Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
Titles which hope to escape the confines of smaller audiences seem to permeate through this week’s new releases. From Pikmin 2’s aspiration to reinvigorate Wii-owners, Chainsaw Lollipop’s ambitions of bringing stateside success for Suda 51’s Grasshopper Manufacture and Codemaster’s objective to make DiRT accessible for the masses, this post-E3 period offers an intriguing collection of game aimed for niche markets.
360
Babel Rising (XBLA)
DiRT Showdown
Lollipop Chainsaw
Phantom Breaker
PS3
Babel Rising (PSN)
4 in 1 Action Pack
DiRT Showdown
Lollipop Chainsaw
Wii
Pikmin 2
3DS
New eShop releases announced 6/14
DS
iCarly: Groovy Foodie!
PSP
Gungnir
VITA
Gravity Rush
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
PulzAR (PSN, $1.99)
PC
End of Nations
End of Nations (Collector’s Edition)
Krater
Magicka: The Other Side of the Coin
Runes of Magic Chapter V: Fires of Shadowforge
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
DesertEagle’s Pick: While I’ve been a fan of the DiRT franchise since its roots in the Colin McRae series, the combination of the series continued simplification and the complete lack of interest by its publisher (At E3, press reps seems surprised by my interest and couldn’t answer the most basic questions) has me worried. I have many fewer apprehensions for Gungnir, which looks to perpetuate the proficiency of Dept. Heaven’s output with a intriguing and visually charming SRPG.
Lawman’s Pick: If you believe Sony’s E3 conference, the PS Vita has NO GAEMZ. Don’t let that stop you from looking into Gravity Rush (SCE Japan Studio), an action-platformer that could stack up against full-sized titles. Gravity Rush revolves around the ability to change the concept of “down”, even in mid-fall. The game has rather simple combat mechanics, but the demo (available now on PSN) is really charming, and is worth your attention. If you are down (or up, or sideways) for a cool concept with high production value on your Vita, don’t let this one fall… off your radar.
SeanNOLA: After getting a little hands-on time with Metal Gear Solid HD Collection for the Vita, I am reminded that it has been over a decade since I played Metal Gear Solid 2 all the way through. I’m not an old man yet, but I still think I should refresh the part of my brain that stores all my Raiden back-story information before my memory DOES start slipping. Also, I’ve never actually played Metal Gear 2, so having that on the go is a major seller for me.
BlueSwim’s Pick: *Deep Breath* Okay, so Grasshopper Studios is making an Onechanbara-like game called Lollipop Chainsaw where you slice up zombies with a chainsaw in a California high school as a hot blond dressed in a skimpy cheerleader outfit who has a decapitated, though still alive, human head strapped to her belt. Do I really need to say anything else to sell you on Lollipop Chainsaw?
I saw DiRT Showdown had dropped to $39.99 with a $10 credit at Amazon. Simple or not, $30 for a new game is pretty cool.
It was a better deal when Amazon was taking pre-order on Lollipop Chainsaw for 40 bucks with 99 cent release date shipping
Did Atlus show Gungnir at E3? Have you played it all Des? I’m kind of curious.
Oh, you better be able to play it on Vita day one, or its dead.
I’m really surprised that Deagle didn’t pick Lollipop Chainsaw. I might grab it this week.
I feel bad for the people that just like to go buy things without pre- ordering it….I got it from Amazon for 20 bucks less and 99cent release date delivery. 45 sounds much better than 65.
I could have pulled the trigger at $41. I guess I need to watch out for deals a bit more. Goes Amazon games offer an email list?
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. If you’re looking for a deep strategy games. SotSE is tops.
I am a *huge* SoaSE fan too. It was a tough call for me, but the lack of Vita attention at E3 secured my vote this week. SOMEONE has to do it!
Thumbs up for Sins.
PS VITA defense force unite!
Jeremy, you plan on doing a review? Do you write reviews?!?!
I used to do the occasional review, years ago. My schedule no longer permits it, I’m afraid. I do a lot of grazing, and I’m usually neck-deep in my backlog at any given point.
But it’s video games, so it’s all good. 🙂
Sorry dude, but the Vita is dead. Sell your system and games now while you can. Sad but true.
Lollipop Chainsaw is preordered, but I’m worried it’s got going to be very deep and would have made a better rental.
You could have per-ordered it from amazon for a better deal I per-ordered it for 45 bucks with the 99 cent release date delivery.
I’ll get Gungnir if it’s less than $20. MSG HD Collection was overlooked!!!
“At E3, press reps seems surprised by my interest and couldn’t answer the most basic questions”
I’ve heard how bad some of the booth help was. Some haven’t played a game in years.
I just hope these weren’t Capcom reps.
Do you mean Capcom or Codemaster?
I heard there’s a lot of pretty faces at E3 who know next to nothing and haven’t played anything beyond SMB. Normal looking people are the ones you want to find.
I’m curious, what was/were your tough question(s)?
I received a press release announcing the release dates of the console version of DiRT Showtime were pushed back. So I asked for the release date and wanted to confirm that the PC did indeed come out.
Not only were eight people on the show floor unable to answer my question, but most seems irritated or indifferent as well.
Was Codemasters around? You should probably have let the dev team know about how their product was given indifference. I’m sure they paid for the game to be there.
Yeah, I meant Codemasters.
Awaiting Sean discussing PulzAR on the next show. Hoo-hoo!
Gungnir might be worth a try. It’s $30 at retail, I wonder if there will be a deal off of PSN.
I’ll be getting MGS HD collection for PS vita and Gungnir.
Is Des isn’t pulling for Lollipop Chainsaw, then the title seems screwed. Teenaged cheerleaders killing zombies violently while showing panties? Isn’t that his favorite genre?
Luckily, BlueSwim corrected this crazed oversight 😉
No pick from the Samurage?
End of Nations look great.
I’m with Jeremy. GRAVITY RUSH and team Vita.
Woo!
Kiss ass 😉
Gungnir for me.
I’m getting iCarly: Groovy Foodie!
Note: It’s not for me, it’s for the daughter. She absolutely loves the show. Actually, for a kids show, it’s not really bad. and the games aren’t terrible either.
Some good PC games out this week. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion I choose you!
Why does every Lollipop Chainsaw pic look like she’s having her period all over the floor? Yuck.
Yeah, saw some gameplay and I can’t really get behind the game.
I lunch-bet DEagle that Lollipop Chainsaw wouldn’t break 65 on metacritic. Posting here for posterity.
Wow, tough call. I’d guess 68 or so.
For 360 it’s at 69 right now. For PS3 it looks to be higher. Actually metacritic is ruined by some crazy site (Quarter to Three) that gives one of the worst reviews I have ever read and the game a 2/10.
D-toid gave the game a 9/10. Suda must have hummed on Sterling’s balls.
Quarter to Three is trash. Why the hell is it part of Metacritic?
The only game worth caring about is Gungnir. Lollipop Chainsaw looks pretty crappy.