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Upcoming video games: 'Tesla Effect,' 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'

Private investigator Tex Murphy returns to a post-nuclear San Francisco in "Tesla Effect" and Peter Parker prepares to swing his way to a city-saving conclusion in the official tie-in title for "The Amazing Spider-Man 2."

Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure (Linux Mac WinPC)
International via download: April 22

Private eye Tex Murphy returns 16 years after his previous case, the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $598,000 in June 2012. As with older entries, the game uses CGI-enhanced footage of characters and environments. The vast majority of backers will be receiving a copy of the game as a result; the rest of us can find it on the GOG and Steam websites for $17.99 / €17.99.
texmurphy.com


Dark Souls II (WinPC)
International: April 25

A return to the harrowing hallways and deadly dungeons of an action-based adventure series known for making high demands of its players but delivering highly satisfying results to the dedicated conquerors. Already released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in March.
darksoulsii.com


The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (360 3DS PS3 PS4 WiiU WinPC XBO)
North America: April 29
European regions: May 2 (AU: April 30)

Flip, fly and fight your way around New York and its surrounds as Spider-Man, while keeping Peter Parker on track among civilians. Tried and tested tie-in studio Beenox is behind the game, taking cues from the "Batman: Arkham" school of superhero action.
theamazingspidermangame.com


Child of Light (360 PS3 PS4 WiiU WinPC XBO)
International: April 30

Poster child for a more agile approach to game development from Ubisoft, "Child of Light" allies itself with indie sensibilities but boasts a good chunk of the "Far Cry 3" dev team; the platformer puts orphan Aurora on a quest to rescue the Sun, Moon and stars from an evil queen.
childoflight-game.com


Mario Golf: World Tour (3DS)
Japan: May 1
North America and European regions: May 2

It might have taken ten years, but it's never too late for another entry to Mario's golfing series. An approachable, accessible format makes it easy for newcomers to get involved, while club choice, course layout and wind strength add an extra layer of strategy. Online tournaments are part of the multiplayer mode.
mariogolf.nintendo.com