The Week In Games

Something of an odd week, this one. Away from the big budget “blockbusters” we’ve seen so far this year, here’s a chance to check out some interesting left-field releases.

Perhaps this week is the time to look beyond the Gods of War, the Bad Companies, the Final Fantasies and the Mass Effects.

Nier (pictured) and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories are both worth picking up, if you’re up for an action-RPG or survival horror adventure, respectively, that try to freshen up an old formula. Even Runaway, Dead to Rights and Way of the Samurai 3 are worth a look.

Sure, they’re not as polished as those blockbusters we’ve all been playing recently, but in their own ways, for the right kind of player, they could provide just as much enjoyment.

Are you willing to take a risk?

New releases for the w/c April 19:

Dead to Rights: Retribution (360, PS3)
What Is It? Surprisingly violent third-person shooter sequel starring a tough cop and his dog companion, from the makers of the Reservoir Dogs game.
Should You Care? This is distinctly b-grade fare that might possibly be worth a rental.

Nier (360, PS3)
What Is It? Action-heavy JRPG from Square Enix that tells a more adult tale than you might expect.
Should You Care? Indeed, you play as a dad rather than an angsty teen.

Runaway: A Twist of Fate (DS)
What Is It? Point-and-click adventure that will feel very familiar to anyone who’s played a Broken Sword game.
Should You Care? Not as good as Broken Sword, but genre fans should enjoy it.

Samurai Shodown Sen (360)
What Is It? Delayed-by-a-few-weeks release of SNK’s mediocre 3D fighting game.
Should You Care? Not with Blazblue just out and Super Street Fighter IV coming next week.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii, PS2, PSP)
What Is It? Reimagining of the survival horror original that twists the story and replaces combat with running away.
Should You Care? A fine addition to the growing Wii library of quirky, adult titles. The PS2 and PSP versions are worth checking out, too.

Way of the Samurai (360, PS3)
What Is It? Curious adventure-slash-fighting series that dwells on the minutiae of your life as a ronin warrior.
Should You Care? Obscure and plodding, this is the opposite of Onimusha.

Next week, stay tuned for Super Street Fighter IV, the FIFA World Cup tie-in, Iron Man 2, Monster Hunter Tri, Splinter Cell: Conviction on PC and maybe more…

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