Shippin' Out July 4-10: Crackdown 2

Fireworks may be the name of the game on the 4th of July, but the US game industry's release lineup for the week is anything but scintillating. The dearth of releases is headlined by Microsoft's sequel to 2007's open-world action adventure Crackdown, as well as the latest Wii exclusive from High Voltage Software.

Microsoft packed in access to Bungie's Halo 3 multiplayer with the original Crackdown, but Ruffian Games' effort in the franchise won't feature an added sales stimulus. Crackdown 2 takes its cue from the end of the original game, when members of a federal crime-busting task force unknowingly unleashed a virus onto the metropolis where the game is set. The game features online cooperative play for up to four, as well as competitive modes for up to 16 gamers.

The Conduit developer High Voltage returns this week with Tournament of Legends, which is exclusive to the Wii. A fantasy-focused 3D fighter, the game pits players against a range of mythological monsters, such as a minotaur, gorgon, or golem. The fantasy focus follows through to the fights themselves, as players will be able to cast magic and summon assistance from the likes of man-eating lions and venomous snakes in their fights.

With Illumination Entertainment's debut animated film Despicable Me heading to the box office this Friday, D3 Publisher has a game tie-in on tap. To be released for the PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii, and DS, the family-friendly action/puzzle hybrid drops players into the soft-soled shoes of supervillain Gru, who schemes to become the world's most renowned crook.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later in the week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

SUNDAY, JULY 4
No new releases announced.

MONDAY, JULY 5
No new releases announced.

TUESDAY, JULY 6
2-for-1 Power Pack: Winter Blast/Summer Sports 2--WII--Destineer
Big Beach Sports 2--WII--THQ
The Cages: Pro Style Batting Practice--WII--Konami
Crackdown 2--X360--Microsoft Game Studios
Despicable Me--PS2, PSP, WII, DS--D3 Publisher
Fallen Earth: Blood Sports--PC--Atari
Just Sing with Microphone--DS--Conspiracy Entertainment
Nursery Mania--DS--Zoo Games
Rise of Flight: Iron Cross Edition--PC--777 Studios
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable--PSP--Atlus Co.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior--PC--Navarre
Tournament of Legends--WII--Sega

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7
Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge--X360, PS3, PC--LucasArts

THURSDAY, JULY 8
Mahjong: Journey Quest for Tikal--DS--Mumbo Jumbo

FRIDAY, JULY 9
No new releases announced.

SATURDAY, JULY 10
The Silver Lining - Episode 1: What Is Decreed Must Be--PC--Activision