Shippin' Out April 2-6: Guitar Hero 360
Rocking franchise hits first next-gen platform, PS3s get Enchanted, Sims 2 Celebrate, PS2s go Pop, and Chocobos invade the DS.
Though the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV and the announcement of Harmonix's next project, Rock Band, may have gamers eagerly looking forward to the holiday season's offerings, there are still some options to choose from this week.
Before Harmonix formed a full Rock Band, it made heroes out of guitar players. Guitar Hero II makes its debut on the Xbox 360 this week, allowing anyone in their living room to unleash their inner Hendrix in high definition. The game comes bundled with the X-Plorer guitar controller for $89.99 and is rated T for Teen.
The other high-definition retail release this week is for the PlayStation 3. Enchanted Arms, From Software's role-playing game, comes across the Pacific Ocean thanks to domestic publisher Ubisoft. Previously released in the US on the Xbox 360, Enchanted Arms follows a young mage who wakes up to find his arm holds the fate to saving creatures known as the golems. The PS3 version adds Sixaxis tilt sensitivity to parts of the game, including a minigame in which players must shake the controller to eat pizzas as quickly as possible. Enchanted Arms retails for $59.99 and is rated T for Teen.
Sims 2 fans can rejoice properly this week, as Electronic Arts is shipping The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff to stores. The new add-on pack for the PC includes everything gamers need to host a gathering, including weddings, dinner parties, and outdoor picnics. Party planning will cost gamers $19.99 and requires The Sims 2 to run.
PlayStation 2 owners can practice their scales with SingStar Pop, a karaoke game from Sony's London Studio. The US version comes with its own playlist, including songs from Gorillaz, A-Ha, U2, and Snow Patrol. The title comes in two options: the game alone for $29.99 or bundled with two microphones for $49.99.
The latest Final Fantasy spin-off, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales, is yet another Japanese release that makes it Stateside debut this week. The title features light role-playing elements, a collection of minigames, and card battling targeted at a younger audience. Gamers will play as one of the popular yellow birds and help free fellow Chocobos from their imprisonment in various storybooks. Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is rated E for Everyone and will cost $29.99.
This week's new releases are listed below (list taken from retailer information--actual dates may vary).
APRIL 2, 2007
Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer (PS2)
Made Man (PS2)
Honeycomb Beat (DS)
Hot Dog King A Fast Food Empire (PC)
APRIL 3, 2007
Dawnspire: Prelude (PC)
Prince of Persia Rival Swords (PSP, Wii)
Guitar Hero II (X360)
Enchanted Arms (PS3)
The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff (PC)
Cake Mania (DS)
World Championship Cards (PS2)
Dogz 2 (GBA)
SingStar Pop (PS2)
Th3 Plan (PS2)
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (DS)
Pimp My Ride (PSP)
APRIL 4, 2007
Luxor 2 (X360 via Xbox Live)
Frontline: Fields of Thunder (PC)
APRIL 5, 2007
Bliss Island (PSP)
APRIL 6, 2007
Phylon (PC)
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation