2006 saw the launch of a couple new platforms, the building success of others and the death - more or less - of at least a few more. We played games on no less than nine systems this year, and loved stuff labeled both current gen, next gen... maybe even past gen.

But, believe it or not, 2007 has even more potential. Hotly anticipated sequels. Franchises going in new directions. Favorite characters coming back for one more adventure. And, oh yeah, some new ideas and new concepts as well. Those still exist.

Our always forward-looking sister siteNext-Genhas taken an in-depth peek at the year ahead. They've focused on not only the games, but also the questions that 2007 will pose. If you're wondering what to get excited about in the next 12 months, hit the following links and start compiling your list now. But if you're interested in where the industry is going as a whole, this is a must read.

Xbox 360 - Microsoft's system had a great year, but it's not the only next-gen console anymore. What ammunition can it throw at the Wii and PS3? Besides Halo 3. And can it prove itself as something more than an action and shooting machine?

PS3 - When will everyone that wants this console be able to get their hands on it? And how many people still really want what Sony's offering? Fourth entries in the Metal Gear Solid, Devil May Cry and Grand Theft Auto series could do a lot of convincing.

Wii- The little white box surpassed everyone's expectations, both in popularity and in fun factor. But when the novelty of waving your controller around in the air wears off, what will keep us playing? Are Mario, Metroid and the Smash Bros. enough?

PC - You almost forgot about this one, didn't you? The PC may have been lost in all the launch madness, but it's still churning out the best looking games. And some - like Crysis and Spore - could show us technology we've never imagined before.

DS - This is the best-selling system in the world, acclaimed for its innovation and accessibility. How do you improve in the new year? Zelda, Final Fantasy... or something altogether unexpected like Hotel Dusk: Room 215?

PSP - The other handheld. It had the better technology, but a swarm of uninspired ports have doomed the PSP to second place for on-the-go gamers. What in 2007 can convince them to give the sleek black gadget another chance? These titles may have a shot.

2006 saw the launch of a couple new platforms, the building success of others and the death - more or less - of at least a few more. We played games on no less than nine systems this year, and loved stuff labeled both current gen, next gen... maybe even past gen.

But, believe it or not, 2007 has even more potential. Hotly anticipated sequels. Franchises going in new directions. Favorite characters coming back for one more adventure. And, oh yeah, some new ideas and new concepts as well. Those still exist.

Our always forward-looking sister siteNext-Genhas taken an in-depth peek at the year ahead. They've focused on not only the games, but also the questions that 2007 will pose. If you're wondering what to get excited about in the next 12 months, hit the following links and start compiling your list now. But if you're interested in where the industry is going as a whole, this is a must read.

Xbox 360 - Microsoft's system had a great year, but it's not the only next-gen console anymore. What ammunition can it throw at the Wii and PS3? Besides Halo 3. And can it prove itself as something more than an action and shooting machine?

PS3 - When will everyone that wants this console be able to get their hands on it? And how many people still really want what Sony's offering? Fourth entries in the Metal Gear Solid, Devil May Cry and Grand Theft Auto series could do a lot of convincing.

Wii- The little white box surpassed everyone's expectations, both in popularity and in fun factor. But when the novelty of waving your controller around in the air wears off, what will keep us playing? Are Mario, Metroid and the Smash Bros. enough?

PC - You almost forgot about this one, didn't you? The PC may have been lost in all the launch madness, but it's still churning out the best looking games. And some - like Crysis and Spore - could show us technology we've never imagined before.

DS - This is the best-selling system in the world, acclaimed for its innovation and accessibility. How do you improve in the new year? Zelda, Final Fantasy... or something altogether unexpected like Hotel Dusk: Room 215?

PSP - The other handheld. It had the better technology, but a swarm of uninspired ports have doomed the PSP to second place for on-the-go gamers. What in 2007 can convince them to give the sleek black gadget another chance? These titles may have a shot.