nother week, another wave of new console releases on store shelves. I'm not sure if this list will feature the same diversity or the sheer number of titles you saw last time around, but there's definitely a winner or two to be found in the bunch. Whether it's the next installment of a musical tour de force or online multiplayer for your Nintendo Wii, we've got you covered. Let the window shopping commence.
Hot on the heels of this spring's eighties-themed expansion, Guitar Hero III released on Sunday for just about every console. Although it's appearing for the first time on PS3 and Wii, every platform is receiving a redesigned guitar peripheral. For those who've already blown a few hundred bucks on previous releases and a set of axes, game-only editions are available for the PS2 and Xbox 360.
Battalion Wars 2 was released for the Wii this week, giving action/arcade/RTS buffs a sequel to the only action/arcade/RTS game I've ever heard of. The first title in the series was actually quite fun, but its frenetic pace towards the end proved a bit too challenging for the Game Cube's controller. Here's hoping Wiimote controls and online multiplayer have what it takes to push this sequel to the top of its very small genre.
The Wii receives what I believe to be its third fishing simulation courtesy of Hooked! Real Motion Fishing. I know absolutely nothing about this game, except that it comes with a snap-on controller attachment and it involves catching fish. I'm still stuck on the fact that in less than a year, the Wii's received three fishing games.
The Simpsons Game arrives for multiple platforms this week. From what I've heard, just about every member of the family is playable, and each has there own unique set of powers to bring to the table. I'm still bummed that EA chickened out and cut the game's Grand Theft Auto parody, but you know how catty Take 2 can be.
Speaking of Take 2, they release a slightly neutered edition of Manhunt 2 in the US this week. Since Britain's review board had the wherewithal to stick by their original ruling, its citizens will be spared this gore fest and the media backlash which is sure to come.
Fighting fans have a reason to be happy. The incredibly solid Virtual Fighter 5 makes its way onto the Xbox 360. Remember how the game's designers said they didn't include online play on the PS3 due to issues with lag? Well online multiplayer's fully supported via Xbox Live. Go figure.
Hot on the tail of the Final Fantasy Tactics port, the PSP gets another strategy RPG in the form of Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness. Apparently the title is deceiving – with a potential one hundred plus hours of playtime, this one's going to take more than an afternoon to complete.
Well, that's the abridged list. I would have talked more about Barbie Island Princess or Ben 10: Protector of Earth, but I was afraid that if I did so Mattel might send me a complimentary 'I Hate Math' Ken. Feel free to comment on these releases and any I might have missed on our forums. In the meantime, happy shopping.
