Although Sony's PlayStation 3 has been out for nearly two years, the console hasn't quite taken off the way many thought it would. This could be the year that that all changes, however, as this holiday season's lineup is an impressive one. Gone are the days when the Xbox 360 got the "primary" version of each game, as there are some titles (most notably EA's Mirror's Edge) that were built from the ground up to capitalize on the PS3's unique architecture. Sony's lineup is very strong this year too, with titles like Resistance 2 and Little Big Planet fitting snugly between this year's Metal Gear Solid 4 and Killzone 2, which is due early in 2009. But which games should you keep an eye on this fall? Hopefully this handy guide will help you figure out what's what!



Guitar Hero World Tour

Guitar Hero is facing off directly against Rock Band once again, and this time it's bringing more instruments to the table. While the game hasn't been renamed to Band Hero, you're now going to be able to play with guitar, bass, drums and vocals. The track list will be competitive with what Rock Band has to offer, featuring hits like "Hot for Teacher" and "Hotel California."


Guitar Hero World Tour will debut with new instruments that attempt to one-up what you've seen from Rock Band. Their five-pad drum kit more closely resembles a real drum kit, with three large pads and two cymbals on an upper level. The new guitars are going to replace your GH3 Les Pauls as well: These new plastic axes come with a touch-sensitive strip on the neck that will open up new ways to conquer those solo sections. Live four-player battle of the bands competitions should also make this one a party favorite.

Rise of the Argonauts

It seems like ages since Rise of the Argonauts was announced and we got our first, brief taste at last year's E3. While the game still seems promising based on recent contact at PAX, we've been burned by publisher Codemasters before (see all of the other games from that E3 showing: Jericho and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty).


Still, the prospect of battling through one of our favorite Harryhausen films with a streamlined user interface and epic weapons and armor is tantalizing. Let's hope that Rise of the Argonauts can deliver this October.

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift

We love our racing games here at GameSpy, and one of the best such games on the PlayStation 3 has to be Evolution's MotorStorm. This new sequel is on pace to tweak everything that was good and great from the first game (and there was a lot of it) and slaps on a fresh setting: a gorgeous Pacific Island resplendent with varied and lush environments.


Boost up both the online and offline multiplayer and add in another class of mud-stomping vehicles -- Monster Trucks to be exact -- and you're looking at something that's got real potential. MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is all set to deliver a devilishly tough set of challenges, but those of you who are ready to take the plunge and learn the ropes are likely to be in for treat.