Aliens vs Predator
Release Date: 16 Feb (US), 19 Feb (EU)

One of the more surprising, and welcome, game announcements of 2009 was the return of Aliens vs Predator on the current generation of consoles and PC. Based on the PC game of the same name from 1999, AvP once again sees UK developer Rebellion at the helm and, if the game is half as good as its ancestor, we’re in for treat. Offering three single player campaigns (Marine/Alien/Predator), a three-way multiplayer face-off and a Horde-a-like co-op mode, we hope there’ll be a fair bit of variety in the new AvP. But, of course, AvP has always been about the scares and, from our time with the preview build of the single player game, we can confirm that the original’s atmosphere is very much intact in this latest installment. Be sure to check out our preview and the excellent Heritage video for a little on the game’s history. Or you can just take a look at some of the spectacular gore on offer in AvP in the Kill Moves trailer.

Heavy Rain
Release Date: 23 Feb (US), 24 Feb (EU), 26 Feb (UK)

Quantic Dream’s Heavy Rain will undoubtedly be one of the most talked about games of February, if not the whole of 2010. Like its spiritual predecessor, Fahrenheit, Heavy Rain is a dark, story-driven affair with a heavy emphasis on atmosphere, morality and decision-making. The player takes on the roles of four protagonists – who, incidentally can die at various points during the game – in a game about relationships set against the backdrop of a city terrorized by a murderer known as the Origami Killer. Unlike conventional adventure games, the player interacts with the game via gestural right stick controls and quick time events, something which is currently dividing the game community. Will Heavy Rain be the closest games have come to a true cinematic experience? One thing’s for sure, it’s one of the best-looking games we’ve ever seen so if nothing else it will mark a technical achievement.

Napoleon: Total War
Release Date: 23 Feb

Following the excellent Empire: Total War, released last year, Napoleon: Total War sees Creative Assembly taking on the story of the world’s most infamous diminutive megalomaniac. The strategy title will include three single player campaigns: two based on Napoleon’s Italian and Egyptian campaigns while the Mastery of Europe is this game’s Grand Campaign culminating in the Battle of Waterloo. Where, if I remember correctly, we put the little fella in his place. You’ll also be able to take your skills online, in a multiplayer Campaign mode as well as a drop in/out feature allowing you to take on human opponents in your single player campaign. Expect a tireless attention to detail and some of the tightest, most absorbing strategy gameplay on the market.  In the meantime, check out the trailer for Napoleon: Total War here.

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