So far, the Xbox 360's upcoming lineup isn't quite up to 2008's amazing standards, but there are still a lot of killer games on the way. From movie tie-ins to sequels and original IPs, the first quarter of 2009 seems to have something lined up for every gamer. So what's in store this spring?

We thought you might ask that question, so we've taken the liberty of preparing a gigantic list of games you might want to look out for. Hope you like fun.

Q3 2009Action

What to Expect: When The Dark Knight was released in theaters last year, cynical Batman fans expected a rushed and uninspired videogame tie-in to join it. Imagine their surprise when no such cash-in materialized and a totally unconnected Batman project was announced a few months later. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a dark and gritty action game set in Gotham City's notorious prison. Playing as The Caped Crusader, you'll be heading deep inside Arkham, where the population is none too happy to see you after the whole putting-them-in-prison-for-life thing. Developer Rocksteady Studios is working something called FreeFlow combat into Batman: Arkham Asylum

As proficient as Bats is with hand-to-hand combat, he's also has some wonderful toys at his disposal, including Batarangs, a grappling hook and some kick-ass tactical goggles. You just can't hide from the Dark Knight. Look for popular characters from the comic series such as The Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc and others to make appearances, often to the detriment of Batman's sanity. Could this be the next great comic book game? We'll find out this spring.

GrinQ2 2009Action

What to Expect: Grin's high-definition downloadable adaptation of the classic platformer Bionic Commando was one of our favorite gaming experiences of 2008, and we're hoping the full 3D action remake will impress us just as much. Bionic Commando stars Nathan Spencer as a cybernetically enhanced soldier with an extendable grapple arm. Betrayed by his commander Super Joe and framed for a crime he didn't commit, Spencer is unexpectedly busted out of prison after a devastating terrorist attack strikes Ascension City. He's offered a deal: Stop the terrorist group Bio-Rain, and he'll have his name cleared.

Nathan will need to use his newly outfitted bionic arm to grapple and swing his way through levels; grab and throw enemies; and latch onto usable objects. But Nathan has more than just his robotic arm at his disposal. Upgradable weapons like the Tarantula, a multi-shot missile launcher, will be part of your arsenal as well. Add 10-person online multiplayer to the mix, and you have what's shaping up to be a solid spring release that does the old-school version proud.

TechlandMay 26First-person shooter

What to Expect: From what we've seen in Hollywood movies (a.k.a. the historical record), pretty much all that anyone ever did in the Old West was fill each other full of holes. That makes the time period and region the perfect setting for a first-person shooter, so Polish developer Techland is bellying up to the bar for another round of Call of Juarez. The upcoming sequel, subtitled Bound in Blood, actually takes place before the events of the first game. Folks say that's called a prequel.

The development team was inspired by Western tales like 3:10 to Yuma; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; and Deadwood, so expect a blend of gritty realism and over-the-top action. Featuring wide-open environments, brutal shootouts and two playable characters (but no co-op), Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood follows the exploits of the McCall brothers as they search for Aztec gold (which apparently the Aztecs aren't using). Bound in Blood will also include multiplayer modes that Techland hasn't released details about just yet. We hope to saddle this one up soon for a closer look.