Shippin' Out Jan. 29-Feb. 4: Final Fantasy XIII-2, SoulCalibur V

The past two weeks didn't feature many big ticket items on the new release schedule, but this week makes up for lost time. New titles out this week include Final Fantasy XIII-2, SoulCalibur V, NeverDead, and the Mac version of BioShock 2.

Out in front this week is Final Fantasy XIII-2 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 from Square Enix. The game is a direct sequel to 2010's well-received Final Fantasy XIII. It sees the return of Final Fantasy XIII protagonist Lightning, but focuses much more on her now-liberated sister Serah.

Also out this week on the Xbox 360 and PS3 is Namco Bandai's fighting game SoulCalibur V. The publisher has slated 30 characters for inclusion, and the series' tradition of including guest characters from other games will continue with Ezio from Assassin's Creed confirmed to be joining the mix.

Another major new release out this week is Rebellion's action game NeverDead for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The game puts players in the shoes of Bryce Boltzmann, an immortal demon slayer who is prone to dismemberment. Jumping into the fray is encouraged here, as losing limbs can let players roll into previously inaccessible areas, and the severed appendages can be wielded as weapons or reattached to regain full mobility.

Lastly, BioShock 2 comes to the Mac this week. Ported by Feral Interactive, the game takes place 10 years after the events of the first BioShock game. Players return to Rapture, but this time they control a prototype version of the original's lumbering Big Daddy.

For further details, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

Tuesday, January 31:
BioShock 2--Mac--Feral Interactive
Final Fantasy XIII-2--PS3, X360--Square Enix
NeverDead--PS3, X360--Konami
Puddle--PS3--Konami
SoulCalibur V--PS3, X360--Namco Bandai

Wednesday, February 1:
Rhythm Party--X360--Konami

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