My Take: Wired.com’s 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2010

Earlier this week, Wired.com released it’s list of the 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2010. It’s an interesting list, comprised of games that have been on my radar for a little while now, and others that are of no interest to me at all…and one that may or may not actually come out in 2010, interestingly enough. So, okay, making these lists of “highly anticipated” anythings is subjective and there are going to be odd ommissions and inclusions that readers–like myself–don’t agree with. But I have some thoughts on a few of their selections, and one interesting omission, that I thought I’d share. I also encourage you to share your thoughts on the article as well.
On the list
#5 Epic Mickey
When I first heard that there would be a Mickey game from Disney and that it was going to be “dark,” I was excited. Granted, knowing that this was a Disney game, I wasn’t expecting something that would go full-on American McGee’s Alice–a game that nearly cost me my college career when it was released–but after listening to Warren Spector talk about integrating three Mickeys (each based on different character characteristics from Mickey’s historical development) and allowing the character to take shape based on your in-game actions, I’m seeing that this is probably a much different game that I had thought it would be. That’s my fault for reading too much in to the early hype, but while I think this dynamic has great potential and I’m crossing my fingers that it can be pulled off successfully, I’m also hoping that creating, in essense, three game paths doesn’t result in each feeling like 1/3 of a game.
I’m still excited, but I’m also starting to adopt more of a “wait and see” attitude.

#10 The Last Guardian
I’ll be honest, I had no knowledge of this game, but if it’s anything near what Shadow of the Colossus was, then I’ll give it a whirl. The graphics look brilliant (screenshot from Wired.com), will the story that accompanies the visuals keep pace?

Please dont’ be boring, please don’t be Sony Pets…
#11 The Legend of Zelda (Wii)
So, uh, here’s a game that’s not yet actually a game. In fact, as far as we know, The Legend of Zelda (Wii) is a piece of artwork (seen below) and a promise (maybe?) that there will be a game this year. Of course, even the guy who put together Wired’s list has his doubts about that ambitious release schedule, but who knows.

Okay, look, I’m a Zelda fan from way back, game one. If it has a picture of our green-clad hero on it, I’m there (with the exception of those nightmare CDi games; thinking of them still makes me shiver*). You could have Link standing on a platform tossing multi-colored tri-forces over the side and call it Dr. Zelda and I’d buy a copy, so if we’re gauging interest in the game, yeah, I’m interested. But when putting together a list of anticipated games for the coming year, is it too much to ask that we keep it to games of which we’ve at least seen a Dev shot?
Again, I know the list is subjective and yup, my interest level in this game is also high, but when I take into consideration the game that’s not on this list–we’re coming to that one–and then see that this one, which at present should be labeled a “game” is, I start to wonder.
But I’ll leave that mess for greater minds.
#16 Red Dead Redemption
It’s a Rockstar game, but this time the folks that brought you the open world of Grand Theft Auto are stepping backward to the Wild West. An open-world Wild West drama should ensue. I’m hoping that this has a little Louis L’Amour flavor and is more than just GTA: Wild West. Only time will tell.

What’s Not Here?
Lego Universe
Okay, so perhaps I’m going to lose a few of you here, but this MMOG has been at or near the top of my radar since I heard about its development. Maybe it’s not at the top of everyone’s list (that goes back to the subjective nature of these list articles), but then again, with the Lego games being as good as they are** I’m a little surprised at it’s omission. Will this become the first MMOG that I sign up for? Almost assuredly. Build your own adventure with living Lego characters? Sign me up.
Looking for more info? GeekDad had a fantastic exclusive interview with Lego MMO dev team that should get you a little excited for what’s to come. Just not excited enough for inclusion on the 20 most anticipated games of 2010, I guess. So I’m throwing it in myself.

What about you? What games are you most looking forward to? Did Wired’s list pretty much cover it (it is a good list, I don’t have many qualms with it)? Throw your thoughts at us in the comments. Game on!***