Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Ones to Watch - June 2011

What a month for gaming.  The Playstation Network and store are finally back up despite still being attacked, E3 is next week, and we have a slew of game announcements and leaks hitting us regularly.  Why not take your mind off of all the future releases by focusing on what's coming out this month?

inFAMOUS 2 - PS3 - 6/7/11


inFAMOUS was very well received when it first came out.  This open world style sandbox game had some of its thunder stolen when it was so closely released to Prototype, a similar non-exclusive game, but this time inFAMOUS 2 gets to stand on its own merit.  What's more, North American PSN customers will be able to download the first game and get hooked for free within the next few days, so if you're like me and never got the chance to pick up the first one, there's no excuse now.


Red Faction: Armageddon - Multi Platform - 6/7/11


Red Faction is a series that has always found its niche of players.  Never quite hitting mega popularity, but always bringing some innovation to the table, with this one taking place on Mars (note the little Syfy logo on the box).  We'll see how this one shakes out, but I wouldn't get my hopes up based on their track record.



Alice: Madness Returns - Multi Platform - 6/14/11


Alice: Madness Returns is the sequel to a game that came out on PC over a decade ago called American McGee's Alice.  It spun the idea that Alice really just went insane and dreamed the whole thing, and was a much darker interpretation of the Alice in Wonderland story.  The sequel promises more of the same, and an announcement allowing players to download the original adds value to this package.  If you're a fan of Tim Burton, keep your eyes on this one.


Duke Nukem Forever - Multi Platform - 6/14/11


Above this picture are words I thought I would never type.  Duke Nukem Forever .. with a release date.  Duke, having beaten the rapture, has gone gold, and will be coming out later this month.  The question on everybody's mind is "Is it going to be worth the wait?".  I'm as happy as anybody to see Duke back, but there's just too much hype and pressure being placed on this one to be what everybody wants it to be.  Duke, I hope I'm wrong.


The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - 3DS - 6/19/11


Quite possibly the only legit reason to own a Nintendo 3DS. If you never have had the chance to play what's considered by most gamers to be the best game ever made, well, here's your chance.  Forget the 3D gimmicks and get yourself ready for the Water Temple, Ocarina of time hits on the 19th.


Dungeon Siege 3 - Multi Platform - 6/21/11


I'm a bit torn by Dungeon Siege 3.  The first one was an enjoyable romp.  The second one never grabbed me.  Square Enix is not anywhere near to being on a hot streak right now.  There's a lot going for and against this title.  If you wanted more of a Baldur's Gate type feel out of Dragon Age 2, you might want to check this one out.


F.3.A.R. - Multi Platform - 6/21/11


F.3.A.R. (or F.E.A.R 3)'s predecessors brought slow motion combat combined with a hell of a creepy atmosphere to consoles.  The closest I could compare the series to is if Resident Evil were to meet Black Ops.  If you're interested in this one and haven't played F.E.A.R. 2, you can pre-order at Gamestop and get it for free.


Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition - Multi Platform - 6/28/11


Capcom continues to milk their Street Fighter franchise and the rebirth of the 2D fighter by beating it like a dead horse.  This edition adds four new fighters, including "Evil Ryu".  C'mon Capcom, we saw how Mortal Kombat did their release.  I think it's time to step up the game a bit, and do something besides just making your game title longer.


That's pretty much it for June.  It's quite the load, but there's a few gems in there as well as a few "wait and sees".  Looking forward to July, it looks pretty quiet except for movie tie ins, and can anybody tell me what Catherine is and why I would want the deluxe edition?