Asia Shippin' Out April 17-23: Mortal Kombat

While last week's releases were on the mellow side, that isn't the case this week. Whether gamers have an affinity for 2D fighting, puzzle-solving, or heading out to the jungle to take down insurgents in a realistic fashion, their wallets will be empty before they know it.

First up is Mortal Kombat for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Developed by NetherRealms Studios, the game is a return to 2D fighting form where classic Mortal Kombat characters like Sub-Zero, Johnny Cage, and Scorpion duel to the death with gore aplenty. The fighting game also features a new Challenge Tower filled with 300 challenges that also acts as a tutorial of sorts, online multiplayer, and the option to display the game in 3D (for the PS3 only). The game is out in stores today; stay tuned for our final word on the fighting game.

For gamers who would much rather pull the trigger, SOCOM 4 will be on the shelves for the PS3. The first-person shooter takes place in Southeast Asia where gamers control Marine soldiers to hunt down a militant revolutionary leader in the Strait of Malacca. In addition to a single-player campaign, the online multiplayer mode lets up to 32 players compete on large war-torn maps. PS3 owners who are unsure about buying it today can check out our review for more detailed information.

Capping off this week in releases is Portal 2. The game continues the plot right after the events of the first game with brand-new characters from Aperture Science and a lot more puzzles for gamers to solve using the signature Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. Portal 2 also features a brand-new co-op multiplayer mode where players control two robots in a team-building exercise to solve lethal test chamber puzzles peppered by the wit of Aperture Science's AI overseer. Gamers who aren't sure about purchasing the game today can check out our upcoming review.

April 18
Man vs. Wild (PS3)

April 19
SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs (PS3)
Mortal Kombat (PS3, Xbox 360)
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection English version (PSP)
Portal 2 (PC, Mac, PS3, Xbox 360)
Conduit 2 (Wii)
Prince of Persia Classic Trilogy HD (PS3)

April 21
The Next Big Thing (PC)
God of War III PlayStation 3 the Best edition (PS3)
SNK Arcade Classics 0 (PSP)
Nier Replicant Ultimate Hits edition (PS3)
Star Ocean 4 The Last Hope International Ultimate Hits edition (PS3)