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Shippin' Out Nov. 2-8: Gears 2, Resistance 2

It's an explosive week, literally, as headliners join EndWar, James Bond: Quantum of Solace, AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack, and more.

Wargamers rejoice, for this week brings with it more ordnance than John Rambo on a vacation in Burma. To wit, both Sony and Microsoft will be trotting out sequels to hot shooter franchises that debuted in 2006.

New Releases: Nov. 2-8

Check out the week's gaming goodness.

For Xbox 360 gamers, Gears of War 2 picks up six months after the events in GameSpot's 2006 Game of the Year winner. Because the game is the tent pole of Microsoft Game Studios' 2008 holiday release slate, it comes as no surprise that the publisher plans to heavily promote the title, claiming that more than 20,000 retailers will hold "Midnight Madness" events beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 7. The game is also poised to smash the sales figures of its predecessor, with Microsoft saying in mid-October that preorder sales had already surpassed those of the original.

Though Gears of War had an edge on Resistance: Fall of Man when the two debuted in 2006, Insomniac stands to benefit this time around from a significantly expanded PlayStation 3 installed base. In the first-person shooter's follow-up, players take back up with series hero Nathan Hale shortly after the first game ends. Last week, Sony said that gamers located in the San Francisco Bay Area will have a chance to meet Insomniac head Ted Price and others from the development team at a publisher-hosted event taking place on November 4 at 12:01 a.m. at the SonyStyle store in the Westfield Metreon.

In addition to Resistance 2, PS3 owners have two other platform-exclusive titles to look forward to this week. Namco Bandai's Ultimate Ninja brand of Naruto action games enters the fray for the first time on the PS3. Those looking for a more traditional Japanese gaming experience can pick up Valkyria Chronicles, an action RPG from Sega set during a fictional war in Europe.

Fans fixing for a fight but finding themselves sore of thumb will also have options this week, as Ubisoft is hitting the big red button on EndWar for the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, and DS. Of primary note, the real-time strategy title set in Tom Clancy's technocratic, militarized universe heavily utilizes voice-recognition software in its console installments, giving players the ability to bark orders to their virtual troops.

Platform-agnostic shooter fans can also check out Activision's game tie-in to MGM's James Bond: Quantum of Solace, which hits theaters in two weeks. Available for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, and PC, Quantum of Solace spans the events of both the present Daniel Craig-led film and those in 2006's Casino Royale.

Gamers who have had their fill of death and destruction can alternatively become thunderstruck this week by the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack. Not just an album download, the AC/DC pack will include 18 of the band's most famous tracks and will retail for $39.88 on the Xbox 360 and PS3, with the PS2 edition clocking in at $29.88. A Wii edition is scheduled to arrive November 16. Domestically, the game will be available only at Wal-Mart, at its Sam's Club subsidiary, and at its online store.

Ubisoft's Imagine Interior Designer won't be the only title for those who frequent the Lifetime channel this week. Big Blue Bubble's Home Sweet Home for WiiWare will also be filling that niche for 1,000 Wii points ($10). Accompanying the interior decorating sim on Nintendo's original game channel will be Alien Crush Returns. The 1,000 Wii point ($10) game offers an updated take on the TurboGrafx pinball title Alien Crush (which was released for the Virtual Console in 2006) and includes online play, leaderboards, and tournaments.

Vigilante 8 Arcade will be skidding onto Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade this week. An update of sorts to the 1998 original, Activision's vehicular combat game features four-player split-screen play, online multiplayer matches for up to eight players, and an assortment of downloadable content, some of which will be free. The game can be downloaded this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft points ($10).

This week's new releases are listed below (list taken from retailer information--actual dates may vary).

NOVEMBER 2, 2008
AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack (X360, PS3, PS2)

NOVEMBER 3, 2008
Alien Crush Returns (WiiWare)
Exit (DS)
Home Sweet Home (WiiWare)
Pony Friends: Mini Breeds Edition (DS)
Space Harrier (Wii VC)
Top Chef The Game (PC)

NOVEMBER 4, 2008
Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune (PS2, DS)
Bratz Kidz: Slumber Party (Wii)
CSI: NY (PC)
Disney TH!NK Fast (PS2)
Dragon Ball: Origins (DS)
Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World (PS2)
Goosebumps HorrorLand (DS)
Guitar Rock Tour (DS)
History Channel Civil War: Secret Missions (X360, PS3, PS2)
Imagine Interior Designer (DS)
Imagine Wedding Designer (DS)
James Bond: Quantum of Solace (X360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PC)
Korg DS-10 (DS)
Legendary (X360)
Luxor 4 (PC)
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (X360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PC)
My Baby Boy (DS)
My Baby Girl (DS)
Monster Lab (PS2, Wii, DS)
Movie Games (Wii)
Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade (X360)
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (PS3)
NHL 09 (PS2)
Onimusha: The Essentials (PS2)
Operation Mania (PC)
Petz Dogz Pack (DS)
Petz Sports: Dog Playground (Wii, PC)
Princess on Ice (DS)
Real Soccer 2009 (DS)
Resistance 2 (PS3)
Rubik's Puzzle World (Wii)
Secret Service (X360, PS2)
Tom Clancy's EndWar (X360, PS3, PSP, DS)
Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)
Winx Club: Mission Echantrix (DS)
Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals (DS)

NOVEMBER 5, 2008
Dora The Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess (DS)
Vigilante 8: Arcade (XBLA)

NOVEMBER 6, 2008
Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ (DS)
North American Hunting Extravaganza (Wii)

NOVEMBER 7, 2008
Gears of War 2 (X360)

155 Comments

  • ctg867

    Posted Nov 8, 2008 8:49 pm GMT

    The AC/DC pack is pretty pathetic, Quantum of Solace looks cool, Resistance 2 is a must buy since that beta was so damn good, and Gears 2 will be picked up as soon as I find $65 lying around. Until then, I'm playing LittleBigPlanet. =D

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Nov 6, 2008 9:34 pm GMT

    gears 2 will be great

  • Incubus420

    Posted Nov 6, 2008 1:04 pm GMT

    Wow im amazed at how good the games are that are coming out. I already have Gears 2 and Resistance 2. Just waiting for Mirrors Edge and i think ill be all set for the rest of the year.

  • Slaughtahouse

    Posted Nov 6, 2008 3:33 am GMT

    YES Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ GOTY!!! Who needs fallout 3 , gears of war 2, resistance 2!

  • Phantom_2

    Posted Nov 5, 2008 9:30 pm GMT

    DUDE!!!!!! ill be busy this holiday season =D

  • josef8

    Posted Nov 5, 2008 3:17 pm GMT

    i need money

  • shamarke

    Posted Nov 5, 2008 4:15 am GMT

    gears FTW

  • -HaloHitman-

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 6:08 pm GMT

    Gears 2, and Resistance all the way!

  • Pete5506

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 4:26 pm GMT

    Big week, I'm getting Gears 2, EndWar, Resistance 2, and Quantum of Solace

  • nintendokid

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 1:26 pm GMT

    @Loucetios

    You are going to mock me when it is clear that more 360 owners are playing and buying more games? Fable 2 first day sales was over 350,000. Guess how much Little Big Planet ONE WEEK sales was - 164,000. Talk to me again this weekend after R2 and Gears 2 sales are reported. You can even compare one week R2 sales with one day Gears 2 sales. I don't really care.

  • the_sorrow_MGS_

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 12:48 pm GMT

    I was hoping with the huge number of 360s and PS3s sold by now that the console wars crap would have ended by now...obviously not! Why cant people be happy that each console is getting a kick ass exclusive?

  • hordaak

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 12:44 pm GMT

    The difference between gow and a crappy attempt at a game like R1 is that the makers of gow made sure the controls were perfect. I mean, the balance of the guns, the way you run, the perspectives are just top notch. R1 (which i passed and think sucked) has poor controls. The graphics were just ok, but then again it was a launch title. I played R2 at gamespot and can say its improved but overall feels the same. The graphics look alot cleaner than R1 but the controls bascially feel the same. I will probably get both but will play gow2 alot more. also, look at how passionate people are for gow. They just love it and still play it. The multiplayer is just so fun. The strategy involved, chainsawing people, its just a fantastic game.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:22 am GMT

    @tudyniuz - "I wonder why Gears of War 2 has a review and it hasn't even been released ,while Resistance 2 hasn't and it has been released:-?"

    actually, GameRankings has a bunch of Resistance 2 reviews & Gears 2 reviews, in case you're interested

  • TheoleDominion

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:17 am GMT

    @lamprey "great minds think alike" I'm also getting Gears 2 and Endwar.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:14 am GMT

    again?! this is at least the 3rd time they've listen Onimusha: The Essentials; what's up with that?

    anyhow, I'm getting Gears 2 for sure, leaning toward Endwar as well

  • football_legend

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:01 am GMT

    The 2 titans.

  • tudyniuz

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 10:41 am GMT

    I wonder why Gears of War 2 has a review and it hasn't even been released ,while Resistance 2 hasn't and it has been released:-?

  • moosekingricky

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 10:35 am GMT

    Can i first say that the first resistence wasnt a very good game, only receiving good comments because there was no good ps3 release games to brag about. But having played the r2 beta i can say that it is a drastic improvement over the first, offering arcade style gameplay and some fun shootouts. On the other hand Gears of War was an amazing game with outstanding graphics. So of course you cant improve much on it as it was great to begin with. I feel they deserve very high scores each but I feel Gears 2 looks more epic in scale so I will probably favour it

  • Loucetios posted Nov 4, 2008 10:15 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Loucetios

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 10:15 am GMT (hide)

    nintendokid

    actually i can, anyone can put their R1 disc into their ps3, go online, and be in a game within 2 seconds, there are still lots of ppl playing R1 online, and excuse me while i play R2 while you wait 3 days to get Gears 2

  • nintendokid

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 10:04 am GMT

    @Loucetios

    While you may believe that R2 has drastically improved its gameplay and features, Gears had optimal gameplay to begin with. If the gameplay is already top notch, which it is (and GameSpot, IGN, 1UP, can attest to that), then you can only do so much to the formula without a total makeover. There is a reason why Gears is still top 5 played games over XBL by millions of players. I don't think you can say the same for R1.

  • Dill-Man

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 9:58 am GMT

    I still think Gears of War was overrated, so I'll be fine with Fallout 3, DeadSpace, and LittleBigPlanet on my plate.

  • player_leo

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 9:33 am GMT

    We'll just have to wait next week after everyones played through both R2 and GeOW2 to really get a good review from the gamers.

  • Loucetios

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 9:02 am GMT

    nintendokid

    R2 will be better than Gears because of how much it improved over the original, I'm not saying by any means Gears 2 is bad or that overall R2 is better. Just that with the same time span R2 showed the most improvement over gameplay, features, and capabilities. The 8 player co op system is great and the level/equipment system built into that makes it seem like a rpg, more so than COD4, because rather than just giving the player new weapons, R2 gives them new weapons, improvements to the weapons such as more ammo, more damage etc, as well as access to Beserks that can really help a game. For example the Special Ops class can produce special ammo that refills all his ammo making the weapons stronger, or become invisible to save fallen allies or perform sneak attacks. Say what you will about the 2 games, and I'm pretty sure gears 2 will sell more because of its fanbase, but dimishing R2 by saying the only improvement is 60 players in MP is not doing the Developers Justice. *note* Resistance 2 has gotten the same, review scores as most of the Gears 2 reviews that are out now, hell even some reviews are better as Eurogamer gave R2 a 10 and Gears 2 a 9

  • Chico_Azteca

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 8:52 am GMT

    getting Ultimate Ninja Storm ASAP, Dragon Ball origins and GOW2

    ill wait for opinions and reviews of Valkyria Chronicles

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 8:25 am GMT

    Ive played GOW2 (dont ask) and can tell you that its fantastic, a huge leap ahead of the original both technically and in gameplay and will definately be buying it on day 1. Like GOW1 i have no doubt that it will have long lasting online longevity (a games true quality test). Cant wait.

  • nintendokid

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 8:13 am GMT

    These mods will delete messages when you insult someone or go off topic. Yet, nothing is being done to these few posters whom have blatantly listed spoilers in a game that hasn't even come out yet. I would not be surprised if I end up being banned for questioning the practices of the mods. Hoot!

  • jmartin1016

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 7:34 am GMT

    division 9 thank for the spoiler. an alert would be nice.

  • division_9

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 7:14 am GMT

    @bobly007

    Yeah the game is pretty overrated, but so is alot of things in the industry these days

  • Sins-of-Mosin posted Nov 4, 2008 6:46 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Sins-of-Mosin

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 6:46 am GMT (hide)

    nintendokid - Thanks for doing that work and it's amazing that PS3 supporters always forget that they sell less software (quite a bit).

    The PS3 has nothing to compare to Gears of War 2.

  • bobly007

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 6:42 am GMT

    @division_9

    I thought that part was boring as hell. It's supposed to be a shooter. I'm not too fond of dodging giant teeths (or whaterver that was) running from walls and avoiding being drowned in a pool of blood. I preferred the level of the caverns even if the design got boring after a while. This game is overrated.

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 5:33 am GMT

    Valkyria Chronicles is the only release I'm interested in this week. Demo was fun and the reviews have been very positive.

  • nas-tmayne2k6

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 5:04 am GMT

    @ ps3 champ

    quality over quantity..

    black hawk down also had a massive multiplayer...remember how that turned out.

    resistance is a regular old shooter...nothing special...its as basic as can be...gears of war is its its own entity...resistance

  • nintendokid

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 11:09 pm GMT

    @PS3CHAMP

    If you research the NPD numbers, Gears sold 1,000,000 units the first month it was released (Nov 2006), continued on to dominate Dec 2006 #1 software with 800,000, was at #3 spot for Jan 2007 with 200,000 units, #6 in Feb 2007 with 100,000 units, and finally slipped off the top 10 after that. Awards includes:

    -GameSpot 2006 Game of the Year
    -IGN 2006 Best Graphics Technology (overall), Best Action Game (overall)
    -1UP 2006 Best Shooting Game
    -Interactive Achievement Awards 2007 Overall Game of the Year
    -Golden Joystick Awards 2007 Ultimate Game of the Year

    Resistance sold 140,000 units in the first month, slipped to #16 at 70,000 units in Feb 07, and fell off the radar after that. Resistance did receive several PS3-specific awards but did not receive any comprehensive, overall award.

    Gears 2 refines everything in the original to near-perfection. 20,000 stores nation-wide are having a midnight launch event on Friday and Microsoft reported weeks ago that pre-orders have surpassed the original. You honestly think that Resistance is going to overtake Gears 2 just because it now has 60 players? Regardless of the inconsistent reviews showing up now (strange), Gears 2 will rock the holidays.

    Gears is in a league of its own. Halo makes a better rival for Resistance and easily slaughters that.

  • Taldaran1

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 10:17 pm GMT

    I am excited about Gears of War 2, but seeing as I don't play online a whole lot I have to question paying $60 for ten hours of gameplay. Hell I could go to six flags for ten hours or more for less then that.

  • PS3Champ posted Nov 3, 2008 10:12 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    PS3Champ

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 10:12 pm GMT (hide)

    Resistance 2 beats any 360 game ever to come out. 60 person multiplayer! How can GoW2 possibly even compare to that? I'll admit the first Resistance wasn't the greatest by any means, but this one has the foundation to be great!

  • Zerosumgame

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 9:48 pm GMT

    I didn't move a single muscle after hearing those release titles.

  • aaaaaa12

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 9:18 pm GMT

    Resistance 2 FTW candidate for Game of the Year u'll see...

  • onthe_dl

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 9:12 pm GMT

    why is gow 2 coming on a Friday? weird day to have a release isn't it?

  • 360player_eq12

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 9:09 pm GMT

    A few gems mixed in with a bunch of trash...

  • josef8

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 9:06 pm GMT

    cmdcanito1984

    GEARS 2 FTW canidate for Game of Year u'll see...
    not MGS4 (too many cut-scenes not enough game) or GTA4 (Saints Row 2 kicked its Arse) both over-rated

    MGS4 and GTAIV both got 10 something that happens almost each ten years and ur telling GOW2 (9.0) and saints row 2 (8.0) are better, shut up

  • ocdog45

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 8:52 pm GMT

    i jsut paid off 3 games, and will be renting 2 others. redicuouls this year.

  • Crusader-Z

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 8:33 pm GMT

    don't forget Resistance 2...gonna be the candidate of the most multiplayer capacity...

  • cmdcanito1984 posted Nov 3, 2008 8:32 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    cmdcanito1984

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 8:32 pm GMT (hide)

    GEARS 2 FTW canidate for Game of Year u'll see...
    not MGS4 (too many cut-scenes not enough game) or GTA4 (Saints Row 2 kicked its Arse) both over-rated
    G.E.A.R.S 2

  • Crusader-Z

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 8:19 pm GMT

    Teelee, SSBB is not a trash but I got so bored in 3 weeks. But your right though, it is harsh. GS said they haven't improved graphics and all...but is it even a problem!!!!????
    Anyways I'd love to get GoW 2 but I don't have X360. So I'm gonna have to but Resistance 2(let me guess, this game gets 8.0??) if it does, good bye to GameSpot.

  • _JPH_

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 7:55 pm GMT

    I agree with Teelee8.

  • GrimGravy

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 7:55 pm GMT

    cant wait for resistence and gears

  • CanesThing26

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 7:36 pm GMT

    can't wait to get Resistance 2

  • Teelee8

    Posted Nov 3, 2008 7:14 pm GMT

    Is it just me or are the Gamespot reviews ridiculously harsh lately? A 9.0 for Fallout 3, an 8.5 for Fable 2, 9.0 for Dead Space, and a 9.0 for Gears 2 (I'll admit I haven't played Gears 2 yet) ??? These scores are way to harsh. All these games should receive 10s if garbage like Super Smash Brothers and Super Mario Galaxy get 9.5s.

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