Coveted games: Summer games ’15

It is no secret that summer is usually a quiet time as far as game releases are concerned. Usually, but not always: for some reason, a lot of appetizing games are slated for release this summer, with release dates spreading evenly from July till September. Well, I am certainly not complaining; I have already purchased a good number of games in June, new releases as well as games a few months old that I didn’t get the opportunity to buy sooner, and I’m firmly planning to buy more before the summer is over. Without further ado, here are my coveted games for the season!

Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven (3ds): To be honest, I am not too sure I fully understand the concept of that game. Is it supposed to be an RPG? A simulation? A mix of both? Things are a trifle unclear, if you ask me. At any rate, it looks interesting, and I have this peculiar fondness for Marvelous after liking a couple of their games, which led to an unavoidable purchase. And since I own a North-American 3ds, I went for the physical version.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation (Vita): I discovered the series for good a couple of weeks ago when I cleared the first Vita instalment and absolutely adored it. (There’s a review in the pipeline, obviously.) As a result, every Hyperdimension entry became highly desirable, and that obviously includes Re;Birth 3—which is a remake of a PS3 game, just like the two other Re;Birth episodes released on the Vita before it. I am already itching to play Re;Birth 2, so I’m certainly not going to wait months before buying this third episode.

Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson (3ds): As I said above, I have a peculiar fondness for Marvelous, and I certainly commend their efforts to bring a large variety of physical editions of SKB’s sequel to Europe. These editions will be printed on demand, and I definitely would like to see more publishers adopt that particular practice. All praise aside, I really loved the first SKB entry, which automatically makes the second a must-have. It looks even flashier, campier and bustier than the first one, and I’m fully expecting a glorious festival of over-the-topness. Bring it on, Marvelous!   

Lost Dimension (Vita): I was interested by this game’s description at first, before becoming instantly suspicious when I discovered its uncanny visual resemblance with Freedom Wars. I expected a similar gameplay involving full-blown 3D and first-person vision, which would have made Lost Dimension an absolute no-go; fortunately, I was in for a pleasant surprise as the game finally turned out to be a tactical RPG à la Valkyria Chronicles. This will certainly be easier to stomach for my touchy balance system; and although I’m not too fond of Lost Dimension’s art style, I can certainly tolerate it if the game is really good—which I hope it will be, for I’m definitely buying it.

Danganronpa: Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls (Vita): I own the first two instalments already, so this one must obviously become part of my collection too. The fact that I yet have to play any of these games is but a mere detail, really; something tells me I am going to like them anyway. My gaming instinct sometimes failed me, but I still trust it to the core.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (3ds): Granted, I don’t own a New 3ds just yet. However, I’m really curious about that game, if only because of the whole mystique that surrounds it. The notion of a series that somehow collapsed under its own glorious weight is strangely alluring, and I certainly want to see for myself what the fuss is all about. I will thus purchase that game, and shelve it until I get my hands on a New 3ds.

Ar Nosurge Plus: Ode to an Unborn Star (Vita): I’ve heard about that game only very lately; but since it turned out to be an RPG, it instantly gained a spot in that summer list of coveted games. This sci-fi-oriented RPG will not benefit from a physical release, which saddens me a bit; but that is the way things are nowadays. That being said, a digital release is still better than no release at all, so I’m not really complaining. There will probably be a good bargain on that game sooner or later, so it’s just a matter of lurking in the shadows and waiting for the right moment to purchase it.

Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess (Vita): I initially thought that this game would be released on the PS4 only and I was mourning the absence of a Vita version—that is, until I learnt that there would be a Vita version after all, only digitally released. I’m actually quite happy and relieved, and I will wait for my moment, ready to jump at the perfect bargain.

That makes seven games on my radar for the summer—which is a quite a hefty number, given the season. Needless to say, I’m elated! On a more general note, I’ve been playing an awful lot lately; as a result, I have a handful of games to dissect, and I’m planning to do so in the next weeks. It was actually refreshing to get that writing break: although it was mostly forced on me by external circumstances, it allowed me to rest pleasantly and to reconsider the whole blogging thing with a new and fresh eye. I can now dive back into writing with renewed energy and gusto, but also with a lighter heart. I guess even one’s hobbies can use a little break every now and then! So, dear fellow gamers, I’ll see you soon with meatier posts. For now, thanks for reading, and be my guest anytime!