Photo: Wikimedia Commons

2010 promises to be an action packed year for Microsoft Xbox 360 console owners. Tons of new games have been slated for release, and here is our list of must-have Xbox games for the coming year.

Bioshock 2

Photo: 2K Games

2K Games has been hard at work releasing a sequel to the highly acclaimed FPS Bioshock. Bioshock 2 sees the player returning to the underwater city of Rapture 10 years after the events of the first game, this time as a father who is searching for a specific little girl. Look forward to a fully immersive single player experience, as well as a competitive multi-player component. Bioshock 2 is in stores now.

Mass Effect 2

Photo: Bioware

Publisher Bioware releases Mass Effect 2 this year, with a cliffhanger trailer: Commander Shepard, the first game’s protagonist, is dead. Or is he? Following on from the first game, the galaxy is still in peril from the Reapers, an advanced machine race intent on wiping out all sentient life. It will be up to the player to recruit the best and brightest from around the galaxy to combat this threat. Expect exceptional graphics and an epic storyline, together with one of the best third-person combat systems. Mass Effect 2 is in stores now.

Metal Gear Solid Rising

Photo: Konami

Konami is set to release a Metal Gear Solid game for the Xbox 360. Very few details are availble regarding the new Xbox game, Metal Gear Solid Rising, but it is expected for the last quarter of 2010.

Splinter Cell Saga

Ubisoft releases the next instalment in the Splinter Cell saga on the Xbox 360. Due for worldwide release on 13 April, the adventures of Sam Fisher continue as he investigates the death of his daughter and realises his erstwhile employers, the Third Echelon, have betrayed him. Fisher finds himself in a race against time to stop a plot that threatens millions of lives. Players can expect great action game-play.

Halo: Reach

Photo: Bungie Software

Bungie Software is set to release Halo: Reach in the third quarter of 2010. Perhaps one of the most anticipated games of this year, Halo: Reach sees the player taking control of a Spartan on the UNSC’s military base planet of Reach, in a timeline leading up to the events of the first Halo game. Bungie have promised a grittier look and feel to the game, to match the darker storyline as this squad of Spartan soldiers makes their last stand in an effort to defend humanity from the threat of the covenant. A rich multi-player experience has been customised via Xbox Live. Fans who purchased the previous Halo game, Halo ODST will be able to get a sneak peak of Halo Reach closer to the release date.

Xbox fans can look forward to sequels to some of the best Xbox games of all time this year, and it’s unlikely they will be disappointed by major video game developers’ offerings.