On Shelves This Week: June 23 to June 29, 2008
Get those savings ready cos you’re about to be bombarded with truckloads of games for this week. It’s summer vacation, anyway, so we’re sure you won’t have to worry about taking a break for schoolwork. Topping the much-awaited list this week is The Phantom Fortress installment of the Naruto Ninja series. There’s also Alone in the Dark to give you the hibby-jibbies as well as a plethora of other simulation games and more. Fun’s spread the multiplatform way so get going and click on that full article for the full 411.
If you thought last week’s game releases were a lot, then you haven’t seen nothing yet. For this week of June 23 to June 29, am counting almost three dozen titles (31 to be exact) covering all platforms imaginable coming to town. Now that’s a lot of ground to cover so why don’t we start?
We’ve got truckloads of simulation games, particularly for the DS, but that does not in any way mean that the other platforms are missing in action. The truth can’t be farther from that, actually. We’ve got Hollywood lovable heroes landing this week, like Hellboy and Wall-E, and we’ve got anime superheroes that we’ve been pining for like Naruto: The Phantom Fortress, and of course, Final Fantasy Tactics A2.
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress – We know you’ve been patiently waiting for this game, silently watching out for any new updates that may come your way. Well you’ve proven to be a very good ninja, and so all that would be rewarded with its arrival. Finally, The Phantom Fortress is here, and you’ll have more than 20 characters at your disposal, as well as 100 different floors of adventure, with battles, quizzes, and mini-games.
- PSP – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 39.99
- Namco Bandai
Alone in the Dark – If you get a kick out of scaring yourself alone in the room (although I can’t imagine why you’d want to do that), then might as well go for this game. Alone in the Dark features a survival horror adventure that will immerse you in fully-interactive realtime worlds, built around a unique episodic game structure. And yes, you bet there’ll be zombie-ish creatures in here.
- Xbox 360, PC, Wii, and PS2 – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Mature
- US$ 59.99 (Xbox 360), US$ 49.99 (PC, Wii)
- Atari
American Girl: Kit Mystery Challenge – This game sure turned out to be mysterious as we barely found any description on it. However, with much perseverance, we found out that it’s actually about a girl, Kit Kittredge, and her sleuthing adventures in her own home when her family started taking boarders in. Think Nancy Drew, only you need not go past your own backyard. The mysteries she tries to solve are those of their new boarders. She’s a pretty nosy girl, if you ask me.
- DS – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$
- Valusoft
Baseball Mogul 2009 – This 11th edition of Baseball Mogul lets you take the rein as you take full control of your own baseball team. From negotiation trades to signing up free agents, strategy is key for you to be able to steer your team to success.
- PC
- Strategy First
Battlefield: Bad Company – FPS fans sure are gonna have a field day as they are sent to the sandbox warzone where they are to fight against a squad of renegade soldiers. Adding to the excitement is the destructible environments – well, not totally, but it’s close. It’s a single-player experience that you’d surely want to immerse yourself into.
- Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 59.99; Gold Edition: US$ 69.99
- Electronic Arts
Big Beach Sports – And just in time for summer vactaion, THQ brings you Big Beach Sports to enjoy the sky, the sand and the sea. With a capacity of up to four players, you’re sure to enjoy volleyball, soccer, American, football, bocce, disc golf and cricket with your friends. If you want to go solo, then there’s the single player tournament for you to go to, just in case you don’t feel like busting it out with others.
- Wii – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 29.99
- THQ
Cake Mania 2 – Jill’s back and she’s got more treats cookin’ up for you. Confectioneries lover, prepare for more than 200 different levels of baking and frosting that’ll sure to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours to the hilt. But of course it’s not gonna be a breeze as you have to contend with and satisfy demanding customers with new cake designs. If you’re good enough to make the cut, you’ll find yourself rewarded with trips to exotic places, such as an underwater theme park or outer space.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 19.99
- Majesco Entertainment
Cocoto Kart Racer – This arcade racing title sets the adventure for the recovery of the lost holy cauldron of Cocoto. With it gone, the imps are bound to lose their powers, and the only way for them to triumph is by beating opponents in a series of kart races. There’ll be 12 pilots for you to choose from, so we’re sure there’ll be one that’ll suit your preferences for each of the five different worlds you’ll go through.
- DS, Wii – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 19.99
- Conspiracy Entertainment
Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath – Xbox 360 owners are now granted access to the Tiberium Universe in this expansion. With an all new story covering 20 years of Tiberium Universe, it’s all in your hands with the epic single player campaign. Build bases and create customized armies to launch killer attacks on enemies worldwide. It’s bigger, and you bet it’s tougher.
- Xbox 360 – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 39.79
- Electronic Arts
Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm – After the release of its next-gen iterations finally come the PC version. It’s still all about the elements, and it’s still about surviving them and going home with the bounty.
- PC – June 26, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 39.99
- Greenwave
Elements – Do not be deceived by it’s simple swap-and-match gameplay. Elements, while enchanting, is certainly challenging as you make your way to the Elixir of Life. There’ll be clues to guide you around as well for you to perfect your skills as an Alchemist. There’s more than 50 levels of puzzle adventure, as well as 15 of nature’s greatest elements for you to make that just perfect concoction.
- PC – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 19.99
- Mumbo Jumbo
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 – The much-awaited latest installment in the Final Fantasy Tactics franchise is here at long last. Bringing you back in the land of Ivalice, accompany Luso as he sets to finish his punishment at the school library for his mischiefs the school year past. But little does he know that his little trip in the library will bring him to his greatest adventure yet.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 39.99
- Square Enix
Gears of War Refresh – 2-Disk Edition – Yes, it’s Gears of War, and it’s a Refresh Edition. You can expect the whole gang here, Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, doing what they do best: battling against the Locust Horde. Oh, and this time it’s got two disks.
- Xbox 360 – June 24, 2008
- US$ 39.99
- Epic Games
Gourmet Chef – If baking simulation Cake Mania 2 doesn’t really excite you as much as those Iron Chef dudes does, then maybe Gourmet Chef will tickle your taste buds just fine. And tickle your customers’ taste buds in your French restaurant is exactly what you have to do as you climb the kitchen chef ladder to earn the title of Master Chief Chef.
- DS – June 29, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 29.99
- Ubisoft
Hail to the Chimp – We know you all love party games, and that’s why we’re just about sure that you’ll love this cross-platformer offering from Gamecock as well. But it’s not all monkey business as Hail to the Champ (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) also does take a look at politics – comically, albeit. The race between Obama and McCain may be neck and neck for now, so why don’t you set your own pace in your own presidentail race in the kingdom of Animals?
- Xbox 360, PS3 – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 39.99
- Gamecock Media Group
Hellboy: Science of Evil – Our good-natured spawn of the devil is back, and he’s out for more action-adventure sure to freeze hell over. In this installment, Hellboy finds out about the Nazi’s plot for world domination and goes up against Hermann Von Klempt to save – what else – the world.
Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker X Ninja – The RPG genre sure is alive and kickin’ this week on the DS as we’ve got two Mega Man Star Force franchises gracing the beloved handheld. X Ninja brings you once again the RPG adventure that is characteristic of Mega Man.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 29.99
- Capcom
Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker X Saurian – The other franchise installment in the Mega Man Star Force series debuting this week on DS is X Saurian. Actually, you can choose between Zerker, Ninja or Saurian depending on which version you choose. Either way, you’re sure to have a blast.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 29.99
- Capcom
Midnight Play Pack – This here is another puzzle game from Ubisoft, but unlike any other. It’s a compilation of all those puzzle games you’ve grown to love, such as Midnight Pool 3D, Midnight Hold ‘Em Poker, Midnight Bowling, Block Breaker Deluxe and Platinum Solitaire. The tables are all yours tonight, and there’s even more for five more of your friends.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 19.99
- Ubisoft
Myth Makers: Trixie in Toyland – Trixie is in Toyland and she’s on to chase down Penumbra, the new tyrant of Toyland. This villain has stolen the Myth Maker Orbs and has thus upset the balance of this once happy land. It is now up to Trixie to look behind every nook and cranny in Toyland and find the Orb, and so defeat Penumbra.
- Wii – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 19.99
- Conspiracy
My Weight Loss Coach – Admit it. There has been at least once in your life that you felt pressured to lose weight. And with all the skinny models going about town, it’s not surprising that more and more people are going to desperate measures to get that much-wanted ideal weight. But this time, why don’t you do it the safe way? My Weight Loss Coach does exactly that by helping you plot out a healthy means of losing weight, and more importantly sticking by it.
- DS – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 39.99
- Ubisoft
Operation Darkness – Set in World War II, you are commander of a British Special Forces squad tasked to take out the Nazis and of course, Hitler. But if you think that’s all you have to do, you’re in for a surprise. See, it’s not just the tyrant and his peons that are out to get you but zombies, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings as well. Where the heck did they come from? We have no idea. What we do know is you better be on your heels on this one to survive.
- Xbox 360 – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Mature
- US$ 59.99
- Atlus
Overlord: Raising Hell – A second chance in life is so much sweeter, as we can only imagine. But if you awake to the choice of assuming the role of Overlord –evil or really evil – then maybe it’s not all bed of roses after all. But on the plus side, you’ll have your very own set of Minions to do your bidding. Really, and you don’t even have to bully them to get your way.
- PS3 – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 59.99
- Codemasters
Roogoo – The Roogoo race is in need of a savior, and what do you know, you’re just perfect for the role. See, you have to align disks correctly in order for the shaped blocks to reach the ground safely and thus be rewarded. Ultimately, this will save the planet Roo. But don’t expect this ride to be a gentle cruise as obstacles and enemies will emerge to make sure you don’t have it all too easy.
- PC – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 19.99
- Southpeak
Samurai Warriors 2 – New generals, new gameplay systems, and new updated areas are what’s in store for you in Koei’s second installment for the Third-Person Samurai Warriors franchise.
- PC – June 27, 2008
- KOEI
SimCity Societies: Destinations – The ever-expanding Sims franchise never fails, and this time you have not just cities but whole societies to build, my dear. There’s no need to worry cause you’ll have every tool imaginable at your disposal, so really, all you’ll have to bring to the table is your imagination.
- PC – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Electronic Arts
Supreme Commander – It is your chance to finally put an end to the Infinite War between the United Earth Federation, the Cybran Nation and the Aeon Illuminate once and for all. Get introduced to the revolutionary Strategic Zoom control for a more accessible and immediate viewing of your armies as you wage battle after battle, all for ultimate peace.
- Xbox 360 – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 59.99
- Aspyr Media
The Sims City Box – We’ve got another Sims game for you this week, apart from SimCity, so we’re sure you’ll have your fill building and creating your own cities and societies. This time, however, you’ll get to play Mayor once again, and your biggest goal is to populate your cities with citizens. We’re sure you’re up to the challenge by now.
- PC – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 39.99
- Electronic Arts
The Sims City 2: IKEA Home Stuff – And the Sims invasion is not yet over! But this is the last, for this week, at least. This time, though, you’ll get your shopping hat on in full groove mode as you hit IKEA for new hip furnitures and decor to jazz up your space.
- PC – June 23, 2008
Top Spin 3 – More tennis court action zooms your way in Top Spin 3. And this latest version guarantees a more dynamic weather (cos we all know it can definitely make or break a game). Oh, and awesome online play. Did we say online play? Awesome.
- DS, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii – June 23, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 59.99; Wii: US$ 49.99; DS: US$ 27.99
- 2K Games
Wall-E – The beloved clean-up robot has landed across multiplatforms, and he’s not just settling for Earth. With EVE as his companion/love interest, follow Wall-E as he traverses the universe for more adventure, and of course, more clean-up duties.
- Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS, PC, PS2 – June 24, 2008
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 49.99; PC: US$ 19.99; PSP – US$ 29.99
- THQ
Buy: [Alone in the Dark (Xbox 360), (Wii), (PC), (PS2)]
Buy: [American Girl: Kit Mystery Challenge (DS)]
Buy: [Battlefield: Bad Company (Xbox 360), (PS3)]
Buy: [Big Beach Sports (Wii)]
Buy: [Cake Mania 2 (DS)]
Buy: [Cocoto Kart Racer (Wii)]
Buy: [Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm (PC)]
Buy: [Elements (PC)]
Buy: [Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)]
Buy: [Gourmet Chef (DS)]
Buy: [Hail to the Chimp (Xbox 360), (PS3)]
Buy: [Hellboy: Science of Evil (Xbox 360), (PS3), (PSP)]
Buy: [Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker X Ninja (DS)]
Buy: [Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker X Saurian (DS)]
Buy: [Midnight Play Pack (DS)]
Buy: [Myth Makers: Trixie in Toyland (Wii)]
Buy: [My Weight Loss Coach (DS)]
Buy: [Operation Darkness (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Overlord: Raising Hell (PS3)]
Buy: [Roogoo (PC)]
Buy: [The Sims City Box (PC)]
Buy: [Top Spin 3 (Xbox 360), (PS3), (Wii), (DS)]
Buy: [Wall-E (Xbox 360), (PS3), (Wii), (PSP), (DS), (PC), (PS2)]
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