A new Golden Age of gaming. Part Three

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 29 August 2007 06:00

Opinion and Analysis

One of the largest publishers in the world, Electronic Arts have timed their end of year run well, with a hoard of releases sure to be hot this holiday season.

Going head to head with Atari’s Pro Evolution Soccer, FIFA 08 (which includes the Australian Hyundai A-League as a feature) coming to (like most EA releases – across many platforms) PC, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii and Xbox 360.

SKATE is destined to be compared to the Tony Hawk franchise of boarding games.  Still a little competition is always good.  SKATE will rack up tricks on the PS3 and Xbox 360

No EA discussion is complete without a mention of The Sims.  Rather than another expansion though, MySims, for Nintendo DS, Wii marks the invasion of Nintendo, especially with the Wii-mote control mechanism in mind.

Need for Speed ProStreet will up the ante for the venerable racing series, featuring an enhanced damage model previously unheard of for the franchise.  Coming to Wii, PC, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360 and DS

The Simpsons will bring all the fun and frolics of the U.S’s favourite dysfunctional family to interactive entertainment.  Riding on the coat-tails of the movie, fans can pick up The Simpsons on PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii and DS.

Medal of Honor Airborne – Brings U.S. spelling and more WWII action to the small screen.  Taking a much more open battlefield approach to the traditional FPS genre, MoHA allows players to airdrop into combat where ever they choose.  Could breathe fresh life into the franchise, current release date is 13th September for Xbox 360 and PC with a PS3 version also on the way.

Finally we look forward to the release of Crysis on PC before the end of the year.  Bringing a new level of visuals and interactivity to the FPS market is developer Crytek’s aim.  Don your Nano suit and take on the enemy as you see fit in this Sci-Fi shooter, which may struggle to live up to the hype build up.  Lets hope not.