Videogame Releases: Week of March 20th, 2011

Do you like sequels, iterations on a theme, and other obvious cash-ins? If so, then you’ll love the videogames coming out this week. ‘Crysis 2’ is the closest thing to a new IP. Now that’s saying something.

Crysis 2 (360, PC, PS3,)

Compared to the rest of this week’s releases, ‘Crysis 2’ is a fresh and innovative new game that sees two roads diverged in a yellow wood and ignores them both, choosing to blaze its own trail.

One of the most exciting parts about the original ‘Crysis’ was the absolutely stellar game engine and graphics. ‘Crysis 2’ is the first game to use CryEngine 3, which looks ridiculously good in tech demos.

The game gives you control of a marine clad in a Nanosuit, just like the first game. The suit’s functionality has been streamlined and the modes have been improved. You’ll even have the opportunity to use two modes simultaneously for a limited time.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy (PSP)

Apparently, they’re letting the guys who name the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ games take care of ‘Final Fantasy’ titles too. This game is honestly titled ‘Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy’, and you’re supposed to pronounce 012 as Duodecim. Even if that makes complete sense to hardcore fans, it’s just plain hard to talk about.

The latest beating of the long dead ‘Final Fantasy’ horse is a follow-up to the first ‘Dissidia’ fighting game. It pits your favorite characters from the franchise, as well as Aeris and Laguna, against each other in combat.

Square is no stranger to fighting games. The company made ‘Bushido Blade’, one of the finest fighting games of all time. But the ‘Dissidia’ series isn’t for everyone. If you’re thinking about picking this one up, do yourself a favor and download the demo first.

The Sims Medieval (PC/Mac)

When it comes to milking a franchise, little beats ‘The Sims’. I tried twice to count all of the releases, and lost count both times. There are over 200 games with ‘Mario’ in them, and the ‘Mega Man’ series has over 120 games, but ‘The Sims’ may beat them both.

Surprisingly, this ‘Sims’ title actually introduces new gameplay elements. You’ll go on quests, gain professions with different abilities, and even suffer the wrath of peasant revolts, dangerous wildlife and the plague.

3 comments

  1. Well, I do not have a PSP, but think I will check out the other two. I haven’t played The Sims in years, but this sounds like an interesting variation. And as long as I can play Crysis in single player mode…

  2. HuskerGuy

    Bought Crysis 2 on positive review scores. I had zero interest in the game when the day started. I am impulsive and weak.

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