New for the ’08

For us venerable members of the fraternity known as “gaming journalism,” there is no greater joy than postulating on the future of our favorite pastime. Sometimes, I think we enjoy talking about upcoming video games much more than playing the ones we already have. It’s with that in mind that I present to you my most hotly anticipated games for 2008. May the gaming gods have mercy on our souls:

‘Little Big Planet’
PS3
This is the game we all dreamed of when we were 10 years old: a side-scrolling platformer where you design the levels. Finally, the infinite promise of the original “Excitebike” is delivered upon. You don’t only design the levels, you play through them with up to three other friends. The game also accepts JPGs so you can hop along a mountain made out of your ex-girlfriend’s face — not that I’d do that. September

‘Super Smash Bros. Dojo’
Wii
At last, you can beat the stuffing out of your favorite Nintendo mascot characters online. Sonic the Hedgehog also joins the fray, so the eternal battle between SNES and Genesis kids can
finally come to blows. You can design your own arenas, post them online and even bet on random bouts. Just what Nintendo has always needed — gambling! February

‘Ghostbusters’
Xbox 360
Yeah, I know, games made from movies usually suck harder than a bed bug. This one, however, could miraculously avoid that fate. First of all, the game is written by Akroyd and Ramis and acts as an unofficial sequel. Secondly, just about every cast member has agreed to lend their voices to the project, even Bill “Garfield” Murray. My fingers are crossed. October