BY ERIC HOFFMAN

NHL 2K10

(2K SPORTS; PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)

WHEN: Sept. 15



The question remains, how do developers make a new sports game fresh and exciting? 2K Sports spent two years in R&D mode to ensure NHL 2K10 was a step ahead of their rivals at EA Sports. 2K10 will look and feel more realistic, have better player models, an updated control scheme and a multiplayer feature in every game mode that you can think of (including a multiplayer franchise mode).

 

Halo 3: ODST

(MICROSOFT GAME STUDIOS; Xbox 360)

WHEN: Sept. 22



The latest release from one of the most successful video game franchises of all time is actually a prequel to Halo 3. Instead of playing as Master Chief, gamers will explore the ruins of New Mombasa through the eyes of several Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST). Halo 3: ODST offers three new maps, more multiplayer content then ever before and a new perspective on the Halo finale.

 

Tony Hawk: Ride

(ACTIVISION; PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)

WHEN: Oct. 13

Ten years ago, Tony Hawk revolutionized the video game world with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. After releasing 10-plus titles, Hawk comes full circle with Ride. Players will control the game by performing various movements on a motion-sensitive deck. These movements and gestures will directly translate into different tricks that your onscreen character will perform. The board, which looks like a blank skate deck, has accelerometers and motion sensors on all four sides that allow players to do realistic grabs, flips and even simulates the act of pushing to gain more speed.

 

DJ Hero

(ACTIVISION; PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)

WHEN: Oct. 27



If becoming a shredding guitar god isn’t exactly your style, DJ Hero is going to help you use the wheels of steel to rock any party. With the help of DJ Shadow, Activision created a game that’s fun and easy to play. Featuring a turntable controller, a mixer and more than 80 new mixes, DJ Hero will let gamers get as creative as they want.

 

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (ACTIVISION; PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

WHEN: Nov. 10



This sequel is easily one of the most anticipated games of the year, and it looks stunning. The developers are tightlipped about aspects of gameplay, but we can tell you that gamers will play as Sgt. Gary "Roach" Sanderson, who tries to thwart terrorist activity all over the world. Every trailer and preview make it look and sound like an intense, heart pounding, "shoot and blow stuff up" game. Is there anything wrong with that?