AU Shippin' Out October 25-29: Fable III

October's going out with a bang this week, with numerous games hitting Australian shelves over the next five days. The most anticipated game of the week goes to Fable III, which sees the likes of John Cleese and Stephen Fry joining the voice cast for Peter Molyneux's latest fantasy outing. This time around, the game tells the story of a peasant who leads an uprising against an abusive king. Replacing the orbs of earlier games, the main points system is now measured in followers, which increases as you build up a loyal fan base before your inevitable coup d'etat. Once you’re in the throne, you’ll then be faced with the challenges of maintaining a monarchy. Fable III launches this Tuesday on the Xbox 360, with the PC version set to follow sometime next year.

Next up is Rock Band 3, which for once isn't forcing Aussie gamers to wait an eon for its release. Arriving alongside the rest of the world on October 28, Rock Band 3 sees the franchise make its biggest changes since Rock Band 2 by introducing a new instrument for virtual musos to master: the keyboard. The game ships with 80 tracks on the disc and introduces a new Pro mode, which aims to simulate playing a real instrument. New hardware will also be launching alongside the game this week for the Wii and Xbox 360; however, PlayStation 3 owners will have to wait a few weeks until Mad Catz distributor, Home Entertainment Supplies, sources stock. At this stage, they expect it to take at least three more weeks before PS3 instruments are in stock at retailers.

Despite a mixed critical response, 2008's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed proved popular with the fans, and it was only a matter of time until a follow-up was announced in late 2009. The Force Unleashed II takes place not long after the first game and sees Starkiller escaping from a facility on Kamino after losing his memory. Familiar Star Wars characters like Yoda and Boba Fett will also be making an appearance in the game. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II launches on Wednesday.

To find out what else is out this week, check out the list below:

October 26, 2010
Fable III (360)

October 27, 2010
Super Scribblenauts (DS)
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest (PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, DS)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (PS3, 360, DS, Wii, PC)
Bakugan: Defenders of the Core (PS3, PSP, 360, DS, Wii)
Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team (PSP)

October 28, 2010
Rock Band 3 (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)
Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction (360, DS)
The Sims 3 (PS3, 360, DS)
The Shoot (PS3)
TV SuperStars (PS3)
Hasbro Family Game Night 3 (Wii, PS3)
The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion Pack (PC)
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland (PS3)
Shaun White Skateboarding (PS3, 360, Wii)
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (360, PS3, PSP, Wii, PS2)

October 29, 2010
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition (360, PS , PC)