Shippin' Out December 20-26: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

'Twas the week before (and including) Christmas, and all through the lands, not a game was releasing, except for a pair of big brands. Tortured poetry aside, this week sees just two big retail releases: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for the Wii and Guitar Hero: Van Halen on a handful of platforms.

Activision is first out of the gates with an edition of Guitar Hero dedicated to the David Lee Roth-led incarnation of the hard rock band. Although the game is appearing in stores for the first time this week, it was originally given away in October to early purchasers of Guitar Hero 5.

The release plans of this week's other title are almost as unconventional. Months ago, Square Enix chose the day after Christmas to launch its latest Wii installment in the Final Fantasy franchise. While other major games have launched in the last week of the year before (Dead or Alive 4 for the Xbox 360 released December 29, 2005), it's more common for that to happen by delay rather than by design.

Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
No new releases announced.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Guitar Hero: Van Halen--PS3, X360, Wii, PS2--Activision
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
No new releases announced.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
No new releases announced.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
No new releases announced.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers--WII--Square Enix