CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of August 21st, 2007. This week we cover the games that will go down in history as being released the same week as BioShock.
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].
Show Notes:
[media]http://www.cheapassgamer.com/podcast/cagforeplay13.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]
BioShock Dev. Irrational Games Pub. 2K Games Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99
At this point, there's really not too much more to say about this sci-fi shooter under the sea. Gorgeous graphics, a compelling story, amazing atmosphere, and tight controls combine to form a game that is worthy of all the critical praise it has received. Enjoy everyone, and here's to hoping the boss doesn't see you leaving work early. - ship
Best Deal:
There are lots of deals to be had on Bioshock. Amazon, Circuit City, and Fry's are all selling the Xbox 360 version for $50. Circuit City is also selling the PC version for $40.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $52.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $49.99
Purchase At Fry's $49.99
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $46.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $39.99
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
I hear your mom has a birthday coming up. I'm sure she'd enjoy 17 new brain -teasing activities including "Days and Dates", "Determine the Time", and "Calculate the Height". I case you were wondering: it's Tuesday the 21st, around 6:30 AM, and I'm about 5'11". Oh, and tell her I said happy birthday. - ship
Best Deal:
Both Circuit City and Fry's are selling Brain Age 2 for $15 this week.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase at Circuit City $14.99
See fidodido's Fry's ad $14.99
Brunswick Pro Bowling Dev. Point of View Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
If real-time changing lane conditions and officially licensed Brunswick gear doesn't immerse you deep enough into the world of bowling, try cooking up a batch of fish sticks, putting them in a bowl, and then submerging your hands in the bowl for 15-20 minutes. There, now all ten faithfully recreated bowling alleys will be brought to life in a treat for all five senses. (Re-submerge as needed.) - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount saves you a dollar on each version of Brunswick Pro Bowling.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25
Purchase At Family Video $12.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Dragoneer's Aria Dev. Hitmaker Pub. NIS Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
The recent flood of portable RPGs continues with this turn-based title set in a world of fantasy. To try and set itself apart from the crowd, Dragoneer's Aria features an impressively deep battle system and a monster soul capturing aspect that allows you to use these captured monsters as summons. Okay, so not entirely unique, but there are Dragons and a popular crossword puzzle answer in the title. - ship
Best Deal:
There aren't any great deals on Dragoneer's Aria but EB/Gamestop is offering a free art book.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $39.99 (Bonus Art Book)
I Spy Fun House Dev. Big Blue Bubble Pub. Scholastic Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Based upon the book of the same name, parents can feel good thinking their kids are playing a game that is teaching them something. I've never been certain what you learn from these Where's Waldo-esque books, but get to staring and pointing my impressionable youth. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for I Spy Fun House.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Jeanne D'Arc Dev. SCEJ Pub. SCEA Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
This strategy RPG title has a fantasy spin based loosely on Joan of Arc and is brought to you by the makers of Dark Cloud (Level-5). Set in the 100 Years War being fought between France and England, you play as the 17-year old Jeanne and her mystical friends. Instead of being limited to a few chosen moves that each character is assigned, the game uses skill stones that can be changed to alter each party member's killer moves. Also, there are great side missions to make for lengthy entertainment. There's more to the gameplay than can fit into this brief preview, so here's what you need to know: the game is well balanced between strategy and fast-paced RPG battles, the graphics look phenomenal, and the game is getting 9.0 and up ratings. So, for only $30, this game belongs in your PSP library. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Jeanne D'Arc.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Metropolismania 2 Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Natsume Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Deja Preview) 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)
The Settlers Dev. Blue Byte Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $
I have to confess, I really wanted this game to be an Oregon Trail knock-off. I mean, the DS touch screen would be awesome for shooting those little squirrels, wouldn't it? But alas, this title is a RTS similar to Age of Empires. It was, however, originally a PC game. Rumor has it that this game is chock full of dull moments of gameplay, so you might want to wait for some additional reviews before spending your cash. The reviews coming from Europe aren't at all favorable. Alas, Little Jenny has cholera. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
The Settlers is a EB/Gamestop exclusive so there are no deals at this time.
Purchase At EB Games $29.99
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PSP, PS3 MSRP: $39.99, $59.99
Five months gets you some added motion controls for the PS3 and local co-op play on the PSP. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for GRAW 2.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $58.99 (Free shipping)
Turn It Around! Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
For some really crazy screen shots, check out Turn It Around! for the DS. This new title is a mini-game compilation in which all the mini games are based on a rotating motion. The touch screen is transformed into a turn wheel, and the gamer must use the wheel to hit home runs, destroy blocks, and perform other random tasks in one of 24 mini-games. The title looks like fun and is only $20, but might get bowled over by the recognizable Brain Age II also coming out this week. If you or someone you love digs these mini game compilations, this one might be worth checking out! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Turn It Around.
Purchase At Amazon $19 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Two Worlds Dev. Reality Pump Pub. South Peak Interactive Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99
This RPG is widely known as the Oblivion knock-off. There are orcs, a huge map, dwarven armor, and the standard heroic storyline. There are even dragons and the ability to set traps. Overall, the game looks good. The graphics are nice, the battle system is as to be expected, and the world in which you play is cool. But ask me to give you one reason to buy this game instead of the Big O? I'm speechless. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry's is selling the Xbox 360 version of Two Worlds for $50. Family Video is offering it for $54 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $52.99 (99 cent shipping)
See fidodido's Fry's ad $49.99
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping
Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $67.3 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Neutopia Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Knock-offs aren't always bad. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This TurboGrafx 16 title looks a bit, well a lot, like Zelda. Since I decided not to use my Wii Points on Paper Mario, I bought Neutopia for $6. And I played it.
Here's my commentary: A bad guy took the pretty girl. Whoa, I didn't see that one coming. And she's a Princess. Innovative. And there are 8 medallions. I must find them. If a baddie ever decided to hide all the artifact parts in one location, god helps us, I'd be lost. Ooooo, I have a sword. Sweet. In this strange land, the rupees are called gold. Seriously though, this game is good, entertaining, and well worth the $6. Plus, I've never played it before, so it's new. Sort of. - mrs. ship
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
Duh, we all knew the Ninja Master wouldn't be dead for long. I mean, he's a master for goodness sake. This game was originally released for the Genesis and is widely regarded as the best title in the series. But, as all good Sega games, it's part of the Sega Genesis Collection and should only be bought by those who don't own a PS2 or PS3 and who don't want twenty-something other good games along with it. - mrs. ship
Super Metroid Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
Samus returns in what is widely considered to be one of the greatest 2D action-adventure games of all-time. Get a refresher course before Metroid Prime 3 hits next week. - ship
Space Giraffe Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Essentially a Tempest update with an extremely weird name, Space Giraffe looks to take you on a trippy even-toed ungulate experience. See bright lights, hit the fire button, hear techno music, hit the fire button, convulse uncontrollably on the floor, hit the fire button. - ship
Street Trace: NYC Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Combat, hoverboard racing. There just aren't enough of these niche titles. At least there's multiplayer, so you can race against your friends. That is, if any of them bought this game for $10. Try out the demo first. - mrs. 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
You can now also contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected] or [email protected].
Show Notes:
Intro Music: Shinobi III: The Return of the Ninja Master 0:00
Mouse Hunt 0:40
Holiday Season 1:37
MetropolisMania 2 2:06
Musika 2:19
More suggestions for hoofrog's wife 3:36
Down with the Ships 4:44
Touch Detective 4:44
Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon 5:53
Piyotama 7:40
Rune Factory Theme Song 9:31
Uno 11:57
Carcassonne 12:35
Ninja Five-O 13:50
GameStop GBA Drops 14:21
Car Battler Joe 15:00
Urban Yeti 18:13
Toys R Us Shopping 23:27
25th Anniversary GI Joes 23:45
Randamn the Torpedoes 24:10
Lord of the Rings: The Third Age 25:00
Contest 27:27
New Releases 28:53
BioShock 28:53
Brain Age 2 32:01
Jeanne D'Arc 34:05
Brunswick Pro Bowling 36:14
Dragoneer's Aria 37:22
The Settlers 41:03
I Spy Fun House 43:37
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 45:05
Turn It Around 46:03
Two Worlds 47:13
On The DL 49:31
Neutopia 50:10
Shinobi III: The Return of the Ninja Master 51:23
Super Metroid 52:25
Space Giraffe 53:44
Street Trace: NYC 55:05
Wrap Up
Outro Music: Tempest 2000 - Scobie Mix
Mouse Hunt 0:40
Holiday Season 1:37
MetropolisMania 2 2:06
Musika 2:19
More suggestions for hoofrog's wife 3:36
Down with the Ships 4:44
Touch Detective 4:44
Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon 5:53
Piyotama 7:40
Rune Factory Theme Song 9:31
Uno 11:57
Carcassonne 12:35
Ninja Five-O 13:50
GameStop GBA Drops 14:21
Car Battler Joe 15:00
Urban Yeti 18:13
Toys R Us Shopping 23:27
25th Anniversary GI Joes 23:45
Randamn the Torpedoes 24:10
Lord of the Rings: The Third Age 25:00
Contest 27:27
New Releases 28:53
BioShock 28:53
Brain Age 2 32:01
Jeanne D'Arc 34:05
Brunswick Pro Bowling 36:14
Dragoneer's Aria 37:22
The Settlers 41:03
I Spy Fun House 43:37
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 45:05
Turn It Around 46:03
Two Worlds 47:13
On The DL 49:31
Neutopia 50:10
Shinobi III: The Return of the Ninja Master 51:23
Super Metroid 52:25
Space Giraffe 53:44
Street Trace: NYC 55:05
Wrap Up
Outro Music: Tempest 2000 - Scobie Mix
[media]http://www.cheapassgamer.com/podcast/cagforeplay13.mp3[/media]




BioShock Dev. Irrational Games Pub. 2K Games Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99
At this point, there's really not too much more to say about this sci-fi shooter under the sea. Gorgeous graphics, a compelling story, amazing atmosphere, and tight controls combine to form a game that is worthy of all the critical praise it has received. Enjoy everyone, and here's to hoping the boss doesn't see you leaving work early. - ship
Best Deal:
There are lots of deals to be had on Bioshock. Amazon, Circuit City, and Fry's are all selling the Xbox 360 version for $50. Circuit City is also selling the PC version for $40.







Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
I hear your mom has a birthday coming up. I'm sure she'd enjoy 17 new brain -teasing activities including "Days and Dates", "Determine the Time", and "Calculate the Height". I case you were wondering: it's Tuesday the 21st, around 6:30 AM, and I'm about 5'11". Oh, and tell her I said happy birthday. - ship
Best Deal:
Both Circuit City and Fry's are selling Brain Age 2 for $15 this week.



Brunswick Pro Bowling Dev. Point of View Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
If real-time changing lane conditions and officially licensed Brunswick gear doesn't immerse you deep enough into the world of bowling, try cooking up a batch of fish sticks, putting them in a bowl, and then submerging your hands in the bowl for 15-20 minutes. There, now all ten faithfully recreated bowling alleys will be brought to life in a treat for all five senses. (Re-submerge as needed.) - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount saves you a dollar on each version of Brunswick Pro Bowling.






Dragoneer's Aria Dev. Hitmaker Pub. NIS Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
The recent flood of portable RPGs continues with this turn-based title set in a world of fantasy. To try and set itself apart from the crowd, Dragoneer's Aria features an impressively deep battle system and a monster soul capturing aspect that allows you to use these captured monsters as summons. Okay, so not entirely unique, but there are Dragons and a popular crossword puzzle answer in the title. - ship
Best Deal:
There aren't any great deals on Dragoneer's Aria but EB/Gamestop is offering a free art book.




I Spy Fun House Dev. Big Blue Bubble Pub. Scholastic Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Based upon the book of the same name, parents can feel good thinking their kids are playing a game that is teaching them something. I've never been certain what you learn from these Where's Waldo-esque books, but get to staring and pointing my impressionable youth. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for I Spy Fun House.



Jeanne D'Arc Dev. SCEJ Pub. SCEA Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
This strategy RPG title has a fantasy spin based loosely on Joan of Arc and is brought to you by the makers of Dark Cloud (Level-5). Set in the 100 Years War being fought between France and England, you play as the 17-year old Jeanne and her mystical friends. Instead of being limited to a few chosen moves that each character is assigned, the game uses skill stones that can be changed to alter each party member's killer moves. Also, there are great side missions to make for lengthy entertainment. There's more to the gameplay than can fit into this brief preview, so here's what you need to know: the game is well balanced between strategy and fast-paced RPG battles, the graphics look phenomenal, and the game is getting 9.0 and up ratings. So, for only $30, this game belongs in your PSP library. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Jeanne D'Arc.



Metropolismania 2 Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Natsume Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Deja Preview) 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.



The Settlers Dev. Blue Byte Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $
I have to confess, I really wanted this game to be an Oregon Trail knock-off. I mean, the DS touch screen would be awesome for shooting those little squirrels, wouldn't it? But alas, this title is a RTS similar to Age of Empires. It was, however, originally a PC game. Rumor has it that this game is chock full of dull moments of gameplay, so you might want to wait for some additional reviews before spending your cash. The reviews coming from Europe aren't at all favorable. Alas, Little Jenny has cholera. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
The Settlers is a EB/Gamestop exclusive so there are no deals at this time.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PSP, PS3 MSRP: $39.99, $59.99
Five months gets you some added motion controls for the PS3 and local co-op play on the PSP. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for GRAW 2.






Turn It Around! Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
For some really crazy screen shots, check out Turn It Around! for the DS. This new title is a mini-game compilation in which all the mini games are based on a rotating motion. The touch screen is transformed into a turn wheel, and the gamer must use the wheel to hit home runs, destroy blocks, and perform other random tasks in one of 24 mini-games. The title looks like fun and is only $20, but might get bowled over by the recognizable Brain Age II also coming out this week. If you or someone you love digs these mini game compilations, this one might be worth checking out! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Turn It Around.



Two Worlds Dev. Reality Pump Pub. South Peak Interactive Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99
This RPG is widely known as the Oblivion knock-off. There are orcs, a huge map, dwarven armor, and the standard heroic storyline. There are even dragons and the ability to set traps. Overall, the game looks good. The graphics are nice, the battle system is as to be expected, and the world in which you play is cool. But ask me to give you one reason to buy this game instead of the Big O? I'm speechless. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry's is selling the Xbox 360 version of Two Worlds for $50. Family Video is offering it for $54 shipped.









On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Neutopia Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Knock-offs aren't always bad. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This TurboGrafx 16 title looks a bit, well a lot, like Zelda. Since I decided not to use my Wii Points on Paper Mario, I bought Neutopia for $6. And I played it.
Here's my commentary: A bad guy took the pretty girl. Whoa, I didn't see that one coming. And she's a Princess. Innovative. And there are 8 medallions. I must find them. If a baddie ever decided to hide all the artifact parts in one location, god helps us, I'd be lost. Ooooo, I have a sword. Sweet. In this strange land, the rupees are called gold. Seriously though, this game is good, entertaining, and well worth the $6. Plus, I've never played it before, so it's new. Sort of. - mrs. ship
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
Duh, we all knew the Ninja Master wouldn't be dead for long. I mean, he's a master for goodness sake. This game was originally released for the Genesis and is widely regarded as the best title in the series. But, as all good Sega games, it's part of the Sega Genesis Collection and should only be bought by those who don't own a PS2 or PS3 and who don't want twenty-something other good games along with it. - mrs. ship
Super Metroid Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
Samus returns in what is widely considered to be one of the greatest 2D action-adventure games of all-time. Get a refresher course before Metroid Prime 3 hits next week. - ship
Space Giraffe Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Essentially a Tempest update with an extremely weird name, Space Giraffe looks to take you on a trippy even-toed ungulate experience. See bright lights, hit the fire button, hear techno music, hit the fire button, convulse uncontrollably on the floor, hit the fire button. - ship
Street Trace: NYC Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Combat, hoverboard racing. There just aren't enough of these niche titles. At least there's multiplayer, so you can race against your friends. That is, if any of them bought this game for $10. Try out the demo first. - mrs. 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.