New Video Game Releases: NHL 14, Puppeteer, ARMA III And More

Can you feel it? It’s like the calm before the storm.

The storm I’m referring to here is what’s coming down the pike of new video game releases over the next couple of weeks. First we’ve got “GTA V,” which seems to have stirred everyone’s anticpation to a fever pitch. Just a week after that, the world’s most popular sports game brings out its latest edition on the same day as its none too shabby competitor as “FIFA 2014” and “PES 2014” both release again on the same day.

But let’s live in the present, shall we? Another always awesome sports game is here, along with a quirky platformer, a tactical shooter, and some HD remakes of old favorites. That’s not too bad. Tomorrow can wait—but only for a little bit.

Here’s what caught our eye this week:

“NHL 14” (PS3, Xbox 360) – September 10

It doesn’t seem like EA had much interest in making “NHL 14” for the next gen consoles (#SadFace). Also, Martin Brodeur is on the cover (#DoubleSadFace).

No matter. This series has been pretty darn awesome for several years now, and it should occupy many hours of my non-existent free time once again. Upgrades for this year include a new fighting engine, an updated “Be a Pro” mode called “Live the Life,” expanded season options for both HUT and EASHL, the cool-looking NHL 94 Anniversary Mode, and automatic injuries to Sidney Crosby. Alright, I made that last one up.

“Puppeteer” (PS3) – September 10

I wasn’t sure what this game was about leading up to its release. Turns out it’s about a boy turned into a puppet who has his head removed and has to find different items as replacements, conveniently giving him different abilities. And he has magic scissors. Do I even need to tell you this game was developed in Japan?

My brother, also a video game reviewer by trade, assures me this platformer is the goods. With that premise, I’d be pretty disappointed if it wasn’t.

“Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX” (PS3) – September 10

The “Kingdom Hearts” gave me some faith that Disney wasn’t as humorless as it sometimes seemed. Not only was the combination of the company’s characters and settings with the Square Enix RPG magic (back when the company was firing on all cylinders) a hit, it ended not being as jarring a juxtaposition as some people feared.

Yet I have mixed feelings about this HD package. It’s got “Kingdom Hearts Final Mix” and “Re:Chain of Memories” remastered, which is cool, but basically turns “Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days” into… well, kind of like a movie. Someone please tell me if this turns out better than it sounds.

“ARMA III” (PC) – September 12 

Due to my ridiculously high level of suckiness, I don’t mess with shooters much. I have a healthy respect for this one, though, because some of the developers may or may not have been taken into custody for taking pictures and video where they shouldn’t have been in order to maximize the level of the game’s realism. As pro wrestling fans might say, “That’s hardcore!”

I’m also intrigued by the game’s near-future setting and hypothetical East-West conflict. I’m not saying I’m going to play it, mind you, because I’ll still stink at it. But it has my attention.

Also out this week: “Killzone: Mercenary” (Vita) – September 10; The Elder Scrolls Anthology (PC) – September 10; Sanctum 2 (PS3) – September 10