Heads-up: What's new this week

A look ahead to Friday's new releases.

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: Fallout 3 - Xbox 360, PS3 and PC
Although some will struggle to see this as anything more than Oblivion with guns, it really is a very different experience and one we can't recommend enough to fans of the genre or anyone interested in a nice long adventure. It doesn't have the beauty of Oblivion, but it still has moments that leave you watching in awe and a rather excellent story that'll keep you playing through the 30-hour quest. It's got a handful of flaws and the dialogue might sit awkwardly with some people, but we loved it and think most people will too.

Recommendation of the Week: Command and Conquer Red Alert 3 - PC
If you're a Red Alert fan you've probably pre-ordered this already, seeing as you haven't had a new game in the series for ages, but in case you haven't we're giving you the OK to do so. We've spent most of our time with the multiplayer modes so can't offer a verdict just yet, but from what we've played we're confident it'll please an awful lot of PC gamers on the look out for another RTS.

Recommendation of the Week: Valkyria Chronicles - PS3
Tactical RPGs aren't for everyone, but SEGA's Valkyria Chronicles might be the game to convince you of the genre's merits. It combines third-person gameplay with traditional tactical RPG elements and stunning almost cartoon-like visuals. It's also a rather rare third-party exclusive - something that's probably worth celebrating if you're a PS3 owner. If you're completely put off by Japanese RPGs and the thought of a 50-hour adventure, you might want to give this a miss, but keep and open mind and you're likely to find a real sleeper hit.

And the rest...
Aquarium By DS - DS
Avatar: The Last Airbender into the Inferno - Wii, PS2 and DS
Back to the Barnyard - DS
Bella Sara - PC
Bratz Girlz Really Rock - PS2
Bratz Ponyz 2 - DS
Bully: Scholarship Edition - PC
Carnival Funfair Games: MiniGolf - Wii
Casper Scare School - DS
Crash Bandicoot - Mind over Mutant - Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, PS2 and DS
Fifa Manager 09 - PC
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon - Wii
High School Musical 3: Senior Year - DS
James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace - Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PS2, Wii and DS
Manhunt 2 - PS2, Wii and PSP
Mechanic Master - DS
Monster Lab - DS
More Game Party - Wii
More Touchmaster - DS
My Horse and Me 2 - Wii and Xbox 360
MySims - PC
MySims Kingdom - Wii and DS
NHL 09 - PC and PS3
PES 2009 - PS2
SNK Arcade Vol 1 (16 in 1) - Wii
Unsolved Crimes - DS