New PAL Releases Roundup

Following the world's regrettable decision not to end yesterday, all that's left for many a disappointed doom-monger is a grumpy slope to work and a day at the desk spent praying for videogame relief on the morrow. Probably.

Fortunately for them, EA surprised everyone the other day by announcing that the PS3, Wii and PS2 versions of Rock Band have finally emerged from their Microsoft-funded 112-day exile and will be with us tomorrow.

What's more, PS3 owners will be able to shop for all previously released downloadable content. EA tells us that over 21 million songs have been bought in the Rock Band shop, which is about one sale per song judging by the vast sprawl of tracks we can't be bothered to count on Wikipedia.

Wii owners, meanwhile, can look forward to starring in glossy magazine centrefolds, twirling drumsticks above their heads and hammering away as the rest of the nursing home looks on in marketable delight.

Yes, technically Rock Band 2 is out in the US this weekend, but let's pretend it isn't.

This week in shops:

• Bakushow (DS)
• Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen (DS)
• Ferrari Challenge (Wii, PS2)
• GTR Evolution (PC)
• NHL 09 (Xbox 360)
• NHL 2K9 (Xbox 360, PS3)
• Opoona (Wii)
• PictoImage (DS)
• Pirates: Duel on the High Seas (DS)
• Rock Band (PS3, Wii, PS2)
• Subbuteo (DS)
• Supreme Commander (Xbox 360)
• TNA Impact! (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2)
• Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Battle March (Xbox 360)

This week online:

• 1942: Joint Strike (PlayStation Network)
• Rocket Bowl (Xbox Live Arcade)
• Samurai Shodown II (Xbox Live Arcade)
• Shotest Shogi (Xbox Live Arcade)