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

Summerset Theatre is set to open ‘Bright Star’

Austin Living

Austin Living: Opening Doors to Music

Mower County

Soil-health incentive deadlines coming up

News

Bird flu worries prompt changes to popular ‘Miracle of Birth Center’ at Minnesota State Fair

Agriculture

Youth showcase a year of 4-H learning at Mower County Fair

Mower County

Lawhead joines Smith office as press aid

Mower County

In your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Education

Education: Accolades

Columnists

Tim Penny: Open grants support welcoming communities

News

US economic growth increased last quarter to a healthy 2.8% annual rate

News

World War II sergeant whose plane was shot down over Germany honored with reburial

News

Gizmo the dog went missing in Las Vegas in 2015. He’s been found alive after 9 years

Blooming Prairie

Blooming Prairie man pleads guilty to federal charge of child pornography

Mower County

Westbound I-90 overnight detour at Hwy 105 scheduled July 29 in Austin

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Darin Douglas Finley, convicted in the death of Melissa Rack, in jail on probation violation

News

Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics

Business

Hormel named to Forbes List of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

Agriculture

Strip-till farming focus of upcoming event

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Man gets 13 years in prison for criminal sexual conduct with a child

News

Biden delivers solemn call to defend democracy as he lays out his reasons for quitting race

News

In fiery speech to Congress, Netanyahu vows ‘total victory’ in Gaza and denounces U.S. protesters

Education

APS announces new cell phone, device rules for upcoming school year

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Minnesota appeals court upholds – in part – original Heggs conviction