The time has come once again for all gamers to sell blood and visit the coin star machine. I am of course referring to the 4th quarter of the year. This three month period marks the best and brightest releases of the year. It also marks depleting funds for all but the most fortunate of fans. I've put together my personal game release calender to help me plan and budget the forthcoming months. May it aid you in your game hording endeavor as well. Games mentioned are for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 systems respectfully.

GAME RELEASE DATES 2008

September 23rd 2008

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway

September 30th 2008

Silent Hill: Homecoming

October 7th 2008

Fracture

October 14th 2008

Dead Space

Rise of the Argonauts

SOCOM: Confrontation

October 19th 2008

Rock Band 2

October 21st 2008

Fable II

Far Cry 2

Spiderman: Web of Shadows

Legendary

Little Big Planet

October 28th 2008

Fallout 3

November 3rd 2008

Tom Raider: Underworld

November 4th 2008

End War

Resistance 2

Quantum of Solace

November 7th 2008

Gears of War 2

November 11th 2008

Call of Duty: World at War

Mirror's Edge

November 17th 2008

Left 4 Dead

November 20th 2008

Last Remnant

November 24th 2008

Lord of the Rings: Conquest

November 30th 2008

Mortal Combat vs. DC Universe

December 2nd 2008

Prince of Persia

Expectations for games are so ridiculously high now. I too am guilty of expecting perfection out of all of the big developers. I want my games now and I want them flawless. It's easy to forget just how far gaming has come. It seems like yesterday that I thought Cobra Triangle for the NES was the best looking game I'd ever seen. Maybe it was yesterday? I don't remember. Anyway, I don't necessarily think the high expectations are so irrational. Game developers have more at their disposal than ever before. Huge budgets, large development teams, and the privilege of living in the age of technology are all benefits awarded to todays best and brightest game makers. I just wish it was possible for games like Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed and Halo 3 to live up to the hype. They are all great games, but due to their imperfections it is very easy to nitpick a game into mediocrity. The last game to come out that really got the praise it deserved was Bioshock. Why, you may ask? It's because it came out of nowhere. It was practically a sleeper hit. There was press on it for sure, but it wasn't until it hit shelves that gamers and reviewers alike began to offer words of adoration. I just hope hype doesn't kill games like GTA IV, or Rockband.

Similarly, it also seems the need for "the next thing" in gaming is a problem. I agree that we should expect innovation, but let's face it, gamers have gotten spoiled. How many Bioshocks can there be? Unfortunately reviewers are the most guilty of this. They play an inordinate amount of games and quickly become jaded. So what if Drake's Fortune uses a very similar cover system to Gears of War? It's a great idea. Why should only one game be able to feature this ground breaking tactic?

Moving forward, I just want to say that Call of Duty is a fantastic game that actually does live up to a great deal of the hype. The single player is a great ride that you will want to play time and again. The multiplayer is addictive, but can be tremendously frustrating due to horrible matchmaking on the part of Infinity Ward. It's simply unacceptable. I am level 23 and I am constantly put into matches with players who are above level 50. Due to the RPG like reward system for leveling, this is incredibly unfair. Better weapons and perks are available to higher ranking players. Combine this with the unfortunate, but widely accepted lag factor for First Person Shooters, and you might pull your hair out. Hopefully an update will be released soon to remedy the issue.

In my opinion, this is the best Holiday release schedule in the history of gaming. Naturally, Xbox 360 is leading the charge with a stellar line up. Halo 3, The Orange Box, Bioshock, Assasin's Creed, Call of Duty 4, and Mass Effect are just a few of the great games out this 4th quarter. As we all know, Bioshock and Halo 3 are already out and are must haves for any self respecting game fan.

Halo 3 multi-player is incredibly addicting. I have to get in at least an hour a night. It'sa funny thing too. The game itself is not extraordinary in any one area, but it is an over all fantastic game. I haven't even touched single player yet as I am waiting to purchase a brand new HDTV. I haven't even encountered too many of the famed Halo fan-boys that have the uncanny ability to make you shut your console off within minutes of encountering them. While I'm on the topic, I don't know why so many people are disappointed with the graphics. I think they look great. I mean it's not Gears of War, but Halo 3 is definitely a solid looking game with nice technical graphics. I wasn't expecting more then what we've been given. After all, did Halo 2 look particularly impressive? I didn't think so.

By the way, I was pretty excited when I heard the Sony was coming out with a $400 40 GB PS3. However, in typical Sony fashion, I was soon disappointed to hear that many of the features were being stripped away (memory card reader, USB, ect.). Sony has got some set of balls. They need them to compensate for their apparent lack of brains. The PS2 has certainly done a number on Sony's ego. Hopefully a better deal will be offered in time for MGS4, Killzone 2,and Final Fantasy XIII.

Before I go I just want to give a heads up to all you gamers with limited funds. I just pre-ordered Rock Band for $154 including shipping. Check online auctions for some great deals. I also managed to snag COD 4 for $50 even. Hey, every little bit helps.

The new mass effect cast trailer is amazing. Bioware really bumped up the graphics since the last trailer. The facial expressions are dead on and the skin textures are lifelike. I can see this game getting a 10 from many reviewers. Although, for some reason GS didn't give Oblivion a 10 and you couldn't have asked for more high quality content if you tried.

I'm addicted to the COD 4 beta. I think about it even when I'm not playing. I think about strategies and weapon/perk configurations. I can't wait for the full version. I can already tell I'm going to be in withdrawal when they close the beta.

Bioshock continues to be a great adventure with agreat pace and storythat keeps you hooked. I think the best part of Bioshock is that it is 100% original content created by Irrational Games (2k). Finally, we are treated to a great world that hasn't been taken from a film, book, or television show. I look forward to a sequel. At the worst, it's terrible and I don't buy it. I'll still have the original to remember fondly. If it's great, then I get even more time in the world of Rapture. How could that be bad?

Before I go, I would be remiss if I didn't warn my fellow gamers about a few truly terrible games. Based on the demo alone, it would be wise to avoid Vampire Rain. It is a literal "what if?" What if Metal Gear Solid had vampires and sucked? They would call it Vampire Rain. Also, be sure and avoid Two Worlds. At $60 the game is about $40 over priced. Wait until this one hits the bargain bin. The graphics are reminiscent of first generation Xbox games. Think along the lines of Morrowind, but with lesser game play and hilariously awful voice acting.