[preview][img-l=1]2[/img-l]CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of August 20th, 2008. We're back from vacation and cover the last two week's worth of releases. Well... we go off track a bunch too, but I'm pretty sure we talk about new releases in there somewhere.
Don't forget to enter our contest for Fable II: Pub Games for XBLA.
Special thanks to GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for only $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
[podcast]20[/podcast]
Download - 75 minutes, 35MB
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg][/preview]
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].
Multi-Platform
[IMG-L=135]1887[/IMG-L]Madden NFL 09 (Last Week) Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: Everything... even the original Xbox MSRP: $59.99
Test your Madden IQ with adaptive game difficulties and... well, I really don't think I need (or want) to write much else. If you want an NFL football game, this is the one you can purchase. If you REALLY want to buy a whole lot of NFL football game, you can purchase the 20th Anniversary Edition which comes with NFL Head Coach 09 and Madden '93. And since this preview is coming out a week late... your copy of Madden has probably dropped 75% of its value already. - ship
Best Deal: Well, Toys R Us has that buy one, get one half off deal going if you want the Xbox 360 version.
DS
[IMG-L=135]1882[/IMG-L]Bangai-O Spirits (Last Week) Dev. Treasure Pub. D3 Publisher Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Bangai-O Spirits is the sequel to the cult hit multi-directional shooter by Treasure that was released on the ill-fated Dreamcast. Featuring 4-player local co-op, over 160 levels, and a level editor that allows players to share creations online (and simply by playing a sound clip into the DS's mic), this is a title that has legs... huge, hovering mech legs. A must-buy for fans of Gunstar Heroes or the GameBoy Advance Astro Boy game. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bangai-O Spirits.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=135]1883[/IMG-L]The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This much-anticipated gaming sequel to the original TV movie "The Cheetah Girls One World" features the tween-stars Aqua, Chanel, and Dorinda. What can only be described as an adventure title, the gameplay involves dancing, pointing, clicking, depressing both the "A" and "B" buttons, as well as some "X" and "Y" action. Of course, the obligatory outfit customization also included. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: Best Buy is offering the new Cheetah Girls album for free with the purchase of The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Best Buy $29.99 (Free Cheetah Girls - One World album - $10 value)
[IMG-L=135]1884[/IMG-L]Commando: Steel Disaster Dev. Mana Computer Software Pub. XS Games Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Is it a disaster to steal Metal Slug's art style and gameplay while causing a slight bit of confusion on whether this is a game in the "Commando" franchise? Who knows quite yet, but I'm always interested in a scrolling shooter that comes out at a budget price. Unfortunately, the game is single player only, but in keeping with the homage to Metal Slug, there are plenty of different weapons and vehicles to take out bumbling foot soldiers and screen-filling bosses alike. And in keeping with the homage to DS games, touch-screen mini-games make an appearance as well. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Commando: Steel Disaster.
Purchase At Gamestop $19.99
[IMG-L=135]1886[/IMG-L]Imagine: Teacher (Last Week) Dev. Gevo Entertainment Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The Imagine series has done relatively well for itself with it's target audience. I like that this title (along with, obviously, the veterinarian title) is that this career choice is one that is actually achievable with some hard work and higher-level education. I mean, I'm all for the whole "you can do anything you put your mind to" mantra, but the majority of the 12 year-old girls I know aren't the next Pink, so Rock Star is a bit out of the question. And with the way Britney Spears turned out, that's probably a good thing. But I digress. The gameplay in this one involves teaching mini-games that are more brain-training oriented, along with managing your class (Julie can't sit next to Stacey or they'll fight, etc...) and recruiting new students. I think the animation style and overall girliness of these titles make them decent buys for $30, although they'll most likely fall in price at some point. I just hope the nagging parents aren't included. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imagine: Teacher.
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
PlayStation 2
[IMG-L=135]1891[/IMG-L]Falling Stars Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
Falling Stars is an RPG title aimed at kids. The main character comes complete with a trainable pet that resembles the Disney alien, Stitch. There are mini-games weaved into the gameplay, along with customizable outfits. Since this title isn’t really on the top of the new-release radar, there haven’t been any in-depth reviews out but the few press scores available are decent. If you have a younger child that might enjoy some simplified RPG action, this title might be a consideration. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Falling Stars.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $15)
[IMG-L=135]1893[/IMG-L]Shepherd's Crossing Dev. Pub. Valcon Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
This title is obviously marketed toward the Harvest Moon audience, with the main aspect of the gameplay being growing your own crops. Then, you take your crops and trade them in for other stuff. This process continues until you’ve gathered enough products to attract a marmot to your farm. If this confuses you, join the club. As hazy as the game characteristics seem, the game also includes turned-base RPG action and quirky anime characters. I can’t really tell you if this game is any good or not, but I can say it looks interesting enough that I’m willing to try it out. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Shepherd's Crossing.
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $15)
PSP
[IMG-L=135]1885[/IMG-L]Fading Shadows Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
Puzzle adventure games are usually Ship’s forte, so this title is definitely more up his alley. At the most simplistic level of description, the gameplay is guiding a ball out of each level. But, this game has a storyline that rivals that of most RPGs and looks fantastic graphically. You have to start thinking about things like what the ball you’re guiding is made of – wood will float but metal doesn’t. There are switches and bridges and wind-mills to maneuver through, and subtle changes in the beam of light that guides the ball allow for intricate movements. Overall, this game looks like a solid purchase. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: Fading Shadows is a GameStop exclusive... don't tell that to publisher's direct site though as Agetec is selling it for $10 cheaper.
Purchase At GameStop $29.99
Purchase At Agetec $19.99
Xbox 360
[IMG-L=135]1889[/IMG-L]Smash Court Tennis 3 Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Atari Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
Sporting a sizeable grouping of major players (Federer, Nadal, Sharapova, Henin, and more), Smash Court Tennis 3 tries once again volleys into the crowded tennis market by serving itself up at a budget price. Which, not coincidentally, was the first thought that went through my mind after giving this game some time at E3. It's not that this is a bad game; there's the ability to create your own character and a couple different play modes, it's just that it is, in fact, a budget title competing with very competent contemporaries that can now be had for less than $40. Game, Set, Match... other games. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Smash Court Tennis 3.
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=135]1890[/IMG-L]Too Human Dev. Silicon Knights Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99 A cyber-Nordic hack-n-slash/dress-'em-up made by a super nerd for fellow super nerds. Sign me up. I'm definitely geeked up to point my right analog stick at baddies and watch with glee as my super stylish warrior Heelys his way through swarms of ne'rdowells in a quest for stat points and a really cool hat... and maybe a matching belt... and some shiny shinguards. And of course on thistrip to the mall epic journey to save the world, I'm looking forward to being accompanied by Wombat through co-operative online play... until the inevitable instant that epic loot appears and our respective Bioengineer and Berserker transform into the likes of crazed brides at a designer wedding dress clearance. Note to self... sabotage Wombat's Heelys. - ship
Best Deal: Toys R Us is selling Too Human for $50 and there is the buy one Xbox 360 game, get one half off deal this week as well. Fry's is also offering Too Human for $50, while Circuit City is giving away a $10 gift card with your purchase of the game. Both Amazon and GameStop are offering five free downloadable armor sets with the purchase of Too Human.
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping & 5 downloadable armor sets)
Purchase At GameStop $59.99 (5 downloadable armor sets)
Purchase At Toys R Us $49.99 (Buy 1, Get 1 50% off on Xbox 360 games)
Purchase At Circuit City $59.99 (Free $10 gift card)
Purchase At Fry's $49.99
PC
[IMG-L=135]1888[/IMG-L]Murder in the Abbey Dev. Alcachofa Soft Pub. Crimson Cow Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
This is actually a really neat looking PC adventure title. Blending a two-dimensional aesthetic with whimsical character models, the artwork is quite stellar. This looks like a surprisingly quality adventure title released at a budget price. Nancy Drew fans (ahem... Mrs. Shipwreck) should take note. - Treehouse Gamer
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Murder in the Abbey.
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=135]1892[/IMG-L]Sam & Max: Season 2 Dev. TellTale Games Pub. TellTale Games Systems: PC MSRP: $34.95
Packed into this DVD-Rom are the five episodes of Sam & Max that consist of Season 2. Also included in the package are DVD-like special features including behind-the-scenes and developer's commentary. This is standard LucasArts-style fare. If you're a fan of old-school adventure games and tongue-in-cheek humor, then you should definitely check this out. - Treehouse Gamer
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Sam & Max: Season 2.
Purchase At TellTale Games $34.95
On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Break In (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16) MSRP: $7
If you're in the mood for a pool title with 80s graphics, this game is for you! Of course, if I were going to play pool on the Wii, I'd want to use the Wii-mote action. That's just my, but I wouldn't pay $7 for an old pool game. - mrs. ship
Mega Man Systems: Wii VC (NES) MSRP: $5
Powered down and back to his beginnings, see what Mega Man was like before he sold out and went mainstream. None of that Mega Man is a boy in a suit ridiculousness here; we're talking about a time when men were robots and carried no-nonsense, applicable names given to them by either their inventors or evil geniuses. - ship
NEO Turf Masters Systems: Wii VC (NEOGEO) MSRP: $9
Because in the year 2008, you need to have the option to buy a golf game released in 1996 for $9. Also available on SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 in case you need two copies. - ship
Star Parodier (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16 CD) MSRP: $9
Sometimes you don't feel like dealing with the harsh reality of battling through wave after wave of gritty, life-threatening alien fleets. Escape from it all in this brightly-colored and grin inducing parody of the Star Soldier series of SHMUPS. - ship
Midnight Pool Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $8
Let it all hang down in this WiiWare adaptation of Gameloft's original mobile phone game as you travel across America and play billiards both as and against a variety of yokels. Included in the game are 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and UK rules 9-Ball, as well as trick-shot challenges, so you could do a lot worse for an $8 drunken purchase. Don't plan to pocket any balls online though, as this is strictly a local affair so it will be up to the warm bodies in your living room to make it all peaches and cream. - ship
Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (Last Week) Systems: WiiWare, PC MSRP: $10
Meet the lone resident of Strongbadia in glorious virtual 3-D form in this point and click adventure set in the Homestar Runner universe. Good for a few laughs if you enjoy Strong Bad's style of comedy. The whole gang has been rendered into 3-D models, but still retain the look and feel of their 2D origins... even the tire. - ship
Street Fighter Alpha (Last Week) Systems: PS3/PSP (PS1) MSRP: $5.99
Ryu, Ken, and the gang never can seem to settle their differences peacefully. - ship
Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $14.99
An interesting experiment with a proven franchise: release a small, but high quality epilogue/prologue that fits between full retail products and make it available at a quarter of the price. So for $15, you can download 2.5 to 4 hours worth of new Ratchet adventures. If you haven't played through every other game in the series up to this point, it seems to me it may be a better value to pick up one of those games first, but if you celebrate the entire Ratchet catalog, I suppose you won't mind spending the cash on this one. - ship
Bionic Commando Rearmed (Last Week) Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $10
Swing, die, swing, die, swing die... ah, just how I remember it. And that's a good thing! - ship
Fable II Pub Games (Last Week) Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
An easy way to waste a few hours with three different gambling games, although Fortune's Tower is clearly the winner here. And with a little help of the "LB" button, you can be too. - ship
Galaga Legions Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10
The Pac-Man Championship Edition team returns with their updated take on killing waves of aliens. Guess what... those guys still really enjoy their fluorescents, so be ready for eye-watering hot magentas, shocking pinks, electric limes, and unmellow yellows as you pew-pew-pew your way through enemies who will lay down their lives in a Chinese diver-like pursuit of synchronized movements. - 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.
Don't forget to enter our contest for Fable II: Pub Games for XBLA.
Special thanks to GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for only $6.95 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
[podcast]20[/podcast]
Download - 75 minutes, 35MB




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].
Multi-Platform
[IMG-L=135]1887[/IMG-L]Madden NFL 09 (Last Week) Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: Everything... even the original Xbox MSRP: $59.99
Test your Madden IQ with adaptive game difficulties and... well, I really don't think I need (or want) to write much else. If you want an NFL football game, this is the one you can purchase. If you REALLY want to buy a whole lot of NFL football game, you can purchase the 20th Anniversary Edition which comes with NFL Head Coach 09 and Madden '93. And since this preview is coming out a week late... your copy of Madden has probably dropped 75% of its value already. - ship
Best Deal: Well, Toys R Us has that buy one, get one half off deal going if you want the Xbox 360 version.
DS
[IMG-L=135]1882[/IMG-L]Bangai-O Spirits (Last Week) Dev. Treasure Pub. D3 Publisher Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Bangai-O Spirits is the sequel to the cult hit multi-directional shooter by Treasure that was released on the ill-fated Dreamcast. Featuring 4-player local co-op, over 160 levels, and a level editor that allows players to share creations online (and simply by playing a sound clip into the DS's mic), this is a title that has legs... huge, hovering mech legs. A must-buy for fans of Gunstar Heroes or the GameBoy Advance Astro Boy game. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bangai-O Spirits.

[IMG-L=135]1883[/IMG-L]The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom Dev. Disney Interactive Pub. Disney Interactive Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This much-anticipated gaming sequel to the original TV movie "The Cheetah Girls One World" features the tween-stars Aqua, Chanel, and Dorinda. What can only be described as an adventure title, the gameplay involves dancing, pointing, clicking, depressing both the "A" and "B" buttons, as well as some "X" and "Y" action. Of course, the obligatory outfit customization also included. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: Best Buy is offering the new Cheetah Girls album for free with the purchase of The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom.


[IMG-L=135]1884[/IMG-L]Commando: Steel Disaster Dev. Mana Computer Software Pub. XS Games Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Is it a disaster to steal Metal Slug's art style and gameplay while causing a slight bit of confusion on whether this is a game in the "Commando" franchise? Who knows quite yet, but I'm always interested in a scrolling shooter that comes out at a budget price. Unfortunately, the game is single player only, but in keeping with the homage to Metal Slug, there are plenty of different weapons and vehicles to take out bumbling foot soldiers and screen-filling bosses alike. And in keeping with the homage to DS games, touch-screen mini-games make an appearance as well. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Commando: Steel Disaster.

[IMG-L=135]1886[/IMG-L]Imagine: Teacher (Last Week) Dev. Gevo Entertainment Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The Imagine series has done relatively well for itself with it's target audience. I like that this title (along with, obviously, the veterinarian title) is that this career choice is one that is actually achievable with some hard work and higher-level education. I mean, I'm all for the whole "you can do anything you put your mind to" mantra, but the majority of the 12 year-old girls I know aren't the next Pink, so Rock Star is a bit out of the question. And with the way Britney Spears turned out, that's probably a good thing. But I digress. The gameplay in this one involves teaching mini-games that are more brain-training oriented, along with managing your class (Julie can't sit next to Stacey or they'll fight, etc...) and recruiting new students. I think the animation style and overall girliness of these titles make them decent buys for $30, although they'll most likely fall in price at some point. I just hope the nagging parents aren't included. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imagine: Teacher.

PlayStation 2
[IMG-L=135]1891[/IMG-L]Falling Stars Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
Falling Stars is an RPG title aimed at kids. The main character comes complete with a trainable pet that resembles the Disney alien, Stitch. There are mini-games weaved into the gameplay, along with customizable outfits. Since this title isn’t really on the top of the new-release radar, there haven’t been any in-depth reviews out but the few press scores available are decent. If you have a younger child that might enjoy some simplified RPG action, this title might be a consideration. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Falling Stars.

[IMG-L=135]1893[/IMG-L]Shepherd's Crossing Dev. Pub. Valcon Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99
This title is obviously marketed toward the Harvest Moon audience, with the main aspect of the gameplay being growing your own crops. Then, you take your crops and trade them in for other stuff. This process continues until you’ve gathered enough products to attract a marmot to your farm. If this confuses you, join the club. As hazy as the game characteristics seem, the game also includes turned-base RPG action and quirky anime characters. I can’t really tell you if this game is any good or not, but I can say it looks interesting enough that I’m willing to try it out. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Shepherd's Crossing.

PSP
[IMG-L=135]1885[/IMG-L]Fading Shadows Dev. Ivolgamus Pub. Agetec Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99
Puzzle adventure games are usually Ship’s forte, so this title is definitely more up his alley. At the most simplistic level of description, the gameplay is guiding a ball out of each level. But, this game has a storyline that rivals that of most RPGs and looks fantastic graphically. You have to start thinking about things like what the ball you’re guiding is made of – wood will float but metal doesn’t. There are switches and bridges and wind-mills to maneuver through, and subtle changes in the beam of light that guides the ball allow for intricate movements. Overall, this game looks like a solid purchase. - mrs. ship
Best Deal: Fading Shadows is a GameStop exclusive... don't tell that to publisher's direct site though as Agetec is selling it for $10 cheaper.


Xbox 360
[IMG-L=135]1889[/IMG-L]Smash Court Tennis 3 Dev. Namco Bandai Pub. Atari Systems: 360 MSRP: $39.99
Sporting a sizeable grouping of major players (Federer, Nadal, Sharapova, Henin, and more), Smash Court Tennis 3 tries once again volleys into the crowded tennis market by serving itself up at a budget price. Which, not coincidentally, was the first thought that went through my mind after giving this game some time at E3. It's not that this is a bad game; there's the ability to create your own character and a couple different play modes, it's just that it is, in fact, a budget title competing with very competent contemporaries that can now be had for less than $40. Game, Set, Match... other games. - ship
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Smash Court Tennis 3.

[IMG-L=135]1890[/IMG-L]Too Human Dev. Silicon Knights Pub. Microsoft Systems: 360 MSRP: $59.99 A cyber-Nordic hack-n-slash/dress-'em-up made by a super nerd for fellow super nerds. Sign me up. I'm definitely geeked up to point my right analog stick at baddies and watch with glee as my super stylish warrior Heelys his way through swarms of ne'rdowells in a quest for stat points and a really cool hat... and maybe a matching belt... and some shiny shinguards. And of course on this
Best Deal: Toys R Us is selling Too Human for $50 and there is the buy one Xbox 360 game, get one half off deal this week as well. Fry's is also offering Too Human for $50, while Circuit City is giving away a $10 gift card with your purchase of the game. Both Amazon and GameStop are offering five free downloadable armor sets with the purchase of Too Human.





PC
[IMG-L=135]1888[/IMG-L]Murder in the Abbey Dev. Alcachofa Soft Pub. Crimson Cow Systems: PC MSRP: $19.99
This is actually a really neat looking PC adventure title. Blending a two-dimensional aesthetic with whimsical character models, the artwork is quite stellar. This looks like a surprisingly quality adventure title released at a budget price. Nancy Drew fans (ahem... Mrs. Shipwreck) should take note. - Treehouse Gamer
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Murder in the Abbey.

[IMG-L=135]1892[/IMG-L]Sam & Max: Season 2 Dev. TellTale Games Pub. TellTale Games Systems: PC MSRP: $34.95
Packed into this DVD-Rom are the five episodes of Sam & Max that consist of Season 2. Also included in the package are DVD-like special features including behind-the-scenes and developer's commentary. This is standard LucasArts-style fare. If you're a fan of old-school adventure games and tongue-in-cheek humor, then you should definitely check this out. - Treehouse Gamer
Best Deal: There don't seem to be any specific deals for Sam & Max: Season 2.

On The DL with the Shipwrecks
Break In (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16) MSRP: $7
If you're in the mood for a pool title with 80s graphics, this game is for you! Of course, if I were going to play pool on the Wii, I'd want to use the Wii-mote action. That's just my, but I wouldn't pay $7 for an old pool game. - mrs. ship
Mega Man Systems: Wii VC (NES) MSRP: $5
Powered down and back to his beginnings, see what Mega Man was like before he sold out and went mainstream. None of that Mega Man is a boy in a suit ridiculousness here; we're talking about a time when men were robots and carried no-nonsense, applicable names given to them by either their inventors or evil geniuses. - ship
NEO Turf Masters Systems: Wii VC (NEOGEO) MSRP: $9
Because in the year 2008, you need to have the option to buy a golf game released in 1996 for $9. Also available on SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 in case you need two copies. - ship
Star Parodier (Last Week) Systems: Wii VC (TG-16 CD) MSRP: $9
Sometimes you don't feel like dealing with the harsh reality of battling through wave after wave of gritty, life-threatening alien fleets. Escape from it all in this brightly-colored and grin inducing parody of the Star Soldier series of SHMUPS. - ship
Midnight Pool Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $8
Let it all hang down in this WiiWare adaptation of Gameloft's original mobile phone game as you travel across America and play billiards both as and against a variety of yokels. Included in the game are 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and UK rules 9-Ball, as well as trick-shot challenges, so you could do a lot worse for an $8 drunken purchase. Don't plan to pocket any balls online though, as this is strictly a local affair so it will be up to the warm bodies in your living room to make it all peaches and cream. - ship
Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (Last Week) Systems: WiiWare, PC MSRP: $10
Meet the lone resident of Strongbadia in glorious virtual 3-D form in this point and click adventure set in the Homestar Runner universe. Good for a few laughs if you enjoy Strong Bad's style of comedy. The whole gang has been rendered into 3-D models, but still retain the look and feel of their 2D origins... even the tire. - ship
Street Fighter Alpha (Last Week) Systems: PS3/PSP (PS1) MSRP: $5.99
Ryu, Ken, and the gang never can seem to settle their differences peacefully. - ship
Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $14.99
An interesting experiment with a proven franchise: release a small, but high quality epilogue/prologue that fits between full retail products and make it available at a quarter of the price. So for $15, you can download 2.5 to 4 hours worth of new Ratchet adventures. If you haven't played through every other game in the series up to this point, it seems to me it may be a better value to pick up one of those games first, but if you celebrate the entire Ratchet catalog, I suppose you won't mind spending the cash on this one. - ship
Bionic Commando Rearmed (Last Week) Systems: PS3, 360 MSRP: $10
Swing, die, swing, die, swing die... ah, just how I remember it. And that's a good thing! - ship
Fable II Pub Games (Last Week) Systems: 360 MSRP: $10
An easy way to waste a few hours with three different gambling games, although Fortune's Tower is clearly the winner here. And with a little help of the "LB" button, you can be too. - ship
Galaga Legions Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10
The Pac-Man Championship Edition team returns with their updated take on killing waves of aliens. Guess what... those guys still really enjoy their fluorescents, so be ready for eye-watering hot magentas, shocking pinks, electric limes, and unmellow yellows as you pew-pew-pew your way through enemies who will lay down their lives in a Chinese diver-like pursuit of synchronized movements. - 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.