Games of the Month: August 2012

[Guild McCommunist]

Thanks to @akuchan for the graphics!​

July is kinda like the bleakest month of the year for gaming, hardly anything comes out. So I skipped it. Instead, we get August, which doesn't suck as much.

A side note, IGN's new format is terrible so pardon the smaller image sizes. Yes I rip my images from IGN.

If I missed a game you really want coverage on then simply send your write up to me (via PM). If it's good enough and follows proper formatting I'll add it here with credit to you! Check the "Other Releases" section at the bottom to see what games I would want write ups for but am not all too qualified to do myself. You can also do write-ups for games I didn't even list. Sometimes things slip my eye.

Some rules and stuff.

Spoiler

- No flaming. If I list a game you don't like, too bad. If I don't, too bad.
- This is mainly North American releases, sorry. I'll, on occasion, do a European or Japanese release if it's big enough and not already out in America.
- If a game is already released in English and is being released again for another region, I won't bother adding it. Like say if Half Life 2: Episode 3 was out in America in April (it won't) and it came out in May in Europe, I won't list it for May. I'll also do the same if a game was released in English (aka Europe or America) and is being released in Japan.
- I get my dates from GameFaqs, Wikipedia, and IGN, so if a date is wrong don't blame me. You can, of course, point it out and ask me to fix it if you have the right date.

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Platform: 3DS
Developed by: Nintendo
Published by: Nintendo
Release date: August 17th (Europe), August 18th (Australia), August 19th (North America)
Genre: Platformer
My Hype Level: You know me...
GBAtemp Hype Level: OMG MARIO

I enjoyed the original NSMB enough but it's not something I wanted to see too much. Well, it's pretty much franchised by now. My main complaint is this: I really don't want another standard Mario platformer. Super Mario Galaxy 2 had excellent 2D segments. Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane? Nowadays traditional Mario platforming feels a bit stale honestly. Plus Rayman took the cake for platforming this gen.

Persona 4 Arena

Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Developed by: Arc Systems Works
Published by: Atlus
Release date: August 7th (North America), August 31st (Europe)
Genre: Fighting
My Hype Level: Combines two things I'm apathetic towards
GBAtemp Hype Level: Will probably drool over it since it's Persona.

I really don't see how a bunch of thin, unmuscular, and lanky high schoolers could ever be in a fighting game. Sure, they have their magical monsters or whatever to help them but why not just have a fighting game with the monsters? Anyway, it combines the makers of weaboo fighters, Arc Systems Works, and a big weaboo game series, Persona, to make a weabootastic fighter. Jokes aside though, I never found BlazBlue to be particularly compelling and the same goes with Persona. So basically have the two meet is a gigantic yawn for me.

Darksiders 2

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Developed by: Vigil Games
Published by: THQ
Release date: August 14th (North America), August 21st (Europe)
Genre: Action Adventure
My Hype Level: The first one wasn't bad
GBAtemp Hype Level: Probably don't care.

I did enjoy the first Darksiders a bit, I felt it got a lot of crap for being too grim dark like most games despite it taking a lot of positive steps forward in the Zelda-esque genre. Like it took the initiative to get some combat that, while basically God of War, was still leagues better than the snorefest of Zelda combat. That being said, I didn't expect nor want a sequel, it was an alright game but not THAT good. This one though sounds too easy though. I mean in the first game you're War, so it makes sense to go around and beat people up. But Death? Don't people just die around him anyway? Seems a bit silly.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Developed by: High Moon Studios
Published by: Activision
Release date: August 21st (North America), August 22nd (Australia), August 24th (Europe)
Genre: TPS
My Hype Level: Looks alright but probably not bound for success
GBAtemp Hype Level: Unnoticeable

I played a bit of the demo for the first game and it seemd alright enough. A nice mixture of vehicle-esque combat and standard TPS shooting. It definitely felt like a definitive Transformers game at least. But it didn't seem too destined to catch a following but behold, it got a sequel anyway. I feel like it'll be as good as the first game but it won't catch an online following to make a solid multiplayer mode lost to the seas of the standard popular titles.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Developed by: Valve
Published by: Valve
Release date: August 21st (North America)
Genre: FPS
My Hype Level: I was kinda interested but I've lost it by now
GBAtemp's Hype Level: Some Counter-Strike diehards aren't pleased

I've never been a particularly big Counter-Strike player. Well, I just don't play Counter-Strike, to be more specific. But I was excited to hear that CS: GO was coming to consoles and was having cross-platform play. I know PC gamers wouldn't dare get their hands dirty with console peasants but I'd kinda prefer playing it on a console without the eventual knowledge that the community would be dead. But they took that feature out last time I checked so who cares. Seasoned CS veterans have also said that it won't compare to CS:S or even classic CS, especially since it'll have the birthing pains of getting maps and mods and such.

Sleeping Dogs

Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Developed by: United Front Games
Published by: Square Enix
Release date: August 14th (North America), August 16th (Australia), August 17th (Europe)
Genre: Acton
My Hype Level: It's interesting but probably not buy worthy
GBAtemp's Hype Level: Meh

I thought the name was a bit funny since last time I checked, the quote "Let the sleeping dogs lie" was credited to Robert Walpole and had nothing to do with China. But it's the idiom here that counts. Anyway, I remember seeing some commercials for it and it looked interesting enough, but the voice acting felt very wonky. It's one of the few times I'd specifically request a Chinese voice over for authenticty. But it does look like an interesting game and I do enjoy crime flicks and such. For those of you who didn't know, this was formerly "True Crime: Hong Kong" if you were wanting another True Crime game.

Guild Wars 2

Platform: PC
Developed by: ArenaNet
Published by: NCSoft
Release date: August 28th (North America, Europe, Australia)
Genre: MMORPG
My Hype Level: HOLY SHIT BALLS
GBAtemp's Hype Level: Meh

Typically I don't care nor do I do much in the way of PC releases but Guild Wars 2 is an exception since I was very addicted to Guild Wars back in the day. It's probably my most anticipated MMO, I loved the first game and it seems like they're taking a lot of interesting new steps with the sequel. My only concern is making sure it runs on my PC. Either way though, I'll make sure I play it. Because it's fucking Guild Wars.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition

Platform: PC
Developed by: From Interactive
Published by: Namco Bandai Games
Release date: August 23rd (Australia), August 24th (North America) (Europe)
Genre: Open-world ARPG
My Hype Level: EXCITED AS FUCK.
GBAtemp Hype Level: Er...no clue. Slight interest I guess?

Originally released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 to critical acclaim, its now headed to PC re-branded as Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition. The PC version contains additional content which will come to the PS3 and Xbox 360 as DLC. It is known as a spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, and is also known for its insane difficulty.

Thanks to @Gundam Eclipse for the write-up!

Deadlight

Platform: 360
Developed and Published by: Tequila Works
Release date: 8/1 NA
Genre: 2D Action Game
My Hype Level: Excited
GBAtemp Hype Level: Slight but hopefully more

A 2D game that has fighting elements, puzzles and survival. It has a limbo feel but it is different since you can fight enemies instead of getting them killed/harmed by traps. Also you cannot just fight all the zombies and people you want since you will get slaughtered. The best way is to just keep moving, use your surroundings and avoid conflict. Health is limited and it seems like a decent 2D survival game. Some reviews have been fairly harsh on somethings but overall I think it will be a great game.

Thanks to @Rasas for the write-up!

Other Releases

Most of these are titles I really don't know much about so write-ups are much appreciated

• Hybrid: 8/8 (North America, Japan, Europe)
• Dust: An Elysian Tail: 8/15 (North America, Japan, Europe)
• Legastia: 8/21 (North America)
• Rock Band Blitz: 8/29 (North America, Europe)

Downloadable Content

• Quantum Conundrum: Desmond Debacle: 8/14 (North America)

 

[Skelletonike]

Guild Wars 2 also comes out later this month, although I dunno if it counts since it's a MMO...

This month doesn't really have anything new that interests me, besides Darksiders 2 since I enjoyed the first (I loved the art style and War is really badass), can't wait to see what Death is capable of.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

Guild Wars 2 also comes out later this month, although I dunno if it counts since it's a MMO...

Fuck yes it counts. Thanks, I forgot about that one.

 

[Hadrian]

Looking forward to Sleeping Dogs, the combat itself looks pretty damn fun and it's got stuff that I wanted in games like GTA4...like missions that don't look tedious.

 

[Skelletonike]

I don't think Guild Wars 2 hype level is meh. =S
It's a pretty awesome game, I was already looking forward to it, but after actually trying it out I gotta say that the game is something else... There's just so much to do that you can't even get bored. xP

 

[Gahars]

I've heard some good things about War for Cybertron, and everything I've seen from the sequel has been encouraging. They cut the co-op from the last game to focus on sharpening up the main campaign, the amount of customization available for multiplayer is pretty impressive, and you can turn into a giant T-Rex robot (plus, no involvement from Michael Bay, so that's always a plus).

If the word on this game is positive after launch, I may give it a shot.

 

[hkz8000]

How come this isn't on the front page?

 

[Gundam Eclipse]

Does Dark Souls count? Its coming to PC this August. But then again I guess not since its already there for consoles V:

 

[BORTZ]

I saw a poster for sleeping dogs at GameStop yesterday. The are is really cool. Cant say much about the gameplay though.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

Does Dark Souls count? Its coming to PC this August. But then again I guess not since its already there for consoles V:

TBH I don't check PC releases myself. I don't really consider myself a PC gamer much so if you or anyone else wants to do a write-up on it, go ahead.

Plus I never played Demons/Dark Souls

 

[Deleted_171835]

Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane?

Super Mario 3D Land. Kind of.

Some levels are with a 2D perspective. It's kind of a mix of the two types and it works really well for it.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane?

Super Mario 3D Land. Kind of.

Some levels are with a 2D perspective. It's kind of a mix of the two types and it works really well for it.

Does it have the floatier gameplay of Galaxy? That's what I enjoyed in it, it felt a bit floatier and freeflowing.

 

[Hadrian]

Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane?

Super Mario 3D Land. Kind of.

I have to disagree, it didn't at any time feel anywhere as close as the same.

NSMB2 looks to be the least interesting Mario plaftformer since Mario 3D Land. I'm sure it's a good good but not buy good.

 

[Hells Malice]

Tis an OK month.

I'll probably give Persona 4 Arena a try.
CS:GO will be great. When CSS came out, 1.6 vets BAWWWWWW'd over it as well. GO ain't bad, it just needs more custom maps and mods to make it truly fun. I admit I do like the physics of CSS more, but meh, I still enjoy CS:GO.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die edition comes out on the 24th as well, but I assumed you didn't include it since it's a re-release of the console version.
Still, i'm more excited for that than anything.

 

[Deleted_171835]

Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane?

Super Mario 3D Land. Kind of.

Some levels are with a 2D perspective. It's kind of a mix of the two types and it works really well for it.

Does it have the floatier gameplay of Galaxy? That's what I enjoyed in it, it felt a bit floatier and freeflowing.

It's floaty but not as much as Galaxy.

I have to disagree, it didn't at any time feel anywhere as close as the same.

It's the closest 2D-3D platformer mix we have. Physics might not be the same but it's still 3D Mario.

 

[Gundam Eclipse]

Spoiler

Platform: PC
Developed by: From Interactive
Published by: Namco Bandai Games
Release date: August 23rd (Australia), August 24th (North America) (Europe)
Genre: Open-world ARPG
My Hype Level: EXCITED AS FUCK.
GBAtemp Hype Level: Er...no clue. Slight interest I guess?

Originally released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 to critical acclaim, its now headed to PC re-branded as Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition. The PC version contains additional content which will come to the PS3 and Xbox 360 as DLC. It is known as a spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, and is also known for its insane difficulty.

There, assuming its ok to include even though its already there on PS3/Xbox 360. Hopefully I did a good enough job and didn't get anything wrong, first time doing this >>;
Got the boxart through google.
Tell me if any corrections or anything are needed

 

[Rasas]

There, assuming its ok to include even though its already there on PS3/Xbox 360. Hopefully I did a good enough job and didn't get anything wrong, first time doing this >>;
Got the boxart through google.
Tell me if any corrections or anything are needed

 

[GameWinner]

What about the Ratchet and Clank collection? It's one of the only PS3 exclusives coming this month. I never played the first three on PS2 so I'm going to try this one out.

 

[Rasas]

What about the Ratchet and Clank collection? It's one of the only PS3 exclusives coming this month. I never played the first three on PS2 so I'm going to try this one out.

It was already released in English in Europe so he probably isn't going to list it since of his rules. Though it does include that Sly demo.

Deadlight

Platform: 360

Developed and Published by: Tequila Works
Release date: 8/1 NA
Genre: 2D Action Game
My Hype Level: Excited
GBAtemp Hype Level: Slight but hopefully more

A 2D game that has fighting elements, puzzles and survival. It has a limbo feel but it is different since you can fight enemies instead of getting them killed/harmed by traps. Also you cannot just fight all the zombies and people you want since you will get slaughtered. The best way is to just keep moving, use your surroundings and avoid conflict. Health is limited and it seems like a decent 2D survival game. Some reviews have been fairly harsh on somethings but overall I think it will be a great game.

Should get some mention

Wii Dragon Quest X 8/2 Japan
3DS Devil Summoner Soul Hackers 8/30

 

[BORTZ]

Why doesn't Nintendo make a game that has Super Mario Galaxy's physics and such but on a 2D plane?

Super Mario 3D Land. Kind of.

Some levels are with a 2D perspective. It's kind of a mix of the two types and it works really well for it.

AS much as i like that idea, i with the would let us have another "proper" remake of the console titles. Like Sunshine or Galaxy. I know thats really greedy considering we have 3 mario titles already.