CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of October 23rd, 2007. This week is jam-packed with big name titles featuring the likes of Ratchet & Clank, Castlevania, Ace Combat, Phoenix Wright, and Tomb Raider. Factor in a couple of new franchises like Zack & Wiki and The Eye of Judgment and you almost don't have room for pet simulators and Naruto games. Almost.
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Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99, $149.99
The premier jet fighting game cruises "exclusively" onto the Xbox 360; I wonder if it buzzed Sony's tower on the way. Take all the latest military aircraft out for a spin as you embark on blowing things up in highly detailed environments. There is a robust online mode that supports up to 16 people taking to the skies (and undoubtedly making countless Top Gun references). Plus there are a couple of online co-op missions as well, which seem like a natural fit for flying around with buddies and bragging about how you sprung for the $150 version that comes with a flight stick. - ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering some free faceplates with both versions of Ace Combat 6.
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Ace Combat faceplate)
Purchase At Amazon $59.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $149.99 (Free Ace Combat faceplate)
Purchase At Amazon $149.99 (Free shipping)
Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood makes its debut on American shores in this compilation of two classic games. For $30 you get a enhanced and remixed version of Rondo with 3D models and a new soundtrack, an unlockable original version of Rondo and an unlockable altered version of Symphony of the Night (with the new voice-overs). I'm definitely looking forward to this one. - ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free 8-bit Simon Belmont figure with your purchase of Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles.
Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free 8-bit Simon Belmont figure)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Not many chess games can peak my interest, but throw in a mini-game named "Fork my Fruit" and I'll raise an eyebrow. Filled with plenty of chess variations (including "Losing Chess"), move analysis, classic matches, two-player support, and the previously mentioned mini-games, this looks like a chess game with all the bells and whistles. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Chessmaster.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Clive Barker's Jericho Dev. Codemasters Pub. Codemasters Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $59.99, $69.99
As the disembodied spirit of the leader of an advanced supernatural combat squad, you must choose which of your cliched members to possess in order to dispatch of the not-so-advanced demon creatures. There's certainly plenty of idiotic fodder to shoot, whether you are playing as the duel-wielding priest, the sniper who can control bullets with his mind, or the "fire-demon-wielding alchemist and pyromancer". (Yes, you're not alone in thinking that they are trying too hard.) Although Jericho tries to set itself apart from the onslaught of first-person shooters this fall, the game simply feels a generation behind. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering the Xbox 360 version of Jericho for $57 shipped and the PS3 version for $55 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $54.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $69.99 (EB/Gamestop exclusive)
Conan Dev. Nihillistic Pub. THQ Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $59.99
Me Conan. Me barbaric hunk who services women. Me fight like Nariko with stupid dialogue and less pretty graphics. If you can get through the demo without cramming a pencil in your ear, who am I to tell you what to spend your money on? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free Conan figure with the purchase of Conan. Amazon is offering the game for $57 shipped.
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Conan figure)
Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Conan figure)
Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping)
EA Playground Dev. EA Canada Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Tether ball, dodge ball, multiplayer fantasticness, and throwing your wii-mote at the TV. What more could you ask for in this school yard games compilation? The idea is awesome, and although these casual games are obviously geared toward a younger audience, it's multi-player fun potential is high. There are some games that are only on the Wii or DS version, given the differences in controls. But either game is getting solid reviews for creativity, despite what they lack in game-play depth. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for EA Playground.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Ed, Edd & Eddy: Scam of the Century Dev. D3 Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Cartoon Network favorites Ed, Edd, and Eddy have lost their scam book, and now there's an angry mob after them. So, they split up (you can't control all three of them at once, duh!) and each has their own harrowing, linear, platform-based adventure. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ed, Edd & Eddy.
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
The Eye of Judgment Dev. SCEJ Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $69.99
Sony decided to take a completely different approach this time around when it came to selling their next iteration of the EyeToy. The family friendly party games are gone (heck, they even dropped the "Toy" from EyeToy) and the pack-in game is now a fairly hardcore trading card strategy game that best equates in my mind to something along the lines of Magic: The Gathering. At the heart of everything is the card game itself where you build upon the starter deck and booster pack that come bundled by buying additional booster packs at $4 a pop (old school expansion pack style). These cards are then used in conjunction with the camera to form 3D animations on your TV screen through magical powers and the game keeps track of all the rules and statistics so that you can relax and take great joy in watching your monsters fight against another joyful PSN user. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering The Eye of Judgment for $64 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $65.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $62.99 (99 cent shipping)
Fish Tycoon Dev. Aquaria Interactive Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) There just aren't enough fish-breeding simulators out there. Enough said. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fish Tycoon.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Front Mission 1st Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $34.99
Square Enix grabs another game from their non-North America SNES library and retools it for the DS with Front Mission 1st. Not just a clever title, this was the first game in the turn-based strategy game series that features customizable mechs. New touch-screen controls have been added to help in battles and with the screens and screens of options, those controls should come in handy. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Front Mission 1st.
Purchase At Amazon $34.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $33.65 (99 cent shipping)
Hannah Montana: Music Jam Dev. Gorilla Games Pub. Disney Interactive Studios Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) If you're looking to complete the trifecta this week, buy this third game being released by Disney that targets young girls. Nothing's hotter right now than Hannah Montana, and this game offers the usual fare: music games, fashion design, and lots of trademarked Disney goodness. For $29.99, you're daughter will love it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Hannah Montana: Music Jam.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Harry Potter Collection Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
This Playstation 2 compilation includes three previously released Harry Potter titles: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It's $30, so it's about as cheap as finding all these titles in the clearance bin minus the digging. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for the Harry Potter Collection.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
High School Musical: Sing It! w/ Microphone Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Studios Systems: PS2 MSRP: $49.99
They should have just been honest and titled this game High School Musical: Buy It! Honestly, if you know a girl who is between the ages of 2 and 14, she will love and highly covet this game. It's a karaoke game in which all the songs from High School Musical (the original) AND High School Musical 2 are included! OMG!!! With all the merchandising this movie has generated, these tween stars should have their own currency soon. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for High School Musical: Sing It!
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Imagine: Animal Doctor Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Babyz Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Fashion Designer Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Master Chef Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
First, it angers me that "Babyz" is listed as a profession, as if having a baby and being a chef, fashion designer, or vet was incompatible with having a kid. Second, why is everything aimed at a twelve year-old spelled with a "z"??? And why isn't it Mazter Chef? Is that not cool? Sorry, time to regroup. These simulation titles are fun for the whole family. If you thought dressing your Chihuahua in Dogz was great, wait until you dress a small child! Or prepare a gourmet meal (simulation, of course!) right on your DS! Take it from a real animal doctor - your day just isn't over until you get to cut open an abscess from a cat's tail. Or at least pretend like you're doing it
Honestly, my pick for a simulation game is Mazter Chief: the Halo Sim. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals on the Imagine games.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights Dev. Juice Games Pub. THQ Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Everything you'd expect to find in another street racing game. Customize your tuner car, bet on races, drift around corners, and use plenty of nitrous. There are two unique features that set this title apart. The first is its DNA tracking system which creates a profile with your racing tendencies that you can then trade with friends. The second is a "Spooking" mechanic which causes cars to freak out and wreck if you race directly behind them for extended periods of time. Oh, and not to worry, the game has plenty of characters with attitude and dated slang terms to further immerse you into the "culture". - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
King of Fighters XI Dev. SNK Playmore Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
King of Fighters XI brings 47 of your favorite characters from the series together for a 2D three-on-three fighting extravaganza. And at the bargain price of $15, that's only 32 cents per character! - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering King of Fighters XI for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Mega Man ZX Advent Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The second game in the "ZX" series is another romp through a Mega Man universe that features the classic run, jump, shoot and upgrade mechanics that made this a successful franchise to begin with. Sure, the characters and story line skew a little young (and slightly annoying), but the core of the game is solid enough for those just wanting a new Mega Man adventure. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Mega Man ZX Advent.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Moto GP 07 Dev. Milestone Pub. Capcom Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Not much info on this one, but I'm guessing it's an officially licensed motorcycle racing game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Moto GP 07.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Namco Museum Remix Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
This title isn't a straight compilation; it features old favorites and new twists. There are 14 games in all (per the box art), but there are only five "new" aka remixed games: Pac'n Roll, Galaga, Pac-Motos, Rally-X, and Gator Panic. Most of the games feature multiplayer mode, and the controls revolve around the wii-mote. Check out the screen shots before you buy: the "remix" part of the title apparently means that they've stuck Pac-Man into all the titles. So, if you're looking for a classic compilation AND some new, albeit slightly commercialized remixes, this title is for you. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Namco Museum Remix.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Dev. Eighting Pub. D3 Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Naruto is back with a new fighting game for the Wii featuring controls that will make you glad that you picked up that Classic Controller. - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution for $44 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $49.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $43.99 (Free shipping)
Naruto: Path of the Ninja Dev. Tomy Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
There is a factory somewhere that has a sentient robot in it that has devised a way to spit out a new Naruto game every week. This week there was apparently a power surge and we got two. This one is an RPG and I could have sworn that I written about it in the past. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Naruto: Path of the Ninja.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS, PS2, Wii MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
This game offers the largest collection of Nicktoons characters to date, all crammed into an undoubtedly mediocre platformer. Sweet. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots.
Purchase At Amazon $27.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $46.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $43.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Phoenix's last batch of cases is finally brought to North America and it promises to be just as enjoyable and witty as the previous offerings. This is another straight GBA port, so don't expect any DS specific cases like we were treated to in the first game. I'm getting a little teary-eyed knowing this appears to be the final time we'll see Phoenix, but hopefully Apollo Justice can carry on the legacy of great defense lawyering through reading and pointing. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations for $26 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $24.98 (99 cent shipping)
Ratatouille Dev. Heavy Iron Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PS3 MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) I've now officially become the expert on games based on movies. The plot of this Pixar movie (and game) revolves around Remy, a rat who dreams of being a gourmet chef. It's a platformer (SHOCK!) and it's fairly mediocre (GASP!) At least it's an original story (Peter Pan 18, anyone?). - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ratatouille.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Dev. Insomniac Games Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Everybody's favorite Lombax and robot pal are back... to the future. (Please ignore that terrible introduction sentence and proceed directly to the remaining paragraph.) Join the insatiable duo as they return to their roots with a more balanced mix of platforming and blowing the bewilikers out of evil things with bizarre gadgetry. The environments are beautiful, the animation is top notch, and there's more than enough Jello shooters and disco dancing to make up for the lack of a sexual innuendo filled subtitle. If you know what I mean. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Spanish for Everyone Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
IGN has no description of this game, and Gamespot calls it "a collection of word games to help you learn Spanish." Given the small amount of information out there, I'm skeptical that this title was released today. But, developing a language game on the ever-portable DS is a good idea. Maybe they should release one that teaches us to uze the letter "Z" all the time. - mrz. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Spanish for Everyone.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
SpongeBob Squarepants: Atlantis Squarepantis Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS, PS2 MSRP: $29.99
How many Cartoon Network/ Nicktoons games are there coming out this week!?! In this title, SpongeBob and company go to Atlantis, the famous civilization under the sea. But they live under the sea already. It's like Ship and I traveling from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Woohoo, let's make a game: the Ships go to Cleveland. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for SpongeBob Squarepants: Atlantis Squarepantis.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
The Sims 2: Castaway Dev. Maxis Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, PSP, PS2, Wii MSRP: $29.99-$49.99
Marketing pitch: Research shows that a large demographic of people who like "The Sims" also like watching television shows like "Survivor" and "Lost" and occasionally like to visit beaches in real life. Send it to the presses! - ship
Best Deal:
Both EB/Gamestop and Target are offering exclusive in-game items with your purchase of The Sims 2: Castaway.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $39.99 (Free exclusive unlockable vest and tank top)
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 $37.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $49.99 (Free exclusive unlockable vest and tank top)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (Free shipping)
Tomb Raider Anniversary Dev. Crystal Dynamics Pub. Eidos Interactive Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) Revisit Lara's first adventure without all of the step, step, turn, step, step, turn, turn, step, "NO, why the
are you jumping off that cliff", "you deserve that broken neck" gameplay. Most importantly, the new controls greatly cut down on the patience needed to trap the camera in a corner just so you could get a good shot of Lara's rack. Ah, good times. With updated graphics, expanded levels, and the Tomb Raider Legend engine, Anniversary's worth a closer look. Just don't poke your eye out. - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Tomb Raider Anniversary for $29 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
A boy and an online encyclopedia search for a dead racehorses' treasure? Nah, Zack and Barbaros are pirates, and Wiki is the token side-kick. This game is a classic action-adventure game with some great puzzle aspects thrown in. The game-play features the wii-mote, and ALL reviews are great. The graphics are of the awesome cel-shaded variety, and the game-play is point-and-click of sorts. There's not much voice-acting, but this title is only $39.99 and should be a great buy for anyone with a Wii. Buy this game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zack & Wiki.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Zoo Hospital Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
I don't much care for these games given my profession, but lets be honest: even I want to be a zoo vet. One of my favorite games is Zoo Tycoon. But seriously, I don't know a veterinarian who wouldn't love to take care of tigers and lions and bears (oh my!), but there aren't very many actual zoo veterinarian jobs. My advice: if you're going to by an animal doctor sim, at least buy the cool one. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zoo Hospital.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Lunar Pool Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
Pool... in the future... on the NES. - ship
Ninja JaJaMaru-kun Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Another former Japan-only NES game is released for $1 more than its domestic counterparts. This one is a pretty basic arcade style game that reminds me of the original Mario Bros., except that you are a ninja and can dispatch of your enemies with throwing stars. - ship
Golden Axe III Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
The classic Genesis scrolling fantasy beat-em-up's third revision again proves the value of the Sega Genesis Collection. - ship
Battlestar Galactica Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
A completely new space combat game featuring really tiny ships. Choose from several different classes of spacecraft and work your way through the campaign or play online with seven other players. It doesn't look like much, but at least we can all try the trial version. - ship
Exit Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Originally a PSP title, this platforming puzzle game is all about escaping buildings and rescuing people in distress. It's got a unique minimalistic 2D art-style and simple controls that bring back a lot of classic memories of games like Lost Vikings and Lemmings. - 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. (Who am I kidding?)
Special thanks to www.GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for $5 off any order over $30. Just enter code "CHEAP1" when you check out to get your savings.
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[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99, $149.99
The premier jet fighting game cruises "exclusively" onto the Xbox 360; I wonder if it buzzed Sony's tower on the way. Take all the latest military aircraft out for a spin as you embark on blowing things up in highly detailed environments. There is a robust online mode that supports up to 16 people taking to the skies (and undoubtedly making countless Top Gun references). Plus there are a couple of online co-op missions as well, which seem like a natural fit for flying around with buddies and bragging about how you sprung for the $150 version that comes with a flight stick. - ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering some free faceplates with both versions of Ace Combat 6.
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Ace Combat faceplate) Purchase At Amazon $59.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $149.99 (Free Ace Combat faceplate) Purchase At Amazon $149.99 (Free shipping)Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood makes its debut on American shores in this compilation of two classic games. For $30 you get a enhanced and remixed version of Rondo with 3D models and a new soundtrack, an unlockable original version of Rondo and an unlockable altered version of Symphony of the Night (with the new voice-overs). I'm definitely looking forward to this one. - ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free 8-bit Simon Belmont figure with your purchase of Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles.
Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free 8-bit Simon Belmont figure) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Not many chess games can peak my interest, but throw in a mini-game named "Fork my Fruit" and I'll raise an eyebrow. Filled with plenty of chess variations (including "Losing Chess"), move analysis, classic matches, two-player support, and the previously mentioned mini-games, this looks like a chess game with all the bells and whistles. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Chessmaster.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Clive Barker's Jericho Dev. Codemasters Pub. Codemasters Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $59.99, $69.99
As the disembodied spirit of the leader of an advanced supernatural combat squad, you must choose which of your cliched members to possess in order to dispatch of the not-so-advanced demon creatures. There's certainly plenty of idiotic fodder to shoot, whether you are playing as the duel-wielding priest, the sniper who can control bullets with his mind, or the "fire-demon-wielding alchemist and pyromancer". (Yes, you're not alone in thinking that they are trying too hard.) Although Jericho tries to set itself apart from the onslaught of first-person shooters this fall, the game simply feels a generation behind. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering the Xbox 360 version of Jericho for $57 shipped and the PS3 version for $55 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $54.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At EB Games $69.99 (EB/Gamestop exclusive)Conan Dev. Nihillistic Pub. THQ Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $59.99
Me Conan. Me barbaric hunk who services women. Me fight like Nariko with stupid dialogue and less pretty graphics. If you can get through the demo without cramming a pencil in your ear, who am I to tell you what to spend your money on? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free Conan figure with the purchase of Conan. Amazon is offering the game for $57 shipped.
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Conan figure) Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Conan figure) Purchase At Amazon $56.79 (Free shipping)EA Playground Dev. EA Canada Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Tether ball, dodge ball, multiplayer fantasticness, and throwing your wii-mote at the TV. What more could you ask for in this school yard games compilation? The idea is awesome, and although these casual games are obviously geared toward a younger audience, it's multi-player fun potential is high. There are some games that are only on the Wii or DS version, given the differences in controls. But either game is getting solid reviews for creativity, despite what they lack in game-play depth. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for EA Playground.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Ed, Edd & Eddy: Scam of the Century Dev. D3 Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Cartoon Network favorites Ed, Edd, and Eddy have lost their scam book, and now there's an angry mob after them. So, they split up (you can't control all three of them at once, duh!) and each has their own harrowing, linear, platform-based adventure. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ed, Edd & Eddy.
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)The Eye of Judgment Dev. SCEJ Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $69.99
Sony decided to take a completely different approach this time around when it came to selling their next iteration of the EyeToy. The family friendly party games are gone (heck, they even dropped the "Toy" from EyeToy) and the pack-in game is now a fairly hardcore trading card strategy game that best equates in my mind to something along the lines of Magic: The Gathering. At the heart of everything is the card game itself where you build upon the starter deck and booster pack that come bundled by buying additional booster packs at $4 a pop (old school expansion pack style). These cards are then used in conjunction with the camera to form 3D animations on your TV screen through magical powers and the game keeps track of all the rules and statistics so that you can relax and take great joy in watching your monsters fight against another joyful PSN user. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering The Eye of Judgment for $64 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $65.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $62.99 (99 cent shipping)Fish Tycoon Dev. Aquaria Interactive Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) There just aren't enough fish-breeding simulators out there. Enough said. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fish Tycoon.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Front Mission 1st Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $34.99
Square Enix grabs another game from their non-North America SNES library and retools it for the DS with Front Mission 1st. Not just a clever title, this was the first game in the turn-based strategy game series that features customizable mechs. New touch-screen controls have been added to help in battles and with the screens and screens of options, those controls should come in handy. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Front Mission 1st.
Purchase At Amazon $34.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $33.65 (99 cent shipping)Hannah Montana: Music Jam Dev. Gorilla Games Pub. Disney Interactive Studios Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) If you're looking to complete the trifecta this week, buy this third game being released by Disney that targets young girls. Nothing's hotter right now than Hannah Montana, and this game offers the usual fare: music games, fashion design, and lots of trademarked Disney goodness. For $29.99, you're daughter will love it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Hannah Montana: Music Jam.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Harry Potter Collection Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
This Playstation 2 compilation includes three previously released Harry Potter titles: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It's $30, so it's about as cheap as finding all these titles in the clearance bin minus the digging. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for the Harry Potter Collection.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)High School Musical: Sing It! w/ Microphone Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Studios Systems: PS2 MSRP: $49.99
They should have just been honest and titled this game High School Musical: Buy It! Honestly, if you know a girl who is between the ages of 2 and 14, she will love and highly covet this game. It's a karaoke game in which all the songs from High School Musical (the original) AND High School Musical 2 are included! OMG!!! With all the merchandising this movie has generated, these tween stars should have their own currency soon. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for High School Musical: Sing It!
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)Imagine: Animal Doctor Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Babyz Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Fashion Designer Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Imagine: Master Chef Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
First, it angers me that "Babyz" is listed as a profession, as if having a baby and being a chef, fashion designer, or vet was incompatible with having a kid. Second, why is everything aimed at a twelve year-old spelled with a "z"??? And why isn't it Mazter Chef? Is that not cool? Sorry, time to regroup. These simulation titles are fun for the whole family. If you thought dressing your Chihuahua in Dogz was great, wait until you dress a small child! Or prepare a gourmet meal (simulation, of course!) right on your DS! Take it from a real animal doctor - your day just isn't over until you get to cut open an abscess from a cat's tail. Or at least pretend like you're doing it
Honestly, my pick for a simulation game is Mazter Chief: the Halo Sim. - mrs. shipBest Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals on the Imagine games.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights Dev. Juice Games Pub. THQ Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) Everything you'd expect to find in another street racing game. Customize your tuner car, bet on races, drift around corners, and use plenty of nitrous. There are two unique features that set this title apart. The first is its DNA tracking system which creates a profile with your racing tendencies that you can then trade with friends. The second is a "Spooking" mechanic which causes cars to freak out and wreck if you race directly behind them for extended periods of time. Oh, and not to worry, the game has plenty of characters with attitude and dated slang terms to further immerse you into the "culture". - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)King of Fighters XI Dev. SNK Playmore Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
King of Fighters XI brings 47 of your favorite characters from the series together for a 2D three-on-three fighting extravaganza. And at the bargain price of $15, that's only 32 cents per character! - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering King of Fighters XI for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)Mega Man ZX Advent Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The second game in the "ZX" series is another romp through a Mega Man universe that features the classic run, jump, shoot and upgrade mechanics that made this a successful franchise to begin with. Sure, the characters and story line skew a little young (and slightly annoying), but the core of the game is solid enough for those just wanting a new Mega Man adventure. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Mega Man ZX Advent.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Moto GP 07 Dev. Milestone Pub. Capcom Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Not much info on this one, but I'm guessing it's an officially licensed motorcycle racing game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Moto GP 07.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Namco Museum Remix Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
This title isn't a straight compilation; it features old favorites and new twists. There are 14 games in all (per the box art), but there are only five "new" aka remixed games: Pac'n Roll, Galaga, Pac-Motos, Rally-X, and Gator Panic. Most of the games feature multiplayer mode, and the controls revolve around the wii-mote. Check out the screen shots before you buy: the "remix" part of the title apparently means that they've stuck Pac-Man into all the titles. So, if you're looking for a classic compilation AND some new, albeit slightly commercialized remixes, this title is for you. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Namco Museum Remix.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Dev. Eighting Pub. D3 Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Naruto is back with a new fighting game for the Wii featuring controls that will make you glad that you picked up that Classic Controller. - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution for $44 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $49.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $43.99 (Free shipping)Naruto: Path of the Ninja Dev. Tomy Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
There is a factory somewhere that has a sentient robot in it that has devised a way to spit out a new Naruto game every week. This week there was apparently a power surge and we got two. This one is an RPG and I could have sworn that I written about it in the past. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Naruto: Path of the Ninja.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS, PS2, Wii MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
This game offers the largest collection of Nicktoons characters to date, all crammed into an undoubtedly mediocre platformer. Sweet. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots.
Purchase At Amazon $27.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $46.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $43.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Phoenix's last batch of cases is finally brought to North America and it promises to be just as enjoyable and witty as the previous offerings. This is another straight GBA port, so don't expect any DS specific cases like we were treated to in the first game. I'm getting a little teary-eyed knowing this appears to be the final time we'll see Phoenix, but hopefully Apollo Justice can carry on the legacy of great defense lawyering through reading and pointing. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations for $26 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $24.98 (99 cent shipping)Ratatouille Dev. Heavy Iron Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PS3 MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) I've now officially become the expert on games based on movies. The plot of this Pixar movie (and game) revolves around Remy, a rat who dreams of being a gourmet chef. It's a platformer (SHOCK!) and it's fairly mediocre (GASP!) At least it's an original story (Peter Pan 18, anyone?). - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ratatouille.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Dev. Insomniac Games Pub. SCEA Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Everybody's favorite Lombax and robot pal are back... to the future. (Please ignore that terrible introduction sentence and proceed directly to the remaining paragraph.) Join the insatiable duo as they return to their roots with a more balanced mix of platforming and blowing the bewilikers out of evil things with bizarre gadgetry. The environments are beautiful, the animation is top notch, and there's more than enough Jello shooters and disco dancing to make up for the lack of a sexual innuendo filled subtitle. If you know what I mean. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)Spanish for Everyone Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
IGN has no description of this game, and Gamespot calls it "a collection of word games to help you learn Spanish." Given the small amount of information out there, I'm skeptical that this title was released today. But, developing a language game on the ever-portable DS is a good idea. Maybe they should release one that teaches us to uze the letter "Z" all the time. - mrz. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Spanish for Everyone.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)SpongeBob Squarepants: Atlantis Squarepantis Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS, PS2 MSRP: $29.99
How many Cartoon Network/ Nicktoons games are there coming out this week!?! In this title, SpongeBob and company go to Atlantis, the famous civilization under the sea. But they live under the sea already. It's like Ship and I traveling from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Woohoo, let's make a game: the Ships go to Cleveland. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for SpongeBob Squarepants: Atlantis Squarepantis.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)The Sims 2: Castaway Dev. Maxis Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, PSP, PS2, Wii MSRP: $29.99-$49.99
Marketing pitch: Research shows that a large demographic of people who like "The Sims" also like watching television shows like "Survivor" and "Lost" and occasionally like to visit beaches in real life. Send it to the presses! - ship
Best Deal:
Both EB/Gamestop and Target are offering exclusive in-game items with your purchase of The Sims 2: Castaway.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $39.99 (Free exclusive unlockable vest and tank top) 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 $37.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At EB Games $49.99 (Free exclusive unlockable vest and tank top) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (Free shipping)Tomb Raider Anniversary Dev. Crystal Dynamics Pub. Eidos Interactive Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) Revisit Lara's first adventure without all of the step, step, turn, step, step, turn, turn, step, "NO, why the
are you jumping off that cliff", "you deserve that broken neck" gameplay. Most importantly, the new controls greatly cut down on the patience needed to trap the camera in a corner just so you could get a good shot of Lara's rack. Ah, good times. With updated graphics, expanded levels, and the Tomb Raider Legend engine, Anniversary's worth a closer look. Just don't poke your eye out. - shipBest Deal:
Deep Discount is offering Tomb Raider Anniversary for $29 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
A boy and an online encyclopedia search for a dead racehorses' treasure? Nah, Zack and Barbaros are pirates, and Wiki is the token side-kick. This game is a classic action-adventure game with some great puzzle aspects thrown in. The game-play features the wii-mote, and ALL reviews are great. The graphics are of the awesome cel-shaded variety, and the game-play is point-and-click of sorts. There's not much voice-acting, but this title is only $39.99 and should be a great buy for anyone with a Wii. Buy this game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zack & Wiki.
Purchase At Amazon $39.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Zoo Hospital Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
I don't much care for these games given my profession, but lets be honest: even I want to be a zoo vet. One of my favorite games is Zoo Tycoon. But seriously, I don't know a veterinarian who wouldn't love to take care of tigers and lions and bears (oh my!), but there aren't very many actual zoo veterinarian jobs. My advice: if you're going to by an animal doctor sim, at least buy the cool one. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Zoo Hospital.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Lunar Pool Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
Pool... in the future... on the NES. - ship
Ninja JaJaMaru-kun Systems: Wii MSRP: $6
Another former Japan-only NES game is released for $1 more than its domestic counterparts. This one is a pretty basic arcade style game that reminds me of the original Mario Bros., except that you are a ninja and can dispatch of your enemies with throwing stars. - ship
Golden Axe III Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
The classic Genesis scrolling fantasy beat-em-up's third revision again proves the value of the Sega Genesis Collection. - ship
Battlestar Galactica Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
A completely new space combat game featuring really tiny ships. Choose from several different classes of spacecraft and work your way through the campaign or play online with seven other players. It doesn't look like much, but at least we can all try the trial version. - ship
Exit Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Originally a PSP title, this platforming puzzle game is all about escaping buildings and rescuing people in distress. It's got a unique minimalistic 2D art-style and simple controls that bring back a lot of classic memories of games like Lost Vikings and Lemmings. - 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.
# - no message saying anything for it or against the code, just...nothing...? I'm going to try and contact them to see what's going on, just figured I'd give you guys a heads up.