It is a huge weekend for video gaming, with several major releases.  Which are worth your time and money?

WWE ’13 – The WWE brings back the Attitude Era in a big way with their latest release along with nearly limitless customization.  This one comes down to a question of whether or not you’re a fan of the WWE.  There’s really nothing new under the sun with this one.  Buy it only if you simply cannot live without the opportunity to play as Dude Love.

LEGO Lord of the Rings – It is my precious!  Travelers’ Tales brilliant LEGO series continues with the adaption of Lord of the Rings.  Purists may balk at the inclusion of voice acting in a LEGO game.  However, all of the building, breaking and obsessive-compulsive collecting we love has been adapted to another epic storyline.  Spend your weekend in Middle Brick-Earth.

Assassin’s Creed III – The ever-popular Assassin’s Creed franchise takes on the era of the American Revolution, inspiring a new generation of history majors (hopefully better looking than the current crop).  Is there a side mission to prevent Aaron Burr from shooting Alexander Hamilton?  Can you use kite-directed lightning bolts against your enemies?  If not, it was a missed opportunity.  The chance to play in different times and places is what open-world gaming is all about, and that is the real excellence in the Assassin’s Creed games.

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask – 3DS only – Professor Layton is back, in thrilling 3D.  Actually, I’m not sure that a 19^th century gaslights-and-spats, Sherlock Holmes-type of character really needs a 3D upgrade. But, Layton fans and puzzle lovers made this title the bestselling 3DS launch title in Japan, and Nintendo is pushing for another big North American success.  A year’s worth of downloadable puzzles has been promised, so this is definitely the biggest value-for-money of all of the Layton games.