Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Sneaking around in a black full-body neoprene suit on enemy territory, a man’s going to sweat a bit. And, visually, this can be a fantastic thing. Splinter Cell hero Sam Fischer’s pores are just one way the game will send shivers to anyone who has an HDTV. Aside from Splinter Cell’s stunning appearance and environment, the new “double agent” concept means you’ll be confronted with some moral decisions in gameplay, à la Choose Your Own Adventure, that result in several possible plot scenarios. Sam returns this September on Xbox 360.

Gears of War
Exposed tissue and bone are not necessarily what I want to examine in HD, but in Gears of War, I can’t tear my eyes away from it. The baddest bad guys in recent gaming memory, close-ups of the Locust Horde’s flesh, or lack thereof, are bone-chilling, and dare I say a little nauseating. (Read: It’s excellent!) Designed using Unreal Engine 3, the game’s lighting, shadows, and camera angles offer a truly cinematic effect, even in game. Exclusively on Xbox 360, the game may be released in mid to late fall.

Madden NFL 07
EA Sports has added even more improvements to this highly successful title, with elements like lead-block control, which allows players to control the fullbacks or tight ends. Also, the highlight stick gives speedy players, such as Warrick Dunn, a wider range of special moves, including spins, duck-under, and even power moves. Expect this game on Xbox 360 in late 2006, and late 2007 for PS3.

Tony Hawk Project 8
Outfitted with enhanced physics and controls, the eighth installment of the popular skateboarding game is ready to outdo itself once again. Expect a variety of new tricks with very precise motions—unlike last year’s American Wasteland, Project 8’s graphic improvements were created specifically with the next-gens in mind. This game is slated for release on just about every format (PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, Xbox, and PSP); expect an appearance by fall of this year.

Viva Piñata
It’s tough to imagine the state of mind that prompted Viva Piñata’s development. But break out the bats, because we believe this family-friendly game has the potential to bring a Sims-like following to the Xbox 360. Gameplay banks on our innate fondness for keeping ant farms or watching The Surreal Life; everybody deep down is a voyeur. Players play matchmaker to any of 60 kinds of piñatas to create piñata families that socially interact with other piñatas. (Again, state of mind.) They aren’t exactly cuddly, but they are filled with candy and displayed in 1080i. However, the idea might be so off-the-wall that it could miss the mark. Viva Piñata should be released around the holidays this year.