[preview][img-l=1]2[/img-l]CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of September 25th, 2008. Over 40 releases this week. Note to video game publishers: there are 40 games besides yours coming out this week. Good luck to you all!
Don't forget to enter our contest for WarioWare Touched! for the Nintendo DS courtesy of CAG Robjus.
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]26[/podcast]
Download - 73 minutes, 34MB
[digg]http://digg.com/podcasts/CAG_Foreplay[/digg][/preview]
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Multi-Platform
[IMG-L=4714]2529[/IMG-L]Baja: Edge of Control Dev. 2XL Games Pub. THQ Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Some of the guys from the MX vs. ATV games decided to broaden their horizons and step away from the off-road racing of motorcycles and ATVs. So instead, they chose to make a game based upon racing dune buggies, trucks, and VW Beetles across several open off-road and desert-like locales. Okay, so they didn't broaden too much, but the past games have been solid, so I'd expect this to be good, dirty fun as well. – ship
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4714]2530[/IMG-L]Barbie Fashion Show: An Eye for Style Dev. Pub. Activision Systems: DS, PC MSRP: $29.99
And thus officially begins the season of DS games aplenty with Barbie titles for all. Aimed at the 6-12 year-old girl, this game features clothing designs, models, photo shoots, and a $30 price tag. Of course, the Barbie trademark is included too. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4714]2532[/IMG-L]Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. UbiSoft Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I think this Nazi-shooter has been in development since shortly after the end of the second world war, so it will be interesting to see if its attention to realism can compete against more modern shooters. The build I played at E3 didn't do much to suggest that it can, but perhaps they changed it up a lot sense then because it has been receiving good reviews. Or perhaps you’ve got a shooting Nazis sized hole in your heart that has been painfully ignored during this World War II drought that we’ve seen. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $56.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4714]2536[/IMG-L]Cabela's Dangerous Hunts '09 Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: PS2, Wii, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
It's like going to the zoo, but instead of not being able to feed the animals, you get to shoot them. According to the press release, the fan favorite "Action Zone" returns, so fans have to be stoked for that. Huh, I really would have figured any "zone" included in the game would have been of the "danger" variety. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2546[/IMG-L]LEGO Batman Dev. Traveller's Tales Pub. Warner Bros. Systems: Everything MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO BATMAN! When I first heard that LEGO Batman wouldn't be based directly off any specific source material, I thought it might lose some of the charm found in the previous LEGO games. I was wrong. If the couple of levels I played at E3 are representative of the entire game, this is the best LEGO "Insert License" game to date. The graphics have been improved, the controls are more accurate, there's more variety to the level structures, and the game is twice as long as the previous games because you get to play through both hero and villain storylines. Plus, with new mechanics involving changing of suits that characters are wearing, the gameplay has a fresh way of dealing with the usual LEGO obstacles. Really looking forward to playing through this one with the Mrs. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2548[/IMG-L]Margot's Word Brain Dev. Pub. Zoo Games Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
My first thoughts with previewing this game were “Who’s Margot?” and “Why does she have a new video game?”. Apparently no one else knows who she is either, which is why the game description pins her as “the new videogame queen of word play!” Did we have an old videogame queen of word play? Anyway, this game includes 6 word-based edutainment puzzles and a librarian-looking lady with bland graphics. The pricetags of $15 and $20 for the DS and Wii, respectively, aren’t bad, but you’ll get what you pay for. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4772]2555[/IMG-L]Pipe Mania Dev. Pub. Empire Interactive Systems: PS2, PSP, PC, Wii MSRP: $19.99, $29.99
Love those unlocking mini-games in BioShock, but don't want to be bothered with all that shooting and storyline? Well, that pipe dream is now a reality, as Pipe Mania flows from the freeware tubes of the internet and onto retail shelves. For those not familiar, you simply line up different pipe sections so that when water begins to flow, you direct it to the drain. This version includes nicely updated graphics and over 300 different levels, so it is quite an upgrade over the free versions you’ll find online. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2558[/IMG-L]SimCity Creator Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $39.99, $49.99
It's been awhile since SimCity has come to consoles, and this looks to be a pretty fun take on the classic formula of building your cities, managing them, and then destroying them. Not really much else to say about it right now, but I'd at least like to try it when the price comes down even though early reviews aren’t too hot on the Wii controls. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2561[/IMG-L]Warriors Orochi 2 Dev. Omega Force Pub. Koei Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
Those of you worried that you may never get another Koei hack and slash can rest easy this week as another number is slapped onto a “Warriors” title. This is of course the series where they combine Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors to have them fight against demons. As always, this iteration adds more characters (13 more, bringing the roster up to 92) as well as a versus mode. Of course, if you are a fan of the series you already rabidly devoured this information eons ago and know infinitely more than I ever care to about these games, so enjoy your new game… I’ll be over here, doing something else. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Wii
[IMG-L=4714]2533[/IMG-L]Brothers in Arms: Double Time Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. UbiSoft Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
It's the first two Brothers in Arms games with Wii Controls. Not to be confused with the new Hell's Highway game that comes out this week for other platforms. Actually, probably to be confused with the new Hell's Highway game that comes out this week for other platforms. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2538[/IMG-L]de Blob Dev. Blue Tongue Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Roll around a gelatinous blob in this platformer where a black and white world needs a shot of color. Obviously inspired by Ted Turner, de Blob can colorize the world by rolling up different colors and then painting his surroundings. Maybe in the sequel he can open up a chain of buffalo meat restaurants. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2547[/IMG-L]Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked Dev. Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
The desert island simulator comes to consoles this week, and is thankfully a little more forgiving than its DS predecessors. The basic game scenario is still the same as you and your companion are stranded and must put all the things you learned from Gilligan’s Island to use as you struggle to survive and start a new tropical lifestyle. Of course the graphics are updated quite a bit and all of the mini-games required to start fires, catch fish, or any of the other tasks are built around the Wii’s motion controls. I’m actually surprised by the $30 price tag as the brief time I spent with this game at E3 left me kind of impressed. Then again, I could just like the name. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2556[/IMG-L]Samba de Amigo Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. SEGA Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
The insanely fun Dreamcast maraca shakin' game gets ported to the Wii, but sans-maracas. Which means even though you can't help but smiling at this ridiculously happy game, you're going to be trying to control it with a Wii-mote and a Nunchuk. And those bring about the results you would expect. Adequate for the most part, but strangely non-responsive at others. Kind of like trying to play a saxaphone game with a Wii-mote and Nunchuk. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2559[/IMG-L]Wario Land: Shake It! Dev. Good Feel Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Ship thinks he’s soooooo cool with his Hey There Delilah preview to SingStar. So I think I’ll just make my own song lyric preview. Who knows, maybe this will be a permanent feature. Or maybe we should just do an entire “musical” show. That would take FOREVER, but it just may win us some sort of prize. Do they have podcast Emmy’s? Boy, we’re back with a bang this week, aren’t we? Okay, so setting my Wario Land: Shake It! preview to OutKast’s Hey Ya! is just too challenging. What you need to know about this game is that it looks awesome and is an old-school platformer with entertaining gameplay. It’s relatively short and not anything spectacularly new, but it’s classic like a little black dress. And you can never have too many little black dresses. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
DS
[IMG-L=4714]2528[/IMG-L]Babysitting Mania Dev. Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This title is a strategy game similar to what you’d expect from the likes of Cake Mania and Diner Dash. However, instead of grabbing tips and taking orders, you’ll be cleaning up messes and putting small children in time-out. There are 100 levels of mania that include babies, toddlers, tweens and teens. Personally, I’m all for the fast-paced simulation/strategy titles, but I’d much rather own a restaurant than change dirty diapers. But that’s just me. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4714]2531[/IMG-L]Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4 Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Brain Quest: Grades 5 & 6 Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
These edutainment titles from EA revolve around a group of kids traveling around the world accomplishing small tasks from characters within the game. Of course, the tasks always involve puzzles and questions, hence the educational value. The game also includes Sudoku, and the graphics make it look similar to what you’d expect on a Leapfrog. Overall, I think these titles are great in that they put to use a system that most kids that age already have, rather than buying the aforementioned expensive non-gaming product. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2539[/IMG-L]Dinosaur King Dev. SEGA Pub. SEGA Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This Mushi King spin-off (and yes, that sentence fragment means nothing to me) is a dinosaur battling game. The battle system is simplistic in that it’s rock-paper-scissors, and the exploration part of the game is from a top-down view, both of which make this title a kid-friendly one. Oh, and did I mention all the dinosaurs? – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2540[/IMG-L]Disgaea DS Dev. NIS Pub. NIS America Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
For an underground hit, this strategy RPG sure seems to be showing up a lot lately. The DS version is a remake of the original game with a new ending as well as some other new additions. Since I've never played the PlayStation 2 version, I may jump straight to this one due to its portability. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2541[/IMG-L]Dropcast Dev. Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Set in an animated Tim Burton style world, this puzzle game is a combination of Tetris and Collapse where the eight different characters attack each other in Super Puzzle Fighter fashion. With up to four player local WiFi play, I’m hoping this one turns out as fun as it looks. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4772]2543[/IMG-L]Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge Dev. AlphaDream Pub. Natsume Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Since in Shipwreck’s world Hamtaro is a small mammal and therefore enters the realm of virtual pet, I get to preview Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge. I’m told I’ve previewed Hamtaro games in the past, but I must have selective amnesia regarding these games. That being said, Hamtaro is a cute anime hamster with lots of cute, large-eyed animal friends who apparently want to teach us using various cute edutainment mini-games. I’m thinking this title might make a great stocking stuffer for a younger gamer when the price drops in a month or so. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2545[/IMG-L]Kirby Super Star Ultra Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Old school gamers are having quite the week with Wario and Kirby making the list of new releases. This DS title is a “remake” of Kirby Super Star for the SNES with plenty of fringe benefits. Yes, Kirby still has a voracious appetite for enemies and floats like a butterfly. In this new title, you can befriend the enemies and have them play along as your second player (AI or local co-op play). The touch-screen controls are minimal, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The gameplay is rumored to be a bit easy, but I say who cares? We all need a bit of gaming simplicity now and again. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2550[/IMG-L]My Little Pony: Pinkie Pie's Party Dev. Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
I know everyone’s been anxiously awaiting this preview to decide if they’re going to buy Pinkie Pie’s Party for their DS or if they’re going to wait for something better to come along. Well, all I can tell you based on the game description is: “Pinkie Pie is a character living in Ponyville in the My Little Pony franchise.” That should really help in the decision-making process. My advice: if you’re not an 8 year-old girl gamer or buying this title for an 8 year-old girl gamer, you’ve got more problems than you realize. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4772]2551[/IMG-L]My SAT Coach Dev. Pub. UbiSoft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
For those of you who aren’t into learning a new language but need to master the one we’ve got, try out the newest title from Ubisoft. I have to be honest, I used computer software prior to taking the SAT and it seemed to work pretty well. You take a practice test, enter how much time you have until the big day, and the software generally guides you where you need the most work. The game also includes two full SAT tests, which are great for practice. My only problem is that most colleges prefer the ACT now instead of the SAT. Maybe Ubisoft needs a My ACT Coach next, followed quickly by the My GRE Coach. Then maybe the MCAT or the Bar exam. Oh wait, the future lawyers should just play Phoenix Wright. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2552[/IMG-L]Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
The two previous Nancy Drew DS games stunk. This one, also a point-and-click adventure, might not stink because the developer/publisher on this one is different. Or, it could stink anyway and I shouldn’t ever get my hopes up for a decent Nancy Drew DS game ever again. We’ll have to wait and see. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4772]2562[/IMG-L]Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Dev. NIS Pub. NIS America Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This really girly RPG didn't exactly tear up the charts when it came out for the original PlayStation years ago, but with the diverse audience that the DS has built up, maybe it will be singing a happier tune this time around. And with this being a portable version, I can probably safely retire that PlayStation version that I never got around to playing. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2557[/IMG-L]Shaun the Sheep Dev. Art Co., Ltd. Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The#1 sheep from the Serta commercials sheep from Wallace and Gromit got his own DS adventure title. Full of mini-games, mini-quests, some avoid-the-farmer stealth, quirky humor, and fun animation style, this title is a sleeper hit on my preview list of otherwise budget title DS crap. Its target audience is probably a bit younger than most CAGs, but for a simplistic piece of quality gaming, you should check out this title. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2560[/IMG-L]Time Hollow Dev. Tenky Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Fans of point-and-click adventures and unravelling mysteries should definitely set some time aside for this one. Based around a young man who's parents have mysteriously disappeared, you must use a time altering pen to draw rifts in the environment and figure out the meaning to all the flashbacks you've been having. With interesting characters and intriguing dialogue, I'm guessing Time Hollow will be hours well spent. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
PlayStation 3
[IMG-L=4714]2535[/IMG-L]Buzz! Quiz TV Bundle Dev. Relentless Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Here’s your question:
Buzz! Quiz TV is better than the previous Buzz! games because of:
a) Wireless buzz controls
b) User-created up-loadable quizzes
c) Downloadable expansion quiz packs
d) High definition graphics
e) All of the Above
Of course, the answer is “e”. Duh. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)
PSP
[IMG-L=4714]2534[/IMG-L]Buzz! Master Quiz Dev. Relentless Pub. Sony Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
So, this is the last preview that I’m writing and I can’t come up with a clever way to make it easier and smart and funny and entertaining. You see this game looks good. It has in-game trophies, lots of questions, it’s portable, and all the reviewers seem to like it. It’s even got a multiplayer system for online gameplay. So here’s the bottom line: of all the PSP games I’m preview this week (one), it’s the one I’d buy. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)
PlayStation 2
[IMG-L=4772]2549[/IMG-L]Mortal Kombat Kollection Dev. Midway Pub. Midway Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Midway dialed up a kombination of Deception, Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks and put them into one toasty package. All total, that's two fighting games, one beat 'em-up, Chess Kombat, Puzzle Kombat, and Motor Kombat. Could be the perfect kompilation to get the blood flowing prior to the upcoming Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2554[/IMG-L]Onimusha Essentials Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
For $30 you’re getting a legion worth of demons to kill in Onimusha 1, 2, and 3. I’m guessing Dawn of Dreams didn’t make the cut because of the unwritten rule that says you can only fit three games in one of these compilation boxes. I’m guessing Blade Warriors didn’t make it because… well, I guess Capcom doesn’t hate you that much. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4714]2517[/IMG-L]Singstar Pop Vol. 2 Dev. Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Hey there Delilah,
It’s another game of singing,
If you’re not sure what songs are here you’d better hit up Wiki,
Yes you can,
Some song called Walkie-Talkie Man,
By Steriogram.
Hey there Delilah,
I don’t really know that song
Is there perhaps some Peter Bjorn and John with which I can sing along
I know Young Folks,
And Jenny from the Block sung by J-Lo,
that song is dope.
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Previewing SingStar
Hey there Delilah,
You can stand under my umbahrella
When the boys and girls are getting weepy from my rendition of Rihanna
“Big Girls Don’t Cry”,
Maybe that’s the next song that I’ll try,
I “Don’t Know Why”.
Hey there Delilah,
Did you get my Norah reference,
Or shall I bring you to life with some awful Evanesence
Or “The Great Escape”
I like the high-pitch noises Akon makes
Crap, that’s “The Sweet Escape”
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
And though this preview’s very long
I hope you’ve strummed and hummed along
I wouldn’t want it any other way
I kind of like these next two lines
Because Plain White T’s don’t bother to rhyme
Oh, look I did it anyway
Delilah, there’s more songs for you
But who wants to sing Pink’s “Who Knew”
I gotta stop previewing this game
Gonna go insane
Hey there Delilah,
We’ve approached “My Happy Ending”
That could be considered “Promiscuous”, I guess it’s all depending
Might need a towel
Why’s “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” have no vowels?
There’s “When I’m Gone” by 3 Doors Down
Hey there Delilah, how’d I sound
How do I sound?
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Previewing SingStar
- ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
PC
[IMG-L=4772]2544[/IMG-L]BattleLord: King's Bounty Dev. Katuri Interactive Pub. Atari Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
If a generic fantasy RPG with hex-based turn-based tactical battles is your thing, then thank the stars for Atari high-fiving all three of you. This spectacularly unremarkable game has such rad features like "a huge continent" and "dozens of different locations". Not my cup of tea for the price point, but you can check out the demo if you like. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2542[/IMG-L]Guitar Praise Dev. Digital Praise Pub. Digital Praise Systems: PC MSRP: $99.99
I'm not one to diss on the Lord's muzak, so I'm hoping Shipwreck will do me the honor. Of course, music games live and die by their setlist, so if Christian rock is your bag, then by all means rock out with the G-man. Just be careful when you throw up the Devil Horns. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Family Christian $79.97 (5 free songs)
[IMG-L=4772]2553[/IMG-L]Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy Dev. Kheops Studio Pub. MC2 Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Continuing the trend of holiday generic PC titles, here comes a boring adventure game about a prophet who's known for crackpot broad statements regarding the future. Regardless of your (or my) personal feelings about Nostradamus, the game is a standard murder mystery using standard pixel hunt mechanics. The twist is that you play Nostradmus's neice and his final prophecies start coming true (DUNH DUNH DUNH!). What sounds like the games most redeeming feature is that failure in some puzzles will punish you with death. Any Zak and Wiki fans will know that there is no better incentive. However, there just doesn't seem to be enough meat to sustain this title. Pazz! – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At GameStop $29.99 (Free shipping)
[IMG-L=4772]2537[/IMG-L]Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Dev. Firaxis Pub. 2KGames Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Firaxis (and Sid Meier) are almost synonymously known for their 4X turn-based strategy games. Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization - a remake of the 1994 classic - utilizes the branding of Firaxis' flagship series to introduce strategy gamers to a focused experience set during the colonization period of the New World. Sid Meier newbies fret not - this title is a standalone game and not an expansion. I've never played the original Colonization title, but I did play a heck of a lot of Seven Cities of Gold on my 386. If you're a fan of any of the Civilization titles, this one should be right up your alley. Also of note, check out FreeCol for a freebie version of the classic. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)
On The DL
Mega Man 9 Systems: WiiWare, PSN MSRP: $9.99
Do you have what it takes to defeat all eight robot masters? For the ninth time? While it’s nice to have Mega Man go back to just being Mega Man, I don’t know if 8-bit nostalgia works for a brand new game. Especially when downloadable content is going to creep this one up near the $20 range when it is all said and done. - ship
Plättchen: Twist 'n' Paint Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $15
A nice-looking, but overly complicated action-puzzle game where players must not only make motions to switch the color they are painting with, but also deal with an on-screen avatar that can be attacked by objects flying around on top of the puzzle field. You also get a complicated scoring system that has both negative and positive reactions based upon your decisions. For instance, that decision to pay $15, yeah, that’s going to be a negative reaction. - ship
Super Dodgeball Systems: Wii VC (NES) MSRP: $5
You may just hate fun if you don’t love this game. Or maybe you’re a Communist who doesn't like to slam a Russian in the face with a rubber ball. - ship
Vectorman Systems: Wii VC (Genesis) MSRP: $8
We haven’t mentioned the Sega Genesis Collection in awhile. So, Sega Genesis Collection. You’ll really enjoy this frantic run’n’gun… on the Sega Genesis collection. - ship
WipEout HD Systems: PSN MSRP: $19.99
A combination of the two PSP games with updated graphics and eight-player online racing, WipEout HD seems to be a really good value at $20 for WipEout fans. As for me though, I'm not big on futuristic racing games and I already played through WipEout Pulse to completion. - ship
Duke Nukem 3D Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10
I somehow managed to miss the Duke Nukem games growing up (well, I played a bit of a third-person catastrophe on the PS1) so I figured this release of an old first-person shooter wouldn't do much for me since I had no fond memories to fall back on. But then I played the demo and this is a surprisingly well done port. The controls are good, it doesn't give me headaches like Marathon, and they've added a groovy fast-forward/rewind feature so that you can respawn at any point in the level after you have died. Guess it's time for me to fill in this gap in my gaming history. - 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 WarioWare Touched! for the Nintendo DS courtesy of CAG Robjus.
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]26[/podcast]
Download - 73 minutes, 34MB
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Multi-Platform
[IMG-L=4714]2529[/IMG-L]Baja: Edge of Control Dev. 2XL Games Pub. THQ Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Some of the guys from the MX vs. ATV games decided to broaden their horizons and step away from the off-road racing of motorcycles and ATVs. So instead, they chose to make a game based upon racing dune buggies, trucks, and VW Beetles across several open off-road and desert-like locales. Okay, so they didn't broaden too much, but the past games have been solid, so I'd expect this to be good, dirty fun as well. – ship
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4714]2530[/IMG-L]Barbie Fashion Show: An Eye for Style Dev. Pub. Activision Systems: DS, PC MSRP: $29.99
And thus officially begins the season of DS games aplenty with Barbie titles for all. Aimed at the 6-12 year-old girl, this game features clothing designs, models, photo shoots, and a $30 price tag. Of course, the Barbie trademark is included too. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4714]2532[/IMG-L]Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. UbiSoft Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99
I think this Nazi-shooter has been in development since shortly after the end of the second world war, so it will be interesting to see if its attention to realism can compete against more modern shooters. The build I played at E3 didn't do much to suggest that it can, but perhaps they changed it up a lot sense then because it has been receiving good reviews. Or perhaps you’ve got a shooting Nazis sized hole in your heart that has been painfully ignored during this World War II drought that we’ve seen. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $56.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $69.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4714]2536[/IMG-L]Cabela's Dangerous Hunts '09 Dev. Activision Pub. Activision Systems: PS2, Wii, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99, $39.99
It's like going to the zoo, but instead of not being able to feed the animals, you get to shoot them. According to the press release, the fan favorite "Action Zone" returns, so fans have to be stoked for that. Huh, I really would have figured any "zone" included in the game would have been of the "danger" variety. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2546[/IMG-L]LEGO Batman Dev. Traveller's Tales Pub. Warner Bros. Systems: Everything MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO BATMAN! When I first heard that LEGO Batman wouldn't be based directly off any specific source material, I thought it might lose some of the charm found in the previous LEGO games. I was wrong. If the couple of levels I played at E3 are representative of the entire game, this is the best LEGO "Insert License" game to date. The graphics have been improved, the controls are more accurate, there's more variety to the level structures, and the game is twice as long as the previous games because you get to play through both hero and villain storylines. Plus, with new mechanics involving changing of suits that characters are wearing, the gameplay has a fresh way of dealing with the usual LEGO obstacles. Really looking forward to playing through this one with the Mrs. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2548[/IMG-L]Margot's Word Brain Dev. Pub. Zoo Games Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $14.99, $19.99
My first thoughts with previewing this game were “Who’s Margot?” and “Why does she have a new video game?”. Apparently no one else knows who she is either, which is why the game description pins her as “the new videogame queen of word play!” Did we have an old videogame queen of word play? Anyway, this game includes 6 word-based edutainment puzzles and a librarian-looking lady with bland graphics. The pricetags of $15 and $20 for the DS and Wii, respectively, aren’t bad, but you’ll get what you pay for. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $14.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)[IMG-L=4772]2555[/IMG-L]Pipe Mania Dev. Pub. Empire Interactive Systems: PS2, PSP, PC, Wii MSRP: $19.99, $29.99
Love those unlocking mini-games in BioShock, but don't want to be bothered with all that shooting and storyline? Well, that pipe dream is now a reality, as Pipe Mania flows from the freeware tubes of the internet and onto retail shelves. For those not familiar, you simply line up different pipe sections so that when water begins to flow, you direct it to the drain. This version includes nicely updated graphics and over 300 different levels, so it is quite an upgrade over the free versions you’ll find online. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2558[/IMG-L]SimCity Creator Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $39.99, $49.99
It's been awhile since SimCity has come to consoles, and this looks to be a pretty fun take on the classic formula of building your cities, managing them, and then destroying them. Not really much else to say about it right now, but I'd at least like to try it when the price comes down even though early reviews aren’t too hot on the Wii controls. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2561[/IMG-L]Warriors Orochi 2 Dev. Omega Force Pub. Koei Systems: PS2, 360 MSRP: $29.99, $49.99
Those of you worried that you may never get another Koei hack and slash can rest easy this week as another number is slapped onto a “Warriors” title. This is of course the series where they combine Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors to have them fight against demons. As always, this iteration adds more characters (13 more, bringing the roster up to 92) as well as a versus mode. Of course, if you are a fan of the series you already rabidly devoured this information eons ago and know infinitely more than I ever care to about these games, so enjoy your new game… I’ll be over here, doing something else. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)Wii
[IMG-L=4714]2533[/IMG-L]Brothers in Arms: Double Time Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. UbiSoft Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
It's the first two Brothers in Arms games with Wii Controls. Not to be confused with the new Hell's Highway game that comes out this week for other platforms. Actually, probably to be confused with the new Hell's Highway game that comes out this week for other platforms. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2538[/IMG-L]de Blob Dev. Blue Tongue Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Roll around a gelatinous blob in this platformer where a black and white world needs a shot of color. Obviously inspired by Ted Turner, de Blob can colorize the world by rolling up different colors and then painting his surroundings. Maybe in the sequel he can open up a chain of buffalo meat restaurants. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2547[/IMG-L]Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked Dev. Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
The desert island simulator comes to consoles this week, and is thankfully a little more forgiving than its DS predecessors. The basic game scenario is still the same as you and your companion are stranded and must put all the things you learned from Gilligan’s Island to use as you struggle to survive and start a new tropical lifestyle. Of course the graphics are updated quite a bit and all of the mini-games required to start fires, catch fish, or any of the other tasks are built around the Wii’s motion controls. I’m actually surprised by the $30 price tag as the brief time I spent with this game at E3 left me kind of impressed. Then again, I could just like the name. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2556[/IMG-L]Samba de Amigo Dev. Gearbox Software Pub. SEGA Systems: Wii MSRP: $39.99
The insanely fun Dreamcast maraca shakin' game gets ported to the Wii, but sans-maracas. Which means even though you can't help but smiling at this ridiculously happy game, you're going to be trying to control it with a Wii-mote and a Nunchuk. And those bring about the results you would expect. Adequate for the most part, but strangely non-responsive at others. Kind of like trying to play a saxaphone game with a Wii-mote and Nunchuk. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2559[/IMG-L]Wario Land: Shake It! Dev. Good Feel Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii MSRP: $49.99
Ship thinks he’s soooooo cool with his Hey There Delilah preview to SingStar. So I think I’ll just make my own song lyric preview. Who knows, maybe this will be a permanent feature. Or maybe we should just do an entire “musical” show. That would take FOREVER, but it just may win us some sort of prize. Do they have podcast Emmy’s? Boy, we’re back with a bang this week, aren’t we? Okay, so setting my Wario Land: Shake It! preview to OutKast’s Hey Ya! is just too challenging. What you need to know about this game is that it looks awesome and is an old-school platformer with entertaining gameplay. It’s relatively short and not anything spectacularly new, but it’s classic like a little black dress. And you can never have too many little black dresses. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)DS
[IMG-L=4714]2528[/IMG-L]Babysitting Mania Dev. Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
This title is a strategy game similar to what you’d expect from the likes of Cake Mania and Diner Dash. However, instead of grabbing tips and taking orders, you’ll be cleaning up messes and putting small children in time-out. There are 100 levels of mania that include babies, toddlers, tweens and teens. Personally, I’m all for the fast-paced simulation/strategy titles, but I’d much rather own a restaurant than change dirty diapers. But that’s just me. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)[IMG-L=4714]2531[/IMG-L]Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4 Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Brain Quest: Grades 5 & 6 Dev. Electronic Arts Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
These edutainment titles from EA revolve around a group of kids traveling around the world accomplishing small tasks from characters within the game. Of course, the tasks always involve puzzles and questions, hence the educational value. The game also includes Sudoku, and the graphics make it look similar to what you’d expect on a Leapfrog. Overall, I think these titles are great in that they put to use a system that most kids that age already have, rather than buying the aforementioned expensive non-gaming product. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping) Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2539[/IMG-L]Dinosaur King Dev. SEGA Pub. SEGA Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This Mushi King spin-off (and yes, that sentence fragment means nothing to me) is a dinosaur battling game. The battle system is simplistic in that it’s rock-paper-scissors, and the exploration part of the game is from a top-down view, both of which make this title a kid-friendly one. Oh, and did I mention all the dinosaurs? – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2540[/IMG-L]Disgaea DS Dev. NIS Pub. NIS America Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
For an underground hit, this strategy RPG sure seems to be showing up a lot lately. The DS version is a remake of the original game with a new ending as well as some other new additions. Since I've never played the PlayStation 2 version, I may jump straight to this one due to its portability. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2541[/IMG-L]Dropcast Dev. Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Set in an animated Tim Burton style world, this puzzle game is a combination of Tetris and Collapse where the eight different characters attack each other in Super Puzzle Fighter fashion. With up to four player local WiFi play, I’m hoping this one turns out as fun as it looks. - shipwreck
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)[IMG-L=4772]2543[/IMG-L]Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge Dev. AlphaDream Pub. Natsume Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Since in Shipwreck’s world Hamtaro is a small mammal and therefore enters the realm of virtual pet, I get to preview Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge. I’m told I’ve previewed Hamtaro games in the past, but I must have selective amnesia regarding these games. That being said, Hamtaro is a cute anime hamster with lots of cute, large-eyed animal friends who apparently want to teach us using various cute edutainment mini-games. I’m thinking this title might make a great stocking stuffer for a younger gamer when the price drops in a month or so. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2545[/IMG-L]Kirby Super Star Ultra Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Old school gamers are having quite the week with Wario and Kirby making the list of new releases. This DS title is a “remake” of Kirby Super Star for the SNES with plenty of fringe benefits. Yes, Kirby still has a voracious appetite for enemies and floats like a butterfly. In this new title, you can befriend the enemies and have them play along as your second player (AI or local co-op play). The touch-screen controls are minimal, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The gameplay is rumored to be a bit easy, but I say who cares? We all need a bit of gaming simplicity now and again. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2550[/IMG-L]My Little Pony: Pinkie Pie's Party Dev. Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
I know everyone’s been anxiously awaiting this preview to decide if they’re going to buy Pinkie Pie’s Party for their DS or if they’re going to wait for something better to come along. Well, all I can tell you based on the game description is: “Pinkie Pie is a character living in Ponyville in the My Little Pony franchise.” That should really help in the decision-making process. My advice: if you’re not an 8 year-old girl gamer or buying this title for an 8 year-old girl gamer, you’ve got more problems than you realize. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)[IMG-L=4772]2551[/IMG-L]My SAT Coach Dev. Pub. UbiSoft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
For those of you who aren’t into learning a new language but need to master the one we’ve got, try out the newest title from Ubisoft. I have to be honest, I used computer software prior to taking the SAT and it seemed to work pretty well. You take a practice test, enter how much time you have until the big day, and the software generally guides you where you need the most work. The game also includes two full SAT tests, which are great for practice. My only problem is that most colleges prefer the ACT now instead of the SAT. Maybe Ubisoft needs a My ACT Coach next, followed quickly by the My GRE Coach. Then maybe the MCAT or the Bar exam. Oh wait, the future lawyers should just play Phoenix Wright. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2552[/IMG-L]Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
The two previous Nancy Drew DS games stunk. This one, also a point-and-click adventure, might not stink because the developer/publisher on this one is different. Or, it could stink anyway and I shouldn’t ever get my hopes up for a decent Nancy Drew DS game ever again. We’ll have to wait and see. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)[IMG-L=4772]2562[/IMG-L]Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Dev. NIS Pub. NIS America Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
This really girly RPG didn't exactly tear up the charts when it came out for the original PlayStation years ago, but with the diverse audience that the DS has built up, maybe it will be singing a happier tune this time around. And with this being a portable version, I can probably safely retire that PlayStation version that I never got around to playing. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2557[/IMG-L]Shaun the Sheep Dev. Art Co., Ltd. Pub. D3 Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2560[/IMG-L]Time Hollow Dev. Tenky Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Fans of point-and-click adventures and unravelling mysteries should definitely set some time aside for this one. Based around a young man who's parents have mysteriously disappeared, you must use a time altering pen to draw rifts in the environment and figure out the meaning to all the flashbacks you've been having. With interesting characters and intriguing dialogue, I'm guessing Time Hollow will be hours well spent. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)PlayStation 3
[IMG-L=4714]2535[/IMG-L]Buzz! Quiz TV Bundle Dev. Relentless Pub. Sony Systems: PS3 MSRP: $59.99
Here’s your question:
Buzz! Quiz TV is better than the previous Buzz! games because of:
a) Wireless buzz controls
b) User-created up-loadable quizzes
c) Downloadable expansion quiz packs
d) High definition graphics
e) All of the Above
Of course, the answer is “e”. Duh. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $59.99 (Free shipping)PSP
[IMG-L=4714]2534[/IMG-L]Buzz! Master Quiz Dev. Relentless Pub. Sony Systems: PSP MSRP: $19.99
So, this is the last preview that I’m writing and I can’t come up with a clever way to make it easier and smart and funny and entertaining. You see this game looks good. It has in-game trophies, lots of questions, it’s portable, and all the reviewers seem to like it. It’s even got a multiplayer system for online gameplay. So here’s the bottom line: of all the PSP games I’m preview this week (one), it’s the one I’d buy. – mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free shipping on orders over $25)PlayStation 2
[IMG-L=4772]2549[/IMG-L]Mortal Kombat Kollection Dev. Midway Pub. Midway Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Midway dialed up a kombination of Deception, Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks and put them into one toasty package. All total, that's two fighting games, one beat 'em-up, Chess Kombat, Puzzle Kombat, and Motor Kombat. Could be the perfect kompilation to get the blood flowing prior to the upcoming Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2554[/IMG-L]Onimusha Essentials Dev. Capcom Pub. Capcom Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
For $30 you’re getting a legion worth of demons to kill in Onimusha 1, 2, and 3. I’m guessing Dawn of Dreams didn’t make the cut because of the unwritten rule that says you can only fit three games in one of these compilation boxes. I’m guessing Blade Warriors didn’t make it because… well, I guess Capcom doesn’t hate you that much. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4714]2517[/IMG-L]Singstar Pop Vol. 2 Dev. Pub. Sony Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99
Hey there Delilah,
It’s another game of singing,
If you’re not sure what songs are here you’d better hit up Wiki,
Yes you can,
Some song called Walkie-Talkie Man,
By Steriogram.
Hey there Delilah,
I don’t really know that song
Is there perhaps some Peter Bjorn and John with which I can sing along
I know Young Folks,
And Jenny from the Block sung by J-Lo,
that song is dope.
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Previewing SingStar
Hey there Delilah,
You can stand under my umbahrella
When the boys and girls are getting weepy from my rendition of Rihanna
“Big Girls Don’t Cry”,
Maybe that’s the next song that I’ll try,
I “Don’t Know Why”.
Hey there Delilah,
Did you get my Norah reference,
Or shall I bring you to life with some awful Evanesence
Or “The Great Escape”
I like the high-pitch noises Akon makes
Crap, that’s “The Sweet Escape”
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
And though this preview’s very long
I hope you’ve strummed and hummed along
I wouldn’t want it any other way
I kind of like these next two lines
Because Plain White T’s don’t bother to rhyme
Oh, look I did it anyway
Delilah, there’s more songs for you
But who wants to sing Pink’s “Who Knew”
I gotta stop previewing this game
Gonna go insane
Hey there Delilah,
We’ve approached “My Happy Ending”
That could be considered “Promiscuous”, I guess it’s all depending
Might need a towel
Why’s “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” have no vowels?
There’s “When I’m Gone” by 3 Doors Down
Hey there Delilah, how’d I sound
How do I sound?
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Oh, I’m previewing SingStar
Previewing SingStar
- ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)PC
[IMG-L=4772]2544[/IMG-L]BattleLord: King's Bounty Dev. Katuri Interactive Pub. Atari Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
If a generic fantasy RPG with hex-based turn-based tactical battles is your thing, then thank the stars for Atari high-fiving all three of you. This spectacularly unremarkable game has such rad features like "a huge continent" and "dozens of different locations". Not my cup of tea for the price point, but you can check out the demo if you like. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Amazon $39.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2542[/IMG-L]Guitar Praise Dev. Digital Praise Pub. Digital Praise Systems: PC MSRP: $99.99
I'm not one to diss on the Lord's muzak, so I'm hoping Shipwreck will do me the honor. Of course, music games live and die by their setlist, so if Christian rock is your bag, then by all means rock out with the G-man. Just be careful when you throw up the Devil Horns. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Family Christian $79.97 (5 free songs)[IMG-L=4772]2553[/IMG-L]Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy Dev. Kheops Studio Pub. MC2 Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Continuing the trend of holiday generic PC titles, here comes a boring adventure game about a prophet who's known for crackpot broad statements regarding the future. Regardless of your (or my) personal feelings about Nostradamus, the game is a standard murder mystery using standard pixel hunt mechanics. The twist is that you play Nostradmus's neice and his final prophecies start coming true (DUNH DUNH DUNH!). What sounds like the games most redeeming feature is that failure in some puzzles will punish you with death. Any Zak and Wiki fans will know that there is no better incentive. However, there just doesn't seem to be enough meat to sustain this title. Pazz! – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At GameStop $29.99 (Free shipping)[IMG-L=4772]2537[/IMG-L]Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Dev. Firaxis Pub. 2KGames Systems: PC MSRP: $29.99
Firaxis (and Sid Meier) are almost synonymously known for their 4X turn-based strategy games. Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization - a remake of the 1994 classic - utilizes the branding of Firaxis' flagship series to introduce strategy gamers to a focused experience set during the colonization period of the New World. Sid Meier newbies fret not - this title is a standalone game and not an expansion. I've never played the original Colonization title, but I did play a heck of a lot of Seven Cities of Gold on my 386. If you're a fan of any of the Civilization titles, this one should be right up your alley. Also of note, check out FreeCol for a freebie version of the classic. – Treehouse Gamer
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free shipping)On The DL
Mega Man 9 Systems: WiiWare, PSN MSRP: $9.99
Do you have what it takes to defeat all eight robot masters? For the ninth time? While it’s nice to have Mega Man go back to just being Mega Man, I don’t know if 8-bit nostalgia works for a brand new game. Especially when downloadable content is going to creep this one up near the $20 range when it is all said and done. - ship
Plättchen: Twist 'n' Paint Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $15
A nice-looking, but overly complicated action-puzzle game where players must not only make motions to switch the color they are painting with, but also deal with an on-screen avatar that can be attacked by objects flying around on top of the puzzle field. You also get a complicated scoring system that has both negative and positive reactions based upon your decisions. For instance, that decision to pay $15, yeah, that’s going to be a negative reaction. - ship
Super Dodgeball Systems: Wii VC (NES) MSRP: $5
You may just hate fun if you don’t love this game. Or maybe you’re a Communist who doesn't like to slam a Russian in the face with a rubber ball. - ship
Vectorman Systems: Wii VC (Genesis) MSRP: $8
We haven’t mentioned the Sega Genesis Collection in awhile. So, Sega Genesis Collection. You’ll really enjoy this frantic run’n’gun… on the Sega Genesis collection. - ship
WipEout HD Systems: PSN MSRP: $19.99
A combination of the two PSP games with updated graphics and eight-player online racing, WipEout HD seems to be a really good value at $20 for WipEout fans. As for me though, I'm not big on futuristic racing games and I already played through WipEout Pulse to completion. - ship
Duke Nukem 3D Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10
I somehow managed to miss the Duke Nukem games growing up (well, I played a bit of a third-person catastrophe on the PS1) so I figured this release of an old first-person shooter wouldn't do much for me since I had no fond memories to fall back on. But then I played the demo and this is a surprisingly well done port. The controls are good, it doesn't give me headaches like Marathon, and they've added a groovy fast-forward/rewind feature so that you can respawn at any point in the level after you have died. Guess it's time for me to fill in this gap in my gaming history. - 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.
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k
Capcom! That stuff should already be in the damn game. 
