While it’s not a bad week for gamers, the two significant videogame releases today are not only sequels, but third installments in existing franchises. It’s all about the HD consoles this week too. Handheld and Wii fans are out of luck.

F.E.A.R. 3 (360, PC, PS3)

Othewise known as ‘F.3.A.R’, this is the significantly-delayed third title in the franchise, which has been praised not only for being terrifying, but for having some of the strongest, most visceral shooting mechanics in gaming today.

The newest game in the ‘F.E.A.R’ series introduces a few new multiplayer modes, including the aptly named “Fucking Run,” and a few more traditional options. The makers of the game boast assistance from not only writer Steven Niles, but the legendary John Carpenter as well.

Dungeon Siege 3 (360, PC, PS3)

The ‘Dungeon Siege’ franchise has always been one that stood in the shadows of ‘Diablo’, and the third game is no different. It’s coming out long before ‘Diablo 3’, but will certainly invite comparisons to what Blizzard is showing off.

Early reviews of ‘Dungeon Siege 3’ are generally positive, though the multiplayer elements and even the loot have been called into question. However, for fans of the genre, this may be the perfect holdover while waiting for ‘Diablo 3’ or ‘Torchlight 2’.

Shadows of the Damned (360, PS3)

‘Shadows of the Damned’ may not be the most well known title on the list, but it’s the product of two very big names in the industry: Goichi Suda, who created games like ‘Killer7’ and ‘No More Heroes’, and Shinji Mikami, who created ‘Resident Evil’ and contributed to some of Capcom’s best.

The collaboration between the two is a third person shooter that really does look like a mesh of both styles. It’s an interesting title that should be worth checking out, especially for fans of Suda and Mikami.