It’s become quite the cliché, but this week seriously sees the long-awaited arrival of some of this year’s hottest, most eagerly awaited titles. So much so that one in particular is the reason behind a rash of high impact thefts in France! Though more on that later in the week… But now, onto what you’ll be blowing your money on this time around…
For weeks now, gamers have been enjoying Battlefield 3 and all, but they’ve also been wondering how Modern Warfare will up the ante. On the single player front, you still have the massive in scope campaign, taking you all over the map, and placing you in the shoes of many for multiple viewpoints of the same scenario. But that’s to be expected at this point, and most folks care only about multiplayer. In addition to everything that one might expect is a brand new co-op mode between yourself and a buddy, plus a new survival mode, which tosses wave after wave of foes, but in some new manner that’s far smarter than has been attempted thus far. Plus, all the usual trimmings have also been refined, including new and better means of leveling up, unlocking goods, and tabulating killstreaks. Last but not least is the controversial Call of Duty: Elite, which for $50 a year adds daily competitions, the ability to level up your clan, plus various other “social” aspects. Much like Battlenet, everyone will bitch and moan, but everyone will also put down the money, for better or worse. PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, DS
If duking it out in the virtual battlefield isn’t your cup of napalm, then how about another trip to the mythical realm of Nim? Because sometimes, the idea of going toe to toe with some dragon god is a bit more appealing then dealing with terrorists in the Middle East. As before, you start as a blank canvas, and its up to you to dictate every little thing, from how you’ll look physically, to what offensive (plus defensive) measures you’ll be employing, even if you actually want to confront the aforementioned Alduin. Much like Oblivion, you can play the game however the hell you want, but even more so, with more skills to learn, and a more elegant way to hone them. Though the visuals have also been upgraded sufficiently (despite being rough around the edges, Elder Scrolls IV was what sold the 360 to many back in the day) and is now unbelievably gorgeous. One brand new feature the game’s makers have been keen to pimp out is how you can enlist the aids of dragons to help in your quest (or simply to do your bidding), though the leaked details regarding the game’s robust cooking component is what has everyone truly hot and bothered! PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Time once again for yesteryear’s software to be re-released on today’s hardware, but with all sorts of upgrades. Mostly graphical; the games that pushed the PS2 and PSP to their very limits have now been given some breathing space and a HD paint job. Unlike past collections, pretty much everyone should have played Metal Gears 2 and 3, though it’s certainly nice to have them together, and looking even prettier. Though it’s especially a bonus for those who have never owned Sony hardware. It’s also a safe bet that many have not experienced the unofficial part 5, called Peace Walker, since not everyone out there has Sony’s handheld. Plus, in a move that demonstrates that Japan doesn’t always get all the goods, whereas the remakes have been packaged separately on that end, we’re getting it in one handy little package. Xbox 360, PS3
Huh? Believe it or not, there are many who have been quietly and patiently awaiting the arrival of this latest wonder of Japanese culture. Where anime chicks and space ship battles rule the land. Though this particular installment of the latter, is of the legendary Gradius series… which has unfortunately fallen by the way side in recent years, popularity-wise. Which has been the source of consternation of diehard fans of the franchise on that end. Meanwhile, us Americans have simply wanted the chance to give the game a go; it was announced ages ago, but seemingly forgotten to the point that many assumed it was never coming. But it’s finally here, and no doubt in limited quantities. So if you’d love to learn about the latest, hot thing in Japan that will more than likely become a collector’s item, then look no further. Xbox 360
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What’s New In Games This Week