Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
From a role-playing game built for the PSP (End of Serenity) to a visual novel that’s set 150 years before the events in BlazBlue (XBlaze Code: Embryo), this week’s roster of new releases offers a number of intriguing titles and interesting improvements. Codemasters issues a formal apology to loyalists disappointed by GRID 2’s departure from franchise disposition, with GRID Autosport moving back toward simulation territory. Atelier Rorona Plus sticks closer to the original game, delivering a visual overhaul while transforming the game’s quest system in an effort to lure newcomers. Woefully, the one game that desperately needed modification, the misguided mobile port of R.B.I. Baseball 14, hits the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One this week without a multiplayer component. Purportedly, that oversight will be corrected, but not until mid-to-late July.
PlayStation 3
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland (Also on PSN, $49.99)
GRID Autosport (Also on PSN, $49.99)
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2 – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon (PSN, PS2 Classic, $9.99)
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (Also on PSN, $49.99)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PSN, 14.99)
XBlaze Code: Embryo (also on PSN, $33.99, $27.19 PS+)
PlayStation 4
Blue Estate (PSN, $19.99, $15.99 PS+)
R.B.I. Baseball 14 (PSN, $19.99)
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (Also on PSN, $59.99)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PSN, 14.99)
Wii U
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition (eShop, $7.99)
Color Zen Kids (eShop, $3.99)
GEOM (eShop, $0.99)
How to Survive (eShop, $14.99)
Shovel Knight (eShop, $TBA)
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
Wii Sports Club
Xbox 360
GRID Autosport
Putty Squad (XGS, $12.99)
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (also on XGS, $49.99)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (XGS, 14.99)
Xbox One
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition (XGS, $7.99)
Contrast (XGS, $14.99)
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (also on XGS, $59.99)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (XGS, 14.99)
Zombie Driver: Ultimate Edition (XGS, $14.99)
3DS
2048 (eShop, $1.99)
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition (eShop, $7.99)
Color Zen Kids (eShop, $3.99)
European Conqueror 3D (eShop, $0.99)
Farming Simulator 14 (also on eShop, $29.99)
Fashion Tycoon (eShop, $TBA)
Shovel Knight
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
PSP
End of Serenity (PSN, $14.99)
PS Vita
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland (also on PSN)
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma (Also on PSN, $39.99)
Farming Simulator 14 (Also on PSN, $29.99)
XBlaze Code: Embryo (Also on PSN, $33.99, $27.19 PS+)
Z-Run
PC
GRID Autosport
MotoGP 14 (Steam, $39.99)
Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (Origin, $29.99)
Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare Deluxe Edition (Origin, $34.99)
Shovel Knight
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (Steam, $14.99)
Robert’s Pick: Conspicuously missing from the discussion of positive female protagonists in game is the Atelier series, which has offered several positive depictions of youthful protagonists transforming into self-actualized, courageous women. But even if you have little interest in the representation angle, Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland is a game to be experienced. Following its own distinctive formula, the game is filled with effervescent charm, likably characters, and gameplay mechanics that offer more than just generic menu-driven monster extermination. Whether you’re new to the franchise or already own the original game, we’ll have a review detailing the game’s fortes and failings later this week.
Gonçalo’s Pick: The early-to-mid-90s saw a rise in Prince of Persia clones, these were 2D platformers who aimed for a slightly more realistic feel than their Mario or Sonic counterparts. One of the last greats in this genre was Out Of This World (aka Another World), labelled as a cinematic action-adventure platformer, it delivered on highly unique visuals that are still a sight to behold. The 20th Anniversary Edition features HD resolutions and remastered sound effects, these additions may seem minor at best, but they allow for an update on a classic title without compromising what made it stand out in the first place.
WTF is “XGS”?
Xbox changed the name from “Xbox Marketplace” to “Xbox Game Store” The thing is though, their website still says marketplace.xbox.com
This is after it was “Xbox Live Arcade”.
Microsoft, changing minds everyday.
Robert told me he really wanted to use this picture:
“to a visual novel that’s set 150 years before the events in BlazBlue”
Are the characters immortal or what?
more like immoral. hehehe
I can’t tell if the top pic is going for Yuri or Harem or (gasp!) a mix of the two!!!
Female empowerment is all about girls in bikinis making snowmen.
GTFO.
Perpetuating the concept of respect being equivalent to the amount of clothing on a person is quite uneducated as it is, that kind of archaic thinking helps no one.
You’ve heard of objectification right?
Who do think designed the characters? Would a women purposefully put a young girl in a bikini top. Maybe. More likely it was a male making the character for male fantasy.
I could be wrong, maybe you’re posting in a bikini top right now…
You might want to check out Polygon. I think you’d like it more there.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War looked really good during the E3 press conference. I love these $15 download games. I wish more companies would offer shorter, cheaper games.
Ive been waiting for Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare to hit PC. Now just need a sale.
I have to admit, I’m tempted by End of Serenity. But only if it plays on the Vita. Robert, can you find out?
BlazBlue for me this week. Need my fighting fix on the go.
Aksys bringing the thunder this week.
R.B.I. Baseball 14 is a total piece of crap. Save your money for The Show.
Actually the iOS version is a bad little time waster. It’s also $5, though.
I expect a XBlaze Code: Embryo review from Robert before release! Get to it, RoboRob!
You have to review that loli game. Its your duty.