Release This: Smash Bros., Devil May Cry Lead Busy Week in Japan

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. While North America prepares for the launch of Turok and a handful of new Bomberman titles, the majority of this week's release activity centers around Japan, which will see numerous big-name debuts and sequels in the coming days, including Devil May Cry 4, Suzumiya Haruhi no Tomadoi, and Dairantou Smash Brothers X. The following list covers all of the game software we know to be available -- across all platforms and regions -- for the week ending February 2nd, 2008. Games Released in the United States:

Gamers in North America can expect another slim release lineup this week, with highlights including the Xbox 360 and PS3 franchise relaunch of Turok, new Bomberman games for the Wii, DS, and PSP, and the PSP action/driving sequel Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice. Devil May Cry 4 will find its way Stateside next week, along with Culdcept Saga and the multiplatform release of Karaoke Revolution: American Idol Encore. Games Released in Europe:

While the UK catches up with recent U.S. releases like Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom, NFL Tour, and the Nintendo Wii port of Puzzle Quest, the week also features a number of region-exclusive debuts. The first-person shooter sequel Conflict: Denied Ops will premiere in Europe several days before it hits the States, and Casper Scare School along with many of this week's European Nintendo DS releases are not currently scheduled for release elsewhere. Next week is expected to bring the simultaneous U.S. and UK launch of Devil May Cry 4, while Europe will additionally receive titles like Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for the Nintendo DS and PSP remakes of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II. Games Released in Japan:

This week is expected to be a memorable one for Japanese releases, as several major titles will see near-simultaneous release across all platforms in the coming days. Leading the pack is Dairantou Smash Brothers X, Nintendo's highly anticipated and oft-delayed sequel to the GameCube brawler Super Smash Bros. Melee. The U.S. version, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, is not scheduled for release until March, making this week's Japanese release a hot item for eager importers. The Wii Fit Balance Board-driven skiing simulation Family Ski is also proving to be a popular Wii preorder item at Amazon.co.jp and other retailers, due to the popularity and high install base of the peripheral. Other platforms see a majority of preorder interest divided between the Capcom-developed Devil May Cry 4, the anime-licensed Suzumiya Haruhi no Tomadoi, and Tales of Destiny Director's Cut, Bandai Namco's awaited PlayStation 2 RPG remake.