<![CDATA[Kotaku: Games of the Week]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Games of the Week]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/games of the week http://kotaku.com/tag/games of the week <![CDATA[ Games Of The Week: Zelda's Finally On The Gamecube Edition ]]>

With the exception of a few titles, almost everything this week is is something that's already out on other systems. Not really much in the way of new stuff besides Elebits, although I'm hot to try out Super Swing Golf.

Super Swing Golf (Wii)
Watch Kasumi and her boobs play golf!

Elebits
Wreck everything in pursuit of cute little blobby things!

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (PC)
Rainbow Six action now for the PC!

Metal Slug Anthology (PSP)
The full collection of the arcade classic title lands on the PSP.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy (DS)
The popular manga and anime series gets it's first DS game.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GC)
Zelda fans who couldn't get a Wii, rejoice!

Star Trek: Legacy (Xbox 360)
Experience the entire history of Star Trek all in one game!

The Shield (PS2)
Michael Chiklis in polygons!

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (PS3)
More World War II simulation from Aspyr.

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Kotaku-220720 Sun, 10 Dec 2006 18:00:44 MST fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=220720&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Out of the Ghetto Edition ]]>

Well, kids, I'm out of the next-gen ghetto. I got my HDTV running, my PS3 hooked up, my 6.1 surround sound system installed and I'm ready to SPEND SPEND SPEND! Let's see what's new and notable this week, so I can fill up my house with more games.

Kirby Squeak Squad (DS)
Kirby returns to traditional platforming, but now with stylus bonus control.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP)
The proper stealth Metal Gear game players demanded.

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)
All new, dual player Castlevania adventure — now with less horrid cover art!

Star Wars: Lethal Alliance (PSP)
Third person action adventure featuring those lovely Twi'Leks. Mmmm. Headtails.

Star Trek Legacy (PC)
Real time Starfleet combat spanning every generation.

Fight Night Round 3 (PS3)
Improved port of the gorgeous EA boxer.

Full Auto 2 Battlelines (PS3)
Sega jumps ship with this PS3 exclusive combat racer sequel.

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 (PSP)
Dudes get sweaty and half-naked, then punch eachother. You know the drill.

Wait, I finally get a proper console set up and the only thing I want to buy are portable titles? Why am I made to suffer? What are you more fortunate kids getting this week?

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Kotaku-219192 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:40:58 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=219192&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Black Friday Hangover Edition ]]> NOICEUm, guys? What happened? This week's releases, for lack of a better term, kinda suck. You publishers realize that people are shopping for Christmas and Hannukah presents right now, right? Enough bitching. Here's what's new this week.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent (Wii)
Inflitrate terrorist network, kill stealthily, etc. but with Wii controls.

The Sims 2 Pets (PSP)
Classic Sims gameplay but with pets! And Hilary Duff! And her pet dog, Lola!

Mercury Meltdown Remix (PS2)
The PSP liquid metal puzzler sequel gets a PS2 port.

Online Chess Kingdoms (PSP)
Play chess. Online. Actually, kind of cool, as you can join factions and control territory in a persistent world.

Rayman Raving Rabbids (GBA)
The GBA cash in of the fourth Rayman title. Hold tight for the Wii version.

Catz, Hamsterz Life, Horsez (DS)
Theze pet zim gamez have teh cool zpelling.

Anyone buying in this week? It helps that next week is huge, because the last weekend of November is a licensed wasteland.

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Kotaku-217438 Mon, 27 Nov 2006 16:00:54 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=217438&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Monday Edition ]]>

With some big next-gen releases over the past few days, not to mention the Burger King trio, expect the rest of the week to be light on shipments. Here's what's new and notable this week.

Superman Returns (DS, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Film to game adaptation from the Madden house.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)
Take out terrorists in Sin City!

Capcom Classics Vol. 2 (PS2, Xbox)
Arcade favorites, including Super Street Fighter II, Strider, Magic Sword and more.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine (PC)
The Oblivion expansion pack adds a new faction and gives PC players horse armor!

Tony Hawk's Project 8 (PSP)
More Tony and his tricky buddies on the go.

I'll be picking up the Capcom Classics Collection for my cheap ass retro gaming fix. You guys have any cash leftover this week? If so, what are you getting?

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Kotaku-216190 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:40:10 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=216190&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Brace Yourselves Edition ]]>

Wow. Talk about huge. Not only are Gears and Guitar Hero II being unleashed, but the first PlayStation 3 software will be arriving at stores, well over a week before the console itself launches. (Also, keep in mind that some stores already have GH II, EEE and Lumines II early.) Get ready to stress test your credit cards for this week's new and notable releases.

Gears of War (Xbox 360)
Sci-fi shootin! Guns with chainsaws! Nuff said.

Call of Duty 3 (PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
More intense WWII FPS action.

Guitar Hero II (PS2)
Bigger than Jesus, better than sex.

Tony Hawk's Project 8 (PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Tony's back and looking very pretty.

Viva Pinata (Xbox 360)
You can't blow up aliens, but you can collect cute paper horses.

Final Fantasy V Advance (GBA)
Square's classic RPG gets an overhaul.

Elite Beat Agents (DS)
The best DS game ever gets Americanized. Buy or die.

Lumines II (PSP)
More block arranging fun, but seemingly more of the same.

Every Extend Extra (PSP)
The PC freeware port may already be available at a store near you.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance (PS3)
The other PlayStation 3 game shipping early.


Good God. I hope my bonus check shows up in the mail soon (along with my consoles), cause I'm getting Guitar Hero II, EEE, and Elite Beat Agents. What's that you say? No Gears of War, Mr. McWhertor? Nope. I still don't have a 360! Have pity!

So what are you picking up this week?

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Kotaku-212574 Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:49:25 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=212574&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: 3-Word Edition ]]>

Games of the Week is pressed for time! And there are a LOT of big releases. Let's see if we can get game descriptions down to three words or less! New, notable, now!

Final Fantasy XII (PS2)
Shirtless RPG epic.

Need for Speed Carbon (GC, PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Night driving drifting.

Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City (DS, GBA, PSP)
The portable version!

Neverwinter Nights 2 (PC)
D&D mega-hit sequel.

Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories (PSP)
More GTA PSP!

F.E.A.R. (Xbox 360)
Scary, sparky FPS.

Children of Mana (DS)
Square-Enix RPG sequel.

Powerstone Collection (PSP)
Frantic 3D fighters!

Killzone: Liberation (PSP)
3rd person shooter.

Lawnmower Racing Mania 2007 (Xbox)
Maniacal lawnmower racing.

That was harder than I thought! I'm going to consider the Powerstone Collection and Final Fantasy XII, but I'm backed up. You lords and ladies picking up anything this week? Three word responses are encouraged.

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Kotaku-210875 Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:27:15 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=210875&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Mogic Cap Edition ]]>

The holiday flood is right around the corner. Can you feel the game release HEAT?

Phantasy Star Universe (PC, PS2, Xbox 360)
Online and offline RPG, with bazillions of hours of fun.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent (GC, PS2, Xbox)
Sam infiltrates a terrorist organization in his fourth stealthy adventure.

Reservoir Dogs (PC, Xbox)
It's like the Quentin Tarantino movie, but... well, with more suck.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance (GBA, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360)
X-Men Legends-style gameplay with Spidey, Capt. America, and more Marvel mainstays.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (PC)
The Source-powered first person RPG hits Steam this week.

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point (PC)
The horror FPS get's its first expansion. New weapons, new enemies, more sparks.

WTF (PSP)
Sony's mini-game collection screams Wario Ware rip-off that SCEA didn't wanna publish.

Resident Evil 10th Anniversary Edition (GC)
RE:make, RE0, and RE4 in one cheapass(TM) package.

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (PSP)
Remember when I said this was coming out last week? Oops!

Since tomorrow is my birthday, I'm hoping that publishers will just send me each and every release on this list. What are you lords and ladies picking up this week?

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Kotaku-209324 Sun, 22 Oct 2006 19:19:39 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=209324&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Justice Edition ]]>

Hopefully ALL of the releases this week are sanctioned by the courts to be shipped to your favorite retailer. Here's what's new and notable.

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (PSP)
Namco brings arcade-ish flight combat to the PSP for the first time.

Battlefield 2142 (PC)
EA's shark jumping team based shooter sees you battling for land after the next ice age.

Bully (PS2)
The high school action adventure from Rockstar rots brains and ruins lives starting Tuesday.

Contact (DS)
Grasshopper, of Killer 7 fame, gets cutesy RPG on us.

Destroy All Humans! 2 (PS2, Xbox)
More alien probing fun set in the '60s.

Family Guy (PS2, PSP, Xbox)
How can you go wrong with talking babies and wisecracking dogs? *cough*

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (PC)
Jets, bi-planes, hang gliding, airports, Games for Windows! Hurray!

Nintendogs: Dalmatian and Friends (DS)
The puppy sim quadruple dips for this limited edition featuring new breeds.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent (Xbox 360)
Sam infiltrates a terrorist organization in his fourth stealthy adventure.

I'm toying with the idea of snagging Bully and Contact, reviews pending. What are you guys and gals getting?

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Kotaku-207703 Sun, 15 Oct 2006 17:59:46 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=207703&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: God Hand Edition ]]>

Good news. God Hand ships this week and apparently Scarface is... pretty good? Who knew? Here's what's new and notable for the week.

Scarface: The World Is Yours (PC, PS2, Xbox)
Brian de Palma's gangster film gets the video game treatment. Popular with the MTV Cribs crowd.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 (PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox)
Tiger gets another fat paycheck, we get updated players and courses.

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (PS2)
Every single Kombatant (all 60 of 'em) battle it out in this last-gen MK send off.

Tales of the Abyss (PS2)
The long running Namco RPG series takes a spin on the PlayStation 2.

God Hand (PS2)
It's a Clover game and you can punch people in the face!

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner (PS2)
The Atlus demonic RPG series takes it back to the 1920's.

Gun: Showdown
(PSP)
Handheld version of the Xbox and PS2 game from Neversoft.

Clubhouse Games (DS)
40-plus card and board games for the DS with WiFi Connection play.

I've got my copy of God Hand pre-ordered. What are you kids picking up this week?

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Kotaku-206063 Sun, 08 Oct 2006 20:51:40 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=206063&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: FIFA FIFA FIFA ]]>

It's a good week for the PSP and a good week for soccer fans. Here's everything that's new and notable for the first week of October.

FIFA 07 (DS, GBA, GC, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox)
New soccer roster fun comes to every platform but the 360 (for now).

Gangs of London (PSP)
This portable Getaway spinoff features mission based action.

Desperate Housewives: The Game (PC)
A "lifestyle simulation PC game" that hopefully features lots of Eva Longoria.

Star Trek: Encounters (PS2)
Bethesda takes on Star Trek in this multi-generation space combat shoot 'em up and...

Star Trek: Tactical Assault (PSP)
...this real time strategic combat title set during The Original Series.

NRA Gun Club (PS2)
Finally! A shooting game. Take out targets like clay pigeons and fruit.

Mercury Meltdown (PSP)
The sequel to Mercury gets cel shady.

I'm still working my way through Okami, plus I'm behind on my DS releases, so nothing for me this week. You?

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Kotaku-204455 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 18:55:45 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=204455&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week! ]]> LSWII:TOTWow, we've got a lot of releases this week. Big ones, too. I'm going to try to keep descriptions to five words or less to get this thing done right quick! Here's what's new and notable this week.

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (DS, GBA, GC, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox 360, Xbox)
Luke! Leia! Legos! Kid friendly.

Company of Heroes
(PC)
WWII RTS from Warhammer team.

NHL 07 (PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360) and NHL 2K7 (Xbox, Xbox 360)
This year's hockey roster update.

Mega Man ZX (DS)
2D side-scrolling double-screen fun.

Mario Hoops 3 on 3
(DS)
Square's Mario b-ball tap fest.

Rule of Rose (PS2)
Creepy Sony horror girly adventure.

Harvest Moon DS (DS)
Farming, role-playing... um.... chickens?

Cooking Mama (DS)
Wacky recipe game from Taito.

Since I have a 14 hour flight this Friday, I'm going to pick up some new DS games. Maybe Cooking Mama and Mega Man ZX. How about you? Let us know in the comments!

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Kotaku-199609 Sun, 10 Sep 2006 19:19:15 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=199609&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Yakuza!!! ]]> LIKE A DRAGONNow that I've got some free time on my hands, I'll be able to put on my comfy PJ's, pour myself a tall glass of red wine, and beat the life out of some Japanese gangster thugs. That's in Yakuza of course. My choice for purchase of the week. Here's what's shipping this Tuesday.

Yakuza (PS2)
Sega's brawler adventure puts you in control of yakuza tough Kiryu Kazuma. Lotsa punching, lotsa swearing.

LocoRoco (PSP)
You are a yellow blob in the happiest game ever! I just wanna pinch its blobby cheeks!

Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run (PS2, Xbox)
It's like the last Spy Hunter but with The Rock. Whatever happened to that movie anyway, Rock?

Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)
Pretty looking driving game that takes you all over Hawaii.

Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Vol. 1 (Xbox 360)
Play those great Live Arcade games (like Geometry Wars) without an internet connection.

You kids snapping up anything this week?

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Kotaku-198345 Sun, 03 Sep 2006 21:10:11 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=198345&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: It Begins!!! ]]> SAINTS ROWThis is it, kids. The crush of fourth quarter releases is on it's way. This week sees some big name titles and tons of other stuff that just didn't make the list (I mean you, 50 Cent Bulletproof for PSP!). Anyway, here's what's new and notable for the last week of August.

Star Fox Command (DS)
Nintendo gives Fox McCloud and company another go round, this time with a return to 3D space combat.

Enchanted Arms (Xbox 360)
From Software hits us with some sci-fi RPG goodness.

Saints Row (Xbox 360)
Surely THQ is tired of hearing their free-roaming gangster game called a GTA clone, so I'll refrain.

Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins (PSP)
Capcom's old-school 2D platformer (with 3D graphics) isn't for noobs.

Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories (PS2)
A few more dozen hours of big-headed strategy RPG fun from Nippon Ichi.

Def Jam: Fight for NY: The Takeover (PSP)
EA's hip hop fighting franchise makes its bow on PSP.

I'm holding my wallet hostage until next week, when both Okami and Yakuza hit for the PS2. What are y'all pickin' up this week?

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Kotaku-196911 Sun, 27 Aug 2006 22:26:48 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=196911&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Where'd That Truck Come From? Edition ]]> BOOMMadden's out! Expect your local EBgames employees to be triply cranky this Tuesday, when the jock set picks up their copies and hands out victory wedgies to unsuspecting employees.

Madden NFL 07 (EVERYTHING. Seriously.)
EA's football workhorse hits this "Maddenoliday" with new features like an improved running game, new franchise mode additions and a new Hall of Fame mode. And roster updates!!

Pac-Man World Rally (GC, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox)
Licensed kart racing from Namco, featuring tons of Pac-Man canon plus guest appearances from Dig Dug and the Prince of the Cosmos.

Tenchu: Dark Secret (DS)
Activision brings another edition of the ninja stealth franchise to the Nintendo DS. It hurts to look at!

Bad Day L.A. (PC)
American McGee's disaster adventure game pits a homeless protaganist against zombies, natural disasters and more, all wrapped up in a unique visual style courtesy of kozyndan. (Psst, this might actually ship next week.)

Guys, the last football game I played was NFL 2K1. That oughta tell you what I won't be picking up this week. I'll be playing Dotstream and Coloris. And you?

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Kotaku-195413 Sun, 20 Aug 2006 19:13:58 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=195413&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Fanboy Letdown Edition ]]> nnn_boxart.jpgSet your expectations low, for here are this week's new and notable releases.

Ninety-Nine Nights (Xbox 360)
The Microsoft backed story-driven hack 'n' slash from Q and Phantagram is less than the sum of its parts.

Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (PS2)
Square-Enix milks the Final Fantasy VII cash cow in this third person shooter. Better than the Japanese version, but that ain't sayin' much.

Deep Labyrinth (DS)
Atlus brings the action-RPG stateside, hack 'n' slash and touchscreen spell-casting in tact.

Super Monkey Ball Adventure (PSP)
The PSP port of the lackluster Monkey Ball platformer hits stores like so much flung monkey feces.

DarkStar One (PC)
Apparently its "an open-ended action/adventure title set in a huge universe populated by a variety of unique alien races". News to me!

I'm finally going to crack into my Bit Generations games and my budget copy of Drill Dozer. After the miserable NNN reviews, I think I'll be waiting for the $10 version. You kids picking up anything this week?

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Kotaku-193867 Sun, 13 Aug 2006 18:11:22 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=193867&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Dead Rising!!! ]]> DEAD RISING!!!Look, Microsoft, you have exactly one day to send me an Xbox 360. It will have to be overnighted and a tracking number must be provided. Otherwise, I'll be forced, yes, forced, to actually buy my own console in order to play Dead Rising no later than Tuesday night. Your move, Microsoft!

Was that desperate enough? Here's what's new and notable for the week.

Dead Rising (Xbox 360)
YES! Dead Rising! You're photographer Frank West, trapped in a mall surrounded and infested by the living dead. Free-roaming gameplay, great graphics, and picture takin'!

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation (GBA)
The long-running Japanese strategy RPG series comes stateside. Famous for its licensed mecha from dozens of series, this version uses original characters, but features lots of giant robots fighting nonetheless.

Pac-Man (Xbox 360)
Xbox Live Arcade gets its weekly update with this classic dot muncher from Namco. Doesn't get much more straightforward than this.

D1 Grand Prix (PS2)
Wrestling specialists Yukes takes a stab at drift racing. Also features creepy polygonal pit girls for extra fun!

I'm still waiting for my Bit Generations titles to ship, and will finally crack open my copy of Killer 7. Other than that, it's Dead Rising for me. You kids picking up anything this week?

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Kotaku-192374 Sun, 06 Aug 2006 19:43:16 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=192374&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Tumbleweed Edition ]]> Wow. This week has the most pathetic release list I've ever seen. I'm going to try to pretend to be excited about Super Monkey Ball Adventure to try to stay on the positive tip. Here's what's new and notable, minus the usual licensed crap, for the last week of July.

Super Monkey Ball Adventure (GC, PS2, PSP)
Sega ditches traditional Monkey Ball level clearing and thumb dexterity for platforming adventuring courtesy of developer Traveller's Tales.

Dungeon Siege II: Broken World (PC)
The next expansion pack for the hack-and-slash action RPG concludes the Dungeon Siege story. For now! Dun dun dunnnnnn!

FlatOut 2 (PC, PS2, Xbox)
The destructive racing game gets a sequel. Yawn. Any FlatOut fans out there?

I anxiously await my imported copies of the Bit Generations series for GBA and will continue to play Lumines and Half-Life 2 Episode I. You kids picking up anything this week? Let us know in the comments.

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Kotaku-190803 Sun, 30 Jul 2006 21:54:04 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=190803&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Can't Find Exit Edition ]]> tekken_dr_psp.jpgHey! Tekken is coming out for the PSP. That's as exciting as it's going to get. Here's what's new and notable for the week of July 23, minus the usual licensed crap.

Tekken: Dark Resurrection (PSP)
The portable port of Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection is reviewing quite well, thank you. New characters, same proven Tekken gameplay. The fighting game PSP owners have been waiting for.

Painkiller: Hell Wars (Xbox)
The Xbox gets a bit of life support with this Xbox version of the hellacious FPS. Hot Havok based physics, too.

Civilization IV: Warlords (PC)
I'm not a Civ player, so let's let the marketing types take over: "New civilizations, leaders, units, and wonders that will offer even more fun and exciting ways for players to expand their civilization's military power as they strive for world domination."

CivCity: Rome (PC)
Cut from the official site: "An innovative city builder inspired by the world of Sid Meier's Civilization, and created by a collaboration between Firefly Studios and Firaxis Games, invites players to shift focus from building a multi-city empire and zoom-in on the great cities of the Roman Empire, culminating in Rome itself!"

Alright kids, I'm gonna see if I can hunt down a cheap copy of Exit and work my way through Half-Life 2 Episode I. What are you picking up this week?

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Kotaku-189275 Sun, 23 Jul 2006 22:08:47 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=189275&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Hot 'n' Sweaty Edition ]]> VPLIf you love the acronyms NCAA, PSP and RPG, this is the week for you! Here's what's new and notable—and Dragon Ball-y!—for the week of July 16.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth (PSP)
The original PlayStation RPG gets the PSP port treatment, leading up to the PS2 sequel.

NCAA Football 07 (PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360)
EA has wisely decided to update its college football franchise with a 07!

Miami Vice (PSP)
The game adaptation of the movie of the same name, not a port of the console release from 2004.

Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light (PSP)
NIS America hits us with another RPG, this one with 4-player co-op.

Super Dragonball Z (PS2)
From "the creators of Street Fighter II" comes yet another DBZ fighter. Expect bad hair, awful character design and excessive fanboy devotion!

I might pick up Valkyrie Profile, as I've been looking to snag a solid PSP RPG for some time. Will my import purchases of bit Generations GBA games win the war of the wallet? What are you kids getting this week?

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Kotaku-187665 Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:42:51 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=187665&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Prey Edition ]]> PREYAnother slim week, as most folks would rather be outside enjoying the sunshine and their copies of Brain Age. I'm a sudoku addict! Still, Xbox 360 owners get a double dose of action this week. Minus the usual PC shovelware, here's what's new and notable this week.

Prey (PC, Xbox 360)
The highly anticipated first-person shooter from 3D Realms finally hits this week. Walk on walls, wipe out aliens... hell, download the Xbox 360 or PC demo and try it out for yourself.

Chromehounds (Xbox 360)
Sega and From Software's mech action combat game with a strong multiplayer focus and understated visuals finally comes stateside.

Ultimate Board Game Collection (PS2)
Tons of boardgames are available in this cheapware collection with 3D versions of checkers, reversi, chess, backgammon, mahjong solitaire and more.

So what's up? Let us know what you'll be picking up this week—new sneakers, groceries, dental floss, whatever!—in the comments. And make it funny!

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Kotaku-186060 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:41:35 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=186060&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: The Lower Depths ]]> LOTR BME IIApparently publishers don't want to ship software in the middle of summer, especially on an American holiday synonymous with being outside, because this week's releases run from pathetic to "huh?". There is one big game hitting this week, see if you can figure out which one it is!

The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II (Xbox 360)
EA brings us the real time strategy sequel to the previous movie licensed title. Now with new playable races and new online modes.

Kitty Luv (PC)
Feed, groom, and care for your kitties, then pit them against eachother in a brutal fight to the death. Just kidding about that last part.

Ruff Trigger: The Vanocore Conspiracy (PS2)
You're an anthropomorphic furry on a mission to save cute lil' piggies! Yay!

Glory of the Roman Empire (PC)
Two things: A game that focuses first and foremost on FUN! Superbly accessible game with an elegant, highly intuitive "flower" interface! Wow!

Sorry, kids. I just can't bring myself to waste your time with all the other shovelware. Let's all just enjoy our holidays with our copies of Gradius Collection, mkay?

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Kotaku-184844 Sun, 02 Jul 2006 20:24:25 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=184844&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Stressed Out Edition ]]> jack_sparrow.jpgIf anyone gets Sudoku Gridmaster this week, they get a tut-tut and a disapproving look from me. Here's what's new and notable for the week of June 25.

Sudoku Gridmaster (DS)
It's sudoku! Stick to Brain Age, folks. Seriously.

Over G Fighters (Xbox 360)
Taito's kinda bland looking jet fighter comes stateside.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (DS, GBA, PSP) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow (PC, PS2)
Two publisher want to cash in on next week's theatrical release.

Titan Quest (PC)
Egpyt. Greece. Hack and slash. Action. RPG.

America's Army: Rise of a Soldier (PS2)
The free PC shooter that you paid for with your tax dollars hits consoles. Again!

Nothing for me this week. I just realized I have 3 games still in the shrinkwrap. Are you kids getting anything this week?

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Kotaku-183203 Sun, 25 Jun 2006 20:47:54 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=183203&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Fathers Day Edition ]]> CHINNY CHIN CHINMan, I love weeks with release lists of this caliber. My wallet issues a sigh of relief and I don't have to troll the EB Games Web site looking for new games. Mostly, it's just that I'm pleased that I get to post a Bill Cowher chin photo on Kotaku.

NFL Head Coach (PC, PS2, Xbox)
The football management sim gets some serious Cowher Power courtesy of EA and Bill's chin.

Tomb Raider: Legend (PSP)
The PSP port of the seventh Lara Croft adventure.

MotoGP 4 (PS2)
More motorcycle racing, but this time PS2 players get to take it online.

The Legend of Heroes 2: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch (PSP)
Bandai's 2D RPG series returns, with improved AI and (yay!) no random battles.

I always told myself I'd pick up Tomb Raider: Legend when the PSP port hit, but I'm having second thoughts. What's up, Kotaku? You snaggin' anything this week?

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Kotaku-181533 Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:57:30 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=181533&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Lite Edition ]]> After dropping $130 on a brand spankin' new DS Lite, who has any cash left over for games? I do! And I'll be picking up some re-hashed Street Fighter collections. Here's what's new and notable this week.

MotoGP 06 (Xbox 360)
THQ's motorcycle racer goes next-gen.

sfa_anthology.jpgStreet Fighter Alpha Anthology (PS2)
Collects all the Alpha games, plus Pocket Fighter!

Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP)
Kojima's non-game, interactive comic features art by Ashley Wood.

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War (PC)
More historic real time strategy from the Empire Earth team.

Urban Chaos: Riot Response (PS2, Xbox)
YOU are Nick Mason, elite anti-gang special agent in this action shooter.

Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Falzar and Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Gregar (GBA)
The SIXTH Mega Man Battle Network (and fourth double-title cash in) gives hardcore fans more RPG action.

You ladies and gents gettin' any of this crap? I'm still looking for a copy of Gradius Collection.

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Kotaku-179870 Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:34:34 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=179870&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Rushed Edition ]]> Gah! No time to blog or crack jokes, let's just get to what's new and notable this week.

big_brain_academy.jpgBig Brain Academy (DS)
More brain exercising! 15 activities to stimulate your noodle in areas like logic, memory, math and analysis.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PS2)
Revisit Liberty City with this former PSP-only GTA that gets the budget PS2 port treatment.

Magnetica (DS)
Formerly known as Puzz Loop, this 1998 puzzle title is brought to you by Mitchell, responsible for Polarium. MITCHELL!

The Movies: Stunts & Effects (PC)
The PC game gets an expansion pack that adds stunts and stuntman support, as well as a number of new props.

Scurge: Hive (GBA, DS)
Hey. Didn't this come out last week? Apparently not!

MLB SlugFest 2006 (Xbox, PS2)
Baseball! What say you, press release? "The most aggressive, arcade-style baseball game to-date takes MLB action to the extreme in a larger-than-life style!"

AMF Xtreme Bowling (Xbox, PS2)
It's bowling. But now it's XTREME!!! I can only assume that you approach the lane descending from a helicopter in a flaming suit.

Well, I'm poor, so I'm not getting anything. Hell, I still haven't snagged Half-Life 2: Episode 1! You ladies and gents picking up anything this week?

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Kotaku-178223 Sun, 04 Jun 2006 19:15:35 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=178223&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Pre-Loaded Edition ]]> Everybody has the Half-Life 2 expansion downloaded and ready to play this Thursday, right? Good. I don't want to hear any Steam complaints this weekend. Here's what's new and notable.

HL2E1Half-Life 2: Episode 1 (PC)
The adventures of Gordon Freeman and Alyx continue in this first expansion for the hugely popular Half-Life 2.

Hitman: Blood Money (PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Agent 47 returns to pop some caps in some fools in only the sneakiest of manner in his fourth outing.

Stacked with Daniel Negreanu (PC, PS2, Xbox)
Finally! Some poker! And its No Limit Hold'em style. The sim features real-life players, a career mode, and help from the pros.

Scurge: Hive (DS, GBA)
You're a bounty hunter in this 2D isometric, sci-fi, action portable. Looks hot, but we'll see how it turns out.

Race Driver 2006 (PSP)
According to the official site: With real performance cars, real damage, real physics and real driver AI Race Driver is the biggest and best. Biggest AND best. Believe it.

I'm waiting to see how Scurge: Hive turns out before I invest, but I'll definitely be diving back into the Half-Life universe again. What about you, ladies and gentlemen? Whatcha gettin'?

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Kotaku-176807 Sun, 28 May 2006 18:47:25 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=176807&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Kotaku Presents A List ]]>

When the week's most notable release is a ping pong game, you know things are a bit off. The week is actually chock full of strong titles, including HOMMV and Lemmings. I'll be waiting for reviews on both before making a decision. Here's what's new and notable.

Field Commander (PSP)
Sony Online Entertainment's 3D turn based strategy game features wireless play and 15 different army divisions.

Heroes of Might and Magic V (PC)
The game that set the standard for turn based strategy returns with new 3D visuals, new multiplayer gameplay modes, and "addictive" RPG elements.

Jaws Unleashed (PS2, Xbox)
Not a remake of the 1987 NES game, as this time you are the shark in this underwater adventure title from the Ecco the Dolphin team.

Lemmings (PSP)
The looooong running puzzle strategy game goes PSP with a level editor and Wi-Fi support.

Monster Hunter Freedom (PSP)
Based on Monster Hunter G for the PS2, this port lets up to four players go hunting wirelessly.

Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (Xbox 360)
The Xbox 360 exclusive gets a budget-like ping pong release from the GTA crew.

Steambot Chronicles (PS2)
The western-style, mech combat RPG from Irem formerly known as Bumpy Trot features open ended adventuring and a protagonist name Vanilla Beans! Adorable.

Considering that I'm still only halfway through New Super Mario Bros. and that free Xbox 360 still hasn't arrived from Microsoft, I'll be keeping my wallet closed this week. What are you picking up this week, dear reader?

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Kotaku-175235 Sun, 21 May 2006 16:16:40 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=175235&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: NEW Games of the Week ]]> Well, I picked up Gunstar Heroes: Treasure Box and Earth Defense Force 2 last week, so I'll keep my purchases to a minimum. Anyone who doesn't pick up New Super Mario Bros. gets a smack from me!

nsmb_cover.jpgNew Super Mario Bros. (DS)
The amazing 2D/3D platformer arrives! Old-school platforming, with new power-ups and a frantically fun two-player WiFi mode make for the best Mario game in years.

Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix (GC)
Not new, but back in stores this week after a long absence. It's DDR with a Mario makeover.

Fuel (Xbox)
The off-roadin', ATV racin', personal watercraftin' racer gets a budget release for the Xbox.

The Da Vinci Code (PS2, PC, Xbox)
Action adventure adaptation of the Ron Howard movie adaptation of the Dan Brown book. Maybe you've heard of it.

X-Men III: The Official Game (DS, GBA, GC, PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox)
It's official. You can play as Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Iceman while you fend off the forces of Magneto. Warning: licensed content ahead.

With the exception of New Super Mario Bros., what are you getting this week? I'm quite serious about the smack, people.

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Kotaku-173651 Sun, 14 May 2006 23:34:42 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=173651&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Cue Crickets ]]> MISSION FAILEDEither the first week of May is a retail death sentence or no publisher wants their games to be lost amid the impending E3 hype. Regardless, this week is D-E-A-D-dead as far as new releases go. Here is this week's emaciated line-up.

Ghost Recon: Advance War Fighter (PC)
The Tom Clancy branded tactical shooter gets the PC port treatment this week. Buy buy buy!!!

Gallop Racer 2006 (PS2)
There's only one thing you need to know about the Tecmo horse racing/raising sim: you can "feel the blory of winning the Dream Cup!" according to the official site. And get a free riding whip for pre-ordering! Blorious!

Dr. Sudoku (GBA)
It's sudoku. On the Game Boy Advance. Did I mention it's sudoku?

Top Gun (Nintendo DS)
The 1986 Tom Cruise movie gets the DS treatment in this follow up to the NES game I probably would hate if I had to play again.

Paradise (PC)
Hot point and click African adventure action from the creators of Syberia. The game features pointing AND clicking.

Well, I'll be picking up about 15 copies of Gallop Racer 2006, but that's it. Are you ladies and gentlemen picking up anything this week? Hello? Anyone?

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Kotaku-170566 Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:52:58 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=170566&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: FIFA Everywhere! ]]> Kind of a busy week, what with FIFA 2006 launching on a record thirty-six platforms this Tuesday. If you like arcade action, this week is for you.

FIFA World Cup 2006 (DS, GBA, GC, PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360, TI-80, VIC 20)
EA brings its licensed soccer game to every platform under the sun. Now with more focus on the World Cup!

Rampage: Total Destruction (GC, PS2)
The eighties arcade classic gets a budget release with new playable characters, collectible monsters, and ultra-destructive environments.

Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (PS2, PSP)
The former Xbox exclusive gets the upgrade treatment for super awesome Ferrari arcadey racing.

Winback 2: Project Poseidon (PS2, Xbox)
The follow-up to Winback: Covert Operations gives tactical action fans more hot tactical action.

Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (PS2)
Yup. It's a prequel to the long running Ace Combat series of arcade-style flight combat games. Graphically lovely and features blazin' F-15 Eagle shootin' action.

Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers (DS)
The 2D fighter gets the DS subtitle treatment, 4-player wireless battling and, in the Nintendo fashion, mini-games!

Lost Magic (DS)
The RPG/RTS hybrid with stylus spell casting comes stateside courtesy of Ubisoft.

I'm taking a break, but could easily be swayed to pick up Outrun for the PSP because I'm starting to realize my 80-hours logged on Advance Wars DS might be a sign of portable boredom. What are you ladies and gentlemen snagging this week with your hard earned cash?

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Kotaku-169030 Sun, 23 Apr 2006 18:49:59 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=169030&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Non-Games Edition ]]> brain_age_box.jpgA bit of a slow week as we nudge closer and closer to E3. Some solid releases, but no froth inducing stuff. Here are the highlights!

Brain Age (DS)
The non-game mega hit makes its way stateside for the low low price of $19.99. Who out there is gonna pay to do math on the go? Also, sudoku!!

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (PC, Xbox)
The adventure genre gets a kick in the pants with this sequel to 2000's The Longest Journey. Expect more action this time, so if you're limited to slow paced pointing and clicking, beware.

ffxi_online_aht_urhgan.jpgFinal Fantasy XI Online: The Treasures of Aht Urhgan (PS2, PC)
FFIX players get a new expansion. Blue Mages and Mamool Ja get! Anyone out there still playing this?

Final Fantasy XI Online (Xbox 360)
Xbox 360 owners get the full package — the original plus both expansion packs. Xbox Live MMO goodness!

WRC: FIA World Rally Championship (PSP)
The numbers: 30 cars, 36 drivers, 16 official rallies, 64 stages, 6 game modes, 8 player ad-hoc wi-fi. 1 hell of a racing game.

I'm gonna snag Brain Age, and given my father's recent Sudoku obsession, maybe a parental Nintendo DS. What are YOU getting this week?

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Kotaku-167546 Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:05:29 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=167546&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Lara and Odama ]]> You know you're near the end of a generation with a release list like this one. A handful of strong releases mixed in with ports and tons of licensed shovelware (Hummer: Badlands, IHRA Sportsman Edition, AMF Extreme Bowling 2006...).

tomb_raider_mini_boxshot.jpgTomb Raider: Legend (PC, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Now under the helm of Crystal Dynamics, Lara's seventh adventure promises a return to her roots.

Auto Assault Online (PC)
The car-battlin' post apocalyptic MMO from NCsoft will hopefully prove that you don't need elves and crap to compete in the online market.

odama_miniboxshot.jpgOdama (Gamecube)
Yoot Saito's voice-controlled military pinball hybrid (sigh, another one?) emerges from the barren wasteland known as "the Gamecube release list".

Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (Xbox 360)
The console version of the team-based shooter gets the Xbox 360 port treatment.

Major League Baseball 2K6 (PSP, Xbox 360)
2K Sports follows up the PS2 and Xbox versions of their MLB exclusive with PSP and 360 editions. What can I say? Roster updates are surely included.

King of Fighters Neowave (Xbox)
Budget release of the extremely long running series of SNK 2D fighters.

Condemned: Criminal Origins (PC)
Sega's first person horror adventure finally arrives on the PC. Yay!

I'm definitely getting Odama and will consider Condemned (If you're keeping up, no, Microsoft still hasn't sent my complimentary Xbox 360!). I'm also going to sit tight and wait for the Tomb Raider reviews to pour in. What about you? Getting anything?

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Kotaku-166040 Sun, 09 Apr 2006 21:43:31 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=166040&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Cue Tumbleweed ]]> Wow. What happened? There is so little coming out this week I was forced to put NBA Ballers on the list! It's probably a good thing, though as March was unseasonally dense with strong releases but I was feeling a little spoiled with my picking and choosing.

Tourist Trophy (PS2)
From Polyphony Digital, the team that brought you Gran Turismo, comes this motorcycle sim that looks pretty and plays hard.

Commandos Strike Force (PC, PS2, Xbox)
The strategy series goes skill-based FPS in this WWII title from Eidos.

From Russia With Love (PSP)
The PSP gets a port of EA's decent Bond game based on the 1963 film of the same name.

NBA Ballers: Phenom (PS2)
Company line: "A revolutionary sports video game that introduces an entirely new open world and interactive environment, featuring an exciting story mode and even more player customization opportunities than its predecessor."

I'm sure we're all just hanging tight this week until Cabbage Patch Kids: Patch Puppy Rescue hits for GBA.

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Kotaku-164595 Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:03:22 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=164595&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Games of the Week: Nothing Major ]]> Sorry, gamers. There's really just nothing going on this week. Most of this stuff looks like shovelware. Was there ever even a Kingdom Hearts I?

Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)
This is apparently some roleplaying game with Disney characters from Square-Enix. Has anyone heard of this? News to me.

Rumble Roses XX (Xbox 360)
Hot girl-on-girl wrestling action gets ported to the 360, with better breast shadowing, better breast physics, and deeper breast customization.

Far Cry: Instincts - Evolution (Xbox)
Jack Carver is back and shootier than ever! Tropical mayhem with more weapons, more vehicles, more first person violence.

Far Cry: Instincts - Predator (Xbox 360)
Two Xbox games, Far Cry: Instincts and Far Cry: Instincts - Evolution, get the Xtreme 360 makeover.

Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers (PC, PS2, Xbox)
Pandemic's sequel to the modern military tactical combat shooter (phew!).

Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires (PS2, Xbox 360)
Strategic Chinese hack and slash as Dynasty Warriors 5 gets the expansion (and 360 port) treatment.

Harvest Moon: Magic Melody (GC)
It's... another farming RPG. Expect the usual sheep herding, carrot harvesting, and fallin'-in-loving.

Until Microsoft sends me a free Xbox 360 I'll be holding off on everything on this list. But, what are YOU getting this week?

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Kotaku-162986 Sun, 26 Mar 2006 22:09:47 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=162986&view=rss&microfeed=true