Shippin' Out June 29-July 4: Guitar Hero: Aerosmith

For those hoping that the first week of July would offer just as many big-name releases as the last week of June, dream on. However, that doesn't mean the train won't keep a rollin' into the new month, and the first title to walk this way will be--no surprise by now--Activision's Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Back in the saddle since yesterday, GH: Aerosmith for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii features more than 40 songs performed by both the Bad Boys from Boston as well as a variety of acts that are either contemporaries of or inspiration for the band.

It's a good thing that Aerosmith can still muster the star power to sell out stadiums, because its supporting lineup could scarcely fill a four-string quartet. Atlus' surgery simulation with an anime twist heads to the OR for a second time in Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2. For this operation, Atlus is catering to med-school novices with a new easy-play mode, and promises increased precision with surgical instruments.

Already available as an ad-supported free download, NCsoft's Dungeon Runners for the PC is traveling to retail this week. The $19.99 boxed edition of the game comes with a six-month premium subscription, which offers gamers log-in queue priority and access to the more powerful items, among other benefits. After the trial period expires, a $4.99 premium subscription fee incurs monthly.

Namco Bandai's Soulcalibur IV won't make its way to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 until the end of July. However, Xbox 360 gamers wanting a look at the game's venerable heritage can pick up the original Soul Calibur for 800 Microsoft points ($10) this Wednesday. Originally released for Sega's Dreamcast in 1999, Soul Calibur was only the second game to receive GameSpot's highest accolades. The XBLA game features leaderboards and a high-definition graphics overhaul, though it will not support online play.

While Sony won't reveal its Thursday lineup until later this week, Nintendo has weighed in with its weekly update for WiiWare and Virtual Console. On WiiWare, Mitchell Corporation will perform a Magnetica redux with Magnetica Twist for 1,000 Wii points ($10). The match-three puzzler supports play for up to four, and incorporates Wii Remote controls. For the Virtual Console, NeoGeo's classic beat-'em-up Fatal Fury 2 takes to the streets for 900 Wii points ($9).

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

JUNE 29, 2008
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith (X360, PS3, PS2, Wii)

JUNE 30, 2008
1 vs. 100 (DS)
Fatal Fury 2 (Wii VC)
Journey to the Center of the Earth (DS)
Magnetica Twist (WiiWare)

JULY 1, 2008
AMF Bowling Pinbusters! (DS)
Ducati Racing (DS)
Purr Pals (Wii)
Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 (DS)

JULY 2, 2008
Dungeon Runners (PC - retail version)
Soulcalibur (XBLA)

JULY 3, 2008
Fading Shadows (PSP)