UK Release Round-up: Spider Sense Tingling

via IGN

It's the bank holiday weekend and that means when you're not getting stuck in traffic, complaining about the rubbish weather or stuffing your face with fish and chips at the seaside, you've got a whole THREE days to spend playing games. So, here's hoping there are some decent releases today, eh?

First on the list this week is Spider-Man 3 - which is released on every format under the sun. While our definitive review will appear on IGN later today, from what we've seen previously, Spider-Man 3 isn't too far removed from Spider-Man 2 but with fancier graphics on Xbox 360 and PS3 - and, of course, Peter Parker's floppy new fringe.

Moving away from the more 'emo' Spidey, we come to the extremely cute Eledees on Wii. Originally released in America last year, it was lauded for its inspired use of the Wiimote. However, several months on and the novelty of shooting Pikmin-style creatures and chucking furniture around the room has worn off a bit. As such, we scored it '6.5', concluding that "for all its off-kilter charm, Eledees is simply too shallow an experience to hold attention for extended periods of time".

If you like a little more depth to your games, then you're in luck with Final Fantasy III on Nintendo DS. Technically it's extremely impressive and one of the best-looking games on the system. However, while the graphics have evolved, the gameplay hasn't. IGN US scored it a "good" '7.8' and noted: "Just know that the game definitely has its flaws, lacks a ton of DS presentation, and can be incredibly difficult despite its downright entertaining core".

Another handheld release sneaking to stores this week is Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops on PSP. Once again, Snake stars in an extremely impressive stealth title and IGN US applauded the game, awarding an outstanding '9.0'. "It's been a long time coming, but this is what Metal Gear Solid fans, and indeed PSP fans have been waiting for," roared our US comrades. "A title that demonstrates what the technology of the PSP can actually do, with a solid action title to boot."

Elsewhere this week you can also pick the up PSP version of Tony Hawk's Project 8 which scored a disappointing '6.0' and Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom on PS3, which only managed a passable '6.5'.

Enjoy your bank holiday and try not to get sand in your DS slot for goodness sake.