Release This: Twilight Slug

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's charts show a dramatic slowing of new releases in the United States and Europe, though a few notable titles like Elebits and Metal Slug Anthology will debut just in time to meet the upcoming rush of holiday shoppers. Japan, on the other hand, will have no shortage of new releases in the coming week, with big names like Fushigi no Dungeon: Fuurai no Shiren DS, Ryuusei no RockMan, and Pokémon Battle Revolution soon to take the nation by storm. The following list covers all of the game software we know to be available -- across all platforms and regions -- for the week ending December 16, 2006. Games Released in the United States:

With few other notable titles debuting across other platforms, the Wii is the console to watch in the United States this week. In the next several days, the Wii will receive a number of highly anticipated releases, including Konami's Elebits and SNK Playmore's Metal Slug Anthology, which was originally announced as a Wii launch title but was delayed multiple times since. Meanwhile, the GameCube will enjoy what appears to be its final two releases: the anime-licensed Zatch Bell! Mamodo Fury, and the awaited port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Elsewhere, few other major titles can be found this week, though new U.S. releases should pick up again soon after the end of the holiday season. Games Released in Europe:

Like the United States, Europe suffers a steep drop in new releases this week thanks to the upcoming holiday. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will likely be of interest to many GameCube owners, but otherwise, this week's European lineup across all platforms consists largely of licensed titles and cross-platform ports. Again, this downturn should prove to be only temporary, however, as January should once again bring weekly releases in the amount gamers have come to expect. Games Released in Japan:

While other regions see a slowdown in video game releases, Japan has numerous titles to look forward to in the coming week. Among these are several games that have attracted big preorder numbers in the weeks leading up to their release. Fushigi no Dungeon: Fuurai no Shiren DS currently leads preorder sales across all platforms in Japan, and titles like Pokémon Battle Revolution and Wild Arms: The Vth Vanguard have attracted a significant amount of prerelease attention as well. The Xbox 360 also continues to gain headway in Japan, with momentum earned by last week's release of the popular Blue Dragon almost certain to result in an increase in sales for this week's releases. All of the week's upcoming Xbox 360 offerings are currently pulling in decent preorder numbers, and should prove to be popular among Japan's recent influx of new Xbox 360 owners.