New Releases: Week of October 17, 2016

Virtual reality is picking up steam now that all platforms are represented since Sony threw their headset into the ring last week. How long will it be before someone has the killer app? I’ve yet to play anything that’s swayed me to shell out the big bucks for VR. It is cool and immersive but the games still feel like tech demos I’d only play for an hour and I don’t want to wear a stupid headset. In addition to the VR titles this week we’ve got some new ones from long standing franchises hitting shelves or downloads near you.

Skylanders: Imaginators

Release Date: October 16, 2016

Platforms: WiiU, PS4, PS3, XBone, X360

The latest Skylanders game is out for all the platforms. Most likely because you can’t afford to upgrade your gaming system since you spent too much money on plastic toys! In addition to the usual puzzle, platformer, fighting gameplay, Imaginators let’s you create and customize characters from finding elements and parts in the game.

Crazy Machines 3

Release Date: October 18, 2016

Platforms: PC

Have you ever wanted to make your own Rube Goldberg machine and share it with others around the world? Now you can thanks to Daedalic and Steam Workshop!

Eagle Flight VR

Release Date: October 18, 2016

Platforms: PC, PS4, XBone

Will virtual birds of prey be the “killer” app that brings people to VR? From the looks of this trailer probably not. Also I feel like it's a missed opportunity they didn’t get Stephen Jr. to do a cameo and that the soundtrack isn’t just Steve Miller on continuous loop.

Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky

Release Date: October 18, 2016

Platforms: PS4, PSVita

Released in Japan last year and considered a spiritual sequel to Valkyrie Profile this JRPG hits North America this week.

HoPiKo

Release Date: October 19, 2016

Platforms: PS4, XBOne

This brutally hard speed runner with an awesome chip tune soundtrack came out on Steam earlier this year. It hits console this week.

Pixel Gear for PS VR

Release Date: October 20, 2016

Platforms: PS4

More VR games coming to consoles near you! This one is an old skool pixelated shooter with waves of things coming at you in the virtual world. Think Minecraft shooter beamed directly in your face!

Batman: Return to Arkham

Release Date: October 21, 2016

Platforms: PS4, XBOne

This collection has remastered versions of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City with updated graphics and all DLC included.

Battlefield 1

Release Date: October 21, 2016

Platforms: XBOne, PS4, PC

By “1” they actually mean 15 since this is the 15th game in the EA first-person shooter franchise. Its set in World War I and has an interesting mechanic for player death. Instead of respawning at a checkpoint when you die, you start as a new soldier and a roll is kept of births and deaths in your squadron.

Civilization VI

Release Date: October 21, 2016

Platforms: PC

I have bought my dad several newer Civilization games but on any given day he’d rather just play Civ II. Could this finally be the one that doesn’t have a bunch of annoying cut scenes and the gameplay he likes?! Wait scratch that. This nostalgia trailer makes ME want to play Civ II which probably isn’t what they are going for...