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Most-Anticipated Console Games of 2004

post #1 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, this is a list thread... but it seems much more appropriate in this Forum instead of the Draft & Lists one as this is where the gaming Chewers hang out.

Anyway, all of the 2004 preview magazines are out (EGM, XBN, PSM, GMR, GameNOW, GamePro, Surge, XBox, PC Gamer, et al.) and I've basically flipped through them all...

DAMN there are some amazing games on the horizon this year (provided we don't endure the many delays we did in 2003). So many that I decided to start keeping a list of the games I am personally anticipating with some enthused gamer excitement. So, without further ado... here it is.

Note: I do buy PC games as well, but they are not on here as I usually buy them on whim and impulse. There are definitely a few PC games on the horizon I am interested in as well, though.

In order of release (all dates *tentative* of course, then alphabetically (for those with release date TBD):

NFL Street (XB) -- Out Now
This game looks gimicky and kinda goofy, but hell... I'm such a football freak and it looks like some dumb fun. I'll be picking this up by week's end. I guess I'll grab it for Xbox instead of my PS2 even though it's not Live enabled.

Ninja Gaiden (XB) -- 2/10
1. It's Ninja Gaiden... 2. NINJA Gaiden... 3. It looks amazing (visuals as well as gameplay) and buzz has been nothing but positive... 4. It should be another solid notch in Xbox's direction.

The Suffering (XB) -- 2/26
A 3rd Person horror/action shooter that looks absolutely twisted, brutal, gory, freaky, and disturbing. If the gameplay is good this could be a real fun experience. Plus, I'm ready for Resident Evil to fuck off (no arbitrary puzzles in this game!).

Full Spectrum Warrior -- 2/24 or 3/15
I will probably get this for Xbox (its Live enabled) but might wind up getting it for PC. Just not sure. In any case, this is more than just a squad-based military shooter. It's a realistic tactical SIM.

Gran Turismo 4 (PS2) -- 3/18
Finally, a PS2 game cracks the list. Really looking forward to this one. Pretty much no racing game beats GT to me... and the graphics for 4 look stunning.

ESPN Major League Baseball (XB) -- March
Sega's "World Series Baseball" was the best of the lot last year. Now, it gets a new name and the ESPN gloss-over, plus tons of new features. Add that the Xbox version is Live enabled and that Nick has already discussed organizing some Live games among chewers and this is a no-brainer.

The Movies (XB) -- June
Think "Roller Coaster Tycoon". Think "Sim City". Except this will be much better... because you're creating a studio and making movies! You can have your theme park attractions and dumb dancing sim games... I'm taking this one.

Slated for 2004, but dates still TBD:

Area 51 (XB)
A First-Person shooter set in Area 51 on a next-gen system? You don't have to pull my arm.

Call of Duty: Finest Hour (XB)
The PC version is simply love. And since it's so damn good and the console version will be an entirely different game, well... I'll enlist once more, happily.

Darkwatch: Curse of The Old West (XB)
Already a thread on this. But, basically... it's a FPS set in a haunted Old West setting with a tinge of futuristic elements. Basically, Halo meets Vampire Hunter D meets Doom. This is one of those "Damn, why didn't I think of that??" games.

Doom 3 (XB)
Something tells me this won't actually make it onto consoles in 2004. If so, I'll get the PC version instead (which may not make it out this year, either). But if the releases are resonably close in proximity (a couple months or so) I'll probably wait for the Xbox version. This thing sounds like a resource-chewing monster for PCs.

Half Life 2 (XB)
See "Doom 3" notes above.

Halo 2 (XB)
What needs to be said here? I doubt we'll see it before this Summer, but here's to hoping.

Jade Empire (XB)
Basically, it's KOTOR with an updated graphics engine and even more possibilities and paths set in ancient, mythical China. Hell, BioWare rules so much that I would be picking this one up even if the concept/premise wasn't as kick ass as it is. Really hope it comes out this year. Looks close.

NCAA Football 2005 (XB)
NCAA Football is one of those games I'll be buying each and every year, even though I'm growing impatient with EA seemingly resting on its laurels because it knows it will sell units anway. But if the rumors are true that EA and Microsoft have patched things up and this is Live enabled I will be picking it up for my Xbox and then inviting fellow chewers to come to virtual South Bend for repeated ass-kickings.

Samurai Warriors (PS2)
An almost dream-like equation: Dynasty Warriors set in feudal Japan + Updated & Enhanced Engine + SAMURAI = Sold!

Star Wars: Battlefront (XB)
SW games were almost universally crap until KOTOR came along. Now it looks like the tide of quality has turned. I love love LOVE "Battlefield 1942" for PC. It's probably my favorite game right now. Well, this is basically that game set in the SW universe and it will be Live enabled. Last one inside the AT-AT cockpit is a rotten egg! Another plus: this game will give each player an option of 1st or 3rd person. I want it NOW.

Star Wars: Republic Commando (XB)
Squad-based (and reportedly brutal) FPS shooter where you'll play as a Clone Trooper sent on tactical missions during the Clone Wars. Star Wars meets Rainbow Six 3 meets Halo using the Unreal engine? And it will be Live enabled? Did I already mention the apparent turning tide toward GOOD SW games?

Transformers (PS2)
Pretty much every Transformers game up 'til now (on any platform) has sucked lug nuts. This one (though still a little ways off) looks promising. If it captures the spirit of the original show and toys as much as it claims and turns out to be a solid, fun game to boot they'll have a sale.

Well, that's it... for now. I fully expect this list to change and evolve over time but I'd like to see some of yours as well.
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post #2 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:48pm
I hope Fable doesn't become Ultima IX-esque failure. It's been touted as the next best thing in rpg's...it'll have a lot of hype to live up to.
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post #3 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally posted by mongycore
I hope Fable doesn't become Ultima IX-esque failure. It's been touted as the next best thing in rpg's...it'll have a lot of hype to live up to.
You got that right...though now that Carl has mentioned several other games I have remembered exactly why I was anticipating 2004 so much.
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post #4 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:52pm
Thread Starter 
I'm on the fence in regards to "Fable". At worst, I'll give it a rental and check it out. But, you're right... it has to do A LOT in order to live up to the hype.

I imagine that "Jade Empire" will be in the same position by the time it comes out, though BioWare deserves the benefit of any doubt.
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post #5 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:55pm
Halo 2 tops the list, obviously. If the rumors are true and they're working on a Metroid Prime 2 for Christmas 2004, that would be my second choice.

After that...ports of Doom 3, Half-Life 2 and Call of Duty should all be good stuff. Star Wars Battlegrounds looks great. The new Grand Theft Auto game is a given. But honestly, I'll be happy with nothing more than Halo 2. That's it. That's all I want.
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post #6 of 75
1/14/04 at 4:56pm
With Jade Empire, we've seen what the guys are capable of doing. What at least to expect when it arrives on store shelves, something similar to KOTOR.

Has anyone heard of a potential Metroid sequel popping up this year?
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post #7 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by mongycore

Has anyone heard of a potential Metroid sequel popping up this year?
Yes, but it's only in rumor stage and hasn't been announced so it didn't make my list.

I do have a Gamecube, though... and it's very lonely sitting next to my XB and PS2 with only one game (the "aiiiight" Rebel Strike). A new Metroid would be welcome.
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post #8 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:21pm
speaking of which I still have to finish Prime. I got Fusion wrapped up a week ago. Took 4-hours, on and off. Now I hear they're remaking metroid one with prettier graphics.

Am I the only person who doesn't really give a rats ass about Halo 2? I'm not trying to say that to be notorious or anything, but the first game really didn't impress me enough to finish it. Despite the fact that I bought an x-box to check it out. It looks great, will probably be a nice fps to plow through...but even with Cortana hooked into you, feeding you info and dialog; I couldn't help but feel alone in the game. That every level was big and all, but barren without life or activity...so maybe that's why making the next setting Earth will probably fix that complaint.

I'm on crack. Plus that stupid unnamed song is still kicking my ass. As is this back strain. And the fucking power rangers too.

or something.

Right now, other than Half-Life 2, I look forward to Ninja Gaiden.
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post #9 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:27pm
I will look forward to playing these sometime in 2005. Y'know, because I'm always way behind on check new games out. Metroid Prime still looms over me like a dark cloud.

If I were to make a list, though, GTA Next and Halo 2 would be at the top.
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post #10 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:34pm
Thread Starter 
mongycore, you are overlooking one (of many) thing that HALO 2 has going for it that should make it better than the first one: it will be Online Multiplayer enabled. Will be worth it for that alone. In fact, I bet 99% of the people who get it will go straight to Live and jump in deathmatches before even opening the first level of of the single player game.
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post #11 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:35pm
Not I!!!!

I am still strictly looking for satisfying single play before even looking at multiplay (with some exceptions).
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post #12 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:39pm
online play. Hmmm...if they deliver online co-op similar to tackling missions in Rainbow 6, I'm in. Doing the co-op thing with my brother in Canada is the only reason I've gotten so far in Halo in the first place, single-player wise. Multiplay in halo doesn't cut it for me. The controls rape me more than the opponents do.
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post #13 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:42pm
Halo 2 better not skimp on the single player game or I will be one pissed off mofo. Metroid Prime 2 is going to have multi-play but It will just be split screen stuff, none of that new fangled online crap.
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post #14 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:49pm
Thread Starter 
If anything, I expect the single-player game in HALO 2 to be even better (and deeper) than the first one. Only this time we'll get all the bells 'n whistles, too.
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post #15 of 75
1/14/04 at 5:55pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Cunningham
If anything, I expect the single-player game in HALO 2 to be even better (and deeper) than the first one. Only this time we'll get all the bells 'n whistles, too.

Oh it better. This is why I have such hope for Doom 3. At first strictly singleplayer I know that even though MP has been added they sure should deliver some incredible stuff in that game...
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post #16 of 75
1/14/04 at 6:23pm
I'm really hoping Psychonauts turns out great (and within this year). A new game from Tim Schaefer can only be a good thing.

I also hope Rockstar makes Red Dead Revolver out to be everything it looks to be.
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post #17 of 75
1/14/04 at 6:35pm
I thought Psychonauts got shitcanned. Am I making things up again?
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post #18 of 75
1/14/04 at 6:44pm
Don't forget about the second Zelda game for the GC!
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post #19 of 75
1/14/04 at 6:46pm
Quote:
Originally posted by gravedigger
I thought Psychonauts got shitcanned. Am I making things up again?
I thought I had heard this to, I've been checking around and the only thing I've found are some screen shots from May of 03.
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post #20 of 75
1/14/04 at 6:47pm
Shouldn't there also be three new Final Fantasy games in 04?
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post #21 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:16pm
Driver 3 looks pretty amazing too, IGN.com just put a hands-on preview up. Check it out.
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post #22 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:36pm
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Resident Evil 4
Metroid Prime 2
Metroid: Zero Mission
Suikoden IV
Baten Kaitos
Final Fantasy XII (or is that 2005?)
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post #23 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally posted by shotodrag
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Resident Evil 4
The very same to which I'll add:

Nightmare Before Christmas
Onimusha 3
Syphon Filter: Omega Strain
Sangoku Musou

And FF XII is indeed slated for summer 2004 in Japan.
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post #24 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:45pm
Damnit...didn't Onimusha seel well enough on X-Box that they'd port it on over the next two?

Damn, damn, damn...
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post #25 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:50pm
Onimusha is a game that mainly sells in Japan, it has become Capcom's biggest franchise over there. Xbox has virtually no audience in Japan thus Gennma Onimusha bombed, thus no port of the over two (plus I think they have an exclusivity contract with Sony to give them their biggest titles, just like almost every major Japanese developer).
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post #26 of 75
1/14/04 at 7:52pm
I guess when the Playstation 2 is five dollars, I'll catch up then.

Because simply there is no way I can justify another game system...
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post #27 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:07pm
If someone offers you a PS2 for 5 dollars, the next thing that they'll most likely say to you is, "C'mon man! I suck yo dick!".
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post #28 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:07pm
Quote:
Originally posted by shotodrag
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Resident Evil 4
Basically this list, plus:

Resident Evil Online

the new Grand Theft Auto

the new Getaway, if it comes out

possibly the Four Horsemen game with Lance Henriksen on voice duty (depending on how it turns out)

Red Dead Revolver

possibly The Suffering (depending on how it turns out)

the Snake Plissken game, if it comes out

any new Castlevania stuff on the horizon

also, there was a new survival horror called something like "Ghost Hunter" that I saw some pretty nice pics of a while back... don't know if/when that's coming out, but if it is then I'm VERY interested
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post #29 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Agent Back Smith
If someone offers you a PS2 for 5 dollars, the next thing that they'll most likely say to you is, "C'mon man! I suck yo dick!".
And to that I respond in kind with a swift takedown a guilltone choke.
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post #30 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally posted by otisthecat
I thought I had heard this to, I've been checking around and the only thing I've found are some screen shots from May of 03.
www.doublefine.com

Christmas this year...<sigh>.
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post #31 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:26pm
Quote:
Yes, but it's only in rumor stage and hasn't been announced so it didn't make my list.
Metroid Prime 2 is well into development and has been since the release of the original.. *very* short clip was released last year. It will likely be out this year, or at least it ought to if Nintendo wants the console to survive 2004.

Metroid: Zero Mission, a "re-imagining" of the original NES Metroid, will be out for GBA in February.
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post #32 of 75
1/14/04 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Count Floyd
Metroid Prime 2 is well into development and has been since the release of the original.. *very* short clip was released last year. It will likely be out this year, or at least it ought to if Nintendo wants the console to survive 2004.

Metroid: Zero Mission, a "re-imagining" of the original NES Metroid, will be out for GBA in February.
As long as they keep the music.
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post #33 of 75
1/14/04 at 9:07pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Disciple_72
the Snake Plissken game, if it comes out
Not due out untill late 2005, unfortunately.

Quote:
Originally posted by Disciple_72
also, there was a new survival horror called something like "Ghost Hunter" that I saw some pretty nice pics of a while back... don't know if/when that's coming out, but if it is then I'm VERY interested
Yeah, it was Ghost Hunter. I think it's due for release in the next few months. They had a lot of footage of it on one of the video games on cable in the U.K., either Game Pad or Ultimate Gamer. Looks good, but nowhere near as impressive as those early shots from it were.

My list:

Sam & Max: Freelance Police
Red Dead Revolver
Dead Man's Hand
Darkwatch: Curse of The Old West
Operation Flashpoint (Xbox)
Fable
Half-Life 2
Halo 2
Doom 3
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post #34 of 75
1/14/04 at 9:12pm
There's a Sam and Max game coming out? Shit! Will it be a graphic adventure?
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post #35 of 75
1/14/04 at 9:20pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Agent Back Smith
There's a Sam and Max game coming out? Shit! Will it be a graphic adventure?
I hope so. I think I recall someone involved confirming it would be, although the press release/official site didn't mention it. I sure as hell hope it doesn't become a third person action-platformer.

http://www.lucasarts.com/products/freelancepolice/
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post #36 of 75
1/14/04 at 9:51pm
Hmm....

Metal Gear 3 and Twin Snakes
Metroid Prime 2 and Zero Mission
Mega Man Collection, yeehaw
Garn Turismo 4
FF XII if it makes it

Hopefully Nintendo will have some surprises for the Cube at E3...like a REAL Mario game.
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post #37 of 75
1/14/04 at 9:57pm
Fable.

This preview write up is very encouraging... link

Oh, and Psychonauts.
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post #38 of 75
1/14/04 at 10:13pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Quatermain

Yeah, it was Ghost Hunter. I think it's due for release in the next few months. They had a lot of footage of it on one of the video games on cable in the U.K., either Game Pad or Ultimate Gamer. Looks good, but nowhere near as impressive as those early shots from it were.

that's a shame, those initial pics did look very nice. and the main character looked like a Bruce Campbell/Ash homage IIRC. I will probably still get this though, I'm a complete sucker for survival horror.

thanks Quatermain, you're always up on your info.
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post #39 of 75
1/14/04 at 10:44pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Kyle Reese
Hopefully Nintendo will have some surprises for the Cube at E3...like a REAL Mario game.
There's going to SOMETHING there, but the question is what.

http://www.nintendorks.com/archives/000300.php
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post #40 of 75
1/14/04 at 11:37pm
so they've decided to steal Playstation 5's nanotechnology do they?
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post #41 of 75
1/15/04 at 2:38am
Besides several of the games mentioned so far, I'm looking forward to StarCraft: Ghost.

If it lives up to expectations, it'll be Metal Gear Solid, in space. With nuclear strikes.
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post #42 of 75
1/15/04 at 2:59am
Drakengard is looking good too. Dynasty Warriors style action from Square Enix and you get to ride dragons!

I'm also definitely looking forward to Samura Warriors and Ninja Gaiden.
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post #43 of 75
1/15/04 at 3:13am
Doom III: I've been needing an excuse to upgrade my ancient 1.33GHz AMD Thunderbird system for quite some time.

Final Fantasy - Crystal Chronicles: Four player Final Fantasy? I'm so there.

Half-life 2: If only because it could become the basis for a new version of Counter-Strike.

Halo 2: That trailer from way back when still gets me psyched.

Nothing else really gets a rise out of me. Transformers? I've seen Bandai try to make Gundam games several times over. Outside of their G Generation series, they've never really succeeded, so I've all but lost hope in the giant robots genre. The best example I can think of is Armored Core, and that series is just tired now.

GT4, MGS whatever, and Ninja Gaiden just don't turn me on. Perhaps the GT formula is waring thin when I'm more interested in my copy of NFSU, than the prospect of another GT. MGS2 had me cursing at it's stupidity, while Shinobi has me wary of any throwback titles.
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post #44 of 75
1/15/04 at 9:30am
I'm looking forward to Mafia for the Consoles, Ninja Gaiden, ESPN Baseball (I will dominate online with the Phils), Splinter Cell 2, Metal Gear 3, and Resident Evil 4. Halo 2 is a given by the way.
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post #45 of 75
1/15/04 at 10:09am
Quote:
Originally posted by gravedigger
I thought Psychonauts got shitcanned. Am I making things up again?
Things have been quiet, but they've still got a Q4 release date. I wouldn't count it out unless it's a no-show at E3 this year.
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post #46 of 75
1/15/04 at 12:25pm
I'm still waiting for the next Harvest Moon game for Gamecube.
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post #47 of 75
1/15/04 at 12:46pm
Quote:
Originally posted by NervousXtian, gonzo journalist.
I'm still waiting for the next Harvest Moon game for Gamecube.
Hey... what can you tell me about Harvest Moon? Is it like Animal Crossing? My wife couldn't get enough of that, and I want to know if this is something she'll dig, too.
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post #48 of 75
1/15/04 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally posted by LeRoy
Drakengard is looking good too. Dynasty Warriors style action from Square Enix and you get to ride dragons!

I'm also definitely looking forward to Samura Warriors and Ninja Gaiden.
See...all the good Japanese games are on PS2...


Oh wait! Haqs ANYONE heard anymore about Kingdom Under Fire 2: Crusaders? I know Dave Davis saw it at E3 but I have yet to hear another thing regarding it. In fact I think it comes from the same developer of Lineage and went to there website and saw no listing for the game as an upcoming project.

Literally this is the game I bought X-Box for (or at least a major one).
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post #49 of 75
1/15/04 at 1:13pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Boomstick
Hey... what can you tell me about Harvest Moon? Is it like Animal Crossing? My wife couldn't get enough of that, and I want to know if this is something she'll dig, too.
Sorta, not really, but sorta. Animal Crossing is a whole different breed of game, but Harvest Moon is essentially a dating/farming game. Nothing too deep or too hard about it. My wife really dug on the PSX versions of it, and I played the shit out of the GB versions.

It's also what I'd call cute, if that doesn't make me too faggy.
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post #50 of 75
1/15/04 at 6:47pm
Anyone heard anything new about the X-box Conker game? I know it's pretty much just stupid multi-player shit but I'll buy it just for the upgrade of the original.
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