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 Indie Game
Outlast (PC, Sept. 4th)
Wait, an indie game that isn’t a quirky 2D platformer? Outlast is an atmospheric, graphically impressive, first person horror game set in a creepy abandoned asylum full of mutant mental patients. The developers, most of whom used to work for top Montreal-based developers like Ubisoft and Eidos, promise the game is as hardcore as they come — your main character is a journalist with no fighting skills, so survival is entirely a matter of running, sneaking and hiding. Here’s the game’s Steam page.
This Week’s Disney Remake
Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse (PC, Xbox 360 & PS3, Sept. 4th)
All done with DuckTales Remastered? Well, this year’s other classic Disney platformer remake arrives this week! While it isn’t as well-remembered, Castle of Illusion was arguably every bit the game DuckTales was. Also, this remake is being made with a serious amount of input from the game’s original designer (unlike DuckTales Remastered).
This Week’s Console Port
Diablo III (Xbox 360 & PS3, Sept. 3rd)
Oh, hey, Diablo III hits consoles this week! Without all the always-online and real money auction house bulls–t. Also, you can play four-player local co-op. But hey, thanks for letting Blizzard use you as guinea pigs PC gamers — really appreciated!
This Week’s Strategy Game
Total War: Rome II (PC, Sept. 3rd)
The Total War turn-based strategy series returns to the fan-favorite Roman setting, after futzing around with Napoleon and Shoguns for too long. Total War: Rome II promises to be more complex than ever, with not only Rome, but all it’s opposing cultures being potrayed in as accurate and in-depth a manner as possible. Time to strap on your carpal tunnel gloves armchair generals.
Pick of the Week
Rayman Legends (Xbox 360, PS3 & Wii U, Sept. 3rd)
This former Wii U exclusive finally arrives this week, and it looks like Rayman Legends was worth the wait. The game looks absolutely gorgeous and is picking up one enthusiastically positive review after another. By most accounts the game still works just a wee bit better on the Wii U, but all versions are pretty much rock solid. So yeah, if you’re an outdated fuddy-duddy who likes your games to be beautiful, lighthearted and fun, you should probably buy Rayman Legends.
From Disney to Diablo to survival horror — a nicely varied 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.