Welcome to Heads-up, VideoGamer.com's weekly feature which gives you an at-a-glance run-down on the games you'll be able to buy or rent this weekend. Every Tuesday we'll pick out the best of the bunch, link to our reviews and previews and keep you in the video game loop so you have enough time to pre-order for Friday's post. Time to splash the cash.

Recommendation of the Week: Mario Kart Wii, Wii
We're huge Mario Kart fans at VideoGamer.com HQ and we're really hyped for this week's release of Mario Kart Wii. It probably doesn't make up for the lack of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but it certainly soothes the deep wounds.

Mario Kart Wii promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with full motion controlled racing (the game ships with a Wii Wheel peripheral) and an unusually competent online component: 12-player online racing, shared ghost data, Nintendo organised race events and a new Mario Kart Channel on your Wii menu.

Players will also be able to race against up to three other players on one system using the four-player split-screen mode. Even cooler is the ability to race as a custom created Mii against other Miis.

Also out this week
Assassin's Creed, PC: This week PC gamers are finally able to play what console owners were hotly debating last year. Ubisoft did an amazing job at building up hype for its stealthy action adventure title, so much so that it left some feeling a little underwhelmed by the game once it hit stores. Problems aside, Assassin's Creed should still be experienced by all and with a host of new content the PC version could be the best yet.

Portal, PC: You're not seeing things. We are recommending the PC version of Portal this week. The contents of the Orange Box are all being released independently, meaning those who aren't fond of Steam can head to their preferred retailer and nab a copy that comes in a box. We can't really tell you what Portal is, instead you have to experience it for yourself, but we can tell you that if you haven't already been seduced by its charms now is the time to give in.

And the rest...
Assassin's Creed Altaïr's Chronicles (DS)
Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year (Xbox 360)
Half Life 2: Episode 2 (PC)
Team Fortress 2 (PC)
Brain Benders (DS)
Cabela's Big Game Hunter (PS2)
Chessmaster (PSP)
Hard to be God (PC)
History Channel: Battle For The Pacific (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PS2)
Off Road (PC)
Puppy Love (Wii)
Real Air Spitfire (PC)
Soldier of Fortune: Payback (PS3)
Solitaire: Ultimate Collection (DS)
The Dog Island (Wii, PS2)
Victorious Boxers Challenge (Wii)
Wild Arms 5 - 10th Anniversary Edition (PS2)