CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of September 11th, 2007. This week we cover over 20 games that are vying to remove the cash from your wallet including Heavenly Sword, skate., and Zoey 101.
You can now subscribe to Foreplay on iTunes by clicking this link: CAG Foreplay on iTunes
You can 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/cagforeplay16.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]
The Unmousing Video[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT41ivSVFzc[/media]
Note: We did not realize our camera recorded audio!
Dirt Dev. Codemasters Pub. Codemasters Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Because we don't know British race car drivers, Codemasters decided to drop Colin McRae's name from this rally racing game in favor of giving it an impossibly more unremarkable name. With that endeavor succesfully in their hip pocket, they went to work on making one of the most graphically impressive racers to date. And while it certainly looks pretty, fans of the series might be disappointed to know that this incarnation toes the Project Gotham 3-esque line of simulation and arcade racing. At it's heart, Dirt is still a rally racing game complete with time trials, rally cross, and hill climbs which is great for rally fans, but the lack of true head-to-head multiplayer is certainly a concern. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Dirt for $55 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $54.99 (Free shipping)
DK Jungle Climber Dev. Paon Corporation Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Jungle Climber is the follow-up to GBA's DK King of Swing and it doesn't stray to far from the originals formula. You again use the shoulder buttons to help Donkey Kong swing his way through levels in his quest to collect bananas. This time around they've addressed many of the issues I had with the first game by adding more collectibles, tightening the controls, and using the added real estate that the two screens allows them. Add in four-player mini-games, and you've got yourself an enjoyable, uniquely controlled title. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for DK Jungle Climber.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.99 (99 cent shipping)
Dot.Hack// G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption Dev. CyberConnect2 Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
(Rehashed preview)The most prolifically published RPG series on the PS2 pushes it'ssixth seventh game out. If you have interest in Massively Multiplayer Online RPG's, but hate online and playing with other humans, then you are probably quite familiar with this series by now. This time around they've added a card battling system some new cards to try and coax out some more basement dwellers, but other than that, this is pretty standard ".hack" fare. So this release only matters to previous fans and the people simply trying to collect all the RPGs that are on the PS2. Oh, and of course the casual shoppers who will instantly be attracted to the accessible name. Just in case you are keeping score at home, that's 18 21 letters, 7 punctuation marks, and 1 number. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Dot.Hack: Redemption.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Drawn to Life Dev. 5th Cell Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A never-ending winter has wiped out all the resources of a local village. The hungry villagers need you - the creator - to draw them some help using your trusty DS stylus. This title's unique two mode game-play is promising. Challenge mode offers a traditional side-scrolling adventure game in which you've drawn your character yourself. In village mode, you create plants, animals, fish, clouds, etc... and watch them interact with each other and the NPCs. From the village, you travel through warp points to new areas to play adventure mode. You'll even stumble on unfinished areas that require you to draw in order to finish the world. The game-play concept, while cool, is more kid-oriented and will appeal to a younger DS audience. But, if you're interested in a casual game that's unlike anything you've played before, this is your title. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Drawn to Life.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Dev. Bethesda Pub. 2K Games Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
Now here's a game I can get into previewing! I've been jonesing for some Oblivion lately (I still have a few more hours to go on the Shivering Isles missions). This is one of the best Western real-time RPG games ever. The graphics are awesome, the environment is HUGE and highly interactive. The menu system is great, with easy character upgrades and items menu. But the best thing of all is the plethora of side-quests, caves, dungeons, guilds, and ways to steal stuff. I think I've put more hours into playing Oblivion than I did into planning Ship and I's wedding. I know I'm an Oblivion fan-girl, but chances are many of you are too. So, if you want all the add-on packs (Nights of the Nine and Shivering Isles) in disc form for your 360 or you never had the chance to play them on your PS3, this game is for you! And for only $60, it's cheaper to buy them together than it was to buy the pieces. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition for $58 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $57.99 (Free shipping)
Fatal Inertia Dev. Koei Pub. Koei Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
I'm sure when Koei set out to name their Wipeout-esque, Star Wars-less pod racing game some smarty-pants toting a Theasaurus decided that "Deadly Speed" just didn't carry the mass appeal to put our game-buying bodies into motion. Sadly, it looks like I'll lose this epic battle of puns versus synonyms as "inertia" is actually derived from the latin word for "apathy". And if my demo playing experience is any indication, Koei's wordplay master was clearly doing his best to hide the true name for this game: "Deadly Disinterest". Touche, Mr. Theasaurus, touche. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fatla Inertia.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Dev. Arc System Works Pub. Aksys Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Vampires, scantily clad nuns with yo-yos, and guitar-playing stripper witches are back in the umpteenth edition of the over-the-top 2D fighting game. A couple of new fighting mechanics have been added along with two characters that have never been seen on U.S. shores. How they'll stack up to the paper-bag-head-guy and the pirate girl that shoots dolphins at you is unknown. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you about $1.50 on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core.
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Heavenly Sword Dev. Ninja Theory Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Wow, this game is nice to look at. And after playing the demo on PSN, it's clear that Nariko (the scantily clad heroine) has some cool attack and counter moves. But, there's not enough demo to really get a feel for the game play. Sure, you've got the Golem rip-off sister character, but what else about the game is going to draw us in? For starters, the combat system is pretty good, using the bumpers in addition to the face buttons give you heavy, range, and normal attacks and counterattacks. That's pretty cool, but the game-play gets stale after awhile. It turns into a button-masher of sorts, with the same enemies in similar rooms, with little variation until you get to the occasional boss fight. All in all, most reviewers are giving this Sony exclusive title decent scores, but the general buzz is that this game is good - but far from great. You'll have to decide if there are better games coming in the next few weeks to spend your $60 on. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Heavenly Sword for $51 shipped. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Thursday.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $49.97 (99 cent shipping)
Jam Sessions Dev. Plato Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Jam Sessions allows you to compose songs, sing, and play the guitar all while on the crapper. Not recommended for public restrooms... unless you leave a tip jar outside the stall. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple dollars on Jam Sessions.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $26.99 (99 cent shipping)
Kengo: Legend of the 9 Dev. Genki Pub. Majesco Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
Most of what you need to know about this game is in the title. There are nine samurai. They are based on real samurai from the past, i.e. legends. Therefore, this game has nine samurai legends. While I'm tempted to end this preview here, there's some info not in the title you might need: each samurai has their own storyline and attributes. With four game-play modes (Main, Mission, Head-to-Head, and Xbox Live Leaderboard) and lots of upgradables, spending your $40 on this budget title should keep you moderately entertained. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Kengo: Legend of the 9.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Konami Kids Playground: Frogger Hop, Skip & Jumpin' Fun Bundle Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Konami Kids Playground: Alphabet Circus Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Konami Kids Playground: Dinosaurs, Shapes & Colors Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Konami Kids Playground: Toy Pals Fun with Numbers Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
I've heard our demographic skews towards 2-5 year-olds, so if you are reading this and need to brush up on your letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, maybe this Leapfrog type add-on for your PS2 will give you something to mellow out with between sessions of Manhunt and GTA. And unlike those games, you control these games with your feet so there is no need to wash the ever-living stickiness off your hands before playing. In fact, have a Mr. Freeze on me. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for the Konami Kids Playground games.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
NHL 08 Dev. EA Canada Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, PS3, 360 MSRP: $29.99, 59.99
EA completely revamps their hockey game and critics are rejoicing. Improved adaptive AI, smooth controls, custom play-making, and six player online play almost make me forget that I have no interest in hockey. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon will save you a couple of dollars on the next gen versions of NHL 08. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Wednesday.
Purchase At Amazon $57.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $57.99 (Free shipping)
NHL 2K8 Dev. Kush Games - Visual Concepts Pub. 2K Sports Systems: PS2, PS3, 360 MSRP: $19.99, $59.99
2K completely revamps their hockey game and critics are less-than-thrilled. Nevertheless, for every Blades of Steel, there must be an NES Ice Hockey. So, the 2K series offers a slightly more arcade approach with a lot more checking and break-away opportunities. Did I mention that I have no interest in hockey? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for NHL 2K8.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Pet Luv Spa & Resort Tycoon (aka Puppy Luv Spa and Resort includes Kitty Kare)Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Nope, this isn't a title we made up for laughs. It's a game that someone (who should be punished) came up with all on his/her own that may or may not be released this week. I've previewed some pretty awful games, and you know I don't like to judge a game by it's title. However, I have standards. So, I'm on pet-sim strike. It's your $30. If you feel like spending it, send the game my way and I'll come to your house and beat you with it. -mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pet Luv.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
skate. Dev. EA Black Box Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
Tony Hawk, you finally have a challenger. After all these years, someone has figured out how to make a unique skating game that doesn't try to copy the THPS control scheme... and it's actually good. EA's years of tinkering with dual analog stick control, has brilliantly culminated in a fresh control scheme that actually works giving the user a sense of accomplishment and the game a sense of fluidity. There's definitely room for improvement, but "skate." has set the groundwork for a solid series. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering "skate." for $55 shipped. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Wednesday.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $53.98 (99 cent shipping)
Spelling Challenges and More! Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) I can't spell. I'm seriously awful at it. I mean, the only reason my Foreplay previews come out alright is that I have spellcheck running to tell me that awful only has one "L". This game is just what the title says: spelling and some word games. There's money involved, so you can bet on your spelling skills. Spelling Challenges and More! can be yours for only $20. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't appear to be any specific deals for Spelling Challenges.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Zoey 101: Field Trip Fiasco Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Something goes wrong on their field trip to Red Stone Gulch Canyon, and Zoey and her friends must use survival techniques they learned in order to get home. I'm bored now. Let's play the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game. Zoey 101 is played by Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of Britney Spears, America's ever-pregnant pop princess. Britney was in Paulie Shore is Dead with Sherri Shepherd. Sherri Shepherd was in Beauty Shop with Kevin Bacon. I win! Or maybe not. Does just being related count? Hmmmm. Jamie Lynn was in Crossroads with Britney, so now I really do win. Anyway, this title is based on the kid's cable TV show Zoey 101. Watch the show for 30 minutes, and if you're mildly entertained, then this title might be for you! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zoey 101.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
NES Play Action Football Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
The main reason people were hyped for this game back in the day was that it supported 4-player multiplayer. Now that it's decades later and only a two-player port, there's really no reason to pick this up over the superior Tecmo Bowl. - ship
Neutopia II Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
This sequel to TurboGrafx's Zelda clone, doesn't stray far from the original and adds improved graphics. All in all, a solid title that provides more hours of dungeon exploration and general rip-offery. - ship
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
There's always mixed emotions on these Genesis games that come out for $8 a pop. Sure, Sonic 3 is a good game, but if you don't want a box or instructions, why not throw an extra $10 at used copy of the Sonic Mega Collection Plus/Super Monkey Ball DX?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
It's the superior game, it's cheaper, and they've at least added some features, so it looks slightly more appealing than the Wii's Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It's definitely still part of that Sonic Collection though. - 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 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/cagforeplay16.mp3[/media]




The Unmousing Video[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT41ivSVFzc[/media]
Note: We did not realize our camera recorded audio!
Dirt Dev. Codemasters Pub. Codemasters Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Because we don't know British race car drivers, Codemasters decided to drop Colin McRae's name from this rally racing game in favor of giving it an impossibly more unremarkable name. With that endeavor succesfully in their hip pocket, they went to work on making one of the most graphically impressive racers to date. And while it certainly looks pretty, fans of the series might be disappointed to know that this incarnation toes the Project Gotham 3-esque line of simulation and arcade racing. At it's heart, Dirt is still a rally racing game complete with time trials, rally cross, and hill climbs which is great for rally fans, but the lack of true head-to-head multiplayer is certainly a concern. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Dirt for $55 shipped.

DK Jungle Climber Dev. Paon Corporation Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Jungle Climber is the follow-up to GBA's DK King of Swing and it doesn't stray to far from the originals formula. You again use the shoulder buttons to help Donkey Kong swing his way through levels in his quest to collect bananas. This time around they've addressed many of the issues I had with the first game by adding more collectibles, tightening the controls, and using the added real estate that the two screens allows them. Add in four-player mini-games, and you've got yourself an enjoyable, uniquely controlled title. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for DK Jungle Climber.


Dot.Hack// G.U. Vol. 3: Redemption Dev. CyberConnect2 Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
(Rehashed preview)The most prolifically published RPG series on the PS2 pushes it's
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Dot.Hack: Redemption.

Drawn to Life Dev. 5th Cell Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A never-ending winter has wiped out all the resources of a local village. The hungry villagers need you - the creator - to draw them some help using your trusty DS stylus. This title's unique two mode game-play is promising. Challenge mode offers a traditional side-scrolling adventure game in which you've drawn your character yourself. In village mode, you create plants, animals, fish, clouds, etc... and watch them interact with each other and the NPCs. From the village, you travel through warp points to new areas to play adventure mode. You'll even stumble on unfinished areas that require you to draw in order to finish the world. The game-play concept, while cool, is more kid-oriented and will appeal to a younger DS audience. But, if you're interested in a casual game that's unlike anything you've played before, this is your title. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Drawn to Life.


The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Dev. Bethesda Pub. 2K Games Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
Now here's a game I can get into previewing! I've been jonesing for some Oblivion lately (I still have a few more hours to go on the Shivering Isles missions). This is one of the best Western real-time RPG games ever. The graphics are awesome, the environment is HUGE and highly interactive. The menu system is great, with easy character upgrades and items menu. But the best thing of all is the plethora of side-quests, caves, dungeons, guilds, and ways to steal stuff. I think I've put more hours into playing Oblivion than I did into planning Ship and I's wedding. I know I'm an Oblivion fan-girl, but chances are many of you are too. So, if you want all the add-on packs (Nights of the Nine and Shivering Isles) in disc form for your 360 or you never had the chance to play them on your PS3, this game is for you! And for only $60, it's cheaper to buy them together than it was to buy the pieces. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition for $58 shipped.

Fatal Inertia Dev. Koei Pub. Koei Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
I'm sure when Koei set out to name their Wipeout-esque, Star Wars-less pod racing game some smarty-pants toting a Theasaurus decided that "Deadly Speed" just didn't carry the mass appeal to put our game-buying bodies into motion. Sadly, it looks like I'll lose this epic battle of puns versus synonyms as "inertia" is actually derived from the latin word for "apathy". And if my demo playing experience is any indication, Koei's wordplay master was clearly doing his best to hide the true name for this game: "Deadly Disinterest". Touche, Mr. Theasaurus, touche. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fatla Inertia.


Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Dev. Arc System Works Pub. Aksys Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Vampires, scantily clad nuns with yo-yos, and guitar-playing stripper witches are back in the umpteenth edition of the over-the-top 2D fighting game. A couple of new fighting mechanics have been added along with two characters that have never been seen on U.S. shores. How they'll stack up to the paper-bag-head-guy and the pirate girl that shoots dolphins at you is unknown. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you about $1.50 on Guilty Gear XX Accent Core.

Heavenly Sword Dev. Ninja Theory Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Wow, this game is nice to look at. And after playing the demo on PSN, it's clear that Nariko (the scantily clad heroine) has some cool attack and counter moves. But, there's not enough demo to really get a feel for the game play. Sure, you've got the Golem rip-off sister character, but what else about the game is going to draw us in? For starters, the combat system is pretty good, using the bumpers in addition to the face buttons give you heavy, range, and normal attacks and counterattacks. That's pretty cool, but the game-play gets stale after awhile. It turns into a button-masher of sorts, with the same enemies in similar rooms, with little variation until you get to the occasional boss fight. All in all, most reviewers are giving this Sony exclusive title decent scores, but the general buzz is that this game is good - but far from great. You'll have to decide if there are better games coming in the next few weeks to spend your $60 on. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Heavenly Sword for $51 shipped. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Thursday.


Jam Sessions Dev. Plato Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Jam Sessions allows you to compose songs, sing, and play the guitar all while on the crapper. Not recommended for public restrooms... unless you leave a tip jar outside the stall. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple dollars on Jam Sessions.


Kengo: Legend of the 9 Dev. Genki Pub. Majesco Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
Most of what you need to know about this game is in the title. There are nine samurai. They are based on real samurai from the past, i.e. legends. Therefore, this game has nine samurai legends. While I'm tempted to end this preview here, there's some info not in the title you might need: each samurai has their own storyline and attributes. With four game-play modes (Main, Mission, Head-to-Head, and Xbox Live Leaderboard) and lots of upgradables, spending your $40 on this budget title should keep you moderately entertained. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Kengo: Legend of the 9.



Konami Kids Playground: Frogger Hop, Skip & Jumpin' Fun Bundle Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Konami Kids Playground: Alphabet Circus Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Konami Kids Playground: Dinosaurs, Shapes & Colors Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Konami Kids Playground: Toy Pals Fun with Numbers Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
I've heard our demographic skews towards 2-5 year-olds, so if you are reading this and need to brush up on your letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, maybe this Leapfrog type add-on for your PS2 will give you something to mellow out with between sessions of Manhunt and GTA. And unlike those games, you control these games with your feet so there is no need to wash the ever-living stickiness off your hands before playing. In fact, have a Mr. Freeze on me. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for the Konami Kids Playground games.




NHL 08 Dev. EA Canada Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, PS3, 360 MSRP: $29.99, 59.99
EA completely revamps their hockey game and critics are rejoicing. Improved adaptive AI, smooth controls, custom play-making, and six player online play almost make me forget that I have no interest in hockey. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon will save you a couple of dollars on the next gen versions of NHL 08. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Wednesday.




NHL 2K8 Dev. Kush Games - Visual Concepts Pub. 2K Sports Systems: PS2, PS3, 360 MSRP: $19.99, $59.99
2K completely revamps their hockey game and critics are less-than-thrilled. Nevertheless, for every Blades of Steel, there must be an NES Ice Hockey. So, the 2K series offers a slightly more arcade approach with a lot more checking and break-away opportunities. Did I mention that I have no interest in hockey? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for NHL 2K8.





Pet Luv Spa & Resort Tycoon (aka Puppy Luv Spa and Resort includes Kitty Kare)Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Nope, this isn't a title we made up for laughs. It's a game that someone (who should be punished) came up with all on his/her own that may or may not be released this week. I've previewed some pretty awful games, and you know I don't like to judge a game by it's title. However, I have standards. So, I'm on pet-sim strike. It's your $30. If you feel like spending it, send the game my way and I'll come to your house and beat you with it. -mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pet Luv.



skate. Dev. EA Black Box Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
Tony Hawk, you finally have a challenger. After all these years, someone has figured out how to make a unique skating game that doesn't try to copy the THPS control scheme... and it's actually good. EA's years of tinkering with dual analog stick control, has brilliantly culminated in a fresh control scheme that actually works giving the user a sense of accomplishment and the game a sense of fluidity. There's definitely room for improvement, but "skate." has set the groundwork for a solid series. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering "skate." for $55 shipped. Circuit City is offering a $20 gift card if they don't have the game by 2PM Wednesday.


Spelling Challenges and More! Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) I can't spell. I'm seriously awful at it. I mean, the only reason my Foreplay previews come out alright is that I have spellcheck running to tell me that awful only has one "L". This game is just what the title says: spelling and some word games. There's money involved, so you can bet on your spelling skills. Spelling Challenges and More! can be yours for only $20. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't appear to be any specific deals for Spelling Challenges.

Zoey 101: Field Trip Fiasco Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Something goes wrong on their field trip to Red Stone Gulch Canyon, and Zoey and her friends must use survival techniques they learned in order to get home. I'm bored now. Let's play the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game. Zoey 101 is played by Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of Britney Spears, America's ever-pregnant pop princess. Britney was in Paulie Shore is Dead with Sherri Shepherd. Sherri Shepherd was in Beauty Shop with Kevin Bacon. I win! Or maybe not. Does just being related count? Hmmmm. Jamie Lynn was in Crossroads with Britney, so now I really do win. Anyway, this title is based on the kid's cable TV show Zoey 101. Watch the show for 30 minutes, and if you're mildly entertained, then this title might be for you! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zoey 101.


On The DL with the Shipwrecks
NES Play Action Football Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
The main reason people were hyped for this game back in the day was that it supported 4-player multiplayer. Now that it's decades later and only a two-player port, there's really no reason to pick this up over the superior Tecmo Bowl. - ship
Neutopia II Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
This sequel to TurboGrafx's Zelda clone, doesn't stray far from the original and adds improved graphics. All in all, a solid title that provides more hours of dungeon exploration and general rip-offery. - ship
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
There's always mixed emotions on these Genesis games that come out for $8 a pop. Sure, Sonic 3 is a good game, but if you don't want a box or instructions, why not throw an extra $10 at used copy of the Sonic Mega Collection Plus/Super Monkey Ball DX?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
It's the superior game, it's cheaper, and they've at least added some features, so it looks slightly more appealing than the Wii's Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It's definitely still part of that Sonic Collection though. - ship
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