World of Warcraft: Cataclysm

While Wrath of the Lich King didn't really interest me that much, the new expansion of WoW, Cataclysm, seems to be a nice new twist to the story and gameplay. With a very optimistic release date of November 1st, 2010, Blizzard has certainly set their standards high considering this is not the only task on their plates with the expected release of Starcraft 2 and the long awaited Diablo 3. While this release date is likely to be pushed back, I am still excited for this expansion that will change the class-race combinations, release two new classes that look a lot better than the overplayed Death Knight, as well as new dungeons and raids, and of course another great time leveling to the next level cap. At least its only 85 this time. What is sure to be interesting is the release of heroic style instances of the classics like deadmines and shadowfang keep. Actually tons of new features should make this expansion more exciting than the last but hopefully all this just doesn't become to overwhelming like the new secondary skill Archaeology and guild leveling system. Check out the video to see how Azeroth is being changed as well as some of the new features that are being thought up as we speak.

Starcraft 2

Blizzard is said to be releasing the long awaited Starcraft 2 sometime this fall. Despite multiple pushbacks on the release date by Blizzard already, I feel it is safe to say now that it will actually be released when they say it is due this fall. I have been checking out all of the great gameplay footage and trailers and I have got to say that every time I watch another one, I get that much more amped. At that point I break out Starcraft 1 and start playing again just to make myself think that I am already playing the new one so I can calm down. Check out the game footage and try to tell me you aren't just as amped as I am.

Be sure to check out the other parts to this footage as well:

Halo: Reach

So in the unlikely event that you haven't heard about Halo: Reach, here's the jist of it: It's Awesome! Frankly I didn't care for Halo 3 because I thought it got away from the classic concepts in Halo 2, not to mention the fact that the button layout for Halo 3 was absolutely annoying, especially when you tried to play some Call of Duty afterward. But Halo: Reach brings back that good classic Halo 2 feel with some really cool new features. If you don't have Halo: ODST to try the beta I suggest snagging it off a friend or even going out and buying it because ODST and Reach are both worth it. Halo: Reach brings some new features to the ball game such as playing as both Spartan and Elites. Unlike in Halo 3 multiplayer, whether you are Spartan or Elite really makes a difference now. Upon spawning you are given a choice of a types or classes to choose from that each has a special role to play in each of the game scenarios that is activated by the left bumper button. Spartans can choose from Jet packs, sprinting, and gaurd while Elites can choose invisibilty and diving (like sprinting). Depending on the game type as well, each role has a different assortment of guns such as the Grenadier, a Spartan class which now has a new grenade launcher type weapon. An unfortunate side effect of this design is the fact that Elites have a class which allows them to automatically start with one of the classic weapons that has really not changed much, but still scares everyone, the Energy Sword. Another great aspect of this game is the fact that they brought back the good old shield and health bars from Halo 1. While the scenarios have largely stayed the same so far, I'm sure they are planning to release some new game types on top of the ones that have already been shown like Invasion and Generator Defense. If you don't know what I am talking about its because you haven't seen enough of the game and need to stop reading this now and go check it out. If you seriously aren't convinced yet look at this montage to see some good classic carnage that never gets old.

Lost Planet 2

Released on Tuesday, Lost Planet 2 has a few disappointed. Although it looks like a great addition the previous one, LP2 offers some online play that is certainly up to date, but fails to solve the problems that had held back the first Lost Planet. Although the ideas and absoluting fascinating creatures and environments only got more interesting, the third person shooter layout is still as annoying as ever. I am still yet to understand why it was ever thought of but I guess enough people liked it. Anyway things only get worse from there. As you know Lost Planet has a habit of forcing you to sit through the long sequences that make the game visually thrilling, but after you've seen a couple of these sequences a few times, you tend to get bored. To top it off the story line is shaky at best, making you play through many different perspectives of the game. All negatives aside, I still think it is a great game if you don't mind wading through the thick boring parts, but I'll let you decide for yourself. If you haven't played it yet, check out the trailer, but don't be fooled by just how cool it looks.

Gamers Club

For those who are a member of BestBuy's Reward Zone program, I suggest getting on your account and checking out a new coupon that has been released for the 22nd of September through the 26th in honor of the release of Halo 3: ODST. ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) is set to bring Halo action from a whole new perspective in the human-covenant fight. The game looks amazing and is sure to be one of the hottest sellers, if not the hottest, of the year which is why BestBuy has decided from 9/22/09 - 9/26/09 that when you purchase Halo 3: ODST, and present the coupon from your Reward Zone account, you will receive a $10 BestBuy gift card. You can only get this coupon if you are a Reward Zone member and can only receive the $10 gift card if you present the coupon as well as your Reward Zone card. If you are a fan of any of the Halos at all, be sure to take advantage of this offer while you can. Releasing on the 22nd of this month, check out the trailer and get in on the action.

I would have to Agree

"Variety is good" according to Hef and the makers of Guitar Hero 5. Probably the greatest rhythmic video game ever, Guitar Hero is unveiling a new version with tons of songs from more artists than every with their quote that "variety is good" because people want more to choose from in their song selection. Activision has given into the demand in Guitar Hero 5 by unleashing 85 songs from 83 artists. With different styles of rock music to choose from, they anticipate that more people will like this version even more than previous ones. Also when you purchase Guitar Hero 5 now, you can also get the Van Halen bonus. Tons of new features are being introduced with this new version as well including Rock with your Avatar if you have Wii or Xbox 360. Check out all the new features of this game at hub.guitarhero.com/.

Guild Wars 2

After tons of expansions to the first Guild Wars, Arenanet has decided to create a new game altogether, instead of expanding even more. Guild Wars 2 looks to bring entirely new game play, and far better graphics than before. Character development is designed to be entirely different as well with this sequel, along with a new game engine and PvP system. Although I quit playing when expansions started rolling out after lvling to 20, which took no time at all, I have found myself quite interested in the new Guild Wars 2, particularly with the new character development. I am anxious to see if they will make leveling harder or at least go to a higher level and add more interesting class features and abilities than before. Look for many new classes and races to be available with the new Guild Wars as well. To break the monotony of expanding, I will be looking to purchase the new Guild Wars 2 when it reaches stores. In the meantime check out a preview of some of the new stuff that will appear in this hot new sequel.