A personal taste for fall releases

Last week, I shared some of the biggest games to look out for this fall. Yet there’s often gems within the huge fall release schedule, and I definitely have my eye on more than a few titles. Though I won’t be able to play them all — who could on a reporter’s salary? — I bet there’s plenty of people looking for an interesting gaming experience. Here’s a few upcoming titles that I’m personally excited about.

 “NBA 2K16: Michael Jordan Special Edition”

Sept. 25. Rated E-10+, 360, PS4

When I was 3 or 4 years old, I once went up to a random black man at a mall, tugged on his pants and asked if he was Michael Jordan. He laughed and told my mortified mother it was good I had a black role model. I expect the latest “NBA 2K” game to have a similar feeling: It likely won’t be as good as you want it to be, but the premier basketball simulator will have a lot to look up to, and you get to play as Michael Jordan.

 “Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance”

Oct. 6. Rated T, PS4

Don’t let this ridiculous-looking game fool you. “Disgaea” is one of the deepest RPG experiences on the market due to its tactical role-playing and absurd levelling curve. Get ready to battle against cute-looking comedic demons in a battle to protect your home from an incoming evil conqueror, all the while becoming massively, absurdly powerful.

 “Dragon Quest Heroes The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below”

Oct. 13. Rated T, PS4

The “Dragon Quest” series gets a “Dynasty Warriors”-style makeover courtesy of Koei Tecmo. This partnership means you can hack and slash in the “Dragon Quest” universe to your heart’s content. It also means hours of mindless fun, which can be a good gaming experience.

 “Tales of Zestiria”

Oct. 20. Rated T, PS3, PS4

The latest “Tales” game looks to be the next step in the classic Japanese series. Featuring a smoother form of action-based combat and a more open-world design, “Tales of Zestiria” has received high marks in Japan despite a bit of a bait-and-switch when it comes to the characters.

 “Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition”

Oct. 27. Rated T: XB1, PS4

If you like adventure RPG games like “Diablo III,” you’ll love “Divinity: Original Sin.” Featuring customizable playable characters and a thrilling story, the game has earned many accolades since it was first released on PC last year.

 “Xenoblade Chronicles X”

Dec. 4. Rated T: Wii U

The sequel to a beloved Japanese RPG will make its way stateside this December. “Xenoblad Chronicles X” follows the similar pattern of “Xenoblade Chronicles” when it comes to gameplay. There’s giant robots, hundreds of hours’ worth of content and a lot of classic-looking RPG madness.

SportsPlus

Mower County

100 years of serving: VFW Post 1216 to hold century celebration next weekend

Mower County

Assessment to gauge future approaches to health

Mower County

Statewide pheasant numbers similar to 2023

Mower County

Political campaign, advertisement signs not permitted on public highway rights of way

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Aug. 19-Sept. 2

Business

Tidal Wave Auto Spa partners with Autism Friendly Austin for annual Charity Day event

Agriculture

3rd graders to experience local farming at annual Day on the Farm event

Albert Lea

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Albert Lea to close next week

Mower County

Ikes hog roast fundraiser Wednesday

Mower County

Cedar Arts Fest features 17 artists, authors

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: St. Marks hosting variety show

News

Bringing back ‘bio supermarkets’: Program helps landowners restore vanished wetlands

News

Let the hues begin: Fall foliage colors coming to Minnesota in 3, 2, 1 …

News

Human remains believed to be hundreds of years old found on shores of Minnesota lake

News

A rare 1787 copy of the US Constitution is up for auction and it could be worth millions

News

Trump suggests tariffs can help solve rising child care costs in a major economic speech

News

Teen charged in Georgia school shooting and his father to stay in custody after hearings

News

Sluggish US jobs report clears the way for Federal Reserve to cut interest rates

News

Abortion rights questions are on ballots in 9 states. Will they tilt elections?

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Man gets prison time for weapons, drugs charges

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man sentenced to five years for role in Albert Lea armed robbery

Business

Austin Utilities earns award for operational excellence