What’s New In Games: Skullgirls, Xenoblade Chronicles

Three games this week get their release with each being very different, but each long sought after for completely different reasons. One represents what many have long dreamt a Star Wars video game as a whole should be. Another is the new gold standard of Japanese role playing games. And finally we have what many are hoping is a viable alternative to Street Fighter.

Kinect Star Wars
[BoxTitle]Kinect Star Wars[/BoxTitle] [Trailer]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh7XaFLAyPU[/Trailer] [BuyNow]http://www.gamestop.com/browse?nav=16k-Kinect+Star+Wars[/BuyNow]

It’s finally here, either the one Star Wars video game everyone has been waiting for, or the one Star Wars game everyone has been dreading. Once upon a time, waving one’s arms around to control an imaginary lightsaber or to push bad guys around with the Force was the stuff of dreams, the ultimate goal of video games as a whole. And now that day is finally here, but not everyone is so excited, mostly due to how badly the concept of full motion gaming has turned out. Though the fact that the new Star Wars movies happened, and how they’re a major part of the mix, does not help one single bit. But hey, if swinging a Jedi’s best friend, pretending to be a pod racer, or rampaging Rancor is no longer your idea of a good time, how about cutting a rug as Slave Princess Leia? Xbox 360


Xenoblade Chronicles
[BoxTitle]Xenoblade Chronicles[/BoxTitle] [Trailer]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XKe6xRaG0U[/Trailer] [BuyNow]http://www.gamestop.com/wii/games/xenoblade-chronicles-gamestop-exclusive/98535[/BuyNow]

The release of Xenoblade Chronicles is a day that many never thought would happen, and is thus a moral victory for some. When Nintendo had initially shrugged off the idea of bringing the totally amazing looking JRPG to America, both fans of the genre, plus Wii owners starved for content (with plenty of overlap between both parties) were furious. An internet campaign was launched and we all know how those go – usually nowhere. But not this time, and thank goodness. Reviews thus far for the game (it was released in the UK late last year) have been glowing with many calling Xenoblade Chronicles the JRPG of this generation. Wii


Skullgirls
[BoxTitle]Skullgirls[/BoxTitle] [Trailer]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j0WM_RBiUI[/Trailer]

For 2D fight fanatics that are craving for something different, Skullgirls has been on the radar for a very long time. And once again, it’s time for a very eagerly awaited title to makes its long awaited debut. Thus far, different is indeed the name of the game: the art style is a beautiful throwback to the silky smooth, hand drawn visuals that used to be the staple of the genre. The fact that all the combatants are females is another definite bonus. Though the real question is the gameplay. It’s meant to be a definite alternative to the formula that Capcom has been serving up for many years now, though it remains to be seen if it finally provides something approachable or will simply cater to the hardcore fan base. PSN, XBLA