CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of August 14th, 2007. We're not sure if you've noticed, but Madden is coming out this week. If you're looking for a not so athletic fantasy, there are enough RPG's to last you until Madden 09.
We've fixed our technical problem from last week so all flash-based players should work this week.
You can now subscribe to Foreplay on iTunes by clicking this link: CAG Foreplay on iTunes
You can now also contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected] or [email protected].
CAG Foreplay Podcast show notes will be up later today.
[media]http://media.libsyn.com/media/foreplay/cagforeplay12.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]
Dungeons & Dragons Tactics Dev. Kuju Entertainment Pub. Atari Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
I'd recommend ordering this one online as it's entirely too bright and sunny outside to risk trying to make your first trip into direct daylight this year. The mail carrier will be happy to bring you this turned-based strategy game based upon the 3.5 rule set featuring thirteen different character classes and all the Beholder's you can slay. This actually looks like a decent romp even if you don't have a felt bag full of 20-sided dice. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Dungeons & Dragons Tactics.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 1 Dev. SNK Playmore Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Deja Preview) Combining Fatal Fury 1 through 3 and Fatal Fury Special, this collection is made even more attractive for 2D fighting fans with its bargain price. It should also prove helpful for preview writers and podcasters who like to reference compilations that provide better value than their digital download brethren. - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 1 for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Heroes of Mana Dev. Brownie Brown Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Please let this game be good, please let this game be good, please let this game be good. I love the Noun of Mana games a lot, at least until the recent disappointment of the game-that-shall-remain-nameless (i.e. Dawn of Mana). So imagine my surprise to hearing that Heroes of Mana is a real-time strategy title. I'm not a RTS gamer, but there are several things that make this game look great. First, good controls. Second, a small number of people to control, which is good for me. Third, tons of loot laying around and as well as rewards to upgrade your characters. The gameplay is very traditional - ground, air, ranged, and heavy units with a home base that you can improve on as you go. Stay tuned to find out how the mrs.' foray into the RTS genre goes. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Heroes of Mana.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
High School Musical: Makin' the Cut Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Who wouldn't want to make out with all your favorite characters from the hit Disney movie franchise. Do you have what it takes to get to second base with Sharpay? Wait, does that say Makin' the Cut? Crap, that means this is the rhythm-based dance choreography game that allows you to create music videos with songs from both movies. Excitement level lowered. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering High School Musical: Makin' the Cut for $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $26.99 (99 cent shipping)
Luminous Arc Dev. Image Epoch Pub. Atlus Systems: DS MSRP: $34.99
In case you're new to CAG Foreplay, Ship and I LOVE Atlus games. They're typically new, inventive, and highly entertaining. This title is no different and is a combination adventure and strategy game. In parts, you play as the main characters (the Garden Children) trying to defeat the evil witches. In others, you control your troops via the stylus and touch-screen in a grid-based battle system. There are shops to buy weapons from, a witch with large breasts, small shirts, and a giant metal claw arm, AND it's only $35. This title looks like one to pick up ASAP. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Luminous Arc for $29 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $34.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $31.25 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Madden NFL 08 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: Everything MSRP: $29.99-$59.99
It's that time of year again. Time to suit up your favorite parolees and probationers in the hopes of getting 16 weeks of good behavior out of them. This year's next gen versions actually seem to have added back in a lot of the features that have been gimped in the past such as a fantasy draft and owner mode. They've also added a weapon system to this year's game because they couldn't possibly think of a more aptly named feature. Maybe they'll add some DUI mini games next year. - ship
Best Deal:
Toys R Us is giving you 50% off another game when you purchase Madden 08. Family Video is saving you a few dollars on a bunch of different versions.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $59.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $26.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $29.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $39.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $34.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $39.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $34.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $44.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $49.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $59.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $35.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $39.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $44.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $49.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $34.99 (99 cent shipping)
See Ugamer_X's Toys R Us thread $39.99 (50% off a second game of your choice)
Metropolismania 2 Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Natsume Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
Yes, there was a Metropolismania. No, it's not a Superman puzzle game (which would be sweet!). It's Sim City with dated graphics and more personal gameplay. Build your city, convince people to live in it, talk to them, and receive gifts. So, if you were looking for Truman Show/Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball minus the volleyball/RollerCoaster Tycoon without the coasters, then this game for the last generation PS2 is yours for only $15! Score! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Metropolismania 2 for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Family Video $14.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Operation: Vietnam Dev. Coyote Console Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This week's podcast version includes a horribly executed Operation board game joke. Water on the Knee? Operation! Yeah, that didn't work in written form either... Well, this is a top-down run-and-gun shooter set in Vietnam. You control a squad of four soldiers of differing skills and blast your way through the jungle. But whatever you do, don't touch the sides! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Operation: Vietnam.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)
Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon Dev. Neverland Pub. Natsume Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Harvest Moon turns 10 this year, and Natsume is celebrating by attempting to release games that aren't identical to the game they released 10 years ago. This time they've added a sword, some monster baddies, and some Zelda-ish caves to explore. Yup, you'll be fighting more than just drought this time around. The battle system is real time, so that's not difficult. Plus, instead of raising livestock, you raise monsters. The rest of the farming basics are the same (seasons, hoeing, seed-planting, etc...) Buyers beware: most of the reviews coming out of E3 this year were disappointing - there isn't much use for the touch screen, which makes the controls awful and tedious. And while Natsumi's attempt at something different is evident, it's more like comparing peaches and nectarines than it is apples and oranges. So, save your money, wait for Ship to buy it on Tuesday, and let me fill you in next week. I'll take this one for the team. - mrs. ship
P.S. Peaches have fuzz, nectarines don't
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Rune Factory.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Dev. Atlus Pub. Atlus Systems: PS2 MSRP: $49.99
(Deja Preview) Try saying that title three times fast. Set in a Japanese high school, this PS2 RPG title has a very anime feel to it. Your character fights demons at night but attend school during the day. And if that isn't bizarre enough, your character also has to shoot himself in the head on a regular basis. Warning: the first hour of gameplay is pretty passive, with loads of watching cut-scenes and reading dialogue. Once you get through that, I think you'll find this game well worth the $50 and the disappointment of playing it on a last-gen system. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 for $43 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $41.99 (99 cent shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Cratermaze Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Imagine if Ms. Pac-Man had a love-child with Lolo. But then that jerk Lolo left her and she was lucky enough to meet Lode Runner. Together they raised Cratermaze in an environment that fostered maze exploration and digging holes as a means of self defense. - ship
Ecco the Dolphin Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Swim around, eat some fish, and try to save the world for the first time (you screw it up though and have to fix everything in the sequel). Or swim around, bump into things, have no idea where you are supposed to go and turn it off. That's at least how I play Ecco. - ship
Hexic 2 Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
I like Hexic HD a lot, and being the achievement whore that I am, the idea of more Hexic is a good one. How does Hexic 2 compare to Hexic HD, you ask? What does the 360 do oh so well? Multiplayer! This time around you can play online against your friends in several multiplayer modes. The downside? It's not free. Worth $10? Yes. With Madden, Bioshock, and Metroid being released in the weeks to come? Maybe not. If your budget is tight right now, wait until a week limited to pet sims and budget WWII titles arrives to purchase this one. - mrs. ship
Metroid Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
The space bounty-hunter game that started it all. Truly an amazing game. - ship
Shining in the Darkness Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
This classic first-person dungeon-crawling RPG features all the staples from the early Genesis era. You've got random encounters, a princess to rescue, turn-based battles, and graphics that are somewhat painful to look at now. If you are looking for a game that inspired Etrian Odyssey, though, Shining in the Darkness is a perfect example. - 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.
We've fixed our technical problem from last week so all flash-based players should work this week.

You can now subscribe to Foreplay on iTunes by clicking this link: CAG Foreplay on iTunes
You can now also contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected] or [email protected].
CAG Foreplay Podcast show notes will be up later today.
[media]http://media.libsyn.com/media/foreplay/cagforeplay12.mp3[/media]




Dungeons & Dragons Tactics Dev. Kuju Entertainment Pub. Atari Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
I'd recommend ordering this one online as it's entirely too bright and sunny outside to risk trying to make your first trip into direct daylight this year. The mail carrier will be happy to bring you this turned-based strategy game based upon the 3.5 rule set featuring thirteen different character classes and all the Beholder's you can slay. This actually looks like a decent romp even if you don't have a felt bag full of 20-sided dice. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Dungeons & Dragons Tactics.



Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 1 Dev. SNK Playmore Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Deja Preview) Combining Fatal Fury 1 through 3 and Fatal Fury Special, this collection is made even more attractive for 2D fighting fans with its bargain price. It should also prove helpful for preview writers and podcasters who like to reference compilations that provide better value than their digital download brethren. - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 1 for $14 shipped.


Heroes of Mana Dev. Brownie Brown Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Please let this game be good, please let this game be good, please let this game be good. I love the Noun of Mana games a lot, at least until the recent disappointment of the game-that-shall-remain-nameless (i.e. Dawn of Mana). So imagine my surprise to hearing that Heroes of Mana is a real-time strategy title. I'm not a RTS gamer, but there are several things that make this game look great. First, good controls. Second, a small number of people to control, which is good for me. Third, tons of loot laying around and as well as rewards to upgrade your characters. The gameplay is very traditional - ground, air, ranged, and heavy units with a home base that you can improve on as you go. Stay tuned to find out how the mrs.' foray into the RTS genre goes. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Heroes of Mana.



High School Musical: Makin' the Cut Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Who wouldn't want to make out with all your favorite characters from the hit Disney movie franchise. Do you have what it takes to get to second base with Sharpay? Wait, does that say Makin' the Cut? Crap, that means this is the rhythm-based dance choreography game that allows you to create music videos with songs from both movies. Excitement level lowered. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering High School Musical: Makin' the Cut for $28 shipped.


Luminous Arc Dev. Image Epoch Pub. Atlus Systems: DS MSRP: $34.99
In case you're new to CAG Foreplay, Ship and I LOVE Atlus games. They're typically new, inventive, and highly entertaining. This title is no different and is a combination adventure and strategy game. In parts, you play as the main characters (the Garden Children) trying to defeat the evil witches. In others, you control your troops via the stylus and touch-screen in a grid-based battle system. There are shops to buy weapons from, a witch with large breasts, small shirts, and a giant metal claw arm, AND it's only $35. This title looks like one to pick up ASAP. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Luminous Arc for $29 shipped.



Madden NFL 08 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: Everything MSRP: $29.99-$59.99
It's that time of year again. Time to suit up your favorite parolees and probationers in the hopes of getting 16 weeks of good behavior out of them. This year's next gen versions actually seem to have added back in a lot of the features that have been gimped in the past such as a fantasy draft and owner mode. They've also added a weapon system to this year's game because they couldn't possibly think of a more aptly named feature. Maybe they'll add some DUI mini games next year. - ship
Best Deal:
Toys R Us is giving you 50% off another game when you purchase Madden 08. Family Video is saving you a few dollars on a bunch of different versions.


























Metropolismania 2 Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Natsume Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
Yes, there was a Metropolismania. No, it's not a Superman puzzle game (which would be sweet!). It's Sim City with dated graphics and more personal gameplay. Build your city, convince people to live in it, talk to them, and receive gifts. So, if you were looking for Truman Show/Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball minus the volleyball/RollerCoaster Tycoon without the coasters, then this game for the last generation PS2 is yours for only $15! Score! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Metropolismania 2 for $14 shipped.



Operation: Vietnam Dev. Coyote Console Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This week's podcast version includes a horribly executed Operation board game joke. Water on the Knee? Operation! Yeah, that didn't work in written form either... Well, this is a top-down run-and-gun shooter set in Vietnam. You control a squad of four soldiers of differing skills and blast your way through the jungle. But whatever you do, don't touch the sides! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Operation: Vietnam.


Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon Dev. Neverland Pub. Natsume Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Harvest Moon turns 10 this year, and Natsume is celebrating by attempting to release games that aren't identical to the game they released 10 years ago. This time they've added a sword, some monster baddies, and some Zelda-ish caves to explore. Yup, you'll be fighting more than just drought this time around. The battle system is real time, so that's not difficult. Plus, instead of raising livestock, you raise monsters. The rest of the farming basics are the same (seasons, hoeing, seed-planting, etc...) Buyers beware: most of the reviews coming out of E3 this year were disappointing - there isn't much use for the touch screen, which makes the controls awful and tedious. And while Natsumi's attempt at something different is evident, it's more like comparing peaches and nectarines than it is apples and oranges. So, save your money, wait for Ship to buy it on Tuesday, and let me fill you in next week. I'll take this one for the team. - mrs. ship
P.S. Peaches have fuzz, nectarines don't
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Rune Factory.



Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Dev. Atlus Pub. Atlus Systems: PS2 MSRP: $49.99
(Deja Preview) Try saying that title three times fast. Set in a Japanese high school, this PS2 RPG title has a very anime feel to it. Your character fights demons at night but attend school during the day. And if that isn't bizarre enough, your character also has to shoot himself in the head on a regular basis. Warning: the first hour of gameplay is pretty passive, with loads of watching cut-scenes and reading dialogue. Once you get through that, I think you'll find this game well worth the $50 and the disappointment of playing it on a last-gen system. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 for $43 shipped.


On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Cratermaze Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Imagine if Ms. Pac-Man had a love-child with Lolo. But then that jerk Lolo left her and she was lucky enough to meet Lode Runner. Together they raised Cratermaze in an environment that fostered maze exploration and digging holes as a means of self defense. - ship
Ecco the Dolphin Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Swim around, eat some fish, and try to save the world for the first time (you screw it up though and have to fix everything in the sequel). Or swim around, bump into things, have no idea where you are supposed to go and turn it off. That's at least how I play Ecco. - ship
Hexic 2 Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
I like Hexic HD a lot, and being the achievement whore that I am, the idea of more Hexic is a good one. How does Hexic 2 compare to Hexic HD, you ask? What does the 360 do oh so well? Multiplayer! This time around you can play online against your friends in several multiplayer modes. The downside? It's not free. Worth $10? Yes. With Madden, Bioshock, and Metroid being released in the weeks to come? Maybe not. If your budget is tight right now, wait until a week limited to pet sims and budget WWII titles arrives to purchase this one. - mrs. ship
Metroid Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
The space bounty-hunter game that started it all. Truly an amazing game. - ship
Shining in the Darkness Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
This classic first-person dungeon-crawling RPG features all the staples from the early Genesis era. You've got random encounters, a princess to rescue, turn-based battles, and graphics that are somewhat painful to look at now. If you are looking for a game that inspired Etrian Odyssey, though, Shining in the Darkness is a perfect example. - 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.