Mario Strikes Charged - Nintendo, for Wii; July 10

Nintendo’s sequel to Super Mario Strikers is the latest in a long series of Mario-themed arcade sports titles from the big N, but it’s special for several reasons.  First, it is the first such title to come to the Wii.  Second, it is effectively inaugurating online multiplayer for Nintendo’s new console. 

Third, it looks to be a whole lot of fun.  Drawing on the broad cast of Mario characters, players will put together a team to take on computer opponents or other humans over Wi-Fi.  The controls make minimal use of the motion-sensing, sticking with a more traditional scheme with a few waggles for precise control of the arcade action.  Wii owners will be able to get online with up to five other players for matches come July 10.

BioShock - 2K Games, for 360/PC; August 21

Gamers will finally be able to get their hands on the spiritual successor to the classic System Shock 2 this August.  The first-person shooter/RPG hybrid is set in the ruined undersea city of Rapture, where the citizens long ago succumbed to the temptation of genetic tampering, resulting in a wide variety of gruesome creations. 

As the player progresses through Rapture, charging into or avoiding fights, genetic modifications will boost the main character’s skills and attributes.  The complex AI patterns and interactions between the various inhabitants of the city should make for some interesting, intelligent first-person action when this game finally drops in August.

Drawn to Life - THQ, for Nintendo DS; September 4

Most titles that really utilize the unique capabilities of the DS are Nintendo-brewed, so it is refreshing that THQ can cook up something like Drawn to Life.  At first glance, it seems like a standard cutesy platformer.  Players run from side to side, jumping on or shooting at enemies and rescuing some friendly creatures, all drawn in a loose storybook art style.  However, the player character and many other game objects can be created from scratch by the player. 

Using the stylus and touch screen, players will draw their hero and his weapons in segments that connect and animate together, lending a hand-drawn, incredibly customizable feeling to the action.  Drawings are limited by nothing except artistic ability and real estate on the touch screen.  If you’ve been getting a little too much of Mario and company and your DS, Drawn to Life may just be your title this September.