The Week Ahead
RETAIL AND DIGITAL RELEASES
A quieter week than last (but then, 99% of this year has been quieter than the previous week), but there's a fair few releases on the cards.
Lord of the Rings: War in the North is likely the biggest name on the cards, as Snowblind adds it own addition to the fantasy mythos with its action RPG. The game's due on PS3, PC and Xbox 360.
Another heavy hitter is WWE 12, rounding off the brands' onslaught on the winter schedule and offering yet another year's update of overhauled rosters, news stories and tweaked game modes. However, good things are expected this year: look for a review later this week.
Likely taking the role as critically acclaimed underdog this season is Rayman Origins, the Ancel-crafted platformer that could well be the title to buy if you want a challenge over the coming months. Given its release on PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii, let's hope the distribution means good sales over the coming weeks, rather than seeing another Ancel adventure suffer due to being lost between the bigger names.
For those not happy with the over-the-top antics of Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, you can get serious with King of Fighters XIII, released on both Xbox 360 and PS3.
Aside from that we have a smattering of format-specific releases; Batman: Arkham City lands on PC, while F1 2011 roars onto 3DS. Last, but no means least, Sonic Generations lands on PC and 3DS.
ON THE SITE
You've already heard that Modern Warfare 3 has held its position at the top of the UK sales charts: see how the rest of new releases have faired in the top 20.
Over the site in the next seven days: we chat to Battlefield 3's composers about scoring the military shooter, march out our next addition to our 2012's Most Wanted as well as look at another format for our Christmas Buyer's Guide. The last big reviews of the season get wrapped up, we take a look at the state of the main online offenders right now in our FRONTLINE ongoing feature, and the weekend brings another dose of burning questions and defining moments.