It’s E3 month, which usually amounts to a minimal amount of new releases as Summer is kicking off. This month is a little different. It seems to be extremely loaded with content, with some big name guns being touted in the first two weeks and a reborn classic at the end. Will this be enough to keep you going through the hot weather, or will you be turning to your effin’ backlog?
We’ll help you find out.
The marquee games this month are Duke Nukem Forever, Red Faction Armageddon, inFamous 2 and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D.
Instant Analysis
This is a good month for classic gaming, as both Ocarina and Duke Nukem Forever return for the nth time. Wait, this is Forever‘s FIRST time? Insert joke here. Regardless, both games seem to point back to an era when games were aimed at teenagers, focusing on boobs and adventures in no particular order. We have Ocarina, which some regard as the greatest game of all time, brought back to life again in glorious(?) three dimensions, with added content, better visuals, and a more cohesive experience. On the other side of the ring is the Duke, who’s sole schtick died with our Mountain Dew buzz a decade ago but somehow managed to creep back into relevance thanks to Gearbox’s magic.
The referee caught in the middle is Red Faction Armageddon, the sequel to one of the great cult hits of this console generation. It has a much more modern appeal, focusing on a deeper plot and unique gameplay mechanics. It comes out the week of E3, which may damn it depending on how you look at it. Will your focus be on what’s coming out now, or what the next big innovation is? The same day inFamous 2 launches. The first was a well-received game, and the sequel builds on that with more of the same.
Here are our picks for the month to scratch that gaming itch. What are yours?
Console Games
inFamous 2 (PS3): It’s the first big Playstation exclusive after the ApocalyPS3. Was it worth the wait?
Duke Nukem Forever: 42 years after it was announced, it’s finally arriving. It’ll sell well, and have a lot of folks playing the multiplayer portion, if anything else.
Operation Flashpoint: Red River: It’s a tactical FPS game with a pretty good geopolitical backdrop, set in the modern Middle East.
Red Faction Armageddon: No longer a sandbox experience, Red Faction ditches the open world for a more concrete storyline and new, more manageable and deliberate weapon design.
Alice: Madness Returns: The twisted look at American McGee’s Alice world is full of interesting design choices and dark story elements. NOTHING like Wonderland, but maybe much better.
Child of Eden (Xbox 360): More of an experience than anything else, this game is now the second reason to finally get a Kinect.
Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012: If you’re a fan of Magic, then this card-based trip into its world is sure to be enjoyable.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon: There’s a new Transformers movie this Summer, so there’s a natural tie-in game. This actually takes place before the third film, and may be worth checking out for the crazy robot design.
Wii Play Motion (Wii): It’s more Wii Play, but now with MotionPlus. I actually kind of liked WiiPlay as a gimmicky party game, but my Wii has been off for most of this year and I don’t see it coming back on anytime soon.
Wipeout: In the Zone: This is arriving on multiple platforms, but the Xbox 360 version may be the one to get for the Kinect utilization. Big Balls rock, dude.
Record of Agarest War Zero (Ps3): JRPGs at their finest, grindiest.
Dungeon Siege III: With SquareEnix now in charge, perhaps this Action RPG might be a good diversion from the plethora of shooters and film tie-ins.
Shadows of the Damned: SUDA 51’s latest game is another psychotic Action title that might be worth checking out, at least for a weekend.
F.3.A.R.: The latest entry in the series has a lot to live up to after the success of FEAR 2.
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3: It’s all-out robotic action set to the Dynasty Warriors style of combat.
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition: Another Street Fighter IV. Unless you really, really want to keep playing the game, four new fighters may not be enough.
UFC Personal Trainer: It’s another workout title, but maybe one you won’t have to be as embarrassed to have on your shelf.
Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident (Wii): The MCF series is great puzzle-solving on the DS, but we’re not sure how that will translate to the Wii.
Portable Games
Duke Nukem: Critical Mass (DS): Perfect for the retro-loving gamer, it’s the most classic of Dukes in side-scrolling, platforming glory.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS): It’s the greatest game reborn, with updated visuals, three-dees, and a Master Quest, too.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (3DS): It’s multiplayer zombie-horde fighting. In 3D!
Downloads
Nintendo 3DS Shop: We don’t know what’s going to be included here, but we can bet that some Gameboy, Gameboy Color, reborn classics, and DSi Ware games are in tow.
Trenched (XBLA): Double Fine’s latest downloadable title is crazy-ass mech combat.
L.A. Noire: Nicholson Electroplating: Anything that extends the L.A. Noire experience is fine by us.
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