Games releasing week of Sept. 24

BY LISETT ARAUJO

laraujo@miamiherald.com

The week belongs to Halo 3. Does it really matter what else is out in stores? For those few gamers without the Halo fever, CSI 4: Hard Evidence is also debuting.

Halo 3

Contain the giddy laughter. It’s finally here. Master Chief – our favorite genetically altered super soldier - returns to finish what he started. The third chapter in the highly anticipated Halo trilogy is hitting store shelves at midnight.

After leaving millions of gamers unsatisfied with the unresolved ending of Halo 2, the third installment promises to finish the fight. The game boasts an evolved artificial intelligence engine a swell as upgraded graphics for the next-generation Xbox 360. Online multiplayer is also back, with up to 4-player co-operative play.

Many stores are holding midnight madness events for gamers to get their hands on the title. Circuit City is holding an event at its 8575 Northwest 13 Terrace store with Miami Dolphins Chris Chambers and Joey Porter on hand to challenge fans in Halo 3. The party starts at 9 p.m. Chambers and Porter will be on hand from 10:30 to midnight. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. Best Buy stores in Hialeah and West Kendall are also hosting midnight launch parties.

CSI 4: Hard Evidence

Join the Las Vegas TV cast in solving crimes. Use techniques and equipment seen on the show to catch a criminal and bring justice to the victim. The game features crime scenes taken directly from the TV show.

New to the game: a garage for analyzing large evidence such as vehicles. The game also includes lab mini-games to make the scientific portion of the job a bit more exciting. The game will be available for the PC and Xbox 360 this Tuesday. It will be available at the end of November for the Wii.