Weekly video game releases: 'Dead Space 2,' 'Two Worlds II'

This week we look forward to
Dead Space 2, one of 2011's early contenders for Game of the Year awards and sequel to 2008's nail-shreddingly atmospheric sci-fi horror.
Dead Space 2's ad campaign says that your mom will hate it - not that teenage rebellion is relevant when the game itself is slapped with a Mature or 18+ age rating. Right?

There's also a fair amount of transatlantic catch-up as North Americans finally get their hands on Two Worlds II and Europeans can anticipate Mario vs Donkey Kong on the DS and dirt racer Nail'd on PC, 360 and PS3.

Dead Space 2 (360 PC PS3)
North America, January 25. Europe, January 27.
Age rating: Mature / 18+

Spaceship engineer Isaac Clarke returns to do battle with the hideous necromorphs, except this time it's during a horrifying alien invasion rather than in its aftermath. There's also the new addition of a humans vs necromorphs online multiplayer.
Price: $59 / €59 / £49
Collector's Edition: $79
Website: http://deadspace.ea.com

Two Worlds II (360 PC PS3)
North America, January 25. Europe, released November 2010. UK, February 4.
Age rating: Mature / 16+

Polish developer Reality Pump revisits and significantly improves upon the medieval fantasy adventures of 2007's Two Worlds with this sequel that has already been generating good word of mouth in mainland Europe.
Price: $49 / €49 / £29 on PC, $59 / €65 / £39 on PS3 and 360
Website: http://www.twoworlds2.com

Mario Sports Mix (Wii)
Europe, January 28. UK, February 4. North America, February 7.
Age rating: 3+ / E for Everyone

Nintendo present a sports compilation game starring Mario and chums, for those who have had their fill of Mario & Sonic's Olympic endeavors and the Wii Sports Resort. Basketball, hockey, volleyball and dodgeball are all present in some fashion, with over-the-top special moves, power ups, and both local and online multiplayer for up to four.
Price: $49 / €45 / £39
Website: http://mariosportsmix.nintendo.com

Test Drive Unlimited 2 (360 PC PS3)
North America, February 8. Europe, February 11
Age rating: T for Teen / 12+

A rather more chilled-out approach to online racing, after Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit's arcade antics and the more serious simulation of Forza 3 and Gran Turismo 5. Cruise around Ibiza and Oahu, Hawaii, collecting cars, friends, photos and race wins, even clothes and houses. Here's hoping TDU2 lives up to its potential.
Price: £35 / €49 / $39 on PC, €55 / $49 / £49 on 360 and PS3
Website: http://www.testdriveunlimited2.com

Mario vs Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Europe, February 4. North America, released November 2010
Age rating: 3+ / E for Everyone

Think Lemmings crossed with the Nintendo classic Donkey Kong, as Mario guides marching robot Marios to each level's exit, pursuing Donkey Kong and the kidnapped Pauline. Players can also share levels made with the level construction kit. A great little puzzler, according to reviews of the North American release.
Price: €39 / $29 / £35
Website: http://mariovsdk.nintendo.com

Nail'd (360 PC PS3)
Europe, February 4. North America, released November 2010
Age rating: 12+ / Everyone 10+

A dirt racer that launches itself into the air at every opportunity, Nail'd has a good haul of North American reviews behind it. While not absolutely stand out, scores indicate that it offers a decent enough take on Motorstorm, MX vs ATV, and Pure.
Price: €49 / £35 / $49 on 360 and PS3, €39 / £25 / $39 on PC
Website: http://naild.deepsilver.com