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[~G-unot~]

Ign.com

by Jeremy Dunham, Chris Roper, Ivan Sulic

This past year was definitely a great one for releases on the PlayStation 2 (easily one of the best since the console's inception) and we saw many genres become ultimately refined (God of War anyone?). We saw old franchises reborn too (Resident Evil 4), and games like Shadow of the Colossus saw wholly original and compelling exclusive content, while instant classics like Guitar Hero reminded us why we started playing games in the first place.

But now that we're at the end of 2005, before we look back on what we think the best games of this year were, we've decided to look ahead and pick 20 of the most interesting games confirmed for PS2 next year. Some are titles that we're confident will be smash hits, some are new IPs that we hope will find homes in our permanent library, and others are interesting simply because they have so much high-powered potential.

Keep in mind that these are only the titles that are confirmed for release in North America next year -- so we're not including rumored titles or anything of that sort. Besides, we don't need rumors to prove that the PS2 still has some life left in it. For proof, we now present to you the games we're looking forward to most in 2006 (in alphabetical order, of course).

Ape Escape 3
Developed by: SCEJ
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platformer | Add to Wishlist

The first few Ape Escape games have been great mixes of action, platforming and puzzle solving, plus barrels of monkeys. This time around, you'll head into the apes' world, taking it to them on their own turf. The classic gameplay elements will remain the same, where you're required to capture a certain number of apes per area in order to advance. In addition to your normal assortment of tricks and traps, vehicles will also be at your disposal, with everything from boats and sports cars to tanks for your ape-hunting madness. Plus, like past Ape Escape games, plenty of humor and mockery will make its way to the title with various apes in the game taking on celebrity-esque roles. Besides, what other game scheduled for 2006 features as much monkey madness as Ape Escape 3? Remember, monkeys always equal fun.

Atelier Iris ~Eternal Mana 2~
Developed by: Gust
Published by: NIS America
RPG | Add to Wishlist

One of the most charming and surprising role-playing experiences of 2005 gets the quick turnaround treatment with Gust Software's RPG prequel, Atelier Iris 2. Taking place before the events of the first game, the latest Eternal Mana follows the orphaned alchemist Felt as he sets out on a quest to stop the evil Chaos from causing major problems between the worlds of Belkhyde and Eden. As big fans of the last title, we're really anxious to see how well changes to the battle system (with chain and break attacks) pans out. Plus, NIS did a great job of localizing the last title and creating new items will always be addicting.

BLACK
Developed by: Criterion
Published by: Electronic Arts
FPS | Add to Wishlist

We once called this bad boy the 'everything killer.' Yes, we were high on prescription drugs at the time, but Criterion's BLACK still looks like the current-gen shooter to beat. Besides, at least one entirely capitalized game title must be on every single one of our forward looking lists.


Bully
Developed by: Rockstar Vancouver
Published by: Rockstar Games
Action | Add to Wishlist

We honestly don't know a whole lot about Bully at this point other than its general premise, but that's enough to pique our interest. The game is obviously getting a great deal of buzz because of its association with Rockstar, and while something as simple as mere affiliation usually doesn't mean much, The Warriors shared similar ties and that turned out great. Plus, the setting, which revolves around a student getting his revenge on a bunch of bullies at school, is interesting and controversial enough that we really want to see where Rockstar takes it, especially in the wake of the Hot Coffee fiasco.

Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII
Developed by: Square Enix
Published by: Square Enix
Action | Add to Wishlist

After briefly mentioning a US release window on a spreadsheet shown at its E3 press conference, Square Enix went quiet regarding one of the most intriguing spin-offs we've ever seen. In case you've never heard of it, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII picks up a year after the events of the upcoming DVD movie Advent Children -- and that's the cool fanboy part. The interesting part is that it's a shooting-oriented action RPG with Vincent Valentine as the star. Guest appearances by Cait Sith and Yuffie make us want to play the English version even more, and some killer high-end visuals do too.

EA Sports Fight Night Round 3
Developed by: EA Chicago
Published by: Electronic Arts
Boxing | Add to Wishlist

We're currently bound by a tight NDA, but believe us when we say that this boxing game rocks like no other... Now to fill some space with vagaries that may or may not get us into trouble.

There is fighting in Fight Night. The fighting is good. It's a boxing game. It's an emotional boxing game. You hit people and they bleed and then they remember that they were hit and will come to hate you for it. There are newly refined controls. The new controls are good. There are new predator vs. prey fight mechanics. There are new boxers. There are old boxers. There is a refined engine. There is much good! So basically it'll be another banner year for fight fans.


Final Fantasy XII
Developed by: Square Enix
Published by: Square Enix
FPS | Add to Wishlist

It's one of the most drastically different games in the entire Final Fantasy series and based on what we've seen from the demos, has a ton of potential. A free-roaming camera, the elimination of random battles, and a cool CPU-controlled teammate mechanic are just a few of the reasons we're excited about Squeenix's humongous trip to Ivalice. The visuals are easily among the best that the PlayStation 2 has ever produced as well, and with almost four years of development time it has one of the most meticulous production schedules ever. Will the end product be worth the wait? We sure hope so.

The Godfather: The Game
Developed by: Electronic Arts
Published by: Electronic Arts
Third-Person Action Adventure | Add to Wishlist

EA's been big on licensed movie products for years now, some great and some not, but it's arguable that no license has been as big as The Godfather. The game has been in production for some time now and while the various bits we've seen of it have left us curious as to how the final game will play, it's no doubt that the setting and storyline that backs the game is absolutely excellent.

JAWS Unleashed
Developed by: Appaloosa Interactive
Published by: Majesco
Action RPG | Add to Wishlist

If anything, the Ecco the Dolphin guys at Appaloosa have proven time and again that it knows how to make games based on underwater creatures. That's why we're so excited to see how the final version of the licensed JAWS Unleashed eventually turns out. Highly destructible environments, dozens and dozens of break and dismemberment points, and the ability to finally assume the role of Bruce the Shark sounds like a pretty good time. What we really can't wait for, though, is the ability to take on super badass boss monsters. JAWS vs. Orca? Awesome! Chomping fools to that classic John Williams theme song doesn't hurt either

Kingdom Hearts II
Developed by: Square Enix
Published by: Square Enix
Platformer | Add to Wishlist

The original Kingdom Hearts is one of the most popular PlayStation 2 RPGs of all time and the forthcoming sequel looks to improve on the original in every way. A better camera highlights a cool new battle system twist where you can merge teammates to form more powerful hybrid characters as well, and several new areas from movies like The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean have been included too. What has us most excited, though? That would be the super-promising light bike race (and everything that goes with it) from the Tron world. Let's get it on!

Mega Man X Collection
Developed by: Capcom
Published by: Capcom
Genre type | Add to Wishlist

The mighty Mega will see daylight yet again thanks to Capcom's Mega Man X Collection, a title that combines seven Mega Man X games onto a single disc. The bundle should be comprised of the first three SNES Mega Man X games as well as the PlayStation versions of Mega Man X4 through X6. Additionally, Capcom will include the import Mega Man Battle & Chase. This Japan and Europe only PSOne cart racing game was not approved for North American distribution by Sony, so it should be quite a treat for fans of the series that shy away from imports.

If you kids like old Mega Man games, you'll love this. And according to our database, there have been somewhere around 80 Mega Man SKUs since the dawn of time, so it's obvious you kids do like 'em something fierce.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Developed by: Kojima Productions
Published by: Konami
Third-Person Action | Add to Wishlist

There are very few franchises that carry as much importance as the Metal Gear Solid series, as evidenced by the incredible amount of email we got over the Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer. But before Snake's mustache turns silver and he begins coughing up his innards, we'll be treated to Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. The game essentially amounts to an entirely new experience, with hours upon hours of bonus features that rival extended DVD sets. A new low-angle viewing perspective brings you closer to the action, and the online multiplayer, well, we shouldn't even have to mention the possibilities that holds. If you're a fan of the MGS series, you're basically required to pick this one up even if you've already played through Snake Eater multiple times.

OKAMI
Developed by: Clover Studio
Published by: Capcom
Genre type | Add to Wishlist

A matter of sun gods and paintbrushes, Capcom's dreamy Okami takes action platforming to a new level by featuring a traditional Japanese woodblock print style in a videogame that marries creation and modification to conventional combat and puzzles. It also features one of the most distinct and impressive graphics engines around.

The vivid world of Okami runs, blurs, smears and smudges as ink and color melt into backgrounds and characters. Through it all Ama Terasu, a sun god turned wolf, must quest against the powers of darkness that are robbing the world of life. With a magical paintbrush, Ama can manipulate the world itself and restore life to the Earth. Okami is a classic mascot title with 21st century qualities. Must get!

Phantasy Star Universe
Developed by: Sonic Team
Published by: SEGA
Genre type | Add to Wishlist

An RPG experience with a healthy 40-hour adventure is nice, but PSU also features unlimited multiplayer potential. The solo game promises a riveting, emotional journey replete with engaging characters, exciting quests and powerful computer animation. Online, gamers can quest in small squads on streets populated with hundreds of other adventurers.

PSU follows its PSO roots in terms of mechanics, but now offers more freedom thanks to different weapon and character classes that all yield different results. The game is also very hard at present, which should give experienced RPG buffs reason to applaud. Best of all, SEGA promises PSU won't be riddled with cheaters. If there is any justice in this world, the game should be punk free when it releases next year.

Shadow Hearts: From the New World
Developed by: Nautilus
Published by: XSEED Games
Platformer | Add to Wishlist

Our 2004 RPG of the year was in dire need of a sequel, and it got one. XSEED Games' did all RPG fans a service and have opted to port the previously-unclaimed Shadow Hearts: From the New World to the U.S. What has us particularly excited about the translation, however, is that XSEED promises to give it as accurate a conversion as possible -- a rarity in the Japanese RPG domestication.

StarCraft: Ghost
Developed by: Swingin' Ape Studios / Nihilistic
Published by: Blizzard / VU Games
Genre type | Add to Wishlist

StarCraft: Ghost was announced in September of 2002 and has been worked on by Blizzard, Nihilistic and now Swingin' Ape Studios. Despite a rough development cycle and countless delays, we're assured that Ghost will finally release in 2006.

As it stands, StarCraft: Ghost follows the exploits of a female Terran Ghost operative. These stealthy elite soldiers are used for infiltration, elimination and strike missions, so expect to get sneaky in Ghost. But it's not all futuristic Sam Fisher-ing, StarCraft also offers a host of controllable vehicles and classic third-person shooting action that can even be taken online. Plus, it's set in the StarCraft universe and for those looking for more story, there can be nothing better.

We're just hoping after so many development troubles the boys at Swingin' Ape can pull everything together, lest we be hit by another Command & Conquer Renegade. But with Blizzard calling the shots, how can we not believe? Every game that company makes is a Triple-A million seller.

Superman Returns: The Videogame
Developed by: Tiburon
Published by: Electronic Arts
Third-Person Action | Add to Wishlist

The Man of Steel makes his return to theaters next year in the ultra-capable hands of Bryan Singer, and with it, EA will release Superman Returns: The Videogame to coincide with the film. Granted, Superman games have tended to be some of the worst licensed games ever released, but Superman Returns is quite interesting because it's in the renowned hands of EA's Tiburon studios, the development team behind the Madden and NFL Street franchises. Can they perform the same magic for the Man of Steel as they have on the gridiron? We'll see, and we super-interested to do so.

Tales of Legendia
Developed by: Namco
Published by: Namco
RPG | Add to Wishlist

Featuring a mixture of colorful 3D work with beautiful anime cutscenes, Tales of Legendia has a style that is simply full of eye candy for RPG fans. Better yet, what we've seen of the story so far is deep, well written and wholly interesting, something that perfectly matches its well-refined art direction. The fighting system is different than most RPGs in that it takes place in a realtime combat environment, but it allows you to handle it either fully hands-on like a combat game, or you can take a step back and let the CPU handle the combat while you dole out orders to your party. With its beautiful presentation, engrossing story (so far) and customizable combat system, Tales of Legendia is one to watch.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 4
Developed by: Ubisoft Montreal
Published by: Ubisoft
Genre type | Add to Wishlist

Ubi is tightlipped about what the next Splinter Cell adventure will entail but we've heard Sam will ditch his high-tech gear in favor of some old-fashioned ass kicking. The current rumor is that Sam set himself up as a criminal so that he could infiltrate a maximum security prison and lay the choke on somebody, only counter agents are on to his plan multiple Splinter Cells are sent in to neutralize Fisher.

It's either that or a crazy super future game with a giant mask wearing freak who has super strength and some other guy that can warp around like magic. At this point, it's anybody's guess. But at least it'll be fun, fun, fun!

Ye Olde Side-Scroller
Developed by: The Behemoth
Published by: *TBA
Third-Person Action | Add to Wishlist

Okay, so Ye Olde Side-Scroller isn't the official name of The Behemoth's next project, but it's good enough for now. The team's 2006 follow-up to the excellent Alien Hominid looks to recapture the magic first brought about in the 80s and 90s by games such as Magic Sword, Cadash, and Knights of the Round.

In keeping with tradition, the game isn't complicated in the least -- just take one of four knightly heroes and swing your many blades at wave after wave of hand-drawn enemy. Combos, juggles, and old-school princess-saving is the norm here and that sounds like just the kind of refreshing reminder we need.

There you have it. Twenty games for the PlayStation 2 in 2006 that prove that the old dog still has some life left in her. How will these games eventually shape up? Only time will tell, but the ride should be a good one.