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2004 has yet to end and yet it has undoubtedly been one of the best years for games. Certainly the final few months have brought delights across all platforms but the industry rarely sleeps and there is much on the way for the next twelve months, both in the realm of hardware and software as a whole raft of new platforms are set to exploded onto the scene here in the UK, carrying with them - hopefully the weight of innovation to the games that we see. Here is a peek as to what is likely to burst forth during the next year.
The biggest battle next year is not going to be on the forefront of games but on the devices that power them. Both Sony and Nintendo will be releasing their newest handheld systems, Sony for the first time with the PlayStation Portable. Nintendo will be relying on their DS, the innovative Dual Screen based platform that they hope will stave off the challenge from the PSP into their one last bastion of market dominance. The two systems boast impressive, if different specifications. Ranging from touch-screen and a wireless network with the DS to the PSP's more rounded multimedia capabilities using the latest Sony standard for miniaturised video and music playback.
Not that the big players will have the small screen field to themselves. There is the Zodiac Tapware, Nokia's revamped N-Gage system and other smartphones due for release or re-release in 2005, things are getting more crowded as the rush for the GameBoy crown heats up.
On the horizon also, distant as next December may seem, are the three new 'Big Boy' consoles. Sony's PlayStation 3, Nintendo's Revolution and the much touted Xbox 2 from Microsoft.
Of the three the new Xbox is likely to be the most radical, with reputedly a complete overhaul and revamp. Ranging from a new processor, to a graphics card by Radeon as opposed to Nvidia, packaged up into a new look console. The rumoured reason for such a radical change is that the original Xbox was too close to being a working PC and infringed on IBM's toes. Time will tell if the new setup will be as rugged or popular as the current version.
Sony have tried another tack. They have gone for a more evolutionary approach, that is not to say that there are no new tricks up their sleeves, with the reportedly revolutionary processor - codenamed 'Cell' powering the ensemble things are looking good. With the PS3 slated to be at the heart of a complete entertainment centre (a continuation of the original plan for the PS2), with the Cell powering everything from the TV to the clockwork steam iron.
Less is known about what Nintendo intend to offer. Notoriously close lipped about just what their new 'Cube will be able to do the Big N seems to be hedging their bets. Rumours are that it will be of similar capabilities to the other two, possibly this time with proper connection to the internet. However what is needed is a more coherent campaign as to what the new machine does and who it is aimed for.
It has been well known for the last few years that whilst sales of the systems drive the sales of games, it is the games themselves that deliver the majority of profit for companies. Already there are some big name titles lined up for next year and undoubtedly more will be announced, dates will shift and games may even disappear, never to be seen again. Ever.
January kicks off with the latest version of the Zelda series.. Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, kicks off the year with Link once more having to save Hyrule as Princess Zelda goes missing and Link is tricked into releasing the evil sorcerer Vaati. Link will continue his adventures on the GameCube later in the year with the stunning-looking The Legend of Zelda (working title). Microsoft also start the year off strongly will MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, which is already getting some great reviews from across the pond.
February's highlight is Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. Follow up to the phenomenally well received original. Five years after KOTOR, Sith assassins have reduced the Jedi to one and they hunt that one ruthlessly. No prizes for guessing that it is you they are after. Ace Combat 5 will finally get a release in Europe, and the long-awaited Grand Turismo 4 will be released for the PlayStation 2. Around this time we should also see the release of Rockstars' Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, as the underground street racer returns - looking better than ever.
March sees the release of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex onto the PS2. Based on the anime series that itself was a split off from the original, stark anime film. You get to play the part of three of the characters from the series in a richly detailed universe of the near future as you fight terrorists for Section 9. March will also see the release of Timesplitters Future Perfect for Xbox, PS2 and GameCube. Pandemic's homage to the '50s B-Movie - Destroy all Humans! will be zapping its way onto the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in March.
April has an expansion to look forwards to X2 - The Return picks up a few weeks after the events in X2 - The Threat. With depleted resources and a reduced military capability a new enemy hoves into view and the only man who can stop it is Julian Brennan. Will the force be strong with LEGO Star Wars? April will see the release of this interesting new take on the Star Wars gaming francise.
May launches Conspiracy: Weapons of Mass Destruction hopes to evade the notice of the US and bring use a new FPS based around the powerful engine from the Fire Warrior game. You play Cole Justice, a tough ex-government agent, mercenary and all round hardman, his mission is to cut the head off of the rogue government agency 'Hydra'. Also in May there will be many new games out for Sony's PS2 and Nintendo's DS to look forward to when both new systems launch in Europe.
About this time Hitman Blood Money should be rolling into view as Agent 47 finds himself alone and on the run as a new element enters into the Contract Killing business. With only his resources, skills and experience to rely on 47 is plunged into a new role. That of hunter of the hunter. June will also see the release of Rockstars' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the Xbox and PC.
The latter part of the year is less firm but those that stand out are Dynasty Warriors 5, UFO: Aftershock, MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 3 and Deadllands. A mix of recognised names and a conversion of a well known RPG system tie in. No doubt as the year continues more will be revealed and big name titles will appear. Expect a slew of them for the new systems and the return of updated favourites.
And Silicon Fusion will be there to let you know about them.
Chris Snook
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