Your Q4 2013 Release Guide

This is it, people, the beginning of the end.  The end of our wallets’ happy time of being full after having recovered from the Steam Summer Sale.  The end of our wait for some of the biggest titles we’ve wanted to play in so long.  The end of a season of questions, of speculation, of hope and despair for the future of gaming.  The end of the longest console generation on record.

Eight long years ago we started together on a journey into a new generation, one filled the possibilities of console online play and high definition graphics.  Gaming has changed a lot since then and now we get to experience the birth of two brand new systems that promise a “heavenly” cloud-based future for games, digital-only content and much more.  It is a time for great excitement both in terms of the new hardware as well as the old as the year of a console transition always yields some of the best games for that ending generation.

So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.  Here are the games you should be paying attention to that will bring a generation to a close and will ignite a whole new one.

October 8th

Beyond: Two Souls

Developed by: Quantic Dream
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PS3

The rather outspoken David Cage and his team of “emotion makers” at Quantic Dream will finally be releasing their successor to Heavy Rain just a handful of days from now.  The title will follow Ellen Page’s character Jodie Holmes throughout a period in her life in which she is connected to an otherworldly being known as Aiden all the while avoiding pursuers from the government and more like Willem Dafoe.  The marketing for the game has been remarkably schizophrenic, ranging from a dark, emotional conversation thriller in the initial showing to that of a bang bang shoot-‘em-up action title at E3 this past June.  I honestly don’t know what to think of the game at this point and while I have hopes for a thrilling Indigo Prophecy-like experience I also fear that a QTE-laden Heavy Rain-like game may came through.  Either way, we’ll definitely be covering it.

October 12th

Pokemon X and Y

Developed by: Game Freak
Published by: Nintendo
Platforms: 3DS

Another year, another Pokemon game.  It’s kinda hard to believe that a series that first was put into our hands in 1998 has changed surprisingly little fifteen years on.  New to this series of inter-connecting entries comes something fans and non-fans have demanded for a decade: 3D graphics.  Beyond just the visual upgrade, Game Freak will also be including Mega Evolutions, an ability trainers can use to temporarily evolve Pokemon mid-battle.  Players will also be able to partake in battles in the sky as well as actually interact with their Pokemon instead of just putting them in a tiny ball and making them dream of, one day, seeing the sun.  Enslavement, I say, ENSLAVEMENT!  Either way, this is probably THE 3DS title to pick up this quarter.

Also: Gen 1 forever, bitches.

October 22nd

Sonic: Lost World

Developed by: SEGA
Publisher by: SEGA
Platforms: Wii U, 3DS

And, just like Pokemon, it wouldn’t be another year without a new Sonic game.  Staying exclusively on Nintendo platforms this year, this latest adventure for the abnormally colored rodent takes inspiration from the cancelled infamous title Sonic X-treme as well as the far more recent (and much more successful) Super Mario Galaxy.  This level design seems to emphasize platforming more than speed but its design “inspirations” actually kind of look fun, especially since SEGA is promising that the game will run at 60fps.  Of course, well, it IS a Sonic game, therefore you should remain suspect.  Remain cautiously optimistic and rent this one if you’ve been wanting to play a non-Nintendo owned franchise on your Wii U.

October 25th

Batman: Arkham Origins

Developed by: Warner Bros Games Montreal
Published by: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

Rocksteady may have moved on to bigger and better things but Warner Bros didn’t feel that ending the Arkham series with Arkham City was the right choice.  Either that, or they saw dollar signs.  Regardless, this new title will focusing on one Christmas Eve early in the Dark Knight’s career in a time in which the police still actively pursue our caped crusader and the anthology’s most notorious villains are coming into their own.  Expect more of the same with a greatly expanded map with some further gameplay refinements.  In addition, this new title will introduce asymmetrical team-based multiplayer to the mix, allowing for two gangs of thugs to face off against one another as well as the deadly pair of Batman and Robin.  The game is looking good and no one here isn’t excited for another adventure as everyone’s favorite billionaire vigilante.

October 29th

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Developed by: Ubisoft
Published by: Ubisoft
Platforms: PS3, 360, PC, Wii U, PS4 (11/15), XB1 (11/22), Atari Jaguar, 3DO, SEGA CD

Yet another annualized franchise returns this Fall, now with pirates!  Yes, this sequel yet prequel to Assassin’s Creed III will take you onto the high seas of the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, the grandfather of AC3 star Connor, as he sails throughout the New World taking on Templars, privateers and so much more.  Ubisoft likens AC4’s city design to be an amalgamation of the various city designs seen throughout the city while replacing AC3’s frontier with the entire Caribbean Sea, allowing you to explore tons of real estate at the height of the age or piracy.  It looks good but, with it being a transition title, we’re far more interested in the next gen versions which will arrive a few weeks later.  Regardless, look forward to a lot of talk about it… as well as debating the merits of underwater exploration.

Battlefield 4

Developed by: DICE
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PS3, 360, PC, PS4 (11/15), XB1 (11/22)

The one major competitor Call of Duty has in the marketplace still isn’t annualized (thank goodness) and this entry looks to be upping the ante even further.  DICE is promising a much stronger singleplayer component this time around but it looks to shine with the multiplayer.  Current gen versions will allow for 24-man fights but PC and next gen owners will get 64 man conflicts.  Those who purchase the current gen version will also be able to have their stats and unlocks carry over the next gen version when it comes time to upgrade.  It’s looking great and I can’t wait to see what this transition title looks like when it arrives and once again challenges its Activision counterpart to another sales duel.  Speaking of…

November 5th

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Developed by: Infinity Ward
Published by: Activision
Platforms:  PS3, 360, PC, Wii U, PS4 (11/15), XB1 (11/22), SEGA Master System, Turbo Grafix 16

Yes, another Call of Duty.  I know, you’re shocked.  CALM YOURSELF, MAN.  Rather than be another Black Ops or Modern Warfare sequel, this one introduces a new scenario in which the US’ infrastructure and general armed forces have been destroyed and the nation invaded.  This scenario also will reportedly put emphasis on smaller conflicts and stealth-oriented gameplay as you won’t be on the frontlines of a massive war effort but rather one that focuses on guerrilla tactics.  To compare, think of the SAS missions as Captain Price and Soap in the modern warfare series.  Like Battlefield 4, your progress in the multiplayer will carry over to the next gen versions so upgrading to the next gen won’t harm your overall stats and unlocks.  Expect Carlos to play a lot of this.

November 15th

Playstation 4

Price: $399, €399, £349, ¥38,980
11/15: United States, Canada
11/29: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
12/2013: South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan
2/22/14: Japan
Launch titles: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, DC Universe Online , FIFA 14, Just Dance 2014, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, Madden NFL 25, Minecraft, NBA 2K14, NBA Live 14, Need for Speed: Rivals, Resogun, Skylanders: Swap Force, Warframe, War Thunder, Watch Dogs

The next generation will finally begin with the arrival of the PS4.  This next gen system will include a new UI, 500GB hard drive, a rather largely redesigned DualShock controller and support for 4K video and photo resolutions.  The system will not feature any hardware-driven backwards compatibility but Sony is strongly hinting at allowing PS2/PS3 title play through cloud streaming and second screen play should you own a Vita.  Sony will also be offering a unified multiplayer suite like what Microsoft has offered with the Xbox 360 this part generation but you’re going to have to ante up an annual subscription price to enjoy online multiplayer.  There simply are too many features to mention that sound enticing but, as of press time, Sony still has us in the dark on a lot of things.  We hope they are much more forthcoming in the weeks ahead of the system’s release.

Driveclub [DELAYED UNTIL 2014]

Developed by: Evolution Studios
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PS4

The guys behind the MotorStorm series finally revealed their next project at the PS4 announcement event in February and this time the race is staying strictly on pavement.  Driveclub, while not billed as a Forza or Gran Turismo competitor, will serve the needs of those who are looking for a next gen racing sim on the PS4 at launch.  Playstation Plus members will gain access to a stripped-down-yet-free version of the game with a limited amount of cars and tracks but you’ll have to spend that standard retail price in order to experience the full game.  Evolution knows what they are doing but one has to wonder if they can properly adapt to simulator racing after making nine straight off-road titles.

Knack

Developed by: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PS4

In an almost déjà vu reminder of what happens to some launch titles, like last generation, there has to be that pretty and slightly impressive colorful title that, while I shouldn’t pass judgment at this point, looks to disappoint when it arrives.  For the 360 that title was Kameo: Elements of Power.  Sony’s turn seems to be Knack, a title that gives you the ability to take on waves of goblins by absorbing substances in the environment in a manner fusing Mega Man and Lego-style powering up.  It looks to be a decent platformer but, up against even the rather large amount of titles releasing the same day, one has to wonder just how many people are genuinely interested in it.

Need for Speed: Rivals

Developed by: Ghost Games
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PS4, PS3 (11/19), 360 (11/19), PC (11/19), XB1 (11/22)

EA’s reboot of the franchise continues to power forward with the arrival of Rivals, the next entry in the series.  Made by Ghost Games, a team made up primarily of former Criterion Games staff (CG looks to be working on a next-gen Burnout title if rumors are correct), Rivals will be similar to that of 2010’s Hot Pursuit, pitting cops versus street racers in a battle for survival with an emphasis on team-based online racing.  Rivals will also take note of pre-reboot design choices such as the car customization of Underground as well as the return of the Ferrari brand to the series for the first time in nearly a decade.  Almost all the cars in the game will be available in both cop and racer formats too.  It looks to be fun but, like Knack, I worry that it will get lost in the shuffle.  Put this one on your Christmas list, kids.

Watch Dogs [DELAYED UNTIL 2014]

Developed by: Ubisoft
Published by: Ubisoft
Platforms: PS4, PS3 (11/19), 360 (11/19), PC (11/19), Wii U (11/19), XB1 (11/22), Neo Geo, N-Gage

Ubisoft seems to be on a trend of creating buzzword games every E3 and 2011’s talk of the show was definitely Watch Dogs.  While Joseph seems a bit worried about the game I find myself quite excited.  Giving players the ability to be an ambiguous vigilante in the vein of Cole in Infamous (albeit without the superpowers) coupled with the ability to hack and manipulate the world around him makes Aiden Pierce’s story look to be one filled with solid shooting mechanics and rather interesting puzzle potential.  The almost Dark Souls-esque multiplayer also looks to shake up standard gameplay in a way that will feel like a Turing test at one moment and, at the next, like a complex game of cat and mouse when playing against someone on a tablet or smart phone.  We still need to learn more about this title but it should definitely be considered for your launch day stack of games for both next gen systems.

November 22nd

Xbox One

Price: $499, €499, £429, ¥ TBA
11/22: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, United States
2014: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland
Launch titles: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Crimson Dragon, FIFA 14, Fighter Within, Forza Motorsport 5, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, Madden NFL 25, NBA 2K14, NBA Live 14, Need for Speed: Rivals, Peggle 2, Powerstar Golf, Ryse: Son of Rome, Skylanders: Swap Force, Warframe, War Thunder, Watch Dogs, Zoo Tycoon, Zumba Fitness: World Party

Let’s be honest: Microsoft has been on the receiving end of a PR bitch slapping ever since they announced their next console back in May.  Since then, the company’s been on damage control, trying to change their message especially in light of Don Mattrick’s departure from the company to join a morally sinking ship.  After E3 however the company has done a decent job of adhering to consumer demands and actually replacing policies and practices that were really turning people off.  Regardless of the many problems the system has been bogged down in pre-launch, the Xbox One may just be a solid system.  The controller’s new rumble technology is very interesting once you get it in hand, the Kinect is vastly improved and the system will support playing games at 4K resolution.  I’ll come back to why I’m getting an Xbox One another time but have hope, dear readers: the system has a lot of potential.

Crimson Dragon

Developed by: Grounding Inc.
Published by: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: XB1

There may be only one Japanese-developed Xbox One launch title but this one is something to be excited about.  A spiritual successor to the Panzer Dragoon series from its actual director, this on-rails shooter title will have you flying on the back of a dragon on a recently colonized planet, bringing together mythological dragon tropes with sci fi tech.  Yes, dear reader: cyber dragons.  Sadly the game didn’t get a fair showing at E3 but it looks to be quite fun.  Expect Brad to demand I bring over my Xbox One so he can play it.

Dead Rising 3

Developed by: Capcom Vancouver
Published by: Capcom
Platforms: XB1

One of the most talked about launch titles for the Xbox 360 was Dead Rising and now, eight years later, their third entry (technically the fourth title) will launch with the Xbox One.  Though the tones of the presentation at E3 may fool you, Dead Rising 3 retains the same zany gameplay that the first two games had while introducing a playscape four times the size of Dead Rising 2.  Want to cut down zombies while dressed up as a shark furry?  Sure, why not.  The customization system for weapons in the last title will now work on vehicles with such combinations as a motorcycle and steamroller forming a zombie-flattening and flame throwing beast of a machine.  Dead Rising 3 will also allow for full online co-op at campaign sharing so if you end up finishing a mission in co-op, once you go back to your game, you can skip through that section.  Dead Rising 3, in my opinion, might just be one of the most overlooked titles for this quarter so do keep this one in mind.  It has a lot going for it.

Forza Motorsport 5

Developed by: Turn 10 Studios
Published by: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: XB1

Microsoft’s Gran Turismo competitor will launch alongside the Xbox One and dang, does it ever look pretty.  One of the confirmed 1080p 60fps titles thus far, Forza will launch with dozens of cars from the classics of the 1950s to the hottest concepts of today.  Turn 10 is strongly touting their “Driveatar” tech which analizes the way you drive and builds an AI version of your gameplay.  This way, should your buddies be unavailable to race against you, you will be able to simulate doing so.  Kinda cool.

Peggle 2

Developed by: PopCap Games
Published by: PopCap Games
Platforms: EVERYTHING

Let’s move on.

Ryse: Son of Rome

Developed by: Crytek
Published by: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: XB1

Resurfacing after a couple years of in-the-dark development, Ryse, well, rose out of the depths at E3 as a Kinect-less, third person hack and slasher.  Taking control of Roman General Marius Titus, you are tasked with leading the legions of the empire against various foes all the while seeking revenge for a crime committed early in his life.  The game has evolved since the E3 2013 showing, removing the emphasis on QTEs, making it quite a bit more fluid.  At Gamescom and PAX Prime, Crytek revealed the game’s multiplayer component, a team-based mode were players are tasked with objectives to complete while fighting in the roman coliseum to win the favor of both the crowd and the emperor.  Ryse still has a lot to prove though to earn your hard earned money so you might want to consider renting this one unless something truly enticing is revealed about the game.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Developed by: Nintendo
Published by: Nintendo
Platforms: 3DS

Despite being up against a major system launch, Nintendo has decided to go ahead and release the sequel to the beloved SNES classic A Link to the Past on the same day as the Xbox One.  Link Between Worlds will take place in the same world as LTTP, allowing you to explore a faithfully recreated SNES Hyrule while giving you the ability to adhere yourself to walls to explore new pieces of the environment.  Brad is exceptionally excited for this one though I find myself disappointed by just how much has been recreated versus expanded on.  Recycling an entire boss fight from LTTP?  Disappointing in my book.  Whatever your thoughts, A Link Between Worlds looks to be strong enough to be worth waiting in line for come that big day.

Super Mario 3D World

Developed by: Nintendo
Published by: Nintendo
Platforms: Wii U

Despite the safety of A Link Between Worlds being a handheld title, Nintendo seems content to completely ignore the arrival of two major systems by launching another Mario title without a moment of reprieve.  3D World looks to essentially be an upgraded port of last year’s 3D Land for the 3DS, upping the visuals while retaining the same isometric gameplay, albeit with four players now.  Also, there are now cat suits.  So there’s that.  Because furries needed an even better excuse to twist the Super Mario franchise already.

December 10th

South Park: The Stick of Truth

Developed by: Obsidian Entertainment
Published by: Ubisoft
Platforms: PS3, 360, PC

It’s happening, man, it’s really happening!  Having survived death at the hands of the THQ’s downfall and rescued by Ubisoft, The Stick of Truth looks to be one of the most solid RPGs of the year and that’s saying something coming from a guy who has a general mistrust of all things Obsidian.  The look and feel of this game is so true to the show that when you compare the two side by side, save for the camera angle and the UI, you can’t tell the difference.  Really, there’s nothing more that really needs to be said about this one.  Expect Nolan to play the hell out of it this December.

 

Alright folks, that’s about it.  I left out plenty of games for sure so if I missed one that you’ve been really looking forward to, please let us know in the comments.  What are your most anticipated games of the last three months of 2013?