Games out this week: 'The Cave', 'Halo 4: Spartan Ops'

After the chart-topping DmC: Devil May Cry comes a quiet week at retail, leaving it to downloadable platforms to pick up the slack. Monkey Island co-creator Ron Gilbert's next project is out on multiple systems, while Halo 4's episodic co-operative series continues.

Halo 4 Spartan Ops season one continues

Release date: January 21 (worldwide)
Platforms: Xbox 360 (DLC)

The multiplayer event will resume on January 21, concluding the first season with five entries. Spartan Ops is a co-operative multiplayer mode with a new downloadable episode releasing each week. Episodes for the first Spartan Ops season are free to download for those with an Xbox Live Gold subscription, and contribute to a self-contained storyline.

> Read our review of 'Halo 4'


The Cave

Release date: January 23 (Xbox Live, PSN, Steam)
Platforms: Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, PC, Wii U's eShop (Thursday, January 24)

Ron Gilbert's upcoming platformer-cum-adventure game The Cave sees seven characters from across time and space - including an adventurer, a knight, time-traveller and a scientist - join forces to explore a Cave that magically brings their desires, hopes and dreams to life. Described as a cross between retro classic Dizzy and Gilbert's own Manic Mansion, The Cave is not short on puzzles or humour. Could this be 2013's must-have downloadable release?

> 'The Cave' preview: Ron Gilbert's latest adventure game



What are you buying this week? Add a comment to the space below!