Welcome to Beyond Co-Op, the weekly column that takes a look at the non-cooperative happenings in the videogame industry. With Borderlands 2 and Torchlight 2 dominating the news this week, other gaming news was slim pickings. But we've still found a few choice morsels for hungry readers to savor.
Headlines:
- Sonic Adventure 2 and NiGHTS release dates announced
- Sony announces a smaller PS3 but no price drop
- Rayman Jungle Run arrives on iOS and Android
- Crimson Dragon Side Story now available on Windows Phone
Sonic Adventure 2 and NiGHTS release dates announced
SEGA makes some terrific downloadable games, including co-op hits like Sonic 4: Episode II, Guardian Heroes HD, and the Golden Axe Collection. The publisher has a slate of non-cooperative digital titles launching soon as well, starting with next week's Metroidvania-style platformer Hell Yeah. But even more than that, I'm looking forward to the long-awaited rereleases of Sonic Adventure 2 and NIGHTS into Dreams. Both will be enhanced with wide widescreen visuals (unlike the first Sonic Adventure) and clock in at 800 Microsoft Points/$10 when they hit XBLA on October 5 and PSN on October 2.
Source: SEGA Blog
Sony announces a smaller PS3 but no price drop
The rumored Playstation 3 hardware revision that we reported on back in July has become official. The news of a smaller, thinner, and top-loading Playstation 3 would be much more exciting if accompanied by a price drop. Sadly, much like with the Vita Sony is choosing to add value to the new hardware with bundles rather than dropping the price. A missed opportunity, if you ask me.
Source: Kotaku
Rayman Jungle Run arrives on iOS and Android
How do you adapt one of 2011's best console platformers to mobile devices? Turn it into an enedless runner, apparently. Rayman Jungle Run strips Rayman Origins down to its essentials while losing very little of the original game's charm. Players simply control Rayman's jumps as he automatically runs through each level. It's a wise way to please gamers who dislike virtual sticks and make the game accessible to less-than-hardcore mobile and tablet gamers. Kotaku, IGN, and other mainstream sites certainly love it, so maybe you will too.
Source: Rayman Jungle Run on iTunes
Crimson Dragon Side Story now available on Windows Phone
Speaking of mobile adaptations of co-op console games... The Kinect-loving portion of the Co-Optimus staff has been looking forward to Crimson Dragon on XBLA for some time now. While the main game may have suffered delays, Windows Phone gamers can play the companion game Side Story right now.
Believe it or not, Side Story looks, sounds, and plays just like the Panzer Dragoon games of yore. Tons of unlockable skills and an addictive Mission Mode make for an addictive and highly replyable game. It only costs a dollar and has Avatar Awards too. Check out my full review at Windows Phone Central to learn more.
Source: Crimson Dragon Side Story on the Windows Phone Store