Codemasters seems to be opening its arms to new (and better?) things this coming year, and nothing says that more than their game based on the popular TV show, American Idol. This music based rhythm-action game will let players control the voices of their created Idols in a match of wits and talent. This will be no easy feat, though, as your judges will be none other than Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, the real judges from the actual show. If you liked PaRappa, you might want to check this one out.
Not forgetting their WWII roots, Codemasters has commissioned the company 1C to create what they have called the Operation Flashpoint of RTS games. Battlefield Command is a 3D WWII sim that gives the player control over tons of units in recreations of some of the most important battles of the Second World War. Incredible detail was paid in the making of this game to insure that you'll be delivered a very realistic WWII experience, so those of you who are true history buffs should definitely look for this one.
A MMORPG is also scheduled for an early 2004 release, and a force of 120,000 beta testers is already bug busting this game into completion. Dragon Empires presents players with the world of Fortitude, where the lives of humans and dragons are intertwined on a daily basis. Players will be able to join clans, alter the economy, and lay siege to cities. Word is Piers Anthony worked on the backstory, so if you are a fan of his, keep your eyes peeled.
Finishing up Codemaster's lineup are two games that move away from what we've seen already. Indy Car Series and Colin McRae Rally 04 are two racing games that look to be something to contend with in their respective genres. Rally 04 is a continuation of the infamous series, and this version is going to offer more cars, more tracks, better graphics, and top of the line rally car handling. Indy Car Series takes a much faster approach to the sport, and is going to offer intense racing at speeds over 220 mph. Both of these games will be released on PS2 and Xbox, and should be around in time for the holidays.
