New Video Game Releases

The frenetic FlatOut series smashes and crashes onto Xbox 360 courtesy of publisher Zoo Games. As with previous versions, the main draw of the game is the ability to collide into rival drivers, with a real-time physics engine and damage model showing crumpled hoods, crushed bumpers, and more. FlatOut includes racing and destruction derby modes, as well as a new trap-filled battle arena with a post apocalyptic theme. Cars entering this arena now have to deal with flamethrowers, a giant steel ball, spike pits, and other dangers to make survival a challenge. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Game over, man? It's only just begun. Aliens: Colonial Marines is a squad-based shooter, set in the science fiction universe inspired by James Cameron's 1986 film. In the spirit of the 20th Century Fox movie series, the game plays out through the claustrophobic corridors of futuristic, labyrinthine, extra-terrestrial industrial constructs. Tense, creepy pacing is punctuated with vicious ambushes and explosive firefights. To succeed in their deadly mission, each marine must know his role, and the squad must work together to survive. The assignment is a covert, preemptive strike, part of a desperate plan to foil a pending full-on invasion of Earth. Players wield weapons seen in the Aliens films, including pulse rifles and flamethrowers, and also new equipment created for the game. A full single-player campaign is available, as well as an online, four-player co-op adventure mode. The game's story was authored by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, partners who have previously written for the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Battlestar Galactica sci-fi TV series. Aliens: Colonial Marines was developed by Brothers in Arms creator, Gearbox Software. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Game over, man? It's only just begun. Aliens: Colonial Marines is a squad-based shooter, set in the science fiction universe inspired by James Cameron's 1986 film. In the spirit of the 20th Century Fox movie series, the game plays out through the claustrophobic corridors of futuristic, labyrinthine, extra-terrestrial industrial constructs. Tense, creepy pacing is punctuated with vicious ambushes and explosive firefights. To succeed in their deadly mission, each marine must know his role, and the squad must work together to survive. The assignment is a covert, preemptive strike, part of a desperate plan to foil a pending full-on invasion of Earth. Players wield weapons seen in the Aliens films, including pulse rifles and flamethrowers, and also new equipment created for the game. A full single-player campaign is available, as well as an online, four-player co-op adventure mode. The game's story was authored by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, partners who have previously written for the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Battlestar Galactica sci-fi TV series. Aliens: Colonial Marines was developed by Brothers in Arms creator, Gearbox Software. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Do-it-yourselfers find a town full of home-improvement projects in Fix It. Playing as one of three cartoonish characters -- Stonewall, Brick, or Andrea -- gamers master more than 60 home-maintenance tasks, to take on nearly a dozen big jobs, from the little house next door to a sprawling seaside mansion. In the Wii version of the game, the Wii Remote becomes the tool at hand, to be wielded as an in-game hammer, saw, or screwdriver. The story mode follows the characters as they try to build the best handy-person service in the book, one project at a time. Free play, time attack, and other mini-game modes are also featured, and players can challenge one another in head-to-head DIY duels. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Jungle School is a collection of mini-games, strung together in the adventures of an industrious young teacher who takes on a wild, behaviorally challenged class. The various action and strategy mini-games involve such tasks as sorting papers, helping students to answer blackboard questions, or dodging a face-full of hot lunch (when a food fight breaks out in the cafeteria). Classes have between six and eight students, each with individual strengths and needs. Successful teachers strive to raise class grades in all subjects. Pivotal schoolroom moments play out in animated cut scenes. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Do-it-yourselfers find a town full of home-improvement projects in Fix It. Playing as one of three cartoonish characters -- Stonewall, Brick, or Andrea -- gamers master more than 60 home-maintenance tasks, to take on nearly a dozen big jobs, from the little house next door to a sprawling seaside mansion. In the DS edition of the game, the stylus is used to mimic the movements of tools on the touch screen, allowing players to hammer nails, drive screws, and make cuts with a saw. The story mode follows the characters as they try to build the best handy-person service in the book, one project at a time. Free play, time attack, and other mini-game modes are also featured. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Ferrari: The Race Experience is an accessible driving game with a 500-horsepower attitude. Players choose from roadsters, racers, and classic cars, all bearing the distinctive Cavallino Rampante stallion logo, with circuits in three classes. Real-time collision damage, dynamic weather effects, and adaptive computer-controlled opponents add to the authenticity. Races take place on 17 different tracks, inspired by real-life courses. An "Assist" mode is available to allow players of all skill levels to appreciate the power and handling of the famously powerful automobiles. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

This compilation brings three full games from Naughty Dog's popular Jak and Daxter franchise to the PS3 for the first time, complete with upgraded HD visuals, trophies, and support for stereoscopic 3D displays. Players can take on Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak II, and Jak 3 all on one disc. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide