Release This: Skate 2, Star Ocean 2 Premiere Stateside

Gamasutra's regular round-up of worldwide video game releases, "Release This!", takes a look at every game title we know to be shipping to stores this week, in an exclusively compiled list. Skate 2 and Star Ocean: Second Evolution provide an RPG-strong U.S. lineup this week, while gamers in Japan receive localizations of Left 4 Dead and Prince of Persia. The following list covers all of the game software we know to be available -- across all platforms and regions -- for the week ending January 24th, 2009. Games Released in the United States:

RPG fans have a lot to look forward to in this week's North American multiplatform lineup. The PlayStation 2 is set to receive the Gust-developed RPG sequel Ar Tonelico 2: Melody of Metafalica, while PSP owners get a remake of Star Ocean: Second Evolution (previously released on the original PlayStation in 1999 as Star Ocean: The Second Story). The skateboarding sim sequel Skate 2 highlights this week's offerings on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, while on the Wii front, Ultimate Shooting Collection compiles a selection of MileStone-developed shooters, including Chaos Field, Radio Allergy, and Karous. Games Released in Europe:

Gamers in the UK can expect to see a localization of the Wii workout title My Fitness Coach this week, along with PlayStation 2 ports of AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack and Tomb Raider: Underworld. Skate 2 is the sole title expected to arrive for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, while the management sim sequel Football Manager Live is set to debut on PC platforms. Games Released in Japan:

Left 4 Dead ships this week in Japan for the Xbox 360, as PlayStation 3 owners receive localizations of Prince of Persia and WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009. Wii titles for this week include the Namco-developed RPG Fragile: Sayonara Tsuki no Haikyo and Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou, while portables get Inukana no Ichizoku and Zill O'll Infinite Plus.