Console games are thrill fests and visual treats. Recent summers had some explosive game releases. So hone those reflexes, for this year promises to be no less a cracker.
Here's why.
Kung Fu Panda
Platforms: PlayStation3, PlayStation2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows PC
Genre: Movie-based action adventure
Release: June 27, 2008
Pan European Game Information (PEGI)
Rating: 7+
Players embark on an epic, action-backed adventure as they master the specialised Kung Fu fighting styles of Po the Panda, the unlikely hero, his teacher Shifu and the legendary Kung Fu masters, the Furious Five: Monkey, Tigress, Viper, Mantis and Crane.
Through 13 legendary levels from the movie and beyond, and spanning land, water and air, players must work their way through to become the Dragon Warrior and defeat the ultimate enemy, Tai Lung, as they battle a variety of foes, overcome dangerous obstacles, navigate multi-tiered environments and solve challenging puzzles.
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo DS
Genre: Strategy
Release: Out now
PEGI Rating: 12+
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, built (by the legendary Sid Meier) from the ground up, delivers graphics, gameplay and controls that take full advantage of the hugely popular gaming platforms.
Civilization Revolution is a watershed game offering players a chance to experience the epic empire-building world of civilisation in a whole new way - in an accessible, visually immersive, fast-paced, action-packed world that gamers crave.
Features include being able to choose from up to 16 civilisations throughout history, the ability to play a historical figure (for example Abraham Lincoln, Otto von Bismarck or Mao Zedong) and the Civilopedia - an in-game multi-media resource that informs and entertains players with authentic videos, pictures and background information about the real-world elements in civilisation.
Also up for grabs are a multiplayer option and a game of the week.
The Incredible Hulk
Platforms: PlayStation3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PS2, PC
Genre: Movie-based action adventure
Release: Out now
PEGI Rating: 16+
If Marvel Studios' The Incredible Hulk was released on June 19 in the UAE, can the game be far behind? Sega's The Incredible Hulk features key moments from the film as well as additional plotlines and characters from the green giant's rich comic-book universe.
Players smash through New York City, battling gigantic enemies (look out for Bi-Beast and Abomination) amid soaring skyscrapers in a massive, open world. Sometimes, not controlling your rage is a good thing.
Top Spin 3
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS
Genre: Sports - Tennis
Release: Out now
PEGI Rating: 3+
Top Spin 3 offers a star-studded line-up of today's biggest tennis sensations, including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, as well as tennis legends Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles (legends are not available on all platforms).
The game marks the first time these iconic pros have appeared in a next-generation video game. Other big names on the roster include Justine Henin, Mark Philippoussis and Andy Murray. They play on more than 40 prestigious and visually stunning venues around the world.
The feature set includes signature player animations and expressions, weather changes and situation-specific behaviours. For more information visit www.topspin3thegame.com.
Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation3, PlayStation2, PSP, Windows, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Genre: Action/Adventure
Release: Out now
PEGI Rating: 7+
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures takes the fun and creative construction of LEGO and combines it with the wits, daring and non-stop action from the original cinematic adventures that enthralled audiences everywhere (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).
LEGO Indiana Jones follows Dr Jones' escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountains of India.
Gamers build, battle and brawl their way through their favourite cinematic moments, from Indy's entanglements with snakes to his dashing boulder run.
Jones will whip through all the classic moments with the help of a host of supporting characters including Marion Ravenwood and Short Round. Players can also mix and match the body parts of more than 60 playable characters to create new heroes.
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
Platforms: Xbox360, PlayStation3, PlayStation2, Nintendo Wii
Genre: Rhythm Action
Release: June 27, 2008
PEGI Rating: 12+
Fire up the fret board and crank the amp. It's Activision Inc.'s Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, the first game built around the legendary music of America's greatest rock ‘n roll band, which includes Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer.
The game puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer.
Gamers will be able to experience Aerosmith's Grammy winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers.
