New Releases for the Week of Jan. 2nd-9th, 2013

The old adage, “strike when the iron is hot” seems particularly relevant this week. Between the ubiquity of holiday gift cards, a scarcity of new titles on store shelves, and a $29.99 MSRP, Anarchy Reigns stands a decent chance at success. Likely, Platinum Game’s beat ‘em up would have faced stiff competition had the game held to its original March release, vying against titles such as Tomb Raider, God of War: Ascension, Gears of War: Judgment, and BioShock Infinite. Now, it’s only threats are the typical tide of price drops which inaugurate a new year.

360
Anarchy Reigns
Retro City Rampage (XBLA, $10.00)

PS3
Anarchy Reigns

Wii U
No releases

3DS
Unchained Blades (eShop, $29.99)

DS
No releases

Vita
Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable (PSN, $39.99)

PC
The Sims 3: Monte Vista Expansion

Robert’s Pick: For JRPG fans who missed the PSP iteration of Unchained Blades, the 3DS version should provide a capable substitute. As a fan of Platinum Game’s output, I’ll be picking up Anarchy Reigns, keeping my expectations in check and my pre-order money deposited in the Bank of Gamestop. The retailer has a lock on the Bayonetta DLC, forcing fans to ante up if they want to have a go with the bespectacled, gun-booted seductress.

Eric’s Pick: It’s not hard to figure out why this week’s release list is light; the holiday season is over. Everyone is busy chipping away at the games they got for Christmas. If, somehow, you’re already looking for a brand-new game to play, it might as well be Anarchy Reigns. With Bayonetta 2 being a Wii U exclusive, this might be the last time the Xbox 360 and PS3 see the sultry sweets-lover.