In order of anticipation, what follows represents our personal pick of the most eagerly-awaited and exciting games of 2002. The choices are based on reputation of games and their developers, what is known on the games – and finally the predicted popularity of their release. These combined factors were taken into consideration when compiling this list. No doubt you’ll disagree with some of our selections; so please feel free to reveal your own preferences in our Comments section. Now I’m sure some of these game-choices will spark some words of anger and others of agreement from you; so read-on to find out why we chose them, and why we think you should be looking forward to them as much as we are.

10.
Tomb Raider ‘Next-Generation’

A controversial addition to out top ten, especially given some notable absences, but then anything surrounding Lara Croft is sure to attract publicity and we’re sure it’ll sell by the bucket load. What’s more Core Design are promising a departure from previous titles in the series which peaked at 2, but continued in rather mundane-fashion right up until the fifth instalment in 2000. Anyway, new graphics, and gameplay elements are promised in a revised Tomb Raider concept which will finally offer gamers graphics on-par with their high-spec machines. We await further information on the game with interest, and expect a high-profile launch come season 2002.

Click here to indulge in Ferrago’s recent ‘Next-Gen’ preview

9.
Quake IV

Whether this will actually make it to shelves by the end of 2002 is debatable, but we hear that fourth-quarter 2002 is the current best-bet. Here’s hoping. Not a lot is known on this mysterious sequel at the moment, other than that it is to be developed by Software, and will introduce a stronger singleplayer element to the series once again; an area in which lies the majority of Raven’s expertise. Expect the environments to be stunning thanks to new technology of and id Software; currently rumoured to be working on 3. With Raven at the helm this could be the most in-depth Quake title to date, may be even having * gasp * as strong plot running through it. Regardless, the fame of the brand is sure to put this sequel at the top of gamers shopping lists.