New, foreign video games dominate this fall’s lineup
Summer is almost over, but even incoming freshmen can look forward to a thrilling assortment of video games this fall. And we’re not talking about American ones.
The fall’s new releases are part of a surprisingly diverse amalgam. Several of the most highly anticipated video games were designed by companies across the world and are slated for international releases in the coming months.
From the gruesome zombies of Dead Island to the lighthearted Tanooki Mario, these internationally based bestsellers are ones to look out for.
Dead Island — Sept. 6
Sick of fighting zombies in dull apocalyptic adventure games? Try fighting them off with three of your friends.
In Dead Island, players ward off the undead in an open-world paradise on the fictitious island of Banoi. The story follows a handful of characters staying at the utopian island’s luxurious Royal Palms Resort where a sudden outbreak infects the residents and quickly leads to a movie-inspired zombie apocalypse.
Polish developer Techland makes Dead Island stand apart from similarly themed games with an emphasis on survival, weapon customization, exploration and melee-style (disorganized hand-to-hand fighting) combat.
In addition, the game features an array of characters from across the world. Logan is the epitome of an all-American muscle man, whereas Xian Mei is a savvy, intelligent traveler from China.
You’re bound to enjoy this game more than the average shooter scenario, given its unique combat-style and assemblage of versatile characters.
Batman: Arkham City —
Oct. 18
In this exciting sequel to the award-winning 2009 Batman: Arkham Asylum, the Dark Knight returns for more daring, haunting adventures against the criminals of Gotham.
Like its predecessor, Batman: Arkham City serves as a wonderful tribute to the eerie cinematography found in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film.
But this new game stands on its own. The introduction of Catwoman as a playable character allows for a potentially broader female audience. With her own levels and power-ups, the frisky feline pushes the game in a new
direction with more challenging and versatile game play.
Although Batman is a quintessential American superhero, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City were designed by British game developer Rocksteady Studios.
The series of video games has already garnered positive feedback around the world. In fact, Arkham Asylum earned a Guinness World Record for “Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever.”
With such high expectations, there’s no doubt that Arkham City can easily steal this spot from its companion.
Super Mario 3D Land —
November
Although 3D technology is fizzling faster than Mario’s invincible star power, Nintendo has vowed to wow the world with its first major platform game for the Nintendo 3DS this November.
Not much is confirmed in terms of storyline, but the game appears to be a continuation of the Super Mario Galaxy series. Both the Galaxy games and Super Mario 3D Land were developed by the same team and are similar in terms of graphics, items and overall game play.
To capitalize on the 3D aspect and maximize game play, however, Nintendo has chosen to incorporate a combination of 2D- and 3D-style sequences as a capstone to Mario’s latest transition.
In a surprise to many fans, Nintendo also confirmed the reintroduction of Tanooki Mario from Super Mario Bros. 3. The form turns Mario into a raccoon-like animal with a handy tail for floating and attacking.
Although Nintendo has scheduled a worldwide price cut for the poorly selling Nintendo 3DS in the upcoming month, the Japan-based company has high hopes for Super Mario 3D Land to increase sales internationally following its release.
Different storylines and nuanced styles in these new releases are iconic of the cultural expansion of the industry and subsequently unite gamers across the globe.