Posted Sun Jul 13, 2014 at 10:25 PM PDT by Brian Hoss
Alongside some smaller releases, the 'Destiny' beta is ready to set the internet on fire on the PS4 and PS3, making a slow July pop with beta fever.
Back in 2012, Bungie's first post-'Halo' game was mere rumor. When 'Destiny' was first announced, all of the verbiage coming from Bungie and Activision just sounded like too much smoke, too much ambition and not enough solidity to be exciting. Fast forward to 2014, and 'Destiny' is one of the most eagerly anticipated new franchises in years. Thus far, the shooter seems like a mix of 'Halo' mechanics and style with 'Borderlands' -like co-op and questing, and another strata of MMO like customization, complete with hub and PVP options. Although the game is coming to four consoles of both PlayStation and Xbox variety, Sony has been able to score multiple platforms perks, which include the PS4 exclusive post E3 Alpha test, a white PS4 bundle, and timed exclusive in-game content. The 'Destiny' beta, which has long been carefully tied into the game as a pre-order incentive, begins on July 17th, and you guessed it, it comes to the PS4 and PS3 nearly a week before the two Xbox platforms. Bungie has very wisely picked an otherwise slow (nearly dead) part of the year to make the beta one of the most sensational mass testing events in console history. (Full beta details here.)
The 'Shantae' series has the somewhat dubious characteristic of being born on the Game Boy Color very late in the handheld's life (2002). In spite of the simple hardware and controls, the first 'Shantae' game spawned a cult following with its very tight side-scrolling gameplay, and a sequel was eventually released in another odd place, the Nintendo DS download enabled variant, the Nintendo DSi. 'Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut,' is of course, the Director's Cut of that DSi game, and it includes updates that the game received when it moved to iOS as well as a new warp system, difficulty mode, and 'Dancer Costume.' Even better, the former handheld comes to the PC 1080p.
From Atlus and 'Zeno Clash' developer, ACE Team, comes 'Abyss Odyssey,' a co-op fantasy side-scroller/brawler. The game has the look of a Vanillaware title, but with a more traditionally set art style. The online/local co-op could be really fun.
Finally, some nine months after the debut of the Xbox One console and racing giant 'Forza 5' (as well as some other racing titles like 'NFS: Rivals') the first Force Feedback wheel option appears for the Xbox One. The Mad Catz Pro Racing Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals for Xbox One set looks like an impressive beast, but it's $399.99 price tag puts it right in the Fanatec wheel territory. It remains to be seen if it's worth the (comparable) expense. Mad Catz promises easy compatibility with PlaySeat racing seats, which should be good news for those fans that have had this wheel pre-ordered for over a year.
You can find the latest info on all of these releases and more linked from our Video Game Release Schedule.
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