Hot damn! It's already April, specifically the day of jokers, and time to talk video games. Coming off March, which was a second coming of the wallet apocalypse, April is looking pretty tame in comparison--front loaded with most AA titles hitting at the beginning of the month. But besides those few noteworthy titles, most are a much harder sell since everyone is strapped for cash these days. But here are the best picks Crave can muster for April if you need to get out there and spend your Benjamin's.
Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
System: Multi-platform
Release Date: 4/07/09
Probably the highlight of the month, Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena offers a lot of bang for your buck. With two complete adventures--the all new Assault on Dark Athena, and a remake of the original Riddick offering from Atari, Escape from Butcher Bay--Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena should supply hours and hours of game-play. With an awesome mix of stealth, shooter, and RPG elements, Chronicles of Riddick also offers any game-type you might be looking for. That's what we call a complete package folks. And while I had some brief playtime with Assault on Dark Athena at this year's New York Comic Con which I enjoyed, I had already played, and loved, the original Escape from Butcher Bay which I thought it was one of the best games the original Xbox saw. So getting a next-gen, HD remake of that classic is just more icing on this cake of awesome.
Godfather 2
System: Multi-platform
Release Date: 4/07/09
Never got to play the original Godfather game but this sequel is looking pretty damn good. You know that Mafia Wars game that is literally lighting Facebook and the iphone on fire? Well this is a lot like that but with full 3D graphics and you're actually able to control your mobster, feed people to the fishes, and place severed horse heads in victim's beds. I love that you can build a crew of mobsters and hit the internet to see who is the greatest mobster of all. The Don, if you will. Also has a hint of squad based game-play, allowing you to take a demolitions expert, arsonist, and safe-cracker along for any job, commanding them to do what they do best. Mostly murder and maim shit.
Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust
System: Xbox 360
Release Date: 3/31/09
This is kind of cheating as technically LSL:BOB released in late March. However it wasn't listed in our feature last month so it gets some face time here. I really don't know what to say about Leisure Suit Larry. Mildly funny, innuendo ridden dialogue and a ridiculous plot that never tries to be anything other than a lonely boy's tissue companion. But the talent involved for this sequel, set in an open-world Hollywood environment, looks pretty stellar. Dave Attell, Jeffrey Tambor, Carmen Electra, Jay Mohr, Shannon Elizabeth, along with Allen Covert, writer of Happy Madison Production films, will surely bring the funny to Leisure Suit Larry and keep gamers entertained.
Deer Drive
System: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: 4/07/09
Hot off the blood soaked heels of MadWorld comes the Wii's next tour-de-force of murder--Deer Drive! Well, at least one would think with a title such as "Deer Drive." Which goes out of its way to scream, "let's get in our truck and hit some fauna on the interstate." However, the game is merely another hunting game with 4 player co-op. But I can attest that hunting games can turn into a lot of fun when alcohol is involved. Gotta say, one of my fondest memories of college was watching this girl pick up a video game controller for the first time, load up Cabela's Big Game Hunter and proceed to blow away everything in sight like she was god damn Rambo. Literally no bunny was safe! So with Deer Drive, four friends can hit the woods together and slay away. But just watch out for mountain lions, bears, charging moose, and quite possibly other redneck hunters looking to shoot you.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
System: PC
Release Date: 4/07/09
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor is an expansion to the award winning game with three new campaigns, three new multiplayer modes, and a bunch of tweaks to game-play to perfect the experience. Fans of the original game looking for some upgrades should be more than happy with this $30 purchase.
Ninja Blade
System: Xbox 360
Release Date: 4/07/09
Oh, Ninja Blade, you are hilarious. If you've played the demo then you know what this game is going to offer you. It's absolutely ridiculous and for those that have completely mastered Ninja Gaiden, but still looking for a ninja adventure where the lead character isn't very ninja-like at all, then Ninja Blade is for you. The game utilizes the button command cutscene technique to deliver quite the cinematic experience. Just from the demo I fought demons while skydiving, ran straight down a skyscraper, and destroyed a giant mutant spider with a wrecking ball which I surfed on. I can't even fathom what else the full game offers. Ninja Blade turns shit up to 11, but I'm not sure that's a good thing or not...
Samurai Showdown Anthology
System: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: 4/07/09
This collection reminds me of the sweet Mega Man collection from a few years ago. For fans of the franchise this is a real treat and a great way to relive the entire series at a great asking price. $30 for seven games. And for those who haven't tried out any of the Samurai Showdown titles, there isn't a better way to start. Great all-around package for fans and non-fans alike.
Escape the Museum
System: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: 4/07/09
Not too sure what this is about...
Guitar Hero: Metallica
System: Playstation 2
Release Date: 4/14/09
For those still holding a death grip on their ps2 then you'll be happy to know you can begin rocking out hardcore on April 14th when Guitar Hero: Metallica finally hits your console. Since it's pretty obvious the game features a shit ton of Metallica songs, I find the guest artists are the real draw. Bands such as Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, System of a Down, Motorhead, and Queen are but a few on the rockin' good list. The ps2 version will also contain three exclusive tracks-- "Broken Beat & Scarred," "Cyanide" and "My Apocalypse"--since no downloadable content is available to the console. So suck on that ps3 and Xbox 360 owners. (Check our preview here: Guitar Hero: Metallica)
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
System: Multi-platform
Release Date: 4/21/09
The Gundam universe combined with the tactics of Dynasty Warriors....PART 2! Tons of new mobile suits, characters, upgradeable armor, and gigantic boss fights like that of Psycho Gundam, who can apparently reconfigure into a moving fortress. Sounds crazy, kind of cool, and has the definite possibility of being super addictive due to it's customization options. Consider me intrigued.
