After the record-breaking year that was 2007, many industry experts predict that 2008 will take gaming yet further.

This is the first part of a DS feature looking at the games to watch out for in the next 12 months. We plan to look at the top games for each next-gen format, starting with the Sony PlayStation 3 and, in particular, the exclusives that could lure gamers to its doors.

While 2007 was a year when a lack of any killer app was prevalent, Sony is hoping this year will be different. With a number of PS3 exclusives on the horizon, titles such as Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid, Killzone 2 and LittleBigPlanet could help push more gamers towards the Sony format while increasing its market share.


Here are Digital Spy’s top ten PS3 games for 2008:

10. MotorStorm 2
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Evolution Studios
Release Date: To Be Announced
PS3 Exclusive: Yes

Following the original, acclaimed best-seller, which went on to sell more than 3.31 million copies worldwide and was an integral part of the console’s launch, this update is expected to feature more dirt bikes, trucks, buggies, ATVs, rally cars and more. The sequel will also be powered by a modified game engine so, if all goes well, this title should be a lot more refined.

9. LittleBigPlanet
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Media Molecule
Release Date: September 2008
PS3 Exclusive: Yes

Considered by some to be revolutionary, with the Sony slogan of “Play, Create, Share,” this game aims to promote Sony chief Phil Harrison’s vision of user-generated content. A cartoon-style game, players will be invited to create their own levels using easy to learn, simple procedures. The player will be able to take part in levels created by other users anywhere in the world, while other gamers can enter the levels you create.

8. Final Fantasy XIII
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: March
PS3 Exclusive: Yes

This PlayStation 3 role-playing epic is made up of several different titles based on variations of the Final Fantasy XIII universe. The game is said to take advantage of the PS3’s hardware, while Square also claims the title offers “intuitive controls while delivering seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics”. With millions of Final Fantasy followers worldwide, this is sure to be a real crowd-puller.

7. SOCOM: Confrontation
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Slant Six Games
Release Date: To Be Announced
PS3 Exclusive: Yes

This third-person tactical shooter is the latest in the best-selling SOCOM series. It will be a multi-player online only game, with Sony promising to provide tournaments, clan ladders and leader boards for the 32-player title. Available as a download on the PlayStation Store or bundled with a headset in-store, the prospects of this title look likely to make online gamers foam at the mouth.

6. Tekken 6
Publisher: Namco
Developer:Namco
Release Date: March
PS3 Exclusive: Yes

One of the most respected and long-standing fighting games in the world, this latest addition has already proved a success in the arcades. Over 20 million people own a Tekken game and this is predicted to be major PS3 hit. Creator Katsuhiro has promised it will retain the best features from Tekken 5, while adding online battles, daylight/night time transitions and better customisation.

Click through to the next page for the top five PS3 games of 2008.