Xbox 360 owners have had a good year as far as exclusive titles go, and it's about to get better with the release of the highly anticipated Mass Effect. The game is set in the future, where you take on the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier. Thousands of years ago a mechanical race wiped out all civilization throughout the galaxy and they're about to return. As Shepard, it's up to you to stop this threat and save the galaxy. Mass Effect is being produced by BioWare, which is known previously for Jade Empire and the original Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. Despite one retailer releasing the game early, Mass Effect is still officially going on sale around Australia this Thursday.

　　To much disappointment, Assassin's Creed was delayed at the very last minute for gamers down under and in New Zealand. Ubisoft Australia has confirmed for GameSpot AU that it will indeed be out this week--no later than Wednesday. For those who don't have it yet, Assassin's Creed is set during the Third Crusade and you take on the role of Altair as you attempt to suppress key decision makers of the war. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's review.

　　For decades they've been stern rivals--until now. Sonic & Mario at the Olympic Games pits the two icons (and characters from their respective universes) in 20 real Olympic sports and a few not so real sports. This is also the first game to feature any official branding for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Wii version of Sonic & Mario at the Olympic Games comes out on the 22nd, with the DS version to follow in 2008.

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

　　November 20, 2007

　　No releases scheduled.

　　November 21, 2007

　　Hot Wheels: Beat That (360, PS2, Wii, PC, DS)

　　Barbie as The Island Princess (PC, PS2, DS)

　　World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets (360, PS2, PS3, PC)

　　Assassin's Creed (360, PS3)

　　November 22, 2007

　　Mass Effect (360)

　　Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)

　　Pokémon Battle Revolution (Wii)

　　My Word Coach (Wii)

　　Beowulf (PC, PS3, 360)

　　Need for Speed ProStreet (360, PS2, PS3, PC, DS)

　　Crash of the Titans (PSP)

　　Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC)

　　WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (PSP, PS3)

　　Smarty Pants (Wii)

　　Paddington Bear (PS2)

　　Bomberman Story DS (DS)

　　Code Lyoko (DS)

　　November 23, 2007

　　Championship Manager 2008 (PC)

　　Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits (DS)