Continuing on our look at upcoming action RPGs for the 360... Let's jump right in. More hack and slash on the 360 is needed almost as badly as more cow bell!

The Witcher

Originally a PC game based on the first Neverwinter Nights engine(if I remember correctly). The team at CDProjekt have done an amazing job by completely overhauling the entire game engine for the consoles. They describe it more as an entirely new game that follows the same story of the original more than just a port of the PC game. The move to consoles has led to the complete reinvention of the combat system making it much more dynamic and fluid.

The world of the Witcher is very dark and gritty. The main character is a Witcher, basically a super powerful hunter of all things dark and evil. The witchers are not human, they are in a way, mutants. They are not well liked by humans but are needed when there is a job that needs to be done. The decisions you make effect the world around you and you will find that not all decisions are simply right or wrong. Many fall into a grey area with cases of "Lesser of two evils..." sprinkled in as well.

Overview of the Game from the Official web site:

Welcome to a world that knows no mercy – none is received, and none is given. Only physical and mental agility can keep you alive, though they are by no means a guarantor of life. You play the role of Geralt – an already legendary monster-slayer, but this, my friend, is not a gift and is certainly not given lightly. “The Witcher” is an immense computer game. Within its realm, you will have to assume the burden of choice. And this burden of choice, as light as it may appear, is the very thing that will both permit you to wield influence over the fate of the world, as well as get you slain prematurely.

Be assured, my friend, combat with all its attendant viciousness and brutality will not let you pass by, unchallenged. However, the path before you isn’t simple; you are about to be entangled in an intense and intricate plot, which will constantly require instantaneous decisions on your part. Decision-making, therefore, is the real challenge here, so get ready to confront it. For, regardless of the choices you make, the path you choose to tread, and the infamous sang-froid of your character, it will all take its heavy toll on your moral conscience. You shall quickly discover that the difference between Good and Evil, provided it even exists, is as thin as the edge of a blade, if not more so. And it is you who ultimately decides what path Geralt, the White Wolf, shall walk.

The story of “The Witcher” is set in the realm of bestselling fantasy saga by the same title, conjured to life by Andrzej Sapkowski – one of the most acclaimed Polish contemporary writers. It is into his unique world of pervasive magic, bitter conflict, and occasional dark humor, that you will be immersed. Bare in mind, however, that your voluntary entry into this world will most definitely not allow for any trace of compassion or leniency – esteem and the right to live are hard to come by.

For more information on the Witcher, you can go to the official site: The Witcher

Two Worlds: The Temptation

The original Two Worlds for the 360 was a fun game but had some flaws that kept it from being a hit. A large open world automatically drew comparisons to Oblivion. This would have been a good thing if not for the rough graphics and some other issues (Lag when every autosaving comes to mind...). While it was still a fun game if you could get past the issues, the new game was built from the ground up on a much better engine and looks very promising. New physics, new graphics, new everything and it shows. I am really looking forward to this as I am hoping it will be everything the original was meant to be and more.

Here is some more info:

... Return to the vast world of Antaloor in Two Worlds: the Temptation, the stunning sequel to 2007's Two Worlds for Xbox 360 and the PC. After their deception by Gandohar, the orc hordes are out for bloody revenge - along with a powerful female partner. Travel the lands and towns of Antaloor including an expanded area Southeast and experience breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, and the thrilling call of ferocious battle.

Two Worlds: The Temptation features a completely new gameplay engine built specifically for the Xbox 360, as well as a revised combat system, new enemies, improved animations and an enhanced AI. This combined with the extremely detailed, interactive environment, a totally revamped inventory and spell-management tool, and an improved physics system, will be sure to make Temptation a must-have title for RPG fans.

GAME FEATURES:

• Explore new, uncharted areas of Antaloor with the ability to sail the seas, delve into new underworld dungeons and caves, and traverse expanded lands to the Southeast
• Expanded arsenal of weapon and magic, new monsters and animals, and a restricted magic and inventory management system
• Finely detailed textures and exquisite artwork combined with a band-new engine built specifically for the Xbox 360
• Set up four complete armor sets to swap into at the press of a button

You can find out more on the official site: Two Worlds: The Temptation

Well that's it for now. Can't think of any more action RPGs coming to the 360 this year. If you have any that I am missing please feel free to let me know and I will add them to this.