Games On Net :: New Releases: Coming Attractions

Coming Attractions - 28/09/2009

By Matt Keller - Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:01am

October is almost upon us – time flies when you're having fun. Many big things are on the way this month, but we get off to kind of a slow start. Leading off the week is the crazy DS puzzler Scribblenauts. Following that is FIFA 10, which is bound to be one of the best sports games of the year. Also hitting store shelves this week is Gran Turismo for the PSP, which launches alongside the new PSP Go.

Don't forget to check out our full release schedule for all of the latest changes and updates on your most wanted games.

30/09/2009

Scribblenauts
Platform: Nintendo DS
Developer: 5th Cell
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment
RRP: $AU49.95

Developer 5th Cell has made a name for itself on the back of some pretty creative games for the Nintendo DS, but Scribblenauts blows them all away. Scribblenauts lets players use the power of words to help them solve a series of 200+ puzzles – simply enter a word into the game and it'll put it into the game. There are a few omissions with trademarks and pronouns, but the number of objects in the game is simply ridiculous, but totally awesome – sharks with laser beams, time machines, zombies, dinosaurs, Keyboard Cat and even Medusa. Pity the control system ruins what could have been something special.

01/10/2009

*Aliens in the Attic* Platform: Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Wii Developer: *PlayLogic* Publisher: *PlayLogic* RRP: $AU29.95 (PS2), $AU49.95 (DS), $AU69.95 (Wii) The Spring school holidays are in full swing, so all of the kid-oriented films are in theatres, and their associated video games are hitting shelves. *Aliens in the Attic*. The movie is all about a suburban family who finds their dream vacation home in Michigan only to discover a group of aliens living in the attic – hijinx ensue. Like most products based on kids' films, this looks pretty lousy, so stay away.
*Championship Manager 2010* Platform: PC Developer: *Eidos* Publisher: *Eidos* RRP: $AU89.95 The Championship Manager series hasn't really been the same since the Sports Interactive defection. The big new feature they're touting is a detailed 3D match engine, with realistic player movements, along with a bunch of new leagues. As exciting as it is having a 3D match engine, whether players will actually use it is another thing entirely – perhaps that time could have been better spent on adding features more useful to the off-field management side of the game. I'll guess we'll just have to wait and see, football fans.
*FIFA 10* Platform: Nintendo DS, PC, PSP, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 Developer: *EA Canada* Publisher: *EA Sports* RRP: $AU49.95 (DS, PSP), $AU59.95 (PS2), $AU79.95 (Wii), $AU99.95 (PC, 360, PS3) The world of video game soccer has gone topsy turvy over the last few years – FIFA has been improving by leaps and bounds while Pro Evolution Soccer has stagnated, leading many Konami fans (myself included) to defect to the EA game. *FIFA 10* looks to continue that tradition of drastic improvement. The biggest change is likely to be the 360 degree movement system, allowing players to move freely, rather along pre-defined axes. Manager mode apparently has more than 50 major improvements and Be A Pro has been expanded to allow you to take your player into Manager Mode, tournament modes and arena play. Soccer fans would be nuts to go without it.
*Gran Turismo* Platform: PSP Developer: *Polyphony Digital* Publisher: *Sony Computer Entertainment* RRP: $AU59.95 Some five years after it was first announced, *Gran Turismo* has finally hit the PSP. Those expecting a fully fledged portable GT experience might be a little disappointed, as *Gran Turismo PSP* doesn't have the ridiculously deep career mode of the home versions. It still has hundreds of vehicles, thirty tracks and amazing visuals, so if you're looking for a portable realistic racing experience, this is the ticket.
*King of Fighters XII* Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Developer: *SNK* Publisher: *SNK* RRP: $AU89.95 (Standard), $AU119.95 (Collector's) After a couple years on the sidelines, SNK is bringing back its flagship fighting series King of Fighters with all new handrawn sprites in glorious HD. While *King of Fighters XII* certainly looks the part, fans may be disappointed with the greatly reduced roster (including the omission of fan favourite Mai Shiranui), total lack of story and barebones gameplay options. The online component of the game didn't perform as expected when the game launched in the US either, further adding to the disappointment. *King of Fighters XII* is probably best left to the hardcore fighting fans looking for something a little different.
*Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising* Platform: PSP Developer: *Namco Bandai* Publisher: *Namco Bandai* RRP: $AU69.95 Another Naruto fighting game hits this week, this time for the PSP. This one more or less follows the more recent story arcs of the show, where Naruto and friends are on the trail of Gaara, the fifth Kazekage whose sealed demon is trying to escape. A variety of play modes and gorgeous visuals should please fans, but it'll be a little more difficult for those oblivious to the Naruto canon to gain as much enjoyment from game.
*Skate City Heroes* Platform: Wii Developer: *Zushi Games* Publisher: *Zoo Digital* RRP: $AU59.95 *Skate City Heroes* is a Wii Balance Board-compatible futuristic skateboarding game that lets you loose on a city as one of six unique characters. It seems promising on paper, but the lack of hype and press from its release a year ago in the USA lead me to assume that it's not all that good.
*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up* Platform: PlayStation 2, Wii Developer: *Game Arts* Publisher: *Ubisoft* RRP: $AU39.95 (PS2), $AU79.95 (Wii) After finishing their work on *Super Smash Bros. Brawl*, it appears the guys at Game Arts hadn't had enough of its brand of 2D fighting action. They've teamed up with Ubisoft to produce a similar kind of fighting game featuring everyone's (from the late 80s/early 90s, at least) favourite group of mutated ninjas. All of your favourite TMNT characters are involved including the four turtles themselves, Casey Jones, April O'Neil, Shredder and Splinter. Should be good.
*Toy Story Mania* Platform: Wii Developer: *Papaya Studio* Publisher: *Disney Interactive* RRP: $AU79.95 *Toy Story Mania* is yet another mini-game collection for the Wii, this time based on the sideshow-style attraction at the Disney Hollywood Studio and Disney's California Adventure amusement parks. Think of it as being like *Carnival Games* with a bit of Buzz Lightyear thrown in. I wouldn't expect much in the way of quality.

02/10/2009

Beaterator
Platform: PSP
Developer: Rockstar Leeds
Publisher: Rockstar
RRP: $AU49.95

Beaterator is based on the Flash based mixing tool of the same name, giving players the opportunity to mix up their own beats and tracks, and create their own song loops to share over the Rockstar Social Network. Notable record producer Timbaland has been involved in the development of the game, so it should have some degree of authenticity. More of a music creation tool than a game, really.

Next week is action packed with Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days and the basketball duo NBA 2K10 and NBA Live 10 all hitting store shelves.