In a sharp departure from the week before, the release schedule for this last week of January resembles more of what is to be expected for this time of year. Driving that point home, one of the biggest releases for the week is an updated, downloadable port of a rhythm-based shooting game. With its original iteration released in North America for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, Rez HD is headed to Microsoft's Xbox Live this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft points ($10). The high-definition restyling is joined by an update to 5.1-channel surround sound, and the game features a number of modes across five unique levels. Joining Rez HD on Microsoft's downloadable storefront this week is Ubisoft's Chessmaster Live for 800 Microsoft points ($10).

　　Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony, Bigbig Studios is bringing Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice to the PlayStation Portable this week. Bigger and badder is the motto for Extreme Justice, and Bigbig Studios has added in a bevy of new content to the game, including two new gangs, a rival police task force, and a number of new vehicles such as a motorbike with sidecar, Jet skis, a helicopter, and a hovercraft. Extreme Justice also includes ad hoc multiplayer action for up to four players.

　　As GameSpot kicks off its Bombs Away Bomberman Live tournament this week, Hudson is unleashing a new wave of games featuring its iconic demolitions expert. Similar to the Nintendo DS version of Bomberman Land Touch! released for the Nintendo DS in 2006, Bomberman Land on the Wii and PSP as well as Bomberman Land Touch! 2 on the DS plays heavy to the minigame compilation crowd, with 50 different games packed into the Wii and PSP versions and 40 new games added into the DS sequel. The games also feature a variety of classic Bomberman maps, as well as a story mode and multiplayer action for the portable platforms.

　　Even the Wii's Virtual Console is taking a breather, as 1080: TenEighty Snowboarding is the only classic added to Nintendo's downloadable game service this week. Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, 1080 lets wannabe snowboarders take to the slopes as one of five different riders and across six modes. The game includes support for two players and can be downloaded for 1,000 Wii points ($10).

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

　　 JANUARY 28, 2008

　　1080: TenEighty Snowboarding (Wii VC)

　　Pacific Storm: Allies (PC)

　　Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital Down Under (PC)

　　 JANUARY 29, 2008

　　Bomberman Land (Wii, PSP)

　　Bomberman Land Touch! 2 (DS)

　　Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (PSP)

　　The Sims: Castaway Stories (PC)

　　 JANUARY 30, 2008

　　Chessmaster LIVE (XBL)

　　Rez HD (XBL)

　　 JANUARY 31, 2008

　　No releases announced.

　　 FEBRUARY 1, 2008

　　King's Bounty: The Legend (PC)