Weekly video game releases star Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, and 'Halo: Reach'

(All rights reserved - Activision)

Among upcoming video game releases are outings for refreshed and rejuvenated cartoon characters in Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep and Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, while Halo Reach's worldwide release on September 14 marks the beginning of the end-of-year spending spree after a few months of relative calm.

H.A.W.X. 2 (360, PC, PS3, Wii)
North American release: September 7 (360 PS3), September 28 (PC), November 9 (Wii)
European release: September 3 (360), September 10 (PS3), October 1 (PC), November 12 (Wii)
Age Rating: Teen / 12 (360 PC PS3), 7+ (Wii)

Sequel to the Tom Clancy-approved aerial dog-fighter using modern aircraft in a variety of settings, HAWX 2's two-mission demo is already available on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.
Price: $49.99 (360 PS3 Wii) / €69.99 (360 PS3), €49.99 (PC), €39.99 (Wii)

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep (PSP)
Release: North America, September 7. Europe, September 10.
Age Rating: Everyone 10+ / 12

Conversion of the popular Japanese adventure game starring Mickey Mouse and friends along with the Final Fantasy protagonists, the series has a loyal and devoted following. The European Special Edition includes prints and an artbook.
Price: $39.99 / €34.99
Special edition: €39.99

R.U.S.E. (360, PC, PS3)
Release: North America, September 7. Europe, September 9.
Age rating: Teen / 16

Few games of this genre have found equal success on both PC and console, but R.U.S.E attempts a breakthrough. The large-scale bird's-eye view lets players command tanks, artillery and aircraft, tricking human or AI opponents with a selection of decoys and bluffs. The Limited Edition for PCs includes a SteelSeries Xai Lasermouse.
Price: $49.99 / €49.99 (PC), $59.99 / €69.99 (360 PS3)
Limited Edition: €99.99

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (360, DS, PC, PS3, Wii)
Release: North America, September 7. Europe, September 10.
Age Rating: Teen / 12

Featuring four different web-slingers from four Spider-Man eras, each variation on the hero has a slightly different approach to thwarting criminal schemes. Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099 and Ultimate Spider-Man each retain their authentic TV series voices.
Price: $59.99 / €69.99 (360 PS3), $49.99 / €49.99 (Wii), $29.99 / €39.99 (DS)

NHL 11 (360, PS3)
Release: North America, September 7. Europe, September 17.
Age rating: Everyone 10+ / 16

NHL 11 has a chance to clean up on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this year - rival series NHL 2K11 is taking a time out, with a new version only on Nintendo Wii. NHL 11 includes teams from both the NHL and Canadian Hockey League in the 'Be A Pro' mode, other European sides for quickplay modes, and various other refinements.
Price: $59.99 / €69.99

Halo Reach (360)
Release: North America, September 14. Europe, September 14.
Age Rating: Mature / 16

Biggest game of the year on Xbox 360? Reach is certainly up there. The last entry to the sci-fi Halo series features singleplayer, co-operative, and online multiplayer, adds space flight into the mix, and improves the level creator for extra longevity.
Price: $59.99 / €69.99
Limited Collector's Edition: $79.99 / €79.99
Legendary Edition: $149.99 / €134.99