New Game Releases: Batman: Arkham Origins, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, Rocksmith 2014, And More

Remember all that fuss a few weeks ago about “GTA V” bringing the curtain down on the current gen of console gaming? “Batman: Arkham Origins” begs to differ!

Okay, so no one is actually suggesting that “Arkham Origins” is going to be a bigger deal than “GTA V.” But the previous “Arkham” games have been pretty darn good, so it’s probably worth getting. Yes, there’s that pesky matter of a change in development studios for this installment, which is always reason for some breath-holding, but still… Batman. Right?

For anyone who isn’t a fan of the Dark Knight for some reason (like maybe he locked up one of your relatives in Blackgate), you can grab a new game to allow you to roll with costumed folks from the Marvel Universe instead, or even learn to play guitar. For real! Here are the most notable new video game releases for the coming week, presented in order of their on-sale dates:

“LEGO Marvel Super Heroes” (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Vita, 3DS, DS) – October 22

We’ve seen the DC heroes get the block treatment several times, and now it’s Marvel’s turn. Explore a Lego New York, a Lego Asgard, and much more with narration from Deadpool and a host of familiar characters. Also you’ll probably have to smash a bunch of stuff and put other things together. That’s pretty much a given.

It’s worth noting that when I first typed this into the post title, I accidentally typed “Super Herpes” since the ‘o’ and ‘p’ keys are right next to each other. That would have been a much different game, and probably not safe for all ages on all platforms like the real thing. Be careful at your keyboard!

“Rocksmith 2014” (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac) – October 22

Remember back when games like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” were all the rage? Yeah, me neither. Anyway, “Rocksmith 2014” is like the logical evolution of those titles, since it actually teaches you how to play a real guitar or bass. The best part is that you don’t even need a special peripheral to play, since a real electric guitar can be plugged in.

Of course it you already own an electric guitar, chances are you know how to play it, which might make the game redundant. Nevertheless, the developers claim that this one is an even better teaching tool that the first “Rocksmith.” As long as it educates our youth about guitars having strings instead of multi-colored buttons, it’ll be doing its job.

“Batman: Arkham Origins” (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC) – October 25

Even though this is a prequel to the other “Arkham” games, Batman has all of the tricks you’ve come to love plus some new ones. How does that work, exactly? Does he just get so confident as a more veteran crimefighter that he figures he can ditch some of them?

Anyway, it should be interesting to see what Warner Bros. Games Montreal has cooked up for this earlier Bruce Wayne adventure. I got some hands-on time with it at E3 earlier this year, and I don’t think it’s going to disappoint even though Rocksteady wasn’t at the helm. It’s also introduced the world of non-comic book fans to the Electrocutioner (voiced by Steven Blum!), which isn’t a bad thing. Or at least I hope it isn’t.

Also releasing this week: “The Sims 3” Into the Future DLC (PC, Mac) – October 22; “Borderlands 2” Baha’s Bloody Harvest DLC (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) – October 22; “Just Dance Kids 2014” (Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii) – October 22