New Arrivals - Games & Hardware
All the latest games, hardware, figures, merchandise, gaming magazines etc that have recently arrived in store are here. Use the filter below to select your console and narrow your search
All new arrivals. Use the menu to narrow your search.
PS2
Sports
Nice variety in court settings with a canyon, night time building court and even an aquarium based one, but its the characters that are particularly eye catching. All feamle cast of players to choose from with a few potential selection dilemnas with gothic, combat, maid and Chinese uniforms plus the obligatory ‘kogyaru’ fashion. Plays a solid game if you can avoid the on court distractions. Not sure what they’d make of these uniforms at Wimbeldon…
PS3
One on One Beat Em Up
Well worth the wait as Sega polishes its massive series to create a visual punch capable of knocking players out cold for the count. Pugilists flow like water with seamless animation making it at times difficult to concentrate on countering the attacks, such is the graphical splendour. And its not only the players full of fluidity Ethe waterfall level will take a few attempts to get used to before players can focus fully on the battle in-hand. Seventeen playable fighters with some vicious special moves to master to become king of the arcades as players tour round the game centres fighting new challengers. Master is the operative word with ranking determined by performance against tougher opponents with the ultimate aim being to reach tenth dan. So the dojo is a sound place to start for some solid training in the foundations. Tournament mode allows competitors to pick up money or a new outfit to radically alter the player’s on-screen persona’s appearance.
PS2
Action
A fine Gundam title but more importantly a fine game in its own right with ginormous mech going for it in the confines of the sphere or in the more tactical open spaced mode. A massive multitude of mecha to unlock too but playing through the mission mode is a pleasure in itself with the controls soon feeling right after only a short bit of practise. Zone of Enders fans will be right at home here. Subtitled ‘Encounters in Space’ in the English version.
PS2
Action
Thankfully not a doorman simulator, but there are a few cauliflower ears dished out as you grapple various assailants all gorgeously rendered in a Square stylie. Also in another Square trait you can teach comrades various fighting moves in a trade off for hard earned experience points gained through giving out fat lips.
Playstation
Rhythm
Based on the boy band, bishonen anime with the real voice actors, plus an abundance of footage and an introduction from the series, Kaikan Phrase pits the player on stage needing to successfully hit the beats to progress. Initially only the anime’s intro song is available, but loads more are available to be unlocked. Each band member varies in difficulty regarding the speed and frequency of beats with the drummer being a particularly tough nut to crack. A Tour Mode keeps interest in a very stylish title.
Playstation
RPG
Advanced RPG engine in that every action in game has an effect on the overall quest, even seemingly insignificant events. Players have full control over their destiny as the game starts you off in a random section of the immense gaming world. This allows RPG-ers to express their own personality: be it peace loving or belligerent. Very impressive levels of freedom for a home console.
PS2
Sports
Enjoying success on the N64 Acclaim brought its happy hitting baseball game to the PS2 with an enormous polygon count bringing out impressive levels of realism. Yet the gameplay hedges more towards the big sluggers than other baseball titles with plenty of home run potential. Not every other hit though, but the balance is just right to keep that special big hit feel. Players faces have some great expressions helping get involved in the games up and down emotions.
Sony Hardware
Adaptor
Suppiled with both UK and European standard plugs. Has a 100-240v rating.
PSP
Sports
A title synonymous with the Sony brand returns to true form with its nitrous fuelled gameplay, adrenalin rush visuals and stylish club scene inspired, icon based presentation complete with a sublime soundtrack. Most importantly the ship’s handling has been tightened up giving it a less floaty feel placing the blame for clipped wings firmly on the drivers shoulders. The energy charge lane (a la F-Zero) has now been replaced with the need to use weapon power ups for in race repairs adding a tactical element to events. Pure and simply cool- bravo Sony Liverpool for such a cultured title.
PSP
A Bit Special
Masses of monkey themed mini games as players collect the many cards on offer with a few bananas changing hands, but not before a quick game of ‘paper, scissors, stone’ to determine which mini game is played. Progress round the map and eventually a boss challenge will become available. Beat the boss and not only will a new area of the map become accessible, you’ll also get their very own card. Its also possible to unlock a bit of monkey magic in the form of costumes – the Santa and Terminator monkeys are real corkers. The sequel has vastly improved over the initial primate prequel Also known as Ape Escape Academy. Subtitled ‘Aiai Saruge Janken Battle’.
PS2
Action
Based on a Japanese CG animation show, Aqua Kids does a formidable job of replicating the show’s distinct look which is similar to a Dreamworks production. There are two modes of play: a battle mode where players take on all comers and a quest mode where players search for the parts missing from your robot friend Daibo. Colourful action title.
Wii
Sports
Big 4×4 mother of all trucks going head to head with plenty of hot airs with the fun and frolics of the Wii controller adding much excitement. Being Nintendo developed there’s no need to read the manual Ethe simple controls and well-structured tutorials will soon have players putting their suspensions to the test. Not simply at out and out race either: drivers must balance a podium spot with keeping the fans entertained through stunts, big, comfortably-landed airs, barging opponent vehicles and spectacular crashes to gain sufficient bonus stars. And the well-thought out courses are a real hoot to race on, especially on a turbo.
Playstation
A Bit Special
Brother to the Crane Master and Machine Master games, this time players get to savour the delights of operating a power digger – not as simple as it may seem. The digger must be manoeuvred into position before the various training tasks can be completed. Successfully graduating training leads to a job on the real construction site and a tough boss will leave you pining for the days of the carefree construction school teacher. Sponsored by Komatsu. Full Japanese title Shovel Master ni Narou – a part of the Kenki Ippai series.
Dreamcast
Sports
Whittle away a few peaceful hours on Lake Paradise trying to land a big bass renowned for their fighting ability. Tactical choice of lure is essential as you cajoule the bass to take the bait. Once you have a bite the line tension guage must be carefully monitored to stop the line from snapping. Arcade and DC original modes to select with the latter being far more forgiving than the arcade mode in which you must land sufficient weight within the time limit to you move on to the next stage. Failure to bag anything will leave you gutted.
Nintendo DS
A Bit Special
Namco does a heroic job of reinventing its yellow pill muncher making use of the DS to innovate and originate. Play begins by drafting a quick sketch of our little yellow friend who then trots off to the bottom screen. Pacman is then controlled by the stylus on the upper screen with appropriate flicks taking him where required. Skills honed in early stages are soon called on in full as the action heats up, such as being able to draw arrows or bombs. Boss encounters provide an opportunity to demonstrate a bit of lateral thinking adding much to the overall experience. As an extra there is a sketch book to enjoy seeing what happens when a few creative doodles are produced. Pure gameplay, highly original and exactly the kind of title Nintendo preached the DS stylus would deliver.
Wii
Sports
Grounds Wii fans in the basics of boxing, tennis, golf, baseball and ten pin bowling at the same time boosting dab handedness with the Wii controller. Bowling will have you cruising along the living room carpet, eyes focused hawk-like to the screen. Boxing satisfies the animalistic instinct with the chance to slug away at your opponent with a tactical guard element to ensure this game goes the full rounds. Tennis thankfully leaves the running to the AI as you build up a rally against your opponent. Golf and baseball have you swinging for the ball, all straight forward but enjoyment is massively enhanced by the Wii controls.
Wii
Sports
Utilising the Wii controller like a golf club might get you admiring glances from the neighbours, but its likely you’ll be too engrossed in trying to obtain that new costume for your player in this cartoony golf game. As you’d expect from Tecmo the hemlines are unlikely to win the approval of the old course members, but looking this good there’ll be few other complaints. Fine array of characters including a possible guest appearance from Kasumi, warming weather effects and plenty of Nintendo style sunshine throughout. A fine back nine.
Wii
A Bit Special
The genius of the Made in Wario games reaches new echelons with the Wii controller adding a new dimension to the already innovative gameplay. The mini games remain as refreshing as ever to the very soul of jaded gamers: be it stir frying the wok, doing squats with the remote on your head, driving, balancing, sawing… There are too many highlights to fully recall including controlling an elephants trunk to move fruit, saving a damsel in distress from plumetting to her doom – even the nose picking level makes a welcome return. All nicely wrapped up in the series street wise characters with smooth intoductions and cinematic sequences. Welcome to Wii.
PSP
One on One Beat Em Up
Based on and true to the anime where HIME stands for Highly Advanced Materialising Equipment – basically meaning the female protagonists can conjure up what they like from (near) thin air making for some mental specials. This version includes a plethora of mini games – mostly on a rhythm action variation but looking very tasty on the PSP’s clean screen. In a nod to the fans in some serious lip service each character voice acted by the original anime stars. Plenty of hidden extras with bonus characters, unlockable footage and extra costumes.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Survival mode is a real challenge with only one energy bar to defeat all comers, but the true fan wouldn’t have it any other way. A truly vast range of 32 characters – and thats just the starting line up. Being able to call up a comrade in times of need certainly helps as they can launch an assault or restore some well needed health. Fine extras for fans including sound clips and gallery showcasing SNK’s superb design flair.
Sega Saturn
Simulation
Town management simulation set during the Edo period with period setting characters sporting the tradition haircuts and a well realised isometric town in which to chat to the townsfolk and chase geisha.