Wipeout: Create & Crash (3DS, Wii, Wii U, 360)
The popular TV obstacle course game show (is it even still on?) is back in video game form for the fourth time! The previous games kind of ‘wiped out’ so to speak, but they may have hit the right mark with this one. Not only does this entry have better controls and endless amounts of obstacles and courses, but now you can create your own challenges, too! It’s available for 3DS, Wii, Wii U, and 360, but reviewed on 3DS here.
Rune Factory 4 (3DS)
The latest in the unique spinoff of Harvest Moon is here! In Rune Factory 4, you play as a guy or girl who plummets from the sky, but luckily lands safely on a friendly dragon on the ground below. Unfortunately, you lose your memory in the process, but the dragon mistakes you as the new ruler of the town. So now it’s up to you to cultivate the land, revitalize the town, make new friends, and maybe even find true love. All the while trying to solve the mystery of why you fell from the sky in the first place by battling (and befriending) monsters, and exploring secret dungeons!
Reader Review: Soundodger+ (PC)
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (PS3)
Disgaea is kind of the flagship series for game maker NIS. Their newest game, on PS3 for retail and download on PSN, is actually a direct sequel to the first game featuring the returning cast. As opposed to the other sequel which had new characters. So if you enjoyed the madcap adventures of Laharl, Flonne, and all the Prinnies, then you may want to check out this latest entry in the strategy RPG series. Play as the newly appointed demon overlord Laharl as he scours the netherworld looking for any opposing demons trying to usurp his throne! Since Laharl is just a bratty kid, you can bet he has a lot of opposers in the demon world!
Type:Rider (iPad)
I really enjoy playing and reviewing games on my iPad, but rarely do I play an iPad game and after finishing it think “Wow, what a GREAT game!” But Type:Rider was an exception. This game is an amazing experience, and a good example if you want to argue that video games can be art. The game is an odd mix of a puzzle platformer, and a history lesson on typography and the study of fonts and printing. Yes, really. (Type:Rider is available for iOS and Android, but reviewed on iPad here)
Reader Review: Legend of Dungeon (PC)
A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX (360)
Reader Preview: Assault Android Cactus (PC)
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (Wii U, PS3, 360, PC)
The Great Giana Sisters has an interesting history behind it. Originally designed for European computers back in the mid to late 80’s, the first game looked and played VERY suspiciously like the original Super Mario Bros. So much so that it’s rumored that Nintendo even requested they cease releasing the game, which is why many people in the US aren’t familiar with the title. But Nintendo didn’t stop them from making a Giana Sisters DS game a few years ago, even though it, too, was very similar to Mario’s games. But now thanks to a successful kickstarter program, the newest game in the Giana Sisters series is here, and it has a gameplay twist all its own. You can download it on the three major current game consoles and PC (Wii U version reviewed here).
Paint Me a Butterfly (iPad)
Butterflies are one of nature’s most colorful, delicate, and beautiful creatures. And kids are fascinated by them! You can even buy kits that let kids keep their own caterpillars and watch them turn into cocoons and butterflies (which they then set free). And now your kids can color and design butterfly wings with Paint Me a Butterfly, a new app for iPad and iPhone (played on iPad for this review).



