On Shelves This Week: May 3 to May 9, 2009
While this week’s crop of new games doesn’t really scream “Triple-A”, it is noteworthy for having Patapon 2, the vanguard/forward scout for Sony‘s foray into digital distribution for the PlayStation Portable. Other picks this week include the release of the Wii version of Namco’s PlayStation original, Klonoa. PC gamers also get a one-two-three punch from Crytek and EA with the compilation, CrysisCrysis: Maximum Edition. Read on for the rest of this week’s video game releases.
While this week’s crop of new games doesn’t really scream “Triple-A”, it is significant for having Patapon 2, the vanguard/forward scout for Sony‘s foray into digital distribution for the PlayStation Portable. Now, what’s a download-only title doing in this On Shelves feature? Well, gamers can still pick it up at retail outlets, but all the retail box has inside it is a download voucher.
Other picks this week include the release of the Wii version of Namco’s PlayStation original, Klonoa. PC gamers also get a one-two-three punch from Crytek and EA with the compilation, CrysisCrysis: Maximum Edition. Read on for the rest of this week’s video game releases.
Patapon 2 – After heading out to sea in search of IT, the Patapons end up shipwrecked on an island dominated by the hostile Karmen tribe. Players must once again pound out the beats and lead the Patapons to victory over the Karmen. Sony is releasing this game in download-only form in the US, although it can still be bought at retail. Well, the download voucher, at least.
Crysis: Maximum Edition – This compilation packs Crysis into one convenient package with the parallel story Crysis Warhead and the multiplayer-focused suite Crysis Wars. Sweet deal for those who have yet to try out the Crysis games. Just make sure your computer can run the darn thing without keeling over and dying.
- PC – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Mature
- US$ 36.99
- Crytek, Electronic Arts
Fantasy Aquarium World – If you actually read these things you may have noticed that this game was also on last week’s On Shelves. Seems like it got delayed though. Anyway. I have a fantasy aquarium world too, only it’s full of robot piranha guards, elite killer shark innkeepers, honorable Battletoad vigilantes, and that dolphin from Johnny Mnemonic as mayor. What’s your fantasy aquarium world like?
- Wii – May 4, 2009
- ESRB Rating Pending
- US$ 19.99
- Bold Games
New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat – This is the Wii version of the GameCube game Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Instead of the DK Bongos used in the GameCube version, players will use the Wiimote and Nunchuk for controls. Oh hey, fun fact: Universal actually sued Nintendo back in ’82 because they claimed Donkey Kong was infringing on their King Kong trademark. Nintendo proceeded to whip Universal’s ass in court, then they gave their lawyer the exclusive worldwide rights to use the Donkey Kong name for sailboats. Hah!
- Wii – May 4, 2009
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 27.99
- Nintendo
Jagged Alliance – Jagged Alliance DS introduction of the Jagged Alliance franchise on the Nintendo DS. You are called to the island of Metavira by scientists Jack Richards and his daughter Brenda, who tell you that the precious Fallow tree is under the control of the evil and traitorous Santino. With most of the island already in his grasp, you must hand-pick a commando force of renegade mercenaries and take back the island by force.
- DS – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 29.99
- Atari
Klonoa – Help Klonoa save Phantomile, a land formed by the dreams of its inhabitants, and recently besieged by an unknown evil. KlonoaÂ’s breathtaking journey takes him through a series of increasingly difficult stages across multiple kingdoms as he strives to save his friends and homeland.
- Wii – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 28.99
- Namco
Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust – The original Larry is now a movie mogul, but he’s got a problem. The studio across the road has put a mole in his studio. Larry Lovage, Larry’s nephew and mail room guy, must solve the mystery and expose the mole’s identity. No nudity, but expect tons of profanity. If words could be measure in terms of weight, of course.
- PS3 – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Mature
- US$ 29.79
- Codemasters
Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times – In this magic adventure, time flows as it does in the real world and each week your wizard skills are put to the test in a new magical adventure. You can also exchange secret letters and spread rumors about other students, but I have no idea how being a gossip would turn you into the greatest magician of all time. Oh wait, blackmail and character assassination! Now I get it.
- DS – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 27.99
- Konami
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian – This is the game tie-in to the Ben Stiller movie of the same name. The plot’s based on the film, where museum guard-turned entrepreneur Larry Daly discovers that his favorite exhibits, and some of his best friends, from New York’s Natural History Museum are being shipped off to the archives at the Smithsonian.
- Xbox 360, Wii, DS – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Xbox 360 – US$ 39.99, Wii – US$ 39.99, DS – US$ 29.99
- Majesco
Puzzle Kingdoms – Puzzle Kingdoms brings players engaging, classic turn-based gameplay with a captivating fantasy storyline. Fast and unique puzzle mechanics make building troops, managing armies, fortifying castles, and lauching assaults addictive in any campaign. Customizable kingdoms and innovative play combine to create one of the greatest games in the puzzle RPG genre.
- DS – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 19.99
- Zoo Games
Sherlock Holmes Chronicles – Chronicles is a compilation of three games in the Sherlock Holmes series: Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, Sherlock Holmes: Secret of the Silver Earring, and The Mystery of the Mummy. In this adventure game seris, you play the famous detective in Victorian London and use your impressive array of skills to interact with and find hundreds of clues to unravel mysteries and get the chance to say, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” Man, Sherlock Holmes is a bit of a condescending jerk, isn’t he?
- PC – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Teen
- US$ 19.99
- Dreamcatcher
The Destiny of Zorro – The time is the early 1800s. The place, Spanish California. You are the infamous Zorro, the swashbuckling defender of the oppressed who in reality is the wealthy Don Diego de la Vega. Think Batman, only without the cowl and Batmobile. Oh, and Zorro has a sword, which, since this is a Wii game, can be controlled by waving the Wiimote around and doing Z-shaped slashes in the air.
- Wii – May 5, 2009
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- US$ 39.99
- 505 Games
Imagine: Music Fest – This is another entry in Ubisoft’s Imagine series of DS games. The Amazon page didn’t even have a description for this one, but the blurb on the box say you can “Create A Band, Run The Concert!”. I guess Ubisoft thought that some kids would rather be managing a band than actually playing in one. Which could actually be pretty sweet deal to some. Look at J-pop boyband god Johnny Kitagawa.
- DS – May 6, 2009
- ESRB Everyone
- US$ 29.99
- Ubisoft
V-Jump scans: Blue Dragon Plus and Chrono Trigger DS
Nanostray 2 Announced
