With basketball sim "NBA 2K17" one of the week's biggest releases, and "Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse" catering to devoted role-playing fans, a trio of intriguing adventure games -- or "walking simulators" -- emerge: detective thriller "Virginia" with its hint of unexplainable mystery, and console adaptations of genre milestones "Firewatch" and "Dear Esther."
NBA 2K17
For PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
From September 20
Although it doesn't have any meaningful competition, the "NBA 2K" series keeps acting as if it does, adding deep features and novelties from year to year. This time out, actor Michael B. Jordan features in the career mode, EuroLeague teams are in, and the General Manager and League modes have received special attention. Paul George of the Indiana Pacers is the main cover athlete, a yellow clad Kobe Bryant fronts a Legend Edition.
2k.com/games/nba-2k17
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
For Nintendo 3DS
From September 20 (North America)
Part of a series that crosses a near-future setting with a war between supernatural forces: in this instance of the role-playing franchise, the player is fighting for Tokyo's populace, caught in a confrontation between heaven and hell. Released in Japan to very strong reviews and set for European release before the end of the year.
atlus.com/smt4a
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
For PS4, XBO
From September 20
Marking the first occasion that 2008 genre vanguard "Dear Esther" is available on console, this enhanced edition of the poetic Hebridean walking simulator is not only favorably priced but also features a new developer's commentary and accessibility options. A PC and Mac upgrade is expected over the following months.
dear-esther.com
Firewatch
For Xbox One
From September 21
Well received forest mystery "Firewatch" arrives on Xbox One after a PC and PS4 release in 2015; fire lookout Henry investigates a strange mystery in the woodlands below, allowing the player to explore a stylistically rendered environment as well as the game's unfolding storyline. The XBO edition's extras, such as an innovative developer's commentary, will be added to the PS4 and PC versions in due course.
firewatchgame.com
Virginia
For PS4, XBO, WinPC, Mac OSX
From September 22
A detective thriller in which rookie FBI agent Anne Tarver investigates the strange disappearance of a young boy in small town Virginia. Drawing inspiration from US TV shows, the game's British developers previously worked on games in the "Grand Theft Auto" and "Battlefield" franchises; this orchestrated, painterly project adopts a different tone. A well-timed release, considering recent interest in TV series "Twin Peaks," "The X-Files" and "Stranger Things."
virginia.game
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 "NBA 2K17, NBA 2K17 game, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, Dear Esther: Landmark Edition, Firewatch, Virginiac, PS4 games, Xbox")
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