New Game Releases: September 5th-11th, 2014

From the NHL franchise’s jump onto next-gen systems to Bungie’s move to multi-platform, this week’s roster of new releases reflect some the changes going on in the industry. One element that doesn’t appear to be fluctuating is the patchy frequency of retail third-party Wii U titles. Although this week brings a trio of eShop titles to Nintendo’s console, for most players these offerings might seem like a way to help ease the wait until the holiday deluge- when essential games such as Bayonetta 2, Hyrule Warriors, and Super Smash Bros. make their way onto stove shelves.

PlayStation 3
Destiny
NHL 15

PlayStation 4
Destiny (also available via PSN, $59.99)
NHL 15 (also available via PSN, $59.99)

Wii U
Cubemen 2 (eShop, $7.99)
Ice Cream Surfer (eShop, $5.00)
Nobunaga’s Ambition (eShop, Virtual Console, $7.99)

Xbox 360
Destiny
NHL 15

Xbox One
Destiny (also available via XGS, $59.99)
NHL 15 (also available via XGS, $59.99)

3DS
Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight (eShop, Virtual Console, $4.99)
Tappingo 2 (eShop, $2.99)

PC
Altitude0: Lower & Faster (Steam, $TBA)
Orborun (Steam, $TBA)
Time Mysteries: The Final Enigma
Velocibox (Steam, $TBA)
Worlds of Magic (Steam, $TBA)

Robert’s Pick: Deep down I want to enjoy MMOs. However, I usually lose interest when the grind becomes perceptible, which happens all too early in most instances. While Bungie seems to be shunning the MMO moniker with Destiny, seeing dozens of players frolic around in one of the game’s hubs or gather around a vendor certainly channeled that massively multiplayer vibe.

While the side missions feel a bit wearying, there’s no denying that the main story stages feel visceral, demonstrating the developer’s experience with gunplay and navigation that recall the elegance of the Halo franchise. As a multiplayer centric-game, Destiny’s success hinges on its community. With Bungie making decisions such as offering a free (albeit limited time) upgrade to the next-gen version, there’s little reason to think that the title won’t be one of the biggest hits of the year.

Gonçalo’s Pick: Destiny will likely catch everyone’s interest this week and with good reason. However, this week sees the re-release of an undeservingly maligned hidden gem for the NES, Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight.

Originally, this Capcom classic was poorly received and even accused of pulling a bait-and-switch tactic. Gamers were looking for the 2D arcade fighting experience but instead received something completely different. Those of us who looked past this hurdle quickly discovered we had one the hardest and most addicting games in the NES library. It featured tough but engaging platforming sections coupled with a fun and easy fighting and power-up mechanics. My only real gripe with Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight is its unforgiving timer.