June is a little light on video game releases, but there are still games to play, just not the biggest of titles.
These five titles span multiple genres, from dense RPGs to precision-heavy platformers. They all have something new and unique to offer, whether they are sequels to beloved classics or new games looking to make their mark on the world.
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst – Xbox One, PS4, PC
The first Mirror’s Edge game rose to the status of cult classic thanks to its innovative first-person parkour gameplay. Sprinting across rooftops, running along walls and leaping fences and walls was exhilarating. The much-anticipated sequel moves away from the linear design of its predecessor, giving players an open world to explore.
The story once again focuses on Faith, a runner – a master of parkour who carries out odd jobs out of the strict gaze of the law. The story will send players across the entire city, giving them plenty of chances to hone their skills, check out the views and engage in the thrilling new hand-to-hand combat. As you progress through the story you’ll gain new traversal abilities, and gadgets, giving you access to even more of the beautifully corrupt City of Glass.
While Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is a first-person game, there is no shooting to speak of. The perspective merely serves to bring players further into the world. Instead, you’ll spend your time exploring, running time-based missions for the elite classes and trying not to get shot as the heavily armed police forces descend upon you.
Kirby: Planet Robobot – 3DS
Everyone knows Nintendo’s pink puffball, but what you may not know is how versatile he is. The series started as a platformer, and while the majority of the games starring the ability-huffing orb stick to this formula, a few have traveled down a different path.
Planet Robobot is a platformer at its core, but introduces a large mechanized robot that Kirby can pilot for devastating effects. Kirby can still copy the abilities of his enemies, but now the abilities are also granted to the mech. This means you can stomp through levels spitting out bombs, wielding pillars of flame, and swinging massive swords through enemies and the environment alike.
Kirby titles are never the most difficult games to beat. And while Planet Robobot doesn’t completely buck this trend, it still has its own challenges. But the adorable enemies and characters, fun but deep level design, and the vast array of abilities to test out make it a great time regardless.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE – Wii U
Nintendo has partnered with ATLUS – the makers of the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona games – to release Tokyo Mirage Sessions#FE. This mash-up of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem follows a completely new cast of characters as they meet and befriend shadow versions of classic Fire Emblem characters.
The entire game has the look of an anime – from the incredibly colorful art style to the beautifully animated cut scenes. It’s an RPG, meaning you engage in turn-based battles where you need to choose from a series of commands to lead your team to victory.
A core aspect of the game is JPop music. The Japanese pop music hums quietly in the background while you explore, rising to a crescendo in battle and accompanying some of the game’s most dramatic moments.
It may not be the game for everyone, but it certainly has its strengths, especially considering it’s a combination we never thought we’d see on our televisions. It’s filled to the brim with interesting characters, brilliantly designed areas and a consistently fun campaign.
Mighty No.9 – Xbox One, PS4, Wii U, 3DS, PS Vita, PC
When the creator of Mega Man left Capcom, he took to Kickstarter to fund a game that appeared to be a spiritual successor to the Blue Bomber’s adventures. While Mega Man was about carefully navigating the perilous platforms that made up each stage to make it to the next robot master, Mighty No.9 ventures into new territory.
You still jump and fight off a league of robot masters; the new dash ability allows you to gain a speed boost from defeated enemies and zip through the level, defeating every adversary in your path. So, if you’ve played Mega Man in the past and want more precision-based gameplay and a new cast of characters, Mighty No.9 might just be for you.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens – PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, 3DS, PS Vita, PC
You’ve seen the Force Awakens, now you can play through your favorite moments in Lego form. The newest Lego game is based on the latest entry in the Star Wars film franchise. It follows the events of the film faithfully, while interjecting a layer of charm and humor that the cute Lego figures deliver.
It will also feature some entirely new storylines that aim to flesh out the world of The Force Awakens. The gameplay is standard Lego fare, meaning that it’s perfect for Star Wars fans of all ages. The difficulty never ramps up too much, but the gorgeous graphics and sly sense of humor more than make up for it.
Matthew Herst is a Carleton University communications student, video game journalist and Sudbury.com’s resident geek writer. Yeah, this guy love’s video games. Besides Sudbury.com, you can also find his work on TheNerdStash.com. Follow him on Twitter @supergurst.
