10 out of 10! Top games you need next year

PAY a-TEN-tion gamers - here are some gun-blasting, sequel- stonking, lightsaber-swooshing titles to look out for in 2010.

Yes, as a new tech-ade dawns so too does a range of exciting games that will keep you and your consoles buzzing.

We've picked ten of the best to whet your appetite, including the long-awaited BioShock 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and the brilliant Bayonetta.

While it will be hard for titles to eclipse the hype that surrounded last year's Modern Warfare 2, we reckon these will be just as addictive...

METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING

THIS one almost crept in under the radar - yes, it's Metal Gear Solid: Rising.

Much to the disappointment of Sony fans everywhere, Konami are sharing the love - by sharing the amazing Metal Gear Solid franchise. For this will be the first time gamers can enjoy the sneak-and-kill title on the 360.

Instead of Snake, you'll play Raiden. Still waiting on a release date though.

PREDICT10N 8/10

BIOSHOCK 2

IT captured our rapture and shook the gaming world in 2007.

Now 2K's smash hit BioShock is back - and we think it will be the Big Daddy of 2010.

Due for release in February on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, BS2 is set ten years after the events of its predecessor where the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past.

This time players step into the (big) boots of the Big Daddy and are brought back to the undersea city of Rapture.

We can't wait for the multiplayer mode too, as players assume the role of a Plasmid test subject for Sinclair Solutions.

PREDICT10N 9.5/10

BAYONETTA

THIS wicked witch was far too naughty for the noughties - so instead Bayonetta will jump, flip and kick her way onto our screens in a couple of weeks.

From the creators of Devil May Cry and Resident Evil comes this beautifully crafted and over-the-top button-bashing extravaganza for the 360 and PS3.

You play as B, a curvaceous witch with super powers and guns in her stilettos, who takes on a host of enemies - and some seriously brilliant (and gigantic) end-of-level bosses.

The secret behind this SEGA scorcher is the button combos - once you start, you won't stop.

PREDICT10N 9/10

FABLE III

IN its battle to be king of all games franchise, Fable returns for a THIRD outing. In this revisit to the magical land, gamers embark on an epic journey to rule the throne of Albion. It kicks off around five decades after its predecessor where you must rule the land as king or queen with choices and sacrifices which will affect the entire land. Fable's first outing was outstanding, and last year's Fable II even better - can the story continue for No3. Find out on the 360 in 2010.

PREDICT10N 8/10

SPLINTER CELL: CONVICTION

IT'S been a tough old slog for super throat-slitter Sam Fisher - and it's about to get even harder when Splinter Cell: Conviction comes out at the end of February on the 360 and PC.

After investigating his daughter's death, poor old Sam finds out that he's been betrayed by his old employer, the Third Echelon.

Now the former agent is a renegade, out for revenge and to to stop the bad guys threatening to kill millions with terrible terrorist plots.

And now that he's playing by his own rules, you can expect some different sort of dirty, but deadly, tactics - the sort that would make Jack Bauer and Jason Bourne cry for their mummies.

Ubisoft's take on the Tom Clancy franchise is set to be heart-racing But will they step up to the stealth plate? Without a shadow of a doubt.

PREDCT10N 8.5/10

LOST PLANET 2

THE original was worlds ahead of the rest when it flew off the shelves (2.7million units) and on to the 360 years ago.

But now it's time to say hello to Lost Planet 2, out in 2010 for the 360 and PS3.

The sequel is set to offer loads more guns and ammo plus a deeper look into the world of E.D.N III.

PREDICT10N 8.5/10

RED DEAD REDEMPTION

NO year would be complete without a stonker from RockStar - so let's give a big YEE-HAW for Red Dead Redemption.

The Wild West romp, available on 360 and PS3 in April, sees gamers take on the role of partially-reformed outlaw John Marston.

Will it better 2004 hit Red Dead Revolver? We think it's gunner...

PREDICT10N 9/10

MASS EFFECT 2

YET another Mass-have sequel for 2010 - Mass Effect 2, following on from BioWare's 2007 blockbuster, will be out of this world.

The RPG/Shooter title, out on the 360 and PC at the end of January, sees hero Commander Shepard return.

As well as mind-blowing graphics, ME2 will also feature Martin Sheen (yeah, the President from West Wing).

PREDICT10N 9/10

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC

A LONG time ago... gamers were told Star Wars: The Old Republic was coming out on the PC in 2010.

We're still waiting for a final date, but Lucas Arts promise they'll be Jedi ready this year. It's also BioWare's first crack at massively multiplayer online gaming (MMOG) - so bring on combat, exploration, top story-telling.

See the vid at notw.co.uk/go/gaming.

PREDICT10N 8.5/10

SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2

SUPERSTAR of the year will no doubt be Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Once again, Nintendo have not yet announced the release date but the Wii title is sure to be hitting the shelves this year.

The follow-up from the massive SMG looks set to include more of the same 3D platforming - with Mario and co trying to conquer the cosmos.

PREDICT10N 9/10

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