The time has come; all the big AAA game releases are finally behind us. So what’s left? Is there anything else new to be mindful of? Well, yes, two games to be exact. Actually, one that’s about to come out, plus another from last week actually, which totally flew under the radar and totally deserves attention.
The impact of the first Infinity Blade cannot be overstated. It came at a time in which the iPhone and iPad were starting to seriously threaten the established players in the portable gaming scene. The Unreal Engine powered shack and slash, with its visuals that were easily on the level of the Xbox 360 and PS3 (and therefore trouncing on what the DS and PSP could output) was the home run that Apple needed. Never mind how interactive it actually is… which is to say, it’s not very. Anyhow, time for round two, though only those with the most powerful of Apple’s devices need apply. Specifically the ones with dual core processors. But one quick look at the trailer will tell you why; the bar for visuals as it pertains to portable gaming has been raised to an astronomical level. Let’s just hope there’s more to do this time around. iPhone 4S, iPad
So this one actually came out last week, practically unannounced, since most eyes were on what was hitting the shelves of Best Buy and Target (and what discounts could be had, thanks to Black Friday). It was announced for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and perhaps those versions are still on the way, but in the meantime, PC gamers can enjoy what once again, is the game that Duke Nukem Forever wanted to be. It takes the first person shooting formula back to its basics, and gets rid of complications and refinements in favor of pure, unadulterated action and balls out fun. The game also tries to be funny and actually succeeds, in addition to pulling off a clean look that belongs in 2011. Just because you’re going for an old school vibe doesn’t mean one has to be ugly or lazy. Serious Sam 3 is neither. PC