After several weeks where we didn"t have much to report on in terms of new game releases, this week begins a new and very busy period where we should see major new game releases every day until around the first week of December. This week"s major new game release is Age of Empires Online. The free-to-play MMORTS game represents Microsoft"s return to its long running PC game franchise but takes it in a new direction. Developed by Gas Powered Games (after first being developed by Robot Entertainment) the game will launch with the Egyptian and Greek civilizations. While the game can be played for free, Microsoft is hoping you will also spend some money on "Booster Packs" that will add additional content and features. It will also add two more civilizations, Celtic and Pro Persian, later this year.
Two acclaimed console download games make their PC debut this week. One is From Dust, the new "god game" from developer and publisher Ubisoft. The other is Bastion, the fantasy action-RPG from developer SuperGiant Games. Console gamers can get the Ignition Entertainment-developed Japanese import action game El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron for the Xbox 360 and PS3 this week.
Konami releases No More Heroes: Heroes" Paradise, an enhanced PS3 version of the 2007 Wii action game, this week. Xbox 360 owners will be able to download Toy Solders: Cold War this week. Finally Mac owners will get their own port of June"s first person shooter Duke Nukem Forever via publisher Aspyr.