New Releases for the Week of May 1st-7th, 2013

From Snoop Lion’s fusion of the fighting and rhythm genres in Way of the Dogg to a thirty dollar equestrian role-playing game entitled My Riding Stables 3D – Jumping for the Team, the next seven days offers several unlikely new releases. One salient theme in this week’s schedule are the sheer number of retro titles, which are poised to pad both software libraries as well as publisher’s pockets. From Nintendo’s collection of five dollar retro games (Mega Man, Pac-Man, and Balloon Fight) to the re-release of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, a sense of deja vu dominates this week’s new releases. One subtle twist on the trend: Wii U launch title TANK! TANK! TANK! is offering its core multiplayer component for free, while adding ten pieces of paid piecemeal content.

360
Way of the Dogg (XBL, $10)

PS3
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (PSN, PS2 Classic, $9.99)
Motto Trump Shiyouyo! (PSOne Import, $5.99)
Zero Kara No Mahjong Mahjong Tamago-Gumi 2 -Taikai E Ikou! (PSOne Import, $5.99)
Zero Kara No Shogi Shogi Youchien Ayumi-Gumi! (PSOne Import, $5.99)

Wii U
Kung Fu Rabbit (eShop, $4.99)
Mega Man (Virtual Console, $4.99)
Pac-Man (Virtual Console, $4.99)
TANK! TANK! TANK! (Various DLC)

3DS
Armageddon Operation Dragon (eShop, $4.99)
Balloon Fight (eShop, $4.99)
BearShark (eShop, $3.99)
Gummy Bears Magical Medallion (eShop, $5.99)
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (eShop, $9.99)
Mega Man 4 (eShop, $4.99)
My Riding Stables 3D – Jumping for the Team (eShop, $29.99)

DS
Armageddon Operation Dragon (DSiWare, $4.99)

Vita
No releases

PC
Ballpoint Universe
Residue

Robert’s Pick: During this decidedly lackluster week, I’m marginally interested in Kung Fu Rabbit. While it may look (and play) a bit like a Flash-based Super Meat Boy wannabe, I am yearning for a reason to turn my Wii U on, beyond staying up to date with the current firmware iterations.

Eric’s Pick: This week, the only releases I’m looking forward to are the three mystery PSone Import Classics from GungHo Online. They’ve been bringing over a lot of obscure titles in recent months. With any luck, there will be something besides anime idol Mahjong games or Japanese text-heavy RPG’s this time. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m hoping against hope that one of those three games is Fire Pro Wrestling G. Last week’s PSN re-release of Fire Pro Wrestling Returns was pure torture for me since the Vita currently does not currently support PS2 Classics. While I doubt FPG will be one of the three new games, it is nice to dream about Fire Pro on the Vita.

Jeremy’s Pick: Digital distribution is at its best when it makes a game available that gets limited release at retail, or is old and generally hard to find, or both. As unexpected as the cult PS2 horror game Fatal Frame was on PSN last month, I certainly didn’t expect to see Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly hit the service so soon afterward, if at all. The idea of a helpless (non-combat) protagonist and a camera mechanic that forces the player to really “focus” on the scary stuff always sounded like a neat combination to me, so it’s nice to finally have a go with it. And hooray for reasonably priced digital re-releases, because I feel a lot more comfortable paying $9.99 to pee myself instead of $70-$100 on auction sites.

Sage’s Pick: MEGA MAN!!! As someone who only got to enjoy Mega Man on other people’s consoles, I relish the opportunity to have it for my very own on the Wii. I will also be getting Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon on steam, because it is said to be hilarious fun and has been getting great reviews from my fellow gamer friends. And my brain will certainly need some hilarity and amusement after finals.