The games of June 2013

June 25 (cont'd)

Deadpool

Platform: 360, PS3, PC
EU: June 28

Marvel has a good record of bringing characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men to the gaming, but the next game based on one of the companies characters might be one of the most meta games ever. Deadpool, the sassy murderer for hire, is getting his own game, and just like in the comics he (and his two other personalities) are constantly talking to the audience. Deadpool goes on a very M-rated adventure that's filled with blood and nudity, and there are continual laughs to be had while carving up henchmen. It's also developed by the team behind the fan-pleasing Trasformers: Cybertron games, so here's hoping the team can bring a similar level of understanding to this property as well.

Muramasa Rebirth

Platform: PS Vita

You may remember Muramasa from our list of the best Wii games. Developed by Vanillaware, the underrated game subtitled The Demon Blade is getting a new lease on life with the PS Vita. Similar to the Wii's 2009 original, Rebirth stars amnesiac ninja Kisuke and possessed princess Momohime in two parallel storylines that follow the heroes as they collect 108 Demon Blades and murder the evil-doers who get in their way. The PS Vita port will also make room for four new DLC characters, including a half-cat member of the Nekomata race, a hillbilly, a ninja named Arashimaru, and an Oni-musume she-devil. Sounds like a season of The Real World, if you ask us.

Project X Zone

Platform: 3DS
EU: July 5

Project X Zone has been on our minds since playing it at Tokyo Game Show. Now, despite its seeming niche appeal, western fans will finally get a chance to see what all the hype is about when this crossover sequel to 2005's Namco x Capcom RPG finally lands stateside. The game hosts stars from Capcom, Sega, and Namco properties, all trading blows in tactical, grid-based combat. X Zone has characters from franchises as wide-ranging as Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Xenosaga, Sakura Wars, and Virtua Fighter, to name a few. Altogether, there are 60 playable characters--you can get intel on all of them in our Project X Zone Roster: Meet all 60 playable characters.

Ride to Hell: Retribution

Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
EU: June 28

Scratch your Sons of Anarchy (and/or Easy Rider) itch with this action adventure biker title. Pitched as a “no holds barred brawler”, Ride to Hell: Retribution will immerse gamers in the 1960s biker scene and set them loose in an all-out war against The Devil's Hand. The action will include hand-to-hand scrapping, high speed hog chases, and weapons-based combat.

Originally slated for release in 2009, Ride to Hell: Retribution has been in the shop for sometime. This most current build comes by way of Deep Silver and Eutechnix.

June 28

Dark

Platforms: Xbox 360, PC
EU: June 14

A cel-shaded, stealth action, vampire RPG? Ok, we'll bite. Developed by Realmforge Studios (Dungeons: The Dark Lord), Dark casts players as a vampire who can pounce on enemies with devastating melee strength or manipulate them from a distance with shady supernatural powers. Dark's story looks to pit gamers against humans and vampires alike in environments ranging from dark alleyways, corporate towers, and underground hideouts. Skill trees and dialogue mechanics will also let players craft their ultimate killer depending on their play type.

Dates TBA

Jak and Daxter Collection

Platform: PS Vita

Did you miss out on the Jak and Daxter Collection for the PS3 last February? You're in luck! Er, provided you have a PS Vita. Arriving for Sony's new(ish) handheld, this HD Jak and Daxter compilation disc will feature all three games making up the precursor storyline including Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak II, and Jak III. Beyond the ability to take Naughty Dog's action duo on the go, the collection will feature touch-based enhancements to the mini-game controls, as well a new trophy list for portable trophy hunters. As Jak from the first game would say, "!".