Since its debut at Microsoft's X06 media event, Assassin's Creed has been involved in plenty of rumours regarding its plot details and which platforms it would appear on when finally released. This Thursday, gamers around Australia will be able to see what all the fuss is about when it goes on sale for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. In the game, players take control of an assassin named Altair who must climb the ranks of the Assassin Order while suppressing warmongers of the Third Crusade. Assassin’s Creed will be available in both a standard and collector's edition, though sadly the Altair action figure North America is receiving will not be making its way down under. The PC version of Assassin's Creed is set to be released in first quarter of 2008.

　　Another highly anticipated game to come out locally this week is Crysis from EA and Crytek. Set in 2020, the player takes control of a futuristic US Delta Force operator--Jake Dunn--who is part of a team infiltrating a series of islands in the Philippines Sea. Their mission is to rescue a team of American archaeologists who have been captured by the North Korean army after discovering a meteor buried on the island. Soon after landing at the site, the meteor opens up and a 2-kilometer-wide alien ship appears, transforming the island into an icy world. Meanwhile, aliens start attacking North Korean and US forces alike, and it's up to the player to save the day. In addition to the single player campaign, Crysis features a fully fledged multiplayer mode supporting up to 32 players and a map editor. Crysis will be available in stores Australia wide on the November 15.

　　Wrestling fans rejoice because this week sees the release of the WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008, the sequel to 2006's best-selling sports title in Australia. The game features updated rosters, improved online community support, new environmental hot spots, and more. The Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, and DS version of the game come out on Thursday, with the PSP and PS3 versions to follow next week.

　　Two first-party titles from Sony are coming out this week in the form of Lair and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction. Lair sees your character taking to the skies on a dragon to defend your home against the Mokai. For Ratchet & Clank, this is their first outing on the PlayStation 3--and their first next-generation adventure--as they get caught in the middle of an invasion led by Emperor Percival Tachyon while on holidays on the planet Kerwan. Both games are released on the November 15.

　　This week's new releases are listed below (list taken from retailer and publisher information--actual dates may vary).

　　November 12, 2007

　　No releases scheduled.

　　November 13, 2007

　　No releases scheduled.

　　November 14, 2007

　　No releases scheduled.

　　November 15, 2007

　　Viva Piñata: Party Animals (360)

　　Viva Piñata (PC)

　　Assassin's Creed (PS3, 360)

　　Lair (PS3)

　　Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3)

　　Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War (PS3, 360)

　　Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (PS3, 360)

　　WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (PS2, 360, Wii, DS)

　　The Simpsons Game (PS3, PSP)

　　SimCity Societies (PC)

　　Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (DS, Wii)

　　Galactic Assault: Prisoner of Power (PC)

　　Thomas and Friends: A Day at the Races Eye Toy (PS2)

　　Power Rangers: Super Legends (PS2)

　　Crysis (PC)

　　High School Musical: Makin' the Cut (DS)

　　High School Musical: Sing It! (PS2, Wii)

　　Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (PSP)

　　NASCAR 08 (360)

　　F.E.A.R. Files (360)

　　Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am (PS2)

　　Gears of War (PC)

　　Tony Hawk's Proving Ground (Wii)

　　EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark (PC)

　　Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii)

　　November 16, 2007

　　No releases scheduled.