November 14: wallet threat level purple

I’m sure Super Mario 3D Land on the Nintendo 3DS will be great for lots of folks. It just feels awfully generic to me. I blame my inability to appreciate whatever charm Mario is supposed to have, even when he dresses up as a raccoon. This week’s Rayman: Origins is more my speed. You know, weird, arty, French.

Speaking of French, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations is out. And speaking of retreads, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary will let you enjoy the original Halo in HD. If you like racing games where you drive down long thin roads to try to pass cars that began the race in front of you, Electronic Arts offers Need for Speed: The Run. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is as inscrutable as ever.

But the dire threat to your wallet is Saints Row The Third, reviewed here, if you want scientific proof that you should buy it.