AU Shippin' Out: Nov 14-18: AC: Revelations

With the holiday-season game release rush well under way, this week sees yet another few good reasons to open up your savings tin. Leading the pack is the latest installation in the Assassin's Creed franchise--Assassin's Creed: Revelations. This is the game that will bring franchise protagonists Altair, Ezio, and Desmond together in one title, as the three characters' fates start to intertwine. The popular multiplayer mode that debuted with Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood also makes a return, with changes being made to the interface and the way it is integrated into the story. Now as you level up in the multiplayer mode you'll unlock more story-related content that reveals information about the Abstergo Corporation.

If you're after a game that takes itself a little less seriously, then chances are that Saints Row: The Third will tickle your funny bone. The franchise has prided itself on outrageous antics and offensive humour, and this game is no different. Whether it be the inclusion of a Horde mode, where players have to kill legions of prostitutes, or the fact that you can crash-tackle anyone, Saints Row: The Third is most likely the sort of game that you will either love or hate.

One game that has a place in a lot of people's hearts is Halo: Combat Evolved, which this week is getting the HD remix treatment. Unlike other HD remakes, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary has not only been ported over to the Halo: Reach engine, but it packs a nifty ability to swap between the new engine and the old graphics with the press of a button. Also hidden in each of the levels are new Easter eggs that are designed to expand the Halo universe.

Also coming out this week is Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (UMVC3), the update to this year's popular fighting game. While it's easy to dismiss this one as being not quite worthy of a full release, and yet too big to be a DLC add-on, UMVC3 sells at a discounted price and actually includes some pretty sweet additions. On top of 12 new fighters being added to the roster, the existing characters have had their abilities balanced out, and the game now supports spectator mode during online multiplayer.

To find out what else is out this week, check out the list below:

November 15, 2011
Assassin's Creed: Revelations (PS3, 360)
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (360)
Saints Row: The Third (PS3, 360, PC)

November 16, 2011
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (DS, PC, 3DS)
Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo (DS)
Lalaloopsy (DS)

November 17, 2011
Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest (PS3)
Go Vacation (Wii)
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PS3, 360)
Need for Speed: The Run (PS3, 360, PC, 3DS, Wii)
Anno 2070 (PC)
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)
Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat (PS3, 360, Wii)
EyePet & Friends (PS3)
Pictionary: Ultimate Edition (360, PS3)
Kinect: Disneyland Adventures (360)
Disney Princess Enchanting Storybooks (Wii)
uDraw Studio: Instant Artist (Wii)
After Hours Athletes (PS3)

November 18
Airline Tycoon 2 (PC)
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition (PS3, 360)