CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of February 28th, 2008. This week is we cover a decent list of games including Patapon, Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed, and the PlayStation 3 version of Lost Planet. Unfortunately, while we were covering said games, giant robots attacked and pretty much rendered all forms of our audio contact useless. We've managed to get out this text only transmission though. Hopefully, we can reestablish our audio communication next week.
The file of the show we recorded is in the forum thread, but it's pretty much unlistenable. I'm not sure exactly what went wrong, but everything is working now, so there should be no problems with the next show. If you do have the strength to listen to it, the second half of the show has slightly less terrible sound quality.
I'm warning you though, you probably want to turn down your speakers if you want to give it a go.
[media]http://www.cheapassgamer.com/podcast/cagforeplay34.mp3[/media]
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].
Special thanks to www.GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for just $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
Multi-Platform
Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of Ancient Arts Dev. Hudson Soft Pub. Konami Systems: DS, PSP MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Same name, different games. While the Gauntlet style dungeon crawl gameplay is consistent between the two, the DS version actually takes place centuries following the PSP version. The PSP version has you battling demons and monsters, while the DS version has you battling a legion of undead and automatons. Either way, beat down thousands of n'er-do-wells (and their places of residence) with up to two other human players as you master different fighting styles, upgrade your weapons, and need food badly. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of Ancient Arts for $27 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $26.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $26.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Frontlines: Fuel of War Dev. Kaos Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
This first-person shooter drops you into a war being waged in the year 2024 where two world super powers are engaged in combat over the last remaining regions containing oil. The game plays a lot like the Battlefield games, so expect large battles (up to 50 people on Live) where a large variety of weapons, vehicles, and drones are at your disposal. You can further customize your character by selecting from several classes and roles within those classes to aid you in securing the frontlines. Speaking of the name of the game, by capturing points on the map, you change the regions where the bulk of the war is being fought and gain advantages over the opposition. Okay, I've droned on long enough about this game, so the bottom line: if you enjoy Battlefield, you'll probably want to check out Frontlines. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Frontlines: Fuel of War. Circuit City is offering a free game soundtrack with your purchase and Best Buy is offering a free in-game map.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free soundtrack with purchase)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free Urban Combat downloadable map)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $47.47 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $49.99 (Free Urban Combat downloadable map)
Lost: Via Domus Dev. Ubi Soft Montreal Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PC, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $59.99
I've never really followed the TV show, but this game introduces a new character, "Elliott", who *groan* suffers from amnesia following the plane crash. You play as this guy that nobody has ever seen or talked about as he tries to regain his memory by exploring the island and interacting with characters and locations from the show. The storyline runs parallel to the events that have occurred in the show so expect to see [major event], visit [memorable locale], and pal around with [your favorite character]. That's right, all of that and more! With Ubi Soft Montreal's past track record on third-person adventure games (Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed) and jungle island environments (Far Cry, King Kong), this has a lot of pieces in place to be a
[adjective] game for fans of the show. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Lost: Via Domus.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.04 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection Dev. FarSight Studios Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP, Wii MSRP: $14.99-$29.99
(Deja Preview) Eight of the most memorable pinball tables are recreated for this new title featuring single-player, challenge mode, and multi-player. Four of the tables must be unlocked during gameplay, but Pinbot, Whirlwind, Funhouse, and Black Knight are (rumored to be) open from the start. The physics are supposed to be spot-on, and the Wii version features realistic controls by combining the Wii-mote and the Nunchuck. There are also periodic "achievements" earned by meeting certain goals on each table. All in all, a solid pinball title from the company that made solid pinball tables. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Turning Point: Fall of Liberty Dev. Spark Unlimited Pub. Codemasters Systems: PC, PS3, 360 MSRP: $29.99-$64.99
Another entry into the growing "Alternate History World War II First-Person Shooter" genre, the "turning point" in the game's premise is Winston Churchill dying prior to the beginning of the war. This allowed for the Germans to conquer Europe and ultimately attack the United States in the early 1950's (in Zeppelins no less), which is where you take on the role of a construction worker fighting back against the Nazis. The game borrows a lot of mechanics from Call of Duty 2 with its control scheme, prefabricated events, and general linearity, but the overall game lacks the polish to compete with the top shooters at this point. Still, if you are feeling the need to shoot some fascists in the Big Apple, there's some enjoyment to be had... if you don't mind visiting an alternate history where first person shooters haven't progressed. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering the console versions of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty for around $57 shipped. Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card with your purchase.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $56.48 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $39.99 (Free $10 gift card)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $56.48 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card)
Purchase At Amazon $64.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $62.49 (99 cent shipping)
DS
Brain Assist Dev. Sega Pub. Sega Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Ten mini games to improve your concentration, reflexes, and blah blah blah blah blah. Another brain training game, this one brought to you by Sega (insert Sega intro sound in your head). It's based on a Japanese arcade title, Touch de Uno! and it's $20. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Brain Assist.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Bratz: Super Babyz Dev. Vicarious Visions Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Based upon the hit straight-to-DVD animated film, the baby versions of our favorite enormously-headed, tramply-dressed dolls have gained super powers from a strange alien source. Now the girls must defend the metropolis of Stylesville from the invading aliens by performing whack-a-mole mini-games, finding lost puppies, and unlocking totally sweet outfits. Unlocking age-inappropriate apparel is not an easy task though, so you must use all of our heroes powers to save the day. Get the drop on the aliens with Yasmin's "Super-Speed" or use Sasha's Lex Luthor-like "Super-Smarts" to outwit those invaders. Or annoy them (and your parents) to death with Cloe's "Super-Shout" that reacts to you screaming into the DS's microphone. And last, but certainly least, it's Jade and her ability to be "Super-Sticky". I guess we better thank our lucky stars that they're not battling against the nefarious Dr. WetWipe. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Bratz: Super Babyz for $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping)
Bubble Bobble: Double Shot Dev. Dreams Pub. Ignition Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
It's all the wonders of the original Bubble Bobble, with two DS screens, a new star bubble, and a new character named Bubu. There's also a new three-player co-op mode and some Bubble-Bobble themed mini-games. If you love Bubble Bobble (and you know you do!), then you'll love this sequel that doesn't stray from the greatness of the original. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bubble Bobble: Double Shot.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Disney Friends Dev. Amaze Entertainment Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This DS title is a simulation game in which the gameplay revolves around interacting with well-known Disney characters and exploring their environments. From the screen shots, there's Simba, Dory, Winnie the Pooh, and Stitch. The game description claims that the game "encourages nurturing and reinforces positive values such as caring and responsibility, all while fostering players' friendships with the film characters they already know and love". They forgot the "so we can sell more stuff" at the end of that sentence. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Disney Friends.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Naruto: Ninja Destiny Dev. Dream Factory Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A 3D fighting game starring everyone's favorite orange-jumpsuited Ninja and fifteen other characters from the series. Naruto-maniacs will no doubt already know that in the 2 years since the Japanese release of Ninja Destiny, the graphics and framerate have reportedly been updated and improved. (Similarly, if anyone knows any other orange-jumpsuited Ninja, I will gladly update and improve the first sentence of this preview.) Unfortunately, there is still only local multiplayer that requires both players to have the game, so you're going to have to sucker someone else into buying this as well. That's destined to make them question how much they really enjoy your company. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Naruto: Ninja Destiny.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping)
Petz Wild Animals Tigerz Dev. Magic Pockets Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Two young tiger cubs have been added to your family’s circus, and you (the gamer) must train them so that they can perform and save the family business. The mini games involve things like teaching the cubs to balance on a platform and teaching a chimp to balance a football on the tip of his finger. How have we survived this long without this game??? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Petz Wild Animals Tigerz.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force Dev. Big John Games Pub. Destineer Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
This flight combat title is based on real battles from World War II. While the game sounds like it could be fun, there are several things that worry me about this one. First, there are no real reviews available, just the same press release over and over and over. And the press release is pretty lame. Second, the developer is known for churning out mediocre games (except, of course, for Barnyard Blast). Third, I don’t know enough about the Royal Air Force to really care about this review. At least I’m honest. – mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force.
Purchase At EB Games $19.99
Wii
Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None Dev. AWE Productions Pub. Dreamcatcher Interactive Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
This is one of the greatest mystery stories of all time, so making it into an adventure game makes sense. The PC version of this title came out in October, 2005. The storyline of the game follows along with that of the book: a group of people get stranded on Shipwreck Island, and one by one are murdered. In the game, you play as the new 11th character, and the trailers advertise, "even if you know what happens in the book, you don’t know what happens in the game!" The PC reviews were okay, with most players commenting that the ending is disappointing (I believe the word used most was stupid), and while there are the obligatory puzzles and lines of questioning, the actual detective work was scarce. The Wii version has been tweaked so that all the pointing and clicking is done on the Wiimote, with some cool game play involving safe-cracking and digging holes. If this title does well, the other games in the PC series will also be brought over to the Wii. Agatha Christie fans everywhere rejoice. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/Gamestop are offering a free copy of the novel that inspired this game.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free And Then There Were None novel)
Cocoto Magic Circus Dev. Neko Entertainment Pub. Conspiracy Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
Again with the porting of PS2 and GC games to the Wii and selling them as new? At least this shooting gallery title is new in the sense that it never made it to the US. This Cocoto character is cute in a baby demon sort of way, and also headlines a tennis game for the PS2 and a platformer creatively titled Cocoto: Platform Jumper. European leftovers. Sweet. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Cocoto Magic Circus.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)
Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed Dev. Locomotive Games Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Crypto returns in his third adventure and he's moved on to a time where the Cincinnati Reds were a relevant baseball team: the 1970's. In addition to the general terrorizing of humans with humorous weapons and abilities, Crypto must now stop the underground rebels that are trying to shutdown the Pox's fast food establishment. It turns out the remains of all those humans Crypto has harvested for DNA in the past games are used as the main ingredient in "Big Willy's Hot Dogs". To protect Pox's investment, you must use everything in your power to take down the rebels (and any innocent bystanders) which includes getting behind the controls of a mech having a curious resemblance to Big Boy. And if you can't tell by the title, expect lots of puns and period jokes throughout your adventures. This game also supports splitscreen co-op in case you have a special someone with whom you'd like to share "Big Willy". - ship
Best Deal:
Best Buy is offering a free DVD of the movie "Super Inframan" with your purchase of Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed. EB/Gamestop is offering a free Big Willy bobblehead.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.01 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $49.99 (Free Super Inframan DVD)
Purchase At EB Games $49.99 (Free Big Willy Bobblehead)
Kidz Sports: International Soccer Dev. Data Design Pub. Bold Games Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
A quote on Amazon proudly proclaims: "This isn't your parents' ice hockey game!". Nope, this is instead one-third of an old PC game bundle which sells for $5 on Amazon that has been updated with Wii motion controls. Aah, Wii development... a thing of beauty. This game features the same big-headed cartoon characters you've come to expect, but unlike the Backyard Sports series, there is no official FIFA license attached, so take that into account if your young one actually knows any professional soccer players. I'd be lucky to name more than a handful, so I'd probably be fine with this game... if I was five... and had questionable tastes in video games. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Kidz Sports: International Soccer.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Sega Bass Fishing Dev. SIMS Pub. Sega Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Preview! (Insert metal riff here.) The Dreamcast classic returns with new locations, a new mode, four times the species of fish, and Wii controls. It's the age old battle of a man with a box full of lures against a pond with a... pond full of fish. And a clock... man must battle against the clock as well, with it's face full of hands. Except it's digital... and the premise for this preview has become as ensnarled as that time I cast directly into that thorn tree. What a mess. It's a Big One! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Sega Bass Fishing.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.78 (99 cent shipping)
PS3
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: PS3 MSRP: $39.99
One of Xbox 360's early successes finally comes to the PlayStation 3. Run through really pretty snow, cause really pretty explosions, and splatter really pretty space bugs in this third-person action game. The game mixes on-foot exploits with mech-based portions and there are plenty of insanely large boss battles. There's also plenty of really bad voice acting and questionable attire for females that are living on a planet that is entirely covered with snow. Regardless, at a reduced price, this is a pretty fun single-player romp that's rounded out with good online multiplayer. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
PS2
Heavenly Guardian Dev. Starfish SD Pub. UFO Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
There once was a quirky series of games on the Super Nintendo called "Pocky & Rocky" that mixed overhead adventure style gaming with SHMUP-like gameplay. Pocky was a little girl that threw cards and Rocky was her Raccoon friend that attacked with leaves. What does this have to do with Heavenly Guardian? Well, before licensing issues got in the way, this game was supposed to be the next installment of Pocky & Rocky. So Pocky has been replaced with some other girl and Rocky has been turned into a rabbit, but the fun and unique gamestyle remains. Best of all, the game retains the 2D sprite look and still supports two player same-screen co-op. Now do I play as the little girl or the bunny? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Heavenly Guardian.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
PSP
Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship Dev. Irem Pub. Majesco Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
Blokus is a board game where up to four people strategically place Tetris style game pieces on a playing grid in the hopes of controlling the majority of the board. As you can probably surmise, Blokus Portable is taking that board game and putting it into a handheld video game format. Blokus Portable: Steambot Chronicles takes that portable video game and infuses it with little known anime characters from a PlayStation 2 RPG. Well, it certainly is a puzzling mix of properties to bring to U.S. shores. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Patapon Dev. Interlink Pub. Sony Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
I loved the demo of this title so much that I was annoyed it wasn't out early. This PSP title features small, one-eyed warriors who rely on drums to inspire and instruct them on what to do. I guess it's technically a strategy game, since you create small groups of Patapons and equip their armor and such. However, it's also a rhythm-based side scroller with a crazy animation style. There are several types of Patapons, each with their own weapons. After equipping them, use one of several drumbeats (for example square-square-square-triangle) to tell them to move/attack/defend. You must hit the buttons on the beat (hence the rhythm part), and by stringing together your instructions, you can enter into a frenzy mode. There's a hunting mode and also an altar where new Patapons can be created. If all this sounds confusing or intriguing, play the demo and then quickly buy the game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Patapon.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $18.99 (99 cent shipping)
Puzzle Guzzle Dev. Irem Pub. Agetec Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
I quickly got bored with this puzzle title on the PSP. Not because it wasn't a decent game, but because it just wasn't anything spectacularly new or different. It's a standard puzzle title where blocks fall from the top and you have to lump them together and clear the board. However, each block has triangle shapes of different colors on them, and you must link the triangles together to form shapes. A completed shape makes the blocks it comes from disappear. There are your standard timed, puzzle, and action modes. The game play isn't as confusing (or probably as boring) as I make it sound, but playing the demo and deciding for yourself is probably the way to go. I know I don't need to spend $20 on this title. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Puzzle Guzzle.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
PC
The Sims 2: FreeTime Dev. Maxis Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Because sometimes your Sims need some time to just let down their hair and have fun. - ship
Best Deal:
Target is offering The Sims 2: FreeTime for $27. Just about every store has some sort of free in-game content.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping, free ballerina dancer poster download)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Target $26.99 (Exclusive jogging suit download)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping, free ballerina dancer poster download)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Target $39.99 (Exclusive jogging suit download)
Mac
Neverwinter Nights 2 Dev. Obsidian Entertainment Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $49.99
A Dungeon & Dragons: Forgotten Realms click and slash RPG. Unlike the original Neverwinter Nights, you can now have party members and it's been updated to the 3.5 rules set... oh, you mean this came out years ago and don't need me to describe it to you? Well, fellow Mac users, it looks like it's a pretty fun RPG for those times you're not showing someone that your laptop fits into an envelope. And that's one less exclusive for you PC, take that! - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Neverwinter Nights 2 for $46 shipped.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $45.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Systems: Wii (N64) MSRP: $10
Wow, this game is really simplistic. Kirby sucks enemies in, swallows them, and gains their powers. Up to two powers can be combined to form a combination power. The levels are linear, with largely only one clear path laid out for you. And you collect shards of crystals. There's no voice acting, and you have to guess at the storyline from the animated (but silent) cut scenes. I couldn't stomach more than two levels of this title, and if you do spend your $10 on buying this game, it shouldn't take you more than two hours to complete it. We just looked at the control scheme and were 2% done. My advice is to buy this one for young games, like 5 to 8 year-olds. - mrs. ship
Psychosis Systems: Wii (TG16) MSRP: $6
A side-scrolling TurboGrafx-16 SHMUP where your subconscious realizes that your body is dying and decides to take the form of a ship to battle the evil that is in your mind. Apparently the balancing of the difficulty in the game is a little off. I hear it's hard to fine tune stuff like that after you've spent a long time "brainstorming" that premise. - ship
Triggerheart Exelica Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Pilot your scantilly-clad female with mechanical parts in this vertically scrolling SHMUP. The core gameplay is pretty standard as you choose from two different characters (one shoots a spread shot, the other a straight shot) and then proceed to avoid millions of bullets while collecting powerups and shooting millions of bullets. The anchor system differentiates this game from the rest as you can fire a grappling hook at enemies, then swing them around and throw them back at their fellow baddies. - 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.
The file of the show we recorded is in the forum thread, but it's pretty much unlistenable. I'm not sure exactly what went wrong, but everything is working now, so there should be no problems with the next show. If you do have the strength to listen to it, the second half of the show has slightly less terrible sound quality.
I'm warning you though, you probably want to turn down your speakers if you want to give it a go.
[media]http://www.cheapassgamer.com/podcast/cagforeplay34.mp3[/media]
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].
Special thanks to www.GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for just $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
Multi-Platform
Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of Ancient Arts Dev. Hudson Soft Pub. Konami Systems: DS, PSP MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Same name, different games. While the Gauntlet style dungeon crawl gameplay is consistent between the two, the DS version actually takes place centuries following the PSP version. The PSP version has you battling demons and monsters, while the DS version has you battling a legion of undead and automatons. Either way, beat down thousands of n'er-do-wells (and their places of residence) with up to two other human players as you master different fighting styles, upgrade your weapons, and need food badly. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of Ancient Arts for $27 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $26.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $26.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Frontlines: Fuel of War Dev. Kaos Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99, $59.99
This first-person shooter drops you into a war being waged in the year 2024 where two world super powers are engaged in combat over the last remaining regions containing oil. The game plays a lot like the Battlefield games, so expect large battles (up to 50 people on Live) where a large variety of weapons, vehicles, and drones are at your disposal. You can further customize your character by selecting from several classes and roles within those classes to aid you in securing the frontlines. Speaking of the name of the game, by capturing points on the map, you change the regions where the bulk of the war is being fought and gain advantages over the opposition. Okay, I've droned on long enough about this game, so the bottom line: if you enjoy Battlefield, you'll probably want to check out Frontlines. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Frontlines: Fuel of War. Circuit City is offering a free game soundtrack with your purchase and Best Buy is offering a free in-game map.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free soundtrack with purchase) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free Urban Combat downloadable map) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $47.47 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $49.99 (Free Urban Combat downloadable map)Lost: Via Domus Dev. Ubi Soft Montreal Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: PC, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $59.99
I've never really followed the TV show, but this game introduces a new character, "Elliott", who *groan* suffers from amnesia following the plane crash. You play as this guy that nobody has ever seen or talked about as he tries to regain his memory by exploring the island and interacting with characters and locations from the show. The storyline runs parallel to the events that have occurred in the show so expect to see [major event], visit [memorable locale], and pal around with [your favorite character]. That's right, all of that and more! With Ubi Soft Montreal's past track record on third-person adventure games (Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed) and jungle island environments (Far Cry, King Kong), this has a lot of pieces in place to be a
[adjective] game for fans of the show. - shipBest Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Lost: Via Domus.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.04 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection Dev. FarSight Studios Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP, Wii MSRP: $14.99-$29.99
(Deja Preview) Eight of the most memorable pinball tables are recreated for this new title featuring single-player, challenge mode, and multi-player. Four of the tables must be unlocked during gameplay, but Pinbot, Whirlwind, Funhouse, and Black Knight are (rumored to be) open from the start. The physics are supposed to be spot-on, and the Wii version features realistic controls by combining the Wii-mote and the Nunchuck. There are also periodic "achievements" earned by meeting certain goals on each table. All in all, a solid pinball title from the company that made solid pinball tables. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Turning Point: Fall of Liberty Dev. Spark Unlimited Pub. Codemasters Systems: PC, PS3, 360 MSRP: $29.99-$64.99
Another entry into the growing "Alternate History World War II First-Person Shooter" genre, the "turning point" in the game's premise is Winston Churchill dying prior to the beginning of the war. This allowed for the Germans to conquer Europe and ultimately attack the United States in the early 1950's (in Zeppelins no less), which is where you take on the role of a construction worker fighting back against the Nazis. The game borrows a lot of mechanics from Call of Duty 2 with its control scheme, prefabricated events, and general linearity, but the overall game lacks the polish to compete with the top shooters at this point. Still, if you are feeling the need to shoot some fascists in the Big Apple, there's some enjoyment to be had... if you don't mind visiting an alternate history where first person shooters haven't progressed. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering the console versions of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty for around $57 shipped. Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card with your purchase.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $56.48 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $39.99 (Free $10 gift card) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $56.48 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card) Purchase At Amazon $64.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $62.49 (99 cent shipping)DS
Brain Assist Dev. Sega Pub. Sega Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Ten mini games to improve your concentration, reflexes, and blah blah blah blah blah. Another brain training game, this one brought to you by Sega (insert Sega intro sound in your head). It's based on a Japanese arcade title, Touch de Uno! and it's $20. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Brain Assist.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Bratz: Super Babyz Dev. Vicarious Visions Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Based upon the hit straight-to-DVD animated film, the baby versions of our favorite enormously-headed, tramply-dressed dolls have gained super powers from a strange alien source. Now the girls must defend the metropolis of Stylesville from the invading aliens by performing whack-a-mole mini-games, finding lost puppies, and unlocking totally sweet outfits. Unlocking age-inappropriate apparel is not an easy task though, so you must use all of our heroes powers to save the day. Get the drop on the aliens with Yasmin's "Super-Speed" or use Sasha's Lex Luthor-like "Super-Smarts" to outwit those invaders. Or annoy them (and your parents) to death with Cloe's "Super-Shout" that reacts to you screaming into the DS's microphone. And last, but certainly least, it's Jade and her ability to be "Super-Sticky". I guess we better thank our lucky stars that they're not battling against the nefarious Dr. WetWipe. - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Bratz: Super Babyz for $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping)Bubble Bobble: Double Shot Dev. Dreams Pub. Ignition Entertainment Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
It's all the wonders of the original Bubble Bobble, with two DS screens, a new star bubble, and a new character named Bubu. There's also a new three-player co-op mode and some Bubble-Bobble themed mini-games. If you love Bubble Bobble (and you know you do!), then you'll love this sequel that doesn't stray from the greatness of the original. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bubble Bobble: Double Shot.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Disney Friends Dev. Amaze Entertainment Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This DS title is a simulation game in which the gameplay revolves around interacting with well-known Disney characters and exploring their environments. From the screen shots, there's Simba, Dory, Winnie the Pooh, and Stitch. The game description claims that the game "encourages nurturing and reinforces positive values such as caring and responsibility, all while fostering players' friendships with the film characters they already know and love". They forgot the "so we can sell more stuff" at the end of that sentence. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on Disney Friends.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Naruto: Ninja Destiny Dev. Dream Factory Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
A 3D fighting game starring everyone's favorite orange-jumpsuited Ninja and fifteen other characters from the series. Naruto-maniacs will no doubt already know that in the 2 years since the Japanese release of Ninja Destiny, the graphics and framerate have reportedly been updated and improved. (Similarly, if anyone knows any other orange-jumpsuited Ninja, I will gladly update and improve the first sentence of this preview.) Unfortunately, there is still only local multiplayer that requires both players to have the game, so you're going to have to sucker someone else into buying this as well. That's destined to make them question how much they really enjoy your company. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Naruto: Ninja Destiny.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.24 (99 cent shipping)Petz Wild Animals Tigerz Dev. Magic Pockets Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Two young tiger cubs have been added to your family’s circus, and you (the gamer) must train them so that they can perform and save the family business. The mini games involve things like teaching the cubs to balance on a platform and teaching a chimp to balance a football on the tip of his finger. How have we survived this long without this game??? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Petz Wild Animals Tigerz.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force Dev. Big John Games Pub. Destineer Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
This flight combat title is based on real battles from World War II. While the game sounds like it could be fun, there are several things that worry me about this one. First, there are no real reviews available, just the same press release over and over and over. And the press release is pretty lame. Second, the developer is known for churning out mediocre games (except, of course, for Barnyard Blast). Third, I don’t know enough about the Royal Air Force to really care about this review. At least I’m honest. – mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force.
Purchase At EB Games $19.99 Wii
Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None Dev. AWE Productions Pub. Dreamcatcher Interactive Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
This is one of the greatest mystery stories of all time, so making it into an adventure game makes sense. The PC version of this title came out in October, 2005. The storyline of the game follows along with that of the book: a group of people get stranded on Shipwreck Island, and one by one are murdered. In the game, you play as the new 11th character, and the trailers advertise, "even if you know what happens in the book, you don’t know what happens in the game!" The PC reviews were okay, with most players commenting that the ending is disappointing (I believe the word used most was stupid), and while there are the obligatory puzzles and lines of questioning, the actual detective work was scarce. The Wii version has been tweaked so that all the pointing and clicking is done on the Wiimote, with some cool game play involving safe-cracking and digging holes. If this title does well, the other games in the PC series will also be brought over to the Wii. Agatha Christie fans everywhere rejoice. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/Gamestop are offering a free copy of the novel that inspired this game.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free And Then There Were None novel)Cocoto Magic Circus Dev. Neko Entertainment Pub. Conspiracy Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
Again with the porting of PS2 and GC games to the Wii and selling them as new? At least this shooting gallery title is new in the sense that it never made it to the US. This Cocoto character is cute in a baby demon sort of way, and also headlines a tennis game for the PS2 and a platformer creatively titled Cocoto: Platform Jumper. European leftovers. Sweet. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Cocoto Magic Circus.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $19.99 (99 cent shipping)Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed Dev. Locomotive Games Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Crypto returns in his third adventure and he's moved on to a time where the Cincinnati Reds were a relevant baseball team: the 1970's. In addition to the general terrorizing of humans with humorous weapons and abilities, Crypto must now stop the underground rebels that are trying to shutdown the Pox's fast food establishment. It turns out the remains of all those humans Crypto has harvested for DNA in the past games are used as the main ingredient in "Big Willy's Hot Dogs". To protect Pox's investment, you must use everything in your power to take down the rebels (and any innocent bystanders) which includes getting behind the controls of a mech having a curious resemblance to Big Boy. And if you can't tell by the title, expect lots of puns and period jokes throughout your adventures. This game also supports splitscreen co-op in case you have a special someone with whom you'd like to share "Big Willy". - ship
Best Deal:
Best Buy is offering a free DVD of the movie "Super Inframan" with your purchase of Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed. EB/Gamestop is offering a free Big Willy bobblehead.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.01 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $49.99 (Free Super Inframan DVD) Purchase At EB Games $49.99 (Free Big Willy Bobblehead)Kidz Sports: International Soccer Dev. Data Design Pub. Bold Games Systems: Wii MSRP: $19.99
A quote on Amazon proudly proclaims: "This isn't your parents' ice hockey game!". Nope, this is instead one-third of an old PC game bundle which sells for $5 on Amazon that has been updated with Wii motion controls. Aah, Wii development... a thing of beauty. This game features the same big-headed cartoon characters you've come to expect, but unlike the Backyard Sports series, there is no official FIFA license attached, so take that into account if your young one actually knows any professional soccer players. I'd be lucky to name more than a handful, so I'd probably be fine with this game... if I was five... and had questionable tastes in video games. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Kidz Sports: International Soccer.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Sega Bass Fishing Dev. SIMS Pub. Sega Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Preview! (Insert metal riff here.) The Dreamcast classic returns with new locations, a new mode, four times the species of fish, and Wii controls. It's the age old battle of a man with a box full of lures against a pond with a... pond full of fish. And a clock... man must battle against the clock as well, with it's face full of hands. Except it's digital... and the premise for this preview has become as ensnarled as that time I cast directly into that thorn tree. What a mess. It's a Big One! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Sega Bass Fishing.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.78 (99 cent shipping)PS3
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: PS3 MSRP: $39.99
One of Xbox 360's early successes finally comes to the PlayStation 3. Run through really pretty snow, cause really pretty explosions, and splatter really pretty space bugs in this third-person action game. The game mixes on-foot exploits with mech-based portions and there are plenty of insanely large boss battles. There's also plenty of really bad voice acting and questionable attire for females that are living on a planet that is entirely covered with snow. Regardless, at a reduced price, this is a pretty fun single-player romp that's rounded out with good online multiplayer. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)PS2
Heavenly Guardian Dev. Starfish SD Pub. UFO Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
There once was a quirky series of games on the Super Nintendo called "Pocky & Rocky" that mixed overhead adventure style gaming with SHMUP-like gameplay. Pocky was a little girl that threw cards and Rocky was her Raccoon friend that attacked with leaves. What does this have to do with Heavenly Guardian? Well, before licensing issues got in the way, this game was supposed to be the next installment of Pocky & Rocky. So Pocky has been replaced with some other girl and Rocky has been turned into a rabbit, but the fun and unique gamestyle remains. Best of all, the game retains the 2D sprite look and still supports two player same-screen co-op. Now do I play as the little girl or the bunny? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Heavenly Guardian.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)PSP
Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship Dev. Irem Pub. Majesco Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
Blokus is a board game where up to four people strategically place Tetris style game pieces on a playing grid in the hopes of controlling the majority of the board. As you can probably surmise, Blokus Portable is taking that board game and putting it into a handheld video game format. Blokus Portable: Steambot Chronicles takes that portable video game and infuses it with little known anime characters from a PlayStation 2 RPG. Well, it certainly is a puzzling mix of properties to bring to U.S. shores. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Patapon Dev. Interlink Pub. Sony Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
I loved the demo of this title so much that I was annoyed it wasn't out early. This PSP title features small, one-eyed warriors who rely on drums to inspire and instruct them on what to do. I guess it's technically a strategy game, since you create small groups of Patapons and equip their armor and such. However, it's also a rhythm-based side scroller with a crazy animation style. There are several types of Patapons, each with their own weapons. After equipping them, use one of several drumbeats (for example square-square-square-triangle) to tell them to move/attack/defend. You must hit the buttons on the beat (hence the rhythm part), and by stringing together your instructions, you can enter into a frenzy mode. There's a hunting mode and also an altar where new Patapons can be created. If all this sounds confusing or intriguing, play the demo and then quickly buy the game. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Patapon.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $18.99 (99 cent shipping)Puzzle Guzzle Dev. Irem Pub. Agetec Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
I quickly got bored with this puzzle title on the PSP. Not because it wasn't a decent game, but because it just wasn't anything spectacularly new or different. It's a standard puzzle title where blocks fall from the top and you have to lump them together and clear the board. However, each block has triangle shapes of different colors on them, and you must link the triangles together to form shapes. A completed shape makes the blocks it comes from disappear. There are your standard timed, puzzle, and action modes. The game play isn't as confusing (or probably as boring) as I make it sound, but playing the demo and deciding for yourself is probably the way to go. I know I don't need to spend $20 on this title. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Puzzle Guzzle.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)PC
The Sims 2: FreeTime Dev. Maxis Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Because sometimes your Sims need some time to just let down their hair and have fun. - ship
Best Deal:
Target is offering The Sims 2: FreeTime for $27. Just about every store has some sort of free in-game content.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping, free ballerina dancer poster download) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Target $26.99 (Exclusive jogging suit download) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping, free ballerina dancer poster download) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Target $39.99 (Exclusive jogging suit download)Mac
Neverwinter Nights 2 Dev. Obsidian Entertainment Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $49.99
A Dungeon & Dragons: Forgotten Realms click and slash RPG. Unlike the original Neverwinter Nights, you can now have party members and it's been updated to the 3.5 rules set... oh, you mean this came out years ago and don't need me to describe it to you? Well, fellow Mac users, it looks like it's a pretty fun RPG for those times you're not showing someone that your laptop fits into an envelope. And that's one less exclusive for you PC, take that! - ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Neverwinter Nights 2 for $46 shipped.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $45.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Systems: Wii (N64) MSRP: $10
Wow, this game is really simplistic. Kirby sucks enemies in, swallows them, and gains their powers. Up to two powers can be combined to form a combination power. The levels are linear, with largely only one clear path laid out for you. And you collect shards of crystals. There's no voice acting, and you have to guess at the storyline from the animated (but silent) cut scenes. I couldn't stomach more than two levels of this title, and if you do spend your $10 on buying this game, it shouldn't take you more than two hours to complete it. We just looked at the control scheme and were 2% done. My advice is to buy this one for young games, like 5 to 8 year-olds. - mrs. ship
Psychosis Systems: Wii (TG16) MSRP: $6
A side-scrolling TurboGrafx-16 SHMUP where your subconscious realizes that your body is dying and decides to take the form of a ship to battle the evil that is in your mind. Apparently the balancing of the difficulty in the game is a little off. I hear it's hard to fine tune stuff like that after you've spent a long time "brainstorming" that premise. - ship
Triggerheart Exelica Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Pilot your scantilly-clad female with mechanical parts in this vertically scrolling SHMUP. The core gameplay is pretty standard as you choose from two different characters (one shoots a spread shot, the other a straight shot) and then proceed to avoid millions of bullets while collecting powerups and shooting millions of bullets. The anchor system differentiates this game from the rest as you can fire a grappling hook at enemies, then swing them around and throw them back at their fellow baddies. - 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.
ed up show never happened.
