We Jump for video games, not you.
 

Welcome to the ComicsOnline Tuesday Top Ten!  I’ll pick the best of what’s out there each week and tell you about it.  This week, we’re highlighting the top ten summer video game releases.  So forget about heading outside with your pasty white skin and chillout inside with the sweetest games of the season. Without further ado…

10) Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 (DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, June 29th)

Players can look forward to some awesome Lego humor mixed with the incredible Harry Potter franchise this summer.  Expect to control all the heroes and villains in the HP universe as you play through levels based on all the major events throughout the first four movies and books.  If the same type of high quality featured in Traveler Tales previous Lego adventures provide any indication of what to expect with this one, HP fans as well as Lego fans will want to add this to their summer to-do list.  There’s a demo available on PSN as well as Xbox Live for those that want to give it a shot beforehand.

Pre-order Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 at Amazon.com now.
 
9) MonkeyIsland 2: Le-Chucks Revenge Special Edition (Xbox Live Arcade, June 30th)
 

Guybrush Threepwood returns! Another Lucas Arts classic gets a facelift with this one. The classic humor mixed with puzzle elements formula of the first game returns here with newly updated visuals and added elements.  If this special edition is anything like the original, Xbox livers are in for a real treat this summer.
 
8) Mega Man Zero Collection (DS, June 8th)
 

When the original Mega Man Zero released on Gameboy Advance back in 2002, it changed the stale format that Mega Man had been using for years.  Zero not only looked cooler than Mega Man and Mega Man X, he increased abilities like his Z-saber, shield boomerang, an enhanced buster shot and the “Triple Rod”. This amazing collection contains all 4 Mega Man Zero games together on one cartridge with enhanced play on the Nintendo DS/DSi.  It’s certainly the best collection of the summer.

Buy Mega Man Zero Collection at Amazon.com now.
 
7) Metroid Other M (Wii, August 31st)
 

Developed by Ninja Bee, the re-envisioning of the Metroid series features 2D and 3D elements with new pre-rendered cut-scenes focusing on a heavier story-telling experience.  The potential that this one could be similar to the Super Nintendo Classic Super Metroid makes Other M one of the hottest games of the summer.

Pre-order Metroid Other M at Amazon.com now.
 
6) Crackdown 2 (Xbox 360, July 6th)
 

Another sequel makes the list with the follow up to Microsoft’s 2007 sandbox super-cop game.  Crackdown 2 promises more of everything you loved about the first but with more variety, a better physics engine and with four-player campaign co-op play.

Pre-order Crackdown 2 at Amazon.com now.
 
5) Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (Wii, June 27th)
 

The sequel to the original Japanese N64 game, this third person shooter on rails offers intense fast-paced action similar to the Sega’s Panzer Dragoon series.  You’re tasked using your targeting reticule to shoot everything on the screen while dodging everything thrown back on you.  Marry that concept with a deeper story line, massive boss battles and some very addictive gameplay and shooter fans will be hooked ‘til the final credits roll. If you’ve never played the original, download it on your Wii Virtual Console now.

Pre-order Sin and Punishment: Star Successor at Amazon.com now.
 
4) Dead Rising 2 (Xbox 360, August 31st)
 

Fans of the original should not shed a tear that Frank West and the town of Willamette are not returning here.  Instead, we are given Chuck and the small town of Still Creek.  His daughter was bitten during the outbreak and needs a short term remedy called Zombrex and Chuck must find enough of it to keep the virus at bay.  Featuring new controls along with the same core gameplay from the first adventure should make long term fans of the series very happy.  

 Pre-order Dead Rising 2 at Amazon.com now.
 
3) Transformers: War for Cybertron (PS3, Xbox 360, June 22nd)
 

Featuring a unique story unrelated to the atrocious movie release, War for Cybertron has players controlling their favorite Autobot or Decepticon in an epic battle that determines the fate of their planet.  On top of that, it features plenty of multiplayer modes including the new 4-player co-op survival mode called “Escalation.” An Xbox Live demo is currently available for those that want to test out what is sure to be one of hottest games of the summer.  

Pre-order Transformers: War for Cybertron at Amazon.com now.
 
2) Red Dead Redemption (PS3 Xbox 360, May 18th)
 

Because of its May 18^th release date, I normally wouldn’t include a May game in a summer release list, but Rockstar’s take of the Wild West genre is nothing short of epic.  Never has a game captured the look and feel of the Old West more, combining incredible dialogue with one of the best original stories you’ll ever play.  Crafted in the same vein as Grand Theft Auto IV, it features similar gameplay, graphics, and mission structures.  On top of that, it contains a pretty fun and engaging multiplayer mode. 

Buy Red Dead Redemption at Amazon.com now.
 
1) Star Craft II: Wings of Liberty (PC, July 27th)
 

Announced back in 2007, the long awaiting sequel to what is arguably the best strategy game ever is almost upon us.  If you call yourself an RTS fan and you’re not wetting your pants with excitement at finally playing this incredible sequel, I’m guessing you’re a vegetable.  The Protoss, Terran, and Zerg races return once more with new units, abilities and mechanics.  The story mode promises chapters focusing on each faction in the ongoing war between them.  Also, the new 3D graphics engine features more detailed units along with more realistic physics.  If this isn’t enough to convince you that this is the best game of the summer as well as the best RTS offering to date, nothing will.

Pre-order Star Craft II: Wings of Liberty at Amazon.com now.

There you have it, the top ten summer video game releases.

Like what you read?  Think something should or shouldn’t belong on the list? Have an idea for a future top ten list?  Just want to talk to me about cool stuff?  Leave a comment or hit me up at [email protected].

Stay tuned to ComicsOnline.com for more weekly top ten lists and Everything Geek Pop Culture.