CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of March 12th, 2008. Super Smash Bros. Brawl has been out for a few days now, so it might be time to give your cramped and blistered hands a rest and find out about the other offerings that are coming out this week. Unfortunately, we have yet to figure out a good way to distribute stickers or trophies to our faithful listeners, but we're working on that.
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Multi-Platform
Condemned 2: Bloodshot Dev. Monolith Productions Pub. Sega Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
The disturbing, first-person hobo bludgeoner is back and more fleshed out this time around. The locales are more varied, the crime scene investigations are more in depth, and the items you can beat people with approach Dead Rising levels of wackiness (albeit a much more sadistic form of wackiness). Unlike the first game though, Bloodshot offers a greater mix of gunplay to go with the unsettling atmosphere, so expect to actually find weapons with more than a Barney Fife level of ammo allowance. All in all, if you’ve got the stomach for this type of game, it seems to be an excellent horror game that improves on all facets of its predecessor. And if you’ve got the stomach for mediocre multiplayer, well have fun swinging blunt objects at your fellow iron-gutted friends online. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free copy of the original Condemned with the purchase of the Xbox 360 version of Condemned 2: Bloodshot. Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card and EB/GameStop is offering a free multiplayer strategy guide with the purchase of either version.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Multiplayer Strategy Guide)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free original Condemned Xbox 360 game with purchase)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
Purchase At Fry's $49.99
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Multiplayer Strategy Guide)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
George of the Jungle Dev. Ignition Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, DS, Wii MSRP: $19.99, $29.99
You may have noticed a new Canadian-based George of the Jungle Cartoon on Cartoon Network while you were fruitlessly searching for Futurama (it's now on Comedy Central – DUH!). If you showed your annoyance by proclaiming, "There’s nothing good on TV!" and shut it off, this game might not be for you. If you thought, "Wow, this is interesting. Boy do I hope they release a multi-system action/platformer based on this cartoon!" then these games are for you. The screenshots for this game don't look bad; the animation style is pretty well done. However, there's not much information out about the gameplay other than all three games are single-player and carry an ESRB warning that they contain comic mischief. Buyers beware. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering the PS2 version of George of the Jungle for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS, PSP, PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
The premier footy franchise hasn’t really changed up the formula this year, but the graphics are slightly improved (still not spectacular) and the AI has been tweaked. The computer now does a better job of adjusting to your tendencies, so if you do indeed have tendencies, watch out! (Attention moms, we are now halfway through this preview so feel free to pass out the orange slices and Capri-Suns.) As always, the game is fully customizable so you can edit in your favorite players, like Senor Slidetackle, Goalie McGoalieguy, or even Jonathon Brandis of Ladybugs fame. I’d suggest avoiding the DS version though, as even JB can’t save that one from getting pummeled by the critics (this is the pre-Sidekicks JB after all). - ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 for $45.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
World Championship Cards Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
My biggest problem with Sony's recent slew of casual games is that they're really difficult (and boring) to preview. I mean, this is a card game. It includes (but is not limited to) Bridge, Gin Rummy, Solitaire, Cribbage, Hearts, Spades, and Crazy 8's. There are 30 games (or variations of games) total. Now, these titles were first announced in July of 2006, so I figure that with all that development time, this must be one pretty amazing card game. I guess we'll just wait and see. If these games really get released this week. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for World Championship Cards.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)
Wii
House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return Dev. Sega Pub. Sega Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Shoot zombies, shoot zombies, it’s fun to shoot zombies. Personally, I think fat zombies are my favorite type of zombies to shoot as they just have the guts to accommodate shotgun induced holes. Not like those skinny zombies whose limbs or heads blow clean off; I like my zombies with some meat on ‘em. I suppose it takes all kinds of zombies to make the world go ‘round though, so I’m sure you can find something to fit your personal tastes in this compilation of the classic light gun arcade games. Horrible voice acting and two player co-op play are included at no extra fee… but if you charge your friend a quarter each time he has to continue, the game will pay for itself in no time. Unless your friend is really good, which then you’ve at least found someone you’ll want to keep around for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Either way, you win… and zombies get shot. - ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return with a Smart Gun Pro for $35.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $34.99 (Includes Smart Gun Pro)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Dev. Sora Ltd./Game Arts Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Chock full of Nintendo fan service and an incredible amount of content, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is extremely hard to resist. Heck, I bought it and I don’t even particularly care for the series. That being said, there’s really not much I can write here that you guys and gals haven’t been gobbling up from the dumping dojo. Feel free to hit me up online for a match though, as you’ll surely enjoy me flailing around helplessly as I yell at the TV in disgust. Sure, you won’t hear me, but rest assured, there will be disgust. - ship
Best Deal:
Toys R Us has a deal for 50% off select Wii games with your purchase of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Circuit City is offering the strategy guide for 50% off with your purchase of the game.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $46.98 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $49.99 (50% off the strategy guide with purchase)
Purchase At Toys R Us $49.99 (50% off select Wii games with purchase)
DS
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Our favorite RPG characters that look like small children make their DS debut in this hyped-up RPG by SquareEnix. The game play is similar to that of the Gamecube version of Crystal Chronicles with the main downfall being the dumbness of the ally AI. The storyline and the adventure mode itself are much deeper than the GC version, and it seems in this respect that the game was worth the wait. There are three modes: single-player, co-op multiplayer (up to four players), and head-to-head multiplayer (up to four players). The main adventure mode is single-player only though; you'll mostly get mini games, separate multi-player quests, and a free mode. However, the frame rate goes way down and playing multi-player requires multiple cards. Overall, this title took what was good from the GC version, made it more in-depth, and aimed it more towards a single-gamer experience. It's a solid title that is worth your money even if it is $40. – mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Insecticide Dev. Crackpot Entertainment/Creat Studios, Inc. Pub. Gamecock Media Group Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
There's a little bit of combat along with your typical detective-based game play in this creepy-crawly futuristic adventure title. Play as a pair of bug detectives in a futuristic city in which insects are the dominant race. Although this title is mainly a fast-paced action title, the mixed in detective work slows the pace down a little. Don't let the bug-theme fool you: this title is pretty dark and is rated E 10+. The cut scenes are good, and the controls are simplistic but fun. The one noted negative so far has been the darkness of the graphics. Reviewers are reporting that it's difficult to play on an original DS. Overall, this looks like a well-made, original DS title. Look for the PC version to be released sometime in quarter 2. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free art book with the purchase of Insecticide.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free art book)
Nanostray 2 Dev. Shin'en Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The original Nanostray was a bit of a cult hit on the Nintendo DS as one of the few early SHMUP experiences available. Well, if you subscribe to that cult’s newsletter, Nanostray 2 offers more of the same space combat experience with refined controls, more weapon customization, and two player multi-cart co-op and competitive modes. Like the original, you can choose to defeat wave after wave of enemies in Adventure, Arcade, or Challenge Mode, but this sequel ups the difficulty which, along with the increased number of levels, provides for a more lengthy title. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals for Nanostray 2.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
PS2
Buzz Jr.: Robo Jam Dev. Magenta Software/FreeStyleGames Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Buzz: The Hollywood Quiz Dev. Relentless Software Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
The Buzz! series is one to love if you're a trivia nut. The graphics are good, the game play is simple, and there are lots of modes to keep you entertained (you can even choose your own buzzer sound). The original title, Buzz! The Mega Quiz got good reviews when it was brought over (with some minor culture references changes) from England. The new star-studded movie/television edition, The Hollywood Quiz, features new clips, photos, and general knowledge questions about a huge variety of Hollywood A and B-listers. The Buzz! Junior Robo Jam title isn't a quiz show title, but is a compilation of 24 mini-games featuring robots. Both titles are available with the four USB Buzz! controllers or game-only. The controllers also work on the PS3. There's also been a Buzz! PSP title announced for this summer. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on the Buzz games.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shippig)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
El Tigre Dev. Barking Lizards Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
This PS2 title is based on a Nicktoons cartoon featuring a small boy (Manny Rivera) with superpowers and a costume that looks like a tiger. His father is also a superhero, while is grandfather is a supervillian. Enter conflict. The most interesting thing I can write about this cartoon is that Bruce Campbell voices a character called The Industrialist. No word on if he voiced this character in the game, and even then I wouldn't really want to buy it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on El Tigre.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Dev. High Impact Games Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Technomites, crazy weapons, and comic quips abound in this PSP title that's been ported to the PS2. The original game got good scores (85/100) on Metacritic, with the majority of the negativity being directed at the camera angles. The positive comments about the storyline, controls, and overall presentation are enough to make this $30 game worth it if you missed it on the PSP. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora Dev. Big Ant Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Race around dirt tracks in dune buggies with spoiler wings that are too big for you to even see bolted to the trunk of a mid-90’s Taurus. But unlike the last go-round where you were on the road to Knoxville (we all remember that one, right?), now you are gunning to make it big at Eldora. Sounds exotic, like a place you’d go searching for lost treasure or something. But you’ll have to forgive me, Sprint Car fanatics, as I am not familiar with that location. Oh, you say that it is the famous Eldora Speedway in New Weston, Ohio? Well, I’ve heard of Ohio. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
World Heroes Anthology Dev. Alpha Denshi/SNK Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Also not known as The History Channel Presents: World Heroes Anthology.) SNK keeps the budget priced collections coming with the only 2D fighting game that pits Joan of Arc versus Rasputin versus Hulk Hogan versus Genghis Kahn versus Joe Montana versus Captain Kidd versus Lu Bu versus Zeus versus Jack the Ripper versus a Nazi robot. Well, you can’t fight them all against each other at once or your television would explode on account of the Wyld Stallyns-esque awesomeness. This anthology collects World Heroes, World Heroes 2, World Heroes Jet, and World Heroes Perfect, so get out there and brush up on 56 of your favorite historical dudes. Oh and… San Dimas High School football rules! - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering World Heroes Anthology for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Superstar Series Dev. YUKE's Future Media Creators Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Do you like outdated wrestling games? Sure, who doesn't?! Well, THQ has put a chokehold on three of their older games (Smackdown vs. Raw, Smackdown vs. Raw 2006, & Smackdown vs. Raw 2007) and crammed them into one shiny new box. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Superstar Series.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
PSP
Flatout: Head On Dev. BugBear Entertainment Pub. Empire Games Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Oh, wait. This is a PSP racing title. My bad. Anyway, this game should be pretty similar to FlatOut and FlatOut 2, only it promises more bone-breaking slaughter. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Flatout: Head On.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Wild ARMs XF Dev. Media Vision Pub. Xseed Games Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
The world's dying and the kingdoms are falling, so it’s up to your hex-battling tactical RPG skills to make things right. Select from and upgrade over thirty different character classes in your attempt to save the day. Follow the adventures of Clarissa and her anime inspired knights as they attempt to reclaim her throne and solve the mystery of both her past and the failing planet. Play your cards right and she just may explain it all. Like why XF is supposed to be pronounced "Cross Fire" according to the official website. Why not just name it "Wild ARMs Cross Fire" then? Regardless, this looks to be worth checking out if you are looking for a strategy RPG with an engaging battle mechanic. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Wild Arms XF.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $37.25 (99 cent shipping)
PC
Imperium Romanum Dev. Haemimont Games AD Pub. Southpeak Interactive Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) This strategy PC title is Sim City meets Caesar. It's also the sequel to Glory of the Roman Empire (also a PC strategy title). As the governor of your own province, you must build bridges, waterways, roads, and barricades. There are several different modes involving goals and historically accurate events and locations. This title is available for direct download from GamersGate for those who don't need the box and disc. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imperium Romanum.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Seven Kingdoms: Conquest Dev. Enlight Pub. Dreamcatcher Interactive Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
A real-time strategy game that chronicles the battles of humans versus demons starting in 3000 B.C. and wrapping up in 3000 A.D. Command the Ancient Egyptians, Greek Gods, Roman Imperialists, and knights of the middle ages… or play as the creatures from the realms of evil. You can even call in famous warriors like Achilles, Hercules, or Ghenghis Kahn, although unlike our other history infused game of the week, there appears to be no Joe Montana. How can humankind expect to win without Joe? - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Seven Kingdoms: Conquest.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
DoReMi Fantasy: Milon's DokiDoki Adventure Systems: Wii (SNES) MSRP: $9
Milon is the little platform character that shots bubbles to kill his enemies. We last talked about him when Milon's Secret Castle got released on the WVC last June. This title is the Japanese SNES sequel to Secret Castle. The SNES title has better level design and looks similar to a Yoshi/Mario title of that era. The downfall is that the game was not translated prior to release, so you'll be deciphering Japanese to follow the storyline.
Sidenote: Ship remembered that Super Mario Bros. 2 started out as a Japanese title Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic and thought this game was somehow related. Here's our Japanese lesson for the day, thanks to Wikipedia: Doki Doki is a Japanese onomatopoeia for a rapidly beating heart and is found in many Japanese video game titles. Insert G.I. Joe NOW YOU KNOW logo. - mrs. ship
Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu Systems: Wii (Genesis) MSRP: $9
Also learned from Wikipedia: The "tsuu" in the title is just there because it sounds like the English word "two" but is in fact a Japanese word. Originally an arcade puzzle title, the Puyo Puyo games are well known. This title is also not translated, so it's identical to the original version released in Japan. You might recognize this franchise as Puyo Pop or Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. If you're looking for a good puzzle title, this one will do. If you don't mind the Japanese, you should look for Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary at Play-Asia.com, which includes classic Puyo Puyo, Puyo Puyo Tsu, Puyo Pop Fever, and nine other un-lockable modes. It'll cost you about $50 for the Wii, DS, PSP, or PS2 as compared to $9 for the WVC version of just Puyo Puyo Tsu. If you LOVE Puyo Puyo, getting the actual import title is the better way to go. – mrs. ship
Bliss Island Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Play as Hoshi the Zwooph as you blow air at objects through several different mini-games. This port of a casual PC game (that people seemed to think blew even when they were playing it for free), is all about puffing fruit and fluffy balls at characters or inanimate objects that would like the fruit or fluffy balls. Achieve maximum blowage for only $5. - ship
Brain Challenge Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Looks like someone finally noticed that the Xbox 360 was devoid of any “brain games”. Well, no longer as you can now test your cranial skills in this port of the cell phone/iPod game that borrows more than a few ideas from Brain Training. You’ll get lots of matching things that match, finding things that don’t match, and counting match sticks. The smart money is on me not ever thinking about this game again. - 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].
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 getyour savings.
[media]http://media.libsyn.com/media/foreplay/cagforeplay36.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]Multi-Platform
Condemned 2: Bloodshot Dev. Monolith Productions Pub. Sega Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
The disturbing, first-person hobo bludgeoner is back and more fleshed out this time around. The locales are more varied, the crime scene investigations are more in depth, and the items you can beat people with approach Dead Rising levels of wackiness (albeit a much more sadistic form of wackiness). Unlike the first game though, Bloodshot offers a greater mix of gunplay to go with the unsettling atmosphere, so expect to actually find weapons with more than a Barney Fife level of ammo allowance. All in all, if you’ve got the stomach for this type of game, it seems to be an excellent horror game that improves on all facets of its predecessor. And if you’ve got the stomach for mediocre multiplayer, well have fun swinging blunt objects at your fellow iron-gutted friends online. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free copy of the original Condemned with the purchase of the Xbox 360 version of Condemned 2: Bloodshot. Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card and EB/GameStop is offering a free multiplayer strategy guide with the purchase of either version.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Multiplayer Strategy Guide) Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free original Condemned Xbox 360 game with purchase) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase) Purchase At Fry's $49.99 Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $59.99 (Free Multiplayer Strategy Guide) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)George of the Jungle Dev. Ignition Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, DS, Wii MSRP: $19.99, $29.99
You may have noticed a new Canadian-based George of the Jungle Cartoon on Cartoon Network while you were fruitlessly searching for Futurama (it's now on Comedy Central – DUH!). If you showed your annoyance by proclaiming, "There’s nothing good on TV!" and shut it off, this game might not be for you. If you thought, "Wow, this is interesting. Boy do I hope they release a multi-system action/platformer based on this cartoon!" then these games are for you. The screenshots for this game don't look bad; the animation style is pretty well done. However, there's not much information out about the gameplay other than all three games are single-player and carry an ESRB warning that they contain comic mischief. Buyers beware. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering the PS2 version of George of the Jungle for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS, PSP, PS2, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
The premier footy franchise hasn’t really changed up the formula this year, but the graphics are slightly improved (still not spectacular) and the AI has been tweaked. The computer now does a better job of adjusting to your tendencies, so if you do indeed have tendencies, watch out! (Attention moms, we are now halfway through this preview so feel free to pass out the orange slices and Capri-Suns.) As always, the game is fully customizable so you can edit in your favorite players, like Senor Slidetackle, Goalie McGoalieguy, or even Jonathon Brandis of Ladybugs fame. I’d suggest avoiding the DS version though, as even JB can’t save that one from getting pummeled by the critics (this is the pre-Sidekicks JB after all). - ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 for $45.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99 Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $46.87 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99 Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)World Championship Cards Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
My biggest problem with Sony's recent slew of casual games is that they're really difficult (and boring) to preview. I mean, this is a card game. It includes (but is not limited to) Bridge, Gin Rummy, Solitaire, Cribbage, Hearts, Spades, and Crazy 8's. There are 30 games (or variations of games) total. Now, these titles were first announced in July of 2006, so I figure that with all that development time, this must be one pretty amazing card game. I guess we'll just wait and see. If these games really get released this week. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for World Championship Cards.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $18.99 (Free shipping)Wii
House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return Dev. Sega Pub. Sega Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Shoot zombies, shoot zombies, it’s fun to shoot zombies. Personally, I think fat zombies are my favorite type of zombies to shoot as they just have the guts to accommodate shotgun induced holes. Not like those skinny zombies whose limbs or heads blow clean off; I like my zombies with some meat on ‘em. I suppose it takes all kinds of zombies to make the world go ‘round though, so I’m sure you can find something to fit your personal tastes in this compilation of the classic light gun arcade games. Horrible voice acting and two player co-op play are included at no extra fee… but if you charge your friend a quarter each time he has to continue, the game will pay for itself in no time. Unless your friend is really good, which then you’ve at least found someone you’ll want to keep around for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Either way, you win… and zombies get shot. - ship
Best Deal:
Fry’s is offering House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return with a Smart Gun Pro for $35.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.94 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $34.99 (Includes Smart Gun Pro)Super Smash Bros. Brawl Dev. Sora Ltd./Game Arts Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Chock full of Nintendo fan service and an incredible amount of content, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is extremely hard to resist. Heck, I bought it and I don’t even particularly care for the series. That being said, there’s really not much I can write here that you guys and gals haven’t been gobbling up from the dumping dojo. Feel free to hit me up online for a match though, as you’ll surely enjoy me flailing around helplessly as I yell at the TV in disgust. Sure, you won’t hear me, but rest assured, there will be disgust. - ship
Best Deal:
Toys R Us has a deal for 50% off select Wii games with your purchase of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Circuit City is offering the strategy guide for 50% off with your purchase of the game.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $46.98 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Circuit City $49.99 (50% off the strategy guide with purchase) Purchase At Toys R Us $49.99 (50% off select Wii games with purchase)DS
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Dev. Square Enix Pub. Square Enix Systems: DS MSRP: $39.99
Our favorite RPG characters that look like small children make their DS debut in this hyped-up RPG by SquareEnix. The game play is similar to that of the Gamecube version of Crystal Chronicles with the main downfall being the dumbness of the ally AI. The storyline and the adventure mode itself are much deeper than the GC version, and it seems in this respect that the game was worth the wait. There are three modes: single-player, co-op multiplayer (up to four players), and head-to-head multiplayer (up to four players). The main adventure mode is single-player only though; you'll mostly get mini games, separate multi-player quests, and a free mode. However, the frame rate goes way down and playing multi-player requires multiple cards. Overall, this title took what was good from the GC version, made it more in-depth, and aimed it more towards a single-gamer experience. It's a solid title that is worth your money even if it is $40. – mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)Insecticide Dev. Crackpot Entertainment/Creat Studios, Inc. Pub. Gamecock Media Group Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
There's a little bit of combat along with your typical detective-based game play in this creepy-crawly futuristic adventure title. Play as a pair of bug detectives in a futuristic city in which insects are the dominant race. Although this title is mainly a fast-paced action title, the mixed in detective work slows the pace down a little. Don't let the bug-theme fool you: this title is pretty dark and is rated E 10+. The cut scenes are good, and the controls are simplistic but fun. The one noted negative so far has been the darkness of the graphics. Reviewers are reporting that it's difficult to play on an original DS. Overall, this looks like a well-made, original DS title. Look for the PC version to be released sometime in quarter 2. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
EB/GameStop is offering a free art book with the purchase of Insecticide.
Purchase At Amazon $29.79 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At EB Games $29.99 (Free art book)Nanostray 2 Dev. Shin'en Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The original Nanostray was a bit of a cult hit on the Nintendo DS as one of the few early SHMUP experiences available. Well, if you subscribe to that cult’s newsletter, Nanostray 2 offers more of the same space combat experience with refined controls, more weapon customization, and two player multi-cart co-op and competitive modes. Like the original, you can choose to defeat wave after wave of enemies in Adventure, Arcade, or Challenge Mode, but this sequel ups the difficulty which, along with the increased number of levels, provides for a more lengthy title. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals for Nanostray 2.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)PS2
Buzz Jr.: Robo Jam Dev. Magenta Software/FreeStyleGames Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
Buzz: The Hollywood Quiz Dev. Relentless Software Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
The Buzz! series is one to love if you're a trivia nut. The graphics are good, the game play is simple, and there are lots of modes to keep you entertained (you can even choose your own buzzer sound). The original title, Buzz! The Mega Quiz got good reviews when it was brought over (with some minor culture references changes) from England. The new star-studded movie/television edition, The Hollywood Quiz, features new clips, photos, and general knowledge questions about a huge variety of Hollywood A and B-listers. The Buzz! Junior Robo Jam title isn't a quiz show title, but is a compilation of 24 mini-games featuring robots. Both titles are available with the four USB Buzz! controllers or game-only. The controllers also work on the PS3. There's also been a Buzz! PSP title announced for this summer. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on the Buzz games.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shippig) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)El Tigre Dev. Barking Lizards Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
This PS2 title is based on a Nicktoons cartoon featuring a small boy (Manny Rivera) with superpowers and a costume that looks like a tiger. His father is also a superhero, while is grandfather is a supervillian. Enter conflict. The most interesting thing I can write about this cartoon is that Bruce Campbell voices a character called The Industrialist. No word on if he voiced this character in the game, and even then I wouldn't really want to buy it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on El Tigre.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Dev. High Impact Games Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Technomites, crazy weapons, and comic quips abound in this PSP title that's been ported to the PS2. The original game got good scores (85/100) on Metacritic, with the majority of the negativity being directed at the camera angles. The positive comments about the storyline, controls, and overall presentation are enough to make this $30 game worth it if you missed it on the PSP. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t appear to be any specific deals on Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora Dev. Big Ant Studios Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $19.99
Race around dirt tracks in dune buggies with spoiler wings that are too big for you to even see bolted to the trunk of a mid-90’s Taurus. But unlike the last go-round where you were on the road to Knoxville (we all remember that one, right?), now you are gunning to make it big at Eldora. Sounds exotic, like a place you’d go searching for lost treasure or something. But you’ll have to forgive me, Sprint Car fanatics, as I am not familiar with that location. Oh, you say that it is the famous Eldora Speedway in New Weston, Ohio? Well, I’ve heard of Ohio. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)World Heroes Anthology Dev. Alpha Denshi/SNK Pub. SNK Playmore Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
(Also not known as The History Channel Presents: World Heroes Anthology.) SNK keeps the budget priced collections coming with the only 2D fighting game that pits Joan of Arc versus Rasputin versus Hulk Hogan versus Genghis Kahn versus Joe Montana versus Captain Kidd versus Lu Bu versus Zeus versus Jack the Ripper versus a Nazi robot. Well, you can’t fight them all against each other at once or your television would explode on account of the Wyld Stallyns-esque awesomeness. This anthology collects World Heroes, World Heroes 2, World Heroes Jet, and World Heroes Perfect, so get out there and brush up on 56 of your favorite historical dudes. Oh and… San Dimas High School football rules! - ship
Best Deal:
Deep Discount is offering World Heroes Anthology for $14 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Superstar Series Dev. YUKE's Future Media Creators Pub. THQ Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Do you like outdated wrestling games? Sure, who doesn't?! Well, THQ has put a chokehold on three of their older games (Smackdown vs. Raw, Smackdown vs. Raw 2006, & Smackdown vs. Raw 2007) and crammed them into one shiny new box. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Superstar Series.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)PSP
Flatout: Head On Dev. BugBear Entertainment Pub. Empire Games Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Head On: Apply directly to your forehead. Oh, wait. This is a PSP racing title. My bad. Anyway, this game should be pretty similar to FlatOut and FlatOut 2, only it promises more bone-breaking slaughter. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Flatout: Head On.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Wild ARMs XF Dev. Media Vision Pub. Xseed Games Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99
The world's dying and the kingdoms are falling, so it’s up to your hex-battling tactical RPG skills to make things right. Select from and upgrade over thirty different character classes in your attempt to save the day. Follow the adventures of Clarissa and her anime inspired knights as they attempt to reclaim her throne and solve the mystery of both her past and the failing planet. Play your cards right and she just may explain it all. Like why XF is supposed to be pronounced "Cross Fire" according to the official website. Why not just name it "Wild ARMs Cross Fire" then? Regardless, this looks to be worth checking out if you are looking for a strategy RPG with an engaging battle mechanic. - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Wild Arms XF.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $37.25 (99 cent shipping)PC
Imperium Romanum Dev. Haemimont Games AD Pub. Southpeak Interactive Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) This strategy PC title is Sim City meets Caesar. It's also the sequel to Glory of the Roman Empire (also a PC strategy title). As the governor of your own province, you must build bridges, waterways, roads, and barricades. There are several different modes involving goals and historically accurate events and locations. This title is available for direct download from GamersGate for those who don't need the box and disc. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imperium Romanum.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)Seven Kingdoms: Conquest Dev. Enlight Pub. Dreamcatcher Interactive Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
A real-time strategy game that chronicles the battles of humans versus demons starting in 3000 B.C. and wrapping up in 3000 A.D. Command the Ancient Egyptians, Greek Gods, Roman Imperialists, and knights of the middle ages… or play as the creatures from the realms of evil. You can even call in famous warriors like Achilles, Hercules, or Ghenghis Kahn, although unlike our other history infused game of the week, there appears to be no Joe Montana. How can humankind expect to win without Joe? - ship
Best Deal:
There don’t seem to be any specific deals for Seven Kingdoms: Conquest.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)On The DL with the Shipwrecks
DoReMi Fantasy: Milon's DokiDoki Adventure Systems: Wii (SNES) MSRP: $9
Milon is the little platform character that shots bubbles to kill his enemies. We last talked about him when Milon's Secret Castle got released on the WVC last June. This title is the Japanese SNES sequel to Secret Castle. The SNES title has better level design and looks similar to a Yoshi/Mario title of that era. The downfall is that the game was not translated prior to release, so you'll be deciphering Japanese to follow the storyline.
Sidenote: Ship remembered that Super Mario Bros. 2 started out as a Japanese title Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic and thought this game was somehow related. Here's our Japanese lesson for the day, thanks to Wikipedia: Doki Doki is a Japanese onomatopoeia for a rapidly beating heart and is found in many Japanese video game titles. Insert G.I. Joe NOW YOU KNOW logo. - mrs. ship
Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu Systems: Wii (Genesis) MSRP: $9
Also learned from Wikipedia: The "tsuu" in the title is just there because it sounds like the English word "two" but is in fact a Japanese word. Originally an arcade puzzle title, the Puyo Puyo games are well known. This title is also not translated, so it's identical to the original version released in Japan. You might recognize this franchise as Puyo Pop or Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. If you're looking for a good puzzle title, this one will do. If you don't mind the Japanese, you should look for Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary at Play-Asia.com, which includes classic Puyo Puyo, Puyo Puyo Tsu, Puyo Pop Fever, and nine other un-lockable modes. It'll cost you about $50 for the Wii, DS, PSP, or PS2 as compared to $9 for the WVC version of just Puyo Puyo Tsu. If you LOVE Puyo Puyo, getting the actual import title is the better way to go. – mrs. ship
Bliss Island Systems: 360 MSRP: $5
Play as Hoshi the Zwooph as you blow air at objects through several different mini-games. This port of a casual PC game (that people seemed to think blew even when they were playing it for free), is all about puffing fruit and fluffy balls at characters or inanimate objects that would like the fruit or fluffy balls. Achieve maximum blowage for only $5. - ship
Brain Challenge Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
Looks like someone finally noticed that the Xbox 360 was devoid of any “brain games”. Well, no longer as you can now test your cranial skills in this port of the cell phone/iPod game that borrows more than a few ideas from Brain Training. You’ll get lots of matching things that match, finding things that don’t match, and counting match sticks. The smart money is on me not ever thinking about this game again. - 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.
It only took about 4 minutes to get 1000 gamerpoints in Avatar!? That was just as good, if not better than Mrs. SHipwreck only taking 45 seconds for find a crappy unopened Xbox game.
