Keeping track of video game releases isn’t as easy as it once was — the volume of games released each week is constantly expanding, and they’re spread over a mind-boggling array of platforms (consoles, PC, Mac, handhelds and mobile).
Well, I’m here to make things a little easier on you. Every week I’ll rattle off five games I think you should check out. These articles are not meant to be comprehensive lists of everything coming out that week — think of them as a nice rounded tasting menu. Each week I’ll try to highlight several games from different corners of the gaming landscape (handhelds, consoles, indie, PC, you name it) then finish up with a “Pick of the Week”.
Hit the jump for the five games you’re going to want to check out this week…
This Week’s Director’s Cut
Deus Ex Human Revolution: Director’s Cut (Xbox 360, PS3 & Wii U, Oct. 22nd)
2011’s surprisingly solid Deus Ex: Human Revolution gets a polished up director’s cut this week. This new version of the game features revamped boss battles, touched up graphics and a host of new second-screen GamePad, Vita and/or Smartglass features.
This Week’s Life Sim
Hometown Story (3DS, Oct. 22nd)
From the makers of Harvest Moon comes, well, basically another Harvest Moon, just without the farming. In Hometown Story you essentially play as Tom Nook from Animal Crossing and manage your village’s general store. Of course you also get to woo and eventually marry various village bachelors or bachelorettes, because it wouldn’t be a game from the makers of Harvest Moon without a little romance.
This Week’s Courtroom Adventure
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destines (3DS, Oct. 24th)
The cult-favorite Ace Attorney series finally returns! This time around the game’s in full-3D and will feature several playable characters including Phoenix Wright, his protégé Apollo Justice and a new female protagonist, Athena Cykes. The game will also, surprisingly, be the first title in the series to be rated M.
Oh, by the way, don’t go looking for Dual Destinies on store shelves. The game is only available through the 3DS eShop. You might want to upgrade your 3DS’ flash card now.
This Week’s Lego Game
Lego Marvel Super Heroes (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita & Wii U, Oct. 22nd)
At long last the Marvel Universe gets Lego-ized! In terms of gameplay Lego Marvel Super Heroes looks like your standard TT Games-developed Lego title, but the amount of depth this game is going to offer is kind of mind-boggling. Over 100 different playable characters kind of mind boggling. You can play as H.E.R.B.I.E. from the s–tty 70s Fantastic Four cartoon series for God’s sake. If you’re looking for a way to indoctrinate you kids and/or young relatives into the Marvel Universe, this game looks like the way to do it.
Pick of the Week
Batman: Arkham Origins (PC, Xbox 360, PS3 & Wii U, Oct. 25th)
Come on, I don’t need to sell this one any more, do I? Like I said in a post earlier today, Batman: Arkham Origins is basically exactly the same as past Arkham games, except now you can fool around the Batcave. Uh, and it’s snowing! And Firefly’s in it! What more do you want?
Phew — speaking personally, I want every single game on this week’s list. How about you folks? Planning to grab any of the above-mentioned games? Any games you’re itching to get your hands on that I failed to mention? Hit the comments and let everyone know.