CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of November 20th, 2007. This week we are back to tackle the last push of releases prior to Black Friday. The shelves will be packed with lots of light gun games, lots of games involving some sort of monsters, and, of course, a big stack of Strawberry Shortcake games sitting where your copy of Rock Band was supposed to be.
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 10% off any purchase. Just enter code "CAG" when you check out to get your savings.
[media]http://media.libsyn.com/media/foreplay/cagforeplay24.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]
Multi-Platform
College Hoops 2K8 Dev. Visual Concepts Pub. 2K Games Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $19.99, $59.99
Holy Toledo, Greg Oden on the cover? Is there a College Hoops curse that I didn't know about? Their commercials have been touting an innovative new "6th Man Advantage" game mechanic that gives the home team a brief boost when playing well (I could have sworn this was in EA's college game nearly a decade ago). Regardless, the last couple of College Hoops games have been quite good and with improved animations and added control depth, I expect this to be the best collegiate hardwood game again this year. Plus my Alma Mater, Memphis, is really good this year and there's no Greg Oden to get in their way. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for College Hoops 2K8.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Final Fantasy XI Online: Vana'Diel Collection 2008 Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $39.99, $49.99
Final Fantasy XI Online: Wings of the Goddess Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $29.99
I'm amazed that it is still profitable to be putting out expansion packs for this game, but I guess the audience is still there. It's the same type of expansion you'd come to expect by now: new locations, new quests, new classes, etc. The Vana'Diel Collection includes the original game and all the expansions including Wings of the Goddess. Maybe the new Dancer job class that allows you to charm enemies with rose petals is enough to get you to visit Vana'Diel again, or maybe it's the tipping point for your first adventure to see what fighting worms and rabbits is all about. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering the 360 version of Vana’Diel Collection for $47 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Godzilla Unleashed Dev. Pipeworks Software Pub. Atari Systems: DS, PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
If you buy the DS version, you'll no doubt be looking for the token title phrase involving the letters D and S. I mean, that's why I personally buy my DS titles. All they could come up with for Godzilla Unleased was Double Smashed. The game play is simple in this side scrolling adventure title: shoot and clobber things. The graphics are dated in the DS version, but better on the PS2. The bonus of buying this title on the DS: you can play co-op with one other player on a single cart so only one of you has to waste your $30. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Godzilla Unleashed.
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (99 cent shipping)
Petz Dogz 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Petz Hamsterz Life 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
During our absence this past weekend, I had hoped that all the pet simz would come out and then I wouldn't have to preview them. Catz 2 and Horsez 2 were released this past week, but fortunately for me, Hamsterz Life 2 and Dogz 2 were delayed just so I would have the pleasure of talking about them. You know what these games are, and if you enjoyed the originals, you'll probably like the sequels. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Dogz 2 or Hamsterz Life 2.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $28.99 (Free shipping)
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus Dev. SEGA Pub. SEGA Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $39.99, $20
WOW, another expansion for an MMO game in the same week? Seems like an odd time of year to be releasing add-ons that make existing games even more massive when there is so much new stuff out, but, once again, I guess there is a market for this. And, once again, it's what you'd expect to get in an expansion, but they at least give you a new single player story line as well. The 360 version is only available as a downloadable from the XBL Marketplace for 1600 points and it requires the original game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus.
$20 (Downloadable only)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Rock Band Dev. Harmonix Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
Rock Band: Special Edition Dev. Harmonix Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $159.99, $169.99
Never heard of it. Couldn't really find much information about it on the internet. Probably not going to be a big seller, so don't bother hurrying out to the store if you are for some unsightly reason interested in this game. (Okay, that should throw everybody off the trail... Now, I just need to find one of these...) - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering the game only version for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 for $56 shipped. Amazon is offering the PS2 Special Edition for $150 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.37 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $169.99 (Currently out of stock)
Purchase At Deep Discount $168.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $149.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $169.99 (Currently out of stock)
Purchase At Deep Discount $168.95 (Free shipping)
Star Trek Conquest Dev. Bethesda Pub. Bethesda Systems: PS2, Wii MSRP: $14.99, $29.99
Anyone else wondering why the Star Trek license seems to produce so many budget titles lately? This one is a combination turn-based strategy and real-time strategy game set in the era of Jean-Luc Picard. Choose one of the six factions (Federation, Klingon, Romulan, and the rest that only Trekkies know) and manage your resources during the turn-based portion of the game. Then the real-time battles kick in and you get to shoot “pew-pew” lasers at things trying to stop you from conquering the galaxy. In the infinitely small chance that you might have a friend that would actually want to play this with you, the game does not support multiplayer of any type. Captain’s Log: “My friends seem curiously relieved.” - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Star Trek Conquest.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.83 (99 cent shipping)
Xbox 360
Avatar: The Burning Earth Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: 360 MSRP: $49.99
(Deja Preview) The sequel to last year's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" features the return of Aang and friends as they work their way through the second season of the American made anime (properly known as a "sparkling white cartoon"?). This is your pretty standard third-person adventure fare, but they've included a multiplayer battle mode this time around as well. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Avatar: The Burning Earth for $47 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping)
Mass Effect Dev. BioWare Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
Mass Effect Limited Edition Dev. BioWare Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $69.99
Developed by BioWare, the creators of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, this Microsoft RPG isn't your average RPG. Rated M, it's chalk full of blood, guts, and intergalactic baddies. It's also got great graphics, complex character customization, and morality game-play that lets you choose between being a saint or sinner during your conquests. The downsides revolve around the enemy AI, which can be lacking at times, and the combat system being a bit difficult to master at first. The fantastic storyline and replay potential (because of the character customization) make this title a must-have. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Mass Effect for $51 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $49.99 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $69.99
PlayStation 3
Medal of Honor Airborne Dev. EA Los Angeles Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) While other series have moved away from World War II, Medal of Honor still believes there's plenty of life left in the Nazi killing industry. The one element of this game that sets it apart from the rest is that you start each level by air-dropping into battle. This allows you to control your parachute and where you land significantly impacts the way that you will play the level. It certainly goes a long way in trying to get around the point-to-point style that has made the majority of WWII games stale, as you can play each area with many different strategies. In the end though, it pretty much just comes down to mowing through the Axis in very familiar scenarios. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Medal of Honor Airborne for $56 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $54.98 (99 cent shipping)
Soldier of Fortune: Payback Dev. Cauldron Pub. Activision Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Xbox 360 version of this game was released last week and now the PlayStation 3 version follows a few days later. As a series, Soldier of Fortune has always been known as a first-person shooter that concentrates on localized hit detection and having the three-dimensional models react appropriately to the damaged area. Or in other words, these games offer extremely violent gunplay that allows for both mutilation and dismemberment of you enemies in fun and exciting ways. Sure, they’ve always been mediocre games (and this one is no different), but there’s a time and a place for blowing limbs off of stupid-as-
extremists. (The time would be when this drops in price.) - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Soldier of Fortune: Payback.
Purchase At Amazon $59.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Time Crisis 4 w/ Guncon Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: PS3 MSRP: $79.99
This fourth title in the Time Crisis series features your typical lightgun arcade gameplay. But that's just the arcade mode. What this title also has is a story mode in which the game play is more what you'd expect in a first-person shooter. The story mode missions (about 30 minutes) alternate with the shoot 'em-up game play that we love in the arcade mode. So, it's the best of both worlds. The downside? The price point is high at $79.99, but that does include the GunCom 3 lightgun. You'll have to decide if the gun is worth the extra cash. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Time Crisis 4.
Purchase At Amazon $79.99 (Free shipping)
TimeShift Dev. Saber Interactive Pub. Sierra Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) The delayed and revamped TimeShift finally clocks in and does so in a season crammed with first-person shooters. It's your pretty standard shooter fare with a few time effects like slow motion, time stop, and time rewinding. For some reason it feels like F.E.A.R. set in a World War II type environment... but in the future. You know it really is trying to set itself apart from the crowd when on one of the latest Major Nelson podcast one of the developers basically just came out and said that they changed the entire direction of the project because they didn't think it would sell well with the general public due to it being unconventional. Well, problem fixed... at least the unconventional part. Regardless, it seems to be a decent shooter released at the wrong time. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for TimeShift.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $58.99 (Free shipping)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Dev. Naughty Dog Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I’ll be honest; this is the game that pushed me to get a PlayStation 3 earlier this year. There just aren't enough good third-person action/adventure games around anymore and this one certainly looks to fit the bill. There are plenty of Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, and pulp fiction influences to go along with the gorgeous animations and graphics to really set this one apart as a truly unique release this season. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
PlayStation 2
7 Wonders of the Ancient World Dev. Hot Lava Pub. MumboJumbo Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) Warning: this game will try and teach you something about history. Other than that, the current online previews are amazingly vague regarding gameplay and include phrases like "journey where no one alive has ever gone before" and "time is short and the journey is filled with peril" and "7 Wonders of the Ancient World is a puzzle game for PS2". Keep these things in mind before you spend your $20. Or maybe find someone who doesn't read CAG Foreplay, borrow his or her copy (or play the online PC game), and fill us in on what this game is. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Cabela's Monster Bass Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Giant, mutated zombie-fish are flopping through the streets of surburbia and the future for all the Slow Kids At Play rests on you and your genetically enhanced, bionic fishing-rod arm. Upgrade your appendage to tackle mouths both small and large as you wade your way through the schools of the nefarious Monster Bass who curiously awaits your arrival with baited breath. Are you being lured to your demise? Oh… never mind, it’s just another fishing game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Cabela’s Monster Bass.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
History Channel: Battle for the Pacific Dev. Pipeworks Software Pub. Activision Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Hmmmm... it seems that there's now a whole separate genre called historic first-person shooters. You know, I just wasn't sure what to call this game until that term was invented. Anyway, this title puts you in the middle of historic battles that took place in the Pacific during World War II. Enough said. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for History Channel: Battle for the Pacific.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge Dev. MumboJumbo Pub. MumboJumbo Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
IGN lists this game's release date as December 18, 2007. It also lists the developer as TBA. Not a good sign that it's coming out this week. All the other versions are also listed for 12/18, so stay tuned until then. Anyway, this game plays very similar to Zuma, so get ready to shoot lots of marbles. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Luxor: Pharaoh’s Challenge.
Purchase At Amazon $18.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Wii
AMF Bowling Pinbusters Dev. Mud Duck Pub. Bethesda Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
Sure, the Wii comes bundled with a bowling game already, but that’s not going to stop yet another bowling game from releasing. So, oil up your balls and get ready to experience zany characters like drill sergeants and cowgirls and the always exciting, rave-tastic cosmic bowling. And rounding out the list of features are, of course, some mini games. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for AMF Bowling Pinbusters.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Geometry Wars: Galaxies Dev. Kuju Entertainment/Bizarre Creations Pub. Sierra Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
Take a hit $5 Xbox Live Arcade game, add co-op play, more complex game mechanics and 64 mission-based levels and you’ve admittedly got a compelling package. My only concern is that the Wii controls feel forced for a game built for twin-analog controls. Fortunately, you can ditch the Wii-mote and Nunchuk and just play this with the Classic Controller. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Geometry Wars: Galaxies.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)
Ghost Squad Dev. SEGA-AM2 Pub. SEGA Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
When did light gun games all of a sudden become all the rage? The “ghosts” in this arcade port are less of the supernatural variety and more of the “Recon” variety. You and three of your friends can shoot the baddies, rescue the goodies, and disarm the bombies. Okay, I’ll stop that now. With different paths available throughout the story and with a bargain $30 price tag, this could turn into a pretty fun party game. And as long as these light gun games keep releasing at discount prices, keep ‘em coming. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Ghost Squad.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Monster Jam Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!! You'll pay full retail price, but you'll only need the edge! Wait, $50 for a monster truck game? And a lame, cliched write-up that doesn't quite make sense to boot? - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Monster Jam.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (99 cent shipping)
Nintendo Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $24.99
Since you're already spending $180 on Rock Band, what's another $25 on a great Zelda-themed shooter? Complete with crossbow frame (shaped like a crossbow if a crossbow were a gun) in which your Wii-mote and nunchuk fit into, this title lets you shoot enemies in the Zelda universe. Yes, it's a cash-in, but its low price point and fun gameplay make it okay to want this game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There was a sudden $5 price increase on the Wii Zapper at just about all retailers, but Family Video is offering it for $21 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $24.99
Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)
Soul Calibur Legends Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
This is the first Soul Calibur title on the Wii and the gameplay involves both the nunchuck and the Wii-mote in an action-adventure setting. The combat is getting good reviews, with the biggest complaints being in regards to animation and fluidity. There are many Soul Calibur characters to play as, but gameplay could get a bit repetitive. Die-hard fans will love this title, but the rest of us should wait and see before buying. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering Soul Calibur Legends for $45.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $47.47 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Trauma Center: New Blood Dev. Atlus Pub. Atlus Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
A true sequel, New Blood expands the Trauma Center franchise in everyway imaginable. A more advanced soap-opera-esque story mode and co-op surgeries are probably the two biggest steps forward. Plus, there are plenty of new surgeries and instruments for you to wave about with the Wii controllers. I think I’m most excited about the co-op though, where I’m sure I will ultimately become mrs. shipwreck’s nurse. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Trauma Center: New Blood for $48 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping)
DS
Clue/Mouse Trap/Perfection/Aggravation Dev. Gravity-i Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Mrs. White in the dining room with the candlestick. You all know Clue and Mousetrap, and Perfection was the game where you had 60 seconds to put the little pieces in their spots before the game blew up. Aggravation apparently involves colored marbles moving around a board and some catchy phrase about aggravating your opponents. You get the gist. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Clue/Mouse Trap/Perfection/Aggravation.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
CSI: Dark Motives Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Maybe they should have added an additional colon somewhere in that title. How about CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Dark Motives: The Game? It worked for the Bratz title. Anyway, this game is originally a 2004 PC first-person point-and-click adventure title based on the TV show CSI. The PC game got decent/average to solid reviews, and fans of the original CSI PC game will notice some improvements. Since I'm not familiar with the original title, I'll just tell you that there are five cases to solve. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for CSI: Dark Motives.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Taking place after the conclusion of Final Fantasy XII, Revenant Wings is a mix of RPG and real-time strategy that seems to be a good entry point for beginners in both genres while appealing to the Square-Enix hardcore as well. Simple, class-based combat and intuitive stylus controls seem to be a good fit for on-the-go action, but 40 Gil seems a little steep here. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland Dev. Destineer Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A midwestern institution, Mister Deere brings us his take on farming. It's like Harvest Moon, but replace all the charm with green and yellow. Farm and raise crops, drive your tractor around, and sell as many trucker hats as possible. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Mario Party Dev. Hudson Soft Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
If you don't know what Mario Party is all about by now, you need more help than I can give. But true Mario Party lovers will all be asking the same question: one cart or two? Multiplayer requires each gamer have their own cart, but there is a multiplayer mini-game mode that allows you to download mini-games to be played with others on a single cart. Also, there's a story mode for those who would rather play on their own. As far as game play goes, it's what you'd expect. The mini games are similar to what you'd see on the Wii/GC/N64 but feature the DS stylus. The party boards and hexes are also pretty predictable. The freshest part of the game is the plot: Bowser has gone and shrunk Mario and friends, so most of the game boards resemble scenes from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (table tops, etc...). So, pick this one up for $30 and party on. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of Mario Party.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $29.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake Dev. Game Factory Pub. Game Factory Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This game can pretty much be explained via the title. Gamers wander through Strawberryland (yes, Strawberryland) looking for ingredients to make the biggest and best cake. The adventure leads through all four seasons, and game play includes (are you ready for this?!?) pogo-stick, diving, and paragliding challenges. Finally, it's what I've been waiting for. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake.
Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Sonic 3D Blast Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
No. No. No. No. No. Do not buy. It’s not fast, it’s not fun, Hell… it’s not even 3D. Sonic 3D Ass. - ship
Edit: For further proof of Sonic 3D Blast's crimes against humanity, check out this week's outro music.
Super Air Zonk Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
The sequel to the already Virtual Consolized Air Zonk has you rescuing Team Cool from the evil King Drool. Take control as the cyber-punk Bonk clone and eat plenty of meat power-ups so that you don’t get hungry. Afterall, scrolling and shooting to a rockabilly soundtrack builds up an appetite. - ship
Wrecking Crew Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
As transcribed from the show:
ship: "It's Mario & Luigi in their not-so-famous game. They have hammers and they have to destroy buildings. It's kind of a puzzle/action game."
mrs. ship: "Seriously, it's Mario & Luigi?" - ship
Undertow Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Good graphics, underwater gameplay, and 16-player multiplayer. All good ingredients in an XBLA shooter. Wikipedia even says it will only take up 50 MB of space on the hard drive. Even though it sounds great, be smart and play the demo before spending your $10. - 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 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 10% off any purchase. Just enter code "CAG" when you check out to get your savings.
[media]http://media.libsyn.com/media/foreplay/cagforeplay24.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]Multi-Platform
College Hoops 2K8 Dev. Visual Concepts Pub. 2K Games Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $19.99, $59.99
Holy Toledo, Greg Oden on the cover? Is there a College Hoops curse that I didn't know about? Their commercials have been touting an innovative new "6th Man Advantage" game mechanic that gives the home team a brief boost when playing well (I could have sworn this was in EA's college game nearly a decade ago). Regardless, the last couple of College Hoops games have been quite good and with improved animations and added control depth, I expect this to be the best collegiate hardwood game again this year. Plus my Alma Mater, Memphis, is really good this year and there's no Greg Oden to get in their way. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for College Hoops 2K8.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)Final Fantasy XI Online: Vana'Diel Collection 2008 Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $39.99, $49.99
Final Fantasy XI Online: Wings of the Goddess Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $29.99
I'm amazed that it is still profitable to be putting out expansion packs for this game, but I guess the audience is still there. It's the same type of expansion you'd come to expect by now: new locations, new quests, new classes, etc. The Vana'Diel Collection includes the original game and all the expansions including Wings of the Goddess. Maybe the new Dancer job class that allows you to charm enemies with rose petals is enough to get you to visit Vana'Diel again, or maybe it's the tipping point for your first adventure to see what fighting worms and rabbits is all about. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering the 360 version of Vana’Diel Collection for $47 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)Godzilla Unleashed Dev. Pipeworks Software Pub. Atari Systems: DS, PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
If you buy the DS version, you'll no doubt be looking for the token title phrase involving the letters D and S. I mean, that's why I personally buy my DS titles. All they could come up with for Godzilla Unleased was Double Smashed. The game play is simple in this side scrolling adventure title: shoot and clobber things. The graphics are dated in the DS version, but better on the PS2. The bonus of buying this title on the DS: you can play co-op with one other player on a single cart so only one of you has to waste your $30. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Godzilla Unleashed.
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (99 cent shipping)Petz Dogz 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Petz Hamsterz Life 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
During our absence this past weekend, I had hoped that all the pet simz would come out and then I wouldn't have to preview them. Catz 2 and Horsez 2 were released this past week, but fortunately for me, Hamsterz Life 2 and Dogz 2 were delayed just so I would have the pleasure of talking about them. You know what these games are, and if you enjoyed the originals, you'll probably like the sequels. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Dogz 2 or Hamsterz Life 2.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $28.99 (Free shipping)Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus Dev. SEGA Pub. SEGA Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $39.99, $20
WOW, another expansion for an MMO game in the same week? Seems like an odd time of year to be releasing add-ons that make existing games even more massive when there is so much new stuff out, but, once again, I guess there is a market for this. And, once again, it's what you'd expect to get in an expansion, but they at least give you a new single player story line as well. The 360 version is only available as a downloadable from the XBL Marketplace for 1600 points and it requires the original game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus.
$20 (Downloadable only) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Rock Band Dev. Harmonix Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
Rock Band: Special Edition Dev. Harmonix Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $159.99, $169.99
Never heard of it. Couldn't really find much information about it on the internet. Probably not going to be a big seller, so don't bother hurrying out to the store if you are for some unsightly reason interested in this game. (Okay, that should throw everybody off the trail... Now, I just need to find one of these...) - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering the game only version for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 for $56 shipped. Amazon is offering the PS2 Special Edition for $150 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.37 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $54.99 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $169.99 (Currently out of stock) Purchase At Deep Discount $168.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $149.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $169.99 (Currently out of stock) Purchase At Deep Discount $168.95 (Free shipping)Star Trek Conquest Dev. Bethesda Pub. Bethesda Systems: PS2, Wii MSRP: $14.99, $29.99
Anyone else wondering why the Star Trek license seems to produce so many budget titles lately? This one is a combination turn-based strategy and real-time strategy game set in the era of Jean-Luc Picard. Choose one of the six factions (Federation, Klingon, Romulan, and the rest that only Trekkies know) and manage your resources during the turn-based portion of the game. Then the real-time battles kick in and you get to shoot “pew-pew” lasers at things trying to stop you from conquering the galaxy. In the infinitely small chance that you might have a friend that would actually want to play this with you, the game does not support multiplayer of any type. Captain’s Log: “My friends seem curiously relieved.” - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Star Trek Conquest.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.83 (99 cent shipping)Xbox 360
Avatar: The Burning Earth Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: 360 MSRP: $49.99
(Deja Preview) The sequel to last year's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" features the return of Aang and friends as they work their way through the second season of the American made anime (properly known as a "sparkling white cartoon"?). This is your pretty standard third-person adventure fare, but they've included a multiplayer battle mode this time around as well. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Avatar: The Burning Earth for $47 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping)Mass Effect Dev. BioWare Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99
Mass Effect Limited Edition Dev. BioWare Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $69.99
Developed by BioWare, the creators of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, this Microsoft RPG isn't your average RPG. Rated M, it's chalk full of blood, guts, and intergalactic baddies. It's also got great graphics, complex character customization, and morality game-play that lets you choose between being a saint or sinner during your conquests. The downsides revolve around the enemy AI, which can be lacking at times, and the combat system being a bit difficult to master at first. The fantastic storyline and replay potential (because of the character customization) make this title a must-have. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Mass Effect for $51 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $49.99 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $69.99PlayStation 3
Medal of Honor Airborne Dev. EA Los Angeles Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) While other series have moved away from World War II, Medal of Honor still believes there's plenty of life left in the Nazi killing industry. The one element of this game that sets it apart from the rest is that you start each level by air-dropping into battle. This allows you to control your parachute and where you land significantly impacts the way that you will play the level. It certainly goes a long way in trying to get around the point-to-point style that has made the majority of WWII games stale, as you can play each area with many different strategies. In the end though, it pretty much just comes down to mowing through the Axis in very familiar scenarios. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Medal of Honor Airborne for $56 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $54.98 (99 cent shipping)Soldier of Fortune: Payback Dev. Cauldron Pub. Activision Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Xbox 360 version of this game was released last week and now the PlayStation 3 version follows a few days later. As a series, Soldier of Fortune has always been known as a first-person shooter that concentrates on localized hit detection and having the three-dimensional models react appropriately to the damaged area. Or in other words, these games offer extremely violent gunplay that allows for both mutilation and dismemberment of you enemies in fun and exciting ways. Sure, they’ve always been mediocre games (and this one is no different), but there’s a time and a place for blowing limbs off of stupid-as-
extremists. (The time would be when this drops in price.) - shipBest Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Soldier of Fortune: Payback.
Purchase At Amazon $59.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)Time Crisis 4 w/ Guncon Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: PS3 MSRP: $79.99
This fourth title in the Time Crisis series features your typical lightgun arcade gameplay. But that's just the arcade mode. What this title also has is a story mode in which the game play is more what you'd expect in a first-person shooter. The story mode missions (about 30 minutes) alternate with the shoot 'em-up game play that we love in the arcade mode. So, it's the best of both worlds. The downside? The price point is high at $79.99, but that does include the GunCom 3 lightgun. You'll have to decide if the gun is worth the extra cash. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Time Crisis 4.
Purchase At Amazon $79.99 (Free shipping)TimeShift Dev. Saber Interactive Pub. Sierra Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) The delayed and revamped TimeShift finally clocks in and does so in a season crammed with first-person shooters. It's your pretty standard shooter fare with a few time effects like slow motion, time stop, and time rewinding. For some reason it feels like F.E.A.R. set in a World War II type environment... but in the future. You know it really is trying to set itself apart from the crowd when on one of the latest Major Nelson podcast one of the developers basically just came out and said that they changed the entire direction of the project because they didn't think it would sell well with the general public due to it being unconventional. Well, problem fixed... at least the unconventional part. Regardless, it seems to be a decent shooter released at the wrong time. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for TimeShift.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $58.99 (Free shipping)Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Dev. Naughty Dog Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I’ll be honest; this is the game that pushed me to get a PlayStation 3 earlier this year. There just aren't enough good third-person action/adventure games around anymore and this one certainly looks to fit the bill. There are plenty of Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, and pulp fiction influences to go along with the gorgeous animations and graphics to really set this one apart as a truly unique release this season. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)PlayStation 2
7 Wonders of the Ancient World Dev. Hot Lava Pub. MumboJumbo Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
(Deja Preview) Warning: this game will try and teach you something about history. Other than that, the current online previews are amazingly vague regarding gameplay and include phrases like "journey where no one alive has ever gone before" and "time is short and the journey is filled with peril" and "7 Wonders of the Ancient World is a puzzle game for PS2". Keep these things in mind before you spend your $20. Or maybe find someone who doesn't read CAG Foreplay, borrow his or her copy (or play the online PC game), and fill us in on what this game is. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Cabela's Monster Bass Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Giant, mutated zombie-fish are flopping through the streets of surburbia and the future for all the Slow Kids At Play rests on you and your genetically enhanced, bionic fishing-rod arm. Upgrade your appendage to tackle mouths both small and large as you wade your way through the schools of the nefarious Monster Bass who curiously awaits your arrival with baited breath. Are you being lured to your demise? Oh… never mind, it’s just another fishing game. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Cabela’s Monster Bass.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)History Channel: Battle for the Pacific Dev. Pipeworks Software Pub. Activision Systems: PS2 MSRP: $39.99
Hmmmm... it seems that there's now a whole separate genre called historic first-person shooters. You know, I just wasn't sure what to call this game until that term was invented. Anyway, this title puts you in the middle of historic battles that took place in the Pacific during World War II. Enough said. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for History Channel: Battle for the Pacific.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge Dev. MumboJumbo Pub. MumboJumbo Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
IGN lists this game's release date as December 18, 2007. It also lists the developer as TBA. Not a good sign that it's coming out this week. All the other versions are also listed for 12/18, so stay tuned until then. Anyway, this game plays very similar to Zuma, so get ready to shoot lots of marbles. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Luxor: Pharaoh’s Challenge.
Purchase At Amazon $18.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Wii
AMF Bowling Pinbusters Dev. Mud Duck Pub. Bethesda Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
Sure, the Wii comes bundled with a bowling game already, but that’s not going to stop yet another bowling game from releasing. So, oil up your balls and get ready to experience zany characters like drill sergeants and cowgirls and the always exciting, rave-tastic cosmic bowling. And rounding out the list of features are, of course, some mini games. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for AMF Bowling Pinbusters.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Geometry Wars: Galaxies Dev. Kuju Entertainment/Bizarre Creations Pub. Sierra Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
Take a hit $5 Xbox Live Arcade game, add co-op play, more complex game mechanics and 64 mission-based levels and you’ve admittedly got a compelling package. My only concern is that the Wii controls feel forced for a game built for twin-analog controls. Fortunately, you can ditch the Wii-mote and Nunchuk and just play this with the Classic Controller. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Geometry Wars: Galaxies.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $38.99 (Free shipping)Ghost Squad Dev. SEGA-AM2 Pub. SEGA Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
When did light gun games all of a sudden become all the rage? The “ghosts” in this arcade port are less of the supernatural variety and more of the “Recon” variety. You and three of your friends can shoot the baddies, rescue the goodies, and disarm the bombies. Okay, I’ll stop that now. With different paths available throughout the story and with a bargain $30 price tag, this could turn into a pretty fun party game. And as long as these light gun games keep releasing at discount prices, keep ‘em coming. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Ghost Squad.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Monster Jam Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!! You'll pay full retail price, but you'll only need the edge! Wait, $50 for a monster truck game? And a lame, cliched write-up that doesn't quite make sense to boot? - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Monster Jam.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (99 cent shipping)Nintendo Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $24.99
Since you're already spending $180 on Rock Band, what's another $25 on a great Zelda-themed shooter? Complete with crossbow frame (shaped like a crossbow if a crossbow were a gun) in which your Wii-mote and nunchuk fit into, this title lets you shoot enemies in the Zelda universe. Yes, it's a cash-in, but its low price point and fun gameplay make it okay to want this game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There was a sudden $5 price increase on the Wii Zapper at just about all retailers, but Family Video is offering it for $21 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $24.99 Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)Soul Calibur Legends Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Namco Bandai Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
This is the first Soul Calibur title on the Wii and the gameplay involves both the nunchuck and the Wii-mote in an action-adventure setting. The combat is getting good reviews, with the biggest complaints being in regards to animation and fluidity. There are many Soul Calibur characters to play as, but gameplay could get a bit repetitive. Die-hard fans will love this title, but the rest of us should wait and see before buying. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering Soul Calibur Legends for $45.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $47.47 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99Trauma Center: New Blood Dev. Atlus Pub. Atlus Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
A true sequel, New Blood expands the Trauma Center franchise in everyway imaginable. A more advanced soap-opera-esque story mode and co-op surgeries are probably the two biggest steps forward. Plus, there are plenty of new surgeries and instruments for you to wave about with the Wii controllers. I think I’m most excited about the co-op though, where I’m sure I will ultimately become mrs. shipwreck’s nurse. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Trauma Center: New Blood for $48 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping)DS
Clue/Mouse Trap/Perfection/Aggravation Dev. Gravity-i Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Mrs. White in the dining room with the candlestick. You all know Clue and Mousetrap, and Perfection was the game where you had 60 seconds to put the little pieces in their spots before the game blew up. Aggravation apparently involves colored marbles moving around a board and some catchy phrase about aggravating your opponents. You get the gist. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Clue/Mouse Trap/Perfection/Aggravation.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)CSI: Dark Motives Dev. Ubi Soft Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Maybe they should have added an additional colon somewhere in that title. How about CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Dark Motives: The Game? It worked for the Bratz title. Anyway, this game is originally a 2004 PC first-person point-and-click adventure title based on the TV show CSI. The PC game got decent/average to solid reviews, and fans of the original CSI PC game will notice some improvements. Since I'm not familiar with the original title, I'll just tell you that there are five cases to solve. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for CSI: Dark Motives.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Taking place after the conclusion of Final Fantasy XII, Revenant Wings is a mix of RPG and real-time strategy that seems to be a good entry point for beginners in both genres while appealing to the Square-Enix hardcore as well. Simple, class-based combat and intuitive stylus controls seem to be a good fit for on-the-go action, but 40 Gil seems a little steep here. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland Dev. Destineer Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A midwestern institution, Mister Deere brings us his take on farming. It's like Harvest Moon, but replace all the charm with green and yellow. Farm and raise crops, drive your tractor around, and sell as many trucker hats as possible. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Mario Party Dev. Hudson Soft Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
If you don't know what Mario Party is all about by now, you need more help than I can give. But true Mario Party lovers will all be asking the same question: one cart or two? Multiplayer requires each gamer have their own cart, but there is a multiplayer mini-game mode that allows you to download mini-games to be played with others on a single cart. Also, there's a story mode for those who would rather play on their own. As far as game play goes, it's what you'd expect. The mini games are similar to what you'd see on the Wii/GC/N64 but feature the DS stylus. The party boards and hexes are also pretty predictable. The freshest part of the game is the plot: Bowser has gone and shrunk Mario and friends, so most of the game boards resemble scenes from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (table tops, etc...). So, pick this one up for $30 and party on. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of Mario Party.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Circuit City $29.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake Dev. Game Factory Pub. Game Factory Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This game can pretty much be explained via the title. Gamers wander through Strawberryland (yes, Strawberryland) looking for ingredients to make the biggest and best cake. The adventure leads through all four seasons, and game play includes (are you ready for this?!?) pogo-stick, diving, and paragliding challenges. Finally, it's what I've been waiting for. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake.
Purchase At Amazon $19.79 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Sonic 3D Blast Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
No. No. No. No. No. Do not buy. It’s not fast, it’s not fun, Hell… it’s not even 3D. Sonic 3D Ass. - ship
Edit: For further proof of Sonic 3D Blast's crimes against humanity, check out this week's outro music.
Super Air Zonk Systems: Wii MSRP: $8
The sequel to the already Virtual Consolized Air Zonk has you rescuing Team Cool from the evil King Drool. Take control as the cyber-punk Bonk clone and eat plenty of meat power-ups so that you don’t get hungry. Afterall, scrolling and shooting to a rockabilly soundtrack builds up an appetite. - ship
Wrecking Crew Systems: Wii MSRP: $5
As transcribed from the show:
ship: "It's Mario & Luigi in their not-so-famous game. They have hammers and they have to destroy buildings. It's kind of a puzzle/action game."
mrs. ship: "Seriously, it's Mario & Luigi?" - ship
Undertow Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Good graphics, underwater gameplay, and 16-player multiplayer. All good ingredients in an XBLA shooter. Wikipedia even says it will only take up 50 MB of space on the hard drive. Even though it sounds great, be smart and play the demo before spending your $10. - 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.
.
