Summer games on the horizon

Published 8:01 am Sunday, May 24, 2015

The summer is not always kind to the gaming industry. July and August typically mark a dry period for new games released to the market, but this June is going to be packed with interesting games that will keep your interest over the season. Here’s some of the biggest games to be released next month:

 “Splatoon”

May 29. Rated E-10+, Wii U

This colorful shooter from Nintendo brings a fun variant to a popular genre. There’s no murdering here — players must shoot ink to cover opponents and the environment in nifty colors using a variety of ink guns and weapons.

 “Heroes of the Storm”

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June 2. Rated T, PC

Blizzard’s answer to popular arena strategy games like “League of Legends” and “Defense of the Ancients” blends characters from the “Diablo,” “Starcraft” and “World of Warcraft” universes. Expect a lot of people to play this game this summer.

 “LEGO: Jurassic World”

June 12. Rated E-10+, Vita, 3DS, Wii U, PS3, PS4, 360, XB1

It’s a LEGO game. It has dinosaurs. There’s no reason to believe “LEGO: Jurassic World” will be anything other than a fun time for kids and people excited to play through the latest entry in the “Jurassic Park” movie franchise.

 “Batman: Arkham Knight”

June 23. Rated M, PC, XB1, PS4

This anticipated entry in Warner Bros.’ popular “Batman” game series features the Dark Knight in a struggle against Scarecrow, with a mysterious figure named the Arkham Knight lurking in the background. The biggest improvement to the action series? Players get to drive the Batmobile for the first time, which means a big change in the way Batman interacts with his environment.

 “Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward”

June 23. Rated T, PS4, Mac

Perhaps one of the biggest massive multiplayer online role-playing games on a console, “Final Fantasy XIV” is getting a big expansion which will include a new race, more playable areas and tons of new content.