TEKKEN 3 (PLAYSTATION)
Released in arcades in March of 1997, the third installment of the Tekken series made its way onto PlayStations in North America on this day in 1998. Widely lauded as one of the greatest games of the genre, Tekken 3 has sold more than 8.5 million copies worldwide and is the fifth-best selling game of all time for the original PlayStation console. While a non-canon sequel was released the following year, a canon sequel hit arcades and the PS2 in 2001 and 2002. While maintaining the core fighting style of the original titles, Tekken 3 brought improvements in animations, graphics, character variety, music, as well as faster and more fluid gameplay.
Tekken 3 also allowed players to manipulate the third axis, allowing players to sidestep in or out of the background, while also toning down jumping capacities to more reasonable levels. It was also the first title in the series to feature “Tekken Force,” which set the player in a variety of stages against enemies in a side-scroller type setting. Successful completion of this mode four times would result in Dr. Bosconovitch becoming a playable character. There was also a beach volleyball-style mode called “Tekken Ball” included. Tekken 3 was the first game to recieve a 10 from EGM, succeeding Sonic & Knuckles in the same feat. While other titles in the series have also been successful, Tekken 3 is often considered to be the best of them all.
PIKMIN 2 [JAPAN] (GAMECUBE)
Developed and published by Nintendo, this RTS followed its predecessor of the same name in Japan on this day in 2004. Pikmin 2, a direct successor to Pikmin, focuses on exploring the surface of an unknown planet from a microscopic perspective. The player is given control over the local inhabitants called Pikmin, which can be used to destroy obstacles, defeat enemies, and retrieve objects. The title also introduces new features, including the ability to control two different kinds of Pikmin at once, as well as new Pikmin types.
Many considered this title to be superior to the original game, stating that the sequel addressed many of the issues lamented by players, including the removal of a 30-day time limit. The AI in Pikmin 2, in addition to the graphics and presentation of the title, were all praised at its release; receiving acclaim for high production value. For the capacities of the Gamecube console, in many critic’s eyes, Pikmin 2 managed to take advantage of the hardware in ways unmatched by other titles on the system. Criticisms of the game’s camera, however, were voiced by some players, due to awkward viewing angles due to large objects on the playing field. The title was re-released alongside its predecessor on the Wii in 2009.
CHILD OF LIGHT (PS3&PS4)
Released on this day in 2014 for both the Playstation 3 and Playstation 4 consoles, Child of Light is at once a side-scroller, platformer, and roleplaying game all tied into one beautiful package. Taking control of up to two different playable characters to battle up to three enemies per battle, the player gets to engage in an active-time style system, akin to those found in the Final Fantasy series or in Grandia. The story follows Aurora, who is believed to be dead after being found in her bed with skin as cold as ice, leaving her father (the Duke) bedridden. Aurora wakes up in a mythical land called ‘Lemuria’ where she is tasked with bringing back the sun, moon, and stars held captive by the mysterious Queen of the Night in order to return to life.
Not a typical game to see from Ubisoft, the title is at once vivid, straightforward, and fun. Its immersive story was praised by critics for drawing players in, alongside its stunning visuals and combat system. Last year, Ubisoft released the digital book Child of Light: Reginald the Great to celebrate the first anniversary of the title. Child of Light was also released on PC (via Steam), the PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One consoles over the period of time between April and July of 2014.
Some other titles released on this day:
- Spy Vs. Spy – PS2 – 2005
- GTA IV – PS3/Xbox 360 – 2008
- Banjo-Tooie – Xbox 360 – 2009
- Back to the Future: The Game – Episode 4 Double Visions – PC – 2011
© Images Namco, Nintendo, and Ubisoft
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