The Top Ten Games to Look For In 2007
by Adam, 12.03.06
Feast on the Forthcoming Frenzy
The new year is but a few weeks away, and with that, comes the game craze of the future. So, naturally GV is coming out with the best of the best for your anticipation. These games have been chosen, not only because of the hype surrounding them, but also because they're looking to bend the envelope in terms of gameplay. And without further ado, here they are.
10. Spore
Platform: PC
Expected Release Date: October 1, 2007
Why It Matters: There's really not much information surrounding Spore, so I can't bless it with a higher spot on this list, but it has one killer concept. Basically, Will Wright and his team at Maxis are making a game that lets the player control evolution. You start out with a group of single celled organisms floating in the proverbial primordial ooze, and send them on the path to civilization. It's basically every strategy title and God-sim rolled into one neat package.... Commence drooling. 
9. Super Smash Brothers Brawl!
Platform: Wii
Expected Release Date: Summer
Why It Matters: These days of online gaming have made people forget how much fun you can have with a bunch of friends in front of one T.V. And no game was better geared towards this kind of play than Super Smash Brothers Melee. The most frantic multiplayer fighting game on the market is coming in sequel form to the Wii, packed to the hilt with awesomeness. Seriously, it's going to have Solid Snake as a character! Do you really need to know anything else?
8. Super Mario Galaxy
Platform: Wii
Expected Release Date: Late Spring
Why It Matters: Unfortunately, the Gamecube only had one traditional Mario game, and a slew of shameful sports tie-ins. Hopefully the Wii won't be as derivative, and so far the future looks promising. Mario is now set to take on the entire universe by platforming through whole galaxies, using only the Wii-mote. Graphically, it looks like a stunner, with bright, colorful levels and smooth animations. It earns its spot on this list through pedigree alone, but the new take on gameplay justifies it for everyone.
7. Alan Wake
Platform: XBOX 360, PC
Expected Release Date: TBA 2007
Why It Matters: This is going to be the future of survival horror games. Plain and simple. Chronicling the events of a psychologically troubled author in the pacific northwest (it's always writers who are the demented ones), it features an open world design grounded in realism. The plan is to have dynamic weather, and realistic textures down to the most tiny and mundane of surfaces; providing a recognizable and realistic setting with which to contrast the eerie apparitions present in the game. Also, the way its presented will be completely new. Taking cues from serialized dramas on TV a'la Lost or 24, the game will feature narration over each chapter, episode recaps, and previews for what's to come in the game.
6. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Platform: Wii
Expected Release Date: Spring
Why It Matters: Next to Zelda, this is the Wii's claim to fame. And even more so because it was built for the system from the start. It's looking to be the best of the bunch in terms of graphics, with even more bloom and special effects, plus now running at a locked 60 frames per second. More important is the manner in which the controls are being handled. The Wii-mote is going to be used more for manipulating things in 3-D space, like Samus' grapple beam. And the reticle will now be free to move around the screen at a mere flick of the wrist in order to pull off more precise shots. It's being used right now in games like Call of Duty 3, and Red Steel to marginal success, but Samus' third adventure looks to boast the most polished take on this particular type of first person control. In a few words, the Wii could revolutionize first person shooters, and Metroid Prime 3 is the way to do it.