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Mac gamers have some rare good news. Spore, the much awaited EA game from Sims creator Will Wright will be out on the Mac as well as PC.
Spore
(EA. Mac, PC)
Spore is one of the most awaited games this year involving Wright's innovative approach to create
a game that "allows creative personalities to explore the depths of their own personal galaxy."
This is how Wright explains it: "Spore is your own personal universe in a box. In this universe you can create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilisations and even sculpt entire worlds. You have a variety of creation tools at your disposal that allow you to customise nearly aspect of your universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even spaceships.
"While Spore is a single player game, your creations and other players' creations are automatically shared between your galaxy and theirs, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play.
"Spore is made up of five phases, each corresponding to a stage of evolution: cell, creature, tribe, civilisation and space. Each phase presents different challenges and goals.
"You may choose to start with the cell phase and nurture one species from its humble aquatic origins to its evolution as a sentient species. Or you may decide to start building tribes or civilisations on multiple planets. What you do with your universe is up to you."
He's been working on it for years and it's due out at the end of September.
Before then, we've got some big games within the next few months.
Devil May Cry 4
(Capcom, Xbox 360, PS3)
Expected February 8
Why it's big: From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4, this is the latest instalment of the popular action game.
The story: In the familiar format, you're off again to dangerous hotspots around the world to take on a rogue enemy group threatening peace.
Bonus: There's a new combat system in which Nero uses a new gameplay mechanic, his powerful 'Devil Bringer' arm. High-def visuals promises 60 frames per second.
Interested?: Download the widget for the latest news here and watch for the demo expected there soon.
Lost Odyssey
(Microsoft. Xbox 360 exclusive)
Why it's big: Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) elements are blended into the game's traditional role-playing game system, enabling players to make strategic decisions for a more immersive and deep gameplay experience. It's from Hironobu Sakaguchi, producer of Final Fantasy.
The story: Kaim is an immortal character who has lived more than 1,000 years. He doesn't remember his past, and he doesn't know where his future lies. Throughout Kaim's journey, a handful of characters will join him on an odyssey to discover their intricate past and destiny.
Bonus: It's powered by Unreal Engine 3 technology.
Interested?: See the trailer here.
Grand Theft Auto IV
(Rockstar. Xbox 360, PS3)
Expected: March 31
Why it's big: Rockstar's classic gangland series has already sold in total over 65 million games - and this long awaited one for the next gen consoles - is sure to set new sales records.
The story: this time involves you being an Eastern European immigrant named Niko Bellic who is lured into Liberty City's underworld by his dodgy cousin.
Bonus: There's talk of 16-player online mayhem.
See the trailer here.
Burnout Paradise
(EA. PS3, Xbox 360)
Expected: February 1
Why it's big: The development team has created their original vision for the hugely successful car franchise - creating an open world environment that allows you to do anything, anywhere, anytime.
The story: This time, you have control as you slam, shunt and wreck rivals in cross-town traffic driving. Take your mates with you for team play.
Interested?: See the trailers here. You can download a demo online if you have a PS3 or Xbox Live.
