2014's fourth quarter is only just getting started, and the same can be said for big game titles. HNGN's taking a minute to bring you this week's biggest releases, and there's plenty to go around.
- F1 2014
"F1" is a title known to many racing game fans as short for "Formula 1." It's the sixth installment of the game published by Codemasters. Good thing we all know the formula, huh?
Designed for accessibility and built for progression, "F1 2014" comes with new circuits, rules, challenges, driver moves and more, to let the player experience it all. It all starts with a driver evaluation system at the first loading that assesses the player's ability and suggests settings suited to one's individual skill level.
There's an expanded Scenario mode, RaceNet-powered multiplayer system, and a Career Mode that allows players to choose any team to drive for, instead of starting at the bottom and working their way up through hard work, determination, and above all, wins. Unfortunately, there is one aspect that is not returning, and that's the Classic Content that features historic F1 cars and historic tracks.
"F1 2014" launched in the U.S. this past Tuesday, Oct. 21 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows platforms.
- Just Dance 2015
Get ready dance parties, you are officially in the mix! "Just Dance 2015" hit stores across America this past Tuesday, Oct. 21 for the Wii, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Playstation 4.
The sixth game in the "Just Dance" series, "2015" brings new features to the mix, including "Community Remix," which has players dance to the songs that have other players on the screen instead of the dancers. Returning modes include "World Dancefloor," "Autodance," "Dance Mashup" and "Party Master."
There is a total of 45 tracks in the game, including Miley Cyrus' "4x4," Will.i.am's "It's My Birthday," Bonnier Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero," and many more. There are also plenty of downloadable tracks, ranging from $1.99 to $2.99, one being free ("Break Free" by Ariana Grande, featuring Zedd).
- The Walking Dead Season Two
Telltale Games follows up last month's release of the award-winning "The Walking Dead Season One" on Playstation 4 and Xbox One with the second season on said systems.
The sequel season preserves the game's narrative structure, and choices made by players in previous episodes will carry over, so no two games will be exactly the same. Players step into the shoes of Clementine, previously the player's companion in "Season One," and must survive in a world where the dead reign supreme and the living cannot be trusted.
"Season Two" was released on Oct 14 on Windows, Playstation 3, iOS X and Xbox 360 with the slowly creeping in on Oct. 21 on Xbox One and Playstation 4 platforms.
- Need for Speed Rivals: Complete Edition
Ghost Games follows up its release of "Need for Speed Rivals" with its Complete Edition. Players can pick a side and bring the rivalry between racers and cops to the next level with additional cars, new challenges, rewards and consequences for both sides, according to the game's official website.
The Complete Edition comes with all six DLC packs, pulling into stores nationwide and online Tuesday Oct. 21 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Sony Playstation 3 and Playstation 4.
- Samurai Warriors 4
The release of Koei Tecmo's "Samurai Warriors 4" marks the 10th anniversary of the kach-and-slash "Samurai Warriors" action series, bringing fans of Japan's Sengoku Period the most expansive game yet. There are 55 characters to fight with, old and new, new moves for taking out even more enemies on the battlefield, a new "Chronicle Mode" and a revamped Story Mode akin to the kingdom-based story mode seen in its sister series "Dynasty Warriors." The create-a-warrior mode returns with more content than ever before.
The game is now available through the Playstation Store for all versions, the Vita and PS3 version both receiving bonuses with online purchases. The PS4 version was released on both disc and digital, with special bonuses for pre-orders, as well a "special anime pack" that featured a soundtrack, exclusive bonus items and a special anime featuring Sanada Yukimura.
- The Legend of Korra
"The Legend of Korra" landed in stores for Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and Windows on Oct. 21 with the Xbox 360 and Xbox One editions tailing the following day.
The game stays true to the series, putting the player in the role of Korra as she battles villains from the first two seasons of the popular cartoon with her bending arts. Korra can switch between all four elements at will in this third-person, single-player-only "beat 'em up" game, each with its own techniques and personal flare.
The game isn't long to play, but features a "new game+" feature, as well as minigames such as pro-bending matches, which only become available after completing the game.
- The Voice
Activision announced the release of their new singing game "The Voice: I Want You" this past Tuesday, Oct. 21, based on NBC's singing competition show of the same name. The game is now available on Wii, Wii U, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
The game preserves the spirit of the hit show, featuring blind auditions, battle rounds, the finale and more. Choose from rock, R&B, pop and country songs as you sing your way to victory by impressing the judges and making them compete to add you to their team. There's a "Voice Coach" mode that provides tips and technique to improve performance, and a Party Mode for you and seven friends to play together.
Every retail copy of the game is bundled with a USB microphone to play with, but those who buy the game digitally will need the microphone to play.
- Bayonetta 2
Bayonetta is back with a new costume, hairstyle and lots more kick-a** moves and weapons in the latest "Bayonetta" game on the Nintendo Wii U, but for only the Wii U, as opposed to the original, which was also available on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
Take control of Bayonetta and battle enemy angles and demons using both physical attacks and gunplay. Take advantage of various weapons to better combat your foes, as well as the new Umbran Climax ability in tight spots.
The game was released today (Oct. 24) via optical disc and digital download, and includes a port of the original game, as well as exclusive costumes, dual audio tracks and touch controls. There's also a free demo for those who are on the fence. Learn more on the game's official site.
*Warning* Mature content!
- Pokemon Art Academy
Ever want to draw Pokemon like the pros? Now you can, with "Pokemon Art Academy," a cooperative spin-off of the "Art Academy" series featuring characters from the ever-so-popular media franchise. The game was released today (Oct. 24) as both a physical game card and as a digital download. It's even the first 3DS title with built-in Miiverse support for sharing you artwork with friends.
The game teaches the player to draw the iconic creatures with easy step-by-step instructions, different drawing tools and even a free paint mode for drawing freehand. Players can also upload photos for reference that were taken with the system from an SD card. Lots of fans are sure to use this game as a springboard to creating "Pokemon" fan art. If you've always wanted to join the scores of online artists, why not start now with "Pokemon Art Academy?"
