Preview: Tales of Xillia 2 (PS3)

If fan fiction and official releases are any indicator, there are some fictional worlds that we just can't get enough of, even if the stories of the original heroes have long since been finished.  Such is the case with Tales of Xillia 2.  A direct sequel, it takes place a year after the conclusion of the first game, but gives us a new story set in the brave new world that was created.  Since it is a new story, a new hero with all new problems is introduced, though some old friends from the first game will be showing up.

Review: Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)

Back in 2002 Insomniac games introduced us to the world of Ratchet & Clank on the PlayStation 2 and for me, my world was changed forever. I loved that game and the two direct sequels (Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal) that grew alongside the popularity of the PS2. I ended up skipping Deadlocked as it wasn't a full story-driven adventure but I did consume the Size Matters offering on the PSP before they made the move to the PlayStation 3.

Review: Atomic Ninjas (PS3)

The growth of the indy games community has certainly brought forward some brilliant minimalist games; Fez, Super Meat Boy, and FTL are the first to my mind.

Unfortunately for every one of those, there are the titles that could have used more fleshing out. Atomic Ninjas goes the route of the multiplayer brawler – a multi-leveled frantic experience not too dissimilar to a good game of Super Smash Brothers. The visuals are simple yet grab the eye – bright popping colors and frantic action meant to suck you right in. The problem is that when you get there, you get the feeling that you arrived a little too early to the party.

Preview: God of War Ascension Multiplayer (PS3)

The world's worst-kept surprise: We're getting another God of War game.

Ascension brings us some more Kratos-style carnage but this time an early view of Kratos's descent. Kratos is in the midst of trying to sever ties with Ares – and plans to do so by defeating three Furies. With the action taking place much earlier in Kratos' life, we will be getting a better glimpse of a more human character instead of the remorseless killer we know so well from the franchise.

Borderlands 2: Mechromancer DLC is Here

People playing Borderlands 2 with a hankering for cute girls who can control robots will be happy to note that the new Mecromancer DLC has gone live for the game. For $10 players can get their mitts on the new playable class unless you happen to be one of those fancy pants Premier Club edition owners, in which case you get her for free.

The girl even has a name (it's Gaige), and a big, burly robot to boss around. So, if she sounds like your sort of character get downloading, buying, et cetera except if you're really not into DLC in which case commence angry fist waving, and start a heated debate on your gaming message board of choice.  As for me, I'll be taking the same approach as I did with the first game: wait a couple of years and get it with all the things at a Steam sale for a sack of nickles, and a button. See you in 2015, Borderlands 2!  ლ(́◉◞౪◟◉‵ლ)