September 18
Foul Play
Platform: Xbox 360
The curtains are lifting on the 'greatest show on earth', and you're invited to take a front row seat. In Foul Play: The Perilous and ENTIRELY ACCURATE adventures of Baron Dashforth, players will take the lead role in a rousing stage show that will see them smashing and bashing their way through a Victorian-era adventure for the amusement of an interactive crowd. From the cobblestone alleys of London to the pyramids of Egypt, the show will pit 'actors' against an assortment of enemies both human and monster.
Foul Play will support two player co-op, and grant each combatant and ample number of weapons, moves, and costumes to make through the game to the final act.
September 19
Angry Birds Star Wars II
Platform: Mobile
Rovio's superstar flyers are back with a sequel to their mega-popular Star Wars spin-off. Once again, Rovio and Lucasfilm will combine properties to offer an Angry Birds approach to the famous films, this time focusing on the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Over 30 characters will be available to unlock, including Angry Birds versions of Mace Windu, Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks and lil' Anakin Skywalker. Players will also have the option of scanning in Hasbro's line of Telepod Angry Birds characters to pad out the roster. In addition, Angry Birds Star Wars II will feature new powers and the chance to--ahem--”Join the Pork Side.” Hey, they wrote it, not us.
September 20
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Platform: Wii U
Get it from Amazon: Wii U
Wii U owners will soon have access to a special eShop treat with the arrival of this updated take on The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. Retrofitted with 1080p graphics and Miiverse integration, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD will adapt inventory and weapon controls for the Wii U GamePad as well as incorporate gameplay improvements designed to smooth over some of the original game's more tedious sequences. Specifically, players will able to purchase a 'Swift Sail' for faster boat travel; dig up treasure with a shorter crane; and enjoy a more streamlined version of the late-game Triforce Quest. Nintendo's remake will also adopt the Hero Mode from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword to create a new challenge for Wind Waker veterans.
Wind Waker HD is included free with the purchase of The Wind Waker HD Wii U Bundle, which will ship September 20th with a download voucher for The Wind Waker HD, a black Deluxe Wii U console, a digital copy of Hyrule Historia, and a GamePad controller decorated with a gold Hyrule Crest. A boxed version will also hit shelves on October 4--the same day the eShop download will be made available for Europe.
September 24
Alien Rage
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Get it from Steam: PC (Download)
City Interactive introduces a tale of alien warfare, intergalactic conflict, and the trials and tribulations of mankind's last hope in this self-described old school shooter. Alien Rage tasks players with defending a rare material from alien hordes inside a planetary mining facility. Failure to defend said material will naturally lead to the end of all mankind. So, you know, stay sharp.
Alien Rage will arrive as a digital download, bringing 14 levels of trigger-happy action, loads of enemies, 'beastly-sized bosses', and a reward system based on each player's proficiency in combat.
FIFA 14
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, (Xbox One & PS4 TBA)
Get it from Amazon: Playstation 3 | Xbox 360 | PC (Download)
The next iteration of EA's hugely popular soccer franchise makes its way to shelves this September. Improvements to the series include the addition of Pure Shot, a mechanic allowing players to better manage their kicking approach; Precision Movement, an improvement to ball control; enhanced ball physics; and better teammate and opponent AI.
FIFA 14 will also feature the Ultimate Team, but only for Xbox One. With it, Xbox players will have access to 40 'legendary' soccer players from which to craft the ultimate team. Fans will be able to collect-'em-all by buying Gold Packs through FIFA 14's transfer market, after which they can customize their legends and witness their greatness on the field. If you'd rather wait till next-gen, a copy of FIFA 14 will ship free with all pre-orders of Xbox One in Europe. No word yet if a similar deal will be struck for footy fans in the west.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, (Xbox One & PS4 TBA)
EU: September 20
Get it from Amazon: Playstation 3 | Xbox 360
Konami's own soccer franchise takes the pitch this month, giving EA's FIFA 14 a run/deke/rush for its money. Sporting a augmented version of Kojima Production's Fox Engine, this year's version will introduce a number of enhancements including Trueball Tech, which should improve upon many ball control physics; a new Combination Play mechanic, which will allow players to organize various tactics using groups of three or more players; and numerous visual and audio enhancements.
PES 2014 will also see the return of the Player ID system, which authentically translates the specific styles of real soccer stars into the game. This time, however, the Player ID will be applied to more superstars and entire teams. See what GR's UK team has makes of FIFA 14's biggest rival in PES 2014 gets physical as it looks to muscle FIFA off the ball.
