Out This Week: Transistor, Wolfenstein: The New Order, Drakengard 3

Yes, our weekly PlayStation release rundown is tardier than a British train – but it’s the only article that compiles (the majority of) European and North American dates in one place. You just can’t get that kind of service on the PlayStation Blog, folks. This week’s a particularly weighty one for both regions, too, with heavy hitters such as Transistor and Wolfenstein: The New Order up for grabs. Don’t spend all of your money at once, though – a little game called Watch Dogs is right around the corner.

Pick of the Week - Transistor

What’s this talk about a PlayStation 4 software drought? Our system’s been working harder than a midwife exactly nine months after Valentine’s Day since launch, and it’s not going to be getting a rest with titles like Transistor on the way. Supergiant Games’ delicious debut Bastion may have skipped Sony’s systems entirely, but its sequel is by far the biggest game in next-gen land this week. Sorry Bethesda, but we’re sure that those multi-million dollar commercials will ensure that your new title doesn’t get overlooked.

Transistor PS4 Review
Transistor is an absolute triumph: a stunning sensory experience that buoys its lofty ambitions on a rock solid strategic core. It spins a tale of love, technology, and political and social unrest that speeds confidently towards a magnificent crescendo. What’s more, the razor sharp combat remains thrilling throughout, and the visuals and music display an almost superhuman level of polish. While niggling complaints can certainly be levelled at the gorgeous indie, a trip to Cloudbank comes highly recommended.

Set in a cyberpunk dystopia, and starring a cast of characters that wouldn’t look out of place in a seedy South London jazz club, this gorgeous action adventure depicts the plight of a top caterwauler named Red, who just so happens to be a fan of L'Oréal Paris’ latest crimson hair tint. The title combines free movement with strategy, enabled by a sword approximately seven times sharper than SoulCalibur’s eyeball equipped Soul Edge rapier. It’s also got a soundtrack so good that it may actually be illegal.

PS4 | 20th May [US], 21st May [EU]

Highlights

Wolfenstein: The New Order - PS4, PS3 | 20th May [US], 20th May [EU]

A rare first-person shooter that’s focused on plot rather than perks, Wolfenstein: The New Order is eager to return the legendary series to its roots. Set in an alternate history timeline in which the Nazi’s triumphed during World War II, the title sees you assume the role of veteran B. J. Blazkowicz in a narrative that spends its entire 15 hour running time trying to justify the hero’s ridiculous name.

Drakengard 3 - PS3 | 20th May [US], 21st May [EU]

It may have been almost ten years since the last numbered Drakengard released, but the latest instalment in the hack-and-slash meets aerial combat brand is finally flapping its way onto Western shores. Taking place ahead of the events of the original game – do keep up – this action role-playing title sees you assume the role of a buxom beauty with a flower growing out of her eye. Yeah.

Sparkle 2 - PS4, Vita | 20th May [US], 21st May [EU]

We concede that Zuma clone Sparkle 2 may be less of a blockbuster than the next Uwe Boll flick, but not every game needs to be a moving masterpiece with an enormous open world. In this instance, the coloured balls of 10tons’ latest title may prove the perfect antidote to a dangerous disease that we’re dubbing ‘AAAitis’.

Everything Else

Mugen Souls Z
PS3 | 20th May [US], 23rd May [EU]

R-Type Dimensions
PS3 | 20th May [US], 21st May [EU]

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
PS3 | 20th May [US]

This edition of ‘Out This Week’ may have arrived late (again), but we’re sure that it will have proved worth the wait. Alas, the big question is: which of the above will you be buying this week? Drop a chunk of change in the comments section below.