2003 Games Preview

A few days ago, we presented you with the Golden Thumb Awards, our favorite games of 2002. But, as 2002 is over and 2003 is now begun, we must look ahead. So, in a similar fashion, we take a look at the games that we can't wait for in 2003.

STAR WARS GALAXIES - PC

Quite possibly the biggest online RPG to date, STAR WARS GALAXIES will give STAR WARS fans everything that they have been looking for: an entire universe to roam around in. You select from multiple races, classes, genders, and the like, and then head off into the universe with thousands of others to trade, steal, conquer the galaxy, or save the galaxy. What, and who, you choose to be is up to you.

STARCRAFT: GHOST - Xbox

Blizzard once again heads off in another direction from their Real-Time Strategy games, this time with STARCRAFT: GHOST, a third-person shooter that takes place in the STARCRAFT universe. Blizzard hopes to convert the feel of the "individual soldier" from STARCRAFT into GHOST, ala what Westwood did with COMMAND AND CONQUER RENEGADE. With the help of your fellow soldiers, you follow story-driven missions, and who knows, you might even just save the galaxy.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT - PC

The Legend of Zelda

© Nintendo

While there is a possibility that this game could get bumped to 2004, WORLD OF WARCRAFT is the first online RPG to take place in the WARCRAFT universe. Taking place four years after WARCRAFT III: REIGN OF CHAOS, you must help your race conquer the ravaged lands of Azeroth. Rebuilding shattered kingdoms and fight off new threats that arise to destroy the world you seek to save.

EVERQUEST II - PC

The original online RPG is back, and this time it looks better than ever. Supposedly larger than any of the other EVERQUEST games, EVERQUEST II will support hundreds of thousands of users simultaneously, providing real-time translations for gamers who do not speak the same language. Also new to the game is the ability to ride on horseback, own real estate, command ships, and new spells and quests.

DOOM III - PC

The DOOM series has long been needing a follow-up and its finally coming this year. Featuring the most impressive graphics ever to been seen in a video game, DOOM III will be the most atmospheric, scary game ever to be released. This won't be your typical run and gun shooter, rather a very methodical horror film that provides multiple thrills. If the demo we saw at E3 is any indication - it's got PC game of the year in the bag already.

HALO 2 - Xbox

The follow-up to the most successful Xbox game takes the franchise back to earth, where it appears the Covenant (and the Flood?) have gotten loose. The game will have an online feature, so now you can always compete with a ton of people if you aren't fortunate to have a network and 15-friends plus four boxes (James is, that rat-bastard). HALO 2 is already a sure thing, and we can't wait.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER - GameCube

STAR WARS GALAXIES: AN EMPIRE DIVIDED

© 2002 LucasArts

While THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER was expected to be one of the top games of last year, Nintendo pushed the release date back to March. Now with a special bonus disc featuring OCARINA OF TIME and the unreleased URA-ZELDA for those who order during the special promotional period, the game is even more attractive. Word from Japan is that this is one of the best games ever to be released, with Famitsu Weekly giving the game only the magazine's fourth perfect score (second for the ZELDA series though). This will be the early title to beat for Game of the Year.

STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC - Xbox

While KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC didn't look so hot at the last E3, we're sure Bioware has brought the title a long way. Besides, nothing can be cooler than playing as a Jedi 1000 years before the movie saga. With tons of lightsaber action, a John Williams score, and gameplay set in a galaxy far far away, we, along with the rest of the world, will eat it up.