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The return of Samus will bring glee to many gamers this week, with PSP owners finally getting some much needed love and attention.

 

Metroid: Other M is The Big N's gigantic release this week and is a prequel, of sorts, while being the first Metroid game released on the Wii that isn't apart of the Gamecube/Wii spanning Metroid universe.  The story actually takes place between the Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion storylines, and controls very differently than any other Metroid game.  The game changes often, switching between third-person adventure and first-person shooter, all while sporting a 3D environment.  The change is a welcome one to this tired gaming franchise, and hopefully the unique playstyle will add a whole new dimension of fun.

 

Also dropping this week is the Valkyria Chronicles II for the PSP.  The game is a welcome addition to the PSP library, one that has been very stale since early summer.  Fans of the RPG will certainly want to get their hands on this one.

 

Dead Rising is getting a mini-sequel, straight to Xbox Live, in the form of Dead Rising: Case Zero.  The downloadable adventure will only be available for Xbox Live and serves as a go-between to explain the plot shifts between Dead Rising and its upcoming full sequel.  This add-on will allow gamers to play all the way through the first five levels of the sequel, and you will be able to continue your save game in Dead Rising 2.  

 

Also releasing this week for digital download is Castle Crashers for the PSN.  The game has been on Xbox Live for quite awhile now, and will finally find a home on PSN.  The game is a fantastic beat'emup, button masher with enough style and flare to entertain just about any video gamer out there.

 

 

 

 

Metroid: Other M

 

 

Buy/Rent/Skip: Buy 

 

For decades, Samus Aran has been known as one of the first female protagonists in video games, and one of the most enigmatic. Having traded her haunted past for the solitary life of a bounty hunter, Samus™ finally tells her own tale in this revealing, personal story of her failings, her flaws and ultimately her motivation. Metroid: Other M is an unprecedented collaboration that blends the slick, action-packed production of the world-renowned Team Ninja development team with the game design talents of the creators of the original Metroid.Metroid: Other M is a dramatic new direction for a legendary franchise and a bold new blend between cinematics, storytelling and the best in interactive entertainment. ~ Nintendo Entertainment

 

Publisher:  Nintendo, Team Ninja

Release Date: 8/31/2010

Available On:  Wii

 

ESRB Rating:  Teen 

 

Official Website: http://metroid.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valkyria Chronicles 2

  

 

The story of Valkyria Chronicles 2 takes place two years after the conclusion of the original game. A group of young Gallian Military Academy cadets find themselves plunged into a bitter civil war when the newly formed Gallian Revolutionary Army stages a coup. As the epic drama unfolds in the game, players will experience stories of friendship, love and growing pains during a time of war and revolution. ~  SEGA

 

 

Publisher:  Sega

Release Date: 8/31/2010

Available On:  PSP

 

ESRB Rating:  Teen 

 

Official Website: http://www.sega.com/games/valkyria-chronicles-2/

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dead Rising: Case Zero

 

 

Set two years after the Willamette incident and three years before Dead Rising 2, Dead Rising® 2: Case Zero introduces main protagonist and former motocross champion Chuck Greene providing a link between the original game and the events that await players in the gambling paradise of Fortune City. ~ Capcom

 

 

Publisher:  Capcom

Release Date: 8/31/2010

Available On: Xbox Arcade

 

ESRB Rating:  Mature

 

Official Website: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/d/deadrising2case0xbla/default.htm

 

 

 

Week Release Schedule:

 

Monday 8/30/2010

Cosmos X2 - DSiWare

Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island - PC

TNT Racers - PS3, Wii, 360

 

Tuesday 8/24/2010

Metroid: Other M - Wii

Valkyria Chronicles II - PSP

Dead Rising 2: Case Zero - Xbox Live

Castle Crashers - Playstation Network

 

Wednesday - 9/1/2010

 

Ferrari: The Race Experience - Wii
Mumbo Jumbo 6 Pack 2nd Edition - PC
Prison Tycoon: Alcatraz - PC