Keeping track 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 Historical Hack and Slash
Dynasty Warriors 8 (Xbox 360 & PS3, July 16th)
Yes, Koei’s never-ending Dynasty Warriors series (don’t let the “8” attached to this game fool you — counting all the various spin-offs there are far more than eight Dynasty Warriors titles) may seem like a bit of a running joke these days, but hey, obviously some folks like them or they wouldn’t continue pumping them out. Admittedly battling wave after wave of enemies can be a strangely relaxing experience and Dynasty Warriors 8 is turning up the absurdity-dial with the ability to juggle dozens of enemies in the air at once.
This Week’s Compilation
The Serious Sam Collection (Xbox 360, July 16th)
Are modern shooters too complex for you? Long for the days when shooters were simple, dumb and fun? Well, then the Serious Sam series is for you. This collection bundles together HD versions of Serious Sam 1 and 2, Serious Sam 3 and something I’ve never heard of called Serious Sam: Double D XXL (lol, boobs). Get ready for some brainless summertime fun.
This Week’s Very Japanese-ey Thing
Time and Eternity (PS3, July 16th)
Hey, do you like quirky Japanese s–t? Because, hoo boy, do I have some quirky Japanese s–t for you this week!
Time and Eternity is a JRPG with weird, kind of crude hand drawn, anime-style graphics. The story involves you witnessing the death of your fiancé at your own wedding, then travelling back in time with her and her alter ego to find the killers. I told you it was weird. I’m not sure if Time and Eternity will actually be good, but it looks like a must-have for collectors of strange Japanese ephemera.
Also, even if you don’t usually watch the trailers I attach to these articles, you need to watch the one above. It’s, uh…something else.
This Week’s Virtual Console Re-Release
Shantae (3DS, July 18th)
3DS owners have been hoping for a re-release of Capcom and WayForward’s charming little Game Boy Color platformer Shantae pretty much since the 3DS’ Virtual Console was announced, and it finally arrives this week. The original Shantae isn’t quite as good as the sequel that came out on the DS, but it’s still a fun game with a lot of personality.
Pick of the Week
Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS, July 16th)
The next major entry in Atlus’ legendary dungeon-hack series hits the 3DS this week. In terms of presentation and polish, Shin Megami Tensei IV looks closer to Atlus’ PS2 Persona games than to most other portable JRPGs. That console-level presentation comes with a console-level price tag though, as Shin Megami Tensei IV will cost a full $50. Thankfully it looks like Atlus is packing Shin Megami Tensei IV with more than enough content and extras to justify the expense.
Some good summertime gaming coming out this week. 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.