E3 09: Activision's Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 28, 2009

News: Prototypes of games other than Prototype will be on hand. Also, Prototype.

E3 (that's the Electronic Entertainment Expo) is just a few days away. The 2009 edition of the ultimate video game trade show runs from June 2 through June 4 and companies putting the finishing touches on the demos and details of the new projects they'll have on hand. Such as this announcement from Activision about what they plan to spotlight at the show.

The world's biggest third party publisher will have ten titles on hand, including more plastic peripherals than you can shake a plastic drumstick at. But they will also have a variety of other games including a new racing game from Bizarre Creations (Blur) and the latest Wolfenstein game, simply titled Wolfenstein.

Speaking of Mr. B.J. Blazkowicz, Activision has confirmed the next game starring the world's foremost Nazi-hunter will be released on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on August 4.

For more on Activision's lineup, see below.

Blur is set to revolutionize the racing genre as the ultimate wheel-to-wheel racing action experience with spectacular power-ups, real-world locations and over 60 licensed cars. The pick-up and play game drops players into heart-pumping, electrified racing action with 20 cars on track all targeting the finish line and battling each other as they trade paint and collect intense power-ups, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, boost their speed and more. Gamers can also engage in competitive and team-based multiplayer with up to 20 racers online, or on a single console via 4-player split-screen; plus create custom groups to design their own complete game mode. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC; not yet rated by the ESRB).

In DJ Hero, faces in the crowd are transformed into the life of the party as the game's turntable controller - created exclusively for DJ Hero and featuring familiar DJ tools including a fully-rotating turntable, sample buttons, effects dial and cross fader - immerses fans into the authenticity of DJ culture and a sea of music. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Wii; not yet rated by the ESRB).

Guitar Hero 5 features the strongest, most varied set list to-date comprised of master tracks from 85 of the hottest bands of today and the biggest classic acts including Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, plus more than 25 artists from a variety of music genres that will be making their music video game debut. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and PlayStation 2; not yet rated by the ESRB).

The greatest Super Hero action/RPG of all time is back with the world's largest army of heroes and villains in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, the game allows players to choose their side and team up with revered heroes and villains, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin and Captain America. Players can combine characters' powers and unleash astonishing new attacks. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP and Nintendo DS; not yet rated by the ESRB).

On November 10, 2009, Infinity Ward will make its return with the release of Modern Warfare 2, the most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which has sold more than 13 million copies to date. Modern Warfare 2 continues the gripping and heart-racing saga with an unprecedented level of action as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC; not yet rated by the ESRB).

An all-new, third-person open-world/action game, Protoype lets gamers feel the power of being the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. You are the Protoype: Alex Mercer - a genetically mutated man without memory, armed with amazing shape-shifting abilities, hunting your way to discover what created you and determined to make those responsible pay. As Alex, gamers tear through a densely populated contemporary New York City with Parkour-style agility, consuming anybody that gets in their way...assuming their physical identity, memories and abilities. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC; the game is rated "M" by the ESRB).

Singularity pits shooter and sci-fi fans against a devastating fracture in time. As players attempt to unravel a conspiracy, they must fight their way through ever-shifting epic sci-fi environments, occupied by Russian soldiers and time-ravaged creatures, while sudden time waves hurl them back and forth between 1950 and the present day. Use time as a weapon as you attempt to unravel the mystery and prevent a catastrophic event that threatens all humanity. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC; not yet rated by the ESRB).

Featuring an innovative skateboard-shaped controller, Tony Hawk: Ride redefines the sports genre by offering a dynamic hands-free gaming experience. Using full motion sensing technology, players physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game in a variety of settings and half pipes. The new wireless skateboard controller provides an accessible and social gaming experience that allows players to feel what it's really like to skate. Without complex button combinations or analog sticks, gamers can literally step on the board to play the game. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii; not yet rated by the ESRB).

Based on Hasbro's legendary Transformers property and Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures' upcoming feature film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the video game thrusts players into a battle for supremacy across the globe as either Autobots or Decepticons to drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. Delivering more control than ever before, players can select from an extremely diverse range of playable Transformers characters and jump straight into action as they instantly switch between robot, vehicle and weapon modes to fight for the preservation or annihilation of all mankind. Players can also fight the epic war between the Autobots and Decepticons online in explosive, multiplayer combat. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS and PC; the game is rated "T" for the console and PC versions and "E10+" for the handheld versions by the ESRB).

Wolfenstein brings the Nazi's dark obsession with the occult to life, by intertwining fast-paced, intense story-driven combat with a diverse sci-fi experience. As BJ Blazkowicz, a highly decorated member of the Office of Secret Actions (OSA), you are sent on a special mission into the heart of the Third Reich to investigate evidence that the SS hierarchy may possess a new and mysterious power. Wolfenstein is scheduled to be on store shelves on August 4, 2009. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC; not yet rated by the ESRB; the game is rated "M" by the ESRB).