Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games 2010

1. God of War III

From: Sony For: PlayStation 3 Release Date: March 16                      

God Of War III Proving you should never judge a book (let alone gory Greek tragedy dressed as an epic hack-em-‘up odyssey) by its bloodstained cover, let’s dispense with the formalities. Yes, there’s the usual blend of action-based puzzle-solving, furious melees and timed button-mashing sequences (love wrenching chimeras’ body parts off and stabbing them to death with their own horns) to be had here – and in gruesome high-definition at that. But what really makes the tale, chronicling eternally enraged and artfully body-painted anti-hero Kratos’ battle against Olympus, so compelling is its sheer bombast and sense of imagination. New features include the ability to use corpses as battering rams, hitch joyrides on shrieking harpies and wrench gods’ heads off and utilize their decapitated craniums as grotesque flashlights. However, from watching rampaging titans tear cities apart to top-speed flights up crumbling air vents, expect to be wowed more by the designers’ imagination and range of stunning set pieces. You never know what crazy encounters or challenges they’ll come up with next…

2. Mass Effect 2

From: Electronic Arts,For: PC, Xbox 360,Release Date: January 26,

Mass Effect 2 Set aside, for a second, all the controversy surrounding the first game’s (admittedly rather nondescript) simulated sexual encounter, which got so many newscasters’ boxers in a bunch. More notable in our minds was the futuristic role-playing saga’s sheer scope and unwillingness to talk down to players, as well as a slate of morally-challenging missions that tied lasting consequences to each action. Here, uber-developer BioWare (Dragon Age: Origins, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic) takes the concept to its next logical step, offering a greater range of featured ethical dilemmas, deeper conversations/characterization and a more detailed mix of stat-crunching and furious shootouts. Look for combat that offers a wider array of foe-felling options (e.g. detailed limb targeting), sharper storytelling and camerawork and a more advanced narrative structure that’s flush with compelling characters and gripping scenarios.

3. Halo: Reach

From: Microsoft,For: Xbox 360,Release Date: Fall

Halo: Reach Most of the attention surrounding Microsoft so far this year has been devoted to Project Natal, a 3D camera system that ditches the gamepad and lets you power games using physical movement. Nonetheless, said much-ballyhooed reinvention of the bestselling Halo first-person shooter franchise looks like it’ll soon hog its fair share of the limelight as well, what with its much darker storyline and array of new weapons and multiplayer options. Little is known about the game (a franchise prequel) at this point, but we can confirm that longtime series developer Bungie is again on the case, and that being largely freed from the confines of the original storyline will give the studio much more liberty to experiment with settings, characters and core gameplay elements that it’s previously enjoyed. Bearing this in mind, the potential here is all but limitless, and we can’t wait to lock and load shortly, with a multiplayer beta we get giddy just thinking about planned sometime well before launch.

4. Final Fantasy XIII

From: Square-Enix,For: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360,Release Date: March 9

Final Fantasy XIII

Years in development and by far one of the most frequently delayed games on this list, there’s still no denying that excitement is high for the newest episode in the industry’s longest-running, most well-respected fantasy/steampunk role-playing series. Originally intended as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, it’s since found its way to the Xbox 360 platform as well, meaning that even more rabid sword and sorcery enthusiasts are looking forward to experiencing its gorgeous aesthetic and sweeping tale than initially anticipated. Sure to be as notable for its melodramatic, anime-inspired story overtones and androgynous characters as detailed combat and character customization elements, say what you will about the franchise’s decline in recent years. We suspect that come this outing’s March release, you’ll be seeing closet adventurers be dusting off their giant blades, pistols and spellbooks by the flying airship-load.

5. Splinter Cell: Conviction

From: UbiSoft, For: PC, Xbox 360, Release Date: April

Splinter Cell: Conviction  Millions already know and adore the top-selling stealth-action series for its clever setup, which blends suspenseful tiptoeing about the shadows with bouts of intense close-quarters combat or gunplay and cinematic story interludes. In its latest installment, we find star and former Third Echelon operative Sam Fisher investigating his daughter’s death by hanging from ledges to get the jump on opponents, tagging enemies and objects for blasting in rapid succession, and using brutal interrogation tactics. Extensive co-op multiplayer options should only extend its value and appeal, which (despite the title’s emphasis on methodical takedowns over pure run-n-gun mayhem) promise to blow fans of military shooters, third-person action-adventures and tactically-minded strategic challenges away. The upshot being that if you’re into shows like Burn Notice or 24, or just a fan of James Bond-style clandestine ops, it appears to be a thoroughly welcome license to kill.

6. Heavy Rain

From: Sony For: PlayStation 3Release,Date: February 23 ,

Heavy Rain As veteran video game experts well know, the industry has seen more than its fair share of serial killer dramas and psychological horror outings before. Nonetheless, ones which promise to offer an artfully textured, seamy potboiler of a script and photorealistic backdrop upon which to experience such terror are much fewer and far between. A spiritual successor to the critically-acclaimed Indigo Prophecy, this long-awaited thriller presents countless plot twists and turns from multiple stars’ perspectives, and challenges players to explore, interrogate and experience timed reflex-testing events. Notable for its chilling suspense and convoluted plot – laced with murder, mystery and a host of catchy mindbenders – it may be just the thing to capture the imagination of players who enjoy long evenings spent in the company of a moody paperback.

7. BioShock 2

From: 2K Games,For: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 ,Release Date: February 9

BioShock 2 Small wonder millions stood in awe of this first-person thriller’s forerunner – as gaming’s most hyper-literature shooter, you couldn’t help but marvel at its myriad story contortions, Oscar-level scriptwriting, moody voice-over's and haunting ‘40s-era art deco ambience. Picking up where the tale left off, albeit now casting you as a lumbering armored diving suit-clad, drill-armed “Big Daddy,” the much-anticipated sequel sends you hurtling back to Rapture, a capsizing undersea paradise inhabited by hook- and gun-wielding DNA-splicing mutants. Offering players the option to slaughter opponents using rivet guns and genetic enhancements that bestow superhuman powers (e.g. electricity- or fire-flinging abilities that let you hurl lightning at pools of standing water or set oil spills ablaze), don’t be fooled. New multiplayer options, underwater levels and support for adopting glowing-eyed toddlers (“Little Sisters”) are all well and good, as is an endless virtual sandbox filled with deathraps and new adversaries. But it’s vastly deeper characterization, a more compelling cast of heroes/villains and endless ways to experience the adventure with each new play that promise to make this bar-raising saga another standout.

8. Super Street Fighter IV

From: Capcom For: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Release Date: April 6

Super Street Fighter IV  Wham, bam, thank you ma’am – pure old-school one-on-one martial arts mayhem is all that’s on the docket here, a blessing to anyone who grew up basking in the neon glow of early-‘90s arcades. Remixing the original home outing, one of the best (and most artfully animated) throwbacks in recent years, this nifty update adds about eight characters (including both returning vets like T. Hawk and newcomers such as female Taekwondo master Juri), bringing the total roster of combatants to well over 30 scrappers. Beyond offering even deeper ink-spraying, hand-drawn action courtesy of ostentatious ultra combos, it also reintroduces classic car-smashing bonus stages and multiple new game modes, including eight-player team battles. Albeit no revolution in scope or gameplay, we’re willing to forgive and forget given just how many hours of happy dragon punching it promises to deliver.

9. StarCraft 2

From: Blizzard,For: PC,Release Date: TBA

Starcraft 2 Never mind that fans have been waiting for a sequel to the sci-fi real-time strategy category’s defining challenge for upwards of 10 years. Or that it will be split into three separate installments, each featuring jaw-droppingly rendered battles between hundreds of miniaturized human, insectoid and alien units and their associated weapons of war, which you command. What we’re really jazzed about here is a return to the franchise’s highly polished game elements, massive raft of multiplayer options and keenly balanced battle scenarios, which tax both mind and reflexes. Small wonder then that the prospect of new units, powers and backdrops displayed at stunning resolutions on top of all this has us drooling over our keyboards already.

10. Super Mario Galaxy 2

From: Nintendo For: Wii , Release Date: TBA

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Notable for its spherical worlds and classic, candy-colored platform-hopping action, millions adored the portly plumber’s last foray into the world of 3D head-stomping excitement. While we don’t expect much deviation from the formula here apart from the ability to ride dinosaur buddy Yoshi (complete with retractable tongue), who’s complaining, given that the original approach wasn’t broken? On the bright side, enhancements will include new power-ups (e.g. a drill that lets you dig in the dirt) and a fresh array of eye-popping planets to bumble about as you battle Bowser and co. As family friendly entertainment goes, we expect it to be one of the most popular titles of the year, and why not? Promising to offer more of the usual button-mashing mayhem fans know and adore, it should do an excellent job of giving classic gameplay concepts a 21st century makeover

Top 10 Web Celebrity 2010

No. 1. Perez Hilton (Mario Lavandeira)

Celebrity gossip blogger, Perezhilton.com

For the third year running controversial gossip blogger Perez Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira) reigns supreme over the world of Web celebrity. He runs what he calls "Hollywood's most hated Web site," an off-color blend of rumor, opinion and immature humor. The site attracts more than 7.2 million people a month, putting it among the 500 most-visited sites on the Internet, and Hilton has more than 1.77 million Twitter followers.

No. 2. Michael Arrington

Tech blogger, Techcrunch.com

One of the most powerful people in Silicon Valley, Michael Arrington is founder and editor of TechCrunch, an influential blog that's a go-to news source for the tech-business cognoscenti. The site obsessively profiles and reviews Internet entrepreneurs, products and services--a mere mention of a company on its pages can make or break a startup. In 2009 Arrington made headlines when he announced plans to launch the CrunchPad, a high-tech e-reader, but the project flamed out in November amid a conflict with his partners.

No. 3. Pete Cashmore

Tech blogger, Mashable.com

Tech media wunderkind Pete Cashmore started working as a Web technology consultant when he was a teenager, and founded the Web site Mashable from his home in Scotland when he was just 19. Now based in Silicon Valley, it's a must-read for the tech cognoscenti, and Cashmore is widely regarded as an expert on how to use, consume and profit from social media. Cashmore also boasts more Twitter followers (almost 2 million) than any other Web Celeb.

No. 4. Evan Williams & Biz Stone

Entrepreneurs, Twitter.com

In 2009 Twitter went from tech-industry obsession to national phenomenon; Oprah even dedicated an entire show to the micro-blogging service. In turn, founders Evan Williams and Isaac "Biz" Stone have become celebrities in their own right. They're frequently interviewed in print and broadcast media, and with more than 2.8 million Twitter followers between them, the two are closely watched by legions of geeky fans.

No. 5. Kevin Rose

Founder, Digg.com; videoblogger

In 2004 geek icon Kevin Rose founded Digg, a social bookmarking site that allows users to share and vote on their favorite news stories. The site has become a focal point of the tech community, boasting more than 35 million visitors a month. Rose is also well known as a producer and host for online tech channel Revision3; his weekly video podcast Diggnation, co-hosted with Alex Albrecht, is a must-catch for the tech crowd. Rose recently announced plans to write his first book, One to One Million.

No. 6. Guy Kawasaki

Entrepreneur; blogger, Guykawasaki.com

Guy Kawasaki has been a venture capitalist, entrepreneur and author; as an employee for Apple Computer he was on the team that helped launch and market the original Macintosh in 1984. Today he runs several startups as managing director of Garage Technology Ventures. He also blogs, gives speeches, is frequently quoted in the media and is a top Twitter user.

No. 7. Heather "Dooce" Armstrong

Blogger, Dooce.com; mom

Heather Armstrong first made news back in 2002, when she was fired from her job because she'd been writing about work in her personal blog. The site, Dooce.com, is named for a typo committed when she tried to spell "dude" during an instant messaging chat. It follows Armstrong's adventures as a Salt Lake City stay-at-home-mom. In 2009 her second book, It Sucked and Then I Cried: How I Had a Baby, a Breakdown, and a Much Needed Margarita, was released and reached No. 16 on the New York Times bestseller list.

No. 8. Tila "Tequila" Nguyen

Model, singer. Tilashotspot.buzznet.com

Tila Tequila rose to fame circa 2006 when she became the person with the most "friends" on Myspace.com. The (sometimes nude) model later landed a reality dating show on MTV, released an album and a book and made numerous guest appearances in TV and movies. But she fell off the list of Web Celebs until 2009, when her near-obsessive use of Twitter fueled a number of tabloid news stories about her life and career.

No. 9. Gary Vaynerchuk

Wine expert; blogger, Garyvaynerchuk.com

Thousands of "Vayniacs" will testify to the promotional powers of this Internet icon. The son of Belarusian immigrants has built a family liquor store in New Jersey into a multimillion-dollar wine business, supported by a passionate community of online drinkers. His daily video webcast, Wine Library TV, has reached more than 800 episodes. In 2009, the "social media sommelier" released a bestselling book, Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on your Passion.

No. 10. Cory Doctorow

Author and blogger, Craphound.com

Cory Doctorow is a prominent activist for digital rights and one of the editors of Boing Boing, a hugely influential and popular blog about technology, culture and politics. He's also a science fiction novelist, particularly famous on the Web, where he gives away his novels for free (For more, see his essay "Giving It Away.") In 2009 Doctorow released his latest book, Makers, "the story of a group of hardware hackers who fall in with microfinancing venture capitalists and reinvent the American economy after a total economic collapse."Source

Top 10 Green Companies for 2010

Autodesk: A leading developer of two- and three-dimensional design software that facilitates sustainable building practices, Autodesk recently partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council with a goal of integrating its technology with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

East Japan Railway:EJR has worked to reduce its power consumption by introducing reduced-weight railcars, developing the world's first hybrid prototype train and installing solar and wind systems at some of its eco-stations, which had also piloted use of piezoelectric floors.

Henkel: The German manufacturer that introduced the first phosphate-free detergent in 1983 produces a range of bio-based detergents and adhesives. More than two-thirds of its product formulations are based on renewable raw materials and all new products are required to contribute to sustainable development.

Itron: The firm, based in the U.S., provides metering, data collection and software solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide. Its products include an advanced metering infrastructure system that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers as well as participation in demand response and energy conservation programs.

Natura Cosmeticos: The Brazilian socially and environmentally conscious cosmetics company focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and respect for local cultural tradition by partnering with rural suppliers, indigenous communities and family farm groups. It makes more than 600 products from shampoo to sunscreen.

Potlatch: The U.S. integrated forest products company, as a Real Estate Investment Trust, owns about 1.6 million acres of forestland in Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It recently achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification for all its forestlands (about 50 percent of the company's total fiber needs).

Red Electrica: Spain's leading power transmission company manages the country's electricity distribution system. Spain has become the second-largest European wind-power producer and expects to have wind farms producing 13,000 megawatts by 2011.

Sharp: Products made by the Japanese consumer and industrial electronics company offer energy efficiency, resource efficiency and ease of recycling. Sharp is the world's largest producer of solar cells, is one of the few industry leaders to support a solution to e-waste in the U.S., and considers its manufacturing facilities to be green or "super green."

Umicore: A basic materials company based in Belgium, Umicore is the world's leading recycler of precious metals. About half of the company's revenues are generated through products that provide environmental benefits, such as materials for rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and auto catalysts.

Vestas: The firm develops, manufactures and markets wind energy products. Its sustainability strategy is based on manufacturing equipment and operating facilities for the renewable energy sector.