New Game Releases: Xbox One Launch Games Edition

Well, that was fun. The launch of a new console, I mean. Even if you were one of those attention-seeking types who bought a PS4 just to destroy it, the dawn of a new generation of gaming (sorry Wii U, I see you though!) doesn’t come around every day.

The best part is that we get to prepare for launch all over again, as the Xbox One gets its turn in the spotlight. Microsoft’s new machine wants to be your go-to piece of living room tech, which is why the company is pushing the “all-in-one” theme for all its worth.

But while the Xbox One definitely looks like it’s got plenty of cool tricks to show us, what we care about in this space are the games you’ll be able to play on it on day one. The launch lineup looks pretty similar to what we just saw for PS4, but there are a few newcomers on the list as well—including exclusives like “Dead Rising 3,” “Forza Motorsport 5,” and “Killer Instinct.”

So without further ado, here are the lists of both retail and download-only Xbox One games coming this week, as accurate as we can get them at the moment. Note that some of the retail games may actually be available for purchase in stores before the console itself releases.

Xbox One Launch Games – Retail – November 22

• “Angry Birds Star Wars”
• “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag”
• “Battlefield 4”
• “Call of Duty: Ghosts”
• “Dead Rising 3”
• “FIFA 14”
• “Fighter Within”
• “Forza Motorsport 5”
• “Just Dance 2014”
•  “Lego Marvel Super Heroes”
• “Madden NFL 25”
• “NBA 2K14”
• “NBA Live 14”
• “Need for Speed: Rivals”
• “Ryse: Son of Rome”
• “Skylanders: Swap Force”
• “Zoo Tycoon”
• “Zumba Fitness: World Party”

Xbox One Launch Games – Download-Only – November 22

• “Crimson Dragon”
• “Killer Instinct”
• “LocoCycle”
• “Powerstar Golf”
• “Xbox Fitness”

Also, unlike last week when the video game decks were pretty much cleared for the release of the PS4, there are actually some signficant new releases on platforms other than the Xbox One over the next seven days. Here’s the best of what else is coming out:

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” (3DS) – November 22

Set in the same world as “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (the exact same overworld, in fact), “A Link Between Worlds” could also be considered a link between dimensions. The title character is in 3D for his adventures, but can also utilize the new ability to turn one-dimensional and enter walls or drawings.

That’s actually pretty creepy if you think about it. But hey, Link is such a beloved character, and this game is getting such great advance buzz that it’s all good. Never mind my nightmares.

“Super Mario 3D World” (Wii U) – November 22

When Mario and company encounter a clear pipe, it can only lead to trouble. Or maybe adventure, and a brand new game that follows up on “Super Mario 3D Land.” And wouldn’t it be great if you could tackle that adventure simultaneously with other people? Now you can.

The Wii U GamePad comes into play in this one too, taking advantage of its nifty touchscreen. You can also play the game on just the GamePad, which is a feature that I thought would take the gaming world by storm when I first saw it last year at E3. Alas, it has not.

“BandFuse: Rock Legends” (PS3, Xbox 360) – November 19

Except for the brief time that “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” ruled the world, music games have been a niche product. That’s likely to remain the case going forward, but games like “BandFuse” shouldn’t just be slept on because of it. I mean, this game could actually teach you to play the guitar.

That’s a useful skill to have, and probably the only way I’d ever be able to learn to shred. I plan on reviewing this game and seeing if my neighbors are as enthusiastic about it as I am.

Also out this week: “The Lord of the Rings Online” Helm’s Deep expansion (PC) – November 18; “The Walking Dead – Game of the Year Edition” (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) – November 19; “Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don’t Know!” (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, 3DS) – November 19; “Zumba Kids” (Xbox 360, Wii) – November 19;  “Mario Party: Island Tour” (3DS) – November 22