On Shelves This Week: November 12 to November 18

Oh, yeah! Just when you thought your wallet was safe after last week’s releases, this week comes along with absolute must-buys for just about every platform there is. This week, we’re going to witness the highly-anticipated launch of Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii. The Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3 won’t be bullied by the famous plumber though, as Assassin’s Creed lets loose the dogs of war in the Third Crusade! ‘Nuff said. Dig in!

*Article originally posted Nov 12, 2007 at 07:22AM

 

Oh, yeah! Just when you thought your wallet was safe after last week’s releases, this week comes along with absolute must-buys for just about every platform there is. This week, we’re going to witness the highly-anticipated release of Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii.

The Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3 won’t be bullied by the famous plumber, however, as Assassin’s Creed lets loose the dogs of war in the Third Crusade.

The PC is getting Crytek and EA’s Crysis, which carries arguably the most advanced graphics in any game ever launched. Those sporting a handheld could either grab a copy of MGS: Portable Ops + for the PSP or Cooking Mama 2 for the DS. ‘Nuff said. Dig in!

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. Rebellion Software, makers of the original PC thriller of the same series has returned with a third-person action game designed specifically for the Sony PlayStation Portable. Play as the deadly hunter Predator who’s out to take the Alien menace out. This promises to be a hell of a party with lethal armaments and hordes of enemies to use your toys on.

• Sony PlayStation Portable- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Vivendi Games, Rebellion Software

America’s Army: True Soldiers. Buck up, soldiers! You’ve got a job to do and your only mission is to keep America and its interests safe! Plunge into tactical operations where you’ll use both brains and brawn to thwart plots that endanger your country. It’s hard work, but someone has to do it.

• Microsoft Xbox 360- November 15, 2007
• US$ 59.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Ubisoft

Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Based on the popular quiz show, this Nintendo DS iteration will have you racking your brains for answers to seemingly easy questions. Find out if you still have what it takes to outsmart the average fifth-grader.

• Nintendo DS- November 12, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• THQ

Assassin’s Creed. Set in the Holy Land at a time when the Third Crusade was raging, Assassin’s Creed takes players on a journey to restore peace by incapacitating both sides. Should you choose to take on this mission, you’ll play as Altair, a member of a feared secret organization endowed with deadly skills. You’ll be free to choose your style of play and the means by which you accomplish your goals in a journey that will carve both human flesh and the pages of history.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3– November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Ubisoft

Baby Pals. Do you love kids but aren’t quite ready to have a real one of your own? Here’s an alternative that will let you experience the happiness of a little bundle of love. Feed, bathe and otherwise take care of your baby and keep it happy all the time.

• Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Crave Entertainment

Beowulf. Based on the movie of the same name, players will take the role of legendary warrior Beowulf. Wield the strength of 30 men, destroying enemies and killing beasts as you progress on your march to the Danish throne. With a lust for gold and an arrogant streak, Beowulf may just be the bad-ass latest anti-hero to hit gaming.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, PC– November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360), US$ 49.99 (PC)
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Ubisoft

BlackSite: Area 51. Venture into Area 51, the most top secret facility controlled by the United States government where an alien infestation gas has broken out and citizens in a nearby town are under siege. Your mission is to track down the voracious alien menace and exterminate them before all gets out of hand.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, PC– November 12, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Microsoft Xbox 360), US$ 49.99 (PC)
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Midway

Cabela’s Big Game Hunter. If you’re dreaming of that lengthy hunting trip in the great outdoors but you just don’t have the time for it, there’s an alternative that just might satisfy your yearning. This game lets you travel to the most exotic locales all over the world in search of the most prized catches. Find your animal of choice and feel the rush of stalking and temporarily incapacitating it.

• Nintendo Wii- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Activision

Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity. Game Factory’s latest action game takes players on a quest seasoned with RPG, puzzle, interaction and fighting elements all in one intense package. Mastering new ways to control your character and finding means to take advantage of the environment is essential for survival in this Wii meanie.

• Nintendo Wii- November 16, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Game Factory

Contra 4. Konami revisits the roots that has established one of its most popular franchises to date. Contra 4 refines the 2D side-scroller genre and utilizes both screens of the Nintendo DS to add a new twist. Classic elements such as loads of firepower, hordes of enemies and tough bosses are back to breathe new life into one of gaming’s true greats.

• Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Konami

Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends. Mama’s back to judge your dishes, and this time, things just might get more frantic as her friends come over for some home-cooked treats. Master the culinary arts and send everyone home full and happy in this sequel to the award-winning original.

• Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB (Everyone)
• Majesco Games

Crysis. EA Games and Crytek have whipped up a feast for graphics connoisseurs which has been turning heads since the first Crysis glimpses started. This week, the long wait comes to a close and we’re hot off a deep asteroid impact set in North Korea in 2019. The asteroid turns out to be carrying a nasty surprise and unleashes an alien swarm into the planet that plunges it into chaos. Desperate, the US and North Korea forge an alliance to keep the last sparks of hope alive so that mankind might live to see tomorrow.

• PC- November 16, 2007
• US$ 59.99
• ESRB M (Mature)
• EA Games, Crytek

EverQuest Secrets of Faydwer. Norrath is facing threats new and old as Meldrich the Malignant strengthens his forces, waiting for the perfect opportunity to mount an offensive against your kingdom. Is your character up to the challenge? With all new enhancements to this MMORPG patriarch, you just might be.

• PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Sony Online Entertainment

EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark. Explore the war-scarred continent of Kunark where ages of conflict  have carved the land into what it is today. You can explore this expansive new realm as your old character and set out on an all new adventure to determine the fate of kingdoms starved for peace.

• PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Sony Online Entertainment

Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders. Join the mischievous Blooregard Kzoo and create chaos in a game based on Cartoon Network’s Emmy Award-winning animated series of the same name. Overactive imaginations are running wild again, and it’s up to you and your action-adventure skills to finally put a stop to the madness.

• Nintendo DS- November 12, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Midway Games

Ghost in the Sheet. We’ve seen a lot of games about ghosts and the afterlife, but we’ve never seen the spooky ones depicted this way. You’ll embark on a comedy adventure where sanity is a hard commodity and hilarity is everywhere.

• PC- November 16, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Tri Synergy

Hot Wheels: Beat That. The aggressive racing title that’s been tearing the Nintendo DS up is now on the PC. A dozen tracks will host a plethora of hot cars where the only rule is that there are no rules. Cut corners, find secret routes, and rig cars to gain the competitive edge in any race.

• PC- November 16, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Activision

Imagine Fashion Designer. This new Ubisoft release invites players to start small and grow big in the Manhattan fashion world where creativity and style mean everything. You’ll get all the tools of the trade which you can use to put your imagination running wild. Gain a headstart and show the world the beauty you can create.

• PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. When an outlawed mercenary and a medicated psycho are forced to team up to take on a mission impossible for even the most battle-hardened warriors in the world, nothing is left certain except for one thing: all-out brutality which doesn’t relent until the ending credits come up. This third-person shooter compels players to think of clever ways to use the talents of Kane and Lynch to accomplish tasks which would be impossible for just one man.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, PC– November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3), US$ 49.99 (PC)
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Eidos Interactive

Left Behind: Eternal Forces Expansion Pack. Hot off the heels of the original PC strategy comes this explosive expansion set that brings in new units, story elements, missions and more. A reinvented and gripping experience is guaranteed.

• PC- November 15, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Left Behind Games

Medal of Honor Heroes 2. Step into your combat shoes because you’re in 1944 and you’re an OSS operative by the name of John Berg. You’ll be in the frontlines of the Normandy Invasion, and establishing position is crucial. You can play either the single player campaign or join 32-player online skirmishes which will feed your World War II action needs on the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PSP.

• Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation Portable – November 13, 2007
• US$ 49.99 (Wii), US$ 39.99 (Sony PSP)
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Electronic Arts

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus. Big Boss is back as Kojima Productions has given this stand-alone expansion a lot of focus on online enhancements. More maps, units, missions and special appearances by series characters are in store. What’s more, this one fits your budget nicely, so go get it.

• Sony PlayStation Portable- November 13, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Konami

Monster Jam. Take your steel beasts to the road and race to see who’s the biggest, baddest thing on the tracks. There’s no room for finesse as everyone jostles for position in bumper-to-bumper style racing. Take it on the go with the Nintendo DS or enjoy it with the presentation prowess of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 at home.

• Nintendo DS, Microsoft Xbox 360- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99 (Nintendo DS), US$ 49.99 (US$ 49.99)
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Activision

Need for Speed ProStreet. The Need For Speed series takes a turn stylistically as its brand of racing goes from extreme to refined extreme. Master diverse driving styles, customize your rides and compete globally against the best street racers in popular highways.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3), PC (US$ 39.99), Nintendo DS (US$ 29.99)
• ESRB E (Everyone 10+)
• Electronic Arts

Next Life. Featuring what DreamCatcher calls “2.5D” graphics and third-person, point and click controls, this game will have players exploring the afterlife as Adam, a 23-year old technician who dies one night in an accident. The only question is – did you really die? Unlock ancient mysteries and find hope to get out of your spooky predicament.

• PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB RP (Rating Pending)
• DreamCatcher Interactive

Orcs & Elves. If you think id Software was only good with shooters and other mature-rated content, you should see its latest Nintendo DS project. This RPG has been carefully crafted from the ground up, providing more quests, items, monsters and locales than the original.

• Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• id Software

Petz: Catz. Enter the world of Catz where you can choose from 40 different breeds of furry felines. As the pet owner, you’ll take full responsibility in feeding, bathing and accessorizing your little loved one. This is one pet game where cute is always bound to get cuter.

• Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99 (Nintendo Wii), US$ 29.99 (Nintendo DS), US$ 19.99 (PC)
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Petz: Dogz 2. If you prefer dogs over cats, Ubisoft has an alternative for your virtual pet needs. Choose from a variety of cuddly canines and take it home to be your best friend. There’s a bright world to share and explore with your little fuzz ball of joy!

• Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99 (Nintendo Wii), US$ 29.99 (Nintendo DS), US$ 19.99 (PC)
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Petz: Hamsterz 2. Tired of dogs and cats? How about hamsters then? These rodents are actually nice little critters who make adorable pets. They do a lot more than run, eat and sleep. They also do all sorts of cute stuff which will get you hooked as soon as you choose one from a variety of breeds.

• Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99 (Nintendo Wii), US$ 29.99 (Nintendo DS), US$ 19.99 (PC)
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Petz: Horsez 2. If you want something a little bigger than a dog, cat or hamster, how about horses then? Take a pony choosing the one that suits your taste from a myriad of breeds. Taking care of it can be tough at first, but you’ll be rewarded with loyalty, obedience and beauty if you do a good job.

• Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99 (Nintendo Wii), US$ 29.99 (Nintendo DS), US$ 19.99 (PC)
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Set in the realm of Etheria in the Warlords Universe, this new card game/ROG hybrid challenges players to use their wits to defeat the evil Lord Bane. Level up in over 150 quests and bring peace to a world besieged by chaos.

• Nintendo Wii- November 13, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• D3 Games

Rayman Raving Rabbids 2. Those crazy, crazy Rabbids are back, and this time they’ve set their sights on planet Earth. Establishing their base of illogical evil in a shopping mall, the Rabbids begin training for their upcoming campaign. Along the way, they also decided to mimic human behavior, which of course, ends up as a more comical Rabbids episode than an actual tactical edge. It’s up to you to rid the world of the insanity.

• Nintendo Wii- November 15, 2007, Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 49.99 (Nintendo Wii), Nintendo DS (US$ 29.99)
• ESRB (Everyone)
• Ubisoft

Reaxxion. If you’re in the hunt for a genre-busting experience this week, look no further than this release from Mumbo Jumbo. Absorb balls into the liquid metal puddle or transform objects into golden brick-busting dynamos in the Reaxxion chamber. It’s an experience like nothing else out there.

• PC- November 13, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Mumbo Jumbo

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. The Nintendo Wii will get a Resident Evil experience unlike anything we’ve seen so far. With a combination of shooting and action elements, players will be led by the hand through Resident Evils Zero, #@%!56#@%!, #@%!5
6#@%! and #@%!5

6#@%! in a completely different perspective with a climax in new locales like the Umbrella Corporation stronghold. Witness the fall of the company from hell never detailed in any series member before.

• Nintendo Wii- November 13, 2007
• US$ 49.99
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Capcom

SimCity Societies. Past city-building simulations have only let you build the infrastructure of your metropolis. Now, you’ll delve far deeper than that as you make key decisions which will directly influence the actual behavior of the citizens. The choices and policies you employ will determine the culture, norms, social conditions and government type of your city. Rule wisely.

• PC- November 15, 2007
• US$ 49.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Electronic Arts

Smart Kid’s Gameclub. Parents looking for a game to educate their pre-shooters with will probably want to check this one out. Fun mental activities will get your child primed for education and help boost his or her response to learning activities.

• Nintendo DS- November 16, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Tommo

Soldier of Fortune: Payback. When an escort mission ends up in disaster, mercenaries are called in to help make the job easier. You’ll play as hired gun Thomas Mason as you track down an enemy that knows no borders, no states and no honor in doing its dirty work.

• Microsoft Xbox 360, PC– November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Microsoft Xbox 360), US$ 39.99
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Activision

Sonic Rivals 2. Sonic and his rivals are back and this time, they’re joined by three new characters and a dozen new stages in this racing-platforming hybrid. New jostling mechanics and multiplayer matches should enhance what the original started off.

• Sony PlayStation Portable- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Sega of America

SpongeBob’s Atlantis Squarepants. After finding an ancient magical amulet that transports them to of Atlantis, Spongebob, Patrick and the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang uncover a plot by the maniacal Plankton to raid the city of its treasures. Players will travel with Spongebob to this fabled locale in a quest to do good and to find the world’s oldest bubble as well.

• Nintendo Wii- November 12, 2007
• US$ 49.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• THQ

Spy Games: Elevator Mission. The classic Elevator Mission returns with 3D graphics and cool controls on the Nintendo Wii. Battle other spies and accomplish objectives in this high-intensity interaction of a blast from the past.

• Nintendo Wii- November 16, 2007
• US$ 17.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Tommo

Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake. Run and frantically pogo-stick your way through Strawberry land and guide our favorite baker on her quest for ingredients. If you succeed, we’ll see the biggest cake ever made.

• Nintendo DS- November 13, 2007
• US$ 19.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Jack of All Games

Super Mario Galaxy. Just when you thought you’ve seen it all in Mario’s world, Princess Peach is abducted by space beings, forcing Mario to give chase. You’ll be visiting planets across the galaxy, performing jumps and other moves like never before. The Wiimote’s full features are supported, so be ready to use the pointer, press buttons, and swing your way to the finish.

• Nintendo Wii- November 12, 2007
• US$ 49.99
• ESRB E (Everyone)
• Nintendo of America

Tomb Raider: Anniversary. The Nintendo Wii gets its version of the latest member in this popular franchise which celebrates Lara Croft’s big 10 years in the industry. Revisit the first adventure that made Lara the icon that she is today, fighting with guns and solving puzzles to uncover ancient relics.

• Nintendo Wii- November 13, 2007
• US$ 39.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• Eidos Interactive

Ultimate Mortal Kombat. The classic 16-bit fighter is back with all its over the top brutality that has made the franchise a legend in the industry. Incorporating old fighting game mechanics with “Puzzle Kombat” gameplay from the last game generation’s iterations. The Nintendo DS is about to get a bloodbath.

• Nintendo DS- November 12, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB M (Mature)
• Midway

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008. Your favorite WWE Superstars are back, and everyone’s itching for a fight. All the elements of carnage are there, along with entertaining story mode scenarios. In addition to updated rosters, Superstar Fighting Styles have been introduced to give the action a deeper strategy-based methodology. Struggle Submissions have also been added to make “gripping” moments that much more realistic.

• Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii – November 13, 2007
• US$ 59.99 (Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360), US$ 49.99 (Nintendo Wii), US$ 39.99 (Sony PSP)
• ESRB T (Teen)
• THQ

Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command. The popular RTS franchise goes portable with its latest iteration landing on the Sony PlayStation Portable. Battle it out as the Space Marines and the Legions of Chaos in an epic clash that will decide the fate of planet Rhur III. Multiplayer modes are available, allowing you to battle other players locally or via Wi-Fi.

• Sony PlayStation Portable – November 12, 2007
• US$ 29.99
• ESRB T (Teen)
• THQ

*Article originally posted Nov 12, 2007 at 07:22AM

Buy: [Super Mario Galaxy]
Buy: [Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem]
Buy: [Assasin’s Creed (PS3, Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Beowulf – The Game (Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, PSP)]
Buy: [Blacksite: Area 51 (PC, Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Cabela’s Big Game Hunter]
Buy: [Contra 4]
Buy: [Crysis]
Buy: [EverQuest: Secrets of Faydwer]
Buy: [Hot Wheels: Beat That]
Buy: [Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)]
Buy: [Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (PSP, Wii)]
Buy: [Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus]
Buy: [Monster Jam]
Buy: Need for Speed: ProStreet (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)]
Buy: [Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords]
Buy: [Rayman Raving Rabbids 2]
Buy: [Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles]
Buy: [SimCity Societies]
Buy: [Soldier of Fortune: Payback]
Buy: [Sonic Rivals 2]
Buy: [Tomb Raider: Anniversary]
Buy: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (PS3), Xbox 360, Wii, PSP)]
Buy: [Warhammer 40k: Squad Command]