AU Shippin' Out November 5-November 9: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and The Simpsons Game

The wait for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (COD4) is almost over for Aussie gamers. This week, virtual warmongers will be able to switch roles with either a British Special Air Service soldier or a US Marine Corps Force Recon operator as they take on terrorists around the world. In addition to single-player action, COD4 features a comprehensive multiplayer mode that extends game life with online play. There is also a perk system that lets you unlock better and more powerful rewards as you climb through the ranks. Essentially, it's a power-up system you can use to enhance your character or create a custom class. One of the more publicised perks is Last Stand, where, just before dying, your character pulls out a pistol in an attempt to get one last kill in. Expect to see Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in stores on 7 November.

One of the other big games to hit the shelves down under this week is Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (GH3). Despite not being developed by Harmonix, GH3 stays true to the series' roots and features a killer soundtrack--and most of the songs are originals rather than cover versions. One of the new features is online play, which allows you to have a thrash-off with other wannabe rockers from around the world online. The next-gen versions of GH3 come with a Gibson Les Paul controller, while the PS2 version of the game comes with the Gibson Kramer. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be released this Wednesday for the PS2, Wii, PS3 and 360, with a PC version to follow later this month.

Fans of the Simpsons TV series (and movie) can rejoice this week, as The Simpsons Game debuts on all major platforms (apart from the PSP and PS3, which are due to ship next week). The game starts off with Bart discovering that the family is actually in a video game, which in turn gives each member of the family special powers. The different levels get even stranger, and plenty of high-profile games are parodied along the way. If you've got a friend and a spare controller lying around, you can also play the game in co-op mode, completing objectives as a team. The Simpsons Game comes out on 7 November, with the PSP and PS3 version to follow shortly.

Four months after its release in North America, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is finally making its way down under. The game is set six months after the events of Metriod Prime 2: Echos, and you play as vetran bounty hunter Samus Aran in a bid to repair an organic computer decimated by a mysterious virus. This is her first outing on the Wii, and it utilises both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to guide her through the enviroment. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption hits stores on Thursday.

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

November 5, 2007
No releases scheduled.

November 6, 2007
The Simpsons Game (PS2, Wii, DS, 360)

November 7, 2007
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (360, PS3, PS2, Wii)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (360, PS3, PC, DS)
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (360, PS3, Wii, DS)

November 8, 2007
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)
EyeToy: Play Astro Zoo (PS2)
Buzz! Junior: Monster Rumble (PS2)
EA Playground (DS, Wii)
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii)
Empire Earth III (PC)
Horse Life (DS)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (360, PS3, PS2)
Clive Barker's Jericho (360, PS3, PC)
Disney Princess: Magical Jewels (DS)
Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey (PS2)
F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate (PC)
Offroad Extreme (PC)

November 9, 2007
The Witcher (PC)
Eternal Sonata (360)