Portal 2’ and ‘Mortal Kombat’ top new video game releases

By Omar L. Gallaga

New video game releases this week:

“Portal 2.” — “This was a triumph. I’m making a note here: huge success.” The first lyrics to Jonathan Coulton’s closing credits song for Valve’s brilliant 2007 game “Portal” (voiced by the robot GLaDOS) still give gamers chills. The game was a clever, perfectly executed series of physics puzzles combined with humorously dark writing. In the much-anticipated sequel, Aperture Science’s GLaDOS is back and she’s brought co-op multiplayer modes, bigger test labs and new characters. In a unique bonus, the PlayStation 3 edition includes free codes to download the PC and Mac versions and the game can be played online cooperatively within those versions. Rated E-10+ for Everyone 10 and Older. $50-$60, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC/Mac (sold together).

“Mortal Kombat.” — There may have been one (or three) too many “Mortal Kombat” games over the years, but the original developers of the long-running series are hoping this reboot, with an emphasis on bone-crunching 2-D fighting, more realistically violent blood and gore, and deeper storylines. Will it be enough to win back old-school “Kombat” fans? Rated M for Mature. $60-$100 for Standard and Collector’s Editions, for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Also out this week: “SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy Seals” (PS3), “Gem Quest: 4 Elements” (Nintendo DS), “Prince of Persia Trilogy HD” (PS3), “Remington Super Slam Hunting: Alaska” (Nintendo Wii, PC), “Conduit 2” (Wii), “Hidden Mysteries: Notre Dame” (PC), “Picture Puzzle Collection” (DS), “Triple Pack: LIMBO, Trials HD and ‘Splosion Man” (Xbox 360), “Super Sonic Racer” (Wii), “Seek & Find Adventures 2” (PC), “Chronicles of Mystery: The Legend of the Sacred Treasure” (PC), “Hyper Fighting” (Wii), “Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection” (Sony PSP), “Majesty 2 Collection” (PC), “Section 8: Prejudice” (downloadable for Xbox 360), “Mad Blocker Alpha: Revenge of the Fluzzles” (downloadable for PSP and PS3), “Arcana Heart 3” (downloadable for PS3), “Red Johnson’s Chronicles” (downloadable for PS3), “Puzzle Agent” (downloadable for PS3).

Sources: click here - www.austin360.com