Regulars// New Games This Week: Kick Ass Who?

After last week's epitome of the doldrums, we're thankfully back to seeing new releases this week. The pickings are scant, but it's better than nothing, right?

Kick-Ass 2 (PC, PS3, 360)
Let's jibe again, like we did last summer (ok, spring). Kick Ass 2, the movie, came to cinemas almost a whole year ago. By now, you can probably pick it up for three quid at Lidl, or wait a another month and it'll be free in boxes of Corn Flakes. So what to expect of a game of a movie (of a comic) so old it's taking root? A hack 'n' slash brawler, naturally. Featuring brutal finishing moves and animations lifted right from the movie, the game stays true to the style of the film as players step into the bizarre costumes of Kick-Ass and Hit Girl so they can head out into the city and fight crime.

Blood Bath (PC, PS3, 360)
Is it a third-person beat 'em up where players compete in violent post-apocalyptic gladiatorial bloodsport at locations around the world? Of course it is!

Mixing intense combat and finishing moves, Blood Bath delivers a single and multiplayer bloody action experience like no other. Supporting multiplayer 4 vs 4 co-op, teams and versus, players can upgrade skills and change weapon load-outs. That's certainly a bit different.

Monochroma (PC)
The story of two brothers who have witnessed a crime committed by an evil corporation in a dystopian world, Monochroma is a cinematic puzzle platformer balancing unique puzzles against non-violent action.
Described as Limbo meets Ico, Monochroma is much more than a skilled mix of two great games. The PR department claim it's "a deeply visual, intellectual, and emotional experience." Don't let that put you off, though.


Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion: New Frontiers Edition (PC)
A game with far more colons than is healthy, SoaSE:R:NFE ups the ante on last year's SoaSE:R by not only one colon, but also the whole "Forbidden Worlds" DLC. The result? The "ultimate Sins experience", apparently. Until the next Sins game.

Enough of the snark. SoaSE:R:NFE combines the tactics of real-time strategy with the depth of the so-called "4X" genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). Create a galactic empire, master culture and trade, prove diplomatic skills, explore new technologies and command powerful space fleets to conquer your enemies.
With updated graphics, particle effects, lighting and shadows, race specific user interface and other enhancements make the Sins universe look better than ever.

The Banner Saga (PC)
Released on Steam at the beginning of the year, tactical RPG gets its fanfare retail release this week.
Uses the triumvirate of tactical combat, character development and story progression to engage the player and get them to forge ahead with battle after battle to the game's conclusion.

Its branching storyline, which alters the outcome of the game, and a startlingly beautiful art style that is similar to the works of Don Bluth (Dragon's Lair) and Ralph Bakshi (The Lord of the Rings) differentiates it from the host of tactical RPGs out there.

Also out this week is Patrician IV Gold Edition & Port Royale 3 Gold Edition Double Pack on PC.

That is all. Expect the numbers to ramp up as we slide from summer to gaping maw of Christmas.

As ever, you can see all releases, past, present and future, on the New Games section.