shipwreck
04-02-2008, 01:55 AM
CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of April 2nd, 2008. This week's games are in limited supply. And I don't just mean in the "what am I going to do with this plastic girl figurine" kind of way.
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Wii
WWII Aces Dev. Arcade Moon Pub. Destineer Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) WWII Aces, which I can only imagine is supposed to be pronounced "WaWii Aces", is a flight combat game that is not even as good as that pun. And that's a freakin' terrible pun. Not in the it's "so bad it's good" sort of way either, it's just terrible. If you don't believe me, invite a friend over to play some of the split-screen co-op and you can hear it straight from his/her mouth. Ill-fated Wii controls, poor graphics, boring and repetitive missions - this one is going down in a blaze of glory. And not in the "so bad it's good" Bon Jovi way either. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWII Aces.
:wii: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Destineer-WWII-Aces/dp/B000SH3XH2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1205335786&sr=1-14) $39.99 (Free shipping)
DS
Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion Dev. Next Wave Team Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $14.99
No, no, no, they've got it all wrong. The clever "DS" part of the title is supposed to go after the colon. If they can't get that right how do we have any hope of stopping this Q-Virus? How about by matching up similarly colored blocks to decode the DNA of the virus? Unnecessary naming conventions be damned, that's just crazy enough to work. So by utilizing both screens you must form chains of a specified length by rotating the columns of blocks right or left and then swapping them vertically. Once the chain is formed you simply tap a button with the stylus and those blocks disappear and the remaining ones are there to rack your brain some more. The thing is, the blocks are actually one continuous loop that cycles around from the bottom screen and then up to the top screen. It's really difficult to explain so think of it as Super Collapse mixed with Astropop and then twisted back upon itself until your brain implodes. As of writing this preview, I'm happy to report that I've been able to beat one out of the thirty levels so far. Not to fear though, there's a create-a-puzzle mode so I could always boost my ego by setting up puzzles that I could actually solve. If you think you're up to the cranial challenge though (and can't get enough decoding DNA during your day job), Double Sequence is smartly priced at $15. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Double-Sequence-The-Q-Virus-Invasion/dp/B0012PN856/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702213&sr=1-8) $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
George of the Jungle Dev. Ignition Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) You may have noticed a new Canadian-based George of the Jungle Cartoon on Cartoon Network while you were fruitlessly searching for Futurama (it's now on Comedy Central – DUH!). If you showed your annoyance by proclaiming, "There’s nothing good on TV!" and shut it off, this game might not be for you. If you thought, "Wow, this is interesting. Boy do I hope they release a multi-system action/platformer based on this cartoon!" then these games are for you. The screenshots for this game don't look bad; the animation style is pretty well done. However, there's not much information out about the gameplay other than all three games are single-player and carry an ESRB warning that they contain comic mischief. Buyers beware. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for George of the Jungle.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Crave-Entertainment-George-The-Jungle/dp/B0012XOW08/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702213&sr=1-9) $29.99 (Free shipping)
Rafa Nadal Tennis Dev. Warner Home Video Games Pub. Codemasters Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Ever dreamed of being the second best tennis player in the world? Well now's your chance, and without that pesky Roger Federer in your way (or any other professional tennis players), maybe Nadal can finally ascend to the top of the rankings. Or maybe this is just another example of a GameStop exclusive that got universally panned by reviewers when it released in Europe two years ago. This game features a stylus based control scheme that has you not only suggesting where Rafael (or your create-a-character) should move, but also how and where they should hit the ball. If you're thinking, well I bet that doesn't work well, you'd probably get along fabulously with the guy on the dev team that convinced them to also include a traditional d-pad and buttons configuration. That is, until you found out that method of control is only moderately better. Then you'd probably have nothing to really say to him besides something awkward like, "So, couldn't get Roger Federer, huh?". - ship
Best Deal:
There are no deals for Rafa Nadal Tennis as it is a EB/GameStop exclusive.
:ds: Purchase At EB Games (http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=180771) $29.99 (EB/GameStop Exclusive)
Toy Shop Dev. GAMEINVEST/SEED Studios Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
At first read, the plot of this DS title seems to be a Harvest Moon rip-off, only with a toy shop instead of a farm. The two main characters have just lost their grandfather, inherited his toy shop, and have three years to make it profitable and to convince the town to accept you as the shop's owners. At second read, it seems exactly like a Harvest Moon rip-off. Only instead of harvesting and watering and foraging, the gameplay revolves around marketing and building and pricing. It's an economic simulation for kids who couldn't care less about how much a toy costs. The hardest part about this title is figuring out who it's target audience is. Gamers who love simulation games might find this one a bit too simple and childish. But it's charm and simplicity might create a whole new generation of economic simulation lovers. It's a sim-light, that's for sure. At least Majesco got their economics right in only charging $20 for this one. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Toy Shop.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Majesco-01528-Toy-Shop/dp/B0013B5NCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702414&sr=1-1) $18.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Xbox 360
Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition Dev. Infinity Ward Pub. Activision Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Most gamers won't need me to explain this well-known WWII first-person-shooter franchise. Except, of course, it's no longer set in WWII. The newest edition is set in modern times, location unnamed. The other thing that most gamers will remember from playing the COD4 beta is that your soldier becomes more skilled as you play. As your player levels up, new weapons, skills, and abilities become available. The levels cap at 65 (in the final game, this is rumor - the beta only went up to 55), and then the gamer has the choice of staying at 55 or restarting at level one in prestige mode with a bonus icon. All in all, this game is one that's been talked about for months, so you don't need a preview to recommend you buy it - most of you probably already have. - mrs. ship
The Game of the Year Edition includes the four new maps that will be released on Xbox Live this week, so if you haven't picked this game up yet be sure to grab this version to save yourself $10. PlayStation 3 owners will have to wait another 3 weeks before they even get a chance to call in air strikes on exotic new locales. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free Call of Duty 2 with the purchase of Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition.
:360: Purchase At EB Games (http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=200467) $59.99
:360: Purchase At Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Call-of-Duty-4-Modern-Warfare-Game-of-the-Year-Edition-Xbox-360-047875833999/sem/rpsm/oid/207888/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do?linkid=j13774608k31063&affiliateid=k31063&mid=) $59.99 (Free Call of Duty 2 with purchase)
PS2
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis Dev. Gust Pub. NIS America Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Now that I've ventured into the Final Fantasy Series, Ship seems to think I should do all the RPG previewing. This RPG is the spiritual sequel to Atelier Iris, but it's Harry Potter-esque game play makes it stand out. The main character, Vayne, is a young alchemist who is training at the Al-Revis Academy. Although it's an RPG, it has a simulation-style gameplay due to it's focus on campus interaction. As you play, you'll enroll for classes that teach different aspects of alchemy, complete homework assignments, and even earn grades. There's still a big focus on synthesis, although less than was found in Atelier Iris. Instead of just mixing and matching the items that Vayne possesses, you must first find recipes for synthesis. There are areas to explore outside of the school, but just like in real life, these field trips must be chaperoned. The fighting is turn-based, the music is Japanese-pop, the graphics are good, and the gameplay is intriguing. And if you needed an extra reason to buy this title, Vayne's mana takes the form of his cat, Sulpher, who follows him where ever he goes. It sounds like it's worth the $40 to me. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry's is offering Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis for $35.
:ps2: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Mana-Khemia-Alchemist-of-Al-Revis/dp/B0014FIWCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206701636&sr=1-2) $39.99 (Free shipping)
:ps2: Purchase At Family Video (http://www.familyvideo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=285995) $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
:ps2: Purchase At Fry's (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177562) $34.99
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Cruis'n USA Systems: Wii (N64) MSRP: $10
I remember that this was the closest we could get to the great arcade game when this came out for the Nintendo 64. I also remember being greatly dissapointed that this was the closest we could get, but what else could you do if you wanted to play some Cruis'n? So we slogged through some fun multiplayer matches and acted like we didn't know any better, but I don't think I really need to take a trip down memory lane with this boggy and blurry version of a fast and furious racer. - ship
Wonder Boy Systems: Wii (Master System) MSRP: $5
When developer Escape created Wonder Boy, they retained all the rights to the game except the name, the main character, and the bosses: those key elements went to Sega. No problem! They then teamed up with Hudson Soft and gave the little character a hat (I mean, all Clark Kent had was glasses and no one could tell he was Superman!). So, Wonder Boy doesn't just look like Adventure Island, the game IS Adventure Island. I mean, technically Adventure Island IS Wonder Boy, only one is a Master System game and one is a Nintendo title. If you already spent virtual dollars on Adventure Island, there's really no huge reason to buy Wonder Boy. Unless you just really hated Master Higgins' hat. - mrs. ship
Mr. Driller Online Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
The son of Dig Dug's hero has donned his very own pink and baby blue jumpsuit and is ready for some cute, puzzling action on Xbox Live Arcade this week. See how deep you can drill through brightly colored blocks while avoiding being squashed by said blocks or running out of air supply. And nobody should run all out of love, so don't let him be lost without you. This version of the enjoyably frantic puzzler also adds four-player online play so there can be two three less lonely people in the world. And that's how you make previews out of nothing at all. - ship
Feedback:
Did we miss a good sale on a game? Did we miss previewing a game completely? Well, the only way that everyone can know a better deal is out there is to let us know about it. Post deals you've found or games that we missed in the thread so that CAGs can make sure they are getting the absolute best prices on new releases.
You can now subscribe to Foreplay on iTunes by clicking this link: CAG Foreplay on iTunes (https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/subscribePodcast?id=257211801)
You can also contact us with any questions or comments at shipwrecks@cheapassgamer.com or foreplay@cheapassgamer.com.
Special thanks to www.GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for just $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
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Wii
WWII Aces Dev. Arcade Moon Pub. Destineer Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) WWII Aces, which I can only imagine is supposed to be pronounced "WaWii Aces", is a flight combat game that is not even as good as that pun. And that's a freakin' terrible pun. Not in the it's "so bad it's good" sort of way either, it's just terrible. If you don't believe me, invite a friend over to play some of the split-screen co-op and you can hear it straight from his/her mouth. Ill-fated Wii controls, poor graphics, boring and repetitive missions - this one is going down in a blaze of glory. And not in the "so bad it's good" Bon Jovi way either. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWII Aces.
:wii: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Destineer-WWII-Aces/dp/B000SH3XH2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1205335786&sr=1-14) $39.99 (Free shipping)
DS
Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion Dev. Next Wave Team Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $14.99
No, no, no, they've got it all wrong. The clever "DS" part of the title is supposed to go after the colon. If they can't get that right how do we have any hope of stopping this Q-Virus? How about by matching up similarly colored blocks to decode the DNA of the virus? Unnecessary naming conventions be damned, that's just crazy enough to work. So by utilizing both screens you must form chains of a specified length by rotating the columns of blocks right or left and then swapping them vertically. Once the chain is formed you simply tap a button with the stylus and those blocks disappear and the remaining ones are there to rack your brain some more. The thing is, the blocks are actually one continuous loop that cycles around from the bottom screen and then up to the top screen. It's really difficult to explain so think of it as Super Collapse mixed with Astropop and then twisted back upon itself until your brain implodes. As of writing this preview, I'm happy to report that I've been able to beat one out of the thirty levels so far. Not to fear though, there's a create-a-puzzle mode so I could always boost my ego by setting up puzzles that I could actually solve. If you think you're up to the cranial challenge though (and can't get enough decoding DNA during your day job), Double Sequence is smartly priced at $15. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Double-Sequence-The-Q-Virus-Invasion/dp/B0012PN856/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702213&sr=1-8) $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
George of the Jungle Dev. Ignition Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) You may have noticed a new Canadian-based George of the Jungle Cartoon on Cartoon Network while you were fruitlessly searching for Futurama (it's now on Comedy Central – DUH!). If you showed your annoyance by proclaiming, "There’s nothing good on TV!" and shut it off, this game might not be for you. If you thought, "Wow, this is interesting. Boy do I hope they release a multi-system action/platformer based on this cartoon!" then these games are for you. The screenshots for this game don't look bad; the animation style is pretty well done. However, there's not much information out about the gameplay other than all three games are single-player and carry an ESRB warning that they contain comic mischief. Buyers beware. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for George of the Jungle.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Crave-Entertainment-George-The-Jungle/dp/B0012XOW08/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702213&sr=1-9) $29.99 (Free shipping)
Rafa Nadal Tennis Dev. Warner Home Video Games Pub. Codemasters Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Ever dreamed of being the second best tennis player in the world? Well now's your chance, and without that pesky Roger Federer in your way (or any other professional tennis players), maybe Nadal can finally ascend to the top of the rankings. Or maybe this is just another example of a GameStop exclusive that got universally panned by reviewers when it released in Europe two years ago. This game features a stylus based control scheme that has you not only suggesting where Rafael (or your create-a-character) should move, but also how and where they should hit the ball. If you're thinking, well I bet that doesn't work well, you'd probably get along fabulously with the guy on the dev team that convinced them to also include a traditional d-pad and buttons configuration. That is, until you found out that method of control is only moderately better. Then you'd probably have nothing to really say to him besides something awkward like, "So, couldn't get Roger Federer, huh?". - ship
Best Deal:
There are no deals for Rafa Nadal Tennis as it is a EB/GameStop exclusive.
:ds: Purchase At EB Games (http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=180771) $29.99 (EB/GameStop Exclusive)
Toy Shop Dev. GAMEINVEST/SEED Studios Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
At first read, the plot of this DS title seems to be a Harvest Moon rip-off, only with a toy shop instead of a farm. The two main characters have just lost their grandfather, inherited his toy shop, and have three years to make it profitable and to convince the town to accept you as the shop's owners. At second read, it seems exactly like a Harvest Moon rip-off. Only instead of harvesting and watering and foraging, the gameplay revolves around marketing and building and pricing. It's an economic simulation for kids who couldn't care less about how much a toy costs. The hardest part about this title is figuring out who it's target audience is. Gamers who love simulation games might find this one a bit too simple and childish. But it's charm and simplicity might create a whole new generation of economic simulation lovers. It's a sim-light, that's for sure. At least Majesco got their economics right in only charging $20 for this one. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Toy Shop.
:ds: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Majesco-01528-Toy-Shop/dp/B0013B5NCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206702414&sr=1-1) $18.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Xbox 360
Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition Dev. Infinity Ward Pub. Activision Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Most gamers won't need me to explain this well-known WWII first-person-shooter franchise. Except, of course, it's no longer set in WWII. The newest edition is set in modern times, location unnamed. The other thing that most gamers will remember from playing the COD4 beta is that your soldier becomes more skilled as you play. As your player levels up, new weapons, skills, and abilities become available. The levels cap at 65 (in the final game, this is rumor - the beta only went up to 55), and then the gamer has the choice of staying at 55 or restarting at level one in prestige mode with a bonus icon. All in all, this game is one that's been talked about for months, so you don't need a preview to recommend you buy it - most of you probably already have. - mrs. ship
The Game of the Year Edition includes the four new maps that will be released on Xbox Live this week, so if you haven't picked this game up yet be sure to grab this version to save yourself $10. PlayStation 3 owners will have to wait another 3 weeks before they even get a chance to call in air strikes on exotic new locales. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free Call of Duty 2 with the purchase of Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition.
:360: Purchase At EB Games (http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=200467) $59.99
:360: Purchase At Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Call-of-Duty-4-Modern-Warfare-Game-of-the-Year-Edition-Xbox-360-047875833999/sem/rpsm/oid/207888/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do?linkid=j13774608k31063&affiliateid=k31063&mid=) $59.99 (Free Call of Duty 2 with purchase)
PS2
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis Dev. Gust Pub. NIS America Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Now that I've ventured into the Final Fantasy Series, Ship seems to think I should do all the RPG previewing. This RPG is the spiritual sequel to Atelier Iris, but it's Harry Potter-esque game play makes it stand out. The main character, Vayne, is a young alchemist who is training at the Al-Revis Academy. Although it's an RPG, it has a simulation-style gameplay due to it's focus on campus interaction. As you play, you'll enroll for classes that teach different aspects of alchemy, complete homework assignments, and even earn grades. There's still a big focus on synthesis, although less than was found in Atelier Iris. Instead of just mixing and matching the items that Vayne possesses, you must first find recipes for synthesis. There are areas to explore outside of the school, but just like in real life, these field trips must be chaperoned. The fighting is turn-based, the music is Japanese-pop, the graphics are good, and the gameplay is intriguing. And if you needed an extra reason to buy this title, Vayne's mana takes the form of his cat, Sulpher, who follows him where ever he goes. It sounds like it's worth the $40 to me. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry's is offering Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis for $35.
:ps2: Purchase At Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Mana-Khemia-Alchemist-of-Al-Revis/dp/B0014FIWCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1206701636&sr=1-2) $39.99 (Free shipping)
:ps2: Purchase At Family Video (http://www.familyvideo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=285995) $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
:ps2: Purchase At Fry's (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177562) $34.99
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Cruis'n USA Systems: Wii (N64) MSRP: $10
I remember that this was the closest we could get to the great arcade game when this came out for the Nintendo 64. I also remember being greatly dissapointed that this was the closest we could get, but what else could you do if you wanted to play some Cruis'n? So we slogged through some fun multiplayer matches and acted like we didn't know any better, but I don't think I really need to take a trip down memory lane with this boggy and blurry version of a fast and furious racer. - ship
Wonder Boy Systems: Wii (Master System) MSRP: $5
When developer Escape created Wonder Boy, they retained all the rights to the game except the name, the main character, and the bosses: those key elements went to Sega. No problem! They then teamed up with Hudson Soft and gave the little character a hat (I mean, all Clark Kent had was glasses and no one could tell he was Superman!). So, Wonder Boy doesn't just look like Adventure Island, the game IS Adventure Island. I mean, technically Adventure Island IS Wonder Boy, only one is a Master System game and one is a Nintendo title. If you already spent virtual dollars on Adventure Island, there's really no huge reason to buy Wonder Boy. Unless you just really hated Master Higgins' hat. - mrs. ship
Mr. Driller Online Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
The son of Dig Dug's hero has donned his very own pink and baby blue jumpsuit and is ready for some cute, puzzling action on Xbox Live Arcade this week. See how deep you can drill through brightly colored blocks while avoiding being squashed by said blocks or running out of air supply. And nobody should run all out of love, so don't let him be lost without you. This version of the enjoyably frantic puzzler also adds four-player online play so there can be two three less lonely people in the world. And that's how you make previews out of nothing at all. - ship
Feedback:
Did we miss a good sale on a game? Did we miss previewing a game completely? Well, the only way that everyone can know a better deal is out there is to let us know about it. Post deals you've found or games that we missed in the thread so that CAGs can make sure they are getting the absolute best prices on new releases.