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SALT LAKE CITY -- Wizards, warriors, and warfare, oh my! It’s time for the biggest week in gaming for the year! The week of Nov. 6–12 will see the best-selling game of the year and the winner of Game of the Year both be released. However, just because these are the biggest games of the year, are they appropriate for your family? WarpZone is here for another week of new video games and what to expect from all of them.
THE GREAT
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, and PC
Rating: Mature (Blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, and strong language)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Activision has found the formula for a yearly release of a solid title: Get two studios working on a game for two years. Fortunately for them, no other publisher seems to understand how this works.
Last year’s “Black Ops” was the biggest selling video game of all time, and within three months, it was more profitable than “Avatar” and “Dark Knight” combined. Arguably, Treyarch’s success was because of “Modern Warfare 2,” one of the best games ever developed.
Now, “Modern Warfare 3” is ready to break just as many records. Unfortunately, most of the team at Infinity Ward, the creators of “Call of Duty,” were either fired or quit after a falling out between Activision and the senior members of Infinity Ward.
Treyarch, Sledgehammer, and (the remains) of Infinity Ward have been working hard on proving that the franchise will live on.
For the three who have never heard of the “Call of Duty” franchise, these games are violent and graphic. They feature mature themes of war and strong language. This is not a game for children. However, adults will love the immersive story and online play until next year’s version.
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Rating: Mature (Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, and use of alcohol)
Release Date: Nov. 11
Genre: RPG
Every time an “Elder Scrolls” is released, it gets bigger and bigger, both in substance and in sales.
The amount of work put into these games is astounding. As an open-world experience, “Skyrim” will feel like an MMORPG (i.e. “World of Warcraft”) without charging players a monthly fee. Every character in the game has a back story and feels alive. Throughout the game, characters can find and read books written for the game.
Players steer the experience, not the game.
However, those players should be mature adults. This game is graphic and violent and not suited for children.
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, Nintendo DS, 3DS, PSP
Rating: Everyone 10+ (Cartoon violence)
Release Date: Nov. 11
Genre: Action Adventure
The LEGO games have not changed since the first "Star Wars" game: Players navigate stages based on the movies, collect studs to buy characters and cheats, and collect bonuses based on the different movies.
After playing through the silly story, the characters can play each stage again in a free play mode, taking different characters with them to solve the puzzles. New areas, characters, and collectibles are largely found in this mode.
These games don’t change, but what they lack in originality, they make up for in charm. For good two-player fun, this game will not disappoint.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Rating: Mature (Blood and gore, intense violence, language, and sexual themes)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Action
Why are so many older games getting HD remakes? Because they deserve them.
“Metal Gear Solid” is one of the greatest franchises ever made. Born from the ashes of a Nintendo Entertainment System game, these titles were a rebirth of a man’s dreams and have become some of the most exciting games ever made.
The first title was released on the PlayStation, and the next two graced the PlayStation 2. Now, "Sons of Liberty,” “Snake Eater,” and “Peace Walker” are getting their dues with this HD collection.
These games were never meant for children. They are violent, graphic, slightly sexual, and sometimes terrifying. However, for adults looking for a stealth action game for the holiday season, there is no better deal than three fantastic games in one package.
THE BAD
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rating: Everyone (Comic mischief)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Kart Racer
Done by just about anyone else, this would be a great idea. Players take photos of their faces and race to unlock new karts and accessories.
Unfortunately, Majesco is known for rushing software onto shelves without proper testing. This game will be frustratingly broken.
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, 3DS
Rating: Everyone (Comic mischief and mild cartoon violence)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Adventure
The badness of a movie-based video game is proportionate to the closeness of both release dates. In other words, if a game comes out in the same week as its movie, it is a good guarantee the game will be terrible.
With “Happy Feet Two” coming out a week and a half before the movie, it can be assumed that Warner Bros. Interactive rushed this game in and out of development to help promote the movie. Wait until Nov. 18 and watch the movie. Avoid the game.
Platform: Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Rating: Teen (Blood and violence)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Action
As a product of the early 90s, I grew up on the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. I remember going to a neighbor’s house to play “Jaws” on the NES. It was awful!
After receiving media from Majesco on this title, I can honestly say I would rather play the NES “Jaws” than this one.
It is violent and inappropriate for children. However, there are very few who would enjoy it.
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012
Platform: Xbox 360’s Kinect
Rating: Everyone
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Fitness
The Kinect is still feeling its way around the world. At launch, “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” was one of the biggest titles on the shelves next to “Dance Central.”
Now, with “Dance Central 2” and “Kinect Sports Season 2” on the shelves, it only makes sense to release the sequel to one of the best fitness games made for the Kinect.
Unless you believe in this mysterious land known as Outdoors.
There are cheaper workouts than this video game: Walks are free, sporting equipment is cheap, and children enjoy spending time together or with family. Don’t spend money on this thinking it will get you in shape. The game cannot help you, but you can change your fitness habits for free.
Platform: Wii, Xbox 360’s Kinect
Rating: Everyone
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Music
Speaking of fitness games, “Nickelodeon Dance” gathers favorite characters like Dora, Diego, the Backyardigans, and the Fresh Beat Band. Then, these characters help children learn to stay physically active with a variety of activities.
It’s a good idea, but it is a parent’s responsibility to teach children to be active. Instead of asking television and video games to babysit the kids, take them outside and play tag together.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating: Everyone
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Kart Racer
“DaGeDar” has one aspect that sets it apart: Track building. Unfortunately, it hasn’t hit the shelves, and it is already priced for the bargain bin.
After seeing screen shots and reading about the game, I honestly recommend “Ben 10 Galactic Racing” over this. Still, if gamers are willing to wait just a little longer, they can get the new “Mario Kart” on the 3DS.
HIDDEN GEMS
Raving Rabbids: Alive & Kicking
Platform: Xbox 360’s Kinect
Rating: Everyone 10+ (Cartoon violence and crude humor)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Party
All “Raving Rabbids” games are a cornucopia of minigames. They get the whole family off the couch and bring loads of fun for everyone in the room.
What these party games lack in originality, they make up for with charm. Like a LEGO game, the Rabbids do not feel new or different, but the way the games are put together and presented allows it to stand out.
There will be a release for the Wii at a later date, but for families with a Kinect, this makes for a fun family night.
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rating: Everyone 10+ (Language, mild fantasy violence, and mild suggestive themes)
Release Date: Nov. 8
Genre: Adventure
As a remake, “Cave Story 3D” is getting a major facelift in hopes of introducing new fans to it.
The hero wakes up in a cave with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Soon, he meets a race of rabbit-like people, the Mimiga. These peaceful people are being threatened by a mad scientist. Now, players must guide the hero as he tries to free the Mimiga and recover his memory.
It’s a classic and beloved game, and it will be appropriate for most children. However, just because it is rated E 10+, don’t be afraid to buy it for a teen or adult. This is a game that will be a pleasant surprise for anyone.
FINAL WORD
As a young teen, I played “Metal Gear Solid” for hours. Now, I will get a chance to play the game that has influenced my childhood in the beauty that is HD. However, since my wife always wins, we will most likely be picking up “LEGO Harry Potter” as our game of the week.
More news, reviews, and opinions can be found on GameTaffy. And for those curious about what is happening in the world of gaming, be sure to check out the WarpZone Show on KWCR 88.1 Weber FM every Tuesday from 3-4.
Ben 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"!
