Out This Week: XCOM: Enemy Within, Walking With Dinosaurs, and Deadfall

As next-gen hype levels hit overdrive, the weeks just seem to be flying by. Let’s all admit it, we’re a little jealous of our friends across the pond, who will be getting their grubby mitts on the PS4 in just a few days’ time.

The rest of us will have to wait another fortnight, with the impending barrage of media coverage no doubt making the wait even more excruciating. Luckily, there may be a few games on this week’s menu to keep us ticking along.


Deadfall Adventures | 360, PC | Friday

Somewhat of a wildcard, Deadfall Adventures is the first title from Nordic Games, the publisher that recently bagged Red Faction and Darksiders from the now-defunct THQ.

Deadfall is said to be based on H.R Haggard 19th century series of novels, not to mention a host of adventure blockbusters and video games (Uncharted and Tomb Raider, no doubt.)

However, unlike its contemporaries, Deadfall is set during the 1930s and, more importantly, is played from a first person perspective. It’s a different approach but no doubt players will be getting their Indy/Drake/Lara on as they run and gun their way through iconic ancient vistas.


LEGO Marvel Super Heroes | 360, PS3, Wii U, PC, PS Vita, 3DS, DS | Friday

From Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, to Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, just about every accessible entertainment franchise has undergone the LEGO treatment.

Over the past decade, TT Games has built its own video game racket, brick by brick, and players are still pining for more.

Combining its specific brand of puzzle-platforming with the esteemed Marvel license, this year’s instalment looks to be the most ambitious to date. Expect plenty of collectables and Easter eggs as well as crafty cameos and an all-round solid gaming experience.


XCOM: Enemy Within | 360, PS3, PC | Friday

2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown was perhaps the stand-out sleeper hit of the year.

When you hear the term “top down, turn-based strategy game” chances are, it’s doesn’t sound like an instant recipe for success. However, Enemy Unknown managed to combine intense combat mechanics with a superb meta-game, translating perfectly to consoles.

With only a year between them, you’d be right in assuming that Enemy Within isn’t a kosher sequel. In fact, it’s more of a premium upgrade, offering hours upon hours of bonus content. This includes new missions, new enemies, and two new development paths with which to upgrade your operatives.

Extract alien DNA and genetically modify your squad and/or kit them up with the latest E.T. tech, the choice is up to you.


Wonderbook: Walking With Dinosaurs | PS3 | Friday

If there’s one thing more prehistoric than Sony’s Wonderbook, it’s dinosaurs.

Since launch, the page-flipping peripheral hasn’t received much love with only two compatible titles under its belt. In all seriousness its fortunes may change, with at least three more in the pipeline, one of which launches this week.

Using Wonderbook and PlayStation Move, players will learn about the numerous species of dinosaur and how they interact through a spread of mini-games.

In truth, Walking With Dinosaurs actually looks fun and makes intuitive use of the AR tech.

11 Comments

  1. Yes, I’m 35 and i’ll be buying LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. Deal With It.

    • Well it isn’t just for children is it, not with the chance to blow up shit with Iron Man.

      Tried the demo out, it looks a stunning game in ever way. I’d like to know how the Vita version seeing as it’s supposed to have some custom features.

      Looking forward to XCOM as well. I must have spent a half the summer playing Enemy Unknown on PC and I loved every moment of it.

    • I’m 30 today and I’m getting it as a late birthday present for myself.

    • PS4 version for me.

      • Part of me wants to wait and see if it supports remote play, and get the PS4 version if it does. Otherwise the PS3 version looks gorgeous (as far as. I can see from the demo), so might go for that.

    • 33 and I’ve asked my wife for it for Christmas – she’s agreed to buy it as she likes the Lego games too!

  2. Should they call Deadfall Adventures ‘Uncharted For 360+PC’?

  3. Wonderbook Dinosaurs. FINALLY! Thank god Sony doesn’t look after newborn babies or they’d all be dead from neglect.

  4. XCOM!!!!!!!!!!

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