Welcome to Getting Some Play – the spiritual successor to Sarah Warn‘s excellent Good Game column – where we’ll take a look at the latest releases, news and developments in the world of video games.
The Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) is nearly upon us, and if you are at all interested in the creative process, technology, and business that goes into making them, it’s time to tune your browser to development-oriented sites like Gamasutra or the official conference site and get ready to go! From March 5-9, expect all sorts of goodness to come from the show, including talks, lectures, and diatribes from the very best and brightest in the industry.
GDC is the most interesting conference of the year for many game fans — and big announcements often come from the hallowed halls of San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Already, the teasing has begun — the next version of Unreal Engine (which powers myriad AAA games, including the Gears of War series) is to be officially unveiled at the conference. According to PC Gamer, Maxis will be unveiling a new game at the show, and you can bet it won’t be the only new title in the press.
Incoming
The winter has been a bit slow for me — but that all changes on March 6. Mass Effect 3 (360, PS3, PC) is slated to launch, finishing the epic trilogy of Commander Shepard and her/his epic quest to save the galaxy and potentially pursue steamy relationships with crewmates. The Mass Effect series has a special place in my heart, not only for its wonderful nerd wish fulfillment, but also for the fact that it’s always let me play as a badass space lesbian. This time around, there will be same-sex romance options for men and women, so boys can get in on the fun as well. Mark some serious time on your calendar for this one.
If you’re not into Mass Effect, there’s plenty of other good stuff on the way. On February 28, the excellent trick/snowboarding extravaganza SSX series returns with the simply titled SSX (PS3, 360). It’s been getting solid reviews thus far, so expect good things.
Also on February 28, squad-based shooter Binary Domain drops on the PS3 and 360. With all the excitement, be sure not to miss Black Knight Sword, a hilariously quirky-looking brawler/platformer with a wacked out Monty Python aesthetic. That lands on the 360 on February 28, and PSN on the February 29.
Puzzle fans have Crush 3D to look forward to, slated for a 3DS launch on March 6.
That’s all for now, gaymers. Until next time!
