Shippin' Out Nov. 1-7: Dragon Age, Band Hero, Lego Rock Band, NFS: Nitro

BioWare's long-awaited fantasy RPG takes wing, as Activision and MTV Games launch their next rhythm game volley; Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions, Jak and Daxter, Star Wars Battlefront, more.

Most years, publishers are tripping over themselves to release their pride and joys during the prime November window. With an inordinate number of top-tier 2009 releases retreating to 2010, though, EA and BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins finds itself in the fortunate position of heading to retail during the first week of November virtually unchallenged.

As confirmed last month, Dragon Age: Origins will take wing on the PlayStation 3 alongside the Xbox 360 and PC editions on November 3. Billed as a "dark heroic fantasy role-playing game," Dragon Age: Origins was first revealed in May 2004 and takes its cues from BioWare's acclaimed Baldur's Gate franchise. Those who purchase the game new will gain free entry to the Stone Prisoner and Blood Armor downloadable content at launch, and the Warden's Keep will also be available on day one for $7 (MSP560).

The rhythm game wars continue this week, as both Activision and MTV Games launch new installments in their Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises aimed at the younger sect. Activision's pop-heavy Band Hero includes 65 songs on the Xbox 360, PS3, PlayStation 2, and Wii, and the publisher said that gamers can import 61 songs from Guitar Hero 5. The DS edition features 30 tunes, as well as a tiny drum-set peripheral compatible with only the Lite model of Nintendo's handheld.

This guy? Yeah, he's waiting.

Jaundiced blockheads not being so far off from the rock-and-roll lifestyle, MTV Games has teamed with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on Lego Rock Band. The rhythm game will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii with a 45-song setlist, while DS gamers can strum along to 25 tunes.

Nintendo's platforms receive a couple of new additions to its library courtesy of Ubisoft this week. The publisher's latest installment in its psychotic interstellar bunny franchise arrives, as Rabbids Go Home raids the Wii and DS. Ubisoft also has its Pele- and Mia Hamm-fronted arcade soccer title Academy of Champions taking to the Wii pitch.

More casual than its positively reviewed Need for Speed: Shift, the Wii- and DS-exclusive Nitro features cars with a stylized appearance and controls friendly to rookies and experts alike. Power-ups are strewn across the raceway, and a new graffiti system will factor into overall racing performance. On the Wii, Need for Speed: Nitro can be played with the Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk, racing wheel, or GameCube Controller.

With Ratchet & Clank adventuring to the PS3 last week, Sony will be bringing a new installment in its other platforming franchise, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, to the PS2 and PSP this week. Also coming to the PSP, as well as the DS, this week is LucasArts' Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron. With FIFA 10 scoring glowing critical marks two weeks ago, Konami will touch off its soccer sim Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 this week.

Nitro prepares to peel out.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Rabbids Go Home--WII, DS--Ubisoft

NOVEMBER 2, 2009
My Baby First Steps--WII, DS--SouthPeak Games
Need for Speed: Nitro--WII, DS--EA Games
Playmobil 2 Pack--PC--Dreamcatcher
Style Savvy--DS--Nintendo
Sushi Academy--DS--City Interactive

NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Academy of Champions--WII--Ubisoft
Band Hero--X360, PS3, PS2, WII, DS--Activision
C.O.P. The Recruit--DS--Ubisoft
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go--DS--Zoo Games
Disney's A Christmas Carol--DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom--WII--Take-Two Interactive
Dora the Explorer: Puppy Playtime--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Dragon Age: Origins--X360, PS3, PC--Electronic Arts
Dream Salon--DS--Zoo Games
Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Hidden Mysteries: Titanic--WII, DS--Activision Value
Hooked! Again: Real Motion Fishing--WII--Aksys Games
Imagine: Babyz Fashion--DS--Ubisoft
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier--PS2, PSP--SCEA
Jewel Master: Egypt--DS--Storm City Games
Jurassic: The Hunted--X360, PS3, PS2, WII--Activision
Lego Rock Band--X360, PS3, WII, DS--Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010--X360, PS3--Konami
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron--PSP, DS--LucasArts
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition--X360, PS3, PC--Aspyr
Ultimate Party Challenge--WII--Konami
We Cheer 2--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Wire Way--DS--Konami

NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Agatha Christie: ABC Murders--DS--DreamCatcher
Yoga for Wii--WII--Dreamcatcher

NOVEMBER 6, 2009
Buck Fever--WII--Destineer
We Wish You a Merry Christmas--WII--Destineer

139 Comments

  • Caer_Death

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 5:45 am PT

    @ Dualmask

    No, I'm not taking it seriously or anything. Mario's more popular than most things, so it would appeal to a generically large number of people. But no biggie, Dragon Age is scoring great on reviews. 9.5, 9.0, 8.5, has that ever happened here before? Hail Bioware!

  • Rcmdawg_basic

    Posted Nov 4, 2009 2:08 pm PT

    @Hardcore PC Gmr
    Thanks i would get it for the PC but its an old system. I think i'll get it for the PS3

  • LosDaddie

    Posted Nov 3, 2009 1:21 pm PT

    Dragon Age FTW

  • Ruluk

    Posted Nov 3, 2009 7:00 am PT

    Dora The Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom -- lmao is this serious?!?

  • AtlanticRock

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 7:05 pm PT

    Star Wars The Force Unleased, Ultimate Sith Edition is on my to get list. The only other game on that list that seems interesting is Dragon Age, but i'm not into RPGs like that(not until The Old Republic comes out, that is...)

  • HardCore_PC_Gmr

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 2:42 pm PT

    @Rcmdawg_basic:

    Get PC version of Dragon Age.

  • mrklorox

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 2:36 pm PT

    Thanks, MW2 marketing, for just ruining what was to be a spectacular 4Q'09 lineup. Seems like only platforms that don't have MW2 are getting games.

  • D3A7HJ0K3R

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 2:18 pm PT

    Dude... I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NEW DORA GAMES JUST CAME OUT!!!!! jk.

  • atopp399

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:57 pm PT

    Is "My Baby First Steps" the sequel to "Who's My Baby Daddy?"

  • TexasAnMGrad2K

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:52 pm PT

    My Baby First Steps?

  • whataguy69

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:49 pm PT

    BUNCH OF CRAP FOR THIS WEEK

  • jasongm

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:34 pm PT

    *Drools at Dragon Age: Origins*

  • alkaline_DnB

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:31 pm PT

    Dragon Age, ugh, finally.

  • shaneras

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:29 pm PT

    Too bad I don't have the money for Dragon Age. I've really been itching for a good RPG lately, but I will just have to get Shattered Horizon; which just might make my month good!

  • Fryboy101

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:07 pm PT

    great, now i have to decide whether to buy Dragon Age or LEGO Rock Band

  • ZedX-14Pilot

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    This is definitely going to be an epic month, but I think last month was my highlight for this year. Forza 3 and Uncharted 2 are definitely up to the hype. NBA Live 10 is better than expected. This month is definitely good as well. MW2 and AC2 are on the Christmas list. The HD God of War re-release is another priority on the hit list. I am not an RPG type of person, but, Dragon Age has really been peaking my interest? I might pick that one up this month...

  • nazgul9910

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:33 pm PT

    dragon age + modern warfare 2 + assassin's creed 2 = november being my favorite month this year

  • wolvklaw

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:26 pm PT

    ug the poor Wii. I really feel sorry for it, almost seems like those who bought it got ripped off. Another round of games that will not encourage anyone to turn it on. Dragon Age looks sweet, wish I would have known about it sooner but between getting Borderlands a couple of weeks ago and MW2 next week, it is in a bad spot for me to snag it up, I will later on though as I do love a good RPG by Bioware.

  • Sethbeastalan

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:22 pm PT

    Wow, Tuesday has more games than double the rest combined.

  • cjasko94

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:06 pm PT

    Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squaron is that a whole new game or something jak and daxter looks cool WOULD GET IT IF MY PS3 PLAYED PS2 GAMES LOL oh well maybe when i get a psp go

  • Zerosumgame

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 12:04 pm PT

    no demons souls for xbox. ppl need to settle with Dragon Age.

  • italiano72

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:51 am PT

    @ Elbowsmash

    I had to give you a thumb up cause your post made me laugh

  • Mr_Tweedy

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:48 am PT

    Can't wait to play "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"!

  • Elbowsmash

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:45 am PT

    Look at some of that absolute SH!T for the Wii. My Baby First Steps, Hidden Mysteries: Titanic, Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked, We Cheer 2, Yoga... How does Iwata sleep at night?

  • FlashCharge

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:44 am PT

    Dragon Age is on top of my list.

  • Lionhart_basic

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:40 am PT

    I already have DAO pre-ordered for the 360. Can't wait for tomorrow!

  • Rcmdawg_basic

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:38 am PT

    Now i have the difficult choice of deciding if i should get Dragon Age on Xbox 360 or PS3

  • rasterror

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 11:22 am PT

    Can't wait to get My First Baby Steps for the DS! Who am I kidding. Just one more day for Dragon Age.

  • atopp399

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 10:36 am PT

    Playing MMORPG games has kept me from getting into any RPG that isn't online, unfortunately. I like the human interaction too much.

  • cspark809

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 10:27 am PT

    Problem with the wii and ds is that there is too many crappy games. Anyway, age of dragon looks great!!!!!! I probably get it after the review.

  • Dualmask

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 10:11 am PT

    @Caer_Death I suppose a better question would be why you're so concerned about an internet poll. People can like what they want. I'm convinced DAO will be an epic experience, but a lot of gamers out there, particularly console gamers, don't like RPGs and won't care about DAO no matter how well it's hyped or reviewed.

  • XeonForce

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 9:26 am PT

    I got the collector's edition reserved on PS3, and now that I'm almost done with Demon's Souls and Forza 3, I'm glad it got bumped to the 3rd, can't wait! ^_^

  • Cobretti1818

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 10:59 pm PT

    Pre-loading DAO EE from Steam as we speak

  • galienthealien

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 10:54 pm PT

    my baby first steps is on the top of my list

  • bennae66

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 10:41 pm PT

    two weeks ago for me it was all about borderlands, this week its all about borderlands... and dragon age. then till christmas it will be all about dragon age...

  • BaLLz_ON_FiRE

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 10:26 pm PT

    Awesome

  • firehawk998

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 10:20 pm PT

    Here is another review for Dragon Age : origns it got a 9.4/10 it is for the console version of the game here is the link :- http://xbox-360.nowgamer.com/reviews/xbox-360/8763/dragon-age-origins?o=0#listing

  • firehawk998

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 9:59 pm PT

    Dragon Age : Origins > than anyhthing on that list.

  • aChaChaCha

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 9:34 pm PT

    And with dragon age origins, comes the end to the horde of must-own games for me..certaintly went by quick. Doesn't seem so long when it started during early october

  • tarugista

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 8:33 pm PT

    Too many games...so little quality....(except dragon age.)

  • goku2000

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 7:17 pm PT

    Fix the headline...... NFS Nitro, not Shift.
    Did anyone else catch this?

  • king_chapeton15

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 6:24 pm PT

    omg ive been so hyped for

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan yay

  • maverick_76

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 5:51 pm PT

    Eh, unless a game gets a hugely positive review score, none of these really peak my interest.

  • Zapp3d

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 5:11 pm PT

    so many games so little money *cries*

  • R3NeGaDeAnGeL

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 5:00 pm PT

    Forget Dragon Age; I'm all ready for Dora the Explorer: Puppy Playtime.

  • TheTrueMagusX1

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 4:30 pm PT

    "Heh, Dragon Age comes out on the same day that the new Wheel of Time book should show up in my mailbox. Tuesday is Dragon Day!"

    Thats great that you like Wheel of Time, but the series grew too tedious, and I am skeptical whether the new author can handle what Robert Jordan did.

    As for Dragon Age, that is my most anticpated game, with MW2 second, and as for books, I prefer A Song of Ice and Fire, and to be honest, it fits better with DragonAge then Wheel of time, albeit, borrowing some story elements...Grey Wardens seem like the Black brothers in ice and fire. Ice and Fire was also stated as an inspiration for Dragon Age Origins by Bioware

  • airshocker

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 4:00 pm PT

    @Caer_Death

    It seems their TV advertising is kind of weak. They replay the Scared Ashes trailer which most of the people who have been waiting for the game has seen. They should have stuck with the single "hero" they've been portraying, instead of showing all of the companions.

    Don't worry, it'll be number one as soon as it's released and gets an amazing review. Which it no doubt will.

  • rasterror

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 3:40 pm PT

    KittyHeart

    Band Hero is a commercial pop and cheesy version and can't be compared to GH. It's like comparing Lil Boosy, Guchi Mane, and all that other pop hop to legends like KRS-1, Rakim, Nas, Black Star, and The Roots.

  • rasterror

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 3:37 pm PT

    Tis exciting times for Bio Ware. ME2, Dragon's Age, and Star Wars: the Old Republic. Gotta get them all.

  • Blargsman

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 3:12 pm PT

    Finally! Another BioWare game to put next to Mass Effect! It was awfully lonely being the only 360 game next to Jade Empire and Knights of the Old Republic.

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