On again, off again. I feel like the ESRB has a switch that they keep playing with each week. Last week was one of the lowest outputs ever, yet this week was one of the highest. In fact, it took them an extra three days to post it to their website. Granted, the list is full of slugs for the DS and PC, but that is what we have come to expect. The Xbox 360 is still getting more XBLA titles rated, and is still carrying the flag for the next-gen system. Also, check out my weekly title of shame below, as it violates not one, but two of the basic codes for making a game.

PC and Nintendo came back in a big way, with 35 combined titles this week. Of course most are crap, rehashes or completely unnecessary, but that is beside the point. However, a few goodies lurked on the list, with Assassin`s Creed Altair`s Chronicles (DS), Tom Clancy`s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (PC) and Rondo of Swords (DS) all now rated.

The Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 had a combined seven titles this week, with the 360 having six rated and the PS3 only three. The 360 saw LOST: Via Domus, Battlezone, Warlords, Lost Cities, Hail to the Chimp and UEFA Euro 2008. The PS3 had UEFA Euro 2008 and Hot Shot’s Golf; Out of Bounds. So it appears that the XBLA titles continue to push the 360 past the PS3. One thing I am checking into is whether or not PSN titles are getting put back through the ESRB for re-rating. We have seen several PSN titles pop up on the service that are not listed in the ESRB database. While the process is voluntary, it seems as if Sony may be cutting some corners and re-using the initial rating for the titles, even though it was on a different platform.

Probably the biggest buzz this week is for the hotly anticipated Wii Fit, although people will probably put it down after the excitement wears off. A couple of surprise XBLA titles showed, with Warlords and Battlezone coming soon complete with original and updated versions. It was also nice to see Hot Shots Golf on the PS3 make its way through ratings. This series is one of my favorites on the PSP, and can only enhance the PS3 gameplay experience. I also see that Assassin`s Creed Altair`s Chronicles has come to the DS, providing another route for a top franchise to reach more players.

I love it when there are lots of rated games, as my weekly title of shame gets so many worthy candidates aching to have the honor bestowed. This week, we have a trio of sludge to choose from, but one clear-cut winner. Are three candidates are Let’s Yoga (DS), Soul Bubbles (DS) and M&M’s Kart Racing (DS). Notice that the platform of choice is the Nintendo DS. Still lending credence to my contention that publishers are just throwing whatever junk they can out there for consumers. As for the three choices, I ruled out Let’s Yoga despite being another of those stupid “motivational” based titles and Soul Bubbles, because it could actually entertain someone. It left us with M&M’s Kart Racing, yet another shameless corporate tie-in and Mario-Kart rip-off. There is nothing like violating two of the basic codes of game making, creating a double faux pas and earning this award. I’m guessing that when M&M’s Kart Racing (What, was Yaris not available?) hits reviewers, we may find some harshness flying from the keyboards.





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