So this is what's caught my attention before Christmas.

One should never get too excited about new video games releases. Hype has always been the tool of choice by game developer's marketing departments. It shouldn't be said though that you shouldn't pay too much attention. so without further ado, I type up tonight the list of games that have caught some attention to the blog's writers before the Christmas madness.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

So it's more of the same shoot-em-up action for most of the game, but this time around, we're aiming for some stealth elements where something gets completely screwed, and then run away before somebody notices the fingerprints lodged in the Soviet officer's throat. So from Russia, to Cuba, then finishing off in the Vietnam War, I'm hoping for some quiet time, frightened someone may see me if I move three steps to the left, stealth. Finish that off with a firefight reminiscent of the Punisher's battle of Valley Forge, and I'll be happy for that. Well, that's how my brief concept would be, and I know that your concept is nothing what the finished product will be like, but I'll watch this space to be sure.

Oh yes, they also have crossbows.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Ubisoft have decided to take the expansion pack route in this one, showing very little of Desmond again, but apparently testing leadership skills as he assumes the role of Ezio yet again. This time he has some friends, so they will go on a road trip to Rome, and shorten the lives of more Templars. Oh yes, and you get a chance to be the benevolent rebuilder of Rome, but nothing else there, because the events had already been completed, so there is no alternate scenario in which Ezio becomes an alternative iron fist ruler compared to the Papal Iron Fist that ruled it then. This time, there is a multiplayer concept, so there will be the battle of Assassins, and that's all I want to say about that. All in all, the game seems like it's a story that's only worthy of the handhelds, and a multiplayer concept because idiots cried out for it.

Not that he needs friends for this fight. Kill five guys, and the other 95 will run.

Gran Turismo 5

I have been waiting 5 years for this game to come out, and all I've had for racing game sustenance was Forza 3. I was expecting this game last year after receiving the Xbox counterpart, but it took the path of that one Duke Nukem game that I had dubbed it "Gran Turismo Forever". The game is rumoured to come out on three blu-ray discs, which would be enough to make Hideo Kojima make a new Metal Gear game just out of principle (grab the popcorn there), but there will be a damage system introduced for cars, depending on class, so you will be at fault if you sideswipe a concrete barrier, at the cost of gearbox, rear axle and the missing steering wheel. Licenses for WRC, NASCAR and Super GT will be incorporated for the first time, so there's something there to keep the racing junkie occupied. Please take note though, just because it says "Real Driving Simulator" does not make it so. I suggest checking the Top Gear video in which Jeremy Clarkson attempts to perform the corkscrew turn in Laguna Seca to beat his gaming time.

No wait, that almost looks like my Friday night.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

Darth Vader's apprentice has taken the medicine of Sarah Fisher, Batman, Superman, and Jesus that cures that bad case of "DEAD" and takes on the Empire in this round. Oh wait, is he a clone, or isn't he? Being disappointed by the first game, I have no surprise if George Lucas delivers another Punji Stick to the liver, but I have to play it because it involves the use of lightsabers, and leveling an entire city with the Force. With the guest starring of Boba Fett and Yoda, however, it seelms like I have to take the H.A.W.X. 2 train of thought and ignore the storyline completely in order to take some measure of enjoyment.

Now something about Medal of Honor. That's about it. Well, that's only part of my shopping list in games for now, but it'll be the final lineup of games for 2010. With the advent of Duke Nukem Forever making a 14-year-late entrance I will not hold my breath on it being a good game, like the rest of the world is saying. Enough of that, we'll take what's given to us, give our opinions, and wait for the next helping, like we always do.

Overall opinion: None. If special editions of games are the Happy Meal of our time, we are all in it for the special toy right now, whereas the meal is something that is easily dismissed and thrown away after completion. The toys are now the new trophies of what we own.

- Random Cynic