Picking A Winner: Release Date Battles

We just saw it this week - a clash of two highly-anticipated and powerful games: Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. This isn't the first time two high-profile titles have gone head-to-head and I thought it would be fun to look at some games that were pitted up against each other on the same release date. Furthermore, with my sound reasoning (or blatant personal opinion), I'm going to pick who emerged victorious. 

Darksiders II Vs. Sleeping Dogs

Release Date: August 14th

Oh boy, take a long-awaited sequel and a game that was originally cancelled and then brought back to life again, and you have a worthy battle. Do you want to be Death or an undercover police officer posing as a gang member in Hong Kong? Both offer appetizing possibilities.

My pick: As much as I love our little Sleeping Dogs underdog and appreciate Square Enix bringing it back to life, I can't deny that Darksiders II set the bar higher. I mean, who thinks they can really compete with Death, anyway? 

Max Payne 3 Vs. Diablo III

Release Date: May 15th

Rockstar picked an interesting release date for Max Payne 3. After all, it was  nearing a decade since we saw our favorite tormented cop, so to pit him up against the highly-addictive and anticipated Diablo III seemed to show a lot of confidence in Max Payne's ability to still keep us on our feet. 

My pick: Max Payne was a fun ride, but his journey definitely didn't top Diablo III. Looking at Max Payne 3's sales tells you that much. 

L.A. Noire Vs. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Release Date: May 17, 2011

L.A. Noire and The Witcher 2 are quite the duo, both games take significant strides by placing you in the shoes of a protagonist walking the fine line of morality. In L.A. Noire, you achieve this by playing detective who's running from past war decisions; in The Witcher 2, you're fleeing from the accusation that you've assassinated a king.  No matter which you play, the world in front of you is anything but pleasant.

My pick: You know, while L.A. Noire had plenty of hype during its release, I haven't heard many people continue to talk about it. The Witcher 2 left a deeper mark, as we're still talking about how that game redefined choice in video games. Geralt wins this round.

Saints Row 3 Vs. Assassin's Creed: Revelations 

Release Date: November 15, 2011 

Who doesn't want to pack some purple, head down to Steeport, and really embrace the role of being a Saint? Well, maybe, you'd second guess if you were invested in the cliffhanger at the end of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Yes, Assassin's Creed: Revelations was just begging players to hop back in history as Ezio to uncover that infamous ending "revelation." 

My pick: I'm not factoring sales into this one. As a big Assassin's Creed fan, Revelations was disappointing (I might have been super invested in Lucy; therefore, I'm unhappy they didn't address much about her until they released DLC).  Saint's Row 3 was a crazy, unpredictable ride that never took itself seriously. I needed to be roaming the streets in my pink-mobile like I just didn't care. 

Red Dead Redemption Vs. Alan Wake

Release Date: May 18, 2010

The Wild, Wild, West up against some chilling writer's block is a battle you don't see everyday. Where Red Dead Redemption has the unpredictability of the era with random robberies, Alan Wake made furniture come to life and the light your only saving grace

My pick. I want to preface this by saying, I adore both games, but I can't deny that Red Dead Redemption wins out for its world. I could lost for hours exploring and helping out commoners as bandits threatened their life. As far, as the John Marston vs. Alan Wake debate, I'd prefer to hang out with Marston, Wake takes himself a bit too seriously. 

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Vs. Brütal Legend

Release Date: October 13, 2009

What a choice: Nathan Drake or Eddie Riggs.  The beefy metalhead or the slim, suave treasure hunter? Uncharted 2 is a follow-up that many couldn't wait to get their hands on after the series' first game quickly reached legendary status. Brütal Legend, on the other hand, was a completely new IP with Jack Black voice acting and Tim Schafer's trademark humor.

My pick: Should I be superficial and say Nathan Drake is dreamy? Truthfully, Uncharted 2 ended up being the superior game and still stands as my favorite in the series.  Despite Brütal Legend’s comedic streak, the strategy-based gameplay just didn’t work as well as Drake’s combat.  There’s no contest, although, I do wish Eddie the best in his future endeavors.

Of course, many other titles have gone up against a tough opponent. What were some of your toughest buying decisions? Who are your winners from the list above?