CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of August 20th, 2008. We're back from vacation and cover the last two week's worth of releases. Well... we go off track a bunch too, but I'm pretty sure we talk about new releases in there somewhere.

Don't forget to enter our contest for Fable II: Pub Games for XBLA.

Special thanks to GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for only $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.



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You can also contact us with any questions or comments at shipwrecks@cheapassgamer.com or foreplay@cheapassgamer.com.


Multi-Platform

Madden NFL 09 (Last Week) Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: Everything... even the original Xbox MSRP: $59.99
Test your Madden IQ with adaptive game difficulties and... well, I really don't think I need (or want) to write much else. If you want an NFL football game, this is the one you can purchase. If you REALLY want to buy a whole lot of NFL football game, you can purchase the 20th Anniversary Edition which comes with NFL Head Coach 09 and Madden '93. And since this preview is coming out a week late... your copy of Madden has probably dropped 75% of its value already. - ship

Best Deal: Well, Toys R Us has that buy one, get one half off deal going if you want the Xbox 360 version.


DS

Bangai-O Spirits (Last Week) Dev. Treasure Pub. D3 Publisher Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Bangai-O Spirits is the sequel to the cult hit multi-directional shooter by Treasure that was released on the ill-fated Dreamcast. Featuring 4-player local co-op, over 160 levels, and a level editor that allows players to share creations online (and simply by playing a sound clip into the DS's mic), this is a title that has legs... huge, hovering mech legs. A must-buy for fans of Gunstar Heroes or the GameBoy Advance Astro Boy game. - ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bangai-O Spirits.

Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)

The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This much-anticipated gaming sequel to the original TV movie "The Cheetah Girls One World" features the tween-stars Aqua, Chanel, and Dorinda. What can only be described as an adventure title, the gameplay involves dancing, pointing, clicking, depressing both the "A" and "B" buttons, as well as some "X" and "Y" action. Of course, the obligatory outfit customization also included. - mrs. ship

Best Deal: Best Buy is offering the new Cheetah Girls album for free with the purchase of The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom.

Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $29.99 (Free Cheetah Girls - One World album - $10 value)

Commando: Steel Disaster Dev. Mana Computer Software Pub. XS Games Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Is it a disaster to steal Metal Slug's art style and gameplay while causing a slight bit of confusion on whether this is a game in the "Commando" franchise? Who knows quite yet, but I'm always interested in a scrolling shooter that comes out at a budget price. Unfortunately, the game is single player only, but in keeping with the homage to Metal Slug, there are plenty of different weapons and vehicles to take out bumbling foot soldiers and screen-filling bosses alike. And in keeping with the homage to DS games, touch-screen mini-games make an appearance as well. - ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Commando: Steel Disaster.

Purchase At Gamestop $19.99

Imagine: Teacher (Last Week) Dev. Gevo Entertainment Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The Imagine series has done relatively well for itself with it's target audience. I like that this title (along with, obviously, the veterinarian title) is that this career choice is one that is actually achievable with some hard work and higher-level education. I mean, I'm all for the whole "you can do anything you put your mind to" mantra, but the majority of the 12 year-old girls I know aren't the next Pink, so Rock Star is a bit out of the question. And with the way Britney Spears turned out, that's probably a good thing. But I digress. The gameplay in this one involves teaching mini-games that are more brain-training oriented, along with managing your class (Julie can't sit next to Stacey or they'll fight, etc...) and recruiting new students. I think the animation style and overall girliness of these titles make them decent buys for $30, although they'll most likely fall in price at some point. I just hope the nagging parents aren't included. - mrs. ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imagine: Teacher.

Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)


PlayStation 2

Falling Stars Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
Falling Stars is an RPG title aimed at kids. The main character comes complete with a trainable pet that resembles the Disney alien, Stitch. There are mini-games weaved into the gameplay, along with customizable outfits. Since this title isn’t really on the top of the new-release radar, there haven’t been any in-depth reviews out but the few press scores available are decent. If you have a younger child that might enjoy some simplified RPG action, this title might be a consideration. - mrs. ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Falling Stars.

Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $15)

Shepherd's Crossing Dev. Pub. Valcon Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
This title is obviously marketed toward the Harvest Moon audience, with the main aspect of the gameplay being growing your own crops. Then, you take your crops and trade them in for other stuff. This process continues until you’ve gathered enough products to attract a marmot to your farm. If this confuses you, join the club. As hazy as the game characteristics seem, the game also includes turned-base RPG action and quirky anime characters. I can’t really tell you if this game is any good or not, but I can say it looks interesting enough that I’m willing to try it out. - mrs. ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Shepherd's Crossing.

Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $15)

PSP

Fading Shadows Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
Puzzle adventure games are usually Ship’s forte, so this title is definitely more up his alley. At the most simplistic level of description, the gameplay is guiding a ball out of each level. But, this game has a storyline that rivals that of most RPGs and looks fantastic graphically. You have to start thinking about things like what the ball you’re guiding is made of – wood will float but metal doesn’t. There are switches and bridges and wind-mills to maneuver through, and subtle changes in the beam of light that guides the ball allow for intricate movements. Overall, this game looks like a solid purchase. - mrs. ship

Best Deal: Fading Shadows is a GameStop exclusive... don't tell that to publisher's direct site though as Agetec is selling it for $10 cheaper.

Purchase At GameStop $29.99
Purchase At Agetec $19.99


Xbox 360

Smash Court Tennis 3 Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Atari Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
Sporting a sizeable grouping of major players (Federer, Nadal, Sharapova, Henin, and more), Smash Court Tennis 3 tries once again volleys into the crowded tennis market by serving itself up at a budget price. Which, not coincidentally, was the first thought that went through my mind after giving this game some time at E3. It's not that this is a bad game; there's the ability to create your own character and a couple different play modes, it's just that it is, in fact, a budget title competing with very competent contemporaries that can now be had for less than $40. Game, Set, Match... other games. - ship

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Smash Court Tennis 3.

Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)

Too Human Dev. Silicon Knights Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99 A cyber-Nordic hack-n-slash/dress-'em-up made by a super nerd for fellow super nerds. Sign me up. I'm definitely geeked up to point my right analog stick at baddies and watch with glee as my super stylish warrior Heelys his way through swarms of ne'rdowells in a quest for stat points and a really cool hat... and maybe a matching belt... and some shiny shinguards. And of course on this trip to the mall epic journey to save the world, I'm looking forward to being accompanied by Wombat through co-operative online play... until the inevitable instant that epic loot appears and our respective Bioengineer and Berserker transform into the likes of crazed brides at a designer wedding dress clearance. Note to self... sabotage Wombat's Heelys. - ship

Best Deal: Toys R Us is selling Too Human for $50 and there is the buy one Xbox 360 game, get one half off deal this week as well. Fry's is also offering Too Human for $50, while Circuit City is giving away a $10 gift card with your purchase of the game. Both Amazon and GameStop are offering five free downloadable armor sets with the purchase of Too Human.

Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping & 5 downloadable armor sets)
Purchase At GameStop $59.99 (5 downloadable armor sets)
Purchase At Toys R Us $49.99 (Buy 1, Get 1 50% off on Xbox 360 games)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free $10 gift card)
Purchase At Fry's $49.99


PC

Murder in the Abbey Dev. Alcachofa Soft Pub. Crimson Cow Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
This is actually a really neat looking PC adventure title. Blending a two-dimensional aesthetic with whimsical character models, the artwork is quite stellar. This looks like a surprisingly quality adventure title released at a budget price. Nancy Drew fans (ahem... Mrs. Shipwreck) should take note. - Treehouse Gamer

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Murder in the Abbey.

Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)

Sam & Max: Season 2 Dev. TellTale Games Pub. TellTale Games Systems: PC MSRP: $34.95
Packed into this DVD-Rom are the five episodes of Sam & Max that consist of Season 2. Also included in the package are DVD-like special features including behind-the-scenes and developer's commentary. This is standard LucasArts-style fare. If you're a fan of old-school adventure games and tongue-in-cheek humor, then you should definitely check this out. - Treehouse Gamer

Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Sam & Max: Season 2.

Purchase At TellTale Games $34.95


On The DL with the Shipwrecks

Break In (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16) MSRP: $7
If you're in the mood for a pool title with 80s graphics, this game is for you! Of course, if I were going to play pool on the Wii, I'd want to use the Wii-mote action. That's just my, but I wouldn't pay $7 for an old pool game. - mrs. ship

Mega Man Systems: Wii VC (NES) MSRP: $5
Powered down and back to his beginnings, see what Mega Man was like before he sold out and went mainstream. None of that Mega Man is a boy in a suit ridiculousness here; we're talking about a time when men were robots and carried no-nonsense, applicable names given to them by either their inventors or evil geniuses. - ship

NEO Turf Masters Systems: Wii VC (NEOGEO) MSRP: $9
Because in the year 2008, you need to have the option to buy a golf game released in 1996 for $9. Also available on SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 in case you need two copies. - ship

Star Parodier (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16 CD) MSRP: $9
Sometimes you don't feel like dealing with the harsh reality of battling through wave after wave of gritty, life-threatening alien fleets. Escape from it all in this brightly-colored and grin inducing parody of the Star Soldier series of SHMUPS. - ship

Midnight Pool Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $8
Let it all hang down in this WiiWare adaptation of Gameloft's original mobile phone game as you travel across America and play billiards both as and against a variety of yokels. Included in the game are 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and UK rules 9-Ball, as well as trick-shot challenges, so you could do a lot worse for an $8 drunken purchase. Don't plan to pocket any balls online though, as this is strictly a local affair so it will be up to the warm bodies in your living room to make it all peaches and cream. - ship

Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (Last Week) Systems: WiiWare, PC MSRP: $10
Meet the lone resident of Strongbadia in glorious virtual 3-D form in this point and click adventure set in the Homestar Runner universe. Good for a few laughs if you enjoy Strong Bad's style of comedy. The whole gang has been rendered into 3-D models, but still retain the look and feel of their 2D origins... even the tire. - ship

Street Fighter Alpha (Last Week) Systems: PS3/PSP (PS1) MSRP: $5.99
Ryu, Ken, and the gang never can seem to settle their differences peacefully. - ship

Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $14.99
An interesting experiment with a proven franchise: release a small, but high quality epilogue/prologue that fits between full retail products and make it available at a quarter of the price. So for $15, you can download 2.5 to 4 hours worth of new Ratchet adventures. If you haven't played through every other game in the series up to this point, it seems to me it may be a better value to pick up one of those games first, but if you celebrate the entire Ratchet catalog, I suppose you won't mind spending the cash on this one. - ship

Bionic Commando Rearmed (Last Week) Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $10
Swing, die, swing, die, swing die... ah, just how I remember it. And that's a good thing! - ship

Fable II Pub Games (Last Week) Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
An easy way to waste a few hours with three different gambling games, although Fortune's Tower is clearly the winner here. And with a little help of the "LB" button, you can be too. - ship

Galaga Legions Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10
The Pac-Man Championship Edition team returns with their updated take on killing waves of aliens. Guess what... those guys still really enjoy their fluorescents, so be ready for eye-watering hot magentas, shocking pinks, electric limes, and unmellow yellows as you pew-pew-pew your way through enemies who will lay down their lives in a Chinese diver-like pursuit of synchronized movements. - 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.

Sweet deals shipwrecks!

the first few minutes of this podcast was sexy .

the question is not wether or not the orb is made of small pebbles but what if it is made of ducks?

I love listening to the show, which I generally do at work, and people walking by never come in my office because they think I am on the phone talking to someone. BONUS!!

Sounds to me like Mrs. Shipwreck uses the Wii Remote wrong. You don't have to hold your arm up to use the Wiimote. I feel like a history teacher saying this. And I hate history.

I got the day off, and a new CAGForeplay

BEST

DAY

EVER!

Originally Posted by KingBroly Sounds to me like Mrs. Shipwreck uses the Wii Remote wrong. You don't have to hold your arm up to use the Wiimote. I feel like a history teacher saying this. And I hate history.

In order to get past our coffee table, I do. At least I think I do. It doesn't work otherwise. Maybe we need to move the sensor bar? I mean, holding my arm up is SOOO taxing, so if we could avoid physical exertion all together, that'd be great.

Wooo, another great episode, and great timing, on my day off too. Thanks a bunch! Hehehe, excited about that foam finger

Originally Posted by mrs. shipwreck In order to get past our coffee table, I do. At least I think I do. It doesn't work otherwise. Maybe we need to move the sensor bar? I mean, holding my arm up is SOOO taxing, so if we could avoid physical exertion all together, that'd be great.

You could try moving the sensor to the bottom of the TV, that sometimes helps. Also, I think there is a calibration tool on the wii that allows you to adjust wii remote sensitivity

I can't remember exactly how to access it, but the tool itself has some floating dots on the screen and then you push the positive and negative buttons on the remote to adjust stuff.

I hope that I have been vaguely helpful.

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Quick disclaimer: I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular.

Everyone is talking about these new pricing structures, tiers, etc. People need to realize that they're playing games, not prices or distribution methods. Everyone's bitching ... but digital distribution has been around forever on the PC! Steam's been around for 4 years now, and there's other services like Direct2Drive and Stardock's TotalGaming.net that have proven successful REGARDLESS of the price the games are released at!

It seems like console-exclusive gamers tend to bitch a lot more about this kind of stuff. People who are PC gamers as well seem to understand and embrace digital distribution. To me, this is the same issue as people bitching about installation times on the PS3. Oh my god! A game requires me to install something! PC GAMERS HAVE BEEN DOING THAT FOR OVER 20 YEARS. And how about the fact that all the PopCap games cost TWICE as much on the PC? Zuma is 800 points on the 360, and on the PC, it's $19.99 -- same with Heavy Weapon, Astropop, etc.

Everyone is behaving as if games like Braid and Castle Crashers are going to be released at $60 if "the man" keeps pushing the price up. Are you people smoking crack? These kinds of games are obviously far behind in terms of use of technology and development cost when compared to full retail games like Heavenly Sword and Fallout. These companies and developers understand that they're making a $5, $10 or $15 game. They're not pushing the price up just because they can.

This isn't some great conspiracy, it's just close-mindedness.

p.s. Super-awesome props to Mrs. Shipwreck for telling it like it is -- "What do you need to know other than looking back -- did I have fun, if I did it again would I spend that much money on it? [...] Either the game makes you happy or it doesn't. If it doesn't make you happy, then yeah, you got ripped off." I can apply that to lots -- even Goozex points, which are MUCH easier to spend. i.e. Viking -- that game SUCKS and I want my 750 points back. But am I bitching about Braid for $15 or Heavenly Sword for 1000 Goozex points? Hell no, those games were awesome.

Originally Posted by deadgopher Quick disclaimer: I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular. Everyone is talking about these new pricing structures, tiers, etc. People need to realize that they're playing games, not prices or distribution methods. Everyone's bitching ... but digital distribution has been around forever on the PC! Steam's been around for 4 years now, and there's other services like Direct2Drive and Stardock's TotalGaming.net that have proven successful REGARDLESS of the price the games are released at! It seems like console-exclusive gamers tend to bitch a lot more about this kind of stuff. People who are PC gamers as well seem to understand and embrace digital distribution. To me, this is the same issue as people bitching about installation times on the PS3. Oh my god! A game requires me to install something! PC GAMERS HAVE BEEN DOING THAT FOR OVER 20 YEARS. And how about the fact that all the PopCap games cost TWICE as much on the PC? Zuma is 800 points on the 360, and on the PC, it's $19.99 -- same with Heavy Weapon, Astropop, etc. Everyone is behaving as if games like Braid and Castle Crashers are going to be released at $60 if "the man" keeps pushing the price up. Are you people smoking crack? These kinds of games are obviously far behind in terms of use of technology and development cost when compared to full retail games like Heavenly Sword and Fallout. These companies and developers understand that they're making a $5, $10 or $15 game. They're not pushing the price up just because they can. This isn't some great conspiracy, it's just close-mindedness. p.s. Super-awesome props to Mrs. Shipwreck for telling it like it is -- "What do you need to know other than looking back -- did I have fun, if I did it again would I spend that much money on it? [...] Either the game makes you happy or it doesn't. If it doesn't make you happy, then yeah, you got ripped off." I can apply that to lots -- even Goozex points, which are MUCH easier to spend. i.e. Viking -- that game SUCKS and I want my 750 points back. But am I bitching about Braid for $15 or Heavenly Sword for 1000 Goozex points? Hell no, those games were awesome.

I was going to start saying the same thing...again, but you already did, haha, thanks. Yeah and thanks Mrs. Shipwreck for being adamant with the discussion about price and value.

This was a great episode, perhaps the best so far because of the amount and quality of discussions you guys had. So maybe you can have more talky sections in future episodes?

With the show coming out after the Cagcast, I think you should change the name to cag afterglow. What is that god awful noise at the end of the show?

While not explicitly stated, Bionic Commando: Rearmed is a shiny new repackaging of a classic NES game of the same name. And the controls were fiddly back then too.

Concerning pricing of games: I think that using time to complete a game is a very flawed measurement of value. I am sure I am not alone when I say I can't even begin to recall all the games that "extended" game play just by making you re-trek through all the levels again thus making the game just drag on. Conversely, I think there are equally as many games that are tight and short that are fantastic. For me, I am more than like to replay a short good game again over a long good game. I would pay $x for a gereat game whether it took 30 minutes to complete or 300 hours to complete. All in all, what I am driving at is that time spent on a game in no way dictates quality or value. It has been said many times over, but I'll say it again; personal enjoyment is what is comes down to. If you enjoyed the game, it was worth it; if you didn't, it was a waste. I mean at least today you get have demos to see if you would potentially like it. Back in the 8-Bit days it was all just shooting in the dark; where you were just as likely to buy "craptactular" games like Athena or Deadly Towers as excellent games like Bionic Commando or Clash at Demonhead.

I think everyone KNOWS value is a subjective thing and has nothing to do with bulk quantity, but they are hurt when their values aren't bore out by everyone. So they have to voice they hurt to all who will listen. Everyone loved Portal, but it's $20 tag didn't faze anyone (and granted it was part of a bundle at first but still). Everyone said it was worth it. But when there is a little bit of dissension (like Braid), those that didn't really like the game seem compelled to yell to the hills that $15 is too much. It is a bit disheartening that the complainers have a much louder voice on the internet than the supporters, but that's how it is. But still the price of games like Braid clearly wasn't too much as it sold spectacularly well. If it wasn't good or it WAS too much it wouldn't have sold. The fact is that many people thought it was worth $15.

Finally, when people say "it's not a $15 game, it's a $10 game", what does that even mean?! The only thing it says to me is that you didn't like it; end of story. You can't qaulify it by saying that you would've enjoyed it more if it were cheaper. Saying shuff like this more a commentary on your personality rather the quality of the game.

Bangai-O Spirits and Commando: Steel Disaster for me, thanks. I will gladly pay the $30 it costs to OWN Bangai-O Spirits, but it will be a cold, damn day in hell before I'll pay a cent more than $10 to rent a game. So no, no Braid or Castle Crashers for me. If they let me own the damn games, then I would buy them.

finally another foreplay,
anywats great show as always, keep up the good work

@ otherland and Razzuel:

Man, all the cool people that have their heads friggin' screwed on straight hang out in the Foreplay topics, I should post here more often.

I'll get my revenge on Beer Pong, I did have more drinks that night.

Any way you guys could make the show available through the Zune Marketplace?

Originally Posted by Blackout Any way you guys could make the show available through the Zune Marketplace?

We don't have PCs, but if enough people suggested it or subscribed to the RSS feed through the Zune Marketplace, maybe they will finally add it. I'm honestly not sure, as I have no way to checkout how the software works.