Our Week in Games 2015 – Week One
The new year isn’t so new anymore and we resume our normal Our Week in Games service. Read on for your weekly helping of OWIGs… …
Our Week in Games – Week 94
I covered all the nastiness that has been going on recently in my Editorial from Friday night, so I won’t dwell on that. I think the big news from the past week was the announcement from Nintendo that they are releasing a new model of the 3DS and 3DSXL…which is an interesting proposition. The new machine features a second analogue stick which the handheld has been crying out for since launch along with NFC capabilities which will let the device work with Nintendo’s new Amiibo figurines. There is also the small factor of an upgraded CPU, which in turn means that the upcoming Xenoblade Chronicles port will only be available on the new and improved machine. That doesn’t sound very Nintendo-like to be, previous hardware revisions for the 3DS have all been fully compatible with each other. I foresee this causing a lot of confusion if more games go the way of Xenoblade. Even worse, we won’t see the new 3DS machines until next year here in Europe.
Once you have digested that disappointment, why not hit the break to check the latest edition of Our Week in Games. …
Nintendo Pocket Football Club – The Verdict
Despite the appeal of the 3D effect of Nintendo’s latest handheld, I’ve found myself falling for one of the 3DS family’s lesser-known innovations – Streetpass, the Wi-Fi handshake that two 3DS users have in general proximity. From a manufacturer known for being a little behind the curve on all things online, it’s a welcome differentiator. A light, low-maintenance social dimension, a way of showing off your best times or the layout of your in-game home, or just expressing something about yourself to other passers by.
Our Week in Games – Post-Christmas Edition
Welcome to a post-Christmas edition of Our Week in Games. I hope everyone had a splendid time and ate and drank plenty while hopefully reading our Games of the Year roundup. Once you have caught up, why not hit the break to catch up with our shenanigans over the Christmas week. …
New Video Game Releases – December 2013 Schedule
Welcome to The Reticule’s definitive roundup of gaming releases throughout December 2013. All release dates stated are for the EU, across all currently available platforms including Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Still catching up with this months games? November’s release schedule can be found here.
3rd
Rainbow Moon
PSV
Battlefield 4: China Rising
PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, XO
In the China Rising expansion pack, the all-out war of Battlefield 4 is expanded with four massive maps, using all-new vehicles and high-tech military equipment. Ten new assignments and a new game mode, Air Superiority, are also available.
4th
Broken Sword: The Serpent’s Curse
PC
Paris in the spring. Shots ring out from a gallery… A robbery – a murder – and the beginning of another epic, original Broken Sword adventure. An adventure that will hurl intrepid lawyer George Stobbart and sassy journalist Nico Collard onto the trail of a murderous conspiracy forged in the cauldron of war-torn Europe. A conspiracy whose roots lie in mysteries older than the written word. Armed only with logic, integrity and a wry sense of humour – can George and Nico outwit evil forces both ancient and modern and save mankind from disaster? From a Curse forged by the Devil himself?
5th
3D Sonic the Hedgehog
3DS
3D Altered Beast
3DS
6th
Bravely Default (First Impressions)
3DS
Gran Turismo 6
PS3
Gran Turismo 6 will introduce new locations where the drama will continue to unfold: the Goodwood Hillclimb course, a very exclusive track that only a few selected guests had experienced until now, is recreated for the first time in a video game; the Silverstone Circuit, the holy ground of the GT Academy that nurtured gamers into professional racing drivers; and the legendary Brands Hatch of UK fame, for a total of 7 new tracks included at launch. No matter if you’re driving alone or if you are challenging rivals, GT6 will set the stage for your new drama.
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Wii U, 3DS
Zumba Fitness World Party
XO
10th
Unity of Command: Black Turn
PC
11th
Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
PC
Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise is the first expansion for the critically praised empire building game Europa Universalis IV, focusing on exploration of the new world and the Native American nations. The expansion allows you to send your ships off to the west and discover a new world, unlike any you’ve seen before – for the first time in a Paradox Development Studio game, you are given the option to discover a completely randomized American continent.
Angry Birds Go
Android, iOS, PC
12th
Let’s Sing
PC
13th
Wii Fit U
Wii U
17th
Dementium II HD
PC
31st
Flower
PSV
Bravely Default – 3DS Demo Impressions
It seems like only yesterday that every potential SaGa, Mana and Vagrant Story revival at Square Enix found itself under the Final Fantasy banner in order to capture a little more marketplace enthusiasm. From the international renaming of SaGa titles in the early years through to the incongruousness of whacking Final Fantasy onto the Crystal Chronicles sub-series of action RPGs, for decades the premier JRPG company leant heavily on their most successful marque.
New Video Game Releases – November 2013 Schedule
Welcome to The Reticule’s definitive roundup of gaming releases throughout November 2013. All release dates stated are for the EU, across all currently available platforms including Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Still catching up with this months games? October’s release schedule can be found here.
1st
Battlefield 4
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Battlefield 4 is the genre-defining action blockbuster made from moments that blur the line between game and glory. Fueled by the next-generation power and fidelity of Frostbite 3 it provides a visceral, dramatic experience unlike any other. Only in Battlefield will you blow the foundations of a dam or reduce an entire skyscraper to rubble. Only in Battlefield will you lead a naval assault from the back of a gun boat. Battlefield grants you the freedom to do more and be more while playing to your strengths and carving your own path to victory.
WWE 2K14
PS3, Xbox 360
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
PS3, Xbox 360
Lilly Looking Through
PC
Monster High 13 Wishes
DS, Wii, Wii U, 3DS
5th
Call of Duty: Ghosts
PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360
7th
Wii Sports Club
Wii U
8th
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Collection
PS3, Xbox 360
Assassin’s Creed Heritage Collection
PS3, Xbox 360
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
Wii U
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
3DS
11th
PixelJunk Shooter
PC
12th
Disney Frozen: Olaf’s Quest
3DS
SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow
PC
13th
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
PS3
World of Warplanes
PC
15th
XCOM: Enemy Within
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
XCOM: Enemy Within is the expansion to the 2012 Game of the Year award winning strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The new content adds an incredible array of new abilities, upgrades and weapons to combat new enemy and alien threats. It also introduces new maps, new tactical and strategic gameplay, and new multiplayer content providing a fresh new gameplay experience.
Baldur’s Gate II — Enhanced Edition
Andriod, iOS, PC
Deadfall Adventures
PC, Xbox 360
X Rebirth
PC
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360
Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW!
PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360, 3DS
18th
The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm’s Deep
PC
19th
Need for Speed Rivals
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
22nd
Ryse: Son of Rome
XO
Ryse: Son of Rome tells the story of Marius Titus, a young Roman soldier who witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of barbarian bandits, then travels with the Roman army to Britannia to seek revenge. Quickly rising through the ranks, Marius must become a leader of men and defender of the Empire on his quest to exact vengeance – a destiny he soon discovers can only be fulfilled much closer to home.
Dead Rising 3
XO
Crimson Dragon
XO
Forza Motorsport 5
XO
Peggle 2
XO
Killer Instinct
XO
Tearaway
PSV
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
3DS
Young Justice: Legacy
PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, 3DS
Battlefield 4
XO
Call of Duty: Ghosts
XO
Fifa 14
XO
Need for Speed Rivals
XO
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
PC, PS4, Wii U, XO
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag begins in 1715, when pirates established a lawless republic in the Caribbean and ruled the land and seas. These outlaws paralyzed navies, halted international trade, and plundered vast fortunes. They threatened the power structures that ruled Europe, inspired the imaginations of millions, and left a legacy that still endures.
Just Dance 2014
XO
Madden NFL 25
XO
Skylanders: Swap Force
XO
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
XO
NBA 2K14
XO
29th
Killzone Shadow Fall
PS4
Knack
PS4
Pinball Arcade
PS4
Warframe
PS4
The PlayRoom
PS4
War Thunder
PS4
One Piece: Romance Dawn
3DS
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Super Mario 3D World
Wii U
Minecraft
PSV, PS3, PS4
Blacklight: Retribution
PS4
DriveClub
PS4
Battlefield 4
PS4
Call of Duty: Ghosts
PS4
FIFA 14
PS4
Madden NFL 25
PS4
Need for Speed Rivals
PS4
DiveKick
PS4
Just Dance 2014
PS4
DC Universe Online
PS4
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
PS4
NBA 2K14
PS4
Skylanders: Swap Force
PS4
New Video Game Releases – October 2013 Schedule
Welcome to The Reticule’s definitive roundup of gaming releases throughout October 2013. All release dates stated are for the EU, across all currently available platforms. Keep this page bookmarked for easy access, as we will link all previews and reviews when we post them on the site.
Still catching up with this months games? September’s release schedule can be found here.
2nd
Rain
PS3
Rain is an adventure game in which the player takes up the role as a young boy who is invisible and can only be seen when standing in the pouring rain. When walking under shelter outside the rain, the boy cannot be seen and can only be tracked by his watery footprints. The player will have to utilize the visibility of the boy, and other creatures, in the rain to solve various puzzles and tasks throughout the game.
4th
NBA 2K14
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Wii U
BEYBLADE: Evolution
DS, 3DS
F1 2013
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death
Xbox 360
Just Dance 2014
PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360
10th
Defense Technica
PC
11th
Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed
DS, 3DS
Beyond: Two Souls
PS3
Beyond: Two Souls, which features psychological, spiritual, and thriller elements, is centered around questions about what happens after death. The game lets the player take Jodie Holmes through 15 years of her life (ages 8 through 23) on a journey to discover the true meaning of the entity Aiden, who has been alongside her throughout her life. The game’s producer noted that players might be able to find out “what lies beyond” after playing it.
Dragon’s Crown
PSV, PS3
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
DS, 3DS
SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton’s Robotic Revenge
DS, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, 3DS
Turbo: Super Stunt Squad
DS, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, 3DS
12th
Pokémon X/Y
3DS
The he player controls a young trainer who goes on a quest to catch and train creatures known as Pokémon, and win battles against other trainers. By defeating enemy Pokémon in turn-based battles, the player’s Pokémon gains experience, allowing them to level up and increase their battle statistics, learn new abilities, and in some cases, evolve into more powerful Pokémon. Alternatively, players can capture wild Pokémon, found during random encounters, by weakening them in battle and catching them with Poké Balls, allowing them to be added to their party. Players are also able to battle and trade Pokémon with other human players using the Nintendo 3DS’s connectivity features. Like in previous games in the series, certain Pokémon are only obtainable in either X or Y, with players encouraged to trade with others in order to obtain all Pokémon from both versions.
18th
Skylanders: Swap Force
PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, 3DS
Rambo: The Video Game
PS3, Xbox 360
Sonic: Lost World
Wii U, 3DS
Air Conflicts: Vietnam
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
21st
Eldritch
PC
22nd
Just Dance Kids 2014
Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360
Rocksmith 2014
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
24th
The Sims 3 Into The Future
PC
25th
Batman: Arkham Origins
PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360
Arkham Origins will feature similar gameplay to its predecessors. The Remote Claw is a new gadget which allows Batman to target two objects and pull them together allowing him to knock enemies together or hit them with objects. Tethering two walled-points together creates a tightrope that Batman can traverse. The Shock Gloves allow Batman to block electric attacks, instantly disable some enemies and stun shielded ones, and short circuit some objects within the environment. Some gadgets present in the Batman: Arkham series return in Arkham Origins, including: the Cryptographic Sequencer, which is used for hacking security consoles; the batarang, a throwing weapon; the batclaw, used for hooking on to a surface; Smoke Pellets, used for stealthy exits and entries; Explosive Gel; and the Grapnel Accelerator, an earlier version of the “Grapnel Boost”.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
PSV, 3DS
NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
The Dark Eye: Demonicon
PC
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Wii, Xbox 360, 3DS
26th
Raven’s Cry
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
New Video Game Releases – September 2013 Schedule
Welcome to The Reticule’s definitive roundup of gaming releases throughout September 2013. All release dates stated are for the EU, across all currently available platforms. Keep this page bookmarked for easy access, as we will link all previews and reviews when we post them on the site.
Still catching up with this months games? August’s release schedule can be found here.
3rd
Total War: Rome II
PC
Become the world’s first superpower and command the most incredible and vast war machine of the Ancient world. Dominate the enemies of your glorious empire by military, economic and political means. Your rise will bring admiration from your followers but will also attract greed and jealousy, even from your closest allies. Will betrayal strike you down, or will you be the first to turn on old friends? How much are you ready to sacrifice for your vision of Rome? Will you fight to save the Republic, or plot to rule alone as Dictator — as Emperor?
Diablo III
PS3, Xbox 360
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
PS3
Rayman Legends
PC
4th
Killzone: Mercenary
PSV
6th
Farming Simulator 2013
PS3, Xbox 360
Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate
PS3, Xbox 360
Football Director
PC
Final Exam
PC
I Am Alive
PC
10th
The Sims 3 Movie Stuff Pack
PC
11th
DuckTales Remastered
Xbox 360
12th
Arma III
PC
ARMA 3 is set in the near-future during the mid-2030s, where NATO forces deployed in the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea are trying to hold off a massive Iranian military offensive from the east. During the singleplayer campaign, the player will take the role of a British Special Forces soldier, Captain Scott Miller. Initially, the player must survive on their own after friendly forces are defeated in a failed NATO operation. During the campaign, the player will face everything from lone wolf infiltration missions to the commanding of large scale armored operations. The player will also be able to choose different objectives and weaponry (such as UAVs, artillery, and air support) according to their play style.
13th
Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection
PS3
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
PS3
Puppeteer
PS3
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers
3DS
NHL 14
PS3, Xbox 360
16th
The Elder Scrolls Anthology
PC
17th
Grand Theft Auto V
PS3, Xbox 360
Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the turmoil, three very different criminals plot their own chances of survival and success: Franklin, a street hustler looking for real opportunities and serious money; Michael, a professional ex-con whose retirement is a lot less rosy than he hoped it would be; and Trevor, a violent maniac driven by the chance of a cheap high and the next big score. Running out of options, the crew risks everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life.
MechWarrior Online
PC
18th
Dragon’s Prophet
PC
19th
Angry Birds Star Wars II
iOS
20th
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
PS3, Xbox 360
Recovery: Search and Rescue Simulation
PC
24th
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
PS3
25th
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+
PC
26th
Train Simulator 2014
PC
27th
FIFA 14
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Career mode in Fifa 14 has been revamped. Additions include a Global Scouting Network through most countries, which allows hiring a scout to search for talent all season from various clubs globally. The Career Mode hub navigation has also been redesigned, with fewer interruptions and live scouting reports. Managers are now able to develop, build and refine their network of scouts, gathering details on the attributes and traits of players. This way of playing Career Mode also moves away from the concept of player overall rating as an on-demand metric of a player’s abilities. Instead, communication with scouts determines what type of player is wished.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
PS3
The Guided Fate Paradox
PS3
Rise of Venice
PC
Alien Rage
PC
Inazuma Eleven 3: Bomb Blast/Lightning Bolt
3DS
Deadfall Adventures
PS3, Xbox 360
Girls’ Fashion Shoot
3DS
New Video Game Releases – August 2013 Schedule
Welcome to The Reticule’s definitive roundup of gaming releases throughout August 2013. All release dates stated are for the EU, across all currently available platforms. Keep this page bookmarked for easy access, as we will link all previews and reviews when we post them on the site.
Still catching up with this months games? July’s release schedule can be found here.
1st
Flipnote Studio 3D
3DS
6th
Divinity: Dragon Commander
PC
7th
Brother’s: A Tale of Two Sons
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before. Solve puzzles, explore the varied locations and fight boss battles, controlling one brother with each thumb stick. This is one journey you will never forget.
9th
Tales of Xillia
PS3
13th
Europa Universalis IV
PC
Angry Birds Trilogy
Wii, Wii U
PayDay 2
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
14th
Charlie Murder
Xbox 360
20th
Disney Infinity
PC, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, 3DS
21st
Flashback
PS3, Xbox 360
22nd
Skullgirls
PC
23rd
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
The year is 1962, JFK is President and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear – but a far more powerful enemy than communism is threatening America. Known only to a select few, a top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating and concealing a series of mysterious attacks by an otherworldly enemy. As special agent William Carter, players call the shots, pull the trigger and lead their squad in a gripping third-person tactical shooter set within a high-stakes, covert war to protect humanity.
Saints Row IV
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist
PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360
The United States has a military presence in two-thirds of countries around the world. Some of them have had enough. A group of terrorists calling themselves The Engineers initiate a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist – a deadly countdown of escalating attacks on US interests at home and abroad. Sam is back in his ops suit and goggles, and he’s more lethal and agile than ever. Granted the freedom to do whatever it takes to stop the Blacklist, Sam flies from exotic locales to US cities as he races against the clock to find out who’s behind this devastating threat.
The Wonderful 101
Wii U
27th
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
PC
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
PC, PS3
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn takes place in the fictional land of Eorzea, five years after the events of the original release. At the conclusion of Final Fantasy XIV, the primal dragon Bahamut escapes from its prison inside an artificial moon to initiate the Seventh Umbral Era, an apocalyptic event which destroys much of Eorzea. Through the gods’ blessing, the player character escapes the devastation by time traveling five years into the future. As Eorzea recovers and rebuilds, the player must deal with the impending threat of invasion by the Garlean Empire from the north.
Killer Is Dead
PS3, Xbox 360
28th
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
PC, Xbox 360
30th
Memoria
PC
Lost Planet 3
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Rayman Legends
PS3, PSV, Wii U, Xbox 360
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2
PS3, PSV
Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning
3DS