Treasure Hunter– Falling into Autumn with Keyblades, Dragons, Grand Thefts and Seafaring (Part 2 of 2)

The second half of September’s Treasure Hunter returns with the biggest game release of the month– and probably a contender for game of the year. If you following gaming even in the slightest you probably know where I’m going. We also have a much needed shot in the arm for Nintendo, more anime and a niche visual novel for the 3DS. If you missed part one of my column it can be read here.

Grand Theft Auto V | Release: September 17 | Price: Varies | Publisher: Rockstar Games

Rockstar fans have been waiting for a brand new Grand Theft Auto game since Grand Theft Auto IV’s 2008 release. In a strange way it is fitting Grand Theft Auto V is finally on store shelves roughly five years later. So, what is there to say about Rockstar’s newest flagship franchise entry that hasn’t already been mentioned here or on the bigger gaming sites? Not much. GTA V was so highly anticipated it got not one, but two special editions. The Limited Edition comes with a special steelbook (including its own unique artwork) for the game, a blueprint map of Los Santos and Blaine County and lots of exclusive DLC. The GameStop Collector’s Edition includes everything from the LE, a Los Santos baseball cap and a GTA V branded security bag with a key. As of this writing both editions are sold out online and the pre-order window has long closed. If you really want to get your hands on the Limited Edition or Collector’s Edition you’ll have to brave eBay’s inflated prices. The LE retails for $79.99 but is being sold for around $100. The GameStop CE had a retail price of $149.99 but in some cases will cost you over $200. If you are a hardcore Grand Theft Auto fan I certainly hope you pre-ordered well in advance of September 17.

Sword Art Online | Release: September 17 | Price: $89.98 | Publisher: Aniplex of America

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD | Release: September 20 | Price: $299.99 | Publisher: Nintendo

The Wii U is in nearly the same position the 3DS was in two years ago. The system was new, there was brand confusion and not nearly enough games to play. A price drop and a stronger library did wonders for Nintendo’s handheld. The Wii U just recently got a price drop but its lack of constant must-have software is crippling and worse, the system is about to compete with next gen consoles. (To be fair, gamers did just get Pikmin 3 and The Wonderful 101.) Hopefully a bundle like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD can help drum up interest in Nintendo’s first HD console. The bundle ships with a digital copy of The Wind Waker HD, a digital copy of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, a 32GB Wii U system and a Zelda branded gamepad controller. Sure, there’s no physical copy of the game or book but getting both included as free pack-in isn’t a bad deal. (Buying the book and the game separately would cost you $71 alone.) If you’re like me and was too lazy to play The Wind Waker on GameCube or you want to revisit the game in HD this bundle doesn’t seem like a bad way to go.

Hakuoki Memories of Shinsengumi | Release: September 24 | Price: $49.99 | Publisher: Aksys Games

When I first wrote about Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom last February I didn’t think we’d get more games, especially since it was a PSP title. Then exactly a year later we got Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi, also on the PSP. Now, seven months later we have Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi for the 3DS. This Hakuoki game is a remake of the first PSP game to hit North America. Memories of the Shinsengumi adds 3D and six new stories for eager visual novel fans to play through. The Limited Edition is packed with an art book, a decorative folding fan and a traditional Japanese towel. If you’re eager to play through the six extra stories or you never got around to trying Demon of the Fleeting Blossom this 3DS remake could be worth a purchase.