This week’s videogame releases find Neo New York in ‘Crysis’, whilst ‘Metal Gear’ brings “Revengeance,” whatever that is. Meanwhile, the latest ‘Assassin’s Creed’ remembers the first U.S. President a bit differently than the history books do.
Crysis 3 (360, PS3, PC)
The best way to describe the ‘Crysis’ storyline thus far is to say that the nano-suit is more of the lead character than the wearer, since the suit carries the memories of the previous inhabitant (Crysis 1). With ‘Crysis 3’, the story moves to the ‘Logan’s Run’ version of New York City. Of course, ‘Crisis’ is not really a game that emphasizes story. Rather, it’s a series that continues the gameplay and technical concepts that were pushed in the first ‘FarCry’ title. The sandbox shooter is a lush and sprawling environment in which to encounter enemies. Forgetting the story and focusing on the gameplay is the way to tackle ‘Crysis’, even if the visuals are more technically impressive than creative.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (360, PS3)
“Revengeance is mine!” sayeth Platinum Games, and players should be thankful for that. Somehow, the hopeless, hapless, ‘Dirge of Cerberus’-like game formerly known as ‘Metal Gear Solid: Rising’ has been reborn into something fun and playable. ‘Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance’ brings back one of pop culture’s most emo characters, Jack Raiden, in his post-‘Metal Gear Solid 4’ cyber ninja form.
The game’s combat mechanics, crucial to a third-person hack-and-slash, have been made both frenetic and strategic, with Blade Mode controls that allow players to pinpoint slashes in a Bullet-Time fashion. Fans of both ‘Metal Gear’ and Platinum Games’ titles like ‘Bayonetta’ should be pleased with this game, but fans of only one of those game series may find that this title skews a bit too far towards the other. The environments lack the exquisite detail of Kojima Productions much in the same way that the characters lack a full dose of ‘Metal Gear’ intrigue. On the other hand, the game is more action than cut-scenes, and still manages to philosophize in doses.
Capcom Arcade Cabinet (XBLA, PSN)
The first three titles of the 15+ planned for the Capcom Arcade Cabinet release this week. The three games include ‘Black Tiger’, ‘1943: Battle of Midway’ and ‘Avenger’. ‘Black Tiger’ will be available for free, however there’s a catch. The XBLA version will only allow players one in-game credit, while the PSN version will have unlimited in-game credits on account of the differing platform rules regarding demos and free content.
‘1943: Battle of Midway’ and ‘Avenger’ will be available separately for $3.99 on PSN. These re-releases are optimized to offer several HD upscale options, including a pure, authentic option. Online functionality (like co-op multiplayer) and achievements have been added, as well as new social features that differ based on platform. On the 360, players can upload screenshots directly to Facebook, while on the PS3, players can record and upload replays directly to YouTube. These new features are the best reason to repurchase over other recent Capcom compilations, but most people interested should wait until the All-in-One pack is released on May 21st.
Serious Sam Double D XXL (XBLA)
This ‘Serious Sam’ sports online and local co-op, and the ability to stack guns in a precarious manner for side-scrolling action. Admittedly, the side-scrolling action makes ‘Serious Sam Double D XXL’ look like a lot of fun.
Assasin’s Creed III: The Tyranny of George Washington DLC – The Infamy (360, PS3, Wii U, PC)
‘The Infamy’ is the first part of Ubisoft’s very ambitious three-episode DLC. Presented as an alternate history wherein George Washington, entirely concerned with securing the sovereignty of the newly-formed nation, elects to be crowned. What’s even odder, though, is that Ubisoft is teasing the idea that this alternate history will factor back into the main timeline eventually. This inbreeding of plot points will undoubtedly please J.J. Abrams fans.
