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The Best of the best

We have finally made it to today, the best of the best. In my opinion of course. You may not agree with my choices. You may have already seen the game that is "your" game this holiday season. However, I like you am a gamer, and I have my favorites just like all of you. However, I don’t think you will be disappointed by the end of the list.

I know that sometimes when companies try and re-open an old franchise it can go horribly wrong. This game is no stranger to it’s ups and downs however I think that this year will be Laura Croft’s year. Tomb Raider Underworld comes out on November 3^rd, and I think it will be the best one yet. Laura is actually coming off of a decent game now in Legend which brought back memories of the good 'ole days in Tomb Raiders history.

Open world gameplay, is this T.R?

Balance is key.

Underworld gives fans the same basic gameplay that has been seen in Tomb Raider for years. However, your objectives can now be reached by multiple paths. No longer sticking to the one path method Laura can now roam freely around the level and take whatever path you choose for her. With new gadgets as well as new vehicles Tomb Raider looks to bring it back this fall. PC, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, DS

Those kitties don't look to friendly.

Ah, yes, Laura in a swimsuit...

If you’re into the online scene then you have noticed that there are a ton of people out there playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat. This fall Call of Duty:World at War debuts for the PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS. However, I’m a little worried about the game. Yes, the game is being based off of Modern’s engine. However, Infinity Ward is not developing the game. That task is for Treyarch, who is bringing the franchise back to World War II.

Sink those Japanese.

As you can see we're back in WWII.

For history buffs who have read up on World War II in the pacific you’ll know that it was not a place you wanted to be. The Japanese used brutal tactics as well as a kamikaze style. This game will have a darker narrative than Modern Warfare, as you battle the Japanese in the Pacific as well as push the Germans out of Russia. The game does shed some light onto places where Modern didn’t, co-op gameplay. Yes, now you and three friends can battle your way through the campaign mode with ever changing AI determining your difficulty level. However, we shall see if Treyarch can live up to the online reputation set forth by Infinity Ward this fall.

Step in front of this and your dead.

Not only Americans but Russians.

The developers over at Lucasarts have been busy these past few years developing probably the most sought after multi-console title this holiday season, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Bridging the gap between Episode III and Episode IV, The Force Unleashed puts you behind the lightsaber of Darth Vader’s secret apprentice. As the apprentice you will hunt down the last of the Jedi and face decisions that will change the course of your destiny. The best part so far revealed, the first level you get to play as Lord Vader himself.

Kicking someones butt with the force.

Many a force move is at your disposal.

When you think about Jedi you think about one thing, the Force. As the name implies you will be doing some impressive force powers. All versions of the game tell the same story however, each console does it in it’s own fashion. If you have downloaded any of the videos on Xbox Live (which do contain spoilers) you have seen that the developers consider the concept of this game to be "kicking someone’s @$$ with the force." A proposition that I am looking forward to fulfill when the game hits September 16^th. PS3, PS2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, DS

The game looks pretty good on the Wii.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, yeeeeeaaaahhhhh!!!

I love reading as much as I love playing video games. However, when I get a chance to play in my books that is a phenomenal experience. Lord of the Rings is my favorite book series, J.R.R. Tolkien is a genius. That being said you can understand why I am excited about Lord of the Rings Conquest, brought to you by the developers of both Star Wars Battlefront games, comes to the PC, PS3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo DS this fall.

Massive battles in LOTR!!!

I think its time for that lunch break...

Pandemic is doing everything it can to deliver a quality game with the Lord of the Rings name to it. So far from what I’ve seen, it is definitely on my wish list. The game has two campaigns one for good where you are trying to destroy the ring and one for evil where you began your campaign after Frodo fails to destroy the ring. That right there should have you sold. No other developer has dug this deep into the Lord of the Rings universe.

Orc left: "That's him Maurice." Orc right: "Yeah he said he could beat ya." Gondor soldier: "Oh you're Maurice. See ya"

Terrorize Middle Earth as the baddies in the Evil campaign.

Like Battlefront you’ll get to choose from different classes. So far classes include Warrior, Archer, Mage, and Scout. The game has an extensive cast of characters such as heros, Wargs, Ents, Oliphaunts, Cave-Trolls, Nazul, and even the Balrog. I know what you're thinking, and I’m thinking the same as well. The game also features Online play which includes up to 16 player clashes and even a four player co-op campaign. Grab your friends and conquer Middle Earth together! Local multiplayer provides up to four players competitively or two player co-op.

That does it for my picks this fall. You will probably hear more about the games when more details are attained however, until then I hope that I’ve wet your appetite for a little end of the year gaming. Questions, comments, and rants can be sent to the orc squad at gamer@northfloridanewsdaily.com or via Xbox Live to Sauria Rex.