Welcome to Part 2 of SuperPhillip Central's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. This is our third year in a row doing this special duo of articles, and we hope at least some of you out there find it useful. The final part of our gift guide focuses on multiplatform titles. From Grand Theft Auto to Call of Duty, there's plenty to stuff a loved one's stocking with. As always, if you feel we've neglected to mention a game that you think would make for a great holiday present, let us know in the comments.
Showing posts with label part 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label part 2. Show all posts
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Friday, November 23, 2012
2012 Holiday Gift Guide Part 2
For many Americans out there, they're battling the crowded zoos known as retail stores, searching feverishly for the best deals as they punch and kick anyone that gets in their way. Perhaps you have no idea what to get the multi-console owner in your life. This is where Part 2 of my Holiday Gift Guide comes in.
Yesterday we took a look at console exclusives for each major platform. Today we are dealing with multi-platform titles-- ten to be exact. I cannot name every game under the sun, so if you feel I left one or a handful out, let me know. Get your pens/pencils and lists out as we are about to begin.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
Some criticize the yearly renditions of the Call of Duty series, and I am one of them. However, developer Treyarch managed to breathe some new life and freshness into the franchise with Black Ops II. For one, the future warfare adds a new dynamic totally, and the branching paths in the storyline makes playing through the campaign multiple times mandatory to see everything the game has to offer. Throw in the ever-popular multiplayer mayhem the series is known for, and you have a gift that will keep on giving long past the holiday season.
Borderlands 2 (PS3, 360, PC)
Doing what the original Borderlands made so popular, Borderlands 2 continues the trend of being a first-person shooter with RPG elements. There's countless quests and side missions to take part in, as well as randomized loot. If working the campaign alone seems like it will make a person lonely, they can hop online and take to it with up to three other players. Just be forewarned that despite the color (a Western FPS with color!? What is this wizardry!?), Borderlands 2 is definitely for the older crowd, so parents, don't line up to buy little Jimmy his own copy of the game.
Assassin's Creed III (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
Venture back into American history-- the American Revolution, to be exact-- with your assassin Connor as he explores an open world full of dangers. Assassin's Creed III offers much more modified gameplay, allowing players to do even more than in previous entries of the series. Players can move more freely, as if they were Cole MacGrath from the inFamous franchise. Aside from the single player experience, there are a dozen multiplayer modes that can be accessed online. The Wii U version of the game offers the ability to switch between weapons effortlessly via the GamePad's touch screen. Moreover, Wii U owners can play the entire game on the GamePad itself, a feature that one needs to see to believe.
Dishonored (PS3, 360, PC)
A new IP from Bethesda, the minds behind The Elder Scrolls series, Dishonored actually works on all systems it was released on, so no worries about getting someone an inferior port. The game takes players in a first-person perspective as they have a lot of freedom to carry out missions and objectives the way they see fit. Improvisation isn't just for comedy troupes; it is key for completing missions. What I consider to be a fantastic feature of Dishonored is that a player can go through the whole game without killing a soul. The choices are totally up to the player, and that is what makes Dishonored such a special title. If you have a gamer of the grown-up persuasion, honor them by getting them Dishonored for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just because.
Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360, PC)
Resident Evil 6 takes the survival horror aspect of the series and places it mostly in the backseat of the multiple story ride. There are three scenarios to play through, each lead by a different character, and each feeling different from one another. Some say that Resident Evil 6 is a jack of all trades and master of none. Others state that for every bad moment the game presents players, there are several that delight and frighten. Whatever the case, Resident Evil 6 is a game that has its moments and may just make for an engaging present.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) (PS3, 360, PC, PSV)
For the speed freak on your holiday shopping list, get them the gift of taking it to the streets, evading arrest from police, and speeding through an urban metropolis. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) has the main goal of outracing competitors to destinations by any means necessary-- cutting off traffic, driving through billboards and buildings, and yes, being placed on the most wanted list. To give a rush of adrenaline to that arcade racing fan on your list, Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) burns rad rubber.
Hitman: Absolution (PS3, 360, PC)
It has been six years since Hitman: Blood Money entered the gaming world. Now it is Hitman: Absolution's time to shine. Take missions stealthily or simply blow your cover and blow everyone away. Detect enemy movement, where they'll go, among other useful information with Agent 47's various vision detection. Hitman: Absolution is absolutely a worthwhile present for the mature gamer on your shopping list.
Darksiders II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
One of the launch titles for the North American launch of the Wii U, Darksiders II is as close to The Legend of Zelda as Wii U owners are going to get for awhile. I can't think of any better substitute, though. The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions released in August, and many owners of those systems became death incarnate. Slashing foes with Death's dual scythes, solving puzzles, riding on the Horseman's trusty steed, exploring dungeons, and battling brutal bosses are all tasks that await players in Darksiders II. If you have a 17+ year-old who yearns for a Zelda/God of War-like experience but without the actual Zelda and God of War, Darksiders II is an appropriate gift.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Multi)
Two years after SUMO Digital's first foray into the kart racing genre with Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the team returns with sixteen brand-new tracks and loads of Sega fan service. Not only do the vehicles transform into karts, boats, and planes mid-race, but the tracks transform too, making many races having each lap being different from the last. With an all-star cast of Sega characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Amigo, Ulala, Aiai, Vyse, and NiGHTs, alongside racers like Disney's Wreck-It Ralph and NASCAR's Danica Patrick, there's a lot of cartoon-style racing to be had. Don't be fooled by the game's appearance, however. It can be as a easy or as tough as the receiver of this game wants.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS)
The first Scribblenauts game to reach a home console, Scribblenauts Unlimited is the most expansive entry of the franchise yet. Explore a vast world where characters challenge you to complete quests and solve puzzles in exchange for Starite shards, the necessary items required to save the protagonist's sister from a permanent stone prison. Create objects by inputting words, and couple them with adjectives to make them really come to life. These objects are used to solve the aforementioned puzzles and to interact with the world. Scribblenauts Unlimited has nearly unlimited potential for the player to expand his or her imagination. It's a terrific gift for any gamer not put off by the whimsical exterior. Note: The PC version isn't coming until 2013, so that is why it is not mentioned.
That wraps up this Holiday Gift Guide for 2012. You have a list of over twenty games to look into and perhaps give to your fellow gamer. From shooters to platformers, this two part article ought to give you some ideas on what to purchase.
Yesterday we took a look at console exclusives for each major platform. Today we are dealing with multi-platform titles-- ten to be exact. I cannot name every game under the sun, so if you feel I left one or a handful out, let me know. Get your pens/pencils and lists out as we are about to begin.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
Some criticize the yearly renditions of the Call of Duty series, and I am one of them. However, developer Treyarch managed to breathe some new life and freshness into the franchise with Black Ops II. For one, the future warfare adds a new dynamic totally, and the branching paths in the storyline makes playing through the campaign multiple times mandatory to see everything the game has to offer. Throw in the ever-popular multiplayer mayhem the series is known for, and you have a gift that will keep on giving long past the holiday season.
Borderlands 2 (PS3, 360, PC)
Doing what the original Borderlands made so popular, Borderlands 2 continues the trend of being a first-person shooter with RPG elements. There's countless quests and side missions to take part in, as well as randomized loot. If working the campaign alone seems like it will make a person lonely, they can hop online and take to it with up to three other players. Just be forewarned that despite the color (a Western FPS with color!? What is this wizardry!?), Borderlands 2 is definitely for the older crowd, so parents, don't line up to buy little Jimmy his own copy of the game.
Assassin's Creed III (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
Venture back into American history-- the American Revolution, to be exact-- with your assassin Connor as he explores an open world full of dangers. Assassin's Creed III offers much more modified gameplay, allowing players to do even more than in previous entries of the series. Players can move more freely, as if they were Cole MacGrath from the inFamous franchise. Aside from the single player experience, there are a dozen multiplayer modes that can be accessed online. The Wii U version of the game offers the ability to switch between weapons effortlessly via the GamePad's touch screen. Moreover, Wii U owners can play the entire game on the GamePad itself, a feature that one needs to see to believe.
Dishonored (PS3, 360, PC)
A new IP from Bethesda, the minds behind The Elder Scrolls series, Dishonored actually works on all systems it was released on, so no worries about getting someone an inferior port. The game takes players in a first-person perspective as they have a lot of freedom to carry out missions and objectives the way they see fit. Improvisation isn't just for comedy troupes; it is key for completing missions. What I consider to be a fantastic feature of Dishonored is that a player can go through the whole game without killing a soul. The choices are totally up to the player, and that is what makes Dishonored such a special title. If you have a gamer of the grown-up persuasion, honor them by getting them Dishonored for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just because.
Resident Evil 6 (PS3, 360, PC)
Resident Evil 6 takes the survival horror aspect of the series and places it mostly in the backseat of the multiple story ride. There are three scenarios to play through, each lead by a different character, and each feeling different from one another. Some say that Resident Evil 6 is a jack of all trades and master of none. Others state that for every bad moment the game presents players, there are several that delight and frighten. Whatever the case, Resident Evil 6 is a game that has its moments and may just make for an engaging present.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) (PS3, 360, PC, PSV)
For the speed freak on your holiday shopping list, get them the gift of taking it to the streets, evading arrest from police, and speeding through an urban metropolis. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) has the main goal of outracing competitors to destinations by any means necessary-- cutting off traffic, driving through billboards and buildings, and yes, being placed on the most wanted list. To give a rush of adrenaline to that arcade racing fan on your list, Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) burns rad rubber.
Hitman: Absolution (PS3, 360, PC)
It has been six years since Hitman: Blood Money entered the gaming world. Now it is Hitman: Absolution's time to shine. Take missions stealthily or simply blow your cover and blow everyone away. Detect enemy movement, where they'll go, among other useful information with Agent 47's various vision detection. Hitman: Absolution is absolutely a worthwhile present for the mature gamer on your shopping list.
Darksiders II (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
One of the launch titles for the North American launch of the Wii U, Darksiders II is as close to The Legend of Zelda as Wii U owners are going to get for awhile. I can't think of any better substitute, though. The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions released in August, and many owners of those systems became death incarnate. Slashing foes with Death's dual scythes, solving puzzles, riding on the Horseman's trusty steed, exploring dungeons, and battling brutal bosses are all tasks that await players in Darksiders II. If you have a 17+ year-old who yearns for a Zelda/God of War-like experience but without the actual Zelda and God of War, Darksiders II is an appropriate gift.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Multi)
Two years after SUMO Digital's first foray into the kart racing genre with Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the team returns with sixteen brand-new tracks and loads of Sega fan service. Not only do the vehicles transform into karts, boats, and planes mid-race, but the tracks transform too, making many races having each lap being different from the last. With an all-star cast of Sega characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Amigo, Ulala, Aiai, Vyse, and NiGHTs, alongside racers like Disney's Wreck-It Ralph and NASCAR's Danica Patrick, there's a lot of cartoon-style racing to be had. Don't be fooled by the game's appearance, however. It can be as a easy or as tough as the receiver of this game wants.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (Wii U, 3DS)
The first Scribblenauts game to reach a home console, Scribblenauts Unlimited is the most expansive entry of the franchise yet. Explore a vast world where characters challenge you to complete quests and solve puzzles in exchange for Starite shards, the necessary items required to save the protagonist's sister from a permanent stone prison. Create objects by inputting words, and couple them with adjectives to make them really come to life. These objects are used to solve the aforementioned puzzles and to interact with the world. Scribblenauts Unlimited has nearly unlimited potential for the player to expand his or her imagination. It's a terrific gift for any gamer not put off by the whimsical exterior. Note: The PC version isn't coming until 2013, so that is why it is not mentioned.
===
That wraps up this Holiday Gift Guide for 2012. You have a list of over twenty games to look into and perhaps give to your fellow gamer. From shooters to platformers, this two part article ought to give you some ideas on what to purchase.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
2011 Holiday Gift Guide Part 2
Time for some multi-platform mayhem here at SuperPhillip Central. Fill your stockings full of gaming goodness and place those presents underneath your tree. Here we have a selection of multi-platform games that would make anyone's holiday all the more brighter. From fantasy worlds to platforming near-perfection, your special gamer's holiday season will be one for the ages.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PS3, 360)
Enter a fantasy realm where knights battle dragons, mages fight skeletons, and magic is commonplace in the universe of Skyrim. Explore a grandiose world teeming with life, towns, cities, and dungeons just waiting to be entered. Take on monsters of all shapes and sizes, take on the game your way-- follow the story or follow your own path. Sure, the game may have all the bugs you'd expect from a Bethesda-made title, but patches will be forthcoming, and the experience will be all the better for it. If you like a lot of bang for your buck, Skyrim is definitely the title to nab this holiday season. Western RPG lovers, this game was built with you in mind.
Dark Souls (PS3, 360)
If you don't mind having your hind parts handed to you on a daily basis, then might I suggest Dark Souls for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360? Progression through the game's daunting dungeons is the aim, but that is easier said than done as every enemy encounter might be your last. To say the game is difficult would be an understatement, but the reward you feel for conquering a beast is like nothing else on this earth. The weapon based combat is wonderful, and it gives you an extraordinary amount of freedom to take on a battle your way with your methods. Dark Souls will make anyone a battle-hearty warrior.
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360)
Batman: Arkham Asylum was a tremendous license game starring none other than everyone's favorite caped crusader. Arkham City exponentially grew the perimeters of the game world to an entire section of city where thugs, goons, and lowlifes infested the streets like cockroaches. Thankfully, you're the Batman with all the cool gadgets and tech right on your utility belt. Face off against foes like Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, and the Penguin as you figure out a way to stop the big bad's sinister plot. Whether you're a fan of the bat or a fan of excellent combat, engaging characters, and comic books, Batman: Arkham City has something for nearly everybody.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PS3, 360)
While not my cup of tea (I don't appreciate military shooters or people online who wish to unleash their racial or homosexual ignorance on people-- as someone cut partly from that cloth, it's a real turn-off), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 showcases Treyarch's greatest efforts in presenting a balls-to-the-wall blockbuster experience. The gunfights and war scenarios create for some intense situations that many players (hopefully they're 17 or older like intended) will no doubt fall in love with. The multi-player still has various perks and levels for the most devoted to reach higher ranks. Showcase your online superiority today by picking up a copy of the latest Call of Duty.
Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3 (PS3, 360)
It's Marvel, baby. What else do you need to know? With multiple new characters such as Nemesis, Phoenix Wright, Frank West, Rocket Raccoon, Ghost Rider, and Iron Fist, new stages, new modes, and a $39.99 recommended price tag, Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3 is a fighting game fan's dream come true. Some might consider this a cheap cash grab by Capcom as the original MvC3 only came out earlier this year, but those who look beyond that will discover a game that is insanely pleasurable and fun. Did I mention the game was only $39.99? Yeah, that's not that bad of a deal...
Saints Row: The Third (PS3, 360)
The Saints go marching in, but this time they're in Steelport. Follow the story or explore the city on your own time-- the choice is yours. Dress up as a pimp, a cheerleader, a cosmonaut, or any other costume you can come up with. From sex toys to rockets, the weaponry is always extravagant and eccentric. The game oozes wackiness. It is as if Volition (the developers) were trying to outdo their previous efforts tenfold. For the (im)mature gamer on your holiday shopping list, look into getting them a copy of Saints Row: The Third.
Rayman Origins (PS3, 360, Wii)
A title that surely going to be under the radar for a lot of people unfortunately is Rayman Origins. While the HD versions retail for sixty bucks, the Wii version is only fifty. The difference is graphical, but you can't go wrong either way. The fast and frenetic platforming and slap happy gameplay is something magical for sure. After dealing with an endless assault of Raving Rabbids game, it's honestly refreshing to have a return to form for Ubisoft's limbless wonder. Grab lums, chase after chests, and run from massive monsters in this near-perfect platforming journey. No matter the platform, the receiver of this gift is in for one special holiday.
Sonic Generations (PS3, 360, 3DS)
Sonic Colors was the first truly excellent 3D Sonic, and Sonic Generations follows up that game with a sensational adventure featuring both Classic and Modern Sonics. The self-deprecating humor, the 2D and 3D levels, the great remixes of past Sonic themes such as Chemical Plant, Rooftop Run, and Planet Wisp, the entertaining boss battles, and the cast of characters made for a wild ride. This is a game that Sonic Team and Sonic fans can be proud of. Both Sonics play splendidly with Classic Sonic mostly having 2D levels with Modern Sonic mostly having 3D levels. For the young, mascot-loving child in your life or the fan of the blue blur, Sonic Generations can't be beat.
That wraps up SuperPhillip's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide. Perhaps I've given you some games to add to your holiday wish lists. Did you enjoy this feature? Did I leave out a game? (I did intentionally at least two.) Let me know in the comments section.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PS3, 360)
Enter a fantasy realm where knights battle dragons, mages fight skeletons, and magic is commonplace in the universe of Skyrim. Explore a grandiose world teeming with life, towns, cities, and dungeons just waiting to be entered. Take on monsters of all shapes and sizes, take on the game your way-- follow the story or follow your own path. Sure, the game may have all the bugs you'd expect from a Bethesda-made title, but patches will be forthcoming, and the experience will be all the better for it. If you like a lot of bang for your buck, Skyrim is definitely the title to nab this holiday season. Western RPG lovers, this game was built with you in mind.
Dark Souls (PS3, 360)
If you don't mind having your hind parts handed to you on a daily basis, then might I suggest Dark Souls for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360? Progression through the game's daunting dungeons is the aim, but that is easier said than done as every enemy encounter might be your last. To say the game is difficult would be an understatement, but the reward you feel for conquering a beast is like nothing else on this earth. The weapon based combat is wonderful, and it gives you an extraordinary amount of freedom to take on a battle your way with your methods. Dark Souls will make anyone a battle-hearty warrior.
Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 360)
Batman: Arkham Asylum was a tremendous license game starring none other than everyone's favorite caped crusader. Arkham City exponentially grew the perimeters of the game world to an entire section of city where thugs, goons, and lowlifes infested the streets like cockroaches. Thankfully, you're the Batman with all the cool gadgets and tech right on your utility belt. Face off against foes like Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, and the Penguin as you figure out a way to stop the big bad's sinister plot. Whether you're a fan of the bat or a fan of excellent combat, engaging characters, and comic books, Batman: Arkham City has something for nearly everybody.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PS3, 360)
While not my cup of tea (I don't appreciate military shooters or people online who wish to unleash their racial or homosexual ignorance on people-- as someone cut partly from that cloth, it's a real turn-off), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 showcases Treyarch's greatest efforts in presenting a balls-to-the-wall blockbuster experience. The gunfights and war scenarios create for some intense situations that many players (hopefully they're 17 or older like intended) will no doubt fall in love with. The multi-player still has various perks and levels for the most devoted to reach higher ranks. Showcase your online superiority today by picking up a copy of the latest Call of Duty.
Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3 (PS3, 360)
It's Marvel, baby. What else do you need to know? With multiple new characters such as Nemesis, Phoenix Wright, Frank West, Rocket Raccoon, Ghost Rider, and Iron Fist, new stages, new modes, and a $39.99 recommended price tag, Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3 is a fighting game fan's dream come true. Some might consider this a cheap cash grab by Capcom as the original MvC3 only came out earlier this year, but those who look beyond that will discover a game that is insanely pleasurable and fun. Did I mention the game was only $39.99? Yeah, that's not that bad of a deal...
Saints Row: The Third (PS3, 360)
The Saints go marching in, but this time they're in Steelport. Follow the story or explore the city on your own time-- the choice is yours. Dress up as a pimp, a cheerleader, a cosmonaut, or any other costume you can come up with. From sex toys to rockets, the weaponry is always extravagant and eccentric. The game oozes wackiness. It is as if Volition (the developers) were trying to outdo their previous efforts tenfold. For the (im)mature gamer on your holiday shopping list, look into getting them a copy of Saints Row: The Third.
Rayman Origins (PS3, 360, Wii)
A title that surely going to be under the radar for a lot of people unfortunately is Rayman Origins. While the HD versions retail for sixty bucks, the Wii version is only fifty. The difference is graphical, but you can't go wrong either way. The fast and frenetic platforming and slap happy gameplay is something magical for sure. After dealing with an endless assault of Raving Rabbids game, it's honestly refreshing to have a return to form for Ubisoft's limbless wonder. Grab lums, chase after chests, and run from massive monsters in this near-perfect platforming journey. No matter the platform, the receiver of this gift is in for one special holiday.
Sonic Generations (PS3, 360, 3DS)
Sonic Colors was the first truly excellent 3D Sonic, and Sonic Generations follows up that game with a sensational adventure featuring both Classic and Modern Sonics. The self-deprecating humor, the 2D and 3D levels, the great remixes of past Sonic themes such as Chemical Plant, Rooftop Run, and Planet Wisp, the entertaining boss battles, and the cast of characters made for a wild ride. This is a game that Sonic Team and Sonic fans can be proud of. Both Sonics play splendidly with Classic Sonic mostly having 2D levels with Modern Sonic mostly having 3D levels. For the young, mascot-loving child in your life or the fan of the blue blur, Sonic Generations can't be beat.
===
That wraps up SuperPhillip's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide. Perhaps I've given you some games to add to your holiday wish lists. Did you enjoy this feature? Did I leave out a game? (I did intentionally at least two.) Let me know in the comments section.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Localizations, Please! Cinco de Mayo Edition
The original Localizations, Please! article was a resounding success, and it was wonderful to have a few games on that list later get announced for the West. Here's hoping my luck with this continues with the Cinco de Mayo edition of this ongoing series. We have games from the Tales, Kirby, and Professor Layton franchises to name a few. Only time will tell if these get localized.
Tales of Xillia (PS3)
A new Tales game, the thirteenth in the mothership franchise, from Namco-Bandai features two main characters. The one you choose to play as determines which characters' point of view you'll experience. With an all-new rapid-fire battle system and cutscenes made in-house by Team Symphonia rather than the usual Production I.G. who is best known for their work on anime like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Localizations for Tales games have been sketchy, so here's hoping this thirteenth installment reaches our side of the Pacific.
Atsumete! Kirby (DS)
Not much is known about this game other than the player will be controlling multiple Kirby characters with the stylus through colorful worlds and lands alike. The short blurb on Wikipedia compares the gameplay of this fourth DS Kirby game to Lemmings. Just give me something akin to Kirby Canvas Curse, and I'll be happy to fork my cash over once more, Nintendo. Here's hoping the DS isn't truly dead in Nintendo of America's collective eyes.
Valkyria Chronicles III: Unrecorded Chronicles (PSP)
The third game in the Valkyria Chronicles franchise (the second on the PlayStation Portable), Unrecorded Chronicles takes place during the Imperial invasion of 1935. The game is a side story, so players can pick this title up if SEGA ever decides to send it across the Pacific and jump right in without knowledge of previous games. You can be rest assured that this title will be full of the tactical RPG action you've grown to love of the series. Perhaps E3 is when we'll get a release date for the West...
Final Fantasy Type-0 (PSP)
For those not in the know of the development cycle of Final Fantasy Type-0, this game was originally called Final Fantasy Agito XIII. The director of the game promises a battle system similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. The game will pack all the Final Fantasy mythos that you can handle from summons to spells-- so much so that this will be one of the only PSP games that is necessary to be put on two UMDs. A North American release is all but certain seeing as Square-Enix is one of the few third parties in the West gaining bank on their PSP software.
Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute (DS)
After publishing the first trilogy of Layton games for developer Level 5, Nintendo no longer has the series to distribute to North America. Instead it's up to Level 5 or another company to take the publishing reins and localize the game for North American audiences. The game is the start of the second trilogy of Layton games, and with the fifth installment already released in Japan on the Nintendo 3DS, the rest of the world has some catching up to do with the professor.
Those are but five games that may never escape the land of the rising sun. What games that are trapped in the purgatory that is Japan that you want to see come out to the West? Give me a heads up in the comments section.
Tales of Xillia (PS3)
A new Tales game, the thirteenth in the mothership franchise, from Namco-Bandai features two main characters. The one you choose to play as determines which characters' point of view you'll experience. With an all-new rapid-fire battle system and cutscenes made in-house by Team Symphonia rather than the usual Production I.G. who is best known for their work on anime like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Localizations for Tales games have been sketchy, so here's hoping this thirteenth installment reaches our side of the Pacific.
Atsumete! Kirby (DS)
Not much is known about this game other than the player will be controlling multiple Kirby characters with the stylus through colorful worlds and lands alike. The short blurb on Wikipedia compares the gameplay of this fourth DS Kirby game to Lemmings. Just give me something akin to Kirby Canvas Curse, and I'll be happy to fork my cash over once more, Nintendo. Here's hoping the DS isn't truly dead in Nintendo of America's collective eyes.
Valkyria Chronicles III: Unrecorded Chronicles (PSP)
The third game in the Valkyria Chronicles franchise (the second on the PlayStation Portable), Unrecorded Chronicles takes place during the Imperial invasion of 1935. The game is a side story, so players can pick this title up if SEGA ever decides to send it across the Pacific and jump right in without knowledge of previous games. You can be rest assured that this title will be full of the tactical RPG action you've grown to love of the series. Perhaps E3 is when we'll get a release date for the West...
Final Fantasy Type-0 (PSP)
For those not in the know of the development cycle of Final Fantasy Type-0, this game was originally called Final Fantasy Agito XIII. The director of the game promises a battle system similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. The game will pack all the Final Fantasy mythos that you can handle from summons to spells-- so much so that this will be one of the only PSP games that is necessary to be put on two UMDs. A North American release is all but certain seeing as Square-Enix is one of the few third parties in the West gaining bank on their PSP software.
Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute (DS)
After publishing the first trilogy of Layton games for developer Level 5, Nintendo no longer has the series to distribute to North America. Instead it's up to Level 5 or another company to take the publishing reins and localize the game for North American audiences. The game is the start of the second trilogy of Layton games, and with the fifth installment already released in Japan on the Nintendo 3DS, the rest of the world has some catching up to do with the professor.
===
Those are but five games that may never escape the land of the rising sun. What games that are trapped in the purgatory that is Japan that you want to see come out to the West? Give me a heads up in the comments section.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Most Overlooked Xbox 360 Games - Part Two
I don't generally cover the Xbox 360 anymore as mine crapped out on me, and the urge to reward Microsoft for their gross incompetence is not on my top things to do on my to-do list. The Xbox 360 is home to tons of unplayed, underrated, overlooked games, and this list is to help you identify those titles and maybe even track them down to play. Let's get to this list, shall we?
Blue Dragon
The very first project from Hironobu Sakaguchi's (the creator of the highly-popular Final Fantasy franchise) studio, Mistwalker, Blue Dragon was a clever and cute RPG published by Microsoft. In Japan the game did respectable numbers, but elsewhere the game was in bargain bins faster than you can sing "prick your hand until it bleeds". Battling and summoning dragons was a cool aspect of the game, and it's a shame more 360 owners did not get a chance to play Blue Dragon. Fun-fact: the IP actually found its way to the Nintendo DS in Blue Dragon Plus.
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing With Banjo-Kazooie
The kart racer that outclassed Mario Kart's current gen effort, Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing featured Banjo-Kazooie and avatars as exclusive playable characters. The game also reintroduced various long-forgotten SEGA characters into the mix from Jet Grind Radio's Beat to Space Channel 5's Ulala to even longer-forgotten characters in Opa-Opa and Alex Kidd. The track design might have featured the same five or six themes, but the courses themselves were out of this world. It was a balanced racer that many Xbox 360 owners missed out on.
Blur
Blur was a Mario Kart game for big boys as the ill-fated promotion suggested. Players gather power-ups on each course like blowing up other cars with a gigantic blast of energy, mines to drop behind your car, and Nitro boosts to give your vehicle an extra boost of speed. What separated Blur from other games was the ability to team up online in multiplayer with up to twenty players online. There was even good old fashioned four player split-screen for those who wanted to party locally. Bizarre Creations has since been disbanded, and the poor sales of Blur seem to be the culprit.
Split/Second
The third and final racer on our list for part two is Split/Second, published by Disney Interactive of all publishers. You race on destructible courses vying for the number one spot on a reality show. The racing was intense with obstacles spawning in your way as you madly tried to dodge them as well as worry about the other racers on your butt. Back when Blur and Split/Second came out, there was a bit of a rivalry between both games. It turns out though that both games would go on to sell a menial amount of copies on all systems they were released on, including the PlayStation 3, PC, and PSP.
Prince of Persia (2008)
Also mentioned on the Most Overlooked list for the PlayStation 3, Prince of Persia (2008) was unlike any PoP game before it. You literally could not die. When you'd fall into a chasm or hole, your female companion would save you with her voodoo magic of some type. The game came across as one gigantic series of quick time events as you'd press different buttons to climb across ledges and chasms alike. The game was gorgeous even in standard definition. The colorful cel-shaded visuals popped out at the player, and they were simply sensational. Bad sales meant a new turn for the series; it went back to its roots with the next installment.
Blue Dragon
The very first project from Hironobu Sakaguchi's (the creator of the highly-popular Final Fantasy franchise) studio, Mistwalker, Blue Dragon was a clever and cute RPG published by Microsoft. In Japan the game did respectable numbers, but elsewhere the game was in bargain bins faster than you can sing "prick your hand until it bleeds". Battling and summoning dragons was a cool aspect of the game, and it's a shame more 360 owners did not get a chance to play Blue Dragon. Fun-fact: the IP actually found its way to the Nintendo DS in Blue Dragon Plus.
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing With Banjo-Kazooie
The kart racer that outclassed Mario Kart's current gen effort, Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing featured Banjo-Kazooie and avatars as exclusive playable characters. The game also reintroduced various long-forgotten SEGA characters into the mix from Jet Grind Radio's Beat to Space Channel 5's Ulala to even longer-forgotten characters in Opa-Opa and Alex Kidd. The track design might have featured the same five or six themes, but the courses themselves were out of this world. It was a balanced racer that many Xbox 360 owners missed out on.
Blur
Blur was a Mario Kart game for big boys as the ill-fated promotion suggested. Players gather power-ups on each course like blowing up other cars with a gigantic blast of energy, mines to drop behind your car, and Nitro boosts to give your vehicle an extra boost of speed. What separated Blur from other games was the ability to team up online in multiplayer with up to twenty players online. There was even good old fashioned four player split-screen for those who wanted to party locally. Bizarre Creations has since been disbanded, and the poor sales of Blur seem to be the culprit.
Split/Second
The third and final racer on our list for part two is Split/Second, published by Disney Interactive of all publishers. You race on destructible courses vying for the number one spot on a reality show. The racing was intense with obstacles spawning in your way as you madly tried to dodge them as well as worry about the other racers on your butt. Back when Blur and Split/Second came out, there was a bit of a rivalry between both games. It turns out though that both games would go on to sell a menial amount of copies on all systems they were released on, including the PlayStation 3, PC, and PSP.
Prince of Persia (2008)
Also mentioned on the Most Overlooked list for the PlayStation 3, Prince of Persia (2008) was unlike any PoP game before it. You literally could not die. When you'd fall into a chasm or hole, your female companion would save you with her voodoo magic of some type. The game came across as one gigantic series of quick time events as you'd press different buttons to climb across ledges and chasms alike. The game was gorgeous even in standard definition. The colorful cel-shaded visuals popped out at the player, and they were simply sensational. Bad sales meant a new turn for the series; it went back to its roots with the next installment.
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Did I overlook one of your favorite overlooked Xbox 360 games? Let me know in the comments section.
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