Whet your Whistle: Ten of 2005’s Best

The New Year has just begun, which means we now face the prospect of yet another twelve months of great, and not-so-great, videogames – but, for now, let’s just focus on the former. Every gaming year has its fair share of hit title possibilities to keep your eye on, and this year is no different. The following list reveals the Top-10 games we feel are a must have in the year 2005:

10:Tenchu: Fatal Shadows
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Sega
Developer: K2 LLC
Expected Release: 02/15/05

Tenchu, perhaps the most popular title featuring ninjas, is back. Unlike previous Tenchu titles, Fatal Shadows will focus on one long quest, which Sega claims will require 12 to 15 hours for completion; each of the game’s 12 chapters being dedicated to either Ayame or Rin. No more sharing of missions. Tenchu: Fatal Shadows takes place between Tenchu 2 and Wrath of Heaven – during the time Rikimaru was still missing. Even though Ayame continues her search for Rikimaru, she cannot deny her duties as a ninja. Ayame must aid another kunoichi ninja named Rin, who is the lone survivor of an attack by marauders on her village. Each character must utilize each of their 12 unique stealth kills and powers to defeat the enemy. Together Ayame and Rin will hunt down the attackers and bring them to justice.

9:The Punisher
Platform: Xbox, PS2, PC
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Volition Inc.
Expected Release: 01/17/05 (01/18/05 for PC)

The Punisher is sure to be one of the coolest, gory and most violent games of 2005’s first quarter. The Punisher, publisher by THQ and developed by Volition, showcases the origin of The Punisher and extends on the story of how Frank Castle hunted down those responsible for the death of his family. The Punisher will use everything at his disposal to achieve his aims, from the regular arsenal of weapons to the environment around him. Wood chippers, deep fat fryers, even pools full of piranha can be used to dispose of enemies or to extract vital information that will help level progression. The game will also include classic characters from the comics; friendly characters such as Bumpo, Frank’s grossly overweight neighbor, and not-so-friendly characters such as Bushwacker, a former CIA agent with weapons implanted directly into his body. The Punisher is one title that fans of third-person shooters should look forward to. I know I am.

8:Battlefield 2
Platform: PC
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: Digital Illusions
Expected Release: 03/21/05

Battlefield 2 is brought to you by the same people that brought you Battlefield 1942, but Digital Illusions have greatly improved the gameplay of the series for Battlefield 2. The most notable of which is that health cabinets and ammo crates are no longer strewn throughout the game’s maps. If you happen to take some shrapnel from a grenade you’ll need to call for a medic. This greatly increases the amount of teamwork needed to complete your objectives. Statistics are now kept online ala America’s Army. The total amassed kills, number of teammates you heal, the amount of capture points; all of these are tracked and recorded – not to mention rewarded. This is just a small sample of what Battlefield 2 contains. You can be sure that MyGamer will have a more detailed list of all its features in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled.

7:Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil
Platform: PC
Publisher: Activision
Developer: id Software
Expected Release: March 2005

Though technically not a full game, this expansion pack further develops the story showcased in 2004’s Doom 3, the first-person shooter released last summer by id Software. Set two years after the incident on Mars, the UAC has since covered up what has happened (blaming it on a reactor malfunction), evacuated all survivors and closed up. But when their satellites, which are still orbiting the planet, pick up a strange beacon signal a team is sent down to investigate. That’s when they discover that something is wrong. The game’s central character – you, of course – is nameless as of now, but it is known that you are not the same Marine from Doom 3. You are a combat engineer under the command of Dr. Elizabeth McNeil, who actually worked with Dr. Betruger. Little is known about this expansion pack but one thing is certain: if it turns out as good as Doom 3, we’re in for one hell of a time.

6:SWAT 4
Platform: PC
Publisher: Vivendi Universal
Developer: Irrational Games
Expected Release: 04/05/05

It has been over five years since SWAT 3’s release and finally we’re going to see the next series title. SWAT 4 is a first-person tactical shooter that closely simulates real-life scenarios. In-game weaponry is realistic, detailed and plentiful. There are even non-lethal weapons for subduing the enemy. Multiplayer is great fun and nothing is more satisfying than incapacitating and arresting another player while they are completely helpless. SWAT 4 is built with the same version of the Unreal technology that Irrational used for Tribes Vengeance, which is no bad thing. Though certainly not great looking graphically – a Far Cry from the likes of Half-Life 2 or Doom 3, it falls just the right side of