Welcome to spring! That time of the year when trees start to bud, flowers start to bloom and game releases still kinda suck! Here in the Northeast, spring doesn't officially start until there’s a Nor’easter barrelling up the coast. Alas, as the cold chill of winter slowly fades so to does the dearth of new releases-on to the new games! This week features an updated version of a 90’s classic from gaming royalty, more Japanese objectification, new missions and companions in the Commonwealth, and the first full featured game from a well respected indie studio. Onward readers! 

Day of the Tentacle Remastered

Release Date: March 21st, 2016
Platforms: PS4, PSVita, PC, Mac, Linux

Originally developed by Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman and published by LucasArts in 1993, Day of the Tentacle Remastered is Double Fine’s 2016 version of the game. Time travel with Bernard and his friends Hoagie and Laverne as they attempt to thwart the evil Purple Tentacle and his devious plan of world domination.     

Dead or Alive Xtreme 3

Release Date: March 24th, 2016
Platforms: PS4, PSVita

The second sequel to Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, DoAX3 features scantily clad females playing---errrr---volleyball and other assorted “beach” games. Game modes and minigames include beach flag, rock climbing, beach volleyball and, ahem,  “butt battle.” The PS4 version of the game also includes swimsuit malfunctions, tan lines and a new suntanning system. It feels dirty just writing about it; what year are we in? Given the recent current events that unfolded at GDC, Microsoft most certainly would frown upon this game! Predictably, the game will only be available in Asia; Fear not, closet DoA fans, the Asian launch includes an English language version and won’t be region locked. Those gamers looking to import should definitely heed SarcasmoJones’ pertinent advice and be sure that it comes in nondescript brown packaging. But isn’t that, in and of itself, a dead giveaway?        

Fallout 4: Automatron

Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Platforms: PC, PS4, XB1

Fallout 4 fans rejoice! The first of the recently announced trio of Fallout DLC drops on Tuesday! Players must fight their way through a horde of evil robots and Robobrains unleashed upon the Commonwealth and commanded by The Mechanist. Collect robot parts to construct and customize your very own personal robotic companion. Automatron features hundreds of robot mods; players can mix and match robot weapons, abilities, armor and limbs as they see fit. Options also include customizable voices and paint schemes. Bonus: a break from Preston’s inane quests!   

Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed

Release Date: March 21st, 2016
Platforms: PC

A hack and slash RPG, Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed sees two rival factions, the CPU’s and the CPUs’ sisters joining forces to battle the Next Gen Mech after the Next Gen Mech humiliates both factions, now united as one, on live television. Both factions must regroup, retrain and learn to fight cooperatively before battling Next Gen Mech again.       

Hyrule Warriors Legends

Release Date: March 25th, 2016
Platforms: 3DS

An updated 3DS port of Hyrule Warriors, Hyrule Warriors Legends includes all of the previously released Hyrule Warriors DLC and adds the ability to seamlessly switch between characters. Two new story chapters are introduced-a chapter based around Linkle and one that features The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Walker’s environments and characters. Playable characters include Toon Link, King Daphnes and Tetra from The Wind Walker, Skull Kid from Majora’s Mask as well as Linkle. As an added bonus, all characters can be transferred to the Wii U version of the game.    

République

Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Platforms: PS4, PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Originally released to iOS devices and then expanded to include OS X, Android and Windows, République is an episodic action adventure stealth game slated to make its’ PS4 debut. Players must aid Hope as she seeks her escape from Metamorphosis, a facility in the totalitarian République that performs experiments on “Pre-cals,” people born and raised in the Metamorphosis facility. Players aid Hope via “OMNI View” on either their phone or computer-controlling surveillance cameras to monitor Hope and her enemies’ movements, hacking electronic devices to lock and unlock doors and obtain information and to create distractions for enemy patrols.

Samorost 3

Release Date: March 24th, 2016
Platforms: PC, Mac, Android, iOS

The latest release from Amanita Design, makers of Machinarium and Botanicula, Samorost 3 is the first full length game in the series and the first to feature full HD graphics. Players will travel across seven planets in this point and click puzzle adventure game.

Slain!

Release Date: March 24th, 2016
Platforms: PC

Have you ever wanted to role play as a viking, hacking and slashing various creatures to a violent and bloody death, while listening to the likes of Manowar, Heavy Metal Kings, at 110 decibels? If the answer is yes, then Slain! Is for you! A side scrolling heavy metal combat puzzle platformer that tickles your auditory nerves with the thumping thrash that exemplifies heavy metal. Enough said. 

Stranger of Sword City

Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Platforms: PSVita, XB1

Originally released in Japan, Stranger of Sword city is a dungeon crawling RPG developed by Experience, creators of Demon Gaze. Players can adventure with five different character races-human, elf, dwarf, ney or migmy-and choose the age of their character which awards different age related bonuses.

TrackMania Turbo

Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Platforms: PS4, XB1, PC

The first game in the series since 2009’s TrackMania Wii, TrackMania Turbo features races across four locations on over 200 different tracks with a heavy emphasis on stunting. TMT also includes a campaign, a cooperative multiplayer mode called Double Driver-allowing two players to control the same car, a split screen four player multiplayer mode and virtual reality support. Similar to previous TrackMania titles, TMT includes a track editor that enables players to create and share their own tracks and also creates randomly generated tracks for your racing pleasure.

Way of the Samurai 3

Release Date: March 23rd, 2016
Platforms: PC

Fight as an honorable samurai in the latest installment in the Way of the Samurai series. The game focuses on the struggles between three different factions-The Fujimora and Ouka Clans and Takatane Village-each with their own agendas and vision of their land, Amana. Combat focuses on sword play and encourages players to be honorable. 22 endings and 50 different samurai titles await you depending on your in game choices. Players will retain their character stats for future replays so, if you aren’t happy with your ending or your title, you can set out again to improve your standing.