Introduction

As 2009 draws to a close, it comes time to turn our gaze forward to the new year. As such, I've compiled this list of games that I'll be keeping an eye on, in hopes that some of you are made aware of something you might like. Be sure to share your thoughts on these games and any that I missed in the comments section.

Dark Void

Who: Capcom
What: Action
When: January 17th
Why: Parallel universes, aerial/cover-based/melee combat, become a rocketeer and save the world

Mass Effect 2

Who: Bioware
What: RPG
When: January 26th
Why: Combat improvements, save game carry-over from ME1, bold story progression

Global Agenda

Who: Hi-Rez Studios
What: MMO
When: February 1st
Why: Huge persistent world map w/ territories to conquer by player-formed agencies, futuristic weaponry, ninja-types

Star Trek Online

Who: Cryptic Studios
What: MMORPG
When: February 2nd
Why: Captain your own ship, explore uncharted systems, do battle in space or on foot

STALKER: Call of Pripyat

Who: GSC Game World
What: FPS
When: February 2nd
Why: New areas to explore, less linearity, harder to survive and scavenging is sparse, improved AI

Bioshock 2

Who: 2K Games
What: FPS
When: February 9th
Why: Return to Rapture, become a more agile and powerful Big Daddy, pimp Little Sisters, fight Big Sisters

Aliens vs. Predator

Who: Rebellion Developments
What: FPS
When: February 16th
Why: 10 years in the making, same storyline through the eyes of 3 very different races, brutal combat

Splinter Cell: Conviction

Who: Ubisoft
What: Action, third-person shooter
When: February 23rd
Why: Sam Fisher's gone rogue, new strategic mechanics, real-time interrogation, overall more Jack Bauer-ish

Napoleon: Total War

Who: The Creative Assembly
What: RTS, TBS
When: February 26th
Why: 2 story campaigns based on Napoleon's exploits, online multiplayer modes, better AI & physics