This is '09: Page 2: 06-10

	Prototype (Activision/Free Radical) Free Radical's upcoming sandbox styled action game, Prototype is starting to gather a considerable amount of hype around the net after a few gameplay videos have been released. After an early look it looks like Prototype could be the Crackdown of 2009. Prototype’s disguise and destroy exploitation of the superhero seems just what the gamer ordered to spice things up from the typical Marvel franchise of action heroes. Featuring well over 700 moves, shape-shifting abilities, and super strength and agility, what is there not to like? Prototype is slated for a summer release, and until then we'll keep watching Alex Mercer as Prototype continues development in '09.

	Killzone 2 (SCEE/Guerrilla Games) Ah Killzone, it has only been since four years since you're controversial video debuted at E3 2005. 2009 might be a little longer than we expected to wait for you to come out, but at last, you're closing in on a world wide release. At least one thing is for certain Killzone 2 is set up to impress with countless hours put into development from the smallest detail all the way up to the grand scope of the project. From our early impressions of the build, Killzone 2 looks great and lived up to our expectations of what a good Killzone game should be. The graphics are turning out to be one of the best looking games on the Playstation 3, and now its only matter of time to see if the game can hold up to what it promised back in E3 2005. We'll be on the look out for the Helghast onslaught February 27th, 2009.

	Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Rockstar Games/Rockstar Leeds) Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars might not be as cool as GTA IV for the Wii, but it will definitely do. The Nintendo DS is an odd duck with a lack of mature style titles, but this is all about to change. With a new DS coming down the road and Chinatown War's unique GTA perspective, the DS should pick up sales from a whole new demographic. In Chinatown Wars you’ll play as Huang Lee, a Triad member in Liberty City. Expect to shooting things up and cause a lot of havoc like every GTA title. Expectations are high, but that hasn’t slowed down Rockstar in the past. Look for Chinatown Wars to be a hot seller this March.

 

	Splinter Cell: Conviction (Ubisoft/Ubisoft Montreal) Ubisoft has been doing quite well for themselves lately and this has been without the help of a certain, Sam Fisher. Fisher who has been missing from the action in the last few years is ready to sneak back to the top of the charts. It's not a given that we will see Fisher by the end of 2009, but we hope so. Splinter Cell has yet to disappoint which makes it even more exciting awaiting the latest solo Tom Clancy experience. One thing for certain It will be interesting to see how Ubisoft plays with the crowd mechanics using the Assassins Creed graphics engine. Conviction should be one of the best adventures yet, just look at Fisher's new beard! Lets just hope Ubisoft doesn’t put this one off for another year.

	Brutal Legend (Electronic Arts/Double Fine Productions) Brutal Legend rocked out at Spike’s gaming awards last year catching everyone’s eyes and ears by surprise. Jack Black staring in a rock n’ roll action game seems like a match made in gaming heaven. Add in Pyschonauts developer Tim Schafer and the rock gods start grinning a little more. Brutal Legend could break a string if the gameplay isn’t nailed just right, but I think this is going to be one of the most refreshing games to be released this year. For those about to rock, we salute you!