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Incoming! The most exciting 3DS and PS Vita games for October 2014

Smashing

Incoming! The most exciting 3DS and PS Vita games for October 2014
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While Japan's getting gems like Monster Hunter 4G and Chaos Rings III this month, we're stuck with... oh, some treats for once!

Yes, it's another fairly even month in the battle of the handhelds. The 3DS hosts the one title we've all been waiting for, but the PS Vita still holds its own with its familiar mix of the Japanese uncanny and a couple of welcome ports.

Most importantly, it's my birthday this month so I'm going to buy as many of these as I can before RBS starts calling me up again. I mean, what are overdrafts for, right?


PlayStation Vita

Natural Doctrine
By Kadokawa Shoten - out October 3rd in Europe

If you like your games tough, this'll be your choice of the month. Dubbed as "XCOM meets Dark Souls", expect a hard as nails SRPG that's bound for a divisive reception at best.

Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed
By Acquire - out October 10th in Europe

Even more weird than Akihabara itself, and that's saying something. If you aren't into your Japanese oddities best stay away.

Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus
By Marvelous AQL - out October 14th in US

A brawler that comes across as another dodgy Japanese oddity. Expect, shall we say, the physics of Dead or Alive, and some rather perverse camera angles.

The Walking Dead: Season Two
By Telltale - out October 21st in US

A continuation of the moody, thought-provoking, and very well-received initial season. As good as the comic, infinitely better than that excuse for a TV show. Play the rest first, mind!

The Wolf Among Us: Season One
By Telltale - out October 21st in US

Telltale's other comic-inspired adventure game, this time set before the Fables series. Join Bigby Wolf (geddit?) and a cast of characters from the literary world of folk tales, fairy tales, and fables.

Freedom Wars
By SCE Japan Studio - out October 28th in US, 29th in Europe

A nifty looking first-party third-person action RPG with up to 8-player competitive and cooperative modes. Oh, and single-player. Think Monster Hunter with giant robo-monsters, set in futuristic cities based on Japanese prefectures.


Nintendo 3DS

Super Smash Bros.
By Sora Ltd. / Bandai Namco Games - out October 3rd in US and Europe

Almost forgot about this one. Might be worth picking up, they say. Mark only gave it a blummin' Gold Award in his review, stating "Super Smash Bros is as fast, frenetic, and wonderfully satisfying on handheld. And this pint size version has more of everything - including fighters, trophies, and modes". Bought.

Skylanders Trap Team
By Toys for Bob - out October 5th in US, 10th in Europe

Thank goodness this isn't Super Pokémon Rumble 2 or I'd have to buy absolutely all the figures. If you've missed out on this before, be warned, you and/or your kids will spend tons of money and time collecting and battling with these NFC figure-based characters.

Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle
By Bandai Namco Games - out October 7th in US

This is an action platformer where you beat up robots with your very own customisable robot. Seemed simple, but a fair bash when I played it just before TGS. If you like robots, or the animation it's based on, you're probably sorted for this month.

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
By WayForward - out October 23rd in Europe

The long-delayed third entry in the Shantae series is finally hitting the eShop this month. The demo on the EGX show floor was as crisp as it was cracking, so it should live up to the platforming prowess of the previous two.

Fantasy Life
By Brownie Brown / Level-5 - out October 24th in US

America's running a little late to the party with this downright delectable RPG. Shortly before pinning a Silver Award on it, I declared "Fantasy Life won't strike a critical hit with everyone, but if it works for you, it'll be unputdownable".

Pokémon Art Academy
By Headstrong Games - out October 24th in US

Another late arrival. In his review for the European release, the lovely Mr Pete said "Pokémon Art Academy won't make up for you being inherently bad at art, but if you're interested in Pokémon, and drawing, it's a solid purchase". He even drew the amazing piccy above.

Disney Magical World
By h.a.n.d. Inc. - out October 24th in Europe

Animal Crossing, Disney style. Play dress-up, go fish, do a spot of gardening, and whatever else Disney characters ask of you. This was a rather huge hit in Japan last year, but J-folk are absolute loons for these toons.

Danny Russell
Danny Russell
After spending years in Japan collecting game developers' business cards, Danny has returned to the UK to breed Pokemon. He spends his time championing elusive region-exclusive games while shaking his fist at the whole region-locking thing.