Release Watch: January 2007

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January 9th, 2007 posted by Link in DS, PC, PSP, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360

The most anticipated software was released in time for the holidays, so we can’t expect January to be a great month for gaming. Each system has at least one standout title, though. Here’s our breakdown of what’s worthwhile…

Capcom ships out the much-hyped Lost Planet for the Xbox 360 on January 12. Initial reviews have been generally positive, but you should check out the demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace for yourself.

For the Wii, we have Wario Ware Smooth Moves, the latest in the ever-intriguing mini game series. Check out D-Pad’s Mega Microsite for more information. The game ships on January 15th. Unfortunately, Wii Play has been pushed back to February.

Sega’s reinvention of Sonic the Hedgehog is due for the PS3 sometime at the end of the month. The game received lackluster reviews for its November release on the Xbox 360, so be careful before buying. It’s the only game in the PS3’s January lineup.

The Nintendo DS has a couple of offbeat titles sure to become the first cult hits of the year: Justice for All, the sequel to 2005’s Phoenix Wright, arrives on the 15th, and Hotel Dusk: Room 215 comes on the 22nd. Hotel Dusk is a noir-style detective game with surprisingly good reviews so far, receiving a 10 from one of EGM’s editors.

If you’re a PSP owner, you might want to keep an eye on Rainbow Six 3: Vegas for the 30th. The Xbox 360 version has received rave reviews, and Ubisoft has a history of good PSP ports.

PC gamers have a little something called World of Warc…what is it again? Anyways, there’s some expansion pack coming out for it on the 16th by the name of “Burning Crusade.” Any of the game’s six million subscribers should look into picking it up.