October's console games bring action to pitches and battlefield

By Christoph Lippok Oct 10, 2010, 12:47 GMT

Berlin - Autumn is here. One can tell not just by the turn in the seasons, but by looking at the release list for video game manufacturers, which are longer than at any other point in the year. Fans of all genres will not be disappointed this season.

Konami's football simulation Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is always a bit overshadowed by Electronic Arts' Fifa, especially since Konami hasn't been able to get licensing for all players and teams. For example, the 2011 version only has Germany's Bayern Munchen and Werder Bremen teams - with their original kickers - along with the German national team and a host of international teams.

But Konami hopes to make up for that with its technology, announcing more new features than ever before. One of the most noticeable changes is the Power function, which allows players to precisely boost strength and targeting for every individual pass and shot.

The game's artificial intelligence has also gotten a boost, meaning more realism. The Playstation 3 and XBox 360 versions cost 60 euros (82 dollars) while the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 2 versions are expected to cost about 30 euros.

Moving on to Sid Meier's Pirates, it's important to note that this group of pirates had its premier in the '80s, but 2k Games has now released a remake for Nintendo's Wii. Players are expected to act as pirate captains leading their crews in making the Caribbean unsafe. That means fighting, either man to man or cannon to cannon.

But never fear, there's no shortage of looking for treasure or revelry. Players also have a choice of weapons and ship types. The goal is to build the biggest, toughest armada possible. The game costs about 25 euros.

Rallying isn't the world's most popular sport, but it still has a strong fan base. Anyone who wants to race like the game's heroes should check out WRC - FIA World Rally Championship.

Developers have promised a mix of realistic elements and arcade action, starting off with original drivers upon original tracks. The game also tries to follow the rules of physics. But anyone who wants the game's help can have a quick race for a short burst of fun.

WRC - FIA World Rally Championship is being released for the Playstation 3 and XBox 360 and should cost about 60 euros.

Microsoft is also set to release the next chapter of its successful Fable role-playing game. The third instalment takes place about 50 years after the events in the previous game.

Players have to help prevent the kingdom of Albion from collapsing. According to its manufacturers, Fable III sets itself apart because characters' actions also influence how they relate to other characters in the fantasy world.

Once the battle against corruption and repression is complete, the player becomes leader of the kingdom. But it's a long path to that goal. The standard version of the XBox 360-exclusive game costs about 60 euros.

Medal of Honor's newest version might dip deeper yet into the action. Electronic Arts' war simulation has once again been barred for sale to minors, since its battlefield scenes are too realistic. For the first time, the setting is no longer World War II, but the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.