AU Shippin' Out February 25-February 29: Lost: Via Domus

We're three weeks into season four of Lost on channel 7, and Ubisoft is on the verge of releasing Lost: Via Domus, which when translated into English loosely means "Lost: The Way Home." Aside from all the characters in the TV show, the game introduces a new character, Elliot, to the nightmarish situation. Elliot inconveniently has amnesia and has forgotten who he is. Unfortunately for Elliot, none of the other survivors of the crash remember who he is, except for one, who wants to kill him. Elliot must set out to discover who he is and get his memories back. Lost: Via Domus comes out around Australia this Thursday.

This week sees the return of the SOCOM franchise with the release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike for the PlayStation Portable. Unlike previous games in the series, which have been third-person shooters, Tactical Strike takes you back a step and puts you in indirect control of the squad--think Full Spectrum Warrior. The single-player portion of the game is set in Panama, where you and your team are tasked with rescuing the kidnapped ambassador. Contrary to the name, the game also features a variety of special forces from around the world, including Australia's 22nd Special Air Service Regiment. If single-player isn't your thing, Tactical Strike also supports ad hoc and infrastructure multiplayer for up to four people. Armchair generals will be able to pick up SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike on the 28th.

Another big title coming out this week for the PSP is Patapon. The game mixes rhythm-based controls with side-scrolling real-time strategy to create a unique experience. The Patapons are in a spot of bother at the moment. Unfortunately, they've been forced out of their homeland by the Zigaton army, and their fate depends on you leading them through their hour of need. On top of that, you're tasked with leading them to the mystical land of Earthend so that they can see a sacred item with their own eyes. What's this sacred item called, you ask? Nothing other than "IT." The unique control scheme sees you command your tribesmen by hitting specific button combinations in time to the drum beat. As you progress through the game, you unlock more unit types and abilities. Be sure to check out this quirky hybrid game when it comes out later this week.

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

February 28, 2008
FIFA Street 3 (PS3, 360, DS)
Lost: Via Domus (PS3, 360, PC)
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike (PSP)
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PS3)
Patapon (PSP)
Need for Speed ProStreet (PSP)
Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition (PSP)
Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition (PSP)
The Sims 2: FreeTime (PC)
International Cue Club (PC)
Casper Scare School (PS2)
I SPY Fun House (DS)
International Tennis Pro (PC)
Iridium Runners (PS2)
They Came from the Skies (PC)
Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific U-Boat Missions (PC)
WWII: Battle Over The Pacific (PC)
Showtime Championship Boxing (DS)
Arctic Tale (Wii)
Godzilla Unleashed (PSP, Wii, DS)
Jumper: Griffin's Story (PS2)
Asterix at the Olympic Games (PC, PS2, Wii, DS)