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Retail Roundup: Jan. 9, 2008 on Game and Player
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Retail Roundup: Jan. 9, 2008

Ed Kirchgessner  //  January 9, 2008


Great game titles are to snow as this week is to the January thaw.

A
nyone who's been playing games for a while can tell you — history has a bad habit of repeating itself, and we're now entering a dark time for gaming in 2008. This week's releases don't really seem ready to buck that trend. I'll go ahead and apologize in advance for my snarkiness.

Perhaps the good folks at Korean game developer Blueside have gotten all the pieces to fall into place this time around. Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom releases for the Xbox 360, continuing the series' legacy of strategic action. Though few can find fault with the game's design and art direction, problems with play mechanics have thus far been a downfall for the franchise. Still, it's definitely too early to write this one off.

Have you ever dreamed of racing a hoverboard as one of your favorite characters from the Sonic games? Apparently someone has, because Sega has decided to revisit the concept with Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. Wii controls may add something new to the experience. Though perhaps too simple for more mature racers, Sonic Riders may prove perfect for younger audiences.

I've been reading about NFL Tour for months now, and I'm afraid I still don't get it. Is this a game or an advertisement for EA Sports traveling roadshow? Judging by the title's $40 asking price, I have a hunch it's a little bit of both.

What could be more fun than playing a collectible card game? Why, playing a collectible card game simulation, of course. Although Magic: The Gathering came first, no one can deny that Yu-Gi-Oh! has a firm grip on the prepubescent male demographic. Konami releases Yu-Gi-Oh! The Beginning of Destiny on the PS2 this week, and third grade boys scream with glee.

Harvey Birdman was definitely one of the crowning jewels for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim during its heyday. Capcom has decided to cash in on that success (a year after the series' demise) with Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law for Wii, PSP and PS2. In a surprise move, development was handled externally by High Voltage Software (developers of the last Leisure Suit Larry). Something tells me this game won't be the spiritual successor to Phoenix Wright.

For PS2 gamers coveting last year's smorgasborg of FPS games on the next-gen platforms, there's World Championship Paintball. By replacing explosions and bullets with paint and face masks, the folks at THQ have succeeded in making a tactical shooter that's safe for junior's eyes. It may be rated "E," but I truly doubt this game is for everyone.

No need for tears yet, boys and girls. Flipping forward a few weeks in the calendar, it looks as though all hope is not lost for gaming this January. Stay tuned.



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