Infamous
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Sucker Punch
U.S. Release Date: Q2 2009
U.K. Release Date: Q2 2009

Sucker Punch is the studio that made a name making great platforming games based on furry woodland creatures (see Sly Cooper). In a decidedly different approach, the company is creating a gritty original open world superhero game in Infamous. This free-roaming romp takes main character Cole’s electricity-based superpower and melds it with the game’s environmental design—he’s at his best when he can tap into an area’s power grid. Large doses of superhuman platforming take the Sly Cooper formula and adds extra wattage.



Gran Turismo 5
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Polyphony Digital
U.S. Release Date: TBA
U.K. Release Date: TBA

It's been four years since Gran Turismo 4, and the famously meticulous Polyphony Digital has been using that time to sculpt GT5 into a work of technical sexiness worthy of the franchise's heritage. It may be wishful thinking that this revered racer will make 2009, but gamers hang onto the hope, waiting to see if "The Real Driving Simulator" will deliver on gameplay that matches the graphics. GT may no longer the end-all be-all of the racing sim genre, but there's nevertheless a special place reserved on many gamers' shelves for this one once the rubber finally meets the road.

Pic from GT5: Prologue



Killzone 2
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Guerilla Games
U.S. Release Date: February 27
U.K. Release Date: February 25

Confounding is the fact that Killzone 2 will actually be on retail shelves in the near future. Introduced via that infamously beautiful E3 2005 mockup trailer, there are few PS3 games that bring with them such unbridled anticipation from Sony fans, who assuredly have their proverbial fingers crossed repeating the mantra, “please don't screw this up.”

Hyperbole in the consumer games press and Internet message boards could prove to be warranted for this sequel to the 2004 original PS2 shooter. If Killzone 2 manages to deliver on its tall promises, it would be a marvelous way for Sony to round out a difficult fiscal year, as well as give PlayStation loyalists some exclusive bragging rights.