The last LEGO game was released less than two months ago but we’re already on the receiving end of another – LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean. This was called in at the last minute to replace the canned Armada of the Damned tie-in – in which you could choose to be good or evil, à la Fable – but reviews suggest that this LEGO stud kleptomaniac sim has turned out pretty good. It’s a little bit cheaper than you may expect too – the DS version is £16.99 at The Game Collection, the PSP version is £17.91 on Amazon while the Wii version is £22.91.
Even though the PSN network is still down Bethesda are releasing the multi-player focused Brink on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC this week regardless. Obviously PSN being down doesn’t effect the Xbox 360 and PC versions, but the PlayStation 3 iteration is sadly likely to take a big hit in terms of sale figures. The game itself has much in common with Valve’s Team Fortress 2, only here there’s a grittier vibe and a bigger emphasis on character customization. With a 9 from 360 Gamer magazine and an 8 from Eurogamer it would appear to be well worth considering if you’re a fan of online shooters with teamwork involved. And remember – although there’s no ‘i’ in team, there is a ‘me’ if you look closely enough.
Not one but two bike-based games out this week too – SBK World Championship 2011 from Black Bean and MX vs ATV Alive from THQ. There’s no reason not to assume that they’re both pretty good – these are two franchises that have been around for years and always gain solid scores. Indeed, by all accounts MX vs ATV Alive “rocks like a mother†according to one Metacritic user.
Finishing the week off is Pucca Power Up on DS, which NGamer Magazine thought was all right. It’s £13.99 on Amazon if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep the kids quiet this weekend.
Next week: L.A. Noire, Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie, PlayMobil Agents and the purse-pleasing Nintendo Selects range (Wii Sports, WarioWare: Smooth Moves, Mario Strikers Charged Football and Animal Crossing: Let’s Go To The City)