The Drop: Week of Jan 31st 2011 New Releases

Konnichiwa! It was a big week in Japan for PlayStation with epic announcements and the introduction of NGP, but let’s return to our regularly scheduled program. The Drop returns with Capcom’s Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2, Atari’s The UnderGarden, and PlayStation minis celebrate a retro classic with PAC-MAN Championship Edition. On the Blu-ray front, Jean Claude Van Damme has got nothing on Kevin Van Dam when it comes to bass fishing on PS3.

Enjoy this week’s The Drop! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have five boxes of cheesecake and green-tea Kit Kats I have to devour!

PlayStation Network

Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 — Classic side-scrolling gameplay is reporting back for duty with Bionic Commando Rearmed, a remake of the classic NES game. 20 years after the 8-bit classic was released, Bionic Commando Rearmed recreates the world of the original with a complete “2.5D” visual revamp. Bionic Commando Rearmed preserves the original’s mix of swinging and shooting in an intense 2D side-scroller, all to the tune of a brand-new soundtrack based on the classic 8-bit music from the NES masterpiece.

The UnderGarden — Offering a puzzle exploration experience designed for gamers who have an affinity for solving new-style puzzles, The UnderGarden is a casual zen-like game that challenges players to explore beautiful underground caverns filled with strange life forms; physics based puzzles and plenty of hidden secrets. With local co-operative gameplay, players can chill out, work together to solve puzzles and explore the world. Read More: The UnderGarden Coming to PSN this Winter

Assassin’s Creed II: Deluxe Edition — The Assassin’s Creed II Deluxe Edition includes 3 bonus maps! Explore some of the Renaissance’s most prestigious monuments to reveal secret treasures in three special in-game maps: Palazzo Medici, Santa Maria Dei Frari, and the Arsenal Shipyard. Assassin’s Creed 2 is an epic story of family, vengeance and conspiracy set in the pristine, yet brutal, backdrop of a Renaissance Italy. Ezio befriends Leonardo da Vinci, takes on Florence’s most powerful families and ventures throughout the canals of Venice where he learns to become a master assassin.

Samurai Shodown (PSP) — Available as part of the NegGeo Station on PlayStation Network, this is a downloadable version of the classic NeoGeo game. Cultures clash literally in this Samurai Shodown. The 12 fighters from around the world gather to fight to the finish. Samurai, ninja, knights and other brave souls from Japan, France, China, and the United States enter the ring with their chosen weapon and attack. Refine your moves and develop combinations, just make sure you hold onto your weapon.

PlayStation 3

Kevin Van Dam Fishing — Compete in tournaments with expert advice from KVD himself as you angle for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Be careful though – these fish are ready for a fight, so choose your lure wisely or you could end up with an empty boat and wounded pride. Master your approach, and you will be giving KVD a run for his money!

PSone Japan Import

Mega Man 2 — As the robotic blue bomber, Mega Man, the player must battle through 14 levels and defeat eight robot masters before tackling the nefarious Dr. Wily.

minis

PAC-MAN: Championship Edition — PAC-MAN returns in this enhanced version of the all-time classic videogame! PAC-MAN Championship Edition brings you back to those classic days of pizza parlors and arcades with the first brand new mazes released in more than 26 years. Think you can break your old record? With mazes that dynamically change shape during play and new timed game modes, it’s time to experience the evolution of PAC-MAN and play the Championship Edition now!

Wackylands Boss — Are you sick and tired of the handsome prince always getting the happy ending? Well Wackylands Boss is the game for you; take control of a monster as you rampage through a kingdom destroying anyone who dares try to stop you.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]