Out This Week: Final Fantasy XIV, Trials Fusion, FIFA World Cup

While the release calendar historically shuts up shop at the end of the fiscal year, this week’s outrageous roster of PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Vita arrivals has different ideas in mind. Following on from last week’s experimental edition of ‘Out This Week’, we’re back with another hastily prepared look at the biggest deployments due on Planet PlayStation over the coming days. We hope that you’ve been saving your pennies, because there’s a lot to get through yet again.

Pick of the Week – Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn

Square Enix’s uber-popular MMO refuses to stop evolving. Like a Pokémon with infinite states, Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn has been consuming column inches on this site since it was originally announced for the PlayStation 3 way back in 2009. Fortunately, this appears to be the definitive edition of the online escapade, fixing many of the technical issues present in its iffy previous generation outing.

Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn PS4 Review
Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn proves that Square Enix’s series is special, even when it’s presented as an MMO. Moreover, this excellent upgrade shows that the PS4 is capable of bringing PC quality online escapades into the living room. The narrative could still use an overhaul, and the PvP content isn’t up to the standard of the rest of the game, but the added horsepower of Sony’s new system and overall improvements since its PS3 launch mean that you shouldn’t think twice about taking the trip to Eorzea this time around.

You may have to stump up for a monthly subscription fee to play, but this game is utterly brimming with content to keep you occupied. In addition to a hearty campaign and a ton of classes to experiment with, the developer is also committed to updating this ambitious excursion on a regular basis, which means that you’ll never run out of things to do. And yes, that even includes those strange individuals that somehow have the time to Platinum every title that they clap their eyes on.

PS4 | 14th Apr [US], 14th Apr [EU]

Highlights

Trials Fusion - PS4 | 16th Apr [US], 16th Apr [EU]

To coin a phrase from one especially excellent animated GIF image: it’s happening. RedLynx’s head scratchingly addictive motorcycle series may be making its debut on PlayStation this week, but we doubt that Trials Fusion needs any introduction. Just in case: this is the franchise where you keep restarting levels until you scream.

EA Sports 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil - PS3 | 15th Apr [US], 17th Apr [EU]

Imagine a traditional FIFA title without any club competitions, and you’ve pretty much sussed out EA Sports 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Based upon the impending summer tournament, EA Sports has spent the past twelve months trying to predict Roy Hodgson’s final England squad with 99.9 per cent accuracy. Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw? All will be revealed.

The Sly Trilogy - Vita | 16th Apr [EU]

Sly Cooper games always arrive late in Europe, so consider it a blessing that you’ll be getting your thieving fingertips on this Vita compilation a month or so earlier than your North American counterparts. Including the first three entries in Sucker Punch’s seminal series, this tidy collection should give you an excuse to hone your heist skills yet again.

Everything Else

Backgammon Blitz
PS4, PS3, Vita | 15th Apr [US]

Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars
Vita | 15th Apr [US]

Dead Nation
Vita | 15th Apr [US], 16th Apr [EU]

Ethan Meteor Hunter
Vita | 15th Apr [US], 16th Apr [EU]

No Heroes Allowed: No Puzzles Either!
Vita | 15th Apr [US]

Pure Chess
PS4 | 15th Apr [US], 16th Apr [EU]

Short Peace: Ranko Tsukigime’s Longest Day
PS3 | 18th Apr [EU]

That Trivia Game
PS4 | 15th Apr [US]

There’s a lot on offer this week, but what is it that’s going to tickle your wallet into submission? Splash your cash in the comments section below.