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Chapter: It's the character scouting and combinations that make this game so addictive. The battles are one thing; watching the cards streak across the screen and pummel each other is cool, and the effects are pretty cool, but it's the anticipation that makes it exciting. The cards are categorized by rarity, and some cards take a long time to get, so when you get cards from scouting, it's always exciting to see which ones appear. Sometimes, you'll just get a bunch of floaters that go straight into mixing to make other cards stronger. It gets more and more exciting as you get better and better cards. There are hundreds of cards (possibly even thousands), and it just gets better and better. Fun single-player, ranked multi-player, group battles, and bonus campaigns even this game out to be one of the most addictive games, ever (on any platform). Also, the unified artwork was all done by one (tired) artist, and it looks incredibly fitting. Well done, Capcom. I'm not a fan of card battle games, and you managed to get me addicted to one... |
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Chapter: Killer Instinct: Season 1 Synopsis: Microsoft (Xbox One) In 2010, we did a tribute to Killer Instinct Gold and how great it would be if the series were resurrected. Fast forward to the XBox One, and it became a reality. I won't get into the chaos of Rare simultaneously being "involved" and "not involved" with its development. Instead, I will say that it is yet another XBox One launch game that made the platform much more appealing than the PS4 at launch. To see this series resurrected after such a long hiatus was a uniquely satisfying feeling. Big media will deny it forever, but the world missed Killer Instinct! Big media claims the world didn't, but a look at YouTube comments, forums, and other places of opnion paint a different picture. Fans wanted the series back, and their wishes were granted. It runs on a new graphics engine so of course it looks better than Mortal Kombat X (which runs on a modified version of the dated Unreal Engine 3). It plays just as incredible as it looks, and it's just as fun as it always has been. Epic audio rounds out this incredible game, with remixes of classic tunes the series is known for. Get this game. |
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Chapter: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Synopsis: Ubisoft (Wii U) This hugely successful series reach its fourth numbered entry on a number of different machines, but the most fitting was the Wii U. The PlayStation 4 version serves as a good secondary version with its extra content and upgrades, but the best primary version is for the Wii U. The Wii U is seen by some as a transitional machine "between" the seventh and eight generations, making it similar to Ubisoft's transitional AnvilNext engine. These similarities in concept and performance make them a great fit, and the game proves this. Like Assassin's Creed III, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag looks, controls, and runs great on the Wii U. Comparisons online are questionable, at best. I don't care if they're conducted by big media sites; I've played the game and know for myself how it performs. No matter the game or the performance, haters will hate, and ACIVBF on Wii U is an example of this. Take their word for it and you'll be missing out on a great game on great hardware. Play it yourself and maybe you'll enjoy a great game on great hardware; hardware that the game was meant to be on... |
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Chapter: Marvel VS. Capcom Origins Synopsis: Capcom (Xbox 360) I thought this game was a hoax when I heard about it. A kid at a game store I frequent told me about it, and I laughed. I told him it was YouTube fantasy. That is, until he showed me the official, hot-off-the-press trailer. I was humbled. The VS. game collection rumored for years turned out to be Marvel VS. Capcom Origins, and it came out of nowhere. I really wasn't very excited, and I was a bit disappointed that it was missing X-MEN: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes VS. Street Fighter, but I got the game anyway out of fear that it would be pulled from electronic distribution (like Marvel VS Capcom 2). Glad I did, because the game added some interesting new content. It featured the same level-up and Challenge objective systems from Dungeons & Dragons - Chronicles of Mystara, Street Fighter III - 3rd Strike Online Edition, and DarkStalkers Resurrection. This system alone is enough to buy every single one of the titles mentioned. It really does breathe new life into their tried-and-true, time-tested gameplay. These are games that were already fun, and these added in-game systems make them even more fun. Add to that online multiplayer, and you've got instant Xbox 360 purchases. I say Xbox 360 because it's closest to the theoretical arcade home of these titles (NESiCAxLIVE). |
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Chapter: Double Dragon II - Wander Of The Dragons Synopsis: Gravity, Barunson Creative Co.(Xbox 360) Double Dragon is one of the most iconic games the 8-Bit era. Too bad everyone's brain-washed by popular media that only the 8-Bit versions exist, because there's actually another new Double Dragon out! Amazing that in the HD generation alone we got three games in this iconic series. Though it is currently scored on Metacritic as "the sixth lowest game on all platforms," this re-imagining of Double Dragon II is a lot better than it is given credit for. For those who can make choices on their own and try new things, it's pretty good! It has the general story of the old game, but with re-imagined art and 3-D gameplay. There are even quick-time sequences that spice the brawling up a bit! I say it's a welcome addition to a series that doesn't have much to lose in an industry where only big-budget TV commercial games are noticed. "Get it" before this one is pulled from online distribution and gone forever... |
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Chapter: Lost Planet 3 Synopsis: Capcom (Xbox 360, PS3) Who cares what they say about it? Just go out and get the game and play it for yourself! Many had asked for Lost Planet to look like Gears of War, and now that it does on the Unreal Engine 3, and now they're unhappy about it? This is one of the many reasons I do not call myself a "gamer." I don't want to be associated with ungrateful assholes who ask for things, yet decline them when they are granted. |
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Chapter: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Synopsis: Capcom (Wii U) The most addictive game of 2013 was arguably Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. I played this more than any other game in 2013 (even more than Resident Evil 6). This game alone warrants purchase of the Wii U. The MT Framework Mobile engine it was made on could be seen as transitional into Capcom's next generation Panta Rhei engine, but the game still excels on many levels. I won't go out on a limb to say that MH3U is the deepest game out because going out on a limb about its depth is not necessary. Everything about this game is huge; the enemies, 4-Player co-op, sheer number of armor combinations, weapon possibilities, and upgrade system all have enough depth to keep you busy for a lifetime. This is no exaggeration. The depth of this game must be experienced to be believed. After you complete one armor and its weapon, there's always another, higher, more rare version to pursue and complete. |
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Chapter: I've always loved brawlers for the launch of new hardware, and DR3 delivered on this in stunning fashion. The game is monstrous, with tons to do and tons to discover. They had big shoes to fill in faithfully continuing the progressive storyline of the series, and they navigated that minefield with meticulous grace. The story in Dead Rising 3 is paced very well, and all the right choices were made with its direction. The game's story was criticized by big media, but it seems mostly because few (if any) played through the game far enough to experience its engrossing story and shocking reveals. Critics can dislike DR3 because it's a brawler; after all these years, they've made it perfectly clear that they don't like brawlers. It's like an unspoken rule. We get it, but don't bash the game's story simply because you either haven't played the game in its entirety, or beause you haven't played the previous games. The game isn't perfect (there are a few glitches and picking up items is still annoying in co-op), but Dead Rising 3 is still worth buying an XBox One for. It actually justifies not only buying an XBO, but buying and XBO before a PS4. The PS4 clearly has the big-media advantage this generation, and it has a long life ahead of it; enjoy Dead Rising 3 on the XBox One now! There will be plenty of time to get in on the PS4 well after the XBO has faded... |
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Chapter: Dragon's Crown Synopsis: Vanillaware, Atlus (PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita) This gem was directed by George Kamitani, the man behind the masterpieces included in Dungeons & Dragons - Mystara Chronicles. These games are, without any shred of a doubt, masterpieces. This isn't just an opinion, but clearly proven fact when you look at the utter dogshit that is D&D games made outside of Capcom. Mr. Kamitani did great with Dragon's Crown in every way; he basically resurrected Capcom's classics while moving them forward. Spiritually, at least. Capcom would have done well to have snatched-up Dragon's Crown while they could , but they didn't, which is sad. It's sad that they didn't because they could have easily made it a Capcom-branded spiritual successor to their own D&D series. That being said, with fluid animation and killer character design, Kamitani and his crew have proven Dragon's Crown to be legit, so it would be in Capcom's best interest to buy them for future talent. Likewise, it would be in any PlayStation 3 owner's best interest to get the game immediately before it becomes an expensive classic. For everyone else, yes, the game is worth buying PlayStation 3 hardware for. It's that good. While I'm at it, I'll just say that it could easily be the best PlayStation 3, period. Just ask Headquarters... |
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Chapter: Persona 4 Arena Synopsis: Atlus, Arc System Works (Xbox 360) Yet another great reality Atlus made possible in the West. Persona's character design always caught my eye. Hate RPGs, but love Persona's design. When I heard that there was going to be a Persona fighting game, I was glad that I could finally enjoy their craft! Headquarters got me the game because he said I should have already had it, so I finally got a chance to try it out. Too bad I was busted-ass broke when the game came out, because it's definitely worth the new price. The characters look as good as we expect from Arc System Works, but it's the game's overall design and backgrounds that impressed me the most. As far as overall design goes (menus, font, etc.), this game is the best of 2013. If only every game had such unique design! Unfortunately, EA's generic influence has reached far and wide, so all we can really do is pray that every now and then a developer makes a game with design as cool as Persona 4 Arena's... |
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Chapter: The Wonderful 101 Synopsis: Nintendo, Platinum (Wii U) As developers cried and whined about Wii U development with a laundry list of excuses in hand, Platinum was hard at work on innovation and fun. Where other developers made excuse after excuse as to why they lacked the capacity to innovate on a machine that essentially did it for them, Platinum was taking the time to learn new hardware. As other developers readied lame, waste-of-time ports of next-gen titles to last-gen machines, Platinum was working on something exclusive and worth your time. The Wonderful 101 takes mob mentality to a whole new level, and it's hysteric fun. It's really a next-gen side-scrolling action game that can best be described as something like Captain Commando or Knights of the Round on steroids, but at the same time so much more than that. Tons of characters, effects, and on-screen chaos to draw anyone in who like excitement. The game actually has a soul, too; something that few games have these days... |
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Chapter: Whether it was just Capcom finally getting around to answering the requests of fans, or whether it was just licensing issues with Disney, DuckTales had finally been resurrected and brought back from obscurity. Though Capcom released it on XB360 and PS3, it was obviously a mistake and never should have happened. The machine DuckTales -Remastered- was truly meant to be on was Nintendo's Wii U. On the Wii U, good times are back again because Mario and Scrooge are once again platforming against evil together on Nintendo hardware! Playing these games together on the Wii U will take veterans back to the days when quality wasn't determined by development budget or "viral" videos. And DuckTales -Remastered- didn't need an obscene development budget because it goes straight for the heart (and succeeds) with charm alone. In fact, there are few games that have ever made me shed a tear, but DuckTales -Remastered- became one of them. It was a bitter-sweet homecoming to play it in the modern day. It was bitter-sweet playing the game I could never afford as a kid in redrawn HD graphics that charmed all the same. My memories of DuckTales from the 8-Bit days were incomplete because I didn't own the game, but owning DuckTales -Remastered- has, in a way, completed those memories. For years, those memories were left hanging, always a sense of wonder in me. When I saw the charasmatic cast of DuckTales back in full HD, my mind and eyes were flooded with tears of charm and nostalgia. On behalf of underdog fans everywhere, thank you, Capcom. |
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Chapter: Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Synopsis: Tecmo/Koei (Wii U) Yeah, this one came out in 2012 for the Wii U, but I'm here to tell you to ignore the back-ports of it that were quietly released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2013. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge was designed for the Wii U, so ignore the back-ports of this game and get it for the machine it was meant for. The game was brought to Wii U as an experience different from that of the original Ninja Gaiden 3 on last-gen hardware, so back-porting it to those last-gen systems and taking away its next-gen Wii U experience leaves it with no purpose. The purpose of the game on next-gen hardware was the whole idea of touch-screen interaction and gameplay. A PlayStation 4 version with PlayStation Vita control is one thing, but the back-porting of this game really bastardized it. It's an insult not only to Nintendo, but to the development staff who worked so hard to balance and optimize the game for new hardware. Hey, look at the bright side; at least now Super Mario Bros., DuckTales, and Ninja Gaiden are all on the same (Nintendo) platform just like in 8-Bit times! |
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Chapter: Sengoku Basara 4 Synopsis: Capcom (PlayStation 3) Capcom's 3-D manic side-scrolling action game makes its long-awaited HD debut on the MT Framework engine. Import this one at all costs! The PlayStation 3 does imports without going to any messy extremes, so you have no excuse for this one! |
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Chapter: Resident Evil Revealations [Unveiled Edition] Synopsis: Capcom (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) The original (Nintendo 3DS) version of this game was powered by the MT Framework Mobile engine, and this expanded version really should have been exclusive to the Wii U (similar to Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate). However, it wasn't, and since Capcom reverted back to the standard MT Framework engine for Resident Evil Revealations [Unveiled Edition], get this one on either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. It's in in good company with all of the other standard MT Framework titles on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (such as the tiel above), so there's no need to put any extra mileage on the Wii U with this title. |
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Chapter: Dragon's Dogma - Dark Arisen Synopsis: Capcom (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) Yet another great title on Capcom's world-famous MT Framework engine, this one was an instant rarity due to its limited print. Compared to the original game, Dark Arisen was not an easy title to find. Out of all my friends, I'm the only one who still doesn't have it; just like with the original (CPS-II) D&D games Capcom made, looks like I'll be last, again! I was one of the last of all my friends to get Dungeons & Dragons Collection on the Sega Saturn. History always repeats itself... |
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Chapter: Sonic Lost World Synopsis: Sega (Wii U) This game reminded me instantly of Sonic on the Sega Saturn. Not just of Sonic 3-D Blast, but of the canceled Saturn Sonic game that never saw the light of day. Unfortunately, me and Destructonaut are the minority here, and most will pass over this game for anything that ends with "Warfare" and/or "Ops." Too bad, because this game is right up with Super Mario 3-D World; atmospheric and highly unique. Seeing these quality Sonic and Mario games together and on the same machine will remind gaming veterans of the highly-competitive 16-Bit era. Amazing to see Sega and Nintendo still being competitive with quality flagship titles (even though they're not really rivals, anymore). The Nights Into Dreams-inspired "Nightmare" stage is also one of the coolest homages that could be made (since that game was awesome and innovative even today). Speaking of Mario... |
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Chapter: Super Mario 3-D World Synopsis: Nintendo (Wii U) I haven't had a Mario title on my list for a long, long time. So, when I do have one on here, you know it's gotta be good! Though I still like New Super Mario Bros. U more, Super Mario 3-D World definitely lives up to the hype and praise it has recieved. The level design, items, and everything else in the game all just seem to click. The game looks so good that it makes a lot of Wii U developers seem lazy in comparison. Just look at the level design and it's obvious why Nintendo and Miyamoto are seen as brilliant. Add to that the fact that there really is nothing quite like the world of Mario on any of the other machines, and suddenly it becomes impossible to imagine what it would be like if Nintendo ceased to exist... |
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Chapter: Rayman Legends Synopsis: Ubisoft (Wii U) Everyone else has talked about this one enough, so I'll just say that this is what it looks like when a developer is actually trying to make a good game on the Wii U (without making tons of excuses). Yes, it does exist for the other two next-gen machines, but why would want it for them when was designed (and meant) for the Wii U? |
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Chapter: Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 Synopsis: Konami (PlayStation 3) Buy this one to combat EA's FIFA series. The obligation people feel to give them money and support their weak tyrant idealogy is baffling. Year after year, they literally make the same game with the same bad quality as the last; why continue to give them money? Why continue to support them? Though not many as of late, there are options, and PES 2014 is your answer to EA's tyranny. There aren't many soccer games that make it stateside, so PES 2014 is a must-have for soccer fans who live stateside. EA would like everyone to think that there are no alternatives to their low-quality games; show them that there are and buy PES 2014. |
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Chapter: The King Of Fighters - A 2012 Synopsis: SNK (Android) Android fans rejoice! Another King Of Fighters has arrived on the Android, and it was worth the wait. The thing I like about this one is that it wasn't just a straight port of KOFXIII, and they changed the title appropriately to reflect that. This game is packed to the gills with new fighters, backgrounds, modes, and tons of other "elements." There are even new trading cards to unlock! And just like KOF-i 2012, the accomplishment-based Target Actions during each match add even more to SNK's time-tested gameplay. They're almost like SNK-style achievements! Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi feature for online network battling was not carried over from KOF-i2012, but KOF-A2012 is still solid. However, it must be said that even with 32 fighters from the outset, the game still has additional character DLC! Color me impressed! Lastly, it almost goes without saying, but the music is as good as it gets for mobile gaming as a whole. I was immediately taken in by the intricately-composed electronic rock score for this game. There's no such thing as getting enough KOF, so download this now! |
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Chapter: Anarchy Reigns Synopsis: Sega, Platinum (PlayStation 3) A sequel to the uniquely-spectacular, over-the-top MadWorld?! More blood-soaked madness?! In glorious HD?! With returning characters and playable Bayonetta?! Our love for fighters is still strong even after all these years, and Anarchy Reigns does a great job of carrying the torch. The futuristic, edgy character design shows why Japanese game developers are still relevant in an industry saturated by lame, forgettable faces of "Grand Larceny" and "Modern Ops." Despite its title, Anarchy Reigns isn't some pointless punk-rock rant about insubordination and cigarettes. It's an affirmative nod to brawlers of the past that the genre isn't dead, and hasn't been dead. Anarchy Reigns brings back memories of Sega's own Spikeout - Battle Street, which ventured into similar multi-player mayhem territory on the original Xbox. Thank Sega and Platinum for advancing the genre into the future, because other than them and Capcom, who will? |
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Chapter: Dynasty Warriors 8 Synopsis: Tecmo, Koei (PlayStation 3) Who doesn't like some good 'ol Dynasty Warriors chop-suey action? EGM and Videogames.com, but who cares? Do you have a mind of your own? Can you make choices for yourself? Then go out and buy this if you truly like this type of game! Who cares what some idiot journalist at Ziff-Davis says? If you enjoy hacking and slashing, play this game to your heart's content and don't feel guilty about it! |
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Chapter: DarkStalkers Resurrection Synopsis: Capcom (Xbox 360) Buy this one just on principle, alone. It's a DarkStalkers game based off of the two most popular entries in the series (Night Warriors and Vampire Savior)! DarkStalkers Resurrection features the same level-up and Challenge objective systems found in Marvel VS Capcom Origins, and it breathes new life into the tried-and-true, time-tested gameplay of this game, too. All of the lush, colorful animation has been remastered from its original form and preserved in HD. The animation and atmosphere of this game is among the best ever conceived by Capcom, and is very rarely challenged by games of today. Capcom has been hesitant about a new DarkStalkers game, so get this one because it could very well be the last... |
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Chapter: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Synopsis: Konami, Platinum (PlayStation 3) I was hyped for this one since day one. As a Metal Gear player since the 80's, I was excited to see the series explore its own world sideways instead of just progressing it (literally) forwards or backwards. "Fans" had a lot of bad things to say about Raiden, but who doesn't want to play as a sword-weilding bad-ass? Emo kids and hipsters? Who cares?! Slice and dice until you are satisfied! Don't let Emo kids and/or hipsters choose for you. |
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Chapter: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Synopsis: Nintendo, Retro Studios (Nintendo 3DS) More Donkey Kong?! With even more content?! If you loved the Wii version, get this one, too! Necktie madness! |
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Chapter: Had these religion-based story crutches not been in the game, I just might have bought it at full price. Now, I wait until I see it cheaper than cheap. Why buy it at all with such glaring story flaws? Because, at its core, the gameplay and visuals are fine. The gameplay is still Devil May Cry; Strider-inspired, enemy-smashing action hopped-up on steroids like Barry Bonds. Get this game not to complete your Devil May Cry collection, but to complete your Unreal Engine 3 collection. It fits well beside Lost Planet 3 and Remember Me (the other Capcom titles built on the same engine in 2013). On another note, the logo looks like shit and the title is redundant. The lower-case "m" is really irritating. I didn't think Capcom could let pass a logo as bad as Resident Evil 6's, but they proved me wrong, again... |
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Chapter: Muramasa Rebirth Synopsis: Vanillaware, Ignition, Marvelous (PlayStation Vita) Muramasa: The Demon Blade was, by far, one of the most artistic video games of the seventh-generation. I can't say that I agree completely with its controls, but it was still a good game to have because it showed that the Wii had more than just "kid games." The typical kid these days would take any "Modern Grand Larceny Ops" title over an artistic title, so games like Muramasa could no longer be considered kid games because kids don't appreciate them. After proving critics wrong about the Wii, it was cool that they made this game available in expanded form to those who can appreciate it on the PlayStation Vita. Though it's on a machine that is aimed at a different audience, it's still cool to see. Buy this one because artistic games are more than just games... |
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Chapter: Ninja Arms Synopsis: Capcom (iOS) I would have enjoyed this game more if Capcom hadn't pulled it so quickly from the App Store. I waited a long time for Capcom to make another dedicated ninja game, and now it's gone. From what I played, the game had some pretty cool characters based around a card battling system. The control seemed a bit off and awkward at times, but you could see that underneath it all there was a deep game. I wasn't able to completely discover all of the game's mysteries and susrprises, but the system seemed intricate. The experience was somewhat bittersweet, though, since I was always thinking about how an action version of this game would have been great. The characters were all pretty unique when compared to the traditional ninja image, so it would have been cool if Capcom had used the same content in a different game. Thanks to the onslaught of digital distribution, none of us will play this game again because the servers were shut-down... |
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Chapter: Honorable Mentions Synopsis: Other Games You Should Be Buying Street Fighter IV Volt (iOS), Street Fighter X Tekken Mobile (iOS), Tekken Revolution (PlayStation 3), The Last Of Us (PlayStation 3), New Super Luigi U (Wii U) Sonic Dash (iOS), Injustice (Xbox 360), Guilty Gear XX A Core Plus R (PlayStation Vita), Remember Me (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3), Project X Zone (Nintendo 3DS), Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate (PlayStation 3), Dead Or Alive 5 Plus (PlayStation Vita), Wii Party U (Wii U), Ridge Racer Slipstream (iOS), Dr. Luigi (Wii U), and Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate (Nintendo 3DS). |
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BADCP 2014. All Righs Reserved. |