Consoleation Crystal Ball: September 8-14

Holy crap. When I took a quick look at all of the new releases for this week, I wanted to cry. I’m already picking up three new games this week (NHL 09 and NHL 2K9 on PS3 and Yakuza 2 on PS2), and there are still 5 other titles that I would at least consider picking up if I only had extra money. Here’s the rundown:

• Lock’s Quest (Nintendo DS)
• Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise (Nintendo DS)
• NHL 2K9 (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2) *
• Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir (Nintendo DS) **
• Cabela’s Legendary Adventures (Wii, PS2, PSP)
• TNA iMPACT! (PS3, Xbox 360, PS2) **
• Mazes of Fate (Nintendo DS)
• The Price Is Right (Nintendo DS, Wii) **
• Hell’s Kitchen (Nintendo DS, Wii) **
• NHL 09 (PS3, Xbox 360) *
• Yakuza 2 (PS2) *
• Zoids Assault (Xbox 360)
• Dance Dance Revolution X (PS2)

* – Getting this week. ** – Interested in, but am broke.

Since I’m going to fill you in on the games that I’m getting this week when I actually have them in hand, let me tell you why I’m interested in the other ones I noted:

There was actually a demo for Mystery Case Files via the Nintendo Channel last week. The game plays like a Where’s Waldo clone, as you have to find certain objects hidden in the background of a backdrop. I enjoyed the demo, even though I was pretty lousy at it. What’s interesting is that Nintendo is publishing it… so it will be interesting to see whether they had a hand in some additions to the game before its arrival at retail. Plus… it’s a mere $20.

I don’t know why TNA iMPACT! interests me. I haven’t watched wrestling with regularity in years now. I guess my interest has more to do with the fact that the game isn’t SmackDown vs. Raw, so it’s definitely interesting to see how the game fares in terms of reviews across the web.

When it comes to The Price Is Right, I can only say that I’m a HUGE fan of game shows… so I am always interested in video game versions of game shows. Some have been good (Jeopardy! for the PS2 was solid), and some have sucked eggs (Deal Or No Deal for the Nintendo DS was painful). I’ve not read much in advance about this game, which concerns me a bit; however, it IS The Price Is Right. The Big Wheel, Plinko, Cliff Hangers, and so on. If done well, this game could be a surprise.

Hell’s Kitchen is intriguing to me if only because I want to hear Gordon Ramsey’s edited-for-TV commentary in a video game. How will he insult his less-than-stellar virtual chefs? How many words will be bleeped out? Yeah, yeah… there’s a video game in there somewhere. Gimme more Ramsay!

I guess the new DDR interests me a little, although I can’t dance anymore. I’m too old and those mats that are included with Konami’s bundles slide around like a banana peel. I don’t take too kindly to falling on my ass in my own house, thanks. I am curious to see this game’s song list, though.

It’s going to be a busy, busy week for new games. Keep checking back here for initial impressions of my new additions once I get them later this week.