BioWare's long-awaited fantasy RPG takes wing, as Activision and MTV Games launch their next rhythm game volley; Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions, Jak and Daxter, Star Wars Battlefront, more.
Most years, publishers are tripping over themselves to release their pride and joys during the prime November window. With an inordinate number of top-tier 2009 releases retreating to 2010, though, EA and BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins finds itself in the fortunate position of heading to retail during the first week of November virtually unchallenged.
As confirmed last month, Dragon Age: Origins will take wing on the PlayStation 3 alongside the Xbox 360 and PC editions on November 3. Billed as a "dark heroic fantasy role-playing game," Dragon Age: Origins was first revealed in May 2004 and takes its cues from BioWare's acclaimed Baldur's Gate franchise. Those who purchase the game new will gain free entry to the Stone Prisoner and Blood Armor downloadable content at launch, and the Warden's Keep will also be available on day one for $7 (MSP560).
The rhythm game wars continue this week, as both Activision and MTV Games launch new installments in their Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises aimed at the younger sect. Activision's pop-heavy Band Hero includes 65 songs on the Xbox 360, PS3, PlayStation 2, and Wii, and the publisher said that gamers can import 61 songs from Guitar Hero 5. The DS edition features 30 tunes, as well as a tiny drum-set peripheral compatible with only the Lite model of Nintendo's handheld.
Jaundiced blockheads not being so far off from the rock-and-roll lifestyle, MTV Games has teamed with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on Lego Rock Band. The rhythm game will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii with a 45-song setlist, while DS gamers can strum along to 25 tunes.
Nintendo's platforms receive a couple of new additions to its library courtesy of Ubisoft this week. The publisher's latest installment in its psychotic interstellar bunny franchise arrives, as Rabbids Go Home raids the Wii and DS. Ubisoft also has its Pele- and Mia Hamm-fronted arcade soccer title Academy of Champions taking to the Wii pitch.
More casual than its positively reviewed Need for Speed: Shift, the Wii- and DS-exclusive Nitro features cars with a stylized appearance and controls friendly to rookies and experts alike. Power-ups are strewn across the raceway, and a new graffiti system will factor into overall racing performance. On the Wii, Need for Speed: Nitro can be played with the Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk, racing wheel, or GameCube Controller.
With Ratchet & Clank adventuring to the PS3 last week, Sony will be bringing a new installment in its other platforming franchise, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, to the PS2 and PSP this week. Also coming to the PSP, as well as the DS, this week is LucasArts' Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron. With FIFA 10 scoring glowing critical marks two weeks ago, Konami will touch off its soccer sim Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 this week.
For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.
NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Rabbids Go Home--WII, DS--Ubisoft
NOVEMBER 2, 2009
My Baby First Steps--WII, DS--SouthPeak Games
Need for Speed: Nitro--WII, DS--EA Games
Playmobil 2 Pack--PC--Dreamcatcher
Style Savvy--DS--Nintendo
Sushi Academy--DS--City Interactive
NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Academy of Champions--WII--Ubisoft
Band Hero--X360, PS3, PS2, WII, DS--Activision
C.O.P. The Recruit--DS--Ubisoft
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go--DS--Zoo Games
Disney's A Christmas Carol--DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom--WII--Take-Two Interactive
Dora the Explorer: Puppy Playtime--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Dragon Age: Origins--X360, PS3, PC--Electronic Arts
Dream Salon--DS--Zoo Games
Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Hidden Mysteries: Titanic--WII, DS--Activision Value
Hooked! Again: Real Motion Fishing--WII--Aksys Games
Imagine: Babyz Fashion--DS--Ubisoft
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier--PS2, PSP--SCEA
Jewel Master: Egypt--DS--Storm City Games
Jurassic: The Hunted--X360, PS3, PS2, WII--Activision
Lego Rock Band--X360, PS3, WII, DS--Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010--X360, PS3--Konami
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron--PSP, DS--LucasArts
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition--X360, PS3, PC--Aspyr
Ultimate Party Challenge--WII--Konami
We Cheer 2--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Wire Way--DS--Konami
NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Agatha Christie: ABC Murders--DS--DreamCatcher
Yoga for Wii--WII--Dreamcatcher
NOVEMBER 6, 2009
Buck Fever--WII--Destineer
We Wish You a Merry Christmas--WII--Destineer
Tom Magrino has covered the games industry since 2006. He's been compared to Steve Martin by Ozzy Osbourne and Daniel Craig by Tim Schafer. His voice, heard largely on GameSpot's podcast, recalls that of Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy bein' Magreen.
@ Dualmask No, I'm not taking it seriously or anything. Mario's more popular than most things, so it would appeal to a generically large number of people. But no biggie, Dragon Age is scoring great on reviews. 9.5, 9.0, 8.5, has that ever happened here before? Hail Bioware!
@Hardcore PC Gmr Thanks i would get it for the PC but its an old system. I think i'll get it for the PS3
Star Wars The Force Unleased, Ultimate Sith Edition is on my to get list. The only other game on that list that seems interesting is Dragon Age, but i'm not into RPGs like that(not until The Old Republic comes out, that is...)
Thanks, MW2 marketing, for just ruining what was to be a spectacular 4Q'09 lineup. Seems like only platforms that don't have MW2 are getting games.
Too bad I don't have the money for Dragon Age. I've really been itching for a good RPG lately, but I will just have to get Shattered Horizon; which just might make my month good!
This is definitely going to be an epic month, but I think last month was my highlight for this year. Forza 3 and Uncharted 2 are definitely up to the hype. NBA Live 10 is better than expected. This month is definitely good as well. MW2 and AC2 are on the Christmas list. The HD God of War re-release is another priority on the hit list. I am not an RPG type of person, but, Dragon Age has really been peaking my interest? I might pick that one up this month...
dragon age + modern warfare 2 + assassin's creed 2 = november being my favorite month this year
ug the poor Wii. I really feel sorry for it, almost seems like those who bought it got ripped off. Another round of games that will not encourage anyone to turn it on. Dragon Age looks sweet, wish I would have known about it sooner but between getting Borderlands a couple of weeks ago and MW2 next week, it is in a bad spot for me to snag it up, I will later on though as I do love a good RPG by Bioware.
Star Wars Battlefront Elite Squaron :? is that a whole new game or something jak and daxter looks cool WOULD GET IT IF MY PS3 PLAYED PS2 GAMES LOL oh well maybe when i get a psp go :P
Look at some of that absolute SH!T for the Wii. My Baby First Steps, Hidden Mysteries: Titanic, Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked, We Cheer 2, Yoga... How does Iwata sleep at night?
Now i have the difficult choice of deciding if i should get Dragon Age on Xbox 360 or PS3
Can't wait to get My First Baby Steps for the DS! Who am I kidding. Just one more day for Dragon Age.
Playing MMORPG games has kept me from getting into any RPG that isn't online, unfortunately. I like the human interaction too much.
Problem with the wii and ds is that there is too many crappy games. Anyway, age of dragon looks great!!!!!! I probably get it after the review.
@Caer_Death I suppose a better question would be why you're so concerned about an internet poll. People can like what they want. I'm convinced DAO will be an epic experience, but a lot of gamers out there, particularly console gamers, don't like RPGs and won't care about DAO no matter how well it's hyped or reviewed.
I got the collector's edition reserved on PS3, and now that I'm almost done with Demon's Souls and Forza 3, I'm glad it got bumped to the 3rd, can't wait! ^_^
two weeks ago for me it was all about borderlands, this week its all about borderlands... and dragon age. then till christmas it will be all about dragon age...
Here is another review for Dragon Age : origns it got a 9.4/10 it is for the console version of the game here is the link :- http://xbox-360.nowgamer.com/reviews/xbox-360/8763/dragon-age-origins?o=0#listing
And with dragon age origins, comes the end to the horde of must-own games for me..certaintly went by quick. Doesn't seem so long when it started during early october :P
Eh, unless a game gets a hugely positive review score, none of these really peak my interest.
"Heh, Dragon Age comes out on the same day that the new Wheel of Time book should show up in my mailbox. Tuesday is Dragon Day!" Thats great that you like Wheel of Time, but the series grew too tedious, and I am skeptical whether the new author can handle what Robert Jordan did. As for Dragon Age, that is my most anticpated game, with MW2 second, and as for books, I prefer A Song of Ice and Fire, and to be honest, it fits better with DragonAge then Wheel of time, albeit, borrowing some story elements...Grey Wardens seem like the Black brothers in ice and fire. Ice and Fire was also stated as an inspiration for Dragon Age Origins by Bioware
@Caer_Death It seems their TV advertising is kind of weak. They replay the Scared Ashes trailer which most of the people who have been waiting for the game has seen. They should have stuck with the single "hero" they've been portraying, instead of showing all of the companions. Don't worry, it'll be number one as soon as it's released and gets an amazing review. Which it no doubt will.
KittyHeart Band Hero is a commercial pop and cheesy version and can't be compared to GH. It's like comparing Lil Boosy, Guchi Mane, and all that other pop hop to legends like KRS-1, Rakim, Nas, Black Star, and The Roots.
Tis exciting times for Bio Ware. ME2, Dragon's Age, and Star Wars: the Old Republic. Gotta get them all.
Finally! Another BioWare game to put next to Mass Effect! It was awfully lonely being the only 360 game next to Jade Empire and Knights of the Old Republic.
The rivalry between Maxwell and Giancarlo has reached its boiling point, and now they must prepare for their final battle in the 2D MOBA Awesomenauts.
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