Spring Break
A further look at the digital roster
by Justine Root
Arts Editor
Arts | 9/2/08
Posted online at 4:36 PM EST on 9/1/08
/ Last updated at 12:07 AM EST on 9/1/08
The videogame and the cinematic industries both typically fill the summer with lackluster blockbusters and then unload the meatier goods in the fall and winter. Thus, you can see why one article previewing the choice games of 2008's fourth quarter wasn't enough to cover all the worthwhile titles being released. Here are several additional titles which should not be passed over this semester, even if you are taking six courses and already have three essays due next week.
Title: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The Deal: When I initially came across this particular title, I immediately thought of the recent downward spiral the Star Wars franchise has entered. I concluded that this game could do little to curb the series' decline; if anything, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed would only speed things along, seeing as how it takes place in the questionable chronological territory between Star Wars III and IV. Judging by the eager anticipation which is precipitating SW: FU's release, the title may instead prove to be the series' saving grace. Developed by LucasArts, the game puts players in the shoes of Galen Marek, a "Dark Side Adept" under the tutelage of Darth Vader. As SW: FU unfolds, players will make decisions affecting the game's outcome and develop a greater understanding of various Star Wars characters.
Title: Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
The Deal: I refuse to play any Massively Multiplayer online game that is not World of Warcraft. However, I cannot ignore the arrival of an MMO which could possibly unseat the aforementioned behemoth. The newcomer has enough new, innovative content and fan-loved lore to pull even the most hardcore Warcraft fan away from Azeroth. Although some parts of W:AR are a little too similar to those of Warcraft for comfort (e.g., the division of the game's population into the "Order" and "Destruction" factions). The game features a unique Realm vs. Realm system that allows players to fight alongside in vast armies in order to bring prosperity to their homelands. Battles also have lasting effects; W:AR's cities flourish and decline depending on how successful the city's players are in combat. Will W:AR be the next big MMO? Only time, and a decline in Orgrimmar's population, will tell.
Title: Time Hollow
The Deal: As a general rule, I get my puzzle-solving fix from the Ace Attorney series, primarily because protagonist Miles Edgeworth is a badass mofo. However, seeing as how the next Ace Attorney title-entitled Turnabout Prosecutor, for those of you who are wondering-isn't going to be released anytime soon, I've being forced to get my dose of mystery elsewhere. Fortunately, the upcoming Time Hollow looks to be as promising as any Ace Attorney game; while investigating the disappearance of the main character's family, players will use the "hollow pen" (the DS's stylus) to search through time and change the past. Time Hollow will also feature cinematic scenes by the well-known anime studio AIC and will boast an extensive cast of interesting characters.
Title: Fable II
The Deal: Part of the "Choice" genre personified by such games as Mass Effect and the above SW: FU, Fable II would be a somewhat redundant addition to this list except for the more personal spin the game puts on decision making. Amongst those avenues made available to players while they explore an older Albion is the option to get married, have children and subsequently send your kid to the orphanage by killing your spouse. Also, you can totally have sex with everyone and contract STDs.
An incredible variety of other choices pervade the game, a more advanced system of "Character Morphing" (that is, the evolution of your avatar as make you decisions), an Albion that is approximately ten times the size of the Albion from the first Fable title and an advanced canine companion that will remain with the hero throughout the game.
Title: Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
The Deal: not going to lie; I'm still a little angry at Namco for saying that the original Tales of Symphonia was going to be filled with spectacular anime-style cut scenes and then included approximately 1 ½. However, the game itself featured such a deep storyline and excellent game play that I'll readily pick up the sequel despite Namco's false-advertising faux pas.
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World takes place two years after the original in the aftermath of the merging of the two worlds. In addition to an unfamiliar setting, ToS: DNW will also feature a revamped battle system combining aspects from Tales of Innocence and Tales of Destiny, new protagonists and extensive cameos by characters from the original ToS.
Title: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Platform: PlayStation 3, Wii and XBOX 360
Estimated Time of Arrival: Sept. 15
The Deal: When I initially came across this particular title, I immediately thought of the recent downward spiral the Star Wars franchise has entered. I concluded that this game could do little to curb the series' decline; if anything, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed would only speed things along, seeing as how it takes place in the questionable chronological territory between Star Wars III and IV. Judging by the eager anticipation which is precipitating SW: FU's release, the title may instead prove to be the series' saving grace. Developed by LucasArts, the game puts players in the shoes of Galen Marek, a "Dark Side Adept" under the tutelage of Darth Vader. As SW: FU unfolds, players will make decisions affecting the game's outcome and develop a greater understanding of various Star Wars characters.
Title: Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
Platform: PC
Estimated Time of Arrival: Sept. 16
The Deal: I refuse to play any Massively Multiplayer online game that is not World of Warcraft. However, I cannot ignore the arrival of an MMO which could possibly unseat the aforementioned behemoth. The newcomer has enough new, innovative content and fan-loved lore to pull even the most hardcore Warcraft fan away from Azeroth. Although some parts of W:AR are a little too similar to those of Warcraft for comfort (e.g., the division of the game's population into the "Order" and "Destruction" factions). The game features a unique Realm vs. Realm system that allows players to fight alongside in vast armies in order to bring prosperity to their homelands. Battles also have lasting effects; W:AR's cities flourish and decline depending on how successful the city's players are in combat. Will W:AR be the next big MMO? Only time, and a decline in Orgrimmar's population, will tell.
Title: Time Hollow
Platform: Nintendo Dual Screen
Estimated Time of Arrival: Sept. 23
The Deal: As a general rule, I get my puzzle-solving fix from the Ace Attorney series, primarily because protagonist Miles Edgeworth is a badass mofo. However, seeing as how the next Ace Attorney title-entitled Turnabout Prosecutor, for those of you who are wondering-isn't going to be released anytime soon, I've being forced to get my dose of mystery elsewhere. Fortunately, the upcoming Time Hollow looks to be as promising as any Ace Attorney game; while investigating the disappearance of the main character's family, players will use the "hollow pen" (the DS's stylus) to search through time and change the past. Time Hollow will also feature cinematic scenes by the well-known anime studio AIC and will boast an extensive cast of interesting characters.
Title: Fable II
Platform: XBOX 360
Estimated Time of Arrival: Oct. 21
The Deal: Part of the "Choice" genre personified by such games as Mass Effect and the above SW: FU, Fable II would be a somewhat redundant addition to this list except for the more personal spin the game puts on decision making. Amongst those avenues made available to players while they explore an older Albion is the option to get married, have children and subsequently send your kid to the orphanage by killing your spouse. Also, you can totally have sex with everyone and contract STDs.
An incredible variety of other choices pervade the game, a more advanced system of "Character Morphing" (that is, the evolution of your avatar as make you decisions), an Albion that is approximately ten times the size of the Albion from the first Fable title and an advanced canine companion that will remain with the hero throughout the game.
Title: Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
Platform: Wii
Estimated Time of Arrival: Nov. 15
The Deal: not going to lie; I'm still a little angry at Namco for saying that the original Tales of Symphonia was going to be filled with spectacular anime-style cut scenes and then included approximately 1 ½. However, the game itself featured such a deep storyline and excellent game play that I'll readily pick up the sequel despite Namco's false-advertising faux pas.
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World takes place two years after the original in the aftermath of the merging of the two worlds. In addition to an unfamiliar setting, ToS: DNW will also feature a revamped battle system combining aspects from Tales of Innocence and Tales of Destiny, new protagonists and extensive cameos by characters from the original ToS.
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