Once again, the Japanese got the sweet games before the U.S. did, but the good talk about them filtering down to us fanboys and girls from across the Pacific has only made us hungry for our copies of Final Fantasy XIII and the new Pokemon titles. If you're not ready to start new campaigns yet, don't fear -- this week also sees the release of some nice expansion packs.
Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix – PS3, Xbox 360)
By episode 13, we should get it through our skulls that this is not, in fact, the "final" anything. But with entirely new combat, leveling, and combos, we're hoping this series doesn't see an ending for a long, long time. $59.99
Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver (Game Freak/Nintendo – Nintendo DS)
For a game that's basically a rehash of all other Pokemon games with a few added bells and whistles (compatibility with Diamond, Pearl and Platinum for instance), Heart Gold and Soul Silver have been pulling in top reviews and phenomenal Japanese sales. $39.99 each
Yakuza 3 (CS1/Sega – PS3)
Everything but the kitchen sink. Not only is Yakuza 3 a stylish fighting game with impressive enhancements over Yakuza 2, but there's a whole slate of mini-games included, which range from a batting cage to karaoke to fishing to golf. Too bad the "aromatherapy massage" was for the Japanese release only. $54.99
Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition (Capcom – PS3, Xbox 360)
With the Resident Evil series firmly out of Raccoon City, the Gold Edition adds on to the Chris Redfield story with a ton of extra content, previously available only through download, like new levels, new characters and expanded multiplayer. $49.99
Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising (Relic Entertainment/THQ – PC)
You thought you won when you kicked the Tyranids' asses, right? WRONG! There's a whole new planet with a whole new host of aliens for you to kill! Dawn of War will never die. $29.99
