The end of the year is rapidly approaching: the time of the year when gaming news centers around Game of the Year, or rating what has already been published with numbers, stars, or thumbs to help consumers decide if that game is stocking-worthy. I say get the little bastards a game card and let them get what they want. Once you hit the age of eligibility for 2O2P your grasp on what’s cool is probably gone anyway. Oh, about the new releases this week...there is no new tangible software to be had. However, there are a few new downloads to take in, which means you don’t even have to leave the couch to enjoy what’s new this week, you lucky devil!
Microsoft
Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack
The newest DLC for GOTY contender Halo 4 arrives early this week. To be honest, a couple of the maps looks like the co-op maps already in the game. Shatter, Harvest, and Wreckage are here to stifle the incessant “I’m sick of this map” whining and provide some new real estate for Halo players to bitch about. So go get a 4-pack of Monsters, or a keg of Dew, because it’s gonna be a late-night kinda week on Requiem. Available exclusively for the Xbox 360, starting December 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeMNUPFlNxY
PC
Hawken
Hawken is a first-person mech warfare free-to-play download from Adhesive Games for that FPS/Mech/cheap-ass PC gamer niche. Hawken utilizes the Unreal 3 engine, so the action is relatively stutter-free. I was fully prepared to blast the game sight-unseen, but the trailer looks pretty damn cool, and the price is right for any budget. There are already rumors of a movie deal...maybe that will be free-to-see. PC gamers can digitally download Hawken starting 12/12/12.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbVMcHAIkXE
Multiplatform
Dishonored: Dunwall City Trials
Arkane and Bethesda are bringing Dishonored it’s first lease on life this week with the Dunwall City Trials DLC. While the new DLC does not necessarily add to the Dishonored storyline, it does give players a chance to wreak havoc in environments that will not impact the main quest by increasing Corvo’s chaos level. Instead of adding story missions, Arkane has provided ten new time trial and high score missions, separate from the story. Will it be enough to fill the empty space where actual game should have been? Find out, on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on December 11.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLcZ7qIeUSI
