Unchartd 2: Among Thieves (SCE/Naughty Dog)
The first Uncharted was a pleasant surprise that showed us that the Tomb Raider formula of treasure hunting could be more than bouncing boobs and seductive short-shorts. Naughty Dog put a lot of personality into their original hit and it seems Drake's fortune is to make more Uncharted games. Uncharted 2 should expand on the rich atmosphere, graphical prowess, and character development from the original adventure while putting Drake into more unlikely situations and frantic gun fights. Uncharted 2 has a lot to prove as Naughty Dog solidifies the franchise on the PS3.

DC Universe Online (SOE/SCE Online Austin)
This one is an iffy! Will DC Universe Online come out in 2009, will it come out, period? If it does, it will be an interesting game to watch. This MMO with limitless possibilities has the established licence to bring the addictive nature of MMOs to the console world. Developed by guys from Everquest and Jim Lee, DC Universe Online could please everybody's dream of being a superhero in a living breathing world. Not too much has been shown on this ambitious project, however a list of characters has appeared and it seems like everyone is included from villains like Bizarro and Catwoman to fan favorites like Batman, Superman, and Green Arrow. Make sure you bookmark the homepage and watch this one as it develops.

The Conduit (SEGA/High Voltage Software)
The Conduit seems like it will take off where Metroid left off as a solid FPS for the Wii console. Like any true shooter, High Voltage is also building a multiplayer component that should give gamers a few reasons to type in their friend codes. Even more impressive then bringing a full flushed out shooter is the magical voodoo High Voltage has working behind their game called Quantum 3. This Will exclusive is looking better every day, inching closer to the Wii's HD console friends. Like Madworld, the Conduit will serve up a much needed does of gaming on the console that is becoming the casual gaming king.

The Godfather II (Electronic Arts/EA Redwood)
Electronic Arts is jumping back into 1950s with their Godfather franchise. Picking up after the first game which was loosely based around the motion pictures plot, the Godfather II will do the same. Expect EA Redwood to expand upon the sandbox style that was presented in the first Godfather game while hopefully addressing the small flaws that held the original game back from the success of other gangster sandbox action games. With Michael in charge in '09, The Godfather II will be one to watch and a definite pick up for all Godfather fans. Electronic Arts has slapped The Godfather II with a late February release date, lets hope we can get our hands dirty in a months time.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion (Activision/Vicarious Visions)
It doesn't seem to long ago that I was busting heads in the top down arcade experience known as Marvel Ultimate Alliance, however looking back that was 2006! This break in games development is perfect timing for Vicarious to work up an exceptional follow-up to what is one of the best Marvel games ever made. Hopefully Vicarious Visions doesn't switch up the formula too much and sticks with the beat em' up formula with a few new tricks. Given the thousands of Marvel comics on the shelf, this plot could come from any direction which is half the fun of the Marvel Ultimate Alliance games. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion might not be as revolutionary as some of the other games on this list, but it will likely be one of the most entertaining. Expect this one to be released in the fourth quarter.