Every week, the gaming fairies fill a truck full of new releases and dump them into stores across the nation. Lots of websites will provide you with lists of what’s coming out each week, but I’d like to give a little more information (and hopefully some entertainment) with my weekly Hitting the Shelves article. Each week, I’ll be letting you know which games are arriving and which ones I’ll be picking up, and I want to know what you’ll be checking out as well! Read the list and then leave a comment with your picks this week.
The most impressive Wii graphics yet from Current Gaming
The Conduit (Wii) — I almost feel bad for The Conduit. This first-person shooter from previously unimpressive developer High Voltage Software has become a poster child for desperate Nintendo fans, proof positive that the Wii can support mature titles with great graphics from publishers other than Nintendo themselves. And hey, for whatever it’s worth, the game does sport some beautiful visuals. Unfortunately, every time I’ve seen it in action, the gameplay has left me concerned. The graphics may not be a whole console generation behind Halo 3 or Killzone 2, but if the shooting still isn’t as satisfying, that’s not going to mean much. Check out more about The Conduit on Current Gaming.
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires (PS3, X360) — It occurs to me that I’ve spent at least 10 minutes desperately searching my brain for anything remotely interesting to say about the latest Dynasty Warriors rehash from Koei when all I really can think about is refreshing various news sites and Twitter over and over again for more info on this crazy Michael Jackson story. If Koei were to put Michael Jackson into the next Dynasty Warriors game as a secret unlockable character, it would be much easier for me to write these little description blurbs.
Fight Night Round 4 preview from Current Gaming
Fight Night Round 4 (PS3, X360) — It seems strange that EA has taken this long to release the next in their line of boxing games, especially since Fight Night Round 3 was practically a system-seller for the Xbox 360 based on its astounding graphics alone. But instead of continuing that success, EA got sidetracked by a goofy attempt to sell boxing to a wider audience with FaceBreaker. Whatever the reason for that misstep, Fight Night is back. Unfortunately, it’s also got some stiff competition from the recently released and very successful UFC 2009 Undisputed. With Fight Night also now being handled by an enitrely new studio, I’m curious to see if it still has the stamina to be a major franchise. Check out more about Fight Night Round 4 on Current Gaming.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP) — I know I’m not alone in being one of those clueless Westerners who doesn’t understand the insane popularity of the Monster Hunter franchise in Japan, but as someone whose tastes often skew more toward the Japanese school of game design, I still feel kind of bad that I don’t get it. My own insecurities aside, Freedom Unite is the third Monster Hunter game for the PSP, although it’s considered more of an expansion to Monster Hunter Freedom 2 than its own seperate release. I downloaded the demo for it a couple of weeks ago just to see if maybe I’d been missing something awesome about the franchise, but still nothing clicked. Alas.
Overlord II (PC, PS3, X360) — Despite all its minor flaws, I really loved the original Overlord. I don’t think enough video games try to do comedy, and even less actually pull it off as well as this Codemasters gem. If this sequel expands the world and tweaks the gameplay while retaining that wonderful sense of humor, then it’s a clear must-buy for me. I’m a lot less certain about the Wii and DS spin-offs, Overlord: Dark Legend and Overlord: Minions.
Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil (Wii) — Resident Evil Archives is one of those strange product choices where it really shouldn’t appeal to anyone but the biggest fans of the franchise even though people who love the series so much probably have already played and replayed the game in question many times in all of its various incarnations. This version of Resident Evil is a straight Wii port of the Gamecube remake of the PlayStation 1 original with the addition of some new Wii control options. Check out more about Resident Evil on Current Gaming.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS) — Hey, it’s my favorite obscure RPG publisher with a new release in their biggest obscure RPG franchise! Like so many of the Shin Megami Tensei games, Devil Survivor focuses on a demon invasion of Tokyo. This handheld spin-off mixes things up a bit by combining the series’ traditional turn-based combat with some strategy RPG elements. Reviews have been very positive, so it seems like Atlus has successfully captured the appeal of their long-running franchise in a new smaller form.
Spore Galactic Adventures (PC) — While Spore was easily one of the most promising and ambitious games ever developed, it ended up underwhelming a lot of gamers when it was finally released last year. Thankfully, EA hasn’t given up and plans to continue expanding on the possibilities of the game. As the first real expansion pack for Spore — I’m ignoring those silly creature part packs — Galactic Adventures improves the end-game by adding in the ability to create and accept missions. Completing these varied tasks also allows you to level up and receive new armor, weapons, and more. It sounds like a big step toward giving gamers more to do in Spore, and it may prove a fantastic reason to revisit this under-appreciated epic. Check out more about Spore on Current Gaming.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360) — To quote my friend David Ellis from his Twitter: “Transformers 2 breaks box office records. I’m officially quitting the human race.” In all fairness to Activision, Transformers is a concept probably better suited to a huge action game than a shallow summer blockbuster film, but I still suspect that if the game does well I’ll feel that special pinch of sadness that is reserved for those moments when my faith in my species dies a little bit more. Check out more about Transformers on Current.
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My picks for this week: Devil Survivor is obviously getting a purchase, but beyond that I’m also keeping an eye on Overlord II. Assuming the reviews are relatively positive, I think my enjoyment of the first game will push me over into checking this one out as well. I’m also intrigued by Spore Galactic Adventures, but since I hardly touched the original game, I’m not sure if or when I’ll find time to get this expansion.
-Phil
What games are you buying, renting, or avoiding altogether on this week’s list? Let me know in the comments!
June 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I’m looking at Overlord II as well. There’s a demo coming out that I think I’ll ty and squeeze in some time for this week. I’m also looking to pick something up that I completely missed – Blueberry Garden. It’s apparently very cheap on steam, so it looks like it’ll be worth it.
Other than that, still playing through Guitar Hero – Metallica on Xbox and Star Defense on the iPhone.