Mass Effect 2 hits stores, GT5 hits delays

This last January was a huge month for gaming due to all the fantastic single player titles that donned the shelves. To kick things off, Bioware released the highly anticipated sequel to their 2007 smash RPG hit, Mass Effect. Mass Effect made waves with its amazing storytelling and awe inspiring worlds, and this long awaited sequel surpasses its predecessor in both graphical and technical standpoints. The space-oriented action role playing game features a very flexible third person combat system, which combined with an interesting storyline and diverse side characters, makes this is a game you are going to want to pick up. Plus, you can have crazy alien intercourse, always a welcomed addition. Mass Effect 2 is in stores now.

Man, how did I get halfway through this column without mentioning Darksiders? Darksiders hit stores in early January and has blown the gaming community away. I've spent some time playing this monster of a game, and I have to say it took my breath away. Before I picked it up, I kept hearing that "it is a mix of Legend of Zelda and God of War," and boy does that description fit. Darksiders takes the magnificent combat system from God of War (why mess with perfection?) then adds the puzzles and intricate details of Legend of Zelda, mashing them together into a delicious behemoth of a video game sushi roll. Inspired by the battle of Armageddon described in the Book of Revelation, the game lets you play as War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. You certainly feel the biblical power of the character as you destroy and annihilate everything in your path! Vigil Games' Darksiders is available on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Unfortunately, it wasn't all good news in January. Sony announced that the fifth installment to their beloved driving simulation series, Gran Turismo 5, is being delayed yet again. The former release date of March is now being pushed back to "To be decided." It's ironic that the players eager to drive Gran Turismo's newest set of virtual automobiles are now being driven insane by Sony and its endless delays. This is beginning to be more frustrating than a rush hour commute up I-35! Anyways, expect GT5 out near the end of 2010 on Playstation 3. Fingers crossed.