Harvesting high scores: fall video games
By Colin Reid
Oct. 2, 2012 1:09 a.m.
Classes have started, but the video games keep on coming and students keep on playing. Even though a handful of blockbuster trilogies concluded last year (“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” “Gears of War 3,” “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception”), this fall season is once again marked by a slew of sequels. But for those players still pining for original content, Nintendo’s soon to be released console Wii U, its games and a few other multiplatform titles are sure to satisfy with their different premises and gameplay. Whether it has a numeral at the end of its title or is a completely individual entry, here are the games to get this fall.
Resident Evil 6:
October 2
Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Consoles: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Just like the zombie apocalypse in pop culture today, Resident Evil’s storyline is all over the place. The 16-year-old survival horror franchise has spawned multiple iterations, spin-offs and even a few movies over the years, leading to a convoluted story that’s surprisingly still entertaining in a guilty pleasure kind of way. This time around, players follow three different scenarios as former Raccoon City police officer turned government agent Leon Kennedy, Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance member Chris Redfield and mercenary Jake Muller take on a new strain of zombie mayhem. The addition of move-and-shoot mechanics also don’t hurt this game’s chances.
Dishonored:
October 9
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks, Developer: Arkane Studios, Consoles: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
In an oppressive city plagued by an infectious disease spread by rats and dogs, the only obvious solution is to become an assassin. Corvo Attano ““ previous royal bodyguard ““ is forced to abandon his cushy duties after being framed for the death of his empress. Using stealth, death-dealing tools and a little magic, including the power to summon a swarm of rats, players call on Attano’s skills to take revenge on those who wronged him. Looked to as one of the most intriguing new entries this fall, fans of first-person shooters like “BioShock” and “Half-Life” should watch this one closely, or better yet, play it themselves.
Just Dance 4:
October 9
Publisher: Ubisoft, Developer: Ubisoft, Consoles: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U
Riding, or more accurately, dancing off the financial successes of casual music and health games is the always party popular dance genre. After Flo Rida debuted the game at the most recent Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, almost 50 music tracks have been announced, including “Call me Maybe,” “Moves Like Jagger” and “Super Bass.” Fans can compete against one another in online leaderboards, or just have fun with their friends while seeing who can best move to the music.
Assassin’s Creed III:
October 30
Publisher: Ubisoft, Developer: Ubisoft, Consoles: PS3, Xbox 360
Although the history books mention nothing of an ancient assassin order and their plans to subvert the knight’s templar, it doesn’t mean it never happened, or isn’t still happening today. At least, that’s what the people at Ubisoft Montreal would have us believe. In this most recent entry in the history bending, action-adventure legend, players control Connor “‘ or Ratonhnhaké:ton as his Native American tribe calls him ““ while he works with prominent figures such as George Washington during the American Revolution. An open and changing environment, more offensive attacks and ocean combat scenarios are among this game’s many improvements.
Lego the Lord of the Rings, the Video Game:
October 30
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Developer: Traveler’s Tales, Consoles: Nintendo 3DS, NDS, PC, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox 360
J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary epic transcended its pages over 10 years ago in Peter Jackson’s academy award-winning cinematic trilogy. Now Frodo’s story is once again crossing mediums, and becoming a little more blocky in the process. Building off improvements from other Lego games such as actual spoken dialogue from the film trilogy rather than “sims” like mumbles and shouts, there’s no reason not to enjoy this cute, yet still universally appealing take on Middle-earth.
Halo 4:
November 6
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios, Developer: 343 Industries, Consoles: Xbox 360
Space marines, aliens and galaxy-shattering weapons (that also function as small planets) are all essential elements of this first-person shooter. After a somewhat ambiguous ending in the series’ previous installment, Master Chief and the A.I. Cortana are back to continue the fight, this time against the ancient Forerunners. An expanded multiplayer experience and the addition of Spartan Ops, an episodic story-based side component, bolster this franchise’s already legendary status.
Rayman Legends:
November 18
Publisher: Ubisoft, Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier, Consoles: Wii U
The game character Rayman proves arms and legs aren’t necessary to climb like a monkey, run like an Olympic athlete or even slap like a disgruntled two-year-old. Releasing alongside Nintendo’s new motion based console, the Wii U, this platformer uses the Wii U GamePad (it looks like an iPad, but with more buttons) to create a cooperative experience with two screens. Through a mix of loveable, yet simple, storytelling and pastel visuals, this sequel to last year’s “Rayman Origins” is a treat for both the mind and eyes.
