A chill is in the air and the leaves are starting to change color, which can only mean one thing: it's time to light a fire, put on some cocoa, and snuggle up with the love of your life. I'm referring to your Xbox, of course, and although its pointy corners might not make it the ideal cuddle buddy, it's got plenty of games that can warm your heart as well as your mind. Granted, not all of the titles are as anticipated as a certain first-person juggernaut, but there's sure to be something in here for everyone. So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of this fall's biggest games!



Burnout 3: Takedown
Developer: Criterion Games | Publisher: EA Games
Release Date: September 9

GameSpy gave it a five out of five, and for good reason: is probably the best thing to do with your television since they invented Starship Enterprise models to put on top of it. Like its predecessor, it takes the notion of crashing cars in a cool-looking manner, and somehow incorporates it into an actual game.

This time around, though, the "genius dial" has been turned to 11. The "Crash" mode is now an integral part of the game, and the fact that you're encouraged to run your opponents off the road during "normal" races changes the game drastically. For the better, of course. Burnout 3 is one of our favorites around here, and we suspect you'll feel the same way.

Our Prediction: Quite possibly one of the most beautiful things in creation. We simply can't put it down. (Read the Review)



Fable
Developer: Big Blue Box | Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: September 9

After years of hype and speculation, the Xbox RPG of ginormous proportions is finally upon us. While it would be off-base to say that it is everything we hoped it would be, it's damn near close. Few games before it have allowed you to feel the ramifications of your actions so tangibly and develop your character with such a degree of customization.

It's damn fun, too, and surprisingly it has a pretty keen sense of humor to lighten up the decidedly dark themes. With this out now, and Jade Empire on the horizon, you'd be crazy to continue calling the Xbox "RPG-deficient."

Our Prediction: No crystal ball needed. Fable is hot, and if you like RPGs, you owe it to yourself to check it out. (Read the Review)



Def Jam: Fight for NY
Developer: EA Canada/Aki Corporation | Publisher: EA Games
Release Date: September 20

Hip-hop music and wrestling a match made in heaven? Who would have thunk it? Well, apparently, the suits at EA are betting on this concept, and from what we've played of this Def Jam Vendetta sequel, they might not be totally off base. With a fighting engine developed by the legendary Aki Corporation (WWF: No Mercy for the N64), and a smorgasbord of "urban" licenses, Def Jam: Fight for NY looks and plays the part.

While it may feel funny to play dress-up with a thug of your own creation, the number of options are available are truly astounding, and the fighting feels very satisfying so far. They just might be on to something, here.

Our Prediction: If the substance-to-style ratio can stay high, then Fight for NY will definitely be a winner. And we ain't mad at that. (Read the Review)



Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
Developer: Phantagram | Publisher: Phantagram
Release Date: September 20

Microsoft is set to inject some much-needed strategy into the strategy/action genre dominated by Dynasty Warriors and its sister series, Samurai Warriors. Taking a more medieval slant, Kingdom Under Fire does feature hack-'n-slash gameplay while your character mows down enemy troopers, but it also gives you more say in plotting the attacks, sending certain squads to certain targets, and upgrading your entire regiment. Add in graphics that raise the bar for the genre and the ability to play as either side of the conflict, and you have a game that should please all sorts of knightly wannabes.

Our Prediction: Gamers will likely be screaming, "Long live the Kingdom Under Fire!" this fall.