8. Fable 2 - Xbox 360, Oct 21st US, Oct 24th EU
We strongly suspect that Fable 2 is going to be far from just another RPG. It's vibrant, it's different, it's funny as hell and it's packed with personality. The franchise's much-vaunted reputation system is up and running on a terrifyingly deep level and despite Peter Molyneux's new-found humbleness, the whole game looks to be immensely more layered than its prequel was. All this, online co-op and Stephen Fry too!
9. Fallout 3 - Xbox 360, PC, PS3, Oct 28th US, Oct 31st EU
Forget any misgivings you might have had about the Fallout franchise's change of perspective. In Bethesda's hands the RPG elements are more than present and correct; just given a visceral boost by the new FPS mechanics. Exploring the vast world and its immense number of vibrant inhabitants and optional side-stories, it's clear that Fallout 3 is a game you're going to live in for a very long time.
10. Far Cry 2 - Xbox 360, PC, PS3, Oct 21st US, Oct 24th EU
Far Cry 2 is everything that a current-gen shooter should be. It's also everything that a current-gen sandbox game should be. Wandering through its beautifully-realised Africa, you'll have total control over the characters you interact with, how you work with or against them and exactly how you tackle each mission. It's not an easy game at first, but once you learn how to make the most of the freedom available to you, you won't be able to put it down.
11. Gears of War 2 - Xbox 360, 7th Nov Worldwide
Do we need to say much more about this one? The original Gears of War is a modern classic and its sequel is everything we loved about it taken to the next level. New weapons, new Locust, new gameplay elements and a deeper, more involving story are going to make Gears 2 one of the 360 games of this year. Or any year.
12. Grand Theft Auto IV - PC, 18th Nov US, 21st Nov EU
It's been a long wait for PC owners, but we reckon it's going to be worth it. GTA IV was already great on consoles, but Rockstar seems to be taking full advantage of the new hardware with this version. The already-impressive new Liberty City is going to look great with the new higher resolutions the PC can handle, but we're really excited about new video capture, editing and upload facilities that are going to be included. Ten points for embracing the community there, Rockstar.
13. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - DS, TBC
Okay, so we're not actually sure that this one is going to turn up this year. The best we can get out of a Rockstar is "winter", which could just as easily mean 2009 as 2008. But the sheer potential means that we wanted to squeeze it onto the list regardless. A brand new character, a brand new storyline, a brand new isometric perspective - just like the original top-down games gone polygon - new cel-shaded art and stylus-controlled smack dealing. What more could you want?
14. Guitar Hero World Tour - Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 26th Oct US, 7th Nov EU
Our early impressions of this one as a "Me too!" Rock Band cash-in have now gone out of the window like a hotel room TV. Yes, there's a full band instrument set-up now, but the really amazing thing about Guitar Hero: World Tour is its integrated music studio. There's nowhere near enough room here to detail all of its features, but suffice to say it's so flexible that it'll be the next best thing to having a real recording facility in your house.
