Slashing kicks off 2008 gaming releases

By Scott Hillis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Video gamers, finally emerging from the pixilated haze brought on by last year's bumper crop of best-selling titles, are now turning their attention to upcoming releases.

Last year was one of the best in recent memory for the video game industry, featuring a string of A-list titles such as "Halo 3", "Call of Duty 4" and "Guitar Hero", causing some analysts to fret that 2007 will prove a tough act to follow.

"People tend to forget there was some explosive growth, driven not only by premium titles but ultra-premium titles like 'Guitar Hero', which cost $100, and 'Rock Band', which cost $170," said Jesse Divnich, an analyst with The simExchange, an online prediction market for game sales.

Still, quite a few games are poised to hit store shelves in the next couple months. Here is just a sample of anticipated titles coming out for Nintendo Co Ltd's (7974.OS) Wii, Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) Xbox 360 and Sony Corp's (6758.T) PlayStation 3.

"NO MORE HEROES" - WII - JAN 22 - UBISOFT

What it is: Play as a contract killer who acquires a light-saber-like "beam katana" and proceeds to hunt down rival assassins in a bid to become the undisputed top hitman.

Why you'll want it: It's made by Goichi Suda, a Japanese designer known for quirky fare such as "Killer 7". His games feel like interactive anime, and fans of martial arts films will revel in the stylishly bloody action.

Reality check: The gruesomeness may repulse Wii owners drawn to the console's family friendly image. Few developers outside of Nintendo have made the Wii's motion controls work for something that doesn't involve rolling bowling balls or tossing darts.

"BURNOUT PARADISE" - XBOX 360, PS3 - JAN 22 - EA

What it is: The latest iteration of the popular racing game whose whole point is to drive with utter, reckless disregard for fellow motorists, forcing them to crash and causing as much damage as possible to any vehicles in the vicinity.

Why you'll want it: Realistic graphics and the ability to challenge other players online in an open-ended world prove this edition was designed from the ground up with this generation of powerful gaming machines in mind.

Reality check: Some fans of the series are dismayed at the open-world idea, and worry that it will make it too difficult to retry failed events.

"DEVIL MAY CRY 4" - XBOX 360, PS3 - FEB 5 - CAPCOM

What it is: Play a demon hunter who brings the pain to Hell's minions with his mighty sword, Red Queen, and double-barreled pistol, Blue Rose. String attacks together into spectacular combos that rack up your score and acquire even more impressive powers.

Why you'll want it: This is the first appearance of this Japanese action franchise on new game consoles and marks the first time Xbox owners can get their hands on the well-regarded series.