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
Ibb and Obb (PS3, August 6th)
Wait, what’s this? A platformer with a slick 2D art-style, featuring gameplay that hinges on a single clever mechanic? Why, it must be our indie game of the week!
Snarkiness about the fact that every indie game has to be Braid aside, Ibb and Obb looks pretty good! It’s a cute, co-op game, in which you and a friend can platform-it-up standard-style, or push a button, flip to the other side of the horizon-line and platform upside down. I’ve already got a headache just thinking about it!
This Week’s Indie Adventure Game
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Xbox Live, August 7th)
Long-in-development indie adventure game Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons kicks off Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade this year. As you might guess, Brothers stars two brothers, with the twist being this isn’t a multiplayer game. Instead each brother is assigned to an analog stick and you control both at once. I think my headache just got worse! But hey, don’t listen to my old man complaining — it’s getting some nice reviews so far.
This Week’s Boob-filled Brawler
Dragon’s Crown (PS3 & PS Vita, August 7th)
Dragon’s Crown is the latest beautiful hand-painted action game from Vanillaware, the makers of Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but most of you have probably only heard of it because of the CONTROVERSY it’s been generating. See, one of the characters in the game has really big breasts. Man, I bet the guys at Vanillaware are just crying in their ramen daily over the fact that people won’t stop talking about the giant lovingly-animated boobs in their latest game.
Anyways, the game is apparently pretty damn good, so if you’re not morally opposed to giant bouncing tits, you might want to check Dragon’s Crown out. Just, you know, maybe only play it when your girlfriend/wife is at the mall or yoga or wherever.
This Week’s JRPG
Tales of Xillia (PS3, August 6th)
Hey look, it’s a new Tales game! I’ve never been crazy about the Tales series (and trust me, I’ve given it more than a few chances to wow me) but I know some people certainly are. Tales of Xillia was released way back in 2011 in Japan, and Namco-Bandai has spent the past two years cruelly dangling it over western Tales fans’ heads, but now it’s finally here. Rejoice Tales fans! Another 40-hours of button mashing, chosen ones and chaste romance! Ah, I kid Tales fans — I mean, it will have all those things, but in a good way I’m sure. Also, apparently Xillia is one of the better entries in the series and worth a look even if you haven’t loved some of the past Tales games.
Pick of the Week
Pikmin 3 (Wii U, August 4th)
Hoooly crap Wii U owners (all two of you who read this site) — it’s finally here! Pikmin 3! The first major Wii U game from Nintendo in, ohhhh, around nine months. “Launch window” my ass Nintendo!
Well, anyways, Pikmin 3 is largely a return to the style of the original Pikmin, with the focus being very much on strategy again. And adorableness! And horrific bug-on-bug violence! If you own a Wii U, what the hell are you waiting for?
A good week! With more good weeks to come this month! The holiday game crunch officially starts in August now I guess. 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.