Traditionally, the long summer days are a time to go soak up the sun. But with the bumper crop of video games planned for release over the next two months, it might be better to stay indoors.
This column, the first of four focusing on games soon to be released, looks at console games; we’ll cover PC, handheld and downloadable games soon. Keep in mind that release dates and ratings can change before the product hits the retail shelves.
Check out our list and then tell us what games you’re eager to play.
Tell us: What are the Top 5 console games you can't wait to play this summer?
-- Ken Smith";
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'Bioshock'
We’re excited to get our hands on 2K Games’ “Bioshock” because we love good first-person shooters, and this one, with its cinematic, art-deco styling and multitude of weapons, could be one of the greats.
This mature-rated game for the Xbox 360 and PC is set in a strange, underwater city that was intended to be a utopia, but has now fallen into shambles. The buildings are crumbling, sea water is seeping in through cracks in the outer wall, and the townspeople have all turned mad.
“Bioshock,” due to be released Aug. 21, allows characters to modify their biology and become superhuman through the use of “plasmids,” a new form of stem-cells. But the downside is that the substance also causes them to lose their humanity."; games_top5_070627[i++] = new Array("","'MARIO STRIKERS CHARGED'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070626/strikers1_Nintendo.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Nintendo", "", "234", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070627[i-1].body = "'Mario Strikers Charged'
Nintendo’s “Mario Strikers Charged” is a far cry from a soccer simulator. In fact, with its cartoony environments and crazy power-ups that can let you score up to six times at once, it’s not even quite a sports game. But it’s definitely fun.
This fast-paced, E-rated game for the Nintendo Wii, which builds upon the 2005 GameCube release, features lots of “Mario” characters, each with a special skill that can be unleashed onto your opponent. For instance, the ghost character Boo can become invisible and carry the ball behind the goalie and into the net. But these skills can only be exploited once the ball has been fully “charged,” which is done by successfully completing standard soccer moves like passing.
“Mario Strikers Charged,” which is planned for a July 30 release, utilizes the Wii’s Wi-Fi capabilities, letting you play against friends and rivals no matter where they live. "; games_top5_070627[i++] = new Array("","'LAIR'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070626/lair1_Sony.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Sony", "", "238", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070627[i-1].body = "'Lair'
Sony Computer Entertainment’s “Lair” could be the big hit the company has been banking on for its beleaguered PlayStation 3. The game, due out August 7, features knights, dragons – and awesome HD graphics. Plus, it makes use of the motion-sensitive Sixasis controller. Seriously, what else do you need?
“Lair” is set in a medieval fantasy world that has been devastated by natural disaster and an endless war. It’s up to you, a warrior riding a deadly dragon, to battle back the evil hordes in clashes that take place in the sky. Think of it like “Lord of the Rings,” but with even more epic battles.
(This game is not yet rated.)"; games_top5_070627[i++] = new Array("","'MADDEN NFL 08'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070626/madden3_ElectronicArts.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Electronic Arts", "", "239", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070627[i-1].body = "'Madden NFL 08'
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a new Madden title. The Electronic Arts franchise is known for the solid football games that they’ve been putting out almost yearly since 1989, and this year doesn’t look to be any different.
While the E-rated “Madden NFL 08” (available for all platforms on August 14) has added some new elements, like “weapons” that allow defensive linemen to go after the quarterback like never before, the big news is that some fan favorites like the fantasy draft and owner mode are making a return. That should give the game the “complete package” feeling that it’s been missing in recent years."; games_top5_070627[i++] = new Array("","'CARNIVAL GAMES'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070626/carnival1_GlobalStarSoftware.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Global Star Software", "", "273", "394", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); games_top5_070627[i-1].body = "'Carnival Games'
Fans of Nintendo’s “Wii Sports” are going to flip over Global Star Software’s “Carnival Games.”
Just like “Wii Sports,” “Carnival Games” utilizes the Wii’s motion-sensitive controller to the fullest, letting players physically get into the movements of the game rather than letting their fingers do the walking. But instead of competing athletically, the E-rated “Carnival Games” lets gamers play around on the midway.
This game, due out August 27, lets players try their hand at skee ball, attempt to knock down all the bottles in the milk can toss, or even soak someone at the dunk tank. Just don’t forget to bring your own cotton candy.
Tell us: What Top 5 console games are you looking forward to this summer?
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