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 Shooter
Fuse (Xbox 360 & PS3, May 28th)
A new third-person shooter from Insomniac, Fuse basically looks to be an aged-up version of Ratchet & Clank. With four-player co-op! Reviews have been a bit all over the map, but at least the game doesn’t seem to be taking itself too terribly seriously. Dan has an interview with the game’s composer right here.
This Week’s PSN Re-Release
The Warriors (Playstation Network, May 28th)
The Warriors is one of Rockstar’s most overlooked titles — probably because the game came out roughly 26-years after the movie it was based on. It’s well worth checking out when it hits PSN this week — it’s a very loving tribute to the cult classic movie, and it’s a lot more streamlined, and in some ways more fun, than a lot of Rockstar’s other games.
This Week’s Indie
The Swapper (PC, May 30th)
Don’t worry (or get too excited), despite it’s somewhat unfortunate title, The Swapper isn’t anything dirty. Like so many other indie games The Swapper is a stylish, 2D puzzle platformer with a neat hook — in this case the ability to clone yourself and swap between yourself and the clone to solve puzzles. Oh, also all the art for The Swapper is constructed out of clay and everyday materials. Jonathan Blow, the creator of Braid has given The Swapper his endorsement (if that means anything to you). Here’s The Swapper’s page on Steam.
This Week’s Car Goes Vroom Game
GRID 2 (Xbox 360, PS3 & PC, May 28th)
Needed a new game where you can make cars go vrooom real fast? Well this one should fit the bill! It’s getting pretty good reviews! Realistic racers (that is to say, any racer where I can’t fire turtle shells or spend the entire race drifting) aren’t really my thing — but maybe they’re yours, in which case, give GRID 2 a look.
Pick of the Week
The Night of the Rabbit (PC & Mac, May 28th)
Want a good adventure game without the dad jokes of Leisure Suit Larry? Well, The Night of the Rabbit may fit the bill. The game is a very classic-looking adventure with charming hand-drawn art, and a bit of a sinister edge. The makers of Night of the Rabbit previously worked on the well liked by adventure fans Deponia and Whispered World series, making this one of the most anticipated adventure games of the year. So, in other words, I’m giving it Pick of the Week honors dammit! Buy the game here.
Not a bad week if you’re into adventure games. If you’re not, well, not long now until June and Remember Me and The Last of Us. 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.