1) The Nintendo DS

  The Nintendo DS is my most anticipated thing in video games for the next year. The Nintendo DS has dual 3 inch screens on top of one another. One screen could show the action in the game while the other shows a map or statistics. Also both screen could be used together to create a larger image. Both screens can project 3D graphics that are better than the N64 but not as good as the Gamecube. They can run at 60 frames a second and can take care of fog effects and cell shading. Both screens are backlit so they are easier to see. The bottom screen has touch screen capabilities. This capability could be used to move a character, change the camera angle, or about anything else. The touch screen is durable and you can use you finger or the included stylus to access theese capabilities. The DS uses two processors. Also the DS has voice recognition so you can talk with you opponent or it could be used in gameplay. There is no need for a link cable to play against someone else as the DS has wireless capabilities. It has 16 channel sound for better music and character voices. The DS comes with a rechargeable battery and features low-energy consumption design. The games will be on compact card that can store over a gigabyte of information. The DS can also play Game Boy and Gameboy Advance games. Some of the first party game being created for the DS are Metroid Prime: Hunters, Super Mario 64X4, Wario Ware Inc. DS, Animal Crossing DS, Mario Kart DS, Super Mario Bros., and the Legend of Zelda DS. Some third party games that are being made are Pac Pix, Sonic DS, Viewtiful Joe, and Spider Man 2. There are over 100 companies that have signed on to make games and products for the DS. I can't wait till the DS comes out. On November 30, 2004 I will be waiting to get my hands on the Nintendo DS.

2) Kingdom Hearts II-Playstation 2

  My second most anticipated game is Kingdom Hearts II. In KH2 you continue the journey of Sora, Donald and Goofy to find King Mickey. This game will start about two years after the first. There is not much known about the story but Sora and his companions are fighting against an evil ruler. Some of the locales of the original will appear and some new ones will appear for the first time. The gameplay will most likely stay the same from the previous game but that is not for certain. Sometime during the game Mickey appears holding dual keyblades and looks like he is a ninja. Unfourtunately the game doesn't have a release date yet and will most likely be released late in 2005. While you wait for this one you should look into Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories. With great gameplay, Disney characters, and a ninja Mickey I can't wait for this game to come out.

3) Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith Lords-Xbox

  KOTOR: The Sith Lords is my third most anticipated game. The original KOTOR was one of my favorite games of all time and it looks like this one will be great too. The game has a new developer Obsidian entertainment which takes the place of the old developer Bioware. The game mechanics have not changed much but that is a good thing. The old game was great and the few bugs in the original are being fixed for this game. There are also a few new force powers added. This game takes place five years after the original in a time of peril for the jedi. The jedi order has been decimated by the sith and only a few jedi remain. The game will also ask you how the first game ended for you so it can tell if you went to the dark or light side. This will change the story in the game because your previous actions could effect what happened to the other characters. In this game you are not the same jedi as in the other game but you are a jedi who was kicked out of the order for some unknown reason. In this game you can also follow the dark or light side and your fellow characters will change their alliance based on your actions. The villian of this game is Darth Sion who looks like a rotting corpse. You can explore the Star Wars universe more when the game is released on December 6, 2004.

4) Final Fantasy XII-Playstation 2

  My fourth most anticipated game is Final Fantasy XII. It is the newest game in the Final Fantasy series. It is under development by the team that created Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. It takes place in Ivalice in a world controlled by two warring empires. The two main characters are Vaan and Ashe. The world also has chocobos and the other creatures of Ivalice. In the new game there will be no more random battles. You can see the enemies on screen and attack them or run away from them. The environment plays a role in combat in this game. Choosing the best place to attack and defend can make the difference between victory and defeat. The battles play out in realtime but you can pause anytime during the battle and plan out what to do next. You control 3 characters at one time. One character you control yourself and the other 2 are controlled by the computer. The graphics look great and the gameplay is looking great as well. The biggest problem is when you will be able to actually play it. At this time it is expected to be released in the winter of 2005.

5) Fable-Xbox

  Rounding of the top 5 is Fable. Fable is a game of choices. The game is open ended allowing you to do anything you want to. You can become good or evil. You could be nice to villigers or kill all of them. Your choices will make a difference in the game. If you are nice to people they will be more open to helping you and your appearance changes to look more caring. If you are evil people are afraid of you and are unlikely willing to help you. If you kill people they will be dead for good and not be able to help you with information for future conversation. You can grow horns too if you are truly evil. You have the choice on most quests if you want to do it or not. There are certain quests you have to do though. The story starts as your parents are kidnapped when you are a child. You are taken to the Heroes Guild to learn to fight and magic. The fighting takes place in real time. You can use magic, your sword, or a bow and arrow. The game is full of choices. The choice is yours on September 13, 2004.

6) The Sims 2-PC

  The Sims 2 takes the sixth spot. The life simulator has some brand new impovements that make this a game to look out for. The first thing that stands out are the graphics. The sims are now in true 3D and are looking great. The character details are outstanding making good looking sims. The houses you can create just look fantastic. You can pan the camera in several ways. You can zoom in close and get up and personal with your sims. In the previous game you spent alot of time micromanaging your sims telling them exactly what to do. Your goal in the new game is for you to fufill you sim's goals and advoid your sim's fears. Your sims have short term goals and long term goals. The more goals that are accomplished the higher rating you get, the happier your sims will be, and it determines how long your sims will live. If one of your sims fears happen they will get depressed and angry, and might even have a nervous breakdown. Another big thing in the Sims 2 is generations. In the old game the only way sims could die would be by burning, drowning, or by being electricuted. In the new game people grow from children, to teens, to adults, to elders and then die of old age. You can control the families for generations. When two people have a baby it will be a blend of the two parents genes. They will also take after their parents. Finally you can make home videos of your sims. You can document big events in your sims life. You can then share theese films with others online so they can see your videos. You can get this game on September 14, 2004.

7) The Legend of Zelda-Gamecube

  The Legend of Zelda takes the 7th spot. This game came out of nowhere and shocked many when it was showed at E3. Not much is known about this game. There is no information of the story or combat. All the information people have is what they saw in the trailer. Zelda has returned from his breif time in cell shading and is now realistic. He looks more grown up in the game and the world around looks like it has to. It looks like the puzzles will be challenging and the combat looks as good as ever. Link can ride a horse and attack at the same time. There is not much more I can tell you at this time. I assume this game will be released sometime in 2005.

8) The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth-PC

  The first of two Lord of the Rings games comes in at number 8. Are you a fan of RTS's? Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? If you answered yes to the two previous questions, this game is for you. This game is a RTS in the Lord of the Rings universe. If you had ever wanted to control the forces in the big battles of the movie you can do it in this game. At times in the game there can be hundreds of units on the screen at once. These units look great and act like they should. If some footsoldiers encounter a cave troll they will be afraid and want to run away. When soldiers win a big fight they celebrate afterwards. The heroes from the movies also make an appearance. They help out the troops in battle and in some missions are the only characters you get. A mission where they are alone are the Mines of Moria. The battles look epic and all the different races in the game have strengths and weaknesses. Get ready to fight the battles of the movies in November of 2004.

9) The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age-All Consoles

  The 9th spot goes to a rpg based in the LOTR universe. This game is like a mix of Final Fantasy X and Lord of the Rings. This game is made by EA and uses technology used in the movies to the fullest. The game takes place during the time of the events of the movie. You and your group of companions have been sent on a mission. You control six characters Berethor (a Gondorian), Hadhod (a Dwarf), Idrial (an Elf), Elegost (a scruffy-looking ranger dude) and two people from Rohan. You also get to control at times characters from the movies like Gandalf or Aragorn. Your mission is to find Boromir and stop the fellowship. Later in the game you find out you have been tricked by Saruman. You then help out the fellowship when you meet up several time during the game. The battles are turn based and resemble those of Final Fantasy. There are special battles too. Enemies could be on a ledge and you will only be able to attack them with arrows or magic. Earning levels is just like most RPG's. Your characters have some of the same abilities but some are specific for each person. You can expect this game to be released on November 2 of this year.

10) Prince of Persia 2-All Consoles

  The Prince Returns and gets the 10th spot. The first game was a great adventure/platformer and this game improves on almost every problem of the original. The game uses the same engine as the first game but they have improved the graphics and created larger levels. There are many different locales to explore in this game like a pirate ship during a large storm. The combat system had improved from last years game also. You can now grab your enemies and use them as a shield or kill them in several different ways. He can run up the backs of large enemies and use several more of his moves from the previous game now in combat. The prince doesn't have the dagger of time anymore but he can still rewind time. He can also slow the world down while he moves at regular speed. There are also new platforming moves such as the rope run. The story takes place 5 years after the original. The prince has undone what the dagger of time created and everyone was returned as if nothing happened. But when the prince opened the hour glass he set a number of events in motion. When this happened it was the prince's fate to die in the palace. But the prince survived and changed his fate. Whenever a person advoids his fate a great warrior (Dahaka) is summoned and is supposed to restore things to what they were supposed to be. The game takes place at this moment. The prince is trying to advoid the Dahaka while he trains to become a better warrior. Whatever the prince does he cannot seem to defeat the Dahaka. When the prince starts wandering from place to place in order to advoid the Dahaka, his people start to think the prince has gone crazy. You will be able to see if the prince can defeat the Dahaka when the game ships on November 16th.

11) Halo 2-Xbox

  The most anticipated game for most gamers gets 11th place. The Xbox's premire franchise is coming out November 8th. Halo has received praise as one of the best games of all time. The sequel improves on almost everything and looks to be a great sucessor of a great game franchise. First of all the weapons have been upgraded. Bungie has worked on balancing the weapons so no weapon is to powerful. There are also new weapons like a submachine gun and plasma swords. You can also wield two weapons if they are of the smaller variety. You can shoot with both weapons at once or alternate fire. Vehicles have also improved. Now vehicles can be damaged and eventually blow up if exposed to too much damage. You can also take control of vehicles that a character is driving. The Warthog now also has a rocket launcher instead of the machine gun of the original. The graphics have improved greatly. You can now blow up walls with your weapons. Finally multiplayer has improved. New game modes and bigger maps have been added. Halo 2 is a long awaited game and will be released on November 8.

12) Ratchet and Clank: Up your Arsenal-Playstation 2

  My 12th most anticipated game is Ratchet and Clank Up Your Arsenal. The first two Ratchet and Clank games were great platformers and the newest game seems like it will improve the series even more. The biggest new feature is online multiplayer. The online multiplayer features capture the flag, and defend your base. Eight players can play at a time. In capture the flag you first have to disable turrets to get into the base where the other teams flag is in. There are vehicles you can use also. There are bombers and other types of vehicles. The single player was not neglected either. There is a new story with the great platforming from the original. Ratchet's Homeworld is again under attack and the duo heads off to help. They learn that Dr. Nefarious is seeking to exterminate all life. Ratchet and Clank search for help from Capt. Quark to beat Dr. Nefarious. At points of the game you will be accompanied by Q-Force members (characters from previous games) who will be controlled by AI. Some characters are Skid McMarx and Big Al. Each weapon can now be upgraded 5 times. Some weapons from the previous game will return and some new ones are in this game. There is supposedly 150% more enemies in this game than others. The game is alot like Going Commando but has a few different features. The game will be released on November 9th.

13) Sony's PSP

  The second new handheld gets the 13th spot. The Sony PSP was showed off to the public at E3 this year. No games were released and none were playable at E3. It has a 4.5 inch screen that projects 3D images. Sony's experts claim it will be able to produce graphics that rival the Playstation 2. It has two 32 bit microprocessors. It can play MP3's and movies. The controls are similar to those of the Playstation. Overall the Sony PSP has better hardware than the DS. However, I think the DS will be better because it is cheaper, more innovative, and will have better games. Let the handheld wars begin in the first quarter of 2005 when the Sony PSP is released.

14) Pikmin 2-Gamecube

  The 14th most anticipated game goes to Pikmin 2. The sequel adds new features to the already great gameplay of the original. The basic puzzles and controls are back and are not changed. You grow Pikmin to fight and retrieve goods for you. In this game Olimar is accompanied by Looie who helps him with his quest. Looie can be controlled by the same person as Olimar or by another player. You can now play co-op or compete against another in capture the flag and king of the hill. There are two new pikmin types purple and white. The chubby purple pikmin can carry heavier loads than all the other pikmin. The white pikmin are immune to specific gasses that can be encountered during you adventures. The other pikmin have the same advantages from the other game. There are over 60 different types of enemies you can fight against. Capt. Olimar's employer is in debt of 10,000 pokos and needs money quick. So Capt. Olimar and his Pikmin friends are sent to a planet to scavenge for items to be sold to pay off the debt. Some of the treasures you discover are classic Nintendo items like Game and Watch, and Game Boy D-pads. The game ships soon on the 30th of August.

15) Sly 2: Band of Theives-Playstation 2

  My 15th most anticipated game is Sly 2 Band of Theives. The original was a great overlooked platformer that few people played. The game returns with some improvements to make it better than the original. Sly 2 takes place two years after the original. In the previous game Sly defeated his family's arch-nemesis Clockwerk. Sly learns that the pieces to clockwerk have been unearthed and have been stolen. Sly and the gang are out to find out who has the pieces to clockwerk. In the new game Sly's gang (Bently and Murray) are playable characters. Bently is the brains of the operation, and uses dynamite and a traqualizer gun. Murray punches his enemies and uses his brawn to help out the team. Finally Sly is the sneaky one and does most of the stealth and stealing. The new levels are less linear than the previous game. You have more of a choice in what you want to do. The game is slated to be released on September 14th.

16) Paper Mario 2-Gamecube

  My 16th most anticipated game is Paper Mario 2. Paper Mario on the N64 was a great action RPG and one of my favorite games for that console. The game has had some upgrades and continues on in the charming mood of the original. The graphics have improved nominally from the previous game. They are not complex graphics but are very charming. The graphics play deeply off the paper idea including the bosses looking like they were folded out of paper. Mario encounters many friends on his journey that help him out and fight with him. The story has Mario searching for star crystals and fighting a giant dragon named hooktail. Get ready for another Mario adventure when the game ships on October 11th.

17) Splinter Cell Chaos Theory-PC, Xbox

  Sam sneaks up and snatches up the 17th spot. In Sam's third mission the stakes have become higher. The new game features the best graphics ever seen on a console before. The light and shadow effects have been improved more so Sam can hide in the shadows. The biggest improvement in the graphics is the new physics model. There are rag doll physics present in Chaos Theory so you kills and knockouts seem so more realistic. There is are particle affects and a totally interactive enviroment. New kills have been added such as neck breaks, knife attacks, and ledge throws. New weapons of tomorrow have been also added to Sam's arsenal. The multiplayer has returned from Pandora Tommorow including all new co-op missions. The single player has also improved. There are new smarter AI opponents that you have to sneak around. Missions also require you to get closer to your enemies than ever before. The game is also less linear this time around. There are several ways to complete a mission and there are submissions along the way. The story takes place in 2008. Information warfare has become the greatest threat to America. Sam Fisher's job is to prevent information warfare while he collects important information. Get ready for some stealth action in 2005.

18) Jade Empire-Xbox

  Bioware's newest title gets the 18th spot. Jade Empire is a martial arts game that takes place is mystical China. This game takes alot from KOTR. First of all you create your character and choose statistics in strength, speed, and magic. The combat looks amazing already. Two buttons (A and X) are used for fighting. The combat is smooth and enjoyable with great animation for the characters. There are over 30 different martial arts to master. There are also special modes to enter to slow down time and other cool powers. Defence is also good. When you hold down the defence button your character bobs and dodges as if perfectly choreographed. Fighting is great and you have followers to help you out. You can't control what they do but they lend a helping hand. The conversation system from KOTR has returned. The conversations you have with people can change the story for better or worse. The graphics of the game are breathtaking. The landscapes are lush and the architecture is varied. Unlike in KOTR the characters you meet on your journey will have usually different faces. Biowares next creation will be released in February of 2005.

19) Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories-Game Boy Advance

  Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories takes the 19th spot. Chain of Memories takes place between KH1 and KH2 on Sora's journey to find King Mickey. The combat is supposedly the same as the original with the exception of cards. A deck of cards plays a role in this game in combat. I con't know at this time what role it plays but it will be in the game. Locales from the previous game will return along with some new ones. There is not much more information for this game at this time. I guess we will find out more when it is released on November 15th.

20) Star Wars Battlefront-Playstation 2, Xbox, PC

  Play through your favorite battles in my 20th ranked game Star Wars Battlefront. Star Wars Battlefront is alot like EA's Battlefield series but in the Star Wars Universe. Locales in the game include Endor, Hoth, Bespin, Kamino, and Geonosis. You can battle Clone Troopers, Droids, Startroopers, and Rebels. A game is won in the same way as in Battlefield. Vehicles play a major role in combat and are very powerful. There are also things to stop vehicles from being to powerful. Ewoks set traps for vehicles on Endor and so on. Each class has special weapons and abilities like the Empire's Dark Trooper who has a jetpack. For the consoles 32 players can play together with the computer possibly being able to have more. Computer controlled characters fill up unpopulated servers and in some maps some computer characters will help one side. For example, sometimes the Ewoks will help the republic. There are also aliens that fight both teams equally. The game releases the same day as the original triology is released on dvd. That date is September 20.

21) Roller Coaster Tycoon 3-PC

  My 21st most anticipated game is Roller Coaster Tycoon 3. RCT and RCT2 were both great tycoon games and RCT3 looks like it will be a great continuation of the series. In the game you make your own theme park with roller coasters and other attractions. You could make detailed parks in the previous games but they were only 2D. In the new game the graphics are 3D and are extremely detailed. The roller coasters you can now build are better and prettier than ever. You can also look at them at any angle. You can see the freightened guests scream on your terrifying coaster. If you think you are braver than your visitors you can also ride your coasters. The guests are also smarter in this game. The visitors arrive now in groups. There are families with kids, singles, or a dating couple. These groups will stay together in the park and ride on the same rides. Finally the mission structure has changed. Now there is no time limit but goals have to be met in your park. There are necessary goals and smaller goals that don't have to be completed. These smaller goals increase your score. Also there is a sandbox mode where you don't have to worry about goals. All you have to worry about is building your park however you please. You can expect roller coaster madness when Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is released on November 1st, 2004.

22) Gran Turismo 4-Playstation 2

Gran Turismo 4 is my 22nd rated game. Gran Turismo is a great racing franchise and it seems like it will improve even more. First of all the amount of vehicles have improved greatly. With around 500 vehicles it has about 4 times as many vehicles as the previous game. One of the most unique vehicles is Ford's Model T car. Along with more cars there are also more tracks. There are around 50 tracks to race on. The vehicles and tracks look gorgeous. The locales look very close to their real life counterparts. The biggest new feature is online play. You will be able to play online with at least 6 players. Other players can also join as spectators. Modes include circuit, tournament, and rumors say drag and drift racing. The game will be released on November 14th.

23) The Movies-PC

  My 23rd most anticipated game is The Movies. The title speaks for itself as in the game you make movies. This game was created by Peter Molyneux at Lionhead Studios. The game takes place from 1900 to the present. You are in charge of a studio and you can build up it and maintain it. You also are in charge of your actors and actresses. You need to keep them as happy as possible. The bigger the star the bigger the demands. If you don't keep them happy then they can get a drinking problem or need help from therapists. The final thing you are in charge of is making movies. You can choose from over 40 sets. You then have to create a storyboard, and create a script. You then assign actors and actresses to different scenes, and begin filming. During the filming you can adjust the violence and other factors. If you don't like how it turned out you can do a retake. When you are finished you can show your movie off. If you ever wanted to be a director this game is for you. You can expect this game to be out in 2005.

24) Donkey Kong Jungle Beat-Gamecube

  My 24th most anticipated game is Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat has a very interesting concept. Jungle Beat is a platformer with an interesting twist. Jungle Beat uses a drum peripheral to move Donkey Kong during the game. You bang on the drums to move, jump and fight. The graphics are great. The game is supposedly on the easier side but is alot of fun. If you are not afraid to look a little foolish, you should take a look at this game when it is released in 2005.

25) Star Wars Republic Commando-All Consoles

  My 25th most anticipated game is Star Wars Republic Commando. Republic Commando is a squad based shooter that takes place in the Star Wars Universe. It is a game like Rainbow Six that takes place between the 2nd and 3rd movie. It introduces aspects from the upcoming movie including characters and locales like the wookie homeworld. In the game you play as a republic soldier from the end of the second movie. The graphics look good and I think this game will be good. The release date at this time is November, 8 2004.