[preview][img-l=1]2[/img-l]CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of January 14th, 2009. Well, it looks like this year's first true batch of new releases is fresh out of the oven and we take a peak to see what might be consumable.
Don't forget to enter our contest for WarioWare Touched! (DS) courtesy of CAG Robjus.
Special thanks to GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for only $7.49 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
[podcast]48[/podcast]
Download - 58 minutes, 26MB
[/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=4890]4439[/IMG-L]The Lord of the Rings: Conquest Dev. Pandemic Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, PC, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99-$59.99
I honestly think Electronic Arts has done an epically bad job in the naming and marketing of The Lord of the Rings: Conquest. Contrary to what a lot of people may think, this is not another real-time strategy game, but rather a “Star Wars Battlefront” style game from Pandemic. Replace Stormtroopers with Orcs, Darth Vader with Sauron, and Tatooine with the Shire and you know exactly what to expect in this sixteen player class-based game of capturing command posts. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $56.99 (Free Shipping)
Purchase At GameStop $59.99 (Free miniature replica sword)
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
Purchase At GameStop $29.99 (Free miniature replica sword)
Purchase At Amazon $49.99 (Free shipping)
Purchase At GameStop $49.99 (Free miniature replica sword)
Purchase At Amazon $56.99 (Free Shipping)
Purchase At GameStop $59.99 (Free miniature replica sword)
Wii
[IMG-L=4890]4436[/IMG-L]Deal or No Deal Dev. Black Lantern Studios Pub. Zoo Games Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
You came here with nothing, and, by damn, you’re going to do your best to insure you leave here with nothing. Recreate the thrill of finding out you are a greedy moron who is terrible at math without all the remorse that accompanies being a greedy moron who is terrible at math. Plus, the “At Home Edition” features absolutely no chance to win real money! - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4201[/IMG-L]Fishing Master World Tour (Last Week) Dev. Hudson Entertainment Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
I’ve played the hell out of River King on my DS, so I supposed that makes me somewhat of a fishing game aficionado. With controls that utilize both the wii-mote and the nunchuck for a life-like fishing experience, new deep-sea fishing, and over 200 species of fish to catch, this game is THE fishing experience to be had on the Wii. - mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $28.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4441[/IMG-L]Neighborhood Games Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Sometimes, there are game descriptions written so well that a preview is not needed. This is one of those times. “Take a walk down memory lane to the days when you played with your friends until dark. Imagine a place where you can play all those games, where the level of competition is matched only by the sheer amount of fun. Neighborhood Games is that place, offering 24 unique twists on those popular games.” Something tells me that squirt guns isn’t as fun on a videogame console as in real life. - mrs. ship
Purchase At Amazon $27.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4205[/IMG-L]Paws & Claws: Pet Resort (Last Week) Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
What’s on that bunny’s head? - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
DS
[IMG-L=4890]4200[/IMG-L]Elebits: The Adventures of Kai & Zero (Last Week) Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Instead of relying on the novelty of the Wii-mote, the new DS Elebits title is an adventure game that expands on the original ideas of the franchise. The overall goal of the game is unchanged: Elebits are still collected for their energy, which is used to progress the storyline and power-up weapons. But the world is more Zelda-ish, with puzzles and challenges along the way. Overall, it seems like an adventure-lite title, but the solid animation and gameplay make this title worth picking up at $30. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4438[/IMG-L]Inkheart Dev. Dreamcatcher Pub. Dreamcatcher Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Another fanciful DS game based upon another fanciful movie starring Brendan Fraser. I know, you’re sold already, so I won’t need to say much else on this one. Fortunately, I don't know much else besides that it is an adventure game that you hold "book-style" and Mr. Fraser can bring fairy tales to life just by reading them. Really, what can't that guy do? - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4202[/IMG-L]Jumble Madness Dev. Destineer Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Features five different takes on word jumbles. Insanity, or should I say ysiinant? - ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free Shipping on Orders over $25)
[IMG-L=4890]4203[/IMG-L]Moon Dev. Renegade Kid Pub. Mastiff Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The developers behind Dementium: The Ward return with another platform pushing first-person experience. Set fifty years in the future, something has gone awry on the moon and guess who gets to deal with it? With it’s Metroid Prime Hunters style of controls, Moon is either going to be exactly what you are looking for, or exactly what you are trying to avoid on the DS. Thankfully, it takes a more adventure-like approach, relying on its atmosphere and puzzle solving rather than going the guns blazing route. Looks promising. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $29.99 (Free Shipping)
Purchase At GameStop $29.99 (Free game slipcover & stylus)
[IMG-L=4890]4204[/IMG-L]Paws & Claws: Pampered Pets (Last Week) Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Lavish other people’s pets like furry royalty in this fancy pet spa simulator. Hey, that Chihuahua looks like Elle Woods’ dog, “Bruiser”, from Legally Blonde. Oh good God, why do I know that?! - ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99
[IMG-L=4890]4442[/IMG-L]Personal Trainer: Math Dev. Jupiter Corporation Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Will this surpass Fraction Football and gain the title of Greatest Math Game in the History of the World? - ship
Purchase At Amazon $19.99 (Free Shipping on Orders over $25)
PC
[IMG-L=4890]4440[/IMG-L]Mirror's Edge Dev. DICE Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PC MSRP: $49.99
Now the PC faithful can parkour as well. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $46.99 (Free Shipping)
[IMG-L=4890]4443[/IMG-L]Saints Row 2 (Last Week) Dev. Volition Pub. THQ Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
PC gamers can finally play Cheapy’s favorite game of 2008. - ship
Purchase At Amazon $36.99 (Free Shipping)
On The DL
[IMG-L=4890]4461[/IMG-L]Jungle Speed Dev. Playful Entertainment Pub. Playful Entertainment Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $10
Remember the card game Speed that was all the rage in middle school, circa 1985? Add in a jungle background and a casual gamer audience and you have Jungle Speed, the newest WiiWare title. Of course, there’s a totem pole to grasp and the rules are modified a bit for the Wii, but you get the idea. – mrs. ship
[IMG-L=4890]4462[/IMG-L]Planet Pachinko Dev. Allied Kingdoms Pub. Allied Kingdoms Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $5
This is not actually a Pachinko game, but is instead a 2D shooter that stars a robot looking for his dog inside a Pachinko machine. One or two players must shoot the falling balls before they reach the bottom of the machine and turn into evil robots. Kind of a quirky premise, but the graphics are… well… balls. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4225[/IMG-L]Sandy Beach (Last Week) Dev. Frozen Codebase Pub. Konami Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $5.00
I think someone might have taken the suggestion to make a “sandbox game” a little too literally. Split into two different modes, players can either build a sand castle or play “Sand Castle Defense” against an invading crab army. While the overall idea is creative enough, apparently the controls emulate the sensation of having your sandy creation kicked in your face. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4460[/IMG-L]Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: Wii Virtual Console (NES) MSRP: $5.00
One of my all-time favorite NES games, Castlevania III allows you to join up with one of three playable companions as you progress through the story. However, unless you choose Grant the hunch-backed, wall-climbing pirate, I am thoroughly convinced that you are doing it wrong. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4208[/IMG-L]Kirby's Dream Land 3 (Last Week) Dev. HAL Laboratory Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii Virtual Console (SNES) MSRP: $8.00
One of the last releases for the Super Nintendo, Dream Land 3 certainly has an appealing art style, but this could possibly be the Kirby game that sucks the hardest. Experienced platformers will be left unsatisfied by the easiness of this conquest. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4444[/IMG-L]Cuboid (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. CREAT Studios Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $9.99
Flip a cube around to navigate through mazes. It kind of reminds me of that Geon game, but without all the emotional baggage. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4445[/IMG-L]Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. CREAT Studios Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $9.99
I actually enjoy a good game of Mahjong and this one seems to have plenty of different modes. That $10 doesn't exactly match my price point though. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4226[/IMG-L]Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. Microsoft Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10.00
Wombat and I usually have pretty similar taste in games, so I was intrigued when he chose MillionHeir as his favorite DS game. I haven’t really played any games in the hidden object genre, and the main titles I’ve played in the point-and-click detective realm are Nancy Drew titles. This new XBLA title might be a good way to delve into these type games without spending a ton of cash. Unfortunately, poor reviews regarding the quality of the image resolution and questionable nature of some of the puzzles leave me thinking I should pick up MillionHeir and stay away from Dr. Chaos. - mrs. ship
Bonus Pictures
[IMG-L=4717]4482[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4483[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4484[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4485[/IMG-L]
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! (DS) courtesy of CAG Robjus.
Special thanks to GoDaddy.com for providing CAG Foreplay listeners with a code for domain names for only $7.49 a year. Just enter code "GAMER1" when you check out to get your savings.
[podcast]48[/podcast]
Download - 58 minutes, 26MB




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=4890]4439[/IMG-L]The Lord of the Rings: Conquest Dev. Pandemic Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, PC, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99-$59.99
I honestly think Electronic Arts has done an epically bad job in the naming and marketing of The Lord of the Rings: Conquest. Contrary to what a lot of people may think, this is not another real-time strategy game, but rather a “Star Wars Battlefront” style game from Pandemic. Replace Stormtroopers with Orcs, Darth Vader with Sauron, and Tatooine with the Shire and you know exactly what to expect in this sixteen player class-based game of capturing command posts. - ship








Wii
[IMG-L=4890]4436[/IMG-L]Deal or No Deal Dev. Black Lantern Studios Pub. Zoo Games Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
You came here with nothing, and, by damn, you’re going to do your best to insure you leave here with nothing. Recreate the thrill of finding out you are a greedy moron who is terrible at math without all the remorse that accompanies being a greedy moron who is terrible at math. Plus, the “At Home Edition” features absolutely no chance to win real money! - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4201[/IMG-L]Fishing Master World Tour (Last Week) Dev. Hudson Entertainment Pub. Konami Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
I’ve played the hell out of River King on my DS, so I supposed that makes me somewhat of a fishing game aficionado. With controls that utilize both the wii-mote and the nunchuck for a life-like fishing experience, new deep-sea fishing, and over 200 species of fish to catch, this game is THE fishing experience to be had on the Wii. - mrs. ship

[IMG-L=4890]4441[/IMG-L]Neighborhood Games Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
Sometimes, there are game descriptions written so well that a preview is not needed. This is one of those times. “Take a walk down memory lane to the days when you played with your friends until dark. Imagine a place where you can play all those games, where the level of competition is matched only by the sheer amount of fun. Neighborhood Games is that place, offering 24 unique twists on those popular games.” Something tells me that squirt guns isn’t as fun on a videogame console as in real life. - mrs. ship

[IMG-L=4890]4205[/IMG-L]Paws & Claws: Pet Resort (Last Week) Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: Wii MSRP: $29.99
What’s on that bunny’s head? - ship

DS
[IMG-L=4890]4200[/IMG-L]Elebits: The Adventures of Kai & Zero (Last Week) Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Instead of relying on the novelty of the Wii-mote, the new DS Elebits title is an adventure game that expands on the original ideas of the franchise. The overall goal of the game is unchanged: Elebits are still collected for their energy, which is used to progress the storyline and power-up weapons. But the world is more Zelda-ish, with puzzles and challenges along the way. Overall, it seems like an adventure-lite title, but the solid animation and gameplay make this title worth picking up at $30. - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4438[/IMG-L]Inkheart Dev. Dreamcatcher Pub. Dreamcatcher Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Another fanciful DS game based upon another fanciful movie starring Brendan Fraser. I know, you’re sold already, so I won’t need to say much else on this one. Fortunately, I don't know much else besides that it is an adventure game that you hold "book-style" and Mr. Fraser can bring fairy tales to life just by reading them. Really, what can't that guy do? - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4202[/IMG-L]Jumble Madness Dev. Destineer Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Features five different takes on word jumbles. Insanity, or should I say ysiinant? - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4203[/IMG-L]Moon Dev. Renegade Kid Pub. Mastiff Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
The developers behind Dementium: The Ward return with another platform pushing first-person experience. Set fifty years in the future, something has gone awry on the moon and guess who gets to deal with it? With it’s Metroid Prime Hunters style of controls, Moon is either going to be exactly what you are looking for, or exactly what you are trying to avoid on the DS. Thankfully, it takes a more adventure-like approach, relying on its atmosphere and puzzle solving rather than going the guns blazing route. Looks promising. - ship


[IMG-L=4890]4204[/IMG-L]Paws & Claws: Pampered Pets (Last Week) Dev. THQ Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99
Lavish other people’s pets like furry royalty in this fancy pet spa simulator. Hey, that Chihuahua looks like Elle Woods’ dog, “Bruiser”, from Legally Blonde. Oh good God, why do I know that?! - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4442[/IMG-L]Personal Trainer: Math Dev. Jupiter Corporation Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99
Will this surpass Fraction Football and gain the title of Greatest Math Game in the History of the World? - ship

PC
[IMG-L=4890]4440[/IMG-L]Mirror's Edge Dev. DICE Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: PC MSRP: $49.99
Now the PC faithful can parkour as well. - ship

[IMG-L=4890]4443[/IMG-L]Saints Row 2 (Last Week) Dev. Volition Pub. THQ Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99
PC gamers can finally play Cheapy’s favorite game of 2008. - ship

On The DL
[IMG-L=4890]4461[/IMG-L]Jungle Speed Dev. Playful Entertainment Pub. Playful Entertainment Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $10
Remember the card game Speed that was all the rage in middle school, circa 1985? Add in a jungle background and a casual gamer audience and you have Jungle Speed, the newest WiiWare title. Of course, there’s a totem pole to grasp and the rules are modified a bit for the Wii, but you get the idea. – mrs. ship
[IMG-L=4890]4462[/IMG-L]Planet Pachinko Dev. Allied Kingdoms Pub. Allied Kingdoms Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $5
This is not actually a Pachinko game, but is instead a 2D shooter that stars a robot looking for his dog inside a Pachinko machine. One or two players must shoot the falling balls before they reach the bottom of the machine and turn into evil robots. Kind of a quirky premise, but the graphics are… well… balls. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4225[/IMG-L]Sandy Beach (Last Week) Dev. Frozen Codebase Pub. Konami Systems: WiiWare MSRP: $5.00
I think someone might have taken the suggestion to make a “sandbox game” a little too literally. Split into two different modes, players can either build a sand castle or play “Sand Castle Defense” against an invading crab army. While the overall idea is creative enough, apparently the controls emulate the sensation of having your sandy creation kicked in your face. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4460[/IMG-L]Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse Dev. Konami Pub. Konami Systems: Wii Virtual Console (NES) MSRP: $5.00
One of my all-time favorite NES games, Castlevania III allows you to join up with one of three playable companions as you progress through the story. However, unless you choose Grant the hunch-backed, wall-climbing pirate, I am thoroughly convinced that you are doing it wrong. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4208[/IMG-L]Kirby's Dream Land 3 (Last Week) Dev. HAL Laboratory Pub. Nintendo Systems: Wii Virtual Console (SNES) MSRP: $8.00
One of the last releases for the Super Nintendo, Dream Land 3 certainly has an appealing art style, but this could possibly be the Kirby game that sucks the hardest. Experienced platformers will be left unsatisfied by the easiness of this conquest. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4444[/IMG-L]Cuboid (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. CREAT Studios Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $9.99
Flip a cube around to navigate through mazes. It kind of reminds me of that Geon game, but without all the emotional baggage. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4445[/IMG-L]Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. CREAT Studios Systems: PSN (PS3) MSRP: $9.99
I actually enjoy a good game of Mahjong and this one seems to have plenty of different modes. That $10 doesn't exactly match my price point though. - ship
[IMG-L=4890]4226[/IMG-L]Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos (Last Week) Dev. Tik Games Pub. Microsoft Systems: XBLA MSRP: $10.00
Wombat and I usually have pretty similar taste in games, so I was intrigued when he chose MillionHeir as his favorite DS game. I haven’t really played any games in the hidden object genre, and the main titles I’ve played in the point-and-click detective realm are Nancy Drew titles. This new XBLA title might be a good way to delve into these type games without spending a ton of cash. Unfortunately, poor reviews regarding the quality of the image resolution and questionable nature of some of the puzzles leave me thinking I should pick up MillionHeir and stay away from Dr. Chaos. - mrs. ship
Bonus Pictures
[IMG-L=4717]4482[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4483[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4484[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=4717]4485[/IMG-L]
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.
Last edited by a moderator: