The 8 Most Promising Non-Sequels of 2008 (2/2)

Saboteur (TBA 2008, 360/PS3)

Saboteur gets zero points for an original setting (it takes place in WWII Paris), but its objective-based twist on the Second World War has us excited for the prospects. Developed by Pandemic, this third-person shooter follows a single man as he tries to sabotage the Nazi regime to boost French morale and their "will to fight," a factor that transforms the visuals from dark and gloomy to vibrant color in real-time. Sounds intriguing, and it looks awfully beautiful.

Wii Fit (May 19, Wii)

Wii Fit is the anomaly on our list and sticks out like a sore thumb for being more fitness gimmick than actual game. But it's an important release, nonetheless, given the introduction of the accompanying Balance Board which could end up popularizing the world's first foot controller. What's more, a recent in-depth review of the Japanese version by Kotaku praised the software and peripheral, saying that bundled mini-games like ski jumping were "more fulfilling than Wii Sports" at times. Our flabby physique and imagination await.

Spore (Sep 7, PC/Mac)

Will Wright's Spore is arguably the most ambitious video game in development, at least in terms of its massive scope. The title promises to be a full evolution of the god game genre, affording players the ability to nurture multiple species from a multi-cell organism to a land walking creature, and ultimately, space exploration and cultivation. Some fear the game may miss its fall release given its elephantine size, but hopefully it delivers on both its date and breadth.

LittleBigPlanet (September, PS3)

Not only is LittleBigPlanet one of the most promising non-sequel games of 2008, it's one of the most promising games, period. Simply put, it's difficult to watch this game without wanting to play given its multiplayer focus, cooperative level design, fluid environments, and diorama-like HD graphics. Mario may have left the overworld a long time ago for galactic 3D platforming, but LittleBigPlanet looks to revive the 2D perspective with a highly creative and inviting style that's heavy on community.

Honorable mentions: Legendary (Spring, 360/PS3/PC), Boom Blox (May, Wii), Brutal Legend (TBA 2008, 360/PS3).

What non-sequel games are you most excited for? Do share your endorsements in the comments.

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