Gothic 3 (PC)

Featuring a stunning, massive game world, a fascinating story, hundreds of quests and more than 40 hours of gameplay, Gothic 3 will keep RPG fans glued to their PCs for months to come.

Gothic 3 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and carries a SRP of $39.99. To learn more about Gothic 3, and to enter for your chance to win a high-end gaming PC, go to gothic3.aspyr.com. Contest ends November 30.

Final Fantasy III (NDS)

Released only in Japan for the Famicom (known as the NES in America) in 1990, Final Fantasy III was the first entry in the world-renowned franchise to sell over a million units. Now, North American users can experience the untold legend for the first time.

"Until now, Final Fantasy III has seen no remakes or appearances on other platforms since its original release on the Nintendo Entertainment System in April 1990," said Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer for Final Fantasy III. "Due to the game's age, a direct port might seem a bit dated, but now Final Fantasy III has been made anew on the sensational Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand-new characterization for the four young heroes, who are now more dynamic than ever. As the only game in the Final Fantasy series that had not previously been localized, we are very pleased to finally bring Final Fantasy III across the ocean to players in North America. We hope that not only Final Fantasy fans, but a wide variety of players in North America enjoy the new Final Fantasy III."

Final Fantasy III takes players into the next generation of handheld RPGs by delivering an experience that takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware. With an innovative interface that utilizes the DS touch screen along with the advanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, Final Fantasy III presents an entirely new take on the only Final Fantasy never localized for North America. Users can also experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons, and the dynamic job system, which have become some of the most recognized elements of Final Fantasy, and experience them on the road, in the outdoors or in the comfort of their living rooms.

Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world's fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost -- but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world ...

Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness ...

Features :

• The missing link in the evolution of Final Fantasy is unveiled -- North American gamers experience a tale untold
• A dynamic job-changing system allows for more than 279,000 party variations
• The touch screen interface seamlessly utilizes DS capabilities -- explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells using the DS stylus
• A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic -- colorful 3D graphics bring Final Fantasy III into the new millennium
• Take advantage of both the wireless local area connection and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to access the Mognet and communicate with other players as well as NPCs, and uncover hidden dungeons, quests and items
• Character Designer Akihiko Yoshida, of the award-winning and critically acclaimed Final Fantasy XII, lends his talents by designing the four main characters and the outfits of their unique jobs

Final Fantasy III is rated E 10+ (Everyone 10+) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2 (Xbox 360)

Begin your vacation today as you join the lovely DOA girls on New Zack Island for a wild bout of gallivanting in the ocean, poolside, and in the casino for the time of your life! There’s no better way to stay warm during the cold winter than challenge or befriend your favorite bikini clad DOA girls in the assortment of challenges throughout the island.

“DOAX2 takes paradise to the next level this holiday season and allows you to enjoy your holidays in style!” says Yoh Watanabe, Tecmo’s Marketing Manager. “The stunning graphics and landscapes, enticing gameplay, and sheer amount of unlockable content will keep you coming back to the Island all winter long!”

Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate (PC)

Score some major in-game cash by competing in a variety of mini games including Butt Battle, Tug of War, Beach Race, Pool Hopping, or the Waterslide. Find a partner to bump, set, and spike your way to victory on the beachside volleyball courts or ride solo and slice through the waves in the Marine Race. Go all in at Zack’s Casino while you play a multitude of Vegas-styled games including poker, blackjack, and roulette. Log onto the Xbox Live online entertainment network to battle it out with others as you vie for victory!

Features :

• New faction: Introducing the brand-new Dwarves faction, made up of heroic warriors and rune magic adepts who stalk Ashan's deepest mountains and most hostile regions.
• A brand-new adventure: Featuring 15 new missions, new heroes, and improved cut-scenes, the new campaign will lead players even deeper into the dramatic events that began with Heroes of Might and Magic V.
• Extended game experience: Includes a wealth of new spells and abilities, 5 new single-player maps, 10 new multiplayer maps, new buildings, new artifacts, and new neutral creatures, Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate gives players the tools to develop new tactics and further their game experience both online and offline.
• Improved mechanics and gameplay: New features, such as Caravans and a random map generator, allow players to have unlimited replay options and an even smoother gameplay experience. In addition, the simultaneous turn feature will speed up online games.

Developed by Nival Interactive, Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate releases with an ESRB rating of "T” (teen) and an MSRP of $29.95.

Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 (PS2/Xbox)

Witness old school gaming at its best as this eclectic collection contains 20 golden titles of the past that will challenge players’ skills. There’s something for everyone as Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 delivers an assortment of masterpieces for the brawler, side-scrolling shooter or platformer fan in all of us.

Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 reacquaints players with the revolutionary games of their time while providing countless rounds of quarter-free entertainment. Each treasured favorite contains bountiful bonus features including remixed soundtracks, original art and history that will leave everyone wanting for more. Homes will turn into a virtual arcade hall as this 20-in-1 compilation will have players flashing back to the good old days with titles that helped define Capcom’s legacy as a leading worldwide developer and publisher.

Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 features:

• 20 timeless masterpieces on one disk
• Jam-packed action for countless hours of classic entertainment
• Bonus content – Listen to remixed music, view original artwork and access tips for all games
• Save at any time
• New user interface
• Video tutorial for Super Street Fighter II Turbo
• Special bonus Capcom edition of Quiz and Dragons includes more than 300 questions and unlocks cheats for every game in the collection
• Progressive scan support

Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 is now available at retailers across North America and carries a “T” rating for teen audiences by the ESRB.

Xiaolin Showdown (PSP/PS2/Xbox)

Based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation television series, the Xiaolin Showdown game combines action and exploration with seamless four-player multiplayer action as players take on the role of a group of young warriors on a mystical adventure. The game also features fully-voiced cut-scenes featuring the animated series’ original voice actors, allowing players to further immerse themselves in the game’s characters and storyline.

Xiaolin Showdown players seek and acquire valuable artifacts known as Shen Gong Wu – magical relics of supernatural power – on their globetrotting quest as one of six unique characters, including Omi, Raimundo, Kimiko, Clay, Jack Spicer and Chase Young. Each character has their own abilities and martial arts specialties. As they search for the Shen Gong Wu, the young adventurers will voyage to different locations from the animated series, including the Xiaolin Temple Grounds, the TOHO Toy Factory and Jack Spicer’s Lab, each filled with objects the player can interact with and perilous hazards they will need to avoid to ensure safe passage through the area.

Players can also test their skills in unique showdown challenges and even go head-to-head with bosses in winner-take-all arena combat. In addition to working together to complete each level, the game supports a unique “Frenemies” system that lets players take each other’s items, keeping the game a competitive yet collaborative experience.

Developed by BottleRocket Entertainment, Xiaolin Showdown carries a suggested retail price of $29.99 on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PSP system, and is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10 and up.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz (Wii)

AiAi and all his friends have rolled their way onto the Wii with new mind-blowing puzzle levels and 50 new and exciting Party Games specifically designed to fully exploit the revolutionary Wii Remote.

"With a huge variety of ways to control the monkeys, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz is the quintessential game that allows players to explore the capabilities of the Wii Remote," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Spanning over 75 puzzle levels and 50 party games, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz is the perfect game to take home at launch and experience with friends and family."

The single-player puzzle levels in Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz have been innovatively designed to challenge gamers' skill like never before. For the first time in the Super Monkey Ball franchise, AiAi and his friends will have the ability to jump, giving game designers another dimension in which to expand the Super Monkey Ball gameplay experience and allows gamers a whole new way to interact with the franchise; this time in true three-dimensional fashion.

The Party Games, for which the Super Monkey Ball franchise is famous, return with more variety than ever. 50 Party Games have been creatively designed to take advantage of the Wii Remote in a multitude of ways. Gamers will find themselves competing in a traditional game of ring toss, piloting spaceships, or even smacking pesky moles in a game of "Whack-a-Mole." Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz's large library of party games is sure to inspire friendly competition anytime.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, rated ‘E' for "Everyone", is priced at $49.99 and contains the most gaming content in the franchise's history.

Pocket Racers (PSP)

A unique twist on handheld racing games, Pocket Racers redefines the term “road rage” by offering players the chance to drive for their soul against a powerful evil adversary in detailed racing environments, either solo or with friends.

In Konami’s Pocket Racers, an evil nemesis has crashed a party by summoning dark sorcery and turning all the guests into tiny cars – and placing them in an ongoing race for their souls. In every corner and cranny of a giant house, players will find more than a dozen different race tracks with breathtaking jumps, drops, obstacles, twists and turns as they race to victory or meet certain doom. Race around hallways, navigate kitchen counters, weave between chair legs and dodge party debris in 15 unique indoor environments. Pocket Racers provides an extensive array of 16 colorful vehicles – from flashy rear-wheel drive sports cars to rough and tough four-wheel drive off-roaders. In addition, players will find a variety of sinister Power Ups from nitro boosts to homing missiles to give them an edge against opponents.

With an extensive solo play option, Pocket Racers boasts never ending fun with intense time trials, a skill-honing practice mode, death defying soul races and even a head-to-head race against the Nemesis himself. With the PSP system’s wireless option, up to four players can enter into the multiplayer mode and compete in the white knuckling versus mode, ball-bouncing soccer matches or object-tagging domination rounds.

Pocket Racers is rated “E” by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force (PSP)

The first entry in the acclaimed Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise for the PSP system, the game engages players in a new Duel Academy storyline and features an original tag team dueling mechanic that lets gamers team up with allies for an intense and strategic card-based experience.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force immerses players in the Duel Academy, an elite school for young duelists, as they join the Slifer Red dormitory and go head to head with other students from the opposing Ra Yellow and Obelisk Blue student associations. The school is holding a new type of dueling contest this year, letting students team up in groups of two and compete together.

Breaking new ground in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force features an original tag team battle system in which players can team up with a computer controlled teammate and take on two other duelists. Each teammate utilizes a different deck, allowing for countless new strategic opportunities as players bring each character into the dueling fray. The game also features a larger selection of cards than any previous Yu-Gi-Oh! video game, providing players with more choices in building their decks and new custom animations for each card as they are brought into play.

Building upon the competitive foundations of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force features ad-hoc wireless multiplayer functionality for two duelists. Players can select two unique characters and decks to use in each battle, setting the stage for intense head to head standoffs.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force is rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

DDR Ultramix 4 (Xbox)

With 70+ hit songs and dance remixes, along with 85 downloadable songs via Xbox Live, DDR Ultramix4 offers players the largest library of songs of any Dance Dance Revolution title to date. DDR Ultramix4 is also one of the most accessible DDR games, with new tutorials and super-easy levels that can help turn even the most novice DDR player into a dancing machine.

DDR Ultramix 4 features a variety of gameplay modes that are perfect for everyone from first-time players who are new to the popular series to the most skilled DDR enthusiasts. Novice players have access to the new How to Play, Lesson Mode, and Game Mode Elite, which are all designed to make the game easy for untested players that are eager to join the dancing game revolution.

Seasoned DDR players can enjoy full Xbox Live functionality, where they can take part in online competitions, download songs and dance steps, upload content, compete head-to-head and view Internet rankings. Also new are enhancements to existing modes, including Quest Mode, Party Mode and Jukebox Mode, along with a new Edit Mode that lets skilled players edit the background videos and the dance steps to any song in the game.

The game’s incredible song library, including songs from Pussycat Dolls, Natasha Bedingfield and Prodigy, will have players of all skill levels dancing the night away. Fans will also enjoy the new Power Courses, which allow players to dance to “continuous dj mixes” of multiple songs just like a real dance club. Rounding out the complete package is the popular Workout Mode, where players can track calories lost and other vital fitness stats as they play the game. Given its variety of game modes and features, DDR Ultramix4 is the perfect title for video game fans of all ages and those simply seeking a fun fitness alternative.

Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix4 for the Xbox is rated “E10+” by the ESRB and is available for an suggested retail price of $29.99 for the standalone video game and $54.99 for the video game and dance mat bundle (bundle shipping to stores on November 21).

Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles (PS2)

Based on the hit animated TV series Naruto from VIZ Media, “Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles” is available exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Locked deep inside Naruto, a rambunctious orphan, is the powerful Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit. By harnessing the power of this demon through rigorous training and intense challenges, Naruto aspires to become Hokage, the most powerful ninja of all.

“Numerous customization options provide players the opportunity to harness the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit in a way never before seen in a Naruto video game," said Naruo Uchida, Vice President of Localization at Namco Bandai Games America Inc. “Fans have been clamoring for even more intense Naruto action, and the original storyline of ‘Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles’ delivers a unique playing experience within the familiar world of Naruto.”

Exploring intricately detailed 3D environments, Naruto must embark on a journey to save the Hidden Leaf Village, from an impending threat. By utilizing a unique partner system with familiar characters such as Sasuke, Choji and Kakashi, players must work as a team with the other Leaf Ninja to complete story-driven missions. By collecting special chips and plates that affect speed, strength and stamina, players can customize Naruto’s fighting abilities in virtually limitless ways -- each one unlocking new skills and abilities. Players can fight through hordes of enemies up-close with lethal ninjutsu, or rely on long-range weapons, such as exploding cards, to complete missions and unravel the enemies’ secret plots. Mini-games, countless fighting abilities for Naruto and various unlockable abilities will leave aspiring ninja thirsting for more.

Warhammer: Battle for Atluma (PSP)

Warhammer: Battle for Atluma, a new collectible card game set in the popular Warhammer world is a game of strategy and quick wits offering players more than 400 cards to collect, trade and ultimately use to conquer their opponents.

“Warhammer: Battle for Atluma is an immersive portable card-based game that encourages a strong sense of community among players through head-to-head battles, card collecting, trading and strategy sessions,” said John Whitmore, Director of Internal/External Development at Namco Bandai Games America Inc.

Developed by JV Games, Warhammer: Battle for Atluma allows players to enter the Old World and battle their way through the vast armies of either the Grand Alliance or the evil Hordes of Darkness. Along the way, the secrets of Atluma will be revealed that will help shape future battles, but players will need to be decisive to outwit their opponent and secure the ultimate prize - the Atluma Crystal.

Features :

• Wireless multiplayer gameplay which allows players to battle a friend and trade cards by connecting wirelessly;
• Life and death decisions which weigh heavily as players must carefully choose their battles. One wrong battle can lead an army to defeat, while one strategic victory can win new warriors from an opponent;
• The ability to build a custom army deck that can stand the heat of combat. Players can access more than 90 different units through recruitment, conquest and trade;
• An extensive tutorial system that helps beginners jump right into the action and start competing like a seasoned veteran.

Warhammer: Battle for Atluma is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis (GBA)

Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis offers gamers seven original gravity-defying stages that have been perfectly ported to the Game Boy Advance. Now players can experience the original Sonic The Hedgehog that broke the speed barrier wide open on the SEGA Genesis console. Navigate through loop-de-loops of Green Hill Zone, zoom past waterfalls, and dash over molten lava at Sonic's trademark super speedy pace while collecting gold rings.

Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis includes a special anniversary mode in which players will be able to use Sonic's Spin Dash ability to get out of dangerous situations. Also, for the first time in the original Sonic The Hedgehog, players will be able to save their progress and high scores throughout the seven stages.

Born on June 23, 1991 as the fastest, most technologically advanced character for the SEGA Genesis console, Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most popular video game icons of all time. Worldwide, with more than 8,000 Sonic games sold everyday, and over 44 million Sonic games sold to date, The Blue Dude with the ‘tude continues to shape the history of video games.

Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis is rated "E" for ‘Everyone', and retails for $19.95.

Trauma Center: Second Opinion (Wii)

This news may cause dizziness and weak knees for gamers of all ages! If the uncontrollable urge to scream aloud with joy comes upon you, please do so outdoors in order not to frighten any other members of your household or office. Since this is the best news you’ve heard in over a month, your body may go into instant shock; please be prepared appropriately and lie down. Avoid operating heavy machinery, big calculators, or home-made robots.

Trauma Center: Second Opinion is the follow-up to the cult DS hit, Trauma Center: Under the Knife. Trauma Center: Second Opinion features all new surgical procedures, operating tools, difficulty levels, and a new playable doctor! Thanks to the innovative Wii controls, you can now select your instrument with one hand and operate with the other simultaneously! Trauma Center: Second Opinion is suggested to be taken daily and as frequently as possible!

Also, don’t forget to check out the official Trauma Center: Second Opinion website and get the down-low on all the great features of the game! If you find yourself unable to overcome this glorious news or its symptoms, immediately scamper to your favorite video game retailer, and make your appointment with Dr. Stiles today!

Happy Feet (GBA/NDS/NGC/PS2/Wii/PC)

Based on the Warner Bros. Pictures feature film, Happy Feet the videogame follows Mumble, a tap–dancing penguin, in his struggle to find his soul mate. Featuring the voices of Elijah Wood as Mumble and Brittany Murphy as Gloria, the videogame sees Mumble dance, belly–sled and swim his way through Antarctica as he tries to win Gloria's heart.

"Happy Feet is such a wonderful film and expected to be a huge hit. We're ecstatic to have created a game to complement the movie that will be fun for kids and parents of any age to play together," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "Happy Feet the videogame will allow fans of the movie to dance, swim and belly–sled, just like Mumble, Gloria and the rest of the penguins from the movie, and we're providing an extensive marketing campaign to support the games' release."

Midway's immersive videogame puts the player in the "tap shoes " of Mumble, a young penguin born into a nation of singing Emperor penguins where each needs a heart song to attract a soul mate. Unfortunately, Mumble is the worst singer in the world... however, as it happens, he is a brilliant tap dancer!

Based on the general storyline of the film, players will be able to experience life from the point of view of Mumble through music, dance and interaction with friends and enemies in his world. Through the course of the game, Mumble will grow from a small fluffy toddler into a tall, sleek, confident adult as he belly–sleds, dances, and swims through Antarctica on an amazing adventure. The exciting game play features a number of different play modes and is complemented by a playful and lively music soundtrack.

Happy Feet the videogame for the PS2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, GBA and PC. A Nintendo Wii version of Happy Feet the videogame is scheduled to ship to stores later this week.

Platypus (PS2)

“Platypus is the first claymation shooter game to be launched on the PSP system, and marks our entrance into the market for next-generation handheld devices,” said Mark Cottam, CEO of MumboJumbo. “As we transition some of our best selling releases for the PC and Mac to new platforms such as the PSP system, we are focused on being everywhere that gamers are at, and giving something they can enjoy no matter where the road takes them.”

Platypus, a ground-breaking side-scrolling shooter game, puts you right in the middle of the action with an incredibly unique visual presentation and addictive gameplay. Your mission is to guide your ship, "Platypus," through 30 challenging and action-packed levels. With unique, hand-molded 3D clay graphics, electrifying power-ups and invading enemy forces, Platypus can be played by yourself or with a friend, adding a whole new dimension to the already exhilarating action. Whether played by rookies or hardcore gamers, Platypus presents an easily accessible yet hard to master game that shoots its way past the competition.

Rated E for “Everyone” by the ESRB, Platypus is now available for purchase at leading retailers and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Luxor: Wrath of Set (PSP)

“'Luxor: Wrath of Set' is any easily accessible title that features key ingredients for any hit title: an addictive style of gameplay combined with slick graphics and detailed levels that continue to challenge you as you go,” said Mark Cottam, CEO of MumboJumbo. “With more than 50 million downloads over the life of the franchise, 'Luxor: Wrath of Set' improves upon the original in almost every way and is guaranteed to appeal to any gamer no matter what their age or skill level.”

One of the best selling casual games, "Luxor" achieved both critical success and mass market appeal in 2005. MumboJumbo followed up that extremely successful title with the launch this year of "Luxor:Wrath of Set" and "Luxor 2", both titles receiving high accolades and praise from leading online gaming sites, including "Luxor 2’s" listing as the number one downloaded global casual game for the week of October 30, 2006 (according to Logler.com). Since its launch in mid October of this year, "Luxor 2" has been downloaded more than four million times.

Luxor: Wrath of Set is available for purchase at leading retailers, and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

My Little Pony: The Runaway Rainbow (GBA)

"Hasbro's My Little Pony is a top brand that has timeless appeal to girls of all ages," said Doug Clemmer, president of THQ's ValuSoft division. "The brand has resonated extremely well with game players over the years and we are excited to work with Hasbro to bring My Little Pony: The Runaway Rainbow to Game Boy Advance and Windows PC this holiday."

"The My Little Pony fan base is tremendous with over 40 million ponies in little girls' hands and we're confident that these new interactive adventures will capture their hearts," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president, HPG. "We are proud to bring My Little Pony to fans in a way that enables them to bring the Ponies and the story of The Runaway Rainbow to life in a whole new way."

In My Little Pony: The Runaway Rainbow, all of Unicornia is celebrating the season's first rainbow when Rarity the Unicorn accidentally transports herself to Breezie Blossom with a magic wand. Players embark on an adventure with the Breezies and Ponies to get Rarity the Unicorn home for the rainbow celebration as they play through five rainbow chapters featuring 14 fun mini-games, including memory matching, dress up games and more. Girls can play as Rarity the Unicorn as they become immersed in the story of The Runaway Rainbow.

Adding to the My Little Pony fun and excitement this fall is the kick-off of a national live stage show tour, My Little Pony Live"The World's Biggest Tea Party". The highly interactive, 90-minute musical production featuring singing, dancing and playing with Pinkie Pie and all her pony friends, will travel across the country through early 2007.

Published by THQ's ValuSoft division, the game is rated "E" for Everyone and is available at retailers throughout North America for $19.99 SRP.