying “We’re producing an unprecedented level of hardware to try and meet demand.”

Well it seems there are only a few things in life that are certain death, taxes, and Wii holiday shortages. This has been an issue for the past two years and it seems that the sales clerks at GameStop will have another wonderful year of it.

GameStop CFO David Carlson has stated that he is expecting all Wii stock to be sold out by Christmas, gone, bone dry. “Wii Fit is in very, very short supply. It sells through as quickly as it hits the stores,” Carlson stated. “And although the Wii hardware is in very good supply right now we believe it may as well be out of stock by the holiday season.”

It seems we are getting two different stories; one from the retailers and another from Nintendo, as Reggie has been quoted multiple times as saying that Nintendo was better prepared this year for holiday sales.  For now keep your fingers crossed, but if we start hearing this story from other retailers you may be getting a really nice pair of shoes instead.

Avoid the lines, the crazed parents, and just get your Wii from us. Seriously!

These are in my humble opinion the five must have upcoming survival horror games. This is for the zombie slayers, monster hunters, and lovers of mayhem.  It was our intention to post this video on Halloween, but better late than never.

Enjoy

Click here to see the top 5 must have upcoming survival horror games.

Nintendo has finally revealed its newest portable game system in the form of the Nintendo DSI. The new hand held device will have a variety of new features that are definite upgrades from the DS Lite; including a camera, larger screen, and download capabilities.  The new camera feature will allow you to edit your photos using the touch sensitive screen.  The new SD slot which will allow download able content from the Nintendo online store, is perhaps the nicest new feature of the unit.

Although Nintendo has decided to remove the Game Boy Advanced slot form the DSI, the new  SD slot should more than compensate for the change. Along with the other features mentioned the DSI will also include; enhanced audio, longer battery life, and less charging time.  It seems all together Nintendo has developed a sleeker, more efficient unit for release.

The word is that the new DSI will be released on the market in Japan by November 1st of this year. A release in North America has been speculated for sometime in 2009.

Photo’s of a new Wii peripheral have recently surfaced on the Internet and a buzz has quickly followed. Currently there is a rumor that the new peripheral could be a Wii pedometer, which could be an added accessory to the Wii fit.

The President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata had announced that Nintendo would be taking a break on peripherals, and word on the street is the Pedometer will be one of the last units released. As much as Wii fans LOVE there health oriented peripherals some are saying they are not interested in the new piece. Sadly the photos are not very telling, and the information on the piece is very vague. For all we know the image looks like glorified garage door opener.

As of now this is all just speculation, there is no solid indication on what the peripheral really is. Nintendo will be having a press conference this Thursday, and hopefully they will address the question of the mystery peripheral.

Since the introduction of Wii-Fit from Nintendo bloggers, readers and even doctors have criticized the brand new gaming console’s attempt in the weight loss arena as just another piece of worthless workout equipment. Even with the major continued success of Wii accessories (i.e. Guitar Hero III Wireless Bundle), and domination of the interactive gaming world, Nintendo’s controversary over the combination of gaming and exercise is clearly taking the gaming world by storm.  As time passes more and more Wii-Fit users are fighting back and sharing their experiences online. No commercials, no bias opinion, and no lies. These bloggers and video bloggers are merely trying to prove that this new Wii component IS indeed worth it’s weight (no pun intended).

The Wii-Fit was launched May 21st 2008 has already sold over 1 million units in the US alone! With so many people willing to give Wii-Fit a try we wanted to scour the internet and see just how well the Wii-Fit was working in the bloggosphere!

Results?

Wii came across (haha) this site and this site which is (you guessed it) dedicated to the Nintendo Wii-Fit and testing it’s results. While the weight loss wasn’t dramatic, nor astonishing considering the length of workout, it’s easy to conclude that the Wii-Fit really does work! Obviously keeping a healthy diet, and adding exercise to your daily regiment is still the number one way to keep healthy, the Wii-Fit is a great way to have some fun AND get additional exercise in your day.

So what can I do with Wii-Fit?
Wii-Fit has several games that are specifically designed just for it and new games are being released to work with the Wii-Fit.  Along with the standard Wii Balance Board, Wii is also going to introduce a number of new attatchments this year.  Currently the four main categories of exercise:

Yoga
Tree Pose
Warrior
Half Moon
Deep Breathing

Balance Games
Soccer Heading
Ski Slalom
Ski Jump
Table Tilt

Strength Training
Single Leg Extension
Torso Twist
Push-Up and Side Plank
Jack-Knife
Lunge

Aerobics
Hula Hoop
Basic Step
Basic Run
2 People Run

Opinion
Wii-Fit is an awesome way to combine fun and exercise. I still always suggest a healthy diet, regular exercise routine and healthy social life as a must to staying in shape, but there is no doubt that the Wii Fit is a fun way to combine gaming and exercise!  I personally would love to get a Wii Fit routine in place and test it my self, but with the warm beautiful summer here, it’s hard to resist my desire to exercise outside… I guess I will have to wait for winter for my official Wii Fit experiment!