Release This: Street Fighter IV Hits U.S. Consoles

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. This week brings Capcom's Street Fighter IV stateside, as the Nintendo DS hosts awaited localizations of Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. Europe will get an early look at 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, as Japan receives Star Ocean: The Last Hope and DoDonPachi Daioujou Black Label Extra. The following list covers all of the game software we know to be available -- across all platforms and regions -- for the week ending February 21st, 2009. Games Released in the United States:

Capcom's highly anticipated one-on-one fighter sequel Street Fighter IV headlines an otherwise quiet console release lineup this week in North America. Other debuting multiplatform titles include Race Pro, Martial Arts: Capoeira Fighters, and Disney Sing It! High School Musical 3: Senior Year. On portables, Nintendo DS owners are set to receive a pair of awaited RPG releases in Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, while the PSP gets the Disgaea series spinoff Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? Games Released in Europe:

The third-person shooter sequel 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand will make its worldwide debut in the UK this week, arriving several days in advance of its North American release. Other region-exclusive premieres hitting Europe this week include Lola & Virginia, Blended, and the Nintendo-published exercise title Walk With Me! Do You Know Your Walking Routine? Games Released in Japan:

The Xbox 360 boasts an especially strong release lineup this week in Japan. The TriAce-developed RPG sequel Star Ocean: The Last Hope heads regional offerings, while shooter fans can look forward to Shooting Love, 200X and Cave's DoDonPachi Daioujou Black Label Extra. Wii owners can expect to see remakes of Dead Rising and Metroid Prime this week, as portable highlights include Shining Force Feather on the Nintendo DS and a trio of Idolm@ster releases on the PSP.