Release the floodgates!

I'm not sure if others have had must-have games hit in the recent weeks, but this week marks the start of the end for me.  For the next several weeks, there are multiple titles that I've been wanting for a loooong time, and will have to pick and choose between multiple GOTY-contenders-to-be.  A few games are no-brainers.  For example, Little Big Planet.  After playing the beta, it truly is a revolutionary game in its presentation and scope.  Most critics point that it is simply just another platformer.  However, what they fail to see is just how powerful the world creation tools are in the game - it's SOO much more than just Forge stuck on the ugly ass of Halo3.  It is an absolute integral part of the game, and done perfectly.  With just a limited set of tools, the community has already made some fabulous levels, and I can't wait to see what else is produced.  Oh, and did I mention my kids love it, so with 4 controllers I can put in "Daddy time" and game at the same time?  Win-Win in the grandest sense of the word.

Gears of War 2 is another easy choice.  I loved the first, am in a great clan build solely around the game, so know there will be people to play it online any given night.

Then it starts getting tricky.  This week the choice comes with Dead Space.  Not whether or not I'll get the game - it's being touted as Bioshock mixed with System Shock mixed with Aliens.  Win all over the board on that equation for me!  I loved Bioshock, from the story to the absolutely perfect atmosphere it presented.  Do that in space with aliens and I'll need a man-bib for the drool.  The question will be which platform to get the game for.  There is no multiplayer, which is usually what decides these choices.  Right now, there's no denying that XBL is the superior platform to get people together online.  All accounts so far is that both versions will be identical in content (no extra levels for PS3, ala Bioshock - tho' they did need to wait a looong time for that extra content).  It seems - and please correct me if I'm wrong - the only difference will be a single bit of exclusive DLC available at launch, a special suit you can get to help bolster your initial gameplay.

PS3 on the left, 360 on the right.  Honestly, it's not too hard of a choice.  The piss-green glow would look a little ... well, off in space.    Looks like the PS3 will win on this account.

Either way....lots of great games coming, so whatever your poison is, enjoy!