On Shelves This Week: April 27 to May 3, 2008

This week will no doubt see gamers go ballistic over Rockstar North‘s highly-publicized and critically-acclaimed title, Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3). But this week is not only about Niko Bellic’s (mis)adventures, since Mario and the rest of the gang will also start racing off with motorbikes and karts in Mario Kart Wii. This week is pretty much an exciting one, so don’t tarry and go to the full article for the complete list of games to be released this week.

Many gamers have long waited for this gaming week to come. Why? It’s the release of the oft-delayed Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar North‘s highly controversial and much awaited video game. Those itching to annoy cops or run over pedestrians – while fulfilling missions on the side, of course – will finally get their long desired chance upon GTA4‘s launch for both the Microsoft Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

But Nintendo Wii owners won’t be left out of this hectic games week, since Nintendo will be rolling out Mario Kart Wii, the fast (and sometimes chaotic) racing title. This week is pretty much a battle between blue shells and organized/disorganized crimes, as well as iron-clad heroes in the form of the multi-platform release of the Iron Man movie tie-in game. Are you ready? If you are, then let’s start off the list with…

Grand Theft Auto 4. We’ve been waiting for this title for a long time coming, and gamers have endured a lot of flak from the likes of Jack Thompson while lying in wait for the release of much-anticipated sequel to the popular Grand Theft Auto franchise. With a handful of impressive review scores under its belt, expect the exploits of immigrant Niko Bellic to generate a lot of commotion once gamers finally get to experience his sordid adventure in Liberty City.

• Microsoft Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – April 29, 2008
• US$ 59.99
• ESRB Mature
• Rockstar North

Mario Kart Wii. The latest iteration of Nintendo’s Mario-themed racer for the Wii finally hit the streets, promising more than a handful of tracks to race in, both old and new. Mario Kart Wii also features a lot of mayhem in the form of usable items (look out for that Blue Shell!) and the addition of the ability to ride dirt bikes in races. This may be the wackiest Wii racer to date; and if you’re a big fan of the genre, there shouldn’t be any reason why you shouldn’t grab this game.

• Nintendo Wii – April 27, 2008
• US$ 49.99 (includes Wii Wheel)
• ESRB Everyone
• Nintendo

Iron Man. Tony Stark finally gets a slew of game and movie tie-ins to his name. As Iron Man, get ready to fly around and shoot enemies down with customizable, technologically-advanced weapons and armor. Xbox 360 owners will get their hands on the Xbox 360-exclusive Silver Centurion Armor, while PS3 users will have their own exclusive Ultimate Iron Man suit.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS – May 2, 2008
• US$ 59.99 (Xbox 360 and PS3), US$ 29.99 (PS2, PSP, DS), US$ 49.99 (Wii)
• ESRB Rating Pending
• Sega and Secret Level

SNK Arcade Classics: Volume 1. Fans of SNK and Neo Geo games will be able to relive their sentimental arcade moments with this PSP classic arcade game collection, comprised of games from various SNK franchises. With games like King of Fighters ’94, Samurai Showdown, Metal Slug, World Heroes and more, this is a must-have title to any and all PSP owners who have spent considerable time in the past plunking coins at their local arcade.

• PSP – April 29, 2008
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB Teen
• SNK Playmore

Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor. Touted by Stardock as “the most comprehensive expansion pack in strategy game history,” this add-on includes a new vehicle called the APC, a multi-purpose ride that can serve as a customizable weapons platform of sorts, as well as a mobile spawn point. This update also includes the new, icy Vaporfield Glacier battlefield.

• PC – April 30, 2008
• Stardock

Baseball Mogul 2009. Baseball fans will be in for a treat with the latest Baseball Mogul title, Baseball Mogul 2009. This version packs a wallop of new features, including an improved Play-By-Play screen, new season scheduler, and of course, a brand-new 2008 roster.

• PC – April 29, 2008
• US$ 29.95
• Sports Mogul

PixelJunk Monsters Encore. Q-Games’ popular PlayStation 3 game PixelJunk Monsters finally gets a big boost in replayability, in the form of the Encore booster pack. The add-on will include additional 15 levels, grand-spanking new visual effects, as well as gameplay tweaks that will improve on the already-awesome game.

• PlayStation 3 – May 1
• ESRB Everyone
• Q-Games and SCEA

Let’s Yoga. Konami enters the fray of DS non-gaming applications with their fitness training program, Let’s Yoga. Set your mind at ease and relax your way to being fit with your trusty DS.

• Nintendo DS – April 29, 2008
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB Rating Pending
• Konami

Let’s Pilates. A companion piece of sorts (or an alternative, if you will) to Konami’s other fitness program for the DS, Let’s Yoga, Let’s Pilates will guide Nintendo DS owners through various Pilates exercises. Be careful not to break any bones, there.

• Nintendo DS – April 29, 2008
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB Rating Pending
• Konami

Brain Voyage. Here’s yet another brain-tickling title for the DS (and who doesn’t like them?), this time courtesy of Eidos Interactive. Unlike other brain training games in the market, Brain Voyage whisks Nintendo DS gamers to various locations around the world, trying to solve each and every mind-bender that comes their way during their adventures. A nice, new twist to the usual brain training game.

• Nintendo DS – April 29, 2008
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB Everyone
• Eidos Interactive

Roogoo. Fans of eclectic, ultra-colorful puzzle games will no doubt be taken by Spidermonk Entertainment’s Roogoo, where players are tasked to guide meteors through rotating discs, taking care not to hit the planet Roo. Like most puzzle games, the premise sounds simple – until you actually get your hands on the game itself. With its fun and whimsical setting, Roogoo will more or less be a shoo-in for those who like quirky games such as Katamari Damacy.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
• US$ 29.99 (Nintendo Wii and PC)
• ESRB Rating Pending
• Spidermonk Entertainment and SouthPeak Games

Buy: [Grand Theft Auto 4 (Xbox 360), (PS3)]
Buy: [Mario Kart (Wii)]
Buy: [Iron Man (Xbox 360), (PC), (PS3), (PSP), (Wii), (DS)]
Buy: [SNK Arcade Classics: Volume 1 (PSP)]
Buy: [Baseball Mogul 2009 (PC)]
Buy: [Let’s Yoga (DS)]
Buy: [Let’s Pilates (DS)]
Buy: [Brain Voyage (DS)]
Buy: [Roogoo (Wii), (DS)]