F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin (PS3/X360/PC)

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is a blend of advanced visceral combat mixed with seamless game pacing set inside a sinister and paranormal universe that begins shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R. A Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion. Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos. Tension builds as the squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

As players move throughout the smoldering remains of Auburn in search of Alma, they must investigate the crumbling remains of schools, hospitals and alleyways as they are stalked by otherworldly creatures and enemies. Gamers will need to use everything at their disposal, including all-new weapons and superhuman abilities, to fight the supernatural forces arrayed against them and keep the entire city from succumbing to Alma.

In addition to a gripping single-player campaign, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin supports up to 16 players for action-packed multiplayer match-ups. Multiplayer options include nine maps, four modes and a powerful mix of weapons, grenades and high tech machinery, including the Elite Powered Armor (EPA) mech suits that players can take control of in both multiplayer and single-player action.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, rated “M” for Mature, is available for Xbox 360 and PS3 for $59.99, and on PC through retail outlets, as well as via Steam and Direct2Drive for $49.99.

X-Blades (PS3/X360/PC)

“Just by looking at X-Blades players can see that this won’t be another run of the mill action game,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Interactive. “The large and detailed worlds, combined with beautiful artwork and film-like cut scenes, are only the beginning of what X-Blades has to offer.”

In X-Blades, players take the role of the beautiful treasure hunter Ayumi as she battles through waves of enemies in her search for a powerful and ancient relic. Armed with her trusty pistol blades, Ayumi relies on her acrobatic skills and lightning quick fighting style to cut a swath through the hordes of evil keeping her from her goal. If she becomes overwhelmed, Ayumi can add devastating and upgradeable magic attacks to her combos to defeat her enemies.

“One of the many features you’ll find in X-Blades is the idea of letting the player choose their own character direction,” said James Seaman, Managing Director at TopWare Interactive. “The type of combos learned, magic abilities upgraded, and even the layout of the controller buttons are completely up to the player, giving them the opportunity to play Ayumi in any way they like. Add that level of personalization to the already top notch fighting engine and sexy art style, and you’ll find that X-Blades delivers for both anime and action fans alike.”

X-Blades, rated M for Mature , is now available on Xbox 360 and the PS3 for the suggested retail price of $59.99, and $49.99 for PC.

Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad (X360)

Players will take on the influx of zombies with either sword handling sister Aya or Saki and rid the city forever of the undead. Be the first to experience the Japanese sensation that has included a full feature film and a long series of videogames overseas.

“We are very pleased to bring Onechanbara to North America for the first time,“ said Pete Andrew, vice president of product development, North America, D3Publisher. “Playing Onechanbara either on Xbox 360 or Wii, gamers will have the opportunity to experience a unique storyline and fun-filled gameplay that is completely different from each other.”

In Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad, Aya, a descendent of the family known as IMICHI, meaning blood that goes out of control, reconciles with her sister Saki and live together in peace for awhile. The peace doesn’t last for long as an infestation of zombies have plagued the city. The sisters join together to draw their swords and rid the city of evil. Gamers can play with a friend in Co-op Mode or switch between any of the three beautiful playable characters in single player. Each character has a variety of unique moves that can be mastered during combat to destroy enemy zombies. Get too much blood on either sister and be driven into Rage Mode and gain more power and agility to destroy enemies faster and deadlier. For an added experience, gamers can go to Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and download additional outfits and sword-flinging girls.

Developed by Tamsoft, Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad for Xbox 360 is rated “M for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes) is available for the suggested retail price of $39.95.

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers (Wii)

Players will take on the influx of zombies with either sword handling sister Aya or Saki and rid the city forever of the undead. Be the first to experience the Japanese sensation that has included a full feature film and a long series of videogames overseas.

“We are very pleased to bring Onechanbara to North America for the first time,“ said Pete Andrew, vice president of product development, North America, D3Publisher. “Playing Onechanbara either on Xbox 360 or Wii, gamers will have the opportunity to experience a unique storyline and fun-filled gameplay that is completely different from each other.”

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is the sequel to Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad. In the videogame, Aya is out to find the meaning of her IMICHI ancestors, even if it leads to the answer she does not wish for. Players can master the sword to take full advantage of the Wii Remote™ motion controls by slashing, swinging and thrusting into zombie enemy hordes. Play as either sister Aya or Saki in single player or with a friend in Co-Op Mode and utilize each of their unique fighting styles and set of moves. Get too much blood on either sister and be driven into Rage Mode and gain more power and agility to destroy enemies faster and deadlier. Every person met and enemy battled gets the sisters closer to understanding who or what is behind the zombie outbreak and putting an end to it.

Developed by Tamsoft, Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers for Wii, rated “M” for Mature (Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes and Violence), is available for the suggested retail price of $29.95.

LocoRoco 2 (PSP)

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio, LocoRoco 2 is the follow up to the original LocoRoco released in 2006 for PSP, a 2D platform/action game that was applauded for its universal art style, "feel good factor" and innovative "tilt and roll gameplay." LocoRoco 2 allows players to use the PSP system's shoulder buttons to "tilt" the game's colorful and quirky world and help guide the LocoRoco through vibrant story-driven levels filled with new gameplay elements. These elements include swimming under water, swinging on vines and leaping inside shells to smash through obstacles.

LocoRoco 2 introduces a set of new mini-games as well as multi-player functionality to the franchise with wireless ad hoc play so up to four nearby players can enjoy playing together. Additionally, players will encounter unlockable quests and new interactive musical mini-games that emphasize the catchy soundtrack and unlock bonuses like stamp sheets that can be used as wallpaper for PSP.

"LocoRoco 2's charming characters, vibrant environments and new gameplay elements appeal to franchise fans and newcomers alike," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, product marketing, SCEA. "LocoRoco 2's joyous spirit and infectious music is a perfect escape for players on the go."

Inspired by Game Director Tsutomu Kouno's fascination with oil and water in classic toys, the LocoRoco franchise's simplified 2D graphic style is paired with complex physics so these blobs of joy fluidly morph and respond to the environment in engaging ways.

Featuring uniquely simple controls primarily using the PSP system's "L" and "R" shoulder buttons, LocoRoco tasks players with controlling the game world by "tilting" the landscape and "bumping" the LocoRoco in order to help them navigate through each level, collecting others to grow the LocoRoco and keep them out of harm's way. In LocoRoco 2, each of the seven LocoRoco types has their own voices and personalities, as well as their own enchanting theme songs that capture the happy creatures' colorful world. Bonus features include mini-games, Stamp Collecting Mode, and the MuiMui House, a customizable playhouse with dozens of collectibles throughout the game.

Having triumphed over the invasion of the Moja army corps, the LocoRoco have been living happily on their joyous planet. Unwilling to concede defeat, the boss (Bommucho) of the Moja army ran back to his home world and started preparations for a new attack, helped by his cunning mother. They came up with a new plan, and a new weapon: a terrible song that can suck the life-force out of living things. Armed with this brutal song, the Moja boarded their meteorite and set off on a mission to conquer the LocoRoco planet. Can the LocoRoco protect their planet from this new terrible weapon?

LocoRoco 2 will retail for $19.99.

Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection (PS3/X360)

SEGA of America announced that Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection for the Xbox 360and the PS3 has shipped to retailers across North America. This compilation features the entire series of Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, Phantasy Star and Shining Force, as well as other classic titles from SEGA’s 16-bit Genesis, 8-bit Master System and 1980’s arcade era games library.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection contains over 40 classic SEGA games in one package; making it the largest collection of SEGA first party games ever released. The game features local multiplayer as well as bonus content which includes nine unlockable games, video interviews from the creators of these classic SEGA titles, and fun facts that you may not have known about the games. Featured games include Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3, Golden Axe, Columns, Ecco the Dolphin, Shinobi III, and Space Harrier. Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection can output these classic games in 720p with higher resolution graphics for HD televisions, bringing a visually stunning gameplay experience, and breathing new life into these classics.

NASCAR Kart Racing (Wii)

Kart Racing's release coincides with this weekend's Daytona 500 and the official start of the 2009 NASCAR season.

Designed exclusively for the Wii, NASCAR Kart Racing enables all players, from hardcore to casual, to experience NASCAR in a brand new way. Grab the steering wheel as a famed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and speed through treacherous landscapes, wind around rocky cliffs, jump rivers and dodge falling boulders. Up to four players can go head-to-head, via split screen, in a mad dash to the checkered flag, making NASCAR Kart Racing an ideal game to play with family and friends.

Make a pit stop at your local retailer to pick up NASCAR Kart Racing and enjoy the thrill of racing as three-time consecutive Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson or choose from 13 additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. Strategy is key when choosing a driver and a teammate, as each driver has personal attributes that will determine how the team will perform on a course. Teams that work together win championships!

Licensed NASCAR Drivers:

• Jeff Burton
• Jimmie Johnson
• Kyle Busch
• Kasey Kahne
• Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
• Matt Kenseth
• Carl Edwards
• Joey Logano (Unlockable w/purchase at GameStop)
• Jeff Gordon
• Elliott Sadler
• Denny Hamlin
• Tony Stewart
• Kevin Harvick
• *Unlockable Mystery Driver*

In addition to the 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, NASCAR Kart Racing players can take the wheel as one of 10 original animated characters known as "Outsiders". Hit the off-road courses or take these "Outsiders" for a spin around classic NASCAR tracks. Each "Outsider" hails from a racing background outside of NASCAR, providing a unique twist to the NASCAR Kart Racing experience.

"Outsiders"

• Billy Backfire
• "Shakes" McDaniel
• Bobby Backfire
• "Thriller" Tadwell
• Kelly Kates
• Monica Torres
• Linda Leadbetter
• Luke Trigger
• Maurice L'eclair
• Terri Winsome

The courses in NASCAR Kart Racing feature a vast range of exhilarating terrain. Experience 24 entertaining race layouts that wrap through deserts, freeways, back roads, canyons, junkyards and more. Drivers will also push the pedal to the metal inside and around four popular NASCAR tracks: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Dover International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Each track in NASCAR Kart Racing can be reversed to provide two unique racing experiences.

NASCAR Kart Racing, rated E for Everyone, shipped to retailers in North America today with an MSRP of $39.99