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Video game preview: This winter’s offerings are filled with heroes, villains and Nintendo fun

(Vivian Sun/Daily Bruin)

By Eric Sican, Yuna Choi, Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon, and Gavin Meichelbock

Jan. 27, 2024 11:57 a.m.

This post was updated Feb. 1 at 8:03 p.m.

This season, winter chill meets video game thrill.

As the frost sets in, gaming enthusiasts can escape the cold with a retreat into the digital universe. From resplendent reimaginings to heroic hijinks, these engrossing odysseys will surely heat up the air.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and read on for the Daily Bruin’s winter video game recommendations.

[Related: Graduate student Vinny Roca showcases conceptual graphics with ‘ALL THERE IS’ game]

(Courtesy of Crunchyroll Games, LLC)
Donning his signature uniform, Saitama stands in front of his foe Beast King. “One Punch Man: World” will release Jan. 31. (Courtesy of Crunchyroll Games, LLC)

“One Punch Man: World” (Crunchyroll Games, LLC)

There’s no need to do 100 pushups, 100 situps and 100 squats to power up in this game.

Due to popular demand, the hit anime “One Punch Man” comes to life on Jan. 31 in the adapted action RPG game “One Punch Man: World.” Free to play and available on PC, iOS and Android, the game follows the journey of Saitama, the hero who can defeat anyone with just one hit. Players will also be able to customize their character and specialize their abilities and skill sets. They are presented with the opportunity to join the Hero Association as well as team up with familiar faces to defeat notorious supervillains such as Mosquito Girl and the Subterranean King.

There is even a co-op option to play with friends and complete missions together. The game is diverse in characters and settings, offering players the option to explore beyond just battles. This includes activities such as gaming at arcades or even going grocery shopping because of the game’s open-world nature. Players can take the game at their own pace – whether they want to take a leisurely day off exploring or rapidly climbing through the ranks.

With every punch, players bring a thirst for action and adventure into the world of superheroes.

– Yuna Choi

(Courtesy of Warner Bros. Games)
(From left to right) Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark and Captain Boomerang are pictured. “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” will release Feb. 2. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Games)

“Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” (Warner Bros. Games)

DC’s most dysfunctional villains take on its mightiest heroes in Rocksteady Studios’ biggest cinematic experience yet.

Players return to the Arkhamverse universe Feb. 2 to take on the impossible task of killing the Justice League. In “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” the cosmic conqueror, Brainiac, has taken over Metropolis as well as its protectors. Rampage through the city in this high-octane shooter as Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, King Shark or Harley Quinn to complete the mission and eliminate the Justice League.

Throughout the game, players will interact with and receive help from other notorious villains. The Penguin supplies Task Force X with different weapons from the likes of LexCorp and S.T.A.R. Labs, while Poison Ivy provides weapon upgrades called “afflictions,” which are inspired by villains such as Bane and Mr. Freeze. Players will combine these upgrades along with the game’s nearly endless customization options to stand a chance in boss fights against Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and the Flash.

Join this group of iconic DC rogues who are just dying to save the world.

– Gavin Meichelbock

(Courtesy of Nintendo)
Mario and Donkey Kong face one another. “Mario vs. Donkey Kong” will release March 5 on Nintendo Switch. (Courtesy of Nintendo)

“Mario vs. Donkey Kong” (Nintendo)

Go bananas this season with an improved classic featuring everyone’s favorite barrel-throwing gorilla and Italian plumber duo.

On Feb. 16, the enhanced and updated version of the earlier “Mario vs. Donkey Kong” game originally released on the Game Boy system will officially return exclusively to Nintendo Switch systems. The game will have all of the same fun and exciting gameplay that was seen in the original version and two new levels.

This latest version of the game will feature many technical features and improvements that aim to further boost the player experience while creating distinguishable pleasure and entertainment. Defined high-quality visuals, new music and different playing modes will also contribute to the new additions to the game. The game will also present brand new co-op play to make playing with friends and family easier.

Put on overalls, grab a toolbox, head down a couple of pipes and handle this monkey business.

– Eric Sican

[Related: Influenced by his education journey, Aidan Strong redefines what video games can be]

(Courtesy of Nintendo)
Amid falling petals, Princess Peach gets ready for another adventure. “Princess Peach: Showtime!” will release March 22. (Courtesy of Nintendo)

“Princess Peach: Showtime!” (Nintendo)

With a ribbon in her hair, a mighty heroine declares it’s showtime.

Reprising the role of a titular character for the first time since 2005, Princess Peach will embark on a new princess-led adventure on March 22. “Princess Peach: Showtime!” brings to the stage a story of transformation as the heroine takes on a plethora of roles to save the Sparkle Theater. Facing off against the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch, the Nintendo game’s core fighting mechanics are built around the princess’ ribbon and specialized powers gleaned from each costume. From detective to patissiere to ninja, Princess Peach proves she can’t be typecast.

Complete with saturated scenery and atmosphere-enhancing stage lighting, each scene introduces a distinct theme and corresponding predicament. Joined by the theater’s star-shaped guardian, Stella, Peach takes the stage to rescue its residents before the curtain falls. While the style of gameplay varies – with the trailer depicting timed challenges, platforming and fighting – each level leans into its artistic source of inspiration, as curtains and backdrops lurk just beyond the shimmering action.

As the spotlight falls yet again on the princess, she refuses to miss her cue.

– Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon

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Eric Sican
Cobo Cordon is the 2023-2024 music | fine arts editor. She was previously an Arts reporter. She is also a second-year student from northern Virginia.
Cobo Cordon is the 2023-2024 music | fine arts editor. She was previously an Arts reporter. She is also a second-year student from northern Virginia.
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