REC/NEWS REC
The couple that runs together—gets away faster.
LOVE ‘EM AND RUN
February gaming heats up with releases like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time.
GAME THAW Hot titles prep for February releases MICHAEL LAFFERTY While the cold weather may linger a bit longer, the temperature of video-game releases is about to positively sizzle. Fans of shooter, RPG and older franchises will all have something to cheer about. There are a lot of titles being released, but we’ll focus on those that will likely to be near the top of the must-have list.
THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM— DRAGONBORN (PC, 360, PS3): RELEASED FEB. 5 This is an add-on to the Skyrim release but those in the mood for a good role-playing adventure, Dragonborn might be enough of a reason to relaunch Skyrim. Rated M for blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes and use of alcohol, Dragonborn offers new lands, towns, dungeons and quests.
DEAD SPACE 3 (PC, 360, PS3): RELEASED FEB. 5 The official story, according to the website, goes like this: “Isaac Clarke returns, joined by merciless soldier John Carver, to chase a risky plan that promises to finally stop the Necromorphs. Together, Clarke and Carver must explore the frozen planet of Tau Volantis and track down the secret they hope will end the Necromorph plague forever, all while overcoming avalanches, treacherous ice-climbs, and the violent wilderness. Facing deadlier evolved enemies and brutal elements, the unlikely pair must work together to save mankind from the impending apocalypse.” Dead Space, published by Electronic Arts, has been an acclaimed series, and this title ramps up the adventure several notches. The game features drop-in cooperative gameplay, with story elements attached to the modes of play. The rating is pending, but expect this to carry an M rating for violence (at the least).
SLY COOPER: THIEVES IN TIME (PS3, VITA): RELEASED FEB. 5 Those familiar with the Sly Cooper franchise know that this is a combination of adWWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M
venture and platform gaming featuring stealth, puzzles, combat and a little exploration. This is a bit of a relaunch, with redesigned characters and world maps that have doubled in size. The story is this: “After completing their latest heist, Sly carries on with a case of alleged amnesia and dances off with gal pal Carmelita, leaving Bentley as the keeper of the treasured Thievius Raccoonus, the Cooper family’s ancient book of master thievery. When Bentley discovers that pages of the book have begun to disappear in front of his eyes, he must round up the gang and save the Cooper Clan legacy from being destroyed forever.” The game will feature cartoon violence, suggestive themes, alcohol references, but will likely manage to pull off a rating of E10+.
ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES (360, WII U, PC, PS3): RELEASED TUESDAY, FEB. 12 They’re baaaack! The Aliens are invading and only a Colonial Marine Squad stands in the way. Aliens: Colonial Marines features a story-driven single-player mode, as well as a four-play cooperative mode. In co-op player, each person takes on a role within the unit. The weaponry should be familiar to fans of the franchise and includes pulse rifles and the like, but Gearbox Software (the development team: SEGA is the publisher) also has a few surprises planned, which not only include new weaponry but new enemy tactics.
METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE (360, PC, PS3): RELEASED TUESDAY, FEB. 19 Seriously, what would a gaming year be
without a Metal Gear game to drool over? It’s cyborg versus cyborg in this outing, and it all takes place four years after the events of MGS 4: Guns of the Patriots. Platinum Games is the developer this go-round—it’s the first time in the Metal Gear trenches—and by all accounts, it has done a solid job. Here’s the story: “The main character, Raiden, was once feared as the child soldier ‘Jack the Ripper’ on the front lines of the First Liberian Civil War. Now, his combat mastery is channeled through a cyborg body as the strikes from his high-frequency blade slice even massive assault drones in two. Raiden is contracted for VIP protection, military training and other duties by PMSCs (Private Military and Security Companies) in a developing country piecing itself back together after a bloody civil war. Little does he know that the stage is set for a clash with an enigmatic force of countless cyborgs.” The game has an M rating for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.
CRYSIS 3 (PC, 360, PS3): RELEASED TUESDAY, FEB. 19 The year is 2047 and the “Prophet” is returning to New York only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome by the corrupt CELL Corporation. Overgrown trees, swamps and rivers have become the norm and Prophet is there to uncover the truth behind the reasons for the Nanodomes. Time to put on an enhanced nanosuit, grab a composite bow and go hunting for answers (and anything else that gets in the way). The game features a new multiplayer mode called Hunter that supports eight to 16 players, two of which are hunters and the rest take on the role of CELL operatives. The hunters have stealth while the CELL operatives have limited ammo, making for intense gaming. On the whole, Crysis 3 has 12 maps and eight game modes, which should keep players busy for quite a spell.
Valentine’s Day conjures up a lot of different emotions for people and, apparently, one of them is the urge to run. Two different Valentine’s Day-themed runs are planned for Saturday, Feb. 9, giving racers the opportunity to run with a loved one, run away from a former loved one or even chase down a soon-to-be loved one. In Boise, the Valentines Dash, Love ‘em or Lose ‘em 5K will begin and end in Julia Davis Park, with racers dashing through the park in costumes on their way to a kissing booth manned by “local celebrities.” Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as for best costume. Registration will be taken up to the start of the race, but preregistration costs $35 for individuals or $65 for couples. Day-of registration costs $40 for individuals or $75 per couple. Besides smooching at the finish line, racers get T-shirts, a mid-race candy refueling and post-race Valentine’s treats. If you’re registering as an individual, don’t feel bad— runners can chose between bibs that read “Single,” “Taken” or “It’s Complicated.” For more info, visit valentinesdash.com. Of course, it’s a bit of a love triangle, pairing two Boise Valentine’s runs against each other in a battle for runners’ affections. The Run 4 Luv run is set to also begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, but this one is in Ann Morrison Park. It offers both 5K and 10K distances, as well as categories for walkers. Costumes are also encouraged, and the top three male and female finishers at each distance will win awards, as well age category finishers for both runners and walkers. Racers also get T-shirts, and a photographer will be on site snapping pics for the event’s Facebook page. A portion of proceeds from Run 4 Luv will be donated to the American Red Cross. Preregistration is taken through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, and costs $35 for the 5K or $40 for the 10K. Day-of registration costs $40 for the 5K or $45 for the 10K. For more info, visit run4luv.com. If you prefer your races on two wheels and fueled by beer, check out the fourth annual Bikin’ for Lovin’ Ride, held by the Boise Bicycle Project on Friday, Feb. 8. Single and tandem bikers will meet at 7 p.m. at BBP headquarters on Lusk Street for pre-ride brews from Crooked Fence Brewing before taking off for 13th Street Pub and Grill in Hyde Park at 8 p.m. After the ride, participants can bask in Crooked Fence specials, growler giveaways and “romantic tandem photos.” Visit boisebicycleproject.com for info. —Deanna Darr
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