It’s getting to that time of year again – the time when there are more great games than you could even hope to play, but you buy them anyway because there are some fantastic sales going on. It’s a great yet overwhelming time to be a gamer.
Saint’s Row: The Third (360, PC, PS3)
I don’t really care for ‘Grand Theft Auto’. Not after the second installment. Once the games went 3D, they started to get more and more into the story and less into the mayhem and frenzy that made those early games so fun.
So, where did all that crazy fun go? It went to ‘Saint’s Row’. The game plays similarly to the ‘GTA’ titles, but it’s absolutely bonkers and not ashamed of it. You get farts in jars and dildo bats. This is true. If that’s not enough, it also has Burt Reynolds. So yeah, I’m buying this. And then playing it if I can ever put down ‘Skyrim’.
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (360)
The PS3 has been getting HD remakes like crazy, so it’s nice to see something for the Xbox too – especially something as cool as the original ‘Halo’. The original campaign can be played alone or cooperatively, and uses a revamped version of the original engine.
The multi-player mode uses the ‘Halo: Reach’ engine, which is a nice touch. Most of the maps for multi-player are remakes of those used in either ‘Halo’ or ‘Halo 2’ and can be played on Classic or Enhanced modes.
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (360, PC, PS3)
Remember back when Ubisoft told us that each ‘Assassin’s Creed’ sequel would be set in a different era and in a different place? Well, we’re onto yet another Renaissance era game featuring Ezio. Thankfully, it also has Altair, who was a more interesting character by far.
The game plays like other ‘Assassin’s Creed’ titles and includes a few new weapons and tools. No surprises there. There are a few new multi-player elements too. Oh, and if you’re into 3D, you’re in for a treat. It’s 3D capable across all three platforms.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (360, PS3)
People like to complain about the way that Capcom does fighting game sequels, but it would just be silly to release this as a new game. It features twelve new playable characters like Phoenix Wright, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist and Frank West, as well as some improved net code, but that’s not really enough to justify a whole new title. Plus, it’s budget priced at $40, which is always nice to see.
JM
Michael Bay’s trailer for ‘The Run’ intrigued me, but, when I’m done enchanting, I’m going to invest my time in the purple dildo game.
JM
Also, inspired by PETA, our household is boycotting Mario 3DS.
T.J. Kats
Saints Row two was so great. Cannot wait to play 3.
Alex
So, apparently you get a free copy of Saints Row 2 if you get 3 on the PS3. Does anyone know if there’s any Xbox 360 exclusive content? Just wondering which version I should go for.
Dick Ward
Nothing for the 360, so that might make the choice a little easier. The free copy is available until February so you’ve got plenty of time to decide 🙂
Drew
So, let me get this straight.
Marvel vs. Capcom is not actually a new game.
It’s the very same game that I already own, only with 12 new characters added.
Am I understanding you correctly?
There’s no new sets or backgrounds.
There’s nothing different about it except the new playable characters.
Is this right?
Dick Ward
There are a few gameplay tweaks to Hyper Combos and exchanges, as well as some graphical improvements. A few balance changes here and there as well.
They’ve also improved the netcode, though I haven’t read up on how much of a difference it makes. Spectators for online play are in too, which is something the game should have had at launch.