Keeping track of the latest video games is no easy task. Between PC, consoles, handhelds, and mobile, dozens of new games come out every week, and a lot of them aren’t very good. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Thankfully, you don’t have to, because every week in The Five I dig through the mountain of new releases to find the diamonds you may have otherwise missed.
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Every edition of The Five will include a Pick of the Week and four other games you should be keeping an eye on. Whether you want to know about the latest triple-A blockbuster, or the hot new thing on Steam, The Five has you covered. So, without further ado…
Pick of the Week
New Nintendo 2DS XL (July 28)
Okay, we’re switching things up a bit and making Nintendo’s latest hardware, rather than any individual game, the top pick for this week. This won’t be a regular thing, but The Five covers all things gaming, which definitely includes new systems!
As the somewhat awkward name implies, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is a revamp of the 2DS with the form factor and features of the New 3DS XL. So, that means you get a sleek clamshell design, a bit of extra horsepower, and that handy camera nub at a very attractive $150 price – all you have to sacrifice is stereoscopic 3D. If you’re looking for a 3DS backup, or a sturdy system for the kids, the New Nintendo 2DS XL looks like a good option. Expect our hardware review later this week.
This Week on 3DS (and 2DS, of course)
Hey! Pikmin (3DS, July 28)
Nintendo’s quirky strategy series transforms into a slightly more traditional puzzle-platformer in Hey! Pikmin. Take command of Captain Olimar and surpass various puzzles and obstacles using your horde of multicolored, multitalented critters. Hey! Pikmin may not be the strategy game fans are craving, but its visually impressive for a 3DS game and looks like to be a solid little diversion.
This Week on 3DS
Miitopia (3DS, July 28)
Miitopia takes the quirky charms of games like Tomodachi Life and Miitomo, and expands the experience into a full-on RPG. Create Miis of yourself and your friends (or whoever you want, really) and go on epic quests! The relationships between your characters will develop as you play and effect how things play out during battles. If have a soft sport for Nintendo’s wackier side, this one’s for you.
This Week on Steam and Xbox Store
Fable Fortune (PC & Xbox One, July 25)
The Fable series returns in collectible card game form this week! Fable Fortune began life at the now-shuttered Lionhead studios and continued to be developed independently by Mediatonic and Flaming Fowl Studios, which is largely staffed by ex-Lionhead devs. Now, this is an Early Access launch, but the makers of Fable Fortune are more or less treating it like the real deal – there will still be balance tweaks and minor changes, but otherwise, you’re pretty much getting the full experience.
This Week on Steam and PlayStation Store
Pyre (PC & PS4, July 25)
Pyre is the latest from Supergiant Games, makers of the acclaimed Bastion and Transistor. Like previous Supergiant titles, Pyre is an action-RPG featuring gorgeous stylized visuals and a dark storyline, although this time combat feels like it’s been ripped from a sports title. Battles take place in arenas where teams of three compete to destroy their opponent’s pyre (a large column of magical flame). Will this unique mashup of RPG and sports gameplay actually work? Given Supergiant’s track record, the chances are good!
And we end a very slow July on a high note! New hardware, tons of handheld goodness, and some promising indie stuff. Get out there and get playing!
