CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of March 19th, 2008. This week's offerings will have you hunting more terrorists in Vegas, playing leisurely sports with cartoony characters, reminiscing with Solid Snake, and singing songs poorly in front of friends and family.
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.
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Multi-Platform
Sega Superstars Tennis Dev. Sumo Digital Pub. Sega Systems: DS, PS2, Wii, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99-$49.99
Coming off their recent Olympic success, sixteen of Sega's franchise characters decide to broaden their athletic pursuits and prove that Mario and friends aren't the only ones that enjoy leisurely sporting activities. The characters willing to cash in include Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, NiGHTS, Ulala, AiAi, Beat, and that monkey from Samba de Amigo. So it's pretty much exactly what you would think it would be: a simplified Virtua Tennis with themed courts and player specific special shots. And much like the training games in Virtua Tennis, there are several mini-games that help you unlock additional characters and content, and with my penchant for zombies (fat zombies, of course), the House of the Dead mini game that has you smacking tennis balls at waves of the undead intrigues me greatly. Overall, the game probably skews a little young, but if you grew up on Sega consoles like I did, this is fan service that surely won't fault. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free tennis racquet attachment for your Wiimote with the purchase of the Wii version of Sega Superstars Tennis. Fry's is offering the Wii, 360, and PS3 versions for $45 each.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.95 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $48.01 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Fry's $44.99
Purchase At Circuit City $49.99 (Free Wiimote tennis raquet accessory with purchase)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Montreal Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99, $69.99
Rainbow Six stays in Vegas as the direct sequel to the popular first-person tactical shooter doesn't stray too far from the original. The game now features a more robust leveling-up system that not only tracks your kills for experience points, but also factors in how you go about getting those kills. This leads to unlocking items for your custom character that you might actually find beneficial to your style of play. Also featured this time around is a jump-in/jump-out two player co-op mode that allows players to tackle the full campaign with a buddy without any unneccessary hassle. And off course, all the great multiplayer modes are back so there will be plenty of terrorists to hunt, but a couple new modes have been added to go along with the new weapons, gear, and maps. Nothing about Vegas 2 is going to change your opinion of the series, but if you enjoyed the last game and are simply looking for a more refined way to shoot bad guys in the face, this is a no brainer. - ship
Best Deal:
A lot of stores want your Rainbow Six Vegas 2 business this week. Best Buy is offering a code to unlock an exclusive in-game assault rifle. Circuit City is giving away a "gamer's energy kit" and fuzzy dice with your purchase. Buy.com is offering the standard versions for $54 shipped and the "Limited Editions" for $65 shipped. Target is offering a free $10 gift card with your in-store purchase. And best of all, if you have a Fry's nearby, they are offering the 360 version for $40!
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice)
Purchase At Buy.com $53.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Target $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
Purchase At Fry's $39.99
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice)
Purchase At Buy.com $53.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Target $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase)
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle)
Purchase At Circuit City $69.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice)
Purchase At Buy.com $64.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle)
Purchase At Circuit City $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle)
Purchase At Buy.com $64.99 (Free shipping)
Wii
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) 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
The Wii version actually has a pretty unique control system where you control your player with the nunchuk and point and drag where you want a teammate to make a run with the Wiimote. Once you get used to it, it's supposed to be a pretty fun way to play. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)
Worms: A Space Oddity Dev. Team 17 Software Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
A 2D turn-based strategic take on how the battles of worms would play out if they were fighting in outer space. For instance, weapons like exploding sheep would obviously not make a lick of sense in space combat, so in come... try to follow me here... exploding robo-sheep. I know it's a bit of a stretch, as is the $50 price point, but they've somehow also added gesture controls to Worms. The odd thing they failed to add is online play. That's right, the $10 version of Worms on XBLA gets you four players battling it out online. Five times that price gets you and your friends waggling your worms on the same couch. Those better be some amazing robo-sheep. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Worms: A Space Oddity.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (Free shipping)
WWII Aces Dev. Arcade Moon Pub. Destineer Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
WWII Aces, which I can only imagine is supposed to be pronounced "WaWii Aces", is a flight combat game that is not even as good as that pun. And that's a freakin' terrible pun. Not in the it's "so bad it's good" sort of way either, it's just terrible. If you don't believe me, invite a friend over to play some of the split-screen co-op and you can hear it straight from his/her mouth. Ill-fated Wii controls, poor graphics, boring and repetitive missions - this one is going down in a blaze of glory. And not in the "so bad it's good" Bon Jovi way either. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWII Aces.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
DS
Championship Pony Dev. Coyote Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $14.99
Nuture, train, and make your pony pretty as you compete in three day events including "Cross Country", "Show Jumping", and "Dressage". If you do well enough, you earn money to buy more ponies, since your first pony is obviously not good enough to win championships and keep you happy. Poor first pony, I feel so sad for her; all she wanted was to be loved. Could you at least bring her of the barn for some zany mini-games from time to time? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Championship Pony.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)
Diary Girl Dev. Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Instead of purchasing a third-party personal organizer for your tween, why not turn the DS they already own into one? That's the idea behind this colorful DS title that offers and electric journal, horoscopes, calendar, to-do list, and, of course, mini-games. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Diary Girl.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Fantasy Aquarium Dev. Pub. Bold Games Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
For the fish lover on the go comes the new DS title Fantasy Aquarium. The fantasy part is that you can select sharks, whales, and dolphins as part of your aquarium. Game play involves customizing the environment down to the last plastic plant, and taking care of the necessary maintenance "fun" that comes with owning a tank. Gamers must feed their fish, test the salinity of the water, and monitor water temperature. Two weeks into Nintendogs, my puppy had run away, so I'm looking forward to a really nice cutscene of my fish floating belly-up. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fantasy Aquarium.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Go Pets: Vacation Island Dev. 1st Playable Productions Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This action-adventure title with the kid-friendly cover is a Animal Crossing and pet simulation hybrid. Gamers raise their cats and dogs, dress them, and interact with other pets online. The graphics, while colorful and slightly trippy, aren't that good. It's definitely not worth the $30 that Konami is charging for it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Go Pets: Vacation Island for $10 off the regular $29.99 price.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping)
Homie Rollerz Dev. Webfoot Technologies Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Another DS title featuring a message: even stereotype-laden capsule-machine toys should aspire to have their own video game. If Bratz can pull it off, why can't the Homies? Homies, for those of you not familiar, are small Mexican-American figures created by David Gonzales and sold in those little machines outside of supermarkets. They can now be found in Destineer's quirky new DS kart racer. The game itself features ten Homies, including a talking chili pepper and one who drives a motorized wheelchair instead of a traditional vehicle. The cars (or wheelchair) can be pimped out with different weapons, and each character has his or her unique storyline. The goal is to earn RESPECT with every win. One question: does Destineer have a lawyer that thought this was a good idea? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Homie Rollerz.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)
Lost in Blue 3 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
I have to admit, I missed out on the first Lost in Blue and never got into the series after that. These survival adventure games revolve around being stuck on a deserted island and having to hunt and forage to stay alive. The third installment of the series is the most cartoon-based as far as animations go; even cut scenes, though well-done, are cartoony. The gameplay hasn't changed a bit since the first title, and even Nintendo Power gave this game a mediocre review score (5.5/10). This should be MOTS for franchise-lovers, but for the rest of us it seems more like a strain to play. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Lost in Blue 3 for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
PS3
Condemned 2: Bloodshot Dev. Monolith Productions Pub. Sega Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) 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:
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)
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Dev. Clap Hanz Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I love golf games, and everything fun about playing them is condensed into the Hot Shots Golf franchise. The graphics are improved, as we would expect them to be. The standard triple-click meter is present and accounted for, but there's also a new Advanced Shot mechanic that forces you to read your character's movements while swinging. It sounds similar to the hand-motions of the dancing ladies in Sid Meier's Pirates!. The gameplay overall is easily learned. The characters are leveled-up throughout the game using loyalty that you earn after playing with them. Overall, the game has gotten great reviews. The one downside is the lack of character customization and voice chat during online multiplay. The new courses look amazing, and the biggest new feature is the online game play: up to 8 players in a single game or up to 50 players in a tournament! I smell a CAG Classic coming on! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City and Fry's are offering Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds for $49.99.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping)
Purchase At Circuit City $49.99
Purchase At Fry's $49.99
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore Bundle Dev. Blitz Games Pub. Konami Systems: PS3 MSRP: $69.99
(Deja Preview) Alright! Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" is definitely in this game. Do you really need to know anything else? Seriously, even if the whole 40 song soundtrack was just that song over and over, wouldn't that be enough? You and seven of your friends competing to see who could out Celine each other will be enchanting... near, far, wherever you are. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore Bundle for $66 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $64.89 (99 cent shipping)
PS2
Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Essentially a collection of Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3, Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection collects what are considered essential prerequisites for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4. So, in case that isn't clear, you'll get the original PlayStation version of Metal Gear Solid, the Substance version of Sons of Liberty, and the Subsistence version of Snake Eater. Not a bad deal at all for $30 when you consider the prices that Substance and Subsistence fetch on their own. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends Dev. Omega Force Pub. Koei Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
To the extreme and rocking the mic like a vandal, the third Samurai Warriors 2 iteration to be released within the last 18 months adds new playable characters, new weapons, an additional level, and a new "Mercenary Mode". Chances are that if you've bought this game twice already, you're probably going to buy it thrice. (Chances are you would also be CAG's resident expert on all things Koei, Rei no Otaku.) If you're not him, maybe you should consult him to see whether now is the time to plow through throngs of hapless, shuffling guys futilely holding weapons or whether it is wiser to wait another six months for Samurai Warriors 2: Flavor Blasted Fighters to hit store shelves. Hey, if they came out with Samurai Warriors 2: Xplosive Pizza, even I might have to bite. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)
SingStar 90's Dev. SCE London Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Singstar 90's offers nothing new when compared to the previous four Singstar titles, so all you really need to know about this karaoke title is the song-list. Wow, it's a varied one. From Nirvana to Paula Abdul to MC Hammer to New Kids on the Block to R.E.M., the nineties were full music that gets stuck in your head for days. Interestingly enough, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lisa Loeb are featured on the International track list but not on the American one. Sad. If you still remember all the words to Ice Ice Baby, this game's for you. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on both the game only and bundled versions of Singstar 90's. Target is offering the bundled version in-store for $39.
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 Target $39
PSP
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda SBK Superbike World Championship Dev. Milestone Pub. Valcon Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
If any of that title makes sense to you, you might want to try this budget motorcycle racer that came out in the UK last year. It's officially licensed (by all that stuff in the title I'm assuming) including ten tracks and official riders. But like most of these realistic moto racers, the controls are really touchy so you'll probably be picking gravel out of your virtual thighs after the first turn. Maybe the unlockable pictures of the "Pit Girls" will help ease the pain. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda SBK Superbike World Championship.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
PC
Chessmaster Collectors' Edition Dev. Encore Pub. Encore Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
If you collect virtual chess games, settle for no less. "What makes this a collector's edition?", you may ask, "a metal case, a developer's commentary disc?". No, they've repackaged the 10th edition of the game and added in a six month subscription to a "pay to play" online chess service. That might not be too bad if the series wasn't on the eleventh version already that includes free online play. Still, if you're a collector... - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Chessmaster Collectors' Edition.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Jane's Hotel Dev. Pub. eGames Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
This new strategy game for the PC is all about Jane and her quest for world dominance. No, wait, she just wants to make her hotel the best in town. Apparently we should want to help her do just that by ordering the maids around and getting coffee. If that isn't my dream job, I don't know what is. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Jane's Hotel for $18.
Purchase At Amazon $17.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Lost Empire: Immortal Dev. Pollux Gamelabs Pub. Paradox Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Conquer the galaxy in this 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) turn-based strategy game. (Yes, I finally broke down and looked up what in the world a 4X game was.) You can pick from one of six races and according to my understand of that fourth "X", kill the other five. You'll have to be extremely interested in performing scientific experiments and constructing ships before you're the only one left existing though. Exiting preview. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Lost Empire: Immortal.
Purchase At Amazon $29 (Free shipping)
Unreal Deal Pack Dev. Epic Games Pub. Steam Systems: PC MSRP: $59.95
To appease our offended PC listeners, I checked Steam prior to recording the show this week and noticed that there was a pretty good deal on all things Unreal. For a limited time you can get Unreal Gold, Unreal II: The Awakening, Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition, Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition, and Unreal Tournament 3 for $54. Not too shabby if you were really needing an ungodly amount of Unreal in your life. And believe me, nobody needs any Unreal II in their life. - ship
Best Deal:
Steam is offering the Unreal Deal Pack for $54 for a limited time.
Purchase At Steam $53.95
Mac
Enemy Territories: Quake Wars Dev. Splash Damage Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $49.99
This well-received multiplayer-centric first-person shooter makes a quick stop on the Mac prior to its arrival on consoles later this year. Quite un-Quake-like, this wide-open Battlefield style game focuses on capturing objectives and squad tactics. You can pick from various classes within the human and Strogg armies before venturing out into the online wasteland which is complete with a nice variety of deathbringing vehicles. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Enemy Territories: Quake Wars.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
The Sims Castaway Stories Dev. EA Games Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $29.99 (Deja Preview) Marketing pitch: Research shows that a large demographic of people who like "The Sims" also like watching television shows like "Survivor" and "Lost" and occasionally like to visit beaches in real life. Send it to the presses! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for The Sims Castaway Stories.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Spelunker Systems: Wii (NES) MSRP: $5
If you liked Pitfall but wish it was really hard, had very sensitive controls, and you died a lot, this NES title sounds right up your alley. You do get to carry an air tank, which I guess adds something to the gameplay. - mrs. ship
Super R-Type Systems: Wii (SNES) MSRP: $8
The side-scrolling SHMUPs just keep invading the Virtual Console as another R-Type game is released. It's kind of odd that they've already released the more current R-Type III for the system prior to this one, but both are pretty similar. You control a spaceship as it flies through corridors and shoots at aliens while trying not to get shot by aliens. Because if you do get shot, it's all the way back to the beginning of the level for you! - 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/cagforeplay37.mp3[/media]
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg]Multi-Platform
Sega Superstars Tennis Dev. Sumo Digital Pub. Sega Systems: DS, PS2, Wii, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99-$49.99
Coming off their recent Olympic success, sixteen of Sega's franchise characters decide to broaden their athletic pursuits and prove that Mario and friends aren't the only ones that enjoy leisurely sporting activities. The characters willing to cash in include Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, NiGHTS, Ulala, AiAi, Beat, and that monkey from Samba de Amigo. So it's pretty much exactly what you would think it would be: a simplified Virtua Tennis with themed courts and player specific special shots. And much like the training games in Virtua Tennis, there are several mini-games that help you unlock additional characters and content, and with my penchant for zombies (fat zombies, of course), the House of the Dead mini game that has you smacking tennis balls at waves of the undead intrigues me greatly. Overall, the game probably skews a little young, but if you grew up on Sega consoles like I did, this is fan service that surely won't fault. - ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City is offering a free tennis racquet attachment for your Wiimote with the purchase of the Wii version of Sega Superstars Tennis. Fry's is offering the Wii, 360, and PS3 versions for $45 each.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99 Purchase At Amazon $29.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $28.84 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Amazon $49.95 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.07 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99 Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $48.01 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Fry's $44.99 Purchase At Circuit City $49.99 (Free Wiimote tennis raquet accessory with purchase)Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Dev. Ubi Soft Montreal Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99, $69.99
Rainbow Six stays in Vegas as the direct sequel to the popular first-person tactical shooter doesn't stray too far from the original. The game now features a more robust leveling-up system that not only tracks your kills for experience points, but also factors in how you go about getting those kills. This leads to unlocking items for your custom character that you might actually find beneficial to your style of play. Also featured this time around is a jump-in/jump-out two player co-op mode that allows players to tackle the full campaign with a buddy without any unneccessary hassle. And off course, all the great multiplayer modes are back so there will be plenty of terrorists to hunt, but a couple new modes have been added to go along with the new weapons, gear, and maps. Nothing about Vegas 2 is going to change your opinion of the series, but if you enjoyed the last game and are simply looking for a more refined way to shoot bad guys in the face, this is a no brainer. - ship
Best Deal:
A lot of stores want your Rainbow Six Vegas 2 business this week. Best Buy is offering a code to unlock an exclusive in-game assault rifle. Circuit City is giving away a "gamer's energy kit" and fuzzy dice with your purchase. Buy.com is offering the standard versions for $54 shipped and the "Limited Editions" for $65 shipped. Target is offering a free $10 gift card with your in-store purchase. And best of all, if you have a Fry's nearby, they are offering the 360 version for $40!
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle) Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice) Purchase At Buy.com $53.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Target $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase) Purchase At Fry's $39.99 Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $59.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle) Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice) Purchase At Buy.com $53.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Target $59.99 (Free $10 gift card with purchase) Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle) Purchase At Circuit City $69.99 (Free gamer's energy kit and fuzzy dice) Purchase At Buy.com $64.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Best Buy $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle) Purchase At Circuit City $69.99 (Free code for exclusive in-game assault rifle) Purchase At Buy.com $64.99 (Free shipping)Wii
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
(Deja Preview) 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
The Wii version actually has a pretty unique control system where you control your player with the nunchuk and point and drag where you want a teammate to make a run with the Wiimote. Once you get used to it, it's supposed to be a pretty fun way to play. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $38.46 (99 cent shipping)Worms: A Space Oddity Dev. Team 17 Software Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
A 2D turn-based strategic take on how the battles of worms would play out if they were fighting in outer space. For instance, weapons like exploding sheep would obviously not make a lick of sense in space combat, so in come... try to follow me here... exploding robo-sheep. I know it's a bit of a stretch, as is the $50 price point, but they've somehow also added gesture controls to Worms. The odd thing they failed to add is online play. That's right, the $10 version of Worms on XBLA gets you four players battling it out online. Five times that price gets you and your friends waggling your worms on the same couch. Those better be some amazing robo-sheep. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Worms: A Space Oddity.
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $48.99 (Free shipping)WWII Aces Dev. Arcade Moon Pub. Destineer Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
WWII Aces, which I can only imagine is supposed to be pronounced "WaWii Aces", is a flight combat game that is not even as good as that pun. And that's a freakin' terrible pun. Not in the it's "so bad it's good" sort of way either, it's just terrible. If you don't believe me, invite a friend over to play some of the split-screen co-op and you can hear it straight from his/her mouth. Ill-fated Wii controls, poor graphics, boring and repetitive missions - this one is going down in a blaze of glory. And not in the "so bad it's good" Bon Jovi way either. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for WWII Aces.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)DS
Championship Pony Dev. Coyote Pub. Destination Software Systems: DS MSRP: $14.99
Nuture, train, and make your pony pretty as you compete in three day events including "Cross Country", "Show Jumping", and "Dressage". If you do well enough, you earn money to buy more ponies, since your first pony is obviously not good enough to win championships and keep you happy. Poor first pony, I feel so sad for her; all she wanted was to be loved. Could you at least bring her of the barn for some zany mini-games from time to time? - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Championship Pony.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Deep Discount $13.99 (Free shipping)Diary Girl Dev. Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Instead of purchasing a third-party personal organizer for your tween, why not turn the DS they already own into one? That's the idea behind this colorful DS title that offers and electric journal, horoscopes, calendar, to-do list, and, of course, mini-games. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Diary Girl.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Fantasy Aquarium Dev. Pub. Bold Games Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
For the fish lover on the go comes the new DS title Fantasy Aquarium. The fantasy part is that you can select sharks, whales, and dolphins as part of your aquarium. Game play involves customizing the environment down to the last plastic plant, and taking care of the necessary maintenance "fun" that comes with owning a tank. Gamers must feed their fish, test the salinity of the water, and monitor water temperature. Two weeks into Nintendogs, my puppy had run away, so I'm looking forward to a really nice cutscene of my fish floating belly-up. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Fantasy Aquarium.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Go Pets: Vacation Island Dev. 1st Playable Productions Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This action-adventure title with the kid-friendly cover is a Animal Crossing and pet simulation hybrid. Gamers raise their cats and dogs, dress them, and interact with other pets online. The graphics, while colorful and slightly trippy, aren't that good. It's definitely not worth the $30 that Konami is charging for it. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Go Pets: Vacation Island for $10 off the regular $29.99 price.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping)Homie Rollerz Dev. Webfoot Technologies Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
(Deja Preview) Another DS title featuring a message: even stereotype-laden capsule-machine toys should aspire to have their own video game. If Bratz can pull it off, why can't the Homies? Homies, for those of you not familiar, are small Mexican-American figures created by David Gonzales and sold in those little machines outside of supermarkets. They can now be found in Destineer's quirky new DS kart racer. The game itself features ten Homies, including a talking chili pepper and one who drives a motorized wheelchair instead of a traditional vehicle. The cars (or wheelchair) can be pimped out with different weapons, and each character has his or her unique storyline. The goal is to earn RESPECT with every win. One question: does Destineer have a lawyer that thought this was a good idea? - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Homie Rollerz.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Deep Discount $28.99 (Free shipping)Lost in Blue 3 Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
I have to admit, I missed out on the first Lost in Blue and never got into the series after that. These survival adventure games revolve around being stuck on a deserted island and having to hunt and forage to stay alive. The third installment of the series is the most cartoon-based as far as animations go; even cut scenes, though well-done, are cartoony. The gameplay hasn't changed a bit since the first title, and even Nintendo Power gave this game a mediocre review score (5.5/10). This should be MOTS for franchise-lovers, but for the rest of us it seems more like a strain to play. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Lost in Blue 3 for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)PS3
Condemned 2: Bloodshot Dev. Monolith Productions Pub. Sega Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
(Deja Preview) 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:
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)Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Dev. Clap Hanz Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I love golf games, and everything fun about playing them is condensed into the Hot Shots Golf franchise. The graphics are improved, as we would expect them to be. The standard triple-click meter is present and accounted for, but there's also a new Advanced Shot mechanic that forces you to read your character's movements while swinging. It sounds similar to the hand-motions of the dancing ladies in Sid Meier's Pirates!. The gameplay overall is easily learned. The characters are leveled-up throughout the game using loyalty that you earn after playing with them. Overall, the game has gotten great reviews. The one downside is the lack of character customization and voice chat during online multiplay. The new courses look amazing, and the biggest new feature is the online game play: up to 8 players in a single game or up to 50 players in a tournament! I smell a CAG Classic coming on! - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Circuit City and Fry's are offering Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds for $49.99.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $57.68 (99 cent shipping) Purchase At Circuit City $49.99 Purchase At Fry's $49.99 Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore Bundle Dev. Blitz Games Pub. Konami Systems: PS3 MSRP: $69.99
(Deja Preview) Alright! Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" is definitely in this game. Do you really need to know anything else? Seriously, even if the whole 40 song soundtrack was just that song over and over, wouldn't that be enough? You and seven of your friends competing to see who could out Celine each other will be enchanting... near, far, wherever you are. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore Bundle for $66 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $64.89 (99 cent shipping)PS2
Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Essentially a collection of Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3, Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection collects what are considered essential prerequisites for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4. So, in case that isn't clear, you'll get the original PlayStation version of Metal Gear Solid, the Substance version of Sons of Liberty, and the Subsistence version of Snake Eater. Not a bad deal at all for $30 when you consider the prices that Substance and Subsistence fetch on their own. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends Dev. Omega Force Pub. Koei Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
To the extreme and rocking the mic like a vandal, the third Samurai Warriors 2 iteration to be released within the last 18 months adds new playable characters, new weapons, an additional level, and a new "Mercenary Mode". Chances are that if you've bought this game twice already, you're probably going to buy it thrice. (Chances are you would also be CAG's resident expert on all things Koei, Rei no Otaku.) If you're not him, maybe you should consult him to see whether now is the time to plow through throngs of hapless, shuffling guys futilely holding weapons or whether it is wiser to wait another six months for Samurai Warriors 2: Flavor Blasted Fighters to hit store shelves. Hey, if they came out with Samurai Warriors 2: Xplosive Pizza, even I might have to bite. - ship
Best Deal:
Family Video is offering Samurai Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends for around $28 shipped.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Family Video $27.64 (99 cent shipping)SingStar 90's Dev. SCE London Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Singstar 90's offers nothing new when compared to the previous four Singstar titles, so all you really need to know about this karaoke title is the song-list. Wow, it's a varied one. From Nirvana to Paula Abdul to MC Hammer to New Kids on the Block to R.E.M., the nineties were full music that gets stuck in your head for days. Interestingly enough, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lisa Loeb are featured on the International track list but not on the American one. Sad. If you still remember all the words to Ice Ice Baby, this game's for you. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Family Video will save you a couple of bucks on both the game only and bundled versions of Singstar 90's. Target is offering the bundled version in-store for $39.
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 Target $39PSP
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda SBK Superbike World Championship Dev. Milestone Pub. Valcon Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
If any of that title makes sense to you, you might want to try this budget motorcycle racer that came out in the UK last year. It's officially licensed (by all that stuff in the title I'm assuming) including ten tracks and official riders. But like most of these realistic moto racers, the controls are really touchy so you'll probably be picking gravel out of your virtual thighs after the first turn. Maybe the unlockable pictures of the "Pit Girls" will help ease the pain. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda SBK Superbike World Championship.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)PC
Chessmaster Collectors' Edition Dev. Encore Pub. Encore Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
If you collect virtual chess games, settle for no less. "What makes this a collector's edition?", you may ask, "a metal case, a developer's commentary disc?". No, they've repackaged the 10th edition of the game and added in a six month subscription to a "pay to play" online chess service. That might not be too bad if the series wasn't on the eleventh version already that includes free online play. Still, if you're a collector... - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Chessmaster Collectors' Edition.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Jane's Hotel Dev. Pub. eGames Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
This new strategy game for the PC is all about Jane and her quest for world dominance. No, wait, she just wants to make her hotel the best in town. Apparently we should want to help her do just that by ordering the maids around and getting coffee. If that isn't my dream job, I don't know what is. - mrs. ship
Best Deal:
Amazon is offering Jane's Hotel for $18.
Purchase At Amazon $17.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)Lost Empire: Immortal Dev. Pollux Gamelabs Pub. Paradox Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Conquer the galaxy in this 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) turn-based strategy game. (Yes, I finally broke down and looked up what in the world a 4X game was.) You can pick from one of six races and according to my understand of that fourth "X", kill the other five. You'll have to be extremely interested in performing scientific experiments and constructing ships before you're the only one left existing though. Exiting preview. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Lost Empire: Immortal.
Purchase At Amazon $29 (Free shipping)Unreal Deal Pack Dev. Epic Games Pub. Steam Systems: PC MSRP: $59.95
To appease our offended PC listeners, I checked Steam prior to recording the show this week and noticed that there was a pretty good deal on all things Unreal. For a limited time you can get Unreal Gold, Unreal II: The Awakening, Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition, Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition, and Unreal Tournament 3 for $54. Not too shabby if you were really needing an ungodly amount of Unreal in your life. And believe me, nobody needs any Unreal II in their life. - ship
Best Deal:
Steam is offering the Unreal Deal Pack for $54 for a limited time.
Purchase At Steam $53.95Mac
Enemy Territories: Quake Wars Dev. Splash Damage Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $49.99
This well-received multiplayer-centric first-person shooter makes a quick stop on the Mac prior to its arrival on consoles later this year. Quite un-Quake-like, this wide-open Battlefield style game focuses on capturing objectives and squad tactics. You can pick from various classes within the human and Strogg armies before venturing out into the online wasteland which is complete with a nice variety of deathbringing vehicles. - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for Enemy Territories: Quake Wars.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
The Sims Castaway Stories Dev. EA Games Pub. Aspyr Media Systems: Mac MSRP: $29.99 (Deja Preview) Marketing pitch: Research shows that a large demographic of people who like "The Sims" also like watching television shows like "Survivor" and "Lost" and occasionally like to visit beaches in real life. Send it to the presses! - ship
Best Deal:
There don't seem to be any specific deals for The Sims Castaway Stories.
:mac: Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Spelunker Systems: Wii (NES) MSRP: $5
If you liked Pitfall but wish it was really hard, had very sensitive controls, and you died a lot, this NES title sounds right up your alley. You do get to carry an air tank, which I guess adds something to the gameplay. - mrs. ship
Super R-Type Systems: Wii (SNES) MSRP: $8
The side-scrolling SHMUPs just keep invading the Virtual Console as another R-Type game is released. It's kind of odd that they've already released the more current R-Type III for the system prior to this one, but both are pretty similar. You control a spaceship as it flies through corridors and shoots at aliens while trying not to get shot by aliens. Because if you do get shot, it's all the way back to the beginning of the level for you! - 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.
