It's a superhero themed week for family games at the beginning of September as Champions Online(T) gets its long-awaited US & European release on Tuesday.
From the same developers of City of Heroes, Champions Online(T) is a superhero MMO where you create your own superhero to battle the forces of evil in the Champions Universe. Like many MMO's, this one is likely to go through a few teething problems before everything settles down. But initial thoughts after a few hours of play show its brimming with combat depth and a pretty freiendly art-style. It certainly seems worth a go but if you're a veteran of City of Heroes then you might want to wait until DC Universe shows up a few months from now.
The bigger release this week is undoubtedly Guitar Hero 5(T). The juggernaut of the music game has recently had a reputation of being the harder, less accessible franchise from teh likes of Rock Band. But this year it's obvious from the very start that they're going for a much more casual-orientated approach. With Xbox Avatar and Nintendo Mii support, Guitar Hero 5 also has a pick-up-and-play party mode which enables people to just pick up an instrument, press a button and start playing a song. Given that its hardcore nature has put my family off in the past I'm tempted to give this one a closer look - at least until Lego Rock Band arrives.
Over in Europe, the PSP is getting some fighting game love with both Dissidia: Final Fantasy(12+) and Soul Calibur(12+) getting releases. Both of these look to be excellent portable system fighters with the Final Fantasy-themed game getting my own personal vote.
It's a strong lineup this week but I've got to give Guitar Hero 5 my game of the week award for the US down to its new-found accessibility and casual player friendliness. Over in the UK & Europe, Guitar Hero 5 is a few weeks away so the new MMO on the block, Champions Online has to be worth a punt.
See you next time and have a great gaming week!
US Game of the week – Guitar Hero 5
UK Game of the week – Champions Online
For more Family Game news and reviews head over to Family Gamer and Gamepeople.
US Release List
Wii
Guitar Hero 5 (T)
Monster Mayhem: Build & Battle (E10)
DS
The Hardy Boys Treasure on the Tracks (E)
Monster Mayhem: Build & Battle (E10)
8-Ball All Stars (E)
PS3 & 360
Guitar Hero 5 (T)
PS2
Guitar Hero 5 (T)
PSP
Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny (T)
PC
Champions Online (T)
UK Release List
Wii
World Championship Sports: Summer (Fun 4 All) (3+)
DS
World Championship Sports: Summer (Fun 4 All) (3+)
Zorro: Quest for Justice (12+)
PS3
SuperCar Challenge (3+)
PSP
Dissidia: Final Fantasy (12+)
Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny (15+)
PC
Champions Online (12+)
