Already sick and tired of World Cup talk? Couldn’t care less about Ashley Cole’s ankle or whether Wayne Bridge wants to cuff John Terry? Help is at hand, thanks to the trusty world of video games.
The next few months will see some stunning new releases guaranteed to help you give football the finger, and keep yourself cosseted from a world of wags and penalty problems. Here’s our pick of the best games to stave off World Cup fever this Summer.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
The much-hyped follow up to the Italian plumber’s greatest adventure ever is due to drop on 11 June, the very same day festivities kick off in South Africa. It promises to be every bit as good as the original, with the chance for you to ride Yoshi and, if rumours are to be believed, play as Sonic The Hedgehog. Seems Sega and Nintendo are becoming best buds! Talking of which…
Sonic 4: Episode 1
Downloadable content doesn’t get any better than a 2D scrolling Sonic sequel. Whether you’re packing a PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii under the big screen TV, you’ll be able to play as everyone’s favourite blue-hued critter. Power sneakers, rings and spin dash will all be present and correct, with Sega even saying the PS3 and Wii versions will support motion control. Just hammering buttons will do us, but any added extras can’t hurt.
Red Dead Redemption
Coming at the back end of April, the hype around Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption has been feverish for weeks. A sequel to the ace western title Red Dead Revolver, it borrows gameplay liberally from world-beater GTA 4. You’ll play across three huge plains, negotiating packs of wild dogs and pulling off your finest Clint Eastwood impression, by acting above the law. That means chasing down wanted crims, and indulging in classic gun fights.
Alan Wake
Due in May, Xbox 360 exclusive Alan Wake makes the lofty promise to reinvent gaming. It’s been in development for five years and follows thriller writer Wake whose writer’s block takes him to small town America, where his wife is kidnapped and all hell breaks loose. The trailers look stunning, with dark and moody scenes, packed with flashlight-illuminated action. If it lives up to its promise, this should see off four weeks of non-stop football no trouble.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Sam Fisher returns in this neo-con action masterpiece. Pumped up and ready for action, Fisher gets to indulge torture methods which even the CIA would find grim, including smashing skulls on urinals and throwing suspects through toilet doors. Ubisoft has pumped up the graphics, with more fluid gameplay which we saw first hand when we took it for a spin late last year. Definitely one to see off talk of diving and poor refereeing decisions this summer.
Metroid: Other M
Due to land on your Wii at the same time as Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M was first spied at least year’s gaming megashow E3. You get to search a derelict space station, dubbed Bottle Ship, with the game taking place between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion. Nab this and Super Mario Galaxy 2 and we guarantee that World Cup won’t even register on your radar if you’re a Wii owner.
What games are you gagging to get hold of? Hit up the comments section now and tell us!
