Playstation 3
March 26th:
– Bioshock Infinite (Multi-Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC.)
– Army Of Two: The Devil’s Cartel (Multi-Platform: PS3, Xbox 360)
– Terraria (Multi-Platform: PS3, Xbox 360)*
*This game will be released on Xbox LIVE March 27th.
– Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (Multi-Platform: PS3, Xbox 360)
*EU release on March 28th.
March 27th:
– Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time (Exclusive: PS3 + PS Vita)
March 28th:
– Ghost Recon Trilogy (Multi-Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC)*
*This game will be available on PC at a later date
Bioshock Infinite is casting the biggest shadow this week. The third instalment in the popular FPS franchise is a quasi-prequel that takes place in 1912, long before the events in everyone’s favourite underwater metropolis: Rapture. Ken Levine and his team at Irrational Games were lauded with critical acclaim for the first two games and, by the looks of things, Infinite doesn’t plan on disappointing the established fanbase.
You play as the heroic Booker Dewitt tasked with protecting an unusual girl named Elizabeth in Columbia – a retro and stylised sky city. As the story progresses, we are told, your relationship with the AI-controlled Elizabeth will become much more dynamic as secrets are unveiled. Sounds exciting!
Gathering a fantastic 9.4 over on IGN, Bioshock Infiniteis set to be the biggest release of 2013 thus far – by quite a margin, mind you. Whether you’re a series newcomer or avid fan, this game promises unique game play mechanics and an immersive world to explore. Would you kindly consider picking it up on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments.
With all the being said, Bioshock Infinite isn’t the only major retail release gracing the high street this Tuesday. From EA Montreal and Visceral Games comes the third iteration in the Army of Two franchise – following Army of Two and Army of Two: The 40th Day, respectively. This new instalment will focus on two fresh characters named Alpha and Bravo while maintaining the amiable co-op dynamic that made the originals a riotous and enjoyable experience.
Rios and Salem, the T.W.O. agents from the first games, are not absent from the narrative, playing two top executives that act as grizzled veterans for our new-fangled duo. At the time of writing, the game hasn’t been released to critics, therefore latching reviews down under a pesky embargo. Nevertheless, expect a deep customisation system and fast-paced game play with Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel utilising EA’s impressive Frostbite engine.
Moving away from the blockbuster releases, Tuesday will also herald the publication of 505 Games’ new title Terraria – on PS3, at least. Though the game has existed on Steam for over a year now, the studio have been focusing on bringing the project to consoles with a wealth of new content – including maps, weapons and even multiplayer functionality.
The game itself is Minecraft-esque sidescroller with an emphasis on exploration and crafting. With a cute, Lego like aesthetic, Re-Logic’s game looks to be a fun yet rewarding experience, and hey, if defending your house from zombies and flying eyeballs sounds up your street, then check out Terraria on the Playstation Network come Tuesday and Xbox Live on Wednesday!
Also coming out this the week, we have the multi-platform release of Tiger Woods PGA 14, the latest in EA’s annualised sport simulator. While some gamers may expect a simple par of the course release (sorry, I had to), EA have added a plethora of new features into the new iteration to prevent the game from going stale.
The LPGA career mode will allow players to compete against the best women in the business, and will include the Kraft Nabisco Championship as a playable tournament. The studio has also gone to the extent of licensing the use of the four major golf championships across the world, including The Masters and The U.S. Open, making this the most authentic, realistic Tiger Woods game yet. In combining a rich archive of golf history with some fresh features, Tiger Woods PGA 14 looks set to entice new players to the series while also appealing to long standing fans. Hell, you can even play golf in the dark for the first time. Four!
Aside from Levine’s opus clogging up the week, come Wednesday, Sanzura Games are finally releasing Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. This is the fourth title in the animated spy series following a seven year hiatus, and it looks to be the most ambitious yet. After picking up the franchise from Sucker Punch, Sanzura have put ample effort into retaining Sly’s fidelity.
Early reviews have hailed the nuanced environments and rounded characters, with minor niggles directed at the game’s mechanics. Still, featuring a time traversing story – jumping from the Wild West to medieval England, to name just a few – and with the familiar stealth/exploration styled aesthetic, Thieves in Time is worth a look in for Playstation owners. Besides, buy it on the PS3 and you’ll even get a free Vita copy of the game via the cross-buy feature.
Lastly, why not start the weekend early with a blast from the past? On Thursday, Ubisoft are unveiling a nugget of nostalgia with their collection of Ghost Recon games. The good-valued trilogy will include Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 and Ghost Recon: Future Solider. The bundle will also come packed with all the games’ respective downloadable content. Neat!
Price Breakdown based on RRP’s in US & UK:
Bioshock Infinite – $59.99 (£37.97)
Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel – $59.99 (£40.00)
Terraria – $14.99 (£11.99)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 – $59.99 (£49.99)
Sly Cooper Thieves in Time – $39.99 (£39.97)* Cross-buy available with PS3 copy.
Ghost Recon: Trilogy – $24.99 (£16.40)
Star recommendation: Bioshock Infinite
Worth checking out: Terraria
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