2009 Sega Games Preview

Last night, we had a chance to check out Sega’s 2009 game line-up at their New York preview, and we have to say, things are looking good – enough blood, chainsaws, zombies, ass-kicking witches and all out warfare to keep any dude satisfied for hours. Here’s a quick rundown of our favorite titles due out of camp Sega over the coming year.

Stormrise (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Because of the superior control of a mouse and keyboard, the real-time strategy genre has had a hard time getting off the ground on the console side of things. But with some excellent new control and gameplay features, The Creative Assembly – Australia’s Stormrise seeks to change all that.

First up is the “Whip Select” control feature, which allows players to instantly switch between characters on their team, no matter the distance, with a quick flick of the joystick, essentially eliminating the mouse’s superiority in that function. Second, and more importantly, is the new “verticality” feature, which changes the gameplay from classic RTS’s standard single-level playing field to include rooftops, buildings and underground passages to give this RTS a level of strategic awesomeness not seen in previous titles. This one is set to come out this March.

Madworld (Wii)

You play as chainsaw-wielding Jack, who’s going up against the terrorist organization, ‘The Organizers’ and their deadly game, Death Watch. The goal is to figure out the Death Watch game before The Organizers kill everyone…by killing a hell of a lot of crap in the process. Black and white, graphic novel-style graphics (think Sin City) and extremely over the top blood and gore give Madworld a striking, fresh look. And the bash, slash and burn game play, helped along by the Wii’s control style, make this one a surefire winner. Expect Madworld on shelves March 10th.

Bayonetta (Xbox 360, PS3)

Saving the best for last, we have Bayonetta. Straight from Devil May Cry director,  Hideki Kamiya comes what may be one of the best games of 2009. This high-energy, fast-pace, ultra-action title follows badass babe-witch, Bayontta as she lays the smack-down on gangs of ax-wielding angles and massive, bone-crushing monsters. Armed with pistols on both hands and feet, and a head of hair – which also acts as her clothing – that can turn into giant, ass-kicking beasts, Bayonetta flips and dances her way through the levels, leaving a swath of wasted enemies in her path.

But more than the mind-blowing action, it’s Bayonetta’s epic, visually orgasmic graphics-styling that sets this title above the rest. From Bayonetta’s ballet-like grace to a freakishly large mini-boss with wings, serpant arms and an upside down statue head for a body, this game promises to be an artistic and technical powerhouse release. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to pick this one up until late this year.