It’s another thin week, but we’ve got at least two noteworthy releases to look at. First, the Fable series is back with an arcade-y off shoot that looks totally different, but appears to embody the spirit of the hit hardcore RPG franchise (and in a package that should be far more accessible to some). And second, it’s basically the best fighting game of last year, poised to be the best fighting game of this year! Or at the very least, yet another reason to own a Vita.
Fable has been around for a while now, and a proven IP for Microsoft, on both Xboxes and computers as well. Players can’t get enough of the role playing behemouth, and there are three new installments in the pipeline. Each sound epic, and each sound like they will take ages to arrive. So what does one do for a fan-base that needs a fix ASAP? Why, create a goofy side-scrolling beat ’em up for Xbox Live Arcade! Which is also another sure sign that a franchise has officially made it, or is officially being milked to death (you be the judge). Instead of being an ultra hardcore RPG, Fable Heroes is going for something more casual, plus arcade-y. It’s a hack and slash with some familiar elements found throughout. Not only are staples from the main games present – like familiar foes, but stuff can be unlocked in the upcoming Fable: The Journey, yet a totally different Fable spin-off! XBLA
What might arguably be the best fighting game of 2011 (actually, there’s zero question; sorry fans of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3) is back and even better than ever. The Mortal Kombat reboot has been reborn again, and is now portable with a slew of extras. First off, everything from the Xbox 360 and PS3 has carried over, with all characters unlocked from the get go. Even all the DLC kombatants! But best of all is how the most popular part of the previous package, the Challenge Tower, is even bigger and crazier than ever, thanks to 150 new mini games. Two of which take advantage of the new handheld’s muscles. You also swipe across the screen to pull off those particularly difficult fatalities, and even more old school threads have been added to the mix. Turns out, the fighting game of 2011 might be the fighting game of 2012! Vita
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What’s New In Games: Fable Heroes, Mortal Kombat