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SALT LAKE CITY -- The closer we get to October, the more exciting each week's new video games get. Everyone is competing for your dollar, and here are some of the titles that are trying a little harder than the rest. From puzzle games for any age to fantasy games for adults, there is something on this list for the gamer in your life.
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rating: Everyone (Ages 2+)
Release date: October 2
Genre: Puzzle
"Tetris" has seen many releases, but it's never really changed. It's never needed to change. But with new technology in the stereoscopic Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo is willing to bet that change is a good thing. With over 20 game modes, this version of "Tetris" will probably force you to pull your hair out.
Platforms: PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
Rating: Mature (Ages 17+)
Release date: October 4
Genre: Action RPG
FromSoftware released a surprise hit years ago with "Demon Souls," a difficult and innovative game that refreshed the action-RPG genre. Now, their innovative online gameplay will be coming to both the PlayStation and the Xbox. Since the original game was exclusive to the PlayStation, this game is officially a new franchise. Feel free to jump right in, even if you never played the first game. However, be prepared for a punishingly difficult game. But in a world of games that virtually play themselves, isn't it refreshing to know you are still in control of your character, even as your character is slaughtered by three ogres? Parents, this game is NOT suitable for children! As players are tasked with saving the world, there will be areas showing terrifying images, and the enemies in the game will have demonic features. Children will likely be frightened by these images. Also, by the nature of the game, it will include graphic violence in hand-to-hand combat. This game was made by and for adults who enjoy a challenge as they save the world.
Platforms: All Platforms
Rating: Everyone (Ages 2+)
Release date: October 4
**Genre**: Sports
Sports games come out every year, and usually, there is not much to look forward to. However, 2K's NBA franchise continues to impress. Last year, "NBA 2K11" won Sports Game of the Year from IGN, and this year, 2K wants to win again. Everything has been updated and upgraded.
I have owned two sports games in my life, and usually, I ignore releases like this. But after checking out this game, I can honestly say that this will be the first sports game on my wish list since 1999! What's more, this game is fun for the whole family! There are plenty of game modes for the hardcore gamer, and there is still the quickplay modes for mom or dad to plop down and play a quick game with son or daughter.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, 3DS
Rating: Teen (Ages 13+ - pending)
Release date: October 4
**Genre**: Action
Last year's "Spider-Man" offered some fan service, but gamers complained it was light on gameplay. This year, Activision hopes less is more. Rather than playing in four different Spider-Man universes, this game follows two timelines: "Amazing Spider-Man" and "Spider-Man 2099." With a story written by Marvel veteran Peter David, players will follow two story lines as they try to unravel the cause of amazing Spider-Man's death and change the past before it is too late. This game is good for teens and adults, with a moderate level of gameplay. If "Dark Souls" seems too difficult or gruesome, "Spider-Man: Edge of Time" will offer just the right amount of challenge and story to engage gamers.
Platforms: (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, iPhone)
Rating: Mature (Ages 17+)
Release date: October 4
Genre: First-Person Shooter/Action
Id Software created the first-person shooter franchise. With titles like "Doom" and "Quake" under their belts, gamers can expect a fantastic and innovative experience in their newest title. "Rage" will also be the debut of John Carmack's newest engine (named Rage), which will most likely be the new engine used in all Bethesda titles ("Fallout 4," anyone?). Essentially, "Rage" is a new game that will also be a demo of future games. Not a bad deal, I'd say. This game takes place in an apocalyptic setting, which isn't very original. But the enemies, weapons, and gameplay elements will more than make up for the lack of originality. Since Bethesda purchased Id Software, the future has looked bright for one of the most influential game developers of the past twenty years. This game is violent and scary at times, so keep it away from young children. Also, the game will have graphic language. For adults who have been playing Id games since the first "Doom," add this to your wishlist for this year.
Platform: Xbox 360
Rating: Teen (Ages 13+)
Release date: October 5
Genre: Strategy
Mixing third-person hack and slash and strategic tower defense, this downloadable title will offer goofy action and orc-pounding carnage. Players control a knight capable of using a sword, bow, or magic. Unfortunately, that's not enough to take on the hordes of orcs invading your castle. Deploy traps throughout the castle to give you an extra hand in your defensive strategy until all the orcs are eliminated. As a downloadable title, this game will not offer much in terms of diversity. This combination of action and tower defense will feature violence and blood, so this is best for teens and up.
Platforms: PlayStation 3's Move, Xbox 360's Kinect, Wii
Rating: Everyone 10+
Release date: October 7
Genre: Music
I never understood the "Just Dance" craze, but that hasn't stopped Ubisoft from releasing the best-selling dance games of all time. Unfortunately, the only new aspect of the third game is the track list. The graphics and gameplay have remained the same throughout the franchise. At $40, this game features 40 tracks, including "California Gurls" by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg and "Forget you" by Cee Lo Green. Personally, I would wait until "Dance Central 2" hits the Kinect, but if you are a PlayStation Move or Nintendo Wii player, "Just Dance 3" is the best game available. The game itself is good for the whole family, but parents may want to review the available tracks before buying this game for young children.
Ben Davis produces and hosts WarpZone on KWCR 88.1 Weber FM on Tuesdays from 3-4pm. The show focuses on gaming news and is available as a free download on iTunes by searching "WarpZone Show." Ben can be found online as "BenTheWicked"!
