The second edition of Destructoid’s monthly picks has arrived! Scheduled to run on the first Wednesday of every month (alcohol binges and road trips to Tijuana notwithstanding), we make that hard decision for you — what games should you be blowing your hard-earned money on?
October represents a turning point, where the industry is bracing itself to explode all over your … store shelves. Where did you think I was going with that?
Place bets now, and hit the jump to see what was what in October.
NINTENDO DSDementium: The Ward
Upon hearing that Renegade Kid’s Dementium was chosen as Destructoid’s DS game of the month, Gamecock’s Mike Wilson was infuriated.
“Of the month? Try year, fools!” he yelled in our general direction, scaring our cats and alarming the neighbors. Our own Colette Bennett gave it an 8.5, demanding that you “buy it,” so maybe Wilson is on to something.
PCThe Orange Box
Ignore the fact thatThe Orange Boxhas some of the most boring box art we’ve ever seen. If know what’s good for you, you’ll go buy this awesome collection of Source Engine powered goodness. Insert some witty reference to cake here.
Not your thing?Try …The Witcher
PLAYSTATION 2Guitar Hero III
While the PlayStation 2 version ofGuitar Hero IIIisn’t the best on the market (no online play, no downloadable content, and it certainly doesn’t look as nice), thisisGuitar Hero we’re talking about. The game started its life on Sony’s console, and many of you still have your original guitars lying around. Instead of selling them for crack money (again), why not continue to rock out all over your PS2?
Not your thing?Try… Manhunt 2 …for laughs
PLAYSTATION 3Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Sony’s first-party holiday onslaught begins with Insomniac’s killer action-shooter-platformer. We said “we don’t let you sit at our table at lunch if you miss this game,” and we meant it. Let me tell you — our moms pack some killer snacks, and we share. Youwantto sit at our lunch table, and you want to playRatchet and Clank Future.
PLAYSTATION PORTABLECastlevania X: The Dracula Chronicles
Konami crammed their miserable pile ofCastlevaniasecrets into this killer collection for the PSP, and any fan of the series would be a fool to pass it up. At only $29.99, you get the first North American release ofRondo of Blood, the 3D remake,Symphony of the Night, boss rush modes, and unlockable soundtrack goodies.
Not your thing? Try …Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
WIIGuitar Hero III
Let’s be honest here — not much came out on this Wii this month that’s worth mentioning. Activision pulled October out of a rut with the Wii release ofGuitar Hero III, the only version that features a guitar that rumbles, and a speaker that reminds you how badly you suck.
Not your thing?Try …Zack and Wiki: Quest For Barboros’ Treasure
[Editor’s note: For whatever reason,Zack and Wikiwas not on the master list of October titles, thus the original back-up choice ofMercury Meltdown Revolution. In his review, Anthony Burch is adamant thatZack and Wikiis the best game on the Nintendo Wii to date.Read his excellent and compelling write-up, and make the choice for yourself.]
XBOX 360The Orange Box
The best deal in videogames confirmed! The single package that isThe Orange Boxpacks more hours of gaming into one disc than anything that has come before it.Portalalone would make this collection worth the MSRP of $59.99. Throw in a suite ofHalf Life 2titles andTeam Fortress 2, and this is — without question — a must buy for anyone who likes things that are good.
Not your thing?Try …Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
And now, the Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade picks for October 2007! Brought to by our resident retro/downloadable title experts fromRetroforce GO!, Chad Concelmo and Topher Cantler:
VIRTUAL CONSOLESin & Punishment: Successor of the Earth
“The fact that it is a cherished import title alone scores it some originality points,” says Chad. “but what makes it worth the download is its addictive gameplay and tight design. Treasure’s shooter may have been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.”
Not your thing?Try …Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
XBOX LIVE ARCADEEvery Extend Exta Extreme
“I like this trend of bringing the shinier gems in the PSP’s library to XBLA,” says Topher. “and this one is a welcome addition. It’s fun, addictive, engaging, and still worth having on your hard drive after you’ve grabbed your achievements and set your best score. Most importantly, it represents the best kind of gaming experience: one whose fun and satisfaction resides inplayingthe game, not in simply beating it.”
Not your thing?Try …Puzzle Quest
