Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Out this Month! - October 2015

It's been quite some time since my last post here, but with life and everything getting in the way it can be hard to find the time. Working full time, getting home late, and only having a few hours of free time really makes updating the blog a challenge at times -- and this month isn't going to help things one bit.

If you've been keeping up with games, then you would know that October is going to be quite a busy month for many of us. There are a handful of games releasing all throughout this month, and today is where it all really gets started.

Metal Gear Online (Today) -

Starting today, owners of Metal Gear Solid V on consoles (sorry PC owners) will be receiving the Metal Gear Online (MGO) update. This update will give you access to the 3rd entry in the MGO series, and for the first time in history an MGO game will become playable on Microsoft consoles. Although some of you may have played the game in the past, MGO3 builds upon what was previously set during MGS3 and MGS4's version, and updates it for what we have come to know and love from MGSV. The game features the new gameplay changes, new stages, and new gear and equipment to use. As always MGO is still a player vs player type game, but it's one that is quite unique. If you've never played MGO before or you are a returning fan, then maybe you should check this one out. (Not much of a reason not to if you already own MGSV after all.)

Uncharted Collection (10/9/2015) -

While it isn't Uncharted 4, the original three Uncharted games are now heading to the PlayStation 4 console. This collection of games takes players through Nathan Drake's main adventures (sorry, no Golden Abyss) which set up the story for Drake's final adventure. Returning fans will find themselves enjoying updated versions of their favorite series, while newcomers will finally get a chance to see for themselves what all the hype is about. Of course the series isn't for everyone, but new players should expect to find themselves in a world of action, adventure, and comedy. With a mix of platforming, stealth, and shooting, the Uncharted series is a unique blend of genres unlike anything else. (At least until the Tomb Raider reboot came along.)

Chibi Robo Zip Lash (10/9/2015) -

For you Nintendo 3DS owners, a new platforming game is on it's way! Chibi Robo Zip Lash is the newest entry in the Chibi Robo series, but like the other entries it isn't really a true sequel to the original on the GameCube. Instead of exploring a house, cleaning up after humans, and interacting with the toys that have magically coming to life -- this one is a platforming game. On one hand it isn't the game fans have been waiting for, but on the other it is a new original platformer which may be worth checking out. If anything though, the main draw of this game may actually be what comes in it's bundle -- an Amiibo Chibi Robo! If you're a fan of the series and have always wanted to own your own Robo, then that dream is finally about to become a reality (at least in some form).

Yoshi's Wooly World (10/16/2015) -

To go along with the new 3DS platformer, Yoshi also returns to the Wii U (at least in the US). Seen as a spritual successor to Yoshi's Story on the Nintendo 64 and Kirby's Epic Yarn on the Wii, Yoshi's Wooly World blends the unique yarn mechanics from Kirby with the classic Yoshi gameplay from Island and Story. Players will be running through 2D stages, turning enemies into yarn balls, and throwing them at others to both solve minor puzzles, defeat foes, and uncover secrets. It's a game some of you fans may have been waiting well over 15 years for, but it's a game that everyone can play and enjoy.

Life is Strange: Episode 5 (10/20/2015) - 

If you've been following us here at NGR then you would know that we're pretty big fans of the interactive adventure drama Life is Strange, and this month is finally the conclusion! It's been a long year waiting for this moment, but later this month the game will finally come to an end. So, if you've been following this game since day one, or if you're the type of person who would rather wait until it is all released -- the 20th is when you'll finally get your chance to play it.

Tales of Zestiria (10/22/2015) -

Fans of the Tales of series will be happy to know that the latest entry is finally here! Tales of Zestiria is a fully 3D Tales of game, with a larger more open world, seamless field to battle transitions (rather than loading a battle arena, you stay on the map), and a play style that resembles what we've come to expect from Team Destiny (Tales of Graces f like battle system). The game is being released on the PS3, and PS4, but also for the first time in the series' history, it will be coming to the PC. If you're a fan of JRPGs, or someone who has wanted to try a Tales of game in the past, this one may be something you'll want to pick up. Sure it's a lot different from other Tales of games, but it is a game that is sure to hold it's own. (Of course not every Tales of fan may enjoy it's changes, but it's still worth giving it a chance.)

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (10/22/2015) - 

Also on the 22nd of this month is the long awaited Wii U exclusive Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. Although this release is eShop exclusive (sorry hard copy fans), this is the first mainline Fatal Frame to come to the US in quite some time, and it will be arriving just shortly before Halloween. If you're a fan of survival horror, or a long time series fan, then I'm sure this game is already on your "to get list."

Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (10/23/2015) -

Well, it is October so many of you should have seen this coming -- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate. The newest entry in this long running (yearly released) series takes players to London during the industrial revolution. For the first time players will take on the roles of a brother and sister duo, and be able to freely switch between them. On top of this, the game also features driveable horse and carraiges, and brand new tools and weapons (such as brass knuckles) to get your job done.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (10/23/2015) -

Another game releasing on the 3DS this month is The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. This title is a sort of follow up to the Legend of Zelda Four Swords where four players would link up their GBAs and play through different Zelda styled stages solving puzzles and fighting enemies together. Although Tri Force Heroes only uses three characters instead of four, the spirit of the original is still here. Sure, it's not the next big Zelda, but it's sure to provide series fans with a good time.

Halo 5: Guardians (10/27/2015) -

Perhaps one of the biggest releases this month, and one fans have been waiting for for years. Halo 5: Guardians is the newest entry in the Halo series, and the first to be released specifically for the new Xbox One. Featuring brand new gameplay elements (such as gun sights, and ledge climbing), Halo 5 greatly improves on what has been previously established, and it also features a brand new co-op mode with 4 unique characters in each stage. In short, this is the game Halo fans have been waiting for, and it is sure to be a must have on the Xbox One.

Of course this isn't everything coming out this month, but I'm sure most would agree that this is more than enough! (Get ready to spend hundreds of dollars and hours people.)