PRINTSummer video game preview
Soak up the A/C with your PS3
Courtesy of Square Enix
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy on the Nintendo 3DS brings all the Final Fantasy characters together in a rhythmic dance game where players use the device's touch screen to move through the levels.
May 17, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The heat is setting in, so step inside for some cooler entertainment. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of big-name game releases across a number of platforms this summer. Long-awaited titles such as Diablo III kick things off in May. Grab a controller, and prepare to retreat to your air-conditioned abode. We’ve got the latest on the most promising games of the season.
Diablo III
Release Date: May 15
Cost: $59.99
Platform: PC, Mac
Genre: Action role-playing
Announced back in June 2008, Diablo III has been a long-anticipated title for many gamers. Diablo challenges players with the task of saving fantasy world Sanctuary from dark forces. Combining elements of role-playing, hack and slash and dungeon crawling, the game allows users to customize their own characters before rolling into battle. Players can expect this latest installment to be even more difficult than the last; in the game’s hard-core mode, killed characters are permanently removed from the game.
Lollipop Chainsaw
Release Date: June 12
Cost: $59.99
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Genre: Action
Leave your expectations at the door; the premise of Lollipop Chainsaw is as ridiculous as its name suggests. High school cheerleader Juliet Starling is also a zombie hunter out to rid her former school of those pesky hordes of the undead. Along with her boyfriend’s talking head (conveniently clipped to her belt), she’ll kick, punch and chainsaw her way through anything that crosses her path. If you’re looking for nonsensical entertainment, Lollipop Chainsaw is a twisted and quirky title to check out.
The Secret World
Release Date: June 19
Cost: $49.99
Platform: PC
Genre: MMORPG
Set in modern day, The Secret World is a massive multiplayer online game about exploring myths, fantasies and legends. Players travel to real locations, such as London, New York and Seoul, as they complete quests and hunt supernatural creatures. Rather than using a standard numeric level system, players will build their characters by upgrading skills. Each character is user-created and will belong to one of three factions or secret societies. Although the game’s main plot will have a conclusion, future expansions will add more to the story line.
Anarchy Reigns
Release Date: July 3
Cost: $59.99
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Genre: Action
For those looking to do a little brawling this summer, Anarchy Reigns might be the perfect fit. Players take control of new and old characters alike from well-known games, including Bayonetta from her self-titled game in 2010 and a number of faces from 2009’s MadWorld. Anarchy Reigns features several multiplayer modes and online options for those seeking more diverse opponents. It’s a title that promises to be more outrageous and outlandish than any fighter game currently on the market.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Release Date: July 3
Cost: $39.99
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Rhythm role-playing game
Music and rhythm lovers looking for a handheld game can pick up Theatrhythm Final Fantasy when it launches this summer on the 3DS. With the 3DS’ touch-screen abilities, players will tap their way to rhythm mastery through several games. Difficulty levels are adjustable to appease gamers of any skill level. The game features the series’ beloved characters from past Final Fantasy games, now all adorably bigheaded for their musical adventure.
The Last Story
Release Date: July 10
Cost: $49.99
Platform: Wii
Genre: Role-playing game, strategy
Final Fantasy gurus and industry legends Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu join together once more to bring fans The Last Story, a narrative-driven title about survival against all odds. Players take control of a small group of mercenaries in a game that combines elements of role-playing and strategy. The Last Story has already received critical acclaim from Japanese and European sources alike, who say the plot, voice acting and combat system are triumphs. Fans of Japanese role-playing games are in for a treat when the game finally makes its way stateside this summer.
Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance
Release Date: July 31
Cost: $39.99
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: RPG
The seventh installment in the best-selling Kingdom Hearts series returns to the 3DS this summer. Best known for combining Final Fantasy characters with Disney universes, Dream Drop Distance marks the return of heroes Sora and Riku. Players can alternate between the two for a variety of attacks and play styles. The game continues the events from its predecessor, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, in which both heroes are training to prepare for the eventual return of a great enemy. Dream Drop Distance allows players to explore different universes to reawaken worlds stuck in a dream state.
Darksiders II
Release Date: August 14
Cost: $59.99
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC (The PC version comes out on June 26 and costs $49.99)
Genre: Action-adventure
The sequel to the 2010 hit, Darksiders II continues the mature saga of the apocalypse and the four horsemen. This time, players take control of Death who, after the imprisonment of War, is seeking proof of his brother’s innocence. Darksiders combines adventure with hack-and-slash action; it’s often been referred to as a darker version of The Legend of Zelda, a comparison that should make even the humblest of game developers swell with pride. Players can complete quests, explore a vast world and defeat enemies with quick combos and acrobatics.
Madden NFL 2013
Release Date: August 28
Cost: $39.99-59.99
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, Wii
Genre: Sports
Players who need some football before the official start of the season can pick up Madden NFL 2013. The latest Madden installment includes several improvements, such as better artificial intelligence, interaction, player moves and team formations. Players can boot up a quick solo game or go head-to-head against friends. NFL 2013 features several options for game modes and custom teams.
