Here’s a look at what’s looking good this weekend, with an emphasis on new releases, sales or games that are otherwise relevant.
“Trenched” (rated T, $15 download for Xbox 360): The latest game from Sonoma native Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions is a fusion of tower defense and third-person, shooting action as you pilot a battle mech around a 1940s-style war zone. The trademark Double Fine wit, evident in past titles such as “Psychonauts,” “Brütal Legend” and “Costume Quest,” is abundant.
“Team Fortress 2” (rated M, now free to play on PC): Valve’s classic, class-based team shooter went free to play last week. Details are here. Please don’t be one of those fun-killing doofuses who thinks you’re entitled to a refund because you bought “TF2” two years ago.
“Shadows of the Damned” (rated M, $60 for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3): The latest from Japanese oddball auteur Suda51 is a collaboration with “Resident Evil 4” designer Shinji Mikami. You’re Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter who travels into hell to rescue your girlfriend, Paula, from the clutches of the demon lord Fleming. I previewed the game a while back, and a review will be coming soon.
“Dungeon Siege III” (rated T, $60 on Xbox 360 or PS3, $50 on PC): This hack-and-slash role-playing game is all about mindlessly killing stuff and obtaining lots of loot. It’s fairly mindless activity, but the same could be said of “Diablo II” and “Torchlight.”
“F.E.A.R. 3” (rated M, $60 on Xbox 360 or PS3, $50 on PC): I’ll admit this isn’t a series I’ve really kept up with. You’re a member of a sort of paranormal-activity-related special forces unit and, if it’s anything like past titles, have the ability to manipulate time a little bit. There’s a little girl, Alma, who looks straight out of “The Ring.” I got a chance to preview the multiplayer a couple of months ago but, due to a prior commitment, could only play for about 15 minutes. The Contractions mode I played was essentially a Horde mode, but it was a good deal of fun. I’ll be messing around with this in the weeks to come.
“Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga” (rated M, PC version on sale via Steam, $20): This two-RPGs-in-one package is discounted on Steam at the moment. Also, fans of strategy games can pick up “Europa Universalis III Complete” for $3.75. THQ’s first-person shooter “Homefront” from earlier this year is on sale, as well, for $25, half off the usual price.
Assorted Pop Cap games: Various games in the Pop Cap canon (all casual titles rated E10+ or below) are on sale through Monday. “Plants vs. Zombies” is $7.50, while “Peggle,” “Feeding Frenzy 2,” “Bejeweled 2” and “Heavy Weapon” are $5. “Feeding Frenzy,” “Bejeweled Blitz Live,” “Zuma” and the “Peggle Nights” add-on are all $2.50.
“L.A. Noire” (rated M, $60 on Xbox 360 or PS3) [review]: The “Nicholson Electroplating” case for the arson desk went on sale last week as a $4 download. A massive factory explodes, and Detective Cole Phelps has to determine whether it was sabotage or an accident.
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