After the quiet month of January, which would have been a new release write-off if it wasn’t for Resident Evil: Revelations, February has so many notable releases that it’s like October all over again.
Say thank you to the nice Japanese men for Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and Soul Calibur V which are out this week. There’s also NeverDead from UK developer Rebellion and a budget-priced re-release of Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team on PSP. Going by the release lists it’s one of final titles to be published for the handheld. Well, re-published in this case.
Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and Soul Calibur V are three we have no qualms about recommending, as all of them have been getting solid reviews. Final Fantasy XIII-2 seems to be Square’s way of saying sorry for the mess that was the last Final Fantasy – they’ve listened to their fans and given them what they want. What a name to call it though – hopefully the bizarre numbering won’t scare off newcomers. That said, Eurogamer did say it was unfriendly to newcomers in their review. They gave it an 8 if you’re too lazy to click on the link.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is one the Americans got long before us. It’s certainly worth the wait – Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3 and the former PSP-exclusive Peace Walker with new online modes all in one package. Zavvi bagged the limited edition set which comes with an artbook and a T-shirt for £69.99. If you just want the game on its own then you should be able to find it for less than £30 online.
Namco has only given Soul Calibur V a few little nips and tucks but even so they’re apparently enough to make it feel new and fresh. If you worked an awful lot of overtime over Christmas and have some money burning a hole in your pocket, quite a few online retailers are bundling it with an arcade-style joystick for around £150. Or you could pick up the limited edition for £69.99, which comes with artwork signed by the design team. That’s nice, that is.
Rebellion’s NeverDead is one we’ve always been wary about. Although Rebellion has made a few decent titles in the past, such as Rogue Trooper and Sniper Elite, they’ve also put out some rubbish. This would appear to be one of their better games with good mixture of western and eastern flavours. Eurogamer has dished out a 6 while the Official PlayStation Magazine liked it a little bit more and gave it a 7.
Next week: Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning (PS3, 360, PC), The Darkness II (PS3, 360, PC), Mario & Sonic At The London 2012 Olympic Games (3DS), Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition (PS3, 360, PC), One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP (3DS), Catherine (PS3, 360), Grand Slam Tennis 2 (PS3, 360), Pac-Man Party 3D (3DS), Secret Mysteries In London (3DS), Card Games: The Classics (DS) and Wicked Monsters Blast (Wii).