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2010 looks promising

Many of new year's titles will take more advantage of game systems' power

by scott sloan ssloan@herald-leader.com

So what does the new year hold for gaming? More great games.

With all the current-generation consoles now firmly entrenched, developers are beginning to really show off the power of the systems (well, the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but not the underpowered Gamecube-like Wii).

Here are some of 2010's most highly anticipated games. Start saving now.

'Final Fantasy XIII'

System: Xbox 360, PS3

Date: March 9

This time around, maker Square Enix is developing three games based in the same universe — Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy Versus XIII (for the PS3) and Final Fantasy Agito XIII (for the PSP). The stories are not directly related, though, according to reports.

'Metroid: Other M'

System: Wii

Date: TBA

The newest entry in one of Nintendo's most-storied series is being developed by Team Ninja, the minds behind the relaunch of the Ninja Gaiden series.

'BioShock 2'

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Date: Feb. 9

The sequel is set 10 years after the original but does include a multi-player mode that allows gamers to live out events preceding the first game.

'God of War III'

System: PS3

Release date: March

The next in the Greek-mythology series sees protagonist Kratos bent on destroying Olympus and Zeus for the gods' betrayal of him. It will be the first entry in the series for the PS3.

'Halo: Reach'

System: Xbox 360

Date: Fall

The newest entry in the famed series is a prequel to the first entry, Halo: Combat Evolved.

'Dante's Inferno'

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PSP

Date: Feb. 9

The highlight of high school English classes everywhere is being adapted by EA for gaming. And why not? Traveling (fighting, in EA's case) through the nine circles of hell has lots of promise.

'Bayonetta'

System: Xbox 360, PS3

Date: Jan. 5

This Sega game from the creator of Devil May Cry debuted in December in Japan to rave reviews.

'Mass Effect 2'

System: Xbox 360, PC

Date: Jan. 26

The sequel reportedly takes place two years after the original and includes overhauls of a number of systems, including combat and health regeneration.

'Super Mario Galaxy 2'

System: Wii

Date: TBA

The sequel will reportedly have a completely new lineup of planets as part of an overhaul that is expected to see many new features.

MORE TO WATCh

Crackdown 2 (Xbox 360). TBA.

Mafia 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC). TBA.

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3). Summer.

Alan Wake (Xbox 360). May.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC and Mac). TBA.

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC). TBA.

Stargate Resistance (PC). TBA.