Release list for March 5th, 2013

Just looking at this list makes my wallet ache.  There is a DELUGE of fantastic titles in this list, and this list is extensive!  With a whopping 16 items including just a small handful of DLC, the 2013 deluge has officially begun.  City building with SimCity, a new approach for Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, two titans of Baseball go head-to-head in MLB offerings from 2K Sports and from Sony, a whip-wielding action title for the 3DS in Castlevania, and even an expansion for The Sims 3 joins a the roster along side of the final DLC for Mass Effect 3 and the first from DmC.  If you found yourself sitting back saying “I’m bored”, let me solve that for you very quickly.

A reminder – each of these is a link for you to order a copy for yourself.  Each purchase helps support the site, so that’s always appreciated.  Enjoy the list!

Tomb Raider [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Tomb Raider is an Action-Adventure game that introduces players to the origin of one of the most identifiable video games icons of all-time, Lara Croft. The game features a blend of survival, stealth, melee and ranged combat, and exploration gameplay as a young Lara Croft is forced to push herself past her know limits to survive and unravel the dark history of a forgotten island. In the process she will unlock the adventurer within her. Additional game features include: weapons both familiar and new, upgradable items, a variety of play environments, and human and animal enemies. A Survivor is Born When the first ever Tomb Raider game launched in 1996 it was a revolution. Outstanding in terms of graphics, gameplay, and storyline, it changed the way that video games were played and developed forever. Fronting the games assault on the world was the central character, Lara Croft. Lara was also to have an incredible impact, quickly becoming the most recognized and celebrated female action heroine and an icon for the video games industry. This newest rendition of Tomb Raider explores the intense and gritty origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to the hardened survivor that she would become known as. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold.

SimCity [PC]

SimCity is a city-building and management simulation game for the PC gaming platform that serves as a 2013 reboot of the iconic video game series. As with all games in the franchise, SimCity provides total control of how cities develop, but also adds new features such as: crisp 3D graphics, direct contact with citizens, dynamic real-time in-game units that replace animations representing player actions and levels of citizen happiness, franchise first multiplayer support, and in-game weather and pollution representation. This special limited edition release of SimCity contains exclusive bonus content. See the complete list of bonus items included below. Power to Change a World Together The defining city simulation is back. Create the city you desire and make the choices that shape your city and power the citizens within it. Every decision, big or small, has real consequences. Invest in heavy industry and your economy will soar - but at the expense of your Sims' health as pollution spreads. Implement green technology and improve your Sims' lives while risking higher taxes and unemployment. Team up with your friends to solve global challenges: launch a space shuttle, reduce carbon emissions, or build magnificent wonders. Compete on global and regional leaderboards to be the richest, the dirtiest, the happiest or the best place to visit. Key Game Features Constructible Worlds - Creative and customizable world that offers unique gameplay benefits, all with a fun tactile interface. Sims Matter - The Sims in your city speak to you directly and it's up to you to respond to their needs. Will you listen and be the toast of the town? Or abuse your power for fame and fortune? Specialize in What You Love - Mold your city as a casino resort, manufacturing hub, educational enclave, and more, and then watch as a unique look and feel spread throughout your city. Multiplayer - Build a region with friends for the first time. Collaborate or compete in regional and global challenges and make decisions that impact the greater SimCity World. 2-16 player support online. GlassBox Engine - SimCity introduces GlassBox, the revolutionary simulation technology that gives you the power to impact individual Sims lives, manage city level simulation, and balance multiple city simulations at once.

MLB 13: The Show [PS3, PSVita]

MLB 13 The Show allows you to experience the MLB like never before. Its jaw-dropping realism doesn't just capture every detail and mechanic of the sport; it captures the raw emotion of Major League Baseball. Improvements to Diamond Dynasty, Franchise and Road To The Show modes make MLB 13 The Show the most realistic baseball game ever, while the addition of all-new game modes expand gameplay options even further. If it can happen in baseball, you can experience it in The Show. Whether it's the moment you're called up to the majors, a sacrifice fly to left field, or crushing a walk-off homer to win it all, every big, emotional moment in baseball can be yours. And The Show delivers it with such realism, it's like it really happened. Available for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) systems, MLB 13 The Show is due to arrive in stores on March 5, 2013. Multiple all-new game modes bring unique gameplay experiences to The Show. All-New Playoff Mode includes an unparalleled in-stadium atmosphere that replicates the excitement and tension of October baseball. Revamped Franchise and Road To The Show modes with expanded options and new gameplay experiences. Completely-new beginner mode and instructional enhancements make The Show the best pick-up and play baseball experience. Improved Play Now mode streamlines gameplay for the option to play faster, simpler games. New commentary and a new voice in the booth provide updated analysis and color commentary. Play with friends around the world at no extra cost on PlayStation Network. Save files between the PS3 and the PS Vita via the PlayStation Network. Sync your Season, Franchise and Road to the Show saves and load them on either platform to continue the action anywhere.

MLB 2K13 [Xbox 360, PS3]

MLB® 2K13 delivers hours of baseball action for any level of sports fan or gamer. Master our signature right analog pitching controls to achieve perfection on the mound, enjoy the authentic baseball environment of MLB Today featuring real life commentary and statistics, and develop winning players and teams in My Player, Franchise & Postseason modes. Available March 5 for Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3. Visit facebook.com/MLB2K for more details. Total Control Pitching and Hitting ? The original analog pitching and hitting controls remain the benchmark. Unmatched control and realism allow you to feel the action on both sides of the plate. My Player - Experience the journey from Minor Leagues to MLB stardom. Choose your path, customize your player and work your way to the top. Dynamic Tendencies - Player performance fluctuates dynamically as player ratings update from pitch to pitch and at-bat to at-bat. Franchise - Championship teams are built in the front office, and crowned on the field. Can you master both sides of the ball and build a dynasty? And includes MLB Today, MLB Today Season, Poostseason, and Home Run Derby features.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Mirror Fate [3DS]

Initially set 25 years after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Mirror of Fate will reveal the story of Gabriel's descendants, as they battle their own destiny in each era only to discover their true, shocking fate. Trevor Belmont, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light sets out to avenge the death of his mother, at the hands of his own father, who has now returned from years of exile to take up residence in a mysterious castle. What was once Gabriel Belmont now stands a powerful vampire called Dracula. Dracula has declared war upon the Brotherhood and thus the scene is set for a cataclysmic showdown between Father and Son! Discover the history of your bloodline - Play as multiple characters throughout history, as you battle your ancestor Dracula, each time learning more about your history and why the Belmont clan must atone for the sins of their forebear. Dare you tempt fate? Choose your character - Multiple characters to enjoy, each with unique abilities and skills across different eras. Take control of the legendary Trevor and Simon Belmont and more, as you battle Dracula and his evil minions. Share new abilities through your lineage - Pass onto your descendants your newfound abilities in each era and discover the true destiny of the Belmont's. Featuring a huge array of combo's and a deep strategic combat system, this Castlevania is an exciting action game with tons of depth. Battle massive bosses - Experience titan fights in full 3D, climb, traverse and overcome huge bosses. Use your secondary weapons and magical abilities to take down these awesome foes. Features unrivaled Nintendo 3DS Visuals - Experience super high resolution and detailed 3D polygon graphics with side scrolling areas and full 3D sections combined. Utilize Focus & Magic - Use magic to turn the tide of battle! Kill enemies to gain experience and buy new combos and abilities using your travel book. Play well and you will be rewarded.

The Amazing Spider-Man [Wii U]

Harness Spider-Man’s powers with Manhattan as your playground! Set shortly after the events of Columbia Pictures' new film, The Amazing Spider-Man throws New York City's brand new hero back into free-roaming, web-slinging action, as he protects the Big Apple from a deluge of unimaginable threats. Spider-Man's Triumphant Return to New York Everybody's favorite web-head is back in Manhattan with the return of the fan-favorite, free-roaming*, web-slinging gameplay. Web Rush: Player Choice Evolved Players use real-time navigational and combat choices to fight crime and pull off Spidey's signature acrobatic moves like never before. Find Out What Happens Next Uncover the rest of Peter Parker's untold story in the all-new epilogue story to the Columbia Pictures' 2012 blockbuster theatrical release. Push Spider-Man's Abilities to the Limit Battle all-new versions of classic Super Villains as well as original, larger than life enemies - some of the biggest ever seen in a Spider-Man video game - while racing to save Manhattan. * Free roam available on PS3, Xbox 360® and Wii U systems only. Wii U Ultimate edition: The Amazing Spier-Man DLC Bundle Pack Included - Unleash the Stan Lee Adventure Pack, Lizard Rampage Pack, Rhino Challenge, and Oscorp Search and Destroy Pack on your Wii U! OsPhone Brings Wii U GamePad to Life - Use Spidey's in-game cellphone through the GamePad to accept new challenges, navigate the city, and manage upgrades and experience.

Atelier Ayesha The Alchemist of Dusk

Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk follows the story of Ayesha Altugle, a girl who has been living alone in a secluded workshop ever since her grandfather died and her younger sister went missing a few years ago. She supports herself by making and selling medicine. As the story begins, she finds out that her younger sister IS alive somewhere in the world. Now, she must devote herself to finding her younger sister. Her journey to keep her promise begins New story and cast of characters: Ayesha's mission is to find her younger sister, Nio, who went missing after she left home to gather medicinal ingredients, and Ayesha will be supported and helped by those already close to her, as well as new friends she'll meet along the way. This new setting will embrace all the Japanese RPG fans who are looking for a new kind of alchemy RPG! Keep a diary to delve deeper into the story: The new Diary System allows the player to keep a log of Ayesha's activities. Keeping up with the diary, Ayesha will be able to gain more recipes, bonus stats, and items. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk does not have any time restriction on each mission; instead, every mission will be connected and will help determine your success in finding Ayesha's younger sister.

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 [Xbox 360, PS3]

The critically acclaimed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™: Ultimate Ninja® STORM series is back in 2013 on PS3 and X360, celebrating the return of highly awaited boss battles and welcoming brand new features to revamp the game experience. More immersive, more faithful and more extreme, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 will offer the most epic Naruto experience ever seen in a video game. Dattebayo! Absolute Immersion - Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 offers the most immersive and epic Naruto game ever created. Bigger Scale Boss Battles - Boss Battles are back and more impressive than ever before. Prepare to battle through an entire village in a huge boss battle with Nine-Tails. Authentic Naruto Experience - Play through the anime-driven story mode and relive the most recent events of the animated series with a degree of faithfulness never-before-seen. Nine-Tails Attacks Konoha - The Story mode starts out with the heated invasion of Nine-Tails! Help Hiruzen and Minato defend the village against Masked Man and Nine-Tails.

Naruto Powerful Shippuden [3DS]

A whole new side-scrolling NARUTO game developed exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™ focused on cutesy presentation, comical character style and easy to pick-up-and-play gameplay for fans of all ages. Two different stories - Play as either Naruto or Rock Lee and enjoy missions taken directly from their animated storylines Two different gameplay modes - Story Mode & Endless Battle mode included Anime inspired presentation - Comical graphics with humorous on-screen expressions and actions Action-packed gameplay - Earn experience points to power up your characters, call-in support characters during battles or use the touch screen to strengthen special attacks QR code feature - Scan special QR codes designed for the game and gain access to other bonuses

Mass Effect 3: Citadel [PS3, Xbox 360, PC]

When a sinister conspiracy targets Commander Shepard, you and your team must uncover the truth, through battles and intrigue that range from the glamour of the Citadel’s Wards to the top-secret Council Archives. Uncover the truth and fight alongside your squad – as well as the cast from the original Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

Mass Effect 3: Leviathan [PS3, Xbox 360, PC]

When a sinister conspiracy targets Commander Shepard, you and your team must uncover the truth, through battles and intrigue that range from the glamour of the Citadel’s Wards to the top-secret Council Archives. Uncover the truth and fight alongside your squad – as well as the cast from the original Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

DmC -- Vergil's Downfall [Xbox 360, PS3, PC]

Vergil's Downfall offers fans the opportunity to play as one of the most wanted Devil May Cry characters, Vergil, in an all new storyline with fresh gameplay including new weapons, combos, enemies, and locations.

The Sims 3 University Life [PC]

Are your Sims ready for the time of their lives? Heading off to university opens up new opportunities, from social connections to career growth. From class activities to major-specific objects, your Sim will find new ways to learn! And university isn't just about hitting the books. Join a protest, flirt at a bonfire party there's a lot to learn outside of lectures at the student union. With new locations like the bowling alley and SimBurger to explore, and new activities like juice pong and spray painting murals to enjoy, your Sims are sure to have the time of their lives! The nerds, the rebels, and the jocks - Socializing with members of each group offers its own unique advantages, from unlocking dream jobs to an extra trait Organize or attend protests, create murals and graffiti, and even cheat on exams Learn outside the classroom through class activities, lectures at the student union, and joining in social activities Reach top job in career path more easily with faster promotions and higher entry-level job for university grads Requires Sims 3 starter software. Expansion pack will not play without it.

Dollar Dash [XBLA, PC]

Dollar Dash will have you shouting for joy and screaming in despair, as you make a dash with the cash. You must attack, defend or outrun your fellow thieves using unique comedic tactics and crazy weapons while making sure you deposit your hard-earned cash in the getaway vehicle before it disappears, hold onto the safe or simply blast your opponent on your way to victory. Gather, dash and fight: Be the fastest, smartest and craziest multiplayer battle thief! Masses of Content: 30 maps, over 20 weapons and a number power-ups to discover Multiplayer: 4-player Drop-in & Jump-out multiplayer for instant online action Single-player: Defeat skilled AI opponents to prepare for Online PvP Three Intense game modes: Venture through different versus modes, from Dollar Dash where only the fastest win, to Hit’n’Run where the toughest will rule the field. Shop: Spend in-game cash on Weapon Upgrades, Character Customization, Perks and more! Unlockables: Collect Badges, unlock many crazy Achievements, and compete on global Leaderboards. Intuitive Controls: Quick to learn and simple to control, impossible to put down!

Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien [PSN / XBLA / Wii U / Steam]

Runner 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed and IGF award winning Bit. Trip Runner. In the style of the Bit. Trip series, Runner 2 is a rhythm-music platforming game. Players will run through fantastic environments, using brand new moves, to brand new soundtracks as they run, jump, slide, kick, and soar toward the goal of tracking down the Timbletot and thwarting his evil plans to destroy not only our world, but every world there is.

Germinator [PS3 / PSVita]

Something messy and contagious is festering in suburbia… Germinator, Creat Studios’ 20th title for Sony’s PlayStation® Network, provides a character-styled departure from the usual bubble-popping casual games. Dismiss traditional match-3 for combining germ bubble characters of the same color. Timing and accuracy are required to prevent germs from rising too high and overtaking the house. Key Game Features New Twist on Bubble Popping. No more old achool match 3. Crash your germ bubbles into those of the same color until they POP... gooey, splotchy, splattering pops. Crazy Cast of Characters. Germinator features a crazy cast of multi-colored bubble germs with their own personalities and traits. Local Multiplayer. Battle your friends to ahow who can really clean house, or play against the AI. Move Support and more. Full support for the Sony PlayStation Move controller. OVer 200 levels provide hours of challenge for casual and expert gamers alike.

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