While the summertime is made for soaking in the sun, sometimes you need an indoor break. And, though it is a quiet time of the year for the gaming industry, there are a few standout games this summer that will warrant a glance from those tired of heat and sunshine.
“The Darkness” (Xbox 360 and PS3, June 25) This first- and third-person action game, based on the “Top Cow” comic, follows a mafia hitman who has terrifying mystic powers and his struggles to control them. Expect a dark storyline.
“NCAA Football 08” and “Madden 08” (all platforms, July 17 and August 14) In what has become a yearly tradition, the newest incarnations of EA Sports’ football franchises hit mid-summer, with “NCAA 08” dropping a month before “Madden.” Expect upgraded graphics and gameplay modes coming to every major console.
“Lair” (PS3, July 31) This is a fantasy game where the player takes control of flying a dragon with the PS3’s Sixaxis controls. Previews describe “Lair” as “epic,” and the airborne dragon-on-dragon combat could easily live up to that billing.
“Stranglehold” (PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, August 6) The video-game sequel to director John Woo’s cult-favorite Hong Kong action movie “Hard Boiled,” the game hopes to translate Woo’s trademark style to gamers. Ever wanted to run down a banister and jump in the air, twist and fire off two pistols at a crew of Hong Kong gangsters? You’ll get the chance in August.
“Bioshock” (Xbox 360 and PC, August 21) Even if you haven’t heard of the game’s spiritual predecessors – PC gems “Deus Ex” and “System Shock” – just know that Irrational Games hopes to continue in their footprints, creating a heady first-person horror game with a strong dose of character development. Could be a game of the year contender.
Labor Day Madness: Three of the biggest games of the year come out around Labor Day, as “Super Smash Bros.: Brawl” (Wii, September 1), “Mass Effect” (Xbox 360, September 3) and “Heavenly Sword” (PS3, September 4) all drop within days of the holiday weekend. “SSB:B” is the third in the famed Nintendo brawler series, “Mass Effect” is a space-traveling RPG from the makers of the “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” series, and “Heavenly Sword” is a bloody, yet stylish action game that is already drawing comparisons to another Sony game, “God of War.” All three are big titles for their respective systems this year, and they will usher in the traditionally busy fall gaming season with a bang.
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