QCF: Assassin's Creed III

The science -- scratch that -- the entire concept of genetic memory is something that exceeds top levels of comprehension; a notion with so many dimensions encompassing the theory of history inscribing itself into our very being. And while such speculation is largely dismissed in the eyes of parapsychology, it’s still a possibility. Assassin’s Creed has always focused on the theme of such an idea and, in some aspect, metaphysically manifested it in many ways beyond its science fictional approach. All of the subsequent titles have played off each other and attempted to retain traits that worked versus that which didn't, and evolve mechanics within the core elements of the overall design.

Unfortunately, time has not been kind to the principles of Ubisoft’s action-filled open world venture. With prior entry Revelations having struggled to justify its relevance within the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed III shows its age despite the effort it makes to reinvigorate the formula and sets the bar even lower for the series.

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QCF: Zone of the Enders HD Collection

With any new title, gamers want something worthwhile and revolutionary. Granted, this doesn't mean the entire game requires ultimate perfection to warrant a purchase, but surprises always enhance experiences. When playing compilation titles, it's important to decide whether or not gameplay mechanics from last decade remain relevant, or if added improvements justify the modern price.

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QCF: Ragnarok Odyssey

The Vita isn’t doing so hot, guys. Despite being a wonderful piece of hardware with a pretty decent lineup of games, players just aren’t giving it the attention it deserves. One factor many are citing to explain Vita’s failure to catch on is the lack of a Monster Hunter game anywhere on the release slate. When PSP was on life support, Monster Hunter helped revitalize the handheld in Japan. It quickly became a household system purely based on the popularity of this one game. Now that MH has moved to 3DS it looks like we won’t be seeing the series hit Vita any time soon. Fortunately, we now have a pretty good facsimile. It’s not quite up to Monster Hunter snuff, but Ragnarok Odyssey makes a valiant effort.

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QCF: Mugen Souls

The universe is truly a space that will never be fully comprehended, terrain so wide that humankind will labor eons and eons in order to fully understand its magnitude and nature. Imagine if you will however, a universe, structured specifically around seven planets, and a magically gifted little woman who aims to subjugate all who reside within it. Developed by a faction of cult Japanese development house Idea Factory, Compile Hearts brings us latest JRPG from NIS America on the PS3, Mugen Souls.

The novelty of choice is refreshing with Mugen Souls being available in the pre-holiday season with titles like Doom 3: BFG, Assassin’s Creed III, and Skylanders: Giants. However, Mugen Souls does not do its genre any service and ends up being nothing more than tawdry theatrics with little to no appeal in the long run.

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QCF: Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken

Most run-and-gun action games provoke forward thinking in regards to hand-eye coordination. More often than not, mechanics focus less on strategic implementation and more about memorization of the environmental conditions. After all, why worry about something you can just shoot your way out of?

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QCF: Ravaged

In a world with several team-based shooters made for a PC audience, here comes one more. Ravaged is a first-person shooter that pits two teams against one another for control of territories and fuel. While the core gameplay is solid enough, the lack of any real audience and overall polish on the game may prove to send this one out to the bitter wasteland alone to die a slow death.

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QCF: Orgarhythm

You guys know me. I’m not one to just throw words like "funky" around. It’s something that has to be earned. That being said, Orgarhythm is funky as HELL.

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QCF: Skylanders Giants

Skylanders Giants is a deceptive game; originally piloted by the notoriety of having Spyro’s name attached to the previous entry, this latest installment has made a name for itself within a little over 12 months. Say what you will, but Skylanders Giants is still a game and not just some commercial. To be fair, there’s no doubt that it cleverly implements an ulterior layer of marketing that would make most micro-transaction models found in any shameless MMO blush. Nevertheless what may be viewed as a string of money-hats is something that is, in reality, so much more. Underneath all the coy marketing lies a game that utilizes these initially unscrupulous concepts and turns them into one of the most charming pastimes in games today.

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