On Shelves This Week: October 22 to October 28
If last week’s lineup of game releases couldn’t keep your engine hot, you’ll need a full tank to even survive this time as Namco Bandai‘s Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for the Microsoft Xbox 360 spearheads this week’s barrage of fuel-powered titles. Sony PlayStation 3 exclusive Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction is also coming in with guns ablazing, while cross-platform Clive Barker’s Jericho is screaming into the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.
The classic turn-based strategy game by Square Enix that squeezed mechs and disarming political plot twists together, Front Mission, is back on the Nintendo DS to take the handheld scene, but Capcom‘s Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations won’t fall back without any objections.
Those wishing to follow the bloodline of Belmont might also want to pick up Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles on the PSP. To mix things up a bit, there is Sony’s Eye of Judgement for those who want to try the PlayStation Eye out.
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation. Namco Bandai’s long-running series of intense dogfighting glorified by superb storytelling and driven by an inspiring narrative makes its next-gen debut. Dance with the angels in highly detailed aircrafts while independent battles break lose from all over the place thanks to the “Dynamic Operation System.”
- Microsoft Xbox 360 – October 23
- US$ 59.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Project Aces and Namco Bandai
Clive Barker’s Jericho. Squad-based action meets survival horror in a world created by the famous horror/fantasy author Clive Barker. Just like Barker’s last video game project, Jericho is coming to throw in a few scares as the Special Forces unit attempt to destroy the evil haunting the city of Al-Khali.
- Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, PC – October 23
- US$ 59.99 (Xbox 360, PS3), US$ 49.99 (PC)
- ESRB M (Mature)
- Mercury Steam and Codemasters
*Article originally posted Oct 22, 2007 at 01:01AM
Buy: [Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]
Buy: [Clive Barker’s Jericho (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)]
If last week’s lineup of game releases couldn’t keep your engine hot, you’ll need a full tank to even survive this time as Namco Bandai‘s Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for the Microsoft Xbox 360 spearheads this week’s barrage of fuel-powered titles. Sony PlayStation 3 exclusive Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction is also coming in with guns ablazing, while cross-platform Clive Barker’s Jericho is screaming into the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.
The classic turn-based strategy game by Square Enix that squeezed mechs and disarming political plot twists together, Front Mission, is back on the Nintendo DS to take the handheld scene, but Capcom‘s Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations won’t fall back without any objections.
Those wishing to follow the bloodline of Belmont might also want to pick up Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles on the PSP. To mix things up a bit, there is Sony’s Eye of Judgement for those who want to try the PlayStation Eye out.
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation. Namco Bandai’s long-running series of intense dogfighting glorified by superb storytelling and driven by an inspiring narrative makes its next-gen debut. Dance with the angels in highly detailed aircrafts while independent battles break lose from all over the place thanks to the “Dynamic Operation System.”
- Microsoft Xbox 360 – October 23
- US$ 59.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Project Aces and Namco Bandai
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties. Get the chance to play as Japan, China, or India and wage war with new ways to win. This expansion promises new gameplay elements, campaigns, and more to expand your Age of Empires III experience.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Big Huge Games and Microsoft
Assault Heroes. Take up arms to uncover the secrets of the underground lab in this top-down shooter. Grab a friend and go co-op as you face hordes of enemies with the help of vehicles both on ground and water.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 19.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Wanako Games and Sierra Online
Battlestar Galactica. Immerse yourself in the world of the popular sci-fi TV show where the Cylons are determined to exterminate the human race. Go through single-player missions to defend Galactica or play as the alien invaders online.
- PC – October 23, Xbox 360 – October 24
- US$ 19.99 (PC), US$ 10.00 (Xbox 360)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Auran and Sierra
Cake Mania 2. With a story that takes place in rooftop bakeries and underwater theme parks, six possible endings, 204 fun levels of cake-baking, 18 new customers, and an Endless Baking mode, you’ll be the master of action-packed baking by the time you’re finished with Cake Mania 2.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 19.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Sandlot Games and Elephant Entertainment/Oberon Media
Campus. Go back to school and re-experience the joys of being a student. Socialize with NPCs, make friends, visit other countries to expand your educational background, play mini-games and more to become the ultimate Campus dude or dudette worthy of a Nobel Prize.
- PC – October 25
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Numlock Software and Topware Interactive
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles. Richter Belmont is at it again to whip some vampire butt in the remake of a classic Castlevania title that never reached western shores. The Dracula X Chronicles packed the 3D version of Rondo of Blood with the original and added Symphony of the Night in one UMD.
- Sony PSP – October 23
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Konami
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning. Child prodigy and chess genius Josh Waitzkin, who earned the International Master title, appears on yet another entry to the Chessmaster series as it finally arrives on the Nintendo DS. Players can access tutorials based on Waitzkin’s book, The Art of Learning.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Ubisoft
Clive Barker’s Jericho. Squad-based action meets survival horror in a world created by the famous horror/fantasy author Clive Barker. Just like Barker’s last video game project, Jericho is coming to throw in a few scares as the Special Forces unit attempt to destroy the evil haunting the city of Al-Khali.
- Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, PC – October 23
- US$ 59.99 (Xbox 360, PS3), US$ 49.99 (PC)
- ESRB M (Mature)
- Mercury Steam and Codemasters
Conan. The epitome of manliness created by Robert E. Howard goes next-gen to lay waste to everything across 24 missions. With big muscles, over 20 weapons to wield, and hundreds of moves that can be unlocked from different movement trees, we have little doubt Conan won’t be chopping heads and limbs off like some god of war.
Culpa Innata. Developer Momentum DMT takes a shot at fortune-telling by putting players in the shoes of Peace Officer Phoenix Wallis, whose job is to find the roots of a murder in 2047 when globalization has taken place. Culpa Innata is a non-linear adventure that lets you explore a “perfect” future world where only elites survive, there’s no such thing as disease or crime, and sex is cooler than video games.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- Momentum DMT and Strategy First
Dancing with the Stars. Dance with your favorite stars just like in the popular TV show. Using the unique controls of the Nintendo Wii, imitate actual dance moves as you jive to the beat. Stars Emmitt Smith and Stacy Keibler and other former “Dancing with the Stars” contestants are present in the game.
- Nintendo Wii – October 23
- US$ 49.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Activision
Deal or No Deal: Secret Vault Games. Another TV show-based video game makes its way to this week’s list, as Howie Mandel lets us into the Secret Vault to unleash over 20 new games from the show for the first time in the series.
- PC – October 22
- US$ 19.99
- Global Star
EA Playground. Unless you spent your childhood inside the closet, EA Playground is offering every game you used to play with other kids. Dodgeball, tetherball, dart shootout, slot cars, spitball, dodgeball, skateboarding – they’re all there, made fun with the controls of the Nintendo platforms.
- Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 49.99 (Wii), US$ 29.99 (DS)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- EA Canada and Electronic Arts
Ed, Edd, and Eddy: Scam of the Century. The wacky trio from Cartoon Network is up for another round of their crazy antics, this time on the Nintendo DS. “Who to Scam and When” is missing, and it’s up to you to take the book back from Kevin and his army of kids.
- Nintendo DS – October 34
- US$ 29.99
- D3 Publisher
Escape From Paradise City. You’re a former gangster, now the National Security Agency’s man, and you have to take any target down to protect humanity. Rise up the ranks in this RTS/RPG hybrid to gain influence and find the cause of the government’s headache, then go crazy with over 50 skills to unleash in a skill-based combat system.
- PC – October 24
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB M (Mature)
- Sirius Games and CDV Software
Flight Simulator X: Acceleration. Microsoft is expressing love to fans of the popular flight sim by delivering the first true expansion that adds multiplayer air racing and other features to the game. New missions and aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang have been included as well.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- ACES Studio and Microsoft
Front Mission. It is unfortunate that Front Mission 5, the latest in the series, has yet to reach the west. While fans cross their fingers for any announcements, the port of the original Front Mission (originally for the Super Nintendo) to the DS should be more than enough to pass time. With a revised storyline, 10 extra missions, slightly improved visuals, and most importantly new mechs, any follower of the OCU/UCS conflict can’t miss this.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Square Enix
Hannah Montana: Music Jam. There’s no need to dish out too much dough just to play all the band instruments in Hannah Montana: Music Jam. With the use of the DS touch screen, you’ll get your hands on the lead, bass and rhythm guitars, along with drums.
- Nintendo DS – October 26
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Gorilla Games and Disney Interactive Studios
Imagine: Animal Doctor. Ubisoft combines all the elements of pet care by turning players into veterinarians who care for animals and design a hospital for them at the same time.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Ubisoft
Imagine: Babyz. Along the line of Imagine games aimed at girls 6-14 years old by Ubisoft comes Babyz, which is supposed to prepare players for the challenges of raising a baby. Online features allow sharing of photos and tips.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Ubisoft
Imagine: Fashion Designer. Put your creative talents to the test in another title from Ubisoft’s Imagine line for girls. Fashion Designer allows players to experience the life of a fashion expert from the ground up. Both PC and DS versions offer various game modes, from designing clothes to directing photo shoots.
- Nintendo DS, PC – October 23
- US$ 29.99 (DS), US$ 19.99 (PC)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Virtual Toys and Ubisoft
Interactive Storybook Series 3. If you’re a young child who loves stories, Interactive Storybook Series 3 can be your perfect pal. Parents can also use this game during bedtime storytelling sessions, since not only does it read stories aloud, but also offers mini-games to keep the kids entertained.
- Nintendo DS – October 26
- US$ 19.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Educational Adventure and UFO Interactive.
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights. After a short delay, this solid racer is finally arriving on the PlayStation 3. Whether you’re into loud engine sounds or screams of babes cheering you on, this one by THQ is worth a try.
- Sony PS3 – October 22
- US$ 59.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Juice Games and THQ
M&M’s Kart Racing. They may melt in your mouth, but M&M’s can withstand trading paint. These candies will be going at it in 10 different race tracks and 12 unique race environments, as your favorite M&M’s character takes one of seven customizable vehicles to race in street, dirt, ice and sand venues.
- Nintendo Wii – October 25
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Frontline Studios and Destination Software Inc. (DSI)
Mega Man ZX Advent. In celebration of Mega Man’s 20th anniversary comes Mega Man ZX Advent for the DS, which should suffice as the super fighting robot’s birthday gift. Fans of the franchise can expect more of the same fast-paced sidescrolling action in ZX Advent, as they gain control of Grey and Ash to defeat Pseudoroids and end the war between man and machine.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Capcom
Namco Museum Remix. The classic arcade games that left you scrambling for change just for another run are back, some in full 3D, in this compilation for the Nintendo Wii. Five classics have been remade and remixed, namely Pac’n Rol Remix, Galaga Remix, Pac-Motos Raly -X Remix, and Gator Panic Remix. Original versions of Galaxian, Dig Dug, Mappy, Xevious, Gaplus, Super Pac-Man, Pac and Pal, Pac-Mania and Cutie Q are also in the disc.
- Nintendo Wii – October 23
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Namco
Napoleon Dynamite. Crave Entertainment is bringing Napoleon Dynamite to handhelds with 20 mini-games for the DS and 30 for the PSP. Hunt wolverines, bake cakes, interact with familiar characters, and even play multiplayer games online.
- Sony PSP, Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 19.99 (PSP), US$ 29.99 (DS)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- 7 Studios and Crave Entertainment
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution. The next installment in Clash of Ninja appears on the Wii to deliver a unique Naruto experience utilizing motion sensing controls. The naughty young ninja and his crew promises fast-paced action in the rare anime tie-in game that isn’t made in Japan.
- Nintendo Wii – October 23
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- 8ing and D3 Publisher/Tomy Corporation
Naruto: Path of the Ninja. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Shikamaru, Neji and Rock Lee embark on a new journey as they explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and encounter baddies along the way. Players will have to be mindful about formations of the characters, with over 90 different jutsu to use in combat. The Stylus coupled with button inputs allow the inner ninja in you to execute jutsu or combine them in unique ways.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Tose Software and Tomy Corporation
Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots. Your favorite Nicktoons characters join forces in a battle against evil toys led by Professor Calamitous. SpongeBob, Danny Phantom, and Jimmy Neutron, are just among the few who’ll star in this 2D platformer.
- Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99 (DS), US$ 49.99 (Wii)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- THQ
Painkiller: Overdose. What used to be a simple mod turned out to be a full-blown expansion creative minds of Painkiller fans. Overdose is coming with ample dosage of new goodies, like six new weapons, 16 new levels, and 40 new monsters from hell.
- PC – October 23
- US$ 39.99
- ESRB M (Mature)
- Mindware and JoWood/DreamCatcher Interactive
Panzer Killer. When all things look grim after the Allied Forces were surprised by superior German tanks, it’s up to you to take down everything in the German arsenal including Tigers and Panthers. You’ve got access to Shermans, Pershing, half-tracks and jeeps to go through 50 action-packed ground missions.
- PC – October 23
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Digital Fusion and Strategy First
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations. Phoenix Wright returns for another series of cases that will make you scream “Objection!” a wee bit too often. New characters will be added in the already vast roster, most notably Godot who’ll make the ace attorney’s life in the court room much more difficult.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Capcom
Power Rangers: Super Legends. All 16 Power Rangers we’ve grown to love are morphing in to fight evil in celebration of the series’ 15th anniversary. The 2D action game puts focus on stylish special moves, unique vehicles, and dramatic finishing blows that will make your heart skip a beat.
- Nintendo DS – October 26
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Disney Interactive Studios
Ratatouille. PlayStation 3 owners are finally getting a hold of the sneaky young rat who just wants to become a great French chef. Remy the rat’s adventure will be littered with 20 challenging missions and mini-games across six ation-packed worlds.
- Sony PS3 – October 23
- US$ 49.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Heavy Iron Studios and THQ
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. As the sixth installment in the Ratchet & Clank series, Tools of Destruction offers fans a whole new adventure in a sci-fi world of robots and aliens. Step into the Lobax boots of Ratchet (and steely cogs of Clank) as you help them escape the evil clutches of Emperor Percival Tachyon. Along the way, you can purchase, modify, and level up a whole set of weapons.
- Sony PS3 – October 23
- US$ 59.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Insomniac Games and Sony Computer Entertainment
Rhythm ‘n Notes. Agetec is expanding its library of casual games with Rhythm ‘n Notes. Players will be striking piano chords and beating the drums using the Stylus in this rhythm game for all ages. As Agetec says, “no matter what your musical background or tastes, Rhythm ‘n Notes is for you!”
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 19.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Agetec
Solitaire Overload. The developers were not joking when they made a title for this game, because Solitaire Overload is packed with 101 unique versions of the classic card game. Another cool thing about Solitaire Overload is the Game Copy Feature, which allows DS users to download a game from another.
- Nintendo DS – October 24
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Cosmigo and Telegames
Spanish for Everyone. Coming from Activision is a very convenient DS game for those who want to learn Spanish on the go. Spanish for Everyone has plenty of word games for learners of all levels. Learn the basics of reading and hearing Spanish through fun gameplay, before testing your skills out.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Activision
SpongeBob Atlantis SquarePantis. Fans of the cartoon show can play as SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, or Plankton to explore Atlantis and find treasure such as “World’s Oldest Bubble.” Beating the game unlocks bonus features for extended SpongeBob fun.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- THQ
Super Collapse 3. Super Collapse 3 on the DS stays true to its other versions, and even adds new features to attract all puzzle fans. Unlimited play, three new game modes, mini-games unique to the handheld, 140 brand new puzzles and more are waiting.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 19.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Mac Play and Mumbo Jumbo
Eye of Judgement. After much anticipation, Sony Computer Entertainment is finally unleashing Eye of Judgment that promises a next-gen trading card experience. The PlayStation Eye brings life to actual cards players will get upon buying the game and through separately sold booster packs. Online play is possible, and cheating by tampering with your deck while in play won’t be easy.
- Sony PS3 – October 23
- US$ 69.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Sony Computer Entertainment
The Sims 2: Castaway. Castaway leaves no place for luxury, making it impossible to live the high life this time around. Your Sims are stranded on an island far from civilization, and you have to make sure they survive the forces of nature. You’ll be working with plants, fruits, wildlife and more in a mission to lead the poor Sims back to safety.
- Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS – October 22
- US$ 49.99 (Wii), US$ 39.99 (PSP), US$ 29.99 (DS)
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Maxis and Electronic Arts
Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Lara Croft is going next-gen with the revamped Tomb Raider: Legend engine, and she’s hitting the shelves. Eidos previously said the game will be available through download, but our favorite gun-toting babe will indeed be available from your favorite retailer. Those who still want to get the game online will need a copy of Legend.
- Microsoft Xbox 360 – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Interactive
Warriors of the Lost Empire. Play as a High Lander, Amazoness, Gladiator, or Dark Searcher in this action RPG for the PSP. More than 150 weapons are at your disposal, as you learn class-specific skills and attack combos to dispatch enemies across 10 different dungeons.
- Sony PSP – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB T (Teen)
- Goshow and UFO Interactive
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure. Capcom is pulling out all the stops to bring an epic puzzle-filled adventure to the Nintendo Wii. Zack is determined to find the treasure hidden in Barbaros’ island, even if it means going through exotic locations and battling over 35 enemy types aside from the menacing bosses. Thankfully, the unique use of the Wii Remote and interactive environments make the quest fun.
- Nintendo Wii – October 23
- US$ 39.95
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Capcom
Zoo Hospital. As an intern in Aunt Lucy’s world-famous zoo, you’ll be busy treating 40 different patients from bird, mammal and reptile families. Tutorials are there to help out, but observation, problem solving and motor control skills can only be learned while working with animals that need medical attention. Fortunately, you have more than a scalpel and scissors to aid the critters.
- Nintendo DS – October 23
- US$ 29.99
- ESRB E (Everyone)
- Torus Games and Majesco Games
*Article originally posted Oct 22, 2007 at 01:01AM
Buy: [Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]
Buy: [Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties]
Buy: [Assault Heroes]
Buy: [Battlestar Galactica]
Buy: [Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles]
Buy: [Clive Barker’s Jericho (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)]
Buy: [Conan (Xbox 360, PS3)]
Buy: [Dancing with the Stars]
Buy: [EA Playground (Wii, DS)]
Buy: [Flight Simulator X: Acceleration]
Buy: [Front Mission]
Buy: [Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights]
Buy: [Mega Man ZX Advent]
Buy: [Namco Museum Remix]
Buy: [Napoleon Dynamite (PSP, DS)]
Buy: [Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution]
Buy: [Naruto: Path of the Ninja]
Buy: [Painkiller: Overdose]
Buy: [Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations]
Buy: [Ratatouille]
Buy: [Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]
Buy: [Rhythm ‘n Notes]
Buy: [The Eye of Judgment]
Buy: [The Sims 2: Castaway (Wii, PSP, DS)]
Buy: [Tomb Raider: Anniversary]
Buy: [Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure]
Buy: [Zoo Hospital]
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