Patch Note Previews (For May 17 – May 23)

This week is chock full of games that people marked on their calendars for quite some time now. The time is upon us, finally. You ready to punch some people? How about running and squats? If none of those is your thing, there’s claw-grabbing and superman punches! Here’s the 3rd week of May.

Punch-Out!! (Wii) (May 18th) Nintendo

What’s popular nowadays? Reviving old franchises on next-gen systems, right? “Punch-Out!!” is back with prettier cell-shaded graphics and multiplayer action for the first time ever. Mac returns as the main character and we also have our lovable trainer riding (or stealing) the bike as Mac trains. Mac’s rivals return, some old and some new, with fan favorite King Hippo coming back. Multiplayer and motion control are featured in this iteration of “Punch” which should serve friends with countless hours of punching each other in the face (literally and physically, probably). Also, it conjures up nostalgic memories of the great Nintendo days, what’s not to like? Don’t let your trainer steal your bike and steal this before you do on Monday for $49.99.


EA Sports Active Bundle (Wii) (May 19th) Electronic Arts

Is it finally time to dust off those Wiis? Probably not. “EA Sports Active Bundle” looks to capitalize on the jillions of households with purchased Wiis and the people still holding out hope that Wiis can keep people active (“WiiFit” people, you know who you are). In the bundle, EA has provided a leg strap for the nunchuk to be placed while workouts take place. Activities include jogging, squats, softball, and many others (basically activities you could do outside for full effect). The Wii balance board can be used, but is not a necessity. This game will probably sell a lot regardless because of the sheer number of people who own Wiis. This won’t keep people being active because it’ll probably be a casualty to dust ala “WiiFit”. Actively pursue your way to the store to obtain this game on Tuesday for $59.99.

Bionic Commando (360, PS3) (May 19th) Capcom

Capcom released a heavily upgraded and prettier remake of 2D “Bionic Commando” in the form of “Rearmed” earlier this year, but this “Bionic Commando” is an entirely, brand new game and in 3D. Think “Spiderman 2” with main character, Spencer, swinging from building to building, but he has guns and a gigantic claw arm instead of web. Instead of claw-grabbing barrels to throw at enemies, players can grab burning cars and an assortment of other goodies to hurl as weapons. The revival of “Bionic” looks to be heading in the right direction, but time will tell if this one is worth the full 60 bucks. For now, check out the multiplayer demo that is available on XBLA for claw-grabbing mayhem of all sorts. You can claw grab your way to stores on Tuesday to procure your copy for $59.99.

UFC 2009 Undisputed (360, PS3) (May 19th) THQ

With the meteoric rise in popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) comes “UFC 2009 Undisputed”. Complexity is the main them in “UFC” because of the plethora of fighting styles, grapple moves, and takedown abilities. The graphical likenesses of each MMA fighter is something to behold, especially their in-ring mannerisms are captured. “UFC” is an enjoyable beat-em-up that can be played on the fly, but also has complexity attached if searched for.A demo is available online on PSN and XBLA with playable fighters being Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell. Grapple, takedown, and superman punch your way to stores on Tuesday to purchase this for $59.99.