Well that was interesting. Last week was like a Christmas that came out of nowhere. This week, the releases seem to have normalized itself. We got a good handful of games without any real stand outs. Now that’s the barren Summer releases that we’ve all come to love!
Remember. Release dates are quite literally made at the whims of the publisher. The following are subject to change without any warning.
Releases To Watch For This Week
Blur (Xbox 360, PS3)
Tuesday May 25, 2010
As it turns out, the green shell isn’t passé quite just yet. If anything, it just got a high def makeover. Meet Blur. Made by the same guys who made Project Gotham, this is a high definition, more realistic, neon-y version of Mario Kart. Instead of karts, you get plain ol’ cars, Hummers, SUVs, and… uhm, a Studebaker. Even the power ups have Mario Kart analogues. You’ve got your mines, which is a banana peel. You got a Shunt which is basically a red turtle shell. Hell, there’s even a spiked shell analogue called Shock. On top of the usual online multiplayer, it’s even got 4-player split screen! If you’ve been wishing for a high definition version of Mario Kart, your wish has just been fulfilled.
UFC Undisputed 2010 (Xbox 360, PS3)
Tuesday May 25, 2010
I don’t think I know of any fighting game that plays like a realistic boxing game, but that was before the UFC Undisputed series. UFC Undisputed 2010 is this year’s iteration of the UFC Undisputed series, and if you’ve seen any videos of these fights, it’s about as slow paced as an aforementioned boxing game. No air juggles here. Only the sweet science of putting your fist into the other guy’s face is allowed here. The series’ signature Flash KO makes a comeback, so it’s not just about how much damage you’ve inflicted, it’s where you land your blow. Aside from the roster update, Undisputed also has a slightly reworked career mode wherein you create your own character and take him from the beginner’s level all the way to the top. Unlike before, you’ll be able to teach your character any of the special moves available in the game. Fans of boxing and UFC nuts will undoubtedly eat this up, but it might be a slightly tougher sell to guys hoping they can chain their combos into the double digits.
Honorable Mention
ModNation Racers (PS3, PSP)
Tuesday May 25, 2010
This week is turning out to be Mario Kart clone week. Meet another Mario Kart clone although this one seems to be taking a page out of LittleBigPlanet as well. On top of the usual kart racing complete with power-ups, sliding boost, and even mid-air stunts for more boosting when you land, almost everything in the game is customizable. Starting with the little racer dudes, you’ll be able to create your own, which by the way tend to look like a deranged Mii with fingers and ears. You can make your own car complete with your own stickers and so forth. Most notably is the ability to make your own tracks complete with a terrain editor so that your racecourse could conceivably be made around a mountain of your making. Just like LBP, everything you make can be uploaded online for other to download, desecrate, and re-upload. This one may not have the pretty graphics like Blur, but these LBP-esque features might just do the trick.
Coming This Week
Tuesday May 25, 2010
Backyard Sport: Sandlot Sluggers (Xbox 360, Wii, DS)
I remember when this game used to feature a kid version of sports stars. Now it seems to have traded that in for Mario Baseball style power-ups. Hope you like your baseball kiddified.
Tetris Party Deluxe (Wii, DS)
Over 2 decades later, this puzzle game is still just as popular as it was when it came out. The last DS Tetris game sells for around $120 since Nintendo never made a 2nd run for it. Well, now you won’t need deep pockets to get your hands on this classic. This is actually just a retail version of the Wiiware version, but it does boast some tweaked modes as well as compatibility with the balance board and Wii Speak for online play. You can even play it against people who downloaded the Wiiware version.
Pirates Plund-Arrr (Wii)
Just what the world needs. More pirate themed brawlers and bad pirate puns in video game titles.
Let’s Paint (Wii)
I suppose this was only a matter of time. Someone was going to make a paint program for the Wii eventually. Afterall, you don’t have to supply the mouse like Mario Paint did.
Let’s Play Garden (DS)
Gardens are a lot of work. Why anyone thought it was a great idea to turn a chore into a game is beyond me. Of course that could be because I can’t grow jack squat in my garden even if I wanted to. You are supposed to water them with bleach right?
Thinksmart, Thinksmart Advanced, Thinksmart Family (DS)
Looks like we got ourselves another set of quiz games. Are you ready for the ultimate mind bending questions? If so, than Thinksmart is for you!
Wednesday May 26, 2010
Hexyz Force (PSP)
Straight up JRPGs sure are a dime a dozen aren’t they? Kinda like how FPSes for us is a dime a dozen also. When are those Japanese ever going to get sick of standing in a line and taking turns attacking the enemies? Probably around the same time we’ll be sick of shooting soldiers hiding behind corners. In about never.
Sunday May 30, 2010
Reader Rabbit Preschool, Reader Rabbit 1st Grade, Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade (Wii, DS)
You really can’t rail on games that are outwardly meant for an audience that isn’t you. Especially if said games are meant to be educational. So here’s to the little tykes who can finally convince their parents to buy them Wiis. “But Mom, I’ll be able to learn to read!”
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Silver Earring (Wii)
Here is yet another port of a PC adventure game starring the eponymous detective. The worst part is that this one is $20 more than the PC version which you can download off Steam. Well, I suppose if you don’t have a PC...
Witch’s Wish (DS)
Take on the role of a little aspiring witch, Vicky, as she goes around town helping out anyone in need with her magical powers just so she can get into witch school. See uptight Christians, witchcraft isn’t bad. Like guns, it’s all about the wielder.
LTTP
- Let’s Play Ballerina (Wii, DS)
- Dawn of Heroes (DS)
- Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville (DS)
- Windy X Windam (DS)
Last week had me worried there. I thought I fell asleep for like 6 months and woke in November, but after seeing this list, I can safely say that it is indeed Summer. Despite that though, Blur does look pretty good if not original. I like the neon feel of it. How ‘bout you guys. Who needs brushing up on their reading skills?
