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Consoles, PCs, handhelds, Facebook, smartphones — the world of gaming is becoming increasingly confusing and fragmented, but don’t worry, we’re here to simplify things for you. Each week I’ll rattle off five games I think you might want to check out this week. Keep in mind, these articles aren’t meant to be comprehensive lists of everything coming out that week so much as a nice rounded tasting menu. So, let’s get to it…
This Week’s Arcade Shooter
Luftrausers (PC, Mac, Linux, PS Vita & PS3, Mar. 18th)
Luftrausers is a new indie dog fighting arcade shooter. In addition to a cool visual style, the game sets itself apart by giving you the ability to customize your little pixelated plane out the wazoo. Looks like a fun, high-score chasing distraction.
This Week’s Indie Platformer
Cloudbuilt (PC, Mar. 20th)
Cloudbuilt basically looks like a spiritual successor to N64 “classic” Jet Force Gemini, but unlike Jet Force Gemini, the game actually looks like it plays and controls well. In Cloudbuilt you jump, wall-run and blast your way through obstacle courses that are designed to be completed in a variety of different ways. If you’re missing the slightly more open-ended 3D platformers of the N64 and PS2/Gamecube era, this game just might be for you. Here’s the game’s Steam page.
This Week’s Zombie Ninja Ridiculousness
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (PC, Xbox 360 & PS3, Mar. 18th)
There are two Keiji Inafunes — one makes cute, tightly designed games like Mega Man, and the other makes crude, bloody, messes like Dead Rising. The former is currently working on Mighty No. 9, while the latter is responsible for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, a proudly tasteless, wildly over-the-top take on the Ninja Gaiden series. Will this game be good? The jury’s still out, but it’ll almost certainly be memorable.
This Week’s Appetizer
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 & PS4, Mar. 18th)
So, the prologue to Metal Gear Solid V arrives this week. Ground Zeroes looks good, but keep in mind, you’re going to be paying 20 – 30 dollars for a 2 or 3-hour introductory mission. There’s also side missions and other extras to flesh things out a bit, but still, you’ll probably be done with this one in a weekend-or-so. But hey, a weekend of Metal Gear is better than a weekend with most other games.
Pick of the Week
Infamous: Second Son (PS4, Mar. 21st)
I’m not sure if Infamous: Second Son is going to sell a huge amount of PS4s — the game certainly looks good, but not that far above a lot of current-gen open world games. That said, if you already own a PS4, it goes without saying you’re going to want to run out and grab this one immediately.
Any games you’re itching to get your hands on that I failed to mention? Hit the comments and let the world know.