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International | Feature

Feature: The 8 Most Promising Non-Sequels of 2008

Feature by Blake Snow | 03/04/2008 | 12:37:14 PM PST

Nothing wrong with quality game sequels, but for those in search of the road less traveled, this list is for you.

2008 may end up being the year of the sequel. Just listen to this lineup of high-profile follow-ups: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Grand Theft Auto IV, Ninja Gaiden 2, StarCraft 2, Fallout 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, Resident Evil 5, Mario Kart Wii, Guitar Hero 4, Resistance 2, Gears of War 2, and Call of Duty 5. Hopefully these games warrant their existence, and we're confident many will.

But what about new games, the ones that lead not just follow? Marketing types call them "original IPs;" we call them risk-takers. So in an effort to applaud their individuality, we profile the most promising ones for the rest of the year, based on first-impressions, breakout potential, and pedigree. A handful of titles are based on existing themes and ideas, but their creative spirit should not be overlooked.

De Blob (Jun 27, Wii)

De Blob could be the first THQ game I've been excited for in... well, forever. This quirky platformer was conceived at Utrecht University by a group of student designers and has players tinting a monochrome world with a paint-absorbing blob (for which the game was named). It's quite a sight to see a drab cityscape go from grey to color as the game progresses, and we're anxious to see the final result this summer.

Prototype (Oct 30, 360/PS3/PC)

Prototype is a sandbox action title by Radical Entertainment, who developed the surprisingly enjoyable Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction in 2005. While retaining the same destructive super powers of the Hulk, Prototype lets players ravish a war-torn New York City like a shape-shifting cyborg from Terminator 2 who's keen on Parkour. In essence, Crackdown meets Assassin's Creed on steroids. Count me in.

Facebreaker (June, 360/PS3/Wii)

To be fair, Facebreaker is a next-gen rip-off of Mike Tyson's Punch-Out for the NES, something EA Canada admits to. And that's not a bad thing given the game's focus on arcade approachability, exaggeration, counter punches, and over-the-top opponents. Assuming Facebreaker successfully updates the enjoyment of the 8-bit boxing classic with a fresh coat of paint and "facial deformation," we'll call it a knock-out.

Dead Space (Oct 31, 360/PS3/PC)

Dead Space feels eerily similar to Aliens, but the introductory trailer and our first hands-on demonstrated a level of suspense, mood, and intensity we haven't seen in a while. The premise: the entire crew of a deep space mining ship has gone missing, and it's up to you, the sole survivor, to rid the vessel of alien baddies. It should be noted that EA's survival horror only marginally beat out Left 4 Dead (360/PC), the fast-paced Zombie Killer by Valve with a heavy focus on co-op play.


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