Release This: Mana Khemia, Star Ocean 2 Highlight Worldwide Lineup

Gamasutra's regular round-up of worldwide video game releases, "Release This!", takes a look at every game title we know to be shipping to stores this week, in an exclusively compiled list. Mana Khemia and a rereleased Call of Duty 4 head a slow North American release week, while the UK catches up with recent debuts like Dark Sector and Condemned 2. Japan's releases for the week include Star Ocean: The Second Evolution, Pro Yakyuu Spirits 5, and Musou Orochi: Maou Sairin. The following list covers all of the game software we know to be available -- across all platforms and regions -- for the week ending April 5th, 2008. Games Released in the United States:

This week's North American release lineup appears slim in comparison to recent weeks. A rerelease of Call of Duty 4 and the Atelier Iris series successor Mana Khemia serve as this week's only console offerings, though PC gamers will enjoy a variety of simulation titles and puzzlers. Next week will bring a similar trickle of new releases. North America's release outlook is expected to heat up by the end of the month, however, with anticipated upcoming titles like Mario Kart Wii, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, and Grand Theft Auto IV. Games Released in Europe:

Along with recent U.S. releases like Condemned 2 and Dark Sector, gamers in the UK get a first shot at the PC version of Turok this week, which debuts in Europe several weeks before any other region. Other Europe exclusives premiering this week include Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli on the PlayStation 2 and Napoleon's Campaigns on PC platforms, neither of which are currently slated for release overseas. Games Released in Japan:

Konami's baseball sim sequel Pro Yakyuu Spirits 5 and the Musou Orochi follow-up Musou Orochi: Maou Sairin serve as highlights in an otherwise uneventful week of Japanese console releases. The PSP finds a similar lack of new titles, with a remake of Tri-Ace's PSOne RPG Star Ocean: The Second Story being this week's sole offering. The Nintendo DS sees no shortage of activity, meanwhile, boasting a large lineup that includes the anime-licensed adventure title Meitantei Conan: Kieta Hakase to Machigai Sagashi no Tou and the cooking tutor Kouchan no Shiawase! Kantan! Oryouri Recipe! [UPDATE: The game The Gunny Sack Trilogy, a joke we played on other media outlets, is not factual and has been removed.]