Not that Spore is ever actually coming out... ;)

also in '98

Shining force 3

Panzer Dragoon Saga

Last Blade 2

Street fighters alpha 3 

king of fighters 98 

Honestly, of all the games you mentioned how many will be remembered as anything special 2 years from now?

I'm not saying these games are bad, but realistically every year at about this time we see a similar list of games at a similar quality level with similar levels of hype; had many of the games that were 'supposed' to be released for Christmas (Grand Theft Auto 4, Metal Gear Solid 4, Final Fantasy XIII, Super Smash Bros. Brawl) ended up being released then I think you might have a case ...

Well, I think that depends on what level of "anything special" we're talking about.

If we're talking genre-changing and/or ultimate aposthoesis of genre to the level of, say an Ocarina of Time, GTA3, or Civilization 4, my reckless prediction is that SMG, Bioshock, and possibly Assassin's Creed (if it delivers on the complete immersion it promises) will be remembered as such.

Now if we're talking "anything special" as far as games people still pick up and play 5 years from now, I would say most all of them, though it's possible that Metroid Prime 3 and R&CF:ToD may look a bit more antiquated in the light of future releases in their respective franchises which may do a bit more as far as totally reinventing their respective gameplays. Maybe Phantom Hourglass as well... can't say for sure as I haven't actually picked it up yet. Too much console goodness in the past few months for me to give my handhelds much lovin'.

But I do agree with you that had MGS4, Brawl, and GTA4 been released for this holiday season it would probably have been a done deal.