New Game Releases: Saints Row IV, Disney Infinity, The Bureau And More

“Dad, can we get it?’

“I wish it was next week already…”

Those are actual quotes from my kids, ages 6 and 5, bugging me because they couldn’t wait for “Saints Row IV” to come out.

Just kidding! I’m probably not the world’s greatest dad, but I’m not going to allow my kids to play that for a year or ten. No, they’ve been chomping at the bit for “Disney Infinity,” and with several other high profile games hitting stores over the next few day, this is the most exciting week for new games in a while.

Here’s what we and many other gamers are getting ready to start playing:

“Disney Infinity” (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii) – August 18

If there’s such a thing as a safe $100 million bet, Disney’s multi-property game plus ingenious money-making system is it. If your household is in on this, prepare to have some fun and spend some dough.

The actual game is pretty cool, with the individual games unlocking items to use in the sandbox mode known as the Toy Box. I’m looking forward to playing it — once I can wrestle the controllers away from my kids.

“Saints Row IV” (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) – August 20

You know your game has a strong following when you can attract a crowd during the sensory overload that is the E3 floor just by having people walk around in costume as energy drinks from your game. That actually happened this year.

Deep Silver looks like it has upped the ante on the action, humor and downright insanity that has made this series memorable for the fourth and supposedly final installment. It should be a great ride.

“The Bureau: XCOM Declassified” (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) – August 20

While just about anything “XCOM” is awesome, this game has had a strange path to release. First we weren’t sure what kind of game it was going to be, then it was supposed to be a tactical shooter, and now… actually I’m not even sure at this point.

No I’m pretty sure it ended up as a first-person shooter, and while we already have plenty of those, the trailers for “The Bureau” give it an air of creepiness and atmosphere. If that translates to the gameplay, we’ll all forgive it for jumping on the crowded FPS bandwagon. Probably.

“Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist” (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC) – August 20

When it comes to long-running spy series, James Bond has nothing on Sam Fisher. Okay so 007 does have a few decades of experience on Sam, but it is impressive that this is Fisher’s sixth outing. That’s not too shabby.

The early reviews have been strong, and the outrage over a torture scene got that sequence taken out of the finished game. Also there’s a new game mechanic called “Killing in Motion,” and there’s no way that’s not cool. Keep doing what you’re doing Mr. Fisher.