Preview 2007: Mass Effect, Smash Bros., Virtua Fighter 5

Super Smash Bros., Brawl: Nintendo hit the goomba on the head when they realized that gamers love two things: playing as their favorite characters and beating the snot out of their friends. Brawl will continue this hallowed tradition with the same easy to learn/difficult to master techniques featured in previous games. Newcomers this time will include a new form for Metroid’s Samus Aran who is seen showing off her zero suit, Metaknight of Kirby fame, Pit from the NES game Kid Icarus, Wario also shows up to let out some nuclear flatulence (possibly the result of an atomic wedgie from Waluigi?) and rounding out the list is by far the most bizarre and unexpected addition in Smash history, is Metal Gear’s perfect solider himself, Solid Snake.
Release Date: Summer 2007
Platform: Nintendo Wii
MSRP: $49.99

Virtua Fighter 5: After a lengthy beta test Sega’s esteemed fighting series is finally ready to be released on the Playstation 3. That is, after nearly 5 years without a proper sequel. Thirteen years of evolution culminates with this release and new tweaks to the fighting system should yield great results. Sega has always earned mucho kudos from hardcore fighting fans but due to VF’s almost terrifyingly deep fighting system they’ve never been able to market to the casual gamer. With VF5 Sega is looking to change that a bit by toning down the learning curve. And according to VF legend every time those words are uttered lightning strikes and a Unicorn loses its horn and becomes just a deer, so allow me to offer you these words of reassurance: Virtua Fighter 5 will not be simplified, it will merely function on more levels to allow Joe Gamer a chance to enjoy himself without having to memorize combo lists.
Release Date: February 20th (PS3) August 28th (360) Platform: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 MSRP: $59.99 (Both versions)