Get Your Game On – 03.11.08

Here’s a quick rundown of some of this week’s notable video-game releases.

Super Smash Brothers Brawl (Nintendo)

Technically, this game was released over the weekend... but if you're like me and spent your weekend playing outside, you'll forgive the "tardiness." And once you fire this disc up with your Wii, you'll forgive Nintendo for their tardiness as this long-delayed title is definitely worth the wait. The original "Smash Brothers Melee" was arguably a Game Cube classic and the follow-up for the Wii does not disappoint. With more than 20 playable characters spanning the history of the Nintendo universe, "Brawl" is loaded with an unbelievable amount of play options. Among the top features: customized controls that allow you to either play with the newer Wii-mote functions – or kick things old school GameCube style. The addition of Nintendo's Wi-Fi to the mix allows you to take things online and battle up to four challengers at once. (Rated T for Teen; Wii Exclusive)

"Army of Two" (EA)

Another long-delayed title that rewards you for your patience is EA's "Army of Two." A third-person shooter – where the focus is on two-man missions. Co-Op isn't a mode here; it's the entire game. It's satisfying enough as a single player – but "AO2" is begging to be played with a friend, either in split-screen mode right there in your living room – or online. With a storyline that's ripped straight from the headlines focused on the shadowy world of private military operations and amazing graphics, "Army of Two" is geared up and ready for battle. (Rated M for Mature; Xbox 360, PS3)

"Condemned 2: Bloodshot" (SEGA)

This sequel to "Condemned: Criminal Origins" takes the same gritty, no-holds-barred intensity of the original and pushes things far beyond the next level. As former crime-scene investigator "Ethan Thomas," you fight your way through a dark conspiracy on the trail of the person(s) responsible for killing your former partner. All new combat controls take the violence to twisted new heights – combining bone crunching physical moves with "weapons of opportunity" (brick to the head, anyone?). Of course, the mystery elements of the original are intact – and an overhauled forensics system rewards players for how well they investigate various crime scenes. The addition of several new multi-player modes allow your friends to get in on the action such as the ever popular "Death-match" mode. (Rated M for Mature; Xbox 360, PS3)

- Matt West, CNN Entertainment Producer

Filed under: Games • Gaming