 "From the team that brought you Wave Race 64 comes 1080� Snowboarding, a racing game that has you thrashing down mountains from a perspective behind your character. Six game modes include the following: Match Race, Time Attack, Trick Attack, Contest, Versus Match, and Training. The heart of the game is the Match Race, where you'll choose one of five characters and eight authentic Lamar boards before advancing through six snow-covered courses, each offering multiple shortcuts. Time Attack is your chance to show how fast you can fly down each course, while those who simply want to perform tricks can do so in either the Trick Attack or Contest modes. Trick Attack lets you choose any of the unlocked courses (plus two stunt-oriented courses) to pull off as many aerial moves as possible before time expires. Contest has you aiming for the highest total score in a series of five courses. The harder the tricks, the more points you'll earn in each play mode. Versus mode lets you challenge a friend via split-screen display, while Training gives you an opportunity to practice over 25 tricks. All five characters wear authentic Tommy Hilfiger clothing and are rated from one to ten in technique, maximum speed, balance, power, and jump. Each board is also rated in stability, edge control, acceleration, response, and flex (stiffness). If you're good enough, not to mention fast enough, you'll be able to unlock three hidden riders and one extra board. |
 "Takashi Okazaki's brutal anti-hero hacks and slashes for Justice on HD consoles. Afro Samurai is a man driven by revenge, stopping at nothing in his quest to slay the one who murdered his father and then claim the Number One headband as his own, with all the glory and power it bestows. Players take the role of Afro to battle through scenes of swordplay and special effects, in a flowing, third-person action style. The look of the game resembles a finely drawn cartoon, with detailed, outlined characters against backdrops that give the appearance of a watercolor and ink painting. The game is based directly on the animé adventures of the vengeful swordsman. It features the voice of Samuel L. Jackson as Afro and an original, hip-hop soundtrack composed by The RZA. |
 "Driven by a storyline of considerable depth, Airblade melds objective-based missions with trick-oriented gameplay. The game tells the story of Oscar, an employee of the GCP Corporation who discovers how to create a perpetual energy source. The company however, stands to lose a lot of money in the lucrative oil market and Oscar is subsequently abducted. Shortly before his capture, Oscar gives his prototype hoverboard -- the Airblade -- to his friend Ethan, who must now set out to rescue his friend. The game's story mode requires the player to complete various objectives such as destroying security cameras or subduing guards. An arrow leads you to the next objective, though traversing the many miles of in-game terrain requires deft control of the hoverboard, as Ethan leaps across rooftops and glides over obstacles. Levels are timed and all objectives must be completed within the time limit or else the entire stage will need to be replayed. Cut-scenes are used to move the story along. A Score Attack and Freestyle mode are available in addition to others which are unlocked by completing the main game. Multiple players can compete in a variety of disciplines, one of which is the Ribbon Tag mode. Players must find a ribbon hidden within the stage, and once found it gradually lengthens. Players must steal it from each other and the person with the most steals is deemed victorious. A show-off mode rates players in a number of categories as they attempt to perform as many combos and grinds as possible. Whoever comes out on top in the majority of categories is declared the winner. An eight-player elimination mode also exists in which players are given turns to accumulate as many points as possible in the allotted time limit. After each round the person with the lowest score is eliminated until only one player remains. |
 "Finland's Remedy Entertainment delivers this "psychological thriller" action-adventure, which follows a popular horror novelist through his darkest nightmares. Mourning a vanished lover and beset by insomnia, Alan Wake has lost his best source of creative inspiration: his dreams. He retreats to the little Pacific Northwest town of Bright Falls, where the horrors he once saw in his sleep seem to become real. Mission by mission, the player guides the character to explore these eerie stories as they come alive in the isolated coastal village. Alan Wake shares more with its predecessors than a vague pun in the title character's name. As in the studio's Max Payne, the hero's nightmares yield grotesque monsters to battle and surreal mysteries to unravel, mostly from an action-oriented, third-person perspective. The mission structure in Alan Wake is less linear, however, with the town of Bright Falls serving as a hub for numerous plot-related undertakings. And instead of a handgun, Alan Wake's trustiest weapon may be his flashlight, as darkness seems to be the source of all his nightmarish troubles. The Limited Collector's Edition of Alan Wake ships in special packaging with an audio disc containing the game's score and soundtrack, a disc containing an Alan Wake theme and avatar for use with Xbox Live, a token for a free download of the first Alan Wake add-on content package. The package also contains a 144-page book featuring additional backstory material, presented as a compilation of FBI dossiers, along with a short story credited to the protagonist. |
 "Set in the science fiction realms of the film franchise crossover, Aliens vs. Predator is a high-definition action-adventure composed of tense, violent, kill-or-be-killed scenarios. Following the design concept of earlier AvP shooters, the game pits three different factions against one another. Players take the roles of deadly xenomorph aliens, stealthy predators, and heavily armed space marines, to do battle with enemies from the other two factions. Evolved to protect the brood, the alien xenomorphs are unmatched in melee combat, and excel at surprise attacks with their overpowering strength. Born of a species of hunters, the predator is a master of well-timed assaults and agile attacks. Physically weak but at a technological advantage, the human marines use heavy firepower to take down enemies from a distance. In many of the game's levels, warriors from all three factions must fight against one another in the same battles, at the same time. Players will have to fight hard to survive, but it pays to fight smart, as well. In some situations, characters can manipulate the environment, or accomplish other puzzle-solving feats, in order to put their enemies at a disadvantage. Single players take the roles of each species in turn, as they progress through the game's three campaigns. Multiplayer configurations are also available to Internet-connected gamers, offering the chance to play against other human-controlled warriors, in deathmatch and team-based competitions. Sega's Aliens vs. Predator was developed by Rebellion, whose previous work with the series includes Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem for PSP, the 1999 home computer game Aliens Versus Predator, and 1994's well received Alien vs. Predator for Atari Jaguar. In creating the game's three-pronged storyline, designers took special inspiration from the original films and from the Dark Horse comics series. |
 "Game over, man? It's only just begun. Aliens: Colonial Marines is a squad-based shooter, set in the science fiction universe inspired by James Cameron's 1986 film. In the spirit of the 20th Century Fox movie series, the game plays out through the claustrophobic corridors of futuristic, labyrinthine, extra-terrestrial industrial constructs. Tense, creepy pacing is punctuated with vicious ambushes and explosive firefights. To succeed in their deadly mission, each marine must know his role, and the squad must work together to survive. The assignment is a covert, preemptive strike, part of a desperate plan to foil a pending full-on invasion of Earth. Players wield weapons seen in the Aliens films, including pulse rifles and flamethrowers, and also new equipment created for the game. A full single-player campaign is available, as well as an online, four-player co-op adventure mode. The game's story was authored by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, partners who have previously written for the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Battlestar Galactica sci-fi TV series. Aliens: Colonial Marines was developed by Brothers in Arms creator, Gearbox Software. |
 "There is no escaping everyone's favorite plumber. In Alleyway, you tell Mario which way to go as he pilots a paddle to break every block on a given screen with a devastating bouncing ball. That's it! A block-destroying ball bounces around a screen, and it's Mario's responsibility to command a paddle like a flipper in a pinball game, without allowing the ball to get behind him. The plumber must angle the ball so it takes out as many blocks as possible, formations that can be everything from simple rectangular masses to moving compounds. Adding to the challenge, the ball moves faster in some levels as Mario's paddle gets smaller. In bonus stages, the blocks take the shape of popular Nintendo characters. There are 32 stages to test Mario 's paddle-piloting abilities, but don't get him hooked on it, plumbing pays better. |
 "The series credited with spawning the survival-horror genre makes its Xbox 360 debut with Alone in the Dark. Famed protagonist Edward Carnby finds himself in a modern-day New York City after being hurtled through time for reasons unknown. Carnby's memories are a blur, but he will need to quickly regain his faculties to deal with an ominous threat. A supernatural force has gripped the city, and Central Park is now infested with hideous monsters of ancient origin. Carnby will need every ounce of courage and skill to stay alive in an unfamiliar world. While the genre is known for its deliberate pace and restrictive movement, this re-imagined Alone in the Dark offers more action-oriented encounters. Players can rappel down elevator shafts, shimmy across ledges, drive vehicles, and more. The storyline is divided into chapters, with each section culminating in a cliffhanger designed to keep players glued to the screen. The interface also takes a departure from previous survival-horror titles, removing health and ammunition bars and incorporating a real-time inventory system that involves selecting and storing objects in Carnby's well-pocketed jacket. As players explore a police precinct, zoo, castle, and other areas found in and around Central Park, they will battle enemies and solve puzzles. Multiple solutions are available for each predicament, and items can be combined in different ways to create helpful tools or even weapons. The action takes place primarily from a third-person viewpoint, automatically shifting to first-person sequences when behind the wheel, peering into Carnby's item-laden jacket, and for other events. Author Lorenzo Carcaterra, who penned the best-selling book Sleepers, helped collaborate on the game's scare-filled script. |
 "Mercury is an action puzzle game based on the movement and manipulation of the title metal. Players are challenged to "tilt" a three-dimensional game board in order to cause virtual blobs of liquid metal to roll around obstacles, across switches, and through gates, toward level objectives. The game was developed by the physics model specialists at Awesome Studios, known for creating the Archer MacLean brand of billiards simulations. |
 "Two former U.S. Army Rangers, Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios, have turned to the lucrative yet deadly business of mercenary work in EA's Army of Two. As hired guns for a private military corporation, players must utilize teamwork and tactics to survive while behind enemy lines. In addition to traditional co-op moves such as providing cover fire or lifting up a partner to reach higher ground, players will throw guns or ammo clips to their partner, administer first aid, and even link body armor together for defensive maneuvers. The cooperative element is further enhanced with the shared "aggro meter," allowing more aggressive players to attract the enemy's focus or "hate" while the other is free to perform support maneuvers. Dozens of weapons can be customized, enhanced, and shared, from attachments such as laser scopes and silencers to detailing like chrome and gold plating. Army of Two features multiple international locales, including China, Somalia, and even Miami. Vehicles such as jeeps, tanks, and hovercrafts are also available throughout each mission, with one mercenary driving and the other shooting. Solo players can issue voice commands directly to their AI-controlled teammate via headset. Teammates can be ordered to advance, hold position, regroup, and more, with both aggressive and defensive stances available as well. Online support is included for both cooperative play and for multiplayer-specific games. The latter supports four players (two teams of two) in competitive matches that involve eliminating terrorists, rescuing hostages, or destroying specific items. The goal is to complete the objective before the rival team, earning cash along the way to spend on both weapon and armor upgrades. |
 "Two-player teamwork overcomes a flood of violent opposition in Army of Two: The 40th Day, a sequel to developer EA Montreal's 2008 high-def debut. The mercenary heroes of the original game, former Army Rangers Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios, return for paramilitary adventure in Shanghai, China, where a rival group of private military contractors has caused a massive disaster that threatens to destroy the entire city. While there are plenty of enemies out to take the duo down, surviving the disasters in the city may be the heroes' greatest challenge. As in the original Army of Two, cooperative tactics are central to the play of the game, and players must work together in order to make their way past obstacles and stand up to heavy assaults by outnumbering forces. A refined control scheme aims to make common actions easier, allowing players to change weapons or engage in hand-to-hand combat with a single button. The game's built-in co-op playbook allows teammates to execute predetermined maneuvers, such as simultaneous opening shots or a false surrender ruse, at almost any time and place in a mission. An MMO-like aggro system allows players to manage the attention of computer-controlled enemies, allowing one character to take the role of "tank," while the other takes the role of a healer or damage-dealer. A better-armored character may anger an opponent to draw its fire, for example, while the other character moves around to cause massive damage with an attack from the flank or behind. In addition to the main story campaign, which can be played with a human partner or a computer-controlled teammate, Army of Two: The 40th Day offers a range of competitive and cooperative online multiplayer options, including team deathmatches, spawn-point control battles, and an "Extraction" survival mode for up to four. |
 "The paradoxical life of a man dedicated to death comes to the Xbox 360 in the form of Assassin's Creed. This is no Hitman clone however, as Assassin's Creed plants gamers in the midst of the Third Crusade as a member of the sect responsible for the creation of the word "assassin." Gamers take control of Altaïr, a young Assassin who begins his quest shortly after the Christian capture of the city Acre. With avian traits (Altaïr is Arabic for "eagle") and a ritualistically severed finger replaced by a talon-like dagger, he is out to expedite the Assassin's goal of bringing an end to the Crusades with as little bloodshed as possible. But it's up to gamers to decide just how much blood he spills. Featuring the sort of open-ended storytelling, gameplay, and side-missions as the Grand Theft Auto games, Assassin's Creed is designed to immerse gamers in the medieval world of religious conquest. Set between July and September of 1191, the game features three full cities to explore in Acre, Damascus, and Jerusalem, as well as Masyaf, the smaller base of Assassin operations, and a sprawling wilderness area which connects the four cities. Each city has a distinct atmosphere, and nearly every part of the world is interactive. This lets gamers use Altaïr's acrobatics and strength to bound around rooftops, scale walls, and interact with anything that juts out more than two inches from its surroundings. The game also makes use of a unique control system where buttons correspond to appendages rather than particular actions. Developed by a Ubisoft Montreal team that features many of the people responsible for creating the fluid character graphics of the Prince of Persia games, Assassin's Creed is designed to feature the most realistic and lifelike characters ever seen in a video game. Altaïr's movement is governed by over 4,000 character animations, and NPCs (non-playable characters) are all designed to have their own needs and concerns, which will lead some characters to aid him, while others may fight him or run away. Similarly, if Altaïr dispatches a few soldiers quickly, other soldiers are more likely to flee for their lives or run for help than eagerly attack and meet the same fate as their fallen brethren. |
 "Single-handedly take out well-guarded targets through a combination of stealth and acrobatic maneuvers in this anticipated sequel to 2007's Assassin's Creed. Featuring a new protagonist in a different era, you'll control a young nobleman named Ezio Auditore da Firenze in 15th century Italy, at the height of the Renaissance. After a tragic event befalls his family, Ezio trains to become a master assassin, looking to exact his revenge on those responsible. Ezio will explore three sprawling cities, countryside, and various small villages while completing objectives during the day or at night. Assassin's Creed II offers three times the mission types found in its predecessor, with more things to see and do within each setting. Money is now an important part of the game, allowing Ezio to purchase weapons, clothing, armor, repairs, and decorative items for his Italian villa. Ezio can pickpocket people, search for hidden chests, and complete side missions to fill his coffers. Other key changes include Ezio's ability to swim and even soar through the sky thanks to friend Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine. The open-ended world also allows for more free-running, climbing, and leaping from great heights. Among the new weapons at Ezio's disposal are pikes, maces, war hammers, scimitars, axes, and twin wrist-mounted blades that can be used to kill two people at once. Updated combat techniques include the ability to grab, kick, head-butt, drown, disarm, or pounce on enemies. |
 "Ubisoft's epic struggle between Assassins and Templars heads to a new location and a new era as gamers take control of Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor Kenway, a half-Mohawk and half-English rebel who battles for the liberation of his people in the years before, during, and after the American Revolution. Assassin's Creed III finds players bounding through the trees of a sprawling frontier wilderness, battling enemies throughout the fledgling cities of Boston and New York and the fields of Lexington and Concord, and engaging in naval combat along the roiling Eastern Seaboard. Created for Assassin's Creed III, Ubisoft's new Anvil Next game engine was designed to offer more fluid action, allowing for seamless transitions as Connor switches weapons, battles groups of foes, clambers over forest snags, and performs stealth kills. Gamers can make use of a variety of new weapons, including more advanced firearms, rope darts, and classic bows, but Connor is a dual-wield specialist whose signature blade is his new tomahawk. New assassination and fighting techniques abound, but new features like mobile hay carts and the ability to run through buildings ensure that stealth and evasion are still key components of the series. The mission structure in Assassin's Creed III remains relatively similar to previous titles in the series, with targeted assassinations, side missions to help the downtrodden, and platforming sessions inside iconic buildings, but one big change is the addition of naval warfare. As the commander of a ship, Connor can engage in a variety of sea-based missions that include navigating minefields, boarding enemy vessels, and large-scale ship-on-ship assaults. All of the action can be dramatically altered by a new system of dynamic weather, with thick fog and giant waves providing cover but also making assaults more difficult. Connor's travels throughout the colonies will put him in contact with iconic figures of the American Revolution, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, but as always, the entirety of his 30-year experience as an Assassin is witnessed through the DNA memory of Desmond Miles, who players will also take control of for the portions of the game set in 2012. Multiplayer action returns to the series with a variety of modes, including Domination mode, in which Xbox 360 gamers vie for control of certain points on the map, and the Wolf Pack mode, where teams work together to assassinate NPC targets. |
 "Ezio Auditore da Firenze's relentless pursuit of the Templar Order continues in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, the first game in the series to feature a multiplayer component. To deal a crippling blow to his opposition, Ezio takes the fight to Rome, where corruption and tyranny reign. He'll need help to succeed in his mission, however, relying on a brotherhood of assassins to assist him in reclaiming the city. You'll recruit and train a cadre of killers, sending them off to perform specific missions elsewhere in the city, or having them join you in completing your own tasks. As you complete jobs, you'll receive money that can be used to reconstruct the capital city, earning the trust and loyalty of the people, which will unlock additional factions and missions. Poison darts, hidden guns, parachutes, and the advanced flying machine are once again at your disposal, along with historical figures Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Caterina Sforza. In addition to the single-player campaign, which spans an estimated 15 hours in length, Brotherhood lets you compete online with an assortment of character classes. Each class, from the priest and prowler to the engineer and executioner, possesses a distinct weapon and special ability, such as speed boosts or smoke bombs, to gain an edge. The goal in the game's "wanted" mode is to systemically eliminate the competition by using a combination of stealth, special abilities, and acrobatic maneuvers. In the game's "alliance" mode, you'll engage in faction versus faction battles. |
 "The third and final chapter in Ezio Auditore's journey from a Florentine noble to a grand master assassin focuses on a quest to locate five ancient seals that are keys to the clandestine brotherhood's future. Ezio must seek out clues in 16th century Masyaf, Cappadocia, and Constantinople, treading the same ground his predecessor Altaïr covered hundreds of years before. As an older, wiser Ezio, you must master new techniques and technology to ensure your survival against overwhelming odds. Once again players will use a combination of climbing, stealth, and acrobatics to seek out and eliminate key targets of the Templar order. Ezio is now equipped with a hookblade that can be used for sliding across ropes, scaling buildings, or attacking enemies. Ezio can also craft a variety of bombs and make use of a heightened "eagle sense," allowing him to see targets even while enshrouded in smoke. Ezio is not alone in his journey; he'll encounter multiple allies and fellow assassins who will provide assistance when needed. The original game's protagonist, Altaïr, will also be playable in flashback sequences, bridging the stories of the two assassins for the first time in the series. Assassin's Creed: Revelations also builds upon the multiplayer component introduced in 2010's Brotherhood, offering new game modes, maps, and characters. No matter which mode you choose, you'll earn experience points to gradually increase in rank, unlocking new gadgets and techniques to use while battling rivals from around the world. |
 "Capcom combines classic street-racing gameplay with highly-stylized graphics in Auto Modellista. While cel-shading creates a distinctively cartoonish look, the believable physics and rich detail are designed to drive this game far beyond standard Saturday morning fare. Players can choose a car from a number of licensed Japanese manufacturers, including Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and others. Once a favorite car is selected it's time to hit the streets, for organized competition or pick-up dragging. Winning players earn the opportunity to upgrade their cars by adding new parts and kits. Like the cars themselves, the game's urban areas are all modeled after real-life locations in Japan. To offer more extensive enjoyment of Auto Modellista's distinct look, players can enter a special "VJ" mode to enhance their replays with camera angle cuts, special effects, and music. |
 "Nasty witch Gruntilda has stumbled upon the perfect invention: a machine to transform ugliness into beauty. Since mirrors shatter whenever she draws near, Gruntilda was looking for a new makeover, especially after years of watching her sister get all the choice warlocks. Alas, before the transformation could begin, she first needed a volunteer: the hopelessly cute Tooty, beloved sister of a banjo-strumming bear. Thus begins the story of a dim-witted honey bear named Banjo, a rambunctious breegull named Kazooie, and the rhyming witch Gruntilda. All characters play crucial roles as you explore the colorful worlds of Mumbo's Mountain, Treasure Trove Cove, Clanker's Cavern, Bubblegloop Swamp, Freezeezy Peak, Gobi's Valley, Mad Monster Mansion, Rusty Bucket Bay, and Click Clock Wood. Your goal is to defeat the wily witch and rescue Tooty from a makeover most extreme. Before players can enter these lands, however, they must first find the requisite number of jigsaw pieces or musical notes, both of which are found scattered throughout the worlds. If this seems daunting, keep in mind Banjo is not alone in his journey. Since Kazooie rests inside Banjo's backpack, players can swap between the two at any time to make use of each character's special abilities. As Banjo, you'll be able to climb, punch, jump, swim, and somersault to reach new areas or to defeat enemies. As Kazooie, you'll be able to fire eggs, perform beak barges, run up steep slopes, glide through the air, and perform beak stomps. Together, Banjo and Kazooie can fly, flip, and perform other aerial acrobatics. Rare's first platform game on Nintendo 64 also supports the Rumble Pak accessory to let you "feel" each move with vibration feedback. |
 "Bumbling bear Banjo and his chipper companion Kazooie's first handheld adventure has the dynamic duo once again on a mission to stop vile witch Gruntilda. Set between the events depicted in Nintendo 64 games Banjo-Kazooie and its sequel, Banjo-Tooie, the story involves Gruntilda's ingenious plan to travel back in time to make sure the animal pair never defeats her -- by preventing them from ever meeting in the first place. Of course, Banjo and Kazooie cannot in good faith let this happen, so they hitch a ride and begin a new adventure across a series of different lands. Played primarily from an overhead, isometric perspective, Grunty's Revenge has Banjo and his bird friend Kazooie exploring forests, deserts, and more while confronting enemies and solving puzzles. Along the way, players will run across a younger, less wiser Mumbo Jumbo and a new character named Bozzeye. Players will be able to perform such moves as the Bill Drill, which has Kazooie pecking at high speeds, or the Wonder Wing, which helps protect Banjo for a short time. Kazooie's egg-tossing ability will also come in handy when confronting boss characters. |
 "Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts challenges players to design and drive vehicles that allow the bear and backpacked bird heroes to complete tasks and accomplish goals. Winning a race, reaching a remote location, jumping a certain distance of off a ramp -- each 3D platform-puzzle challenge is specific, but players can set out to meet it in any way they choose. The only limitations are imagination and parts. Players can supply their own imagination, but new parts are found hidden throughout the game world, especially the game's Showdown Town hub area, which is explored in more traditional, on-foot 3D platform gameplay. The third Banjo-Kazooie game, first on an Xbox console, Nuts & Bolts' build-it-yourself focus is a departure from the play style of the N64 hits, but many fan-familiar characters and conventions make appearances. As the story goes, A powerful entity known as Lord of Games has grown sick of the bickering between Banjo and Gruntilda, and has devised a contest to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain. Each of this contest's challenges takes place in a different level, and new levels are unlocked with collectible "jiggie" puzzle pieces -- won or uncovered throughout the adventure. Multiplayer options, both cooperative and competitive, are supported over Xbox Live, and connected players can share their favorite vehicle blueprints. |
 "Batman: Arkham Asylum is an original adventure with fast action and large-scale combat sequences, played from a close third-person perspective in a dark, survival horror-styled setting. The game begins as Batman delivers the Joker to Arkham Asylum, Gotham City's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. The villain springs a trap and takes over the institution, with an army of thugs and a host of dangerous inmates to back him up. The twisted plot plays out in a freely explored re-creation of the asylum and surrounding island. In addition to prowling the corridors of Arkham, Batman can explore the outdoor areas, using his equipment to reach high spots and glide safely back down. Specially suited for the game's one-against-many melee style, the three-button combat control scheme is intended for free-flowing moves and strings of combo attacks on multiple opponents. Batman also has a belt full of useful gadgets to help even the odds, with x-ray scanners and chemical tracers that let him see through walls and follow invisible tracks. Stealthy prowling gives advantages of positioning and surprise, rewarding the hero's caution and patience with one-hit takedowns. Experience earned through combat, exploration, and experimentation allow Batman to create better equipment, more finely tuned to the given tasks. In addition to the Joker and his brilliant aide in evil, Harley Quinn, Batman faces other super-powered asylum patients, including Bane, Killer Croc, Zsasz. As usual, brains as well as brawn are required to unravel Joker's insanely inspired scheme. The story for Batman: Arkham Asylum was written by Paul Dini, writer and producer for Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond. Cartoon series regulars Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin perform voice acting. The game was developed by Rocksteady Studios, creator of Eidos' 2006 first-person shooter Urban Chaos: Riot Response. 2010 |
 "Developer Rocksteady Studios returns players to its dark vision of Gotham, where the Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane has been replaced with a walled-off expanse of city streets and abandoned buildings, ruled only by deadly mad anarchy. From a familiar third-person perspective, players resume the single-player role of Batman, for missions of infiltration, assault, recovery, and rescue. Gruesomely outnumbered, the hero's survival still relies largely on stealthy ninja tactics, although open environments occasionally call for cape-aided hang-gliding or grappling-hook acrobatics. Although the territory of the new Arkham City is nearly five times larger than the old asylum grounds, Batman's path is sometimes limited by outbursts of gang warfare, usually best avoided. The game also regularly presents puzzles for the Dark Knight to solve, in the gadget-enhanced "Detective Mode." The combat system has been refined, allowing Batman to counter attacks from multiple opponents at once, and to access his gadgets in the middle of a fight. Set only a year after the events of Arkham Asylum, the game's story begins with Quincy Sharp, the former warden who is now mayor of Gotham City. His plan -- to shut down the asylum, move the inmates to a walled in section of city slums, and hire private security to guard the new borders -- has created a zone of pure lawlessness in the heart of Gotham. It is a city within a city, where inmates are free to roam the streets, stealing and killing as they wish, so long as they do not attempt to escape. Control of this urban wasteland is now contested by two rival gangs: one led by the Joker, with the help of Harley Quinn, and the other by Two Face, who has called for the public execution of Catwoman -- much to the delight of the other bloodthirsty residents. Side-stories involve more of Arkham's most famously devious and demented recidivists, including Mr. Freeze, the Penguin, Poison Ivy, and the Riddler. Kevin Conroy again voices Batman, with Mark Hamill as the Joker. |
 "Ubi Soft brings the Dark Knight to the GameCube with this release of Batman: Vengeance. Based on the popular animated series The New Adventures of Batman, the environments, villains, and the Caped Crusader himself take on a stylized Golden Age comic book appearance that communicates attitude and personality through deceptively Spartan artwork. This action game is fully three-dimensional, however, and the cartoon-styled characters interact in a Gotham City rendered with a realistic sense of distance and depth. |
 "Bad Company takes the open-level play of the online, multiplayer-oriented Battlefield games and makes it more personal -- and more profitable. In a relatively extensive single-player campaign, gamers take the role of a renegade soldier in the near-future, who joins three of his brothers-in-arms to go AWOL in search of personal fame and fortune. A variety of land, air, and sea craft become available during their adventures, along with an arsenal of powerful weaponry. As seems to be common among modern mercenary video game heroes out for profit, the soldiers of Bad Company have an appetite for destruction. The game features destructible environments, which become part of the gameplay. Buildings, barriers, and the earth itself can be disrupted with the right firepower and players are encouraged to use their ability to alter the battlefield in order to complete mission objectives. In addition to the single-player modes, Battlefield: Bad Company features online play with support for 24 players. Along with established Battlefield multiplayer game types, Bad Company offers a "Gold Rush" mode, in which teams take turns at offensive and defensive roles in destructible, re-shapeable battlefields. The game is the first to run on EA DICE's "Frostbite" game engine, designed for destructible 3D action in high-definition. Controversially, EA's initial release of Bad Company is available in two packages: a regular edition and a "Gold Edition." Ten additional weapons for the game are available as downloadable content, after the main game is purchased. Five of the weapons are available for free and the other five can be purchased for a fee by regular edition owners. The "Gold Edition" of the game includes the otherwise pay-to-play downloadable weapons. |
 "Players reenlist for more mercenary combat through massively destructible environments in Battlefield: Bad Company 2. A direct sequel to the original, the game has players resuming their place among the AWOL squad that found its fortune at the end of the first Bad Company. Picking up the plotline soon after the end of the first game, the story follows the group through the rocky Russian border and beyond, with missions set in dense jungles and barren deserts as well as snow-covered mountains. Buildings and other objects of all sizes can be damaged or destroyed completely, with the right firepower at the right time and place. Players can proceed through each mission as they see fit, be it through stealthy ambushes, keen tactical strikes, or heavily armed frontal assaults that leave nothing but smoldering rubble in their wake. As in the first game, players customize their characters by choosing an equipment kit before the start of each mission. In Bad Company 2, four basic kits are available: Assault, Engineer, Recon, and Medic. Each gives the character special abilities and limitations, encouraging squad-mates to support one another and work together as a team. As in earlier Battlefield games, players may commandeer vehicles they find in their missions, including motorcycles, patrol boats, tanks, and Blackhawk helicopters. Characters earn experience for killing enemies and accomplishing mission objectives. Experience points can be spent to upgrade the character. Player characters can also collect dog tags from the enemies they take down. In addition to the single-player campaign, the game supports a variety of online multiplayer options, including an assault-style "Rush" mode in which teams take turns defending and attacking crates of valuable cargo. |
 "Bayonetta is an unabashedly gory, violent, and racy action-adventure that stars a shape-shifting witch in the title role. The playfully wicked Bayonetta faces overwhelming mobs of angelic and demonic enemies, and meets them all in flowing, fast-paced combat involving both firearms and magically empowered melee weapons. As in combat action games such as Devil May Cry or God of War, high-energy battles play out with timing and combos, rewarding practiced players with elegant ballets of bullets and beat-downs, leaving a bloody trail of fallen foes as Bayonetta proceeds through each scene. Moving from air to the ground and back, players guide the witch hero through jumps, floats, and juggles against nearby foes, while blasting away at more distant enemies with her four pistols -- one on each hand, and one in the heel of each boot. When in her normal, human shape, her lanky yet fully feminine form is clad in what appears to be a skintight black jumpsuit, wearing her hair pulled back and a smart pair of Lisa Loeb-style eyeglasses. Coursing with supernatural ability (especially through that long, black hair...) she can take other forms when needed, such as an agile, black cat creature or an imposing, powerful hulk. Bayonetta is the first high-def console production from developer Platinum Studios, which is composed of former members of the celebrated Clover Studios, and creators of earlier landmark console games including Okami and Devil May Cry. |
 "Graduates of the DS handheld's Big Brain Academy are encouraged to re-enroll with the "Wii Degree" version of Nintendo's best-selling, brain-stimulating series. Once again players are challenged to rapidly solve a series of visual and audio puzzles to win one of four medals. The control scheme in this installment incorporates the Wii Remote as a pointing device, allowing players to quickly select answers, draw patterns, position pieces, and more. Like the original game, areas of focus include thinking, memorization, computation, analysis, and identification. Quick-thinking contestants can challenge nearby friends with a split-screen version of the game, and those connected to the Internet will be able to import top scores of Miis from around the country. |
 "Designed by Yakuza-creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, Binary Domain is a futuristic squad-based shooter that pits humans against robots in 2080 Tokyo. You will control members of an international peace-keeping squad designed to protect human life against the aggressive machines, which were originally designed to help and serve humanity. Viewed from a third-person perspective, the game has you battling armies of robots -- some humanoid in appearance, some towering in size -- with an assortment of high-powered weapons. In between shooting sequences are vehicle stages that will have you moving at high speeds to your next deadly encounter. |
 "In BioShock, you take the role of an isolated crash survivor who discovers a city under the sea. This city, also known as Rapture, was once a utopia for scientists, artists, and industrialists. However, by the time your character takes his first steps into Rapture, the civilization has ceased to exist, and the place is nearly desolate. The signs of life your avatar finds are nothing like he's seen before. Creatures known as little sisters roam the streets of Rapture with enormous bodyguards called big daddies. Mutated humans drag their warped bodies around the city and attack you on sight. The goal of the game is to find your way out of Rapture while uncovering the mysteries behind its existence. As you explore the open environment, you must defeat big daddies and little sisters to obtain a material known as Adam. The Adam can enhance your in-game attributes and unlock over 60 genetic skills that come in handy for all sorts of predicaments. The city of Rapture is almost completely interactive, and you may collect objects for later use. There are also six modifiable weapons to use including two types of guns. |
 "Return to the underwater city of Rapture in this anticipated sequel to 2007's critically acclaimed first-person shooter. Set approximately ten years after the events in the original, BioShock 2 casts you in the surprising role of a "Big Daddy," the prototype for the lumbering giants encountered in the first game. Your nemesis is, fittingly enough, a leader of the "Big Sisters," who plans on returning Rapture to its former glory. The Big Sisters are forming a new army of minions by snatching unsuspecting girls from the surface. Your goal is to put an end to the sinister scheme. Unlike the Big Daddies from BioShock 2's predecessor, you are more agile and have the ability to use plasmids to augment your deadly drill and rivet gun. Thanks to the Big Daddy's distinctive diving suit, you can also explore the briny depths outside of Rapture, but you won't necessarily be alone. Radio communication from Dr. Tennenbaum will keep you apprised of key developments, while Little Sisters can either be harvested for their powers or "adopted." The latter option has them tagging along to warn you of impending dangers or alert you to potential sources for more plasmids. BioShock 2 also features a multiplayer component developed by Digital Extremes. Multiplayer games take place prior to Rapture's fall, offering a new take on a familiar setting. Experience points earned during multiplayer combat can be used to unlock new weapons, plasmids, and gene tonics to customize characters. |
 "An immense city in the sky is the setting for BioShock Infinite, developer Irrational Games' follow-up to 2008's atmospheric first-person shooter. Ex-Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt is sent on a mission to rescue a young woman named Elizabeth in the year 1911. She is caught in the middle of a violent conflict between two factions, the Founders and Vox Populi, as the floating city of Columbia begins to crumble and collapse under the stress of war. Players will guide DeWitt in his attempt to free Elizabeth and escape the city before it is destroyed. Along the way you'll engage soldiers in combat on land and in the air, traveling from location to location on a roller coaster-like network of rails called Sky-Lines. Elizabeth serves as a powerful ally, augmenting DeWitt's abilities as they work together to survive. Dozens of weapons and powers will become accessible as you advance through the game, allowing for new ways to engage the hostile factions that are desperately trying to stop you. |
 "Newton's third law is put to the test in Black, a first-person shooter from the development team behind the acclaimed Burnout franchise. Players are cast in the role of Jack Kelar, member of an elite tactical squad, whose team is assigned to Eastern Europe on a hunt for an American traitor. Rather than slinking through environments making quick, covert strikes, players in Black perform a full-on assault through nine levels of explosive action. A total of 13 cutting-edge weapons are available to eliminate the enemy threat, but the most distinguishing aspect of Black is its physics engine: fully destructible environments allow players the freedom to shoot inanimate targets as well as live ones. Instead of firing at a patrol of soldiers, for example, players can instead target nearby vehicles or barrels to trigger explosions, shoot out windows and balconies, and more. As Kelar blasts through the besieged cities, snow-covered wilderness, and other levels, shell casings, glass, dust, and debris will fly across the screen as plumes of smoke and raging fires dot the war-torn landscapes. |
 "Blur is an exaggerated-action driving game for high-def generation consoles and home computers, featuring kart-style racing in realistic, urban settings. As many as 20 real-life sports car models zip bumper-to-bumper through street-racing courses, collecting and using offensive and defensive power-ups, such as "Shunt," "Shock," "Barge," and "Nitro." Licensed automobiles and real-time damage system convey a sense of speed and realism, while a forgiving physics model and over-the-top action inspire win-at-all-costs competition with lots of risky, bump-and-go driving. Because groups of cars tend to clump together as they speed through city streets, players are encouraged to apply their power-ups tactically. A single blast of energy at the right time and place can be just trick to clear a lane and take the lead, but saving and using power-ups in combinations of three can unleash even more course-clearing chaos. The single-player game follows a developing storyline, and virtual drivers gain rivals and fans as they go on to win more races. Online, players can make real-life fans and rivals as well, among other networked players. In good kart-racing form, the game features multiplayer modes, including split-screen racing for up to four. Blur was designed by Bizarre Creations, veteran racing-game developers of the Dreamcast's Metropolis Street Racer and the Xbox's long-running Project Gotham Racing series. |
 "Best known for his explosive platforming antics, Bomberman expands his repertoire with a mascot-based racing game entitled Bomberman Fantasy Race. Riding atop rabbit- and kangaroo-like steeds, Bomberman and friends (including the likes of Black Bomberman, Pretty Bomber, Mach Bomber and Mechbomber) scamper around seven different courses with the singular objective of being the first to the finish line. Racers who place in the top three recieve Bomberman coins, which can be put towards the purchase of new tracks, animals, or items. The seven courses encompass all areas of the Bomberman world: Bomber Circuit, Bomber Coaster Lake, Waca Island Beachside, Bakuzan Ski Course, Star Express, Dyna Mountain, and Bomber Castle, many of which are littered with hazards and full of shortcuts. Weapons (15 in all) can also be employed, in an attempt to gain a leg up on the competition, and include heat-seeking bombs, remote bombs, and speed boosts to name but a few. Several variations of the unconventional steeds are unlockable, offering different attributes in such categories as Speed, Jump and Stamina. Of course, the more talented the animal, the higher its cost. Supplementary modes include a split-screen Versus mode for two players. Upping the ante somewhat is the ability for players to wager their hard-earned coins on the result. Time Attack mode pits players against the clock, but only on those courses unlocked in the main mode of play. Lastly, the Ghost Mode allows players to save and even exchange ghost data with a friend. |
 "Borderlands is a far-out first-person shooting and driving game with a penchant for team-based tactics. The game is designed to be played cooperatively with up to four players, though it can be played solo as well. Set on a science fiction frontier planet where anarchy rules, the action-adventure casts the player as a mercenary character of one of four basic types: A well-rounded soldier skilled with weapons and vehicles, a hulking berserker specialized in heavy weapons and up-close melee combat, a stealthy siren with the power to disable enemies and vanish from view, and a sniping-specialist hunter with a pet hawk that helps in battle. The characters have complementing strengths and weaknesses, so in campaign missions as well as in pick-up battles, there are advantages for different character types that work together as a balanced team. In the main campaign, players fight through rewarding missions in the wilds of the desolate planet, engaging in high-speed vehicular battles and small-squad combat through sophisticated settings in which solid recon and tactical planning win the day. Characters gain experience and level up, with customizable ability improvements as in a traditional role-playing game. With interchangeable parts, thousands and thousands of different possible weapons are available in Borderlands, and a character's proficiency and accuracy chances rise with repeated use of a certain weapon type. Resources such as ammunition and cash are shared among the squad, but the weapons and armor pieces that drop from fallen enemies may be up for grabs. In some multiplayer modes, characters on the same team can duel one another for the right to claim gear from a slain monster. Designed for play on Internet-connected consoles and computers, the game features multiplayer combat with the four basic character archetypes in quick, online pick-up games. The high-def art style portrays eccentrically geared, slightly exaggerated human forms, in a land of rich, gritty textures, with a hint of an outline drawn around people and objects, for the appearance of a graphic novel come to life. Borderlands was developed by Gearbox Software, the studio behind the Brothers in Arms World War II games, acclaimed for their realistic portrayal of squad combat and historical accuracy of weapons and vehicles in fine detail. |
 "Gearbox sends gamers back to the Borderlands for a shooter-adventure sequel of high-velocity combat and custom character development. The first-person action plays out in dystopian outpost environments on the original game's planet of Pandora, five years later, as a greedy industrialist called Handsome Jack seeks to weed out the local populace through a series of gladiator matches. Players choose from four new character types, each with three branches of specialized development in the game's RPG-like experience system. Experience comes with kills and quest completions. Expanding on the original game, Borderlands 2's gun system can create millions of different computer-generated weapons, as well as shields and equipment enhancements. Non-player characters are more expressive, and quest outcomes have more influence on the game world. In addition to the dusty, desert settings of the first adventure, the sequel visits a number of new Pandora environments, including the merciless frozen tundra where the revenge-driven plotline begins. Online, over a local network, or in split screen, the game's co-op mode allows a second player to freely join and drop out of a game in session. |
 "The Borderlands 2: Add-On Content Pack bundles together all of the previously released DLC for Gearbox Software's return to the wild frontier of the planet Pandora. Players can try out two add-on campaigns (Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, and Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage), head to the Creature Slaughter Dome battle arena, and gain access to the Gearbox Gun Pack, the Skyrocket Grenade, and the fifth character, Gaige the Mechromancer. |
 "Brink is a futuristic first-person shooter that pits a refugee resistance movement against a defensive security force for control over a floating city high above Earth. Each side offers a distinct campaign, with a role-playing-like character progression system that allows you to build your onscreen persona across multiple game modes. Unlike typical shooters, objectives and missions in Brink vary depending on a number of variables, including your location, the current battle situation, and your role. As you create a character, you'll be able to choose from a variety of customization options, such as body type, which affects how fast your character moves and how much damage he or she can absorb. Experience points are awarded based on the amount of damage you inflict, allowing you to level up and earn credits to further personalize your character. Leveling up also grants characters new skills to choose from, with the option to equip up to three skills in combat. Completing various challenges will also unlock new outfits and weapons. Weapons can be customized with red dot sights, silencers, grenade launchers, upgraded magazines, and so forth to provide an edge on the battlefield. Brink also incorporates a streamlined movement system, dubbed "SMART," which maps context-sensitive actions to a single button press. You can mantel over objects, leap across walls, and more simply by tapping one button, with speed boosts given to those who press the button within a specific time frame. In addition to the single-player game, Brink offers co-op play and multiplayer support across a variety of game types. |
 "Brutal Legend is an unholy action-adventure, through a surreal world brought to life from heavy metal album cover art. From a trailing third-person perspective, players take the role of Eddie Riggs, a rock & roll roadie extraordinaire, who has been mystically transported through time and space to the Age of Rock. There, among the expanses of impossible Gothic architecture and sky-high mountains of bones, metal-hating demonic overlords seek to enslave the remaining pockets of humanity that resist them. Fulfilling an ancient prophecy, Eddie wields three great weapons in his war against this demonic oppression: A huge, double-bladed battle axe called "The Separator" allows him to perform powered-up combo attacks. His Flying V guitar, named "Clementine," gives Eddie the ability to shoot electricity or shake the earth with special power chords. To get from place to place -- and plow down enemies along the way -- Eddie rides a customizable hot rod called "The Deuce." He built the car himself, by deciphering hieroglyphics left behind by the Gods of Rock, who created the world eons ago. The game is played in a large world that is mostly open but full of danger. The story progresses as Eddie completes missions, defeating boss enemies, driving through tricky areas, and solving 3D platform puzzles in set locations. Combat involves powered-up combos, making use of both the axe and the guitar in melee and short-distance attacks. A target-lock feature allows players to move and switch weapons while keeping an enemy in focus. Although most creatures he meets in the Age of Rock try to destroy him on sight, Eddie does make a few human friends in his quest, including Ophelia, who helps introduce him to the strange world, and Lars and Lita, who immediately recognize his rock & roll greatness. He can team up with each ally to perform a different special attack. Eddie can also use the power of rock to control near-mindless minions, which group together in factions aligned to different subgenres of heavy metal music. A competitive online "Battle of the Bands" multiplayer mode involves summoning minions for small-squad, real-time strategy skirmishes. Musician and actor Jack Black provides the voice for Eddie Riggs, and the character's facial features (though not so much his physique) are based in part on Black's, as well. Other musicians, including Lita Ford, Rob Halford, Lemmy Kilmister, and Ozzy Osbourne, also voice characters in the game. The soundtrack includes more than 100 songs from at least 75 different bands, including Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, KMFDM, Ministry. Megadeth, Mötley Crüe, The Scorpions, and Quiet Riot, intended to represent fan favorites and mainstream hits from essentially every subgenre of metal music. The game was developed by Double Fine Productions, led by Tim Schafer. Schafer helped create golden age LucasArts adventure games, such as The Secret of Monkey Island and Full Throttle, before founding Double Fine in 2000 and producing the widely acclaimed Psychonauts in 2005. |
 "Bulletstorm is a futuristic first-person shooter with larger-than-life weaponry and arcade-paced combat. Encouraging risky maneuvers and highly chaotic battles, the game's "Skillshot" feature rewards exceptionally precise, destructive, and creative hits with experience points, which are used to purchase character upgrades and unlock powerful weapons. The single-player storyline develops through high-adventure missions set in a dangerous, abandoned paradise. "Echo" mode tracks players' performances in sequences from the single-player campaign. Multiplayer combat is available in "Anarchy" mode. The game's story involves an exclusive confederation of the wealthy and influential, fiercely protected by a troop of elite mercenaries known as Dead Echo. When two of the squad's most distinguished members exhibit unease regarding the ethical implications of their mission, they're betrayed by their commanders and exiled to a forsaken resort planet on the edge of the galaxy, pitting them against the grave dangers of alien space and, ultimately, their former comrades. Bulletstorm was co-developed by 3D shooter veterans at People Can Fly (Painkiller) and Epic Games (Gears of War, Unreal). |
 "Rockstar Games, the industry's lightning rod for controversy, continues its reputation for edgy, unusual material in Bully: Scholarship Edition for Wii, an enhanced version of the PlayStation 2 game with eight new missions, four additional classes, two-player mini-games, and unlockable items. Starring a juvenile delinquent in a reform school for troubled teens, Bully has players attending classes, socializing with other students, and exploring the grounds before curfew. Fifteen-year-old Jimmy Hopkins reluctantly attends the strict Bullworth Academy for a year, during which he'll develop skills, befriend peers, romance girls, and make a name for himself as either a hero or a miscreant. The world in Bully in many ways adheres to a structured schedule, with students attending two periods of classes and engaging in other daily routines. Yet there is also a degree of freedom in how players go about their daily tasks. They can elect to skip classes and cause mischief, at the risk of being sent to the principal's office for reprimanding. There are also missions to undertake on behalf of the five main cliques populating the school: jocks, nerds, greasers, preps, and bullies. Hopkins can interact with each character positively or negatively, through carefully worded dialogue or via pranks such as shoving students in lockers or pouring itching powder on garments. Activities Hopkins will engage in include zipping across campus on a skateboard; pedaling through town on "borrowed" bikes; playing video games in his dorm room; signing up for dodgeball, boxing, or wrestling in the gym; and even snapping photos for a yearbook. Mission types range from straightforward errands to more elaborate stealth and slingshot shooting segments. While there are no guns in the game, weapons such as baseball bats, garbage can lids, and similar items can be found within the environment. Hand-to-hand combat options include combos, disarm moves, and "humiliation" attacks, with a control system that relies more on timing than on learning complicated commands. |
 "Buckle up and get ready to hit the streets where insane, hit-and-run, high-speed driving is what it takes to cross the finish line ahead of the pack. Burnout 3 looks to surpass its predecessors by utilizing a new graphics engine, and by its ability to provide motoring mayhem to the masses online. In creating Burnout 3, developers decided to model play around the tendencies of online gamers. With the understanding that people like to misbehave online, in Burnout 3 players won't race through traffic; rather, they'll fight through traffic using any means necessary including pushing, shoving, ramming, or shunting. With the game's redesigned Crash Mode, up to six players can take to the streets in a bare knuckle -- nay, bald tires -- race to the finish line, collecting points by eliminating the competition using any means necessary. The new damage control system promises "Hollywood-style" crashes with doors flying off, hoods popping open, or even an entire front end shorn from the rest of the vehicle. |
 "This text refers to the PlayStation 3 version of this title.Described as a complete reinvention of the series by Alex Ward from Criterion Games, Burnout 5 boasts next-generation technology that specializes in creating explosive crashes, and multi-car pile-ups. Gamers cruise into Paradise City after getting a driving license that records all aggressive, reckless, and destructive driving a player will do during their time with the game. There are no rules and gamers may drive as they wish. However, having too much fun can trigger a rivalry with the cities current top burners. The environment itself is a seamless, non-loading landscape full of alleys, highways, city streets, pedestrians, and other drivers. |
 "This Infinity Ward follow-up to 2003's critically acclaimed Call of Duty pushes farther across the European Theatre of World War II, with missions spanning the desert fighting in North Africa to the tank assaults on the Russian front. Unlike the Big Red One version of Call of Duty 2, produced for the elder generation of consoles, the Xbox 360 edition of the WWII-themed shooter sequel is based on the PC version of the game. This version boasts graphical enhancements and significant improvements to artificial intelligence. Computer-controlled teammates act and react individually, and the game's contextual "battle chatter" system lets players know exactly what's on their minds. Enemy squads are likely to have learned a few new tricks as well. The game's single-player campaign is designed to allow individual players to progress through the missions in the order they prefer. As with many other Xbox 360 launch titles, Xbox Live-supported multiplayer modes are also prominently featured. |
 "Developer Infinity Ward returns with its third full installment in the Call of Duty series (Treyarch having developed Call of Duty 3) with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Eschewing the traditional WWII setting that has been the hallmark of the series, Call of Duty 4 takes on the more nebulous world of modern warfare. Nazi storm troopers and kamikaze pilots have been replaced by a patchwork group of terrorists and insurgents, and traditional WWII weapons have been jettisoned in favor of more than 70 modern armaments. Though the story is a departure from the previous games, Call of Duty 4 still features intense mission-based first-person shooter gameplay that should be familiar to fans. The plot centers on two megalomaniacal madmen who are fomenting unrest around the world in an attempt to cement their own power. Imran Zakhaev is a one-armed Russia nationalist who longs to return his country to a Soviet Union style of government by seizing a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Zakhaev has support from several divisions of the Russian army, but, knowing that the United States would quickly come to the aid of the Russian government, he funds a coup in the Middle East to divert attention. Led by Zakhaev ally Khaled Al-Asad, the Middle Eastern coup results in intense fighting which eventually leads to the launch of a Russian nuclear missile toward American soil. Players fight through this chaos as both Sergeant John MacTavish, a British SAS operative doing battle in Russia, and Sergeant Paul Jackson, a U.S. Marine fighting in the Middle East. Call of Duty 4 aims to capture the challenges of modern war by pitting the superior technology of the U.S Marines and British SAS against the cunning guerilla tactics of a terrorist group. In addition to close quarters combat, players will be called upon to perform fast-rope helicopter drops, provide air support from an AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter, call in precision air strikes, and man the turret of an AC-130 Spectre Gunship to engage enemy fighters from the sky. Gamers also join a two man sniper team on a flashback mission in which players head to the Chernobyl Zone of Alienation on a mission to assassinate a younger Zakhaev. Modern Warfare features an expansive set of online multiplayer modes. Players will be able to choose from Assault, Special Ops, Light Machine Gunner, Demolitions, and Sniper classes, or create up to five special classes with customizable weapons and perks. Gamers can then take their fighters through a dozen different multiplayer modes like Free-for-All, Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, Headquarters, Domination, and Sabotage. Players who frequently battle online will be able to accrue experience points, unlock special weapons and gear, and eventually unlock Prestige Mode in which gamers can trade in their rank for special insignias. |
 "Activision's juggernaut first-person shooter returns for its annual assault on the bad guys with a focus on clandestine operations and deniable missions in Call of Duty: Black Ops. Developed by franchise veteran Treyarch, Black Ops marks a departure for the series, in that the action unfolds in neither WWII nor the nebulous "Modern" arena, but in the vast expanse of the Cold War. Players take control of several soldiers from the Studies and Observations Group (SOG), a multi-service special operations unit that, despite its seemingly innocuous name, carried out devastating precision assaults on enemy targets, captured opposition leaders, rescued downed pilots, and even conducted psychological operations. The 13-mission single-player campaign consists mainly of flashbacks culled from the memory of SOG member Alex Mason, and the action will take gamers around the globe for battles with the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army, Russian soldiers, and Cuban Tropas. Gamers will be able to wield more than 40 different assault rifles, machine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, and pistols; and missions find players attempting to destroy the Soviet chemical weapon Nova-6, swimming weaponless through a Vietnamese river, torturing a prisoner for information, and piloting an SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance airplane as well as a Mi-24 Hind helicopter. Multiplayer action remains a key component of the Call of Duty series, and Black Ops offers fans of the franchise more than a dozen game modes, eight character classes, and six multiplayer maps on which to battle. Gamers once again head online to fight against their friends in order to gain experience and reach level 50, where the "Prestige" mode is unlocked. Armchair soldiers who manage to string together multiple kills are rewarded with new killstreak bonuses, including napalm strikes, guidable helicopters, and explosive RC cars. Rather than award particular weapons and gear after milestone achievements, Call of Duty: Black Ops has instituted a new "COD Points" system to serve as a sort of in-game currency, allowing gamers to purchase the items they want whenever they please. COD Points can also be used to purchase new objective-based contracts that offer large points rewards, while the new "Wager Matches" let gamers gamble their hard-earned COD Points in four competitive game modes, with the top three finishers splitting the entire pot. Other multiplayer features include the "Create-A-Class" character customization mode, a new "Theatre" mode in which players can edit and upload videos, and the new "Combat Training" mode in which green gamers can hone their skills against AI bots before taking on human competition. And for those longing for cooperative multiplayer action, Black Ops marks the return of World at War's infamous zombie-laden co-op mode, once again allowing four gamers to team up and dispatch hordes of unrelenting undead. |
 "In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, developer Infinity Ward aims to ratchet up the intense first-person gunplay, graphical verisimilitude, and deep multiplayer experience that won the original title wide acclaim from critics and consumers alike, while at the same time adding to the overall package with the new, fast-paced "SpecOps" mode. The single-player campaign picks up where Call of Duty 4 ended, with gamers once again descending into the shadowy world of terrorists, arms dealers, and nationless armies. Players take on the role of Sergeant Gary "Roach" Anderson, an elite member of the multinational Task Force 141 and subordinate of one of Call of Duty 4's protagonists, John "Soup" MacTavish. Task Force 141 is on the trail of Vladimir Makarov, a maniacal disciple of Imran Zakhaev, who has used the death of his mentor as a means of expanding his own base of power. Missions find gamers working off sketchy intelligence as they battle whiteout conditions in the jagged mountains of Russia and Kazakstan, shuffle though expansive desert and cave environments in Afghanistan, and weave between City of God-like Brazilian slums, where misfires result in dead civilians and a failed mission. As was the case in Call of Duty 4, Modern Warfare 2 supplies players with the most technologically advanced weapons, vehicles, and accoutrements available, including SCAR-H rifles, snowmobiles, and heartbeat sensors. The new "SpecialOps" mode brings gamers more than 20 fast-paced missions inspired by the frenzied mid-fuselage gunfight at the end of Call of Duty 4. Players find themselves racing snowmobiles, battling a huge number of enemies at once, or simply attempting to get in and out of a building without dying, and missions can be played solo, in local split-screen co-op, or online with a friend. Those looking for more online action can also take on the "Free-for-All," "Demolition," "Domination," "Search & Destroy," "Capture the Flag," and "Team Deathmatch" multiplayer modes. The much-lauded RPG-like system of doling out experience points and unlockable rewards returns in Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer modes, but Infinity Ward has also included a number of new wrinkles to spice up the action. Maps are designed to be both more expansive and more vertical; weapons feature a variety of new attachments; new "Pro Perks" let players gain more stopping power, greater speed, or automatic health boosts; and gamers who manage to string together a number of kills gain access to the new "killstreaks" system, which lets them call for seven different kinds of heavy-duty support, including supply drops, helicopter gun attacks, and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes. |
 "Activision Blizzard's top-selling first-person shooter franchise marches on with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Players must deal with the fallout from the devastating attacks on U.S. and British soil in a storyline that picks up where 2009's Modern Warfare 2 left off. The single-player campaign has you battling Russian ultranationalists, led by Vladimir Markov, as members of the U.S. Delta Force and British SAS. You'll battle across war-torn areas of New York City, London, Paris, Mogadishu, Dubai, and other regions as you prepare to end the global threat once and for all. As with previous entries in the Call of Duty series, Modern Warfare 3's campaign features a heavily scripted, cinematic experience with Hollywood-style special effects. One new mission, for example, has you involved in underwater travel with a sonar-equipped submersible watercraft. You'll then fight inside an enemy-controlled submarine before guiding an inflatable raft across turbulent waters while a naval battle rages nearby. Other sequences have you firing mounted guns, driving vehicles, and more while explosions light up the landscape. Returning to the game is the cooperative Spec Ops mode that features a series of standalone missions on different maps. New to Spec Ops is a survival option that has you and either a friend or a computer partner battling waves of enemy forces. Shooting down enemies earns you cash, which can be used to purchase new perks, items, weapons, and other upgrades. You'll also be able to earn bonuses by working together as a team and maintaining kill streaks. The heart of the game is once again the 18-player online component, which introduces all-new maps and a variety of enhancements to the format introduced in Modern Warfare 2. Popular features such as kill-streak awards, experience points, weapons-based achievements, and perks return, allowing you to customize your character as you progress. An optional subscription service entitled "Call of Duty Elite" will allow players to track detailed statistics such as win-loss records, kill-death ratios, time played, most successful maps, favorite weapons, and much more. |
 "Debuting on PlayStation 3, the Call of Juarez story steps a generation back in time with Bound in Blood, a prequel to the original game. Set 20 years earlier, the adventure stars Ray and Thomas McCall, two brothers from Atlanta, in their prime, fighting for the Confederate army in the War Between the States. As the game begins, tragedy tears them from the war and their home. Through sequences of stealth, light platforming puzzles, and plenty of shooting, Ray and Thomas face a full complement of classic Western scenarios -- duels, jailbreaks, gunfights, horseback battles, stagecoach chases, and more -- as they travel from Georgia to Mexico, on a quest for a pile of cursed gold they believe will be their family's salvation. Once again, the Call of Juarez story is told from two perspectives, as players take the roles of two different lead characters, but unlike in the original, Bound in Blood players can choose which character they want to play in each stage (computer AI will control the other). Ray McCall, featured as a much older man in the first game, is the more direct of the two. He specializes in two-fisted six-shooting and big explosives. Thomas is more cunning, with a knack for sniper shooting and stealth. In the tradition of rollicking Spaghetti Western films, weapons in the game are slightly more reliable and easy to use than era-accurate, and the game's gunplay was designed around giving the weapons a solid, authentic feel when fired. In addition to the single-player campaign, online multiplayer modes allow gamers to fight it out in cinema-inspired Western combat. |
 "Cannon Fodder had previously been a hit on the Amiga platform before being ported to Dos by Virgin Interactive, who licensed it from Sensible Software. This cute little real-time wargame involves the player trying to complete a series of missions using a squad of hapless recruits. In order to finish each mission, you have to complete several objectives, most often the destruction of key enemy objects. Rather than opt for a traditional wargaming approach, Cannon Fodder included action elements, as the player actually controls the firing of his/her troops. The general premise of the game involved you directly controlling a platoon of four soldiers, commanding them to walk around and blasting at any enemies that got in your way. In addition to standard gunfire, your troops can also make use of rockets, missiles, etc to clear out enemy forces. The game was released to the European public at full price, and finally made it to the USA a few years later as a budget title. Thus American gamers didn't pay the product much attention, which is a shame since it's one of the best action/strategy hybrids of the early 90s. |
 "The video game equivalent of Death Race 2000 has players battling five aggressive, maniacal drivers while earning points for mowing down frantic pedestrians and oblivious livestock. Carmageddon includes a total of 36 circuits, set within five themed environments, and more than 25 vehicles to unlock and master, from armored station wagons to deadly dump trucks. Two characters are initially available, Max Damage and Die Anna, each possessing distinct vehicles rated in speed, strength, and handling. The goal is to improve your 99th overall ranking by ramming rivals, crossing checkpoints, or by eliminating all pedestrians before time expires. Unlike traditional racers, Carmageddon allows players to roam freely across the environments, collecting power-ups, performing suicidal stunts, and splattering people along the way. Credits earned from kills can be used to repair or upgrade vehicles in the areas of armor, power, and offense. Multiplayer support via LAN is also available for up to six demented drivers in seven play modes. |
 "Synopsis by Brett Alan Weiss While dancing in the meadow one clear spring day, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are startled by a sudden covering of gray clouds over the blue sky. As Mickey turns to tell Minnie not to worry, a sudden flash of lightning blinds them both. In the blink of an eye, a wicked witch named Mizrabel snatches Minnie and takes her back to the Castle of Illusion. She intends on exchanging her own evil visage for that of Minnie's beauty. As Mickey Mouse you must run, jump, and swim through the five levels of the castle, looking for the Gems of the Rainbow, the only power strong enough to defeat the evil witch. The five levels include: the Enchanted Forest, Toyland, the Storm, the Library, and the Castle. Throughout the game, you'll be mystified by enchantments, oddities, and illusions, each designed to foil your rescue. You'll swing from lamps, float on sugar cubes, dodge giant boulders, cross falling bridges, and perform many other unbelievable acts. Creatures such as clowns, toy soldiers, bonefish, armored knights, trees, and mushrooms are constantly on the attack. You can rid yourself of these creepy critters by bouncing on them or by pegging them with apples, marbles, or candles, each of which you will find scattered in abundance throughout the game. Many other mysteries await you in the Castle of Illusion. Would you dare enter this strange place? Screenshots Similar Games QuackShot Starring Donald Duck Sega of America, Inc. Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle Sega of America, Inc. Extra Creditsby Brett Alan Weiss Super Mario Bros. (1985) for the NES began the whole side-scrolling platform phenomena. The game made popular hopping on enemies to defeat them and other groundbreaking elements of gameplay. Swinging on vines in videogames was introduced in Pitfall! (1982) for the Atari 2600. Also Available On Platform Publisher Developer Year Sega Game Gear Sega of America, Inc. 1991 Sega Master System Sega of America, Inc. Sega of Japan 1990 Extra credits by Brett Alan Weiss Super Mario Bros. (1985) for the NES began the whole side-scrolling platform phenomena. The game made popular hopping on enemies to defeat them and other groundbreaking elements of gameplay. Swinging on vines in videogames was introduced in Pitfall! (1982) for the Atari 2600. Also Available On Platform Publisher Developer Year Sega Game Gear Sega of America, Inc. 1991 Sega Master System Sega of America, Inc. Sega of Japan 1990 |
 "Even after belly-bumping through his 1992 adventure for Genesis and SNES, life doesn't get any easier for Chuck Rock. It seems his archrival, Brick Jagger, has kidnapped him, and no one can save him except his own crazy, club-swinging, six-month old son, Chuck Junior. The Son of Chuck doesn't have the belly his dad does, so he has to rely on his club to bonk the baddies aside. The club can also be used to knock through piles of rocks, some of which may contain baby bottle power-ups that let Junior recover some lost health. The son makes friends at least as easily as the dad, and friendly animals sometimes appear to give Chuck Junior rides across tricky terrain.. |
 "Author, painter, and filmmaker Clive Barker lends his writing talent to Jericho, a supernatural shooter that has players leading a diverse strike force against an ancient evil. The seven-person squad, known as the Jericho Team, is armed with more than conventional weapons. Each male and female soldier is an expert in the arcane arts, from clairvoyance and alchemy to exorcism and blood magic, allowing the team to solve puzzles and to more easily defeat a ghastly assortment of hell-spawned creatures hoping to make Earth their new playground. Players control Captain Ross, who has the unique ability to leap into each squad member's mind and body. This talent allows Ross to use each character's paranormal proficiencies in creative ways, such as manipulating the direction of bullets or even spontaneously setting creatures on fire. Each soldier is also skilled in specific weapon types, ranging from rail guns to sniper rifles to swords. Levels will send the squad through the following five eras in its ongoing battle to stop the primordial armies: modern day, World War II, the Crusades, Ancient Rome, and Sumerian times. |
 "A mysterious and technologically advanced third party joins the fray in the third installment of EA Los Angeles' alternate history real-time strategy series. With the Allies closing in, the Soviets make one last-gasp effort to turn the tide of the war, and use an experimental time-travel device to kill Albert Einstein before he can create the technology that gives the Allies such an advantage. After a successful mission, the Soviets return to discover a weakened Allied army, but also an entirely new and extremely powerful foe in the Empire of the Rising Sun. Each of the three factions in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 get distinct campaigns full of fast-paced action and quirky humor, and naval warfare is given new weight thanks to oceans full of resources and a large number of units with amphibious capabilities. Conquering the seas is particularly important given that the new Empire of the Rising Sun, in addition to its strengths in robotics and martial arts, happens to specialize in naval warfare. Gamers looking for teamwork can choose from nine unique AI commanders, or they can head online with friends to experience the entire storyline through an extended series of co-operative missions designed to emphasize strategy and coordinated attacks. Xbox 360 users get an updated control scheme, first seen in Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath, that is designed to make RTS gaming more accessible to console gamers. |
 "The fifth title in Pivotal Games' squad-based "Conflict" series takes players into the aftermath of a military coup that plunges Venezuela into civil war. Gamers take control two different members of the CIA's Special Activities Division, the hardened veteran Graves, and the exuberant newcomer Lang, as they travel deep behind enemy lines on three continents attempting to prevent the brutal new dictator from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Denied Ops portion of the title comes from the depth of their clandestine activities: if any member is captured, all links to the U.S. will be denied. Though the action is primarily handled like a first-person shooter, players can instantly alternate between both characters to take advantage of their individual skills, provide covering fire, or set up an enemy-shredding fusillade. A variety of different weapons allow players to approach the game in the manner they see fit, like using silenced weapons and Graves' sniper skills to maneuver quietly, or taking advantage of Lang's arsenal of heavy machinery to blow enemies to bits. Gamers can also take control of armored personnel carriers, tanks, and hovercrafts, or call in air support from F-22 fighter jets and AH-64D Apache helicopters. Most of the action in Denied Ops takes the form of massive firefights that allow the game to showcase its highly destructible environments. Players can demolish entire buildings, turn vehicles into flaming metal shells, or strategically use their weapons to carve out escape routes, attack covered enemies, and shoot through their own cover. Gamers can undertake the main campaign alone or team up with a friend in two-player co-op online and split-screen modes. Further multiplayer support lets up to four split-screen players or 16 online players battle it out in Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Conquest Mode. |
 "The bright-eyed, bushy-tailed hero from Conker's Bad Fur Day makes his Xbox debut in a multiplayer game featuring environments and themes taken from developer Rare's acclaimed Nintendo 64 title. As a special bonus, the entire Conker's Bad Fur Day single-player game has been included along with enhanced graphics and new uncensored material previously left on the cutting room floor. The single-player game is a risqu�, adult-oriented take on the Wizard of Oz, where Conker stumbles upon a colorful cast of characters while trying to find his way back home. Of course, the reason he's lost in the first place was due to a drinking binge, so this is not your ordinary cartoon squirrel. Players must figure out a way through this strange world of talking inanimate objects and cussing critters to get some needed rest. One of the title's salient features, other than its distinct sense of humor, is its avoidance of having players collect numerous trinkets popularized by other 3D platform games. Instead, players must solve puzzles and complete objectives using items found within specific levels, such as frying pans or pitchforks. Players will also witness a number of film parodies along the way, including Terminator, Aliens, The Matrix, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Saving Private Ryan, and more. The heart of the title is its multiplayer aspects, and a variety of scenarios are available, each offering completely different environments, goals, and storylines to set it apart from the rest. Players will work in teams, where they must rely on one another to carry out specific objectives while the rival team tries to stop them. Up to 16 players can compete on Xbox Live, with scenarios ranging from the Heist, a four-on-four game of robbing banks, to Alien Base, where players fend off a marauding mob of malicious aliens looking to overrun a desolate outpost in space. Numerous options exist to help customize each scenario, from weapon types to the amount of health and lives available for each team. |
 "Players face the hell-spawned horrors of the supernaturally attuned antihero John Constantine in this 3D action-adventure. Based directly on the Warner Bros. film starring Keanu Reeves, the game casts players in the title role of the paranormal private investigator, whose original adventures are chronicled in Vertigo's Hellblazer comic book series. Players guide Constantine through exploration, puzzle-solving, shooting, and hand-to-hand combat challenges that play out both in modern-day Los Angeles and its demon-infested, underworld counterpart. Enemies can be identified using Constantine's "True Sight" abilities, and defeated with righteous weaponry such as the "Holy Shotgun" and "Dragon's Breath Flamethrower." The game's plot loosely follows the story told in the film, and the look of its lead character is based directly on Reeves' portrayal. |
 "Part Grand Theft Auto, part City of Heroes, Crackdown is a freeform action game set in a futuristic, crime-ridden metropolis known as Pacific City. As one of eight operatives from a law enforcement branch known as the "Agency," players seek to stop three dominant gangs and their leaders by undertaking a series of missions, side quests, and mini-games. Players control a genetically enhanced agent as they fight back against those who threaten to overtake the city and terrorize its citizens. Viewed from a third-person perspective, Crackdown offers a sprawling environment filled with vehicles, pedestrians, towering structures, high-tech weapons, and non-linear objectives. As each agent traverses the city on foot, in a vehicle, or by other means of transport, he will receive updates from the Agency's headquarters, allowing him to quickly respond to developing situations displayed on an on-screen map. Since each agent is designed by science to evolve, players will be able to increase their character's skills in driving, firearms use, and explosives, as well as his attributes in areas such as strength and agility. Skills are primarily developed by performing the actions associated with them, and over time, players will be able to initiate superhuman feats such as lifting and throwing cars, leaping across rooftops, and more. Crackdown also supports two-player cooperative action via system link and Xbox Live. |
 "Xbox 360-exclusive super-cop action continues in Crackdown 2, a sequel to Microsoft's sandbox-style combat-adventure. The game plays out in a near-future urban environment that may be freely traveled and explored. Again, players take the roles of genetically enhanced law enforcement officers, who are part of a squad empowered with the authority of judge, jury, and executioner. These heroes are charged with bringing order to a Pacific City that is overrun with violent, super-powered, mutant criminals, referred to as Freaks. Behind this immediate threat, heroes must also prevent the overthrow of their peacekeeping Agency by the terrorist organization known as the Cell. Equipped with high-tech firearms, melee weapons, and armor, the player's supernaturally enabled agents can gain additional powers as they accomplish goals and gain experience, such as great strength and toughness, enhanced accuracy with guns or vehicles, and even the ability to leap from tall buildings, soaring through the air in extended, rocket-empowered bursts of flight. As in the original game, the adventure is largely player-directed, through a destructible, open-world metropolis full of colorful characters and side-missions, with the threat of deadly danger around nearly every corner. While the first Crackdown was created by Realtime Worlds, Crackdown 2 is the debut release from the Scottish spin-off studio Ruffian Games, founded by Billy Thomson, Gaz Liddon, and other former Realtime developers who worked on the original. |
 "This GBA bundle includes the two cross-over games, featuring Spyro the Dragon battling Dr. Neo Cortex in Cortex Conspiracy and Crash spinning through the Dragon Realms in Ripto's Rampage. Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy and Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage provide a sort of foreign exchange program for two of VU Games' most recognizable characters. Ripto's Rampage features the endearingly goofy bandicoot questing through Spyro's realms, on a mission to stop the dragon's arch nemesis Ripto. Meanwhile, in The Cortex Conspiracy, Spyro side-scrolls through Crash's jungle game worlds on a quest to defeat bandicoot's usual opponent, Dr. Neo Cortex. While each game poses different goals and challenges, the two share similar settings and overlapping storylines. Both games feature a trading card collection system, as well. Cards can be found, won, or purchased in the course of the main game and are used to unlock mini-games, additional characters, cheats, and other extras. |
 "This GBA bundle includes the two cross-over games, featuring Spyro the Dragon battling Dr. Neo Cortex in Cortex Conspiracy and Crash spinning through the Dragon Realms in Ripto's Rampage. Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy and Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage provide a sort of foreign exchange program for two of VU Games' most recognizable characters. Ripto's Rampage features the endearingly goofy bandicoot questing through Spyro's realms, on a mission to stop the dragon's arch nemesis Ripto. Meanwhile, in The Cortex Conspiracy, Spyro side-scrolls through Crash's jungle game worlds on a quest to defeat bandicoot's usual opponent, Dr. Neo Cortex. While each game poses different goals and challenges, the two share similar settings and overlapping storylines. Both games feature a trading card collection system, as well. Cards can be found, won, or purchased in the course of the main game and are used to unlock mini-games, additional characters, cheats, and other extras. |
 "This GBA bundle includes the two cross-over games, featuring Spyro the Dragon battling Dr. Neo Cortex in Cortex Conspiracy and Crash spinning through the Dragon Realms in Ripto's Rampage. Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy and Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage provide a sort of foreign exchange program for two of VU Games' most recognizable characters. Ripto's Rampage features the endearingly goofy bandicoot questing through Spyro's realms, on a mission to stop the dragon's arch nemesis Ripto. Meanwhile, in The Cortex Conspiracy, Spyro side-scrolls through Crash's jungle game worlds on a quest to defeat bandicoot's usual opponent, Dr. Neo Cortex. While each game poses different goals and challenges, the two share similar settings and overlapping storylines. Both games feature a trading card collection system, as well. Cards can be found, won, or purchased in the course of the main game and are used to unlock mini-games, additional characters, cheats, and other extras. |
 "In the role of a soldier, alone in a devastated urban jungle, players use the super-human abilities provided by a technologically advanced suit to save the world from alien invaders, as they battle through the first-person shooter sequel, Crysis 2. As in the first game, the hero's most important weapon is a high-tech suit that integrates with his body to provide increased defense, enhanced stealth, and various offensive capabilities. The sequel's enemy aliens employ improved situational intelligence and group tactics, calling on players to approach each situation strategically and make the most of the array of powers provided by the suit. Written by science fiction author Richard Morgan, the story takes place in an embattled New York City. The metropolis crumbles under a full-on invasion, as aliens return in force to annihilate humankind. Conventional weapons and warfare fail against the onslaught, leaving Earth's salvation to the wearer of the revolutionary Nanosuit 2. Using the integrated stealth, strength, and special abilities provided by the futuristic armor -- along with a selection of highly destructive weapons -- players embark on dangerous missions to strike at crucial vulnerabilities and sabotage the alien assault. The game's multiplayer options include "Crash Site," a team-based mode in which players compete for control of resources that appear regularly on the battlefield, and "Team Instant Action," for pick-up-and-play, squad-based deathmatches. Crysis 2 was developed by Crytek, and runs on the German studio's signature "CryEngine" programming platform, designed to produce exceptional graphics on contemporary consoles and home computers. The game can also be played in stereoscopic 3D with compatible equipment. |
 "Loosely based on The Divine Comedy's first act, Dante's Inferno is a third-person action game starring Dante Alighieri: an Italian mercenary who journeys to hell itself to retrieve the love of his life, Beatrice. As he ventures into hell's nine circles, from limbo to treachery, Dante will engage demons and other ghastly creatures looking to end his heroic quest in gruesome fashion. To survive, Dante wields a massive scythe made of bone, Death's scythe, which has the ability to harvest souls from the damned. Dante can also channel holy powers from a cross bequeathed to him by Beatrice, and even tame some of the dark creatures he encounters during his dangerous descent. Dante will soon discover that he must atone for his past sins while preparing for his ultimate confrontation with fallen angel Lucifer. |
 "Darksiders is a gruesome, violent, fast-paced combat adventure inspired by the New Testament's Book of Revelation. Players take the role of War, the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. War must battle both demons and angels, as he fights alone to reverse a premature Day of Reckoning that he himself is accused of accidentally bringing to be. In the style of games such as Devil May Cry and God of War, Darksiders' combat is supernaturally infused, taking place across great expanses of land as well as high in the air, with fast-flowing combos, impossibly huge medieval weapons, and destructive blasts of magical energy from mystical firearms. After being tricked into breaking the eternal laws, and causing the end of the world to come far too early, the horseman War finds himself at odds with both the forces of heaven and hell. The game follows his story as he fights across the destroyed civilizations and wildernesses of Earth, hunted by vengeful angels and gleeful demons alike, as he searches for the one who fooled him into fulfilling his purpose too soon, and unsettling the order of existence. The game's graphic-novel inspired art style was directed by Marvel Comics illustrator Joe "Mad" Madureira. Characters are performed by veteran voice actors, including Liam O'Brien as War and Mark Hamill as The Watcher, who often appears in cut-scenes to reveal lore and move the story forward. |
 "The vile I.N.K.T. Corporation may have depleted Chroma City's color and vitality, but you're going to change it back, one shade at a time. THQ's de Blob has you controlling an amorphous creature that leaves behind splashes of color wherever it travels. Swinging the Wii Remote allows de Blob to transform a dreary, monochromatic world filled with buildings, landmarks, and alien citizens to a vibrant hotspot. In addition to the single-player campaign, the game offers four-player competitive battles via split-screen display. |
 "A tropical island resort becomes a place of nightmares after a mysterious epidemic turns the majority of inhabitants into bloodthirsty zombies. As one of four playable characters, your goal is to complete missions necessary for your survival, which means battling throngs of the undead with a variety of customizable weapons and finding a way off the fictitious island of Banoi. Dead Island features an open-world environment in a campaign that supports up to four players for drop-in, drop-out cooperative action. The two male and two female characters have different strengths and weaknesses, which can be offset to a degree by leveling up. Experience points earned in combat can be used to improve a character's attributes and fighting skills. When firearms and ammo are in limited supply, you'll be able to engage enemies in hand-to-hand combat with axes, machetes, knives, clubs, and similar edged or bludgeoning weapons that will degrade over time. Explore the island's urban areas, forests, mountain highlands, caves, beaches, and other locales from a first-person perspective, or utilize an over-the-shoulder view for melee combat. The "Game of the Year Edition" for Xbox 360 includes new blueprints and weapons, the original Dead Island, and its two main DLC releases: the multiplayer "Bloodbath Arena" and the single-player "Ryder White" campaign. |
 "Tecmo's flagship fighting series continues with the console-exclusive release of Dead or Alive 4. Once again, players can select from a number of characters skilled in various combat styles, from Ryu Hayabusa's custom Ninjutsu techniques learned from his years as a ninja, to teenager Hitomi's mastery of karate. No matter which character is selected, he or she can perform a number of quick-strike attacks, guards, holds, combos, and throws to keep foes off balance. The environments in Dead or Alive 4 play as important a role in the fighting as the characters themselves, with players able to use scenery objects, such as trees, to pin opponents, or in some cases, smash through barriers to continue battling in completely new areas. |
 "No stranger to walking corpses, Capcom unearths another zombie-themed franchise with Dead Rising on Xbox 360. Players take command of a forceful photographer named Frank West, who believes he is on the verge of a breakthrough story at a remote suburban town called Willamette. Yet this is no ordinary visit. West soon learns that the unfriendly locals aren't just wary of the media -- they're hungry for flesh. Players must somehow find a way past hordes of zombies lining the aisles of the one place thought by West to be safe: a shopping mall. He was obviously wrong, but it's up to players to keep him from being dead wrong. Unlike the carefully scripted games in the Resident Evil series, Dead Rising features a more open-ended, action-oriented design where players can freely explore the various mall stores to use whatever tools, weapons, or items they find, from frying pans and umbrellas to lawn mowers and bowling balls. Time keeps ticking away as players search for potential survivors as well as a way out, with the zombies growing stronger as the sun goes down and certain events only occurring at specific intervals. West will be able to replenish lost health by finding vending machines or the food court, and he can also snap pictures of the chaos and mayhem to unlock different bonuses. |
 "No stranger to walking corpses, Capcom unearths another zombie-themed franchise with Dead Rising on Xbox 360. Players take command of a forceful photographer named Frank West, who believes he is on the verge of a breakthrough story at a remote suburban town called Willamette. Yet this is no ordinary visit. West soon learns that the unfriendly locals aren't just wary of the media -- they're hungry for flesh. Players must somehow find a way past hordes of zombies lining the aisles of the one place thought by West to be safe: a shopping mall. He was obviously wrong, but it's up to players to keep him from being dead wrong. Unlike the carefully scripted games in the Resident Evil series, Dead Rising features a more open-ended, action-oriented design where players can freely explore the various mall stores to use whatever tools, weapons, or items they find, from frying pans and umbrellas to lawn mowers and bowling balls. Time keeps ticking away as players search for potential survivors as well as a way out, with the zombies growing stronger as the sun goes down and certain events only occurring at specific intervals. West will be able to replenish lost health by finding vending machines or the food court, and he can also snap pictures of the chaos and mayhem to unlock different bonuses. |
 "The cross-platform sequel to Capcom's 2006 Xbox 360 hit delivers more fast-paced, third-person action in a survival-horror setting. Similar to the original game, Dead Rising 2 is all about one man against a swarming horde of hungry zombies, and how that one man survives by creatively using everyday objects to perform acts of great and gratuitous violence against these slow-but-relentless pursuers. The hero of Dead Rising 2 is a former pro motocross rider named Chuck Greene, who finds himself in the fictional entertainment capital of Fortune City when the zombie outbreak hits there. The open "sandbox" adventure does not play out in a shopping mall, as the first Dead Rising, but the Las Vegas-like setting of the city provides ample walkways and plenty of open, consumer-oriented spaces, which quickly fill with hungry walking dead. The sequel is designed to accommodate as many as five or six thousand zombies on screen at once -- more than seven times the top number in the original game. As Chuck racks up the zombie smack-downs, he earns "Prestige Points," which eventually allow him to become more powerful. New improvised weapons become available as Chuck gains prestige and levels up, including combination weapons. Duct-taping two chainsaws to the ends of a kayak paddle yields an effective tool for slicing through a sea of zombies, for example, and taping a hand grenade to a football allows the athletically inclined hero to throw a real bomb, both figuratively and literally. Several other possible combinations become available to players as Chuck hacks and slashes his way through the macabre adventure. |
 "Players return to Sin City sidewalks seeking the scoop on a zombie outbreak, and find themselves neck-deep in fast-paced survival-horror action. Off the Record is a spin-off in the Dead Rising series that plays through the events of the sequel from the perspective of the original game's hero, Frank West. In good Dead Rising style, the one-against-hundreds tension of a horror adventure is set off by the fast-paced carnage of an arcade action game, seasoned with unflinching violence and a gruesome sense of humor, and set in an open, sandbox-style world. Although the Fortune City surroundings and zombie monsters -- as well as the photojournalist hero -- will be familiar to series veterans, the game's story follows a new path through the events of the second undead outbreak, with original cut scenes, missions, puzzles, enemy types, and creatively re-appropriated zombie-killing gear. As in the first Dead Rising, Frank can snap candid photos of his zombie victims, in their most horrid and amusing moments, to earn Prestige Points and unlock special abilities. Technical improvements make for shorter load times and smoother play than in previous Dead Rising games. |
 "Dead Space 2 is a sci-fi survival-horror sequel, following the continuing travails of the unfortunate Isaac Clarke. In the lonely role of a sole survivor on a deep-space station, players use commandeered firearms and makeshift traps to overcome a relentless onslaught of gruesome mutant space zombies. The game is set on a large, heavily populated space station called the Sprawl, where the hero was taken to recover from the terrors he experienced in the first adventure. The soul-wrenching malady that devastated the base he was sent to explore in the first game seems somehow to have followed Isaac to his haven in the second adventure, however, and the Sprawl is soon infested with Necromoprhs -- hideously mutated creatures, single-mindedly devoted to death and destruction. Knowing firsthand the merciless evil he faces, Isaac is more aggressive in his second adventure, focusing not only on his own survival, but also on destroying as many Necromorph monsters as he can along the way. Once again, the deep-space, zero-gravity environments create unusual third-person action challenges, and also provide opportunities for clever cause-and-effect sequences, such as blasting through an airlock so that deadly enemies are pulled helplessly into the vacuum of space. As he progresses through the adventure, Isaac can gain custom upgrades to his attributes and special abilities, and he can also make use of a powered-up javelin, to impale monsters and pin them to the wall. Defeated enemies whose corpses are left behind have a tendency to revive, and attack with renewed fervor unless they are completely dismembered, adding to the graphic ghastliness. As in the first game -- and most great survival horror adventures -- the fear and tension in Dead Space 2 are intensified by dynamic audio, creepy video effects, and other atmospheric techniques. The sequel was developed by Visceral Games, formerly known as EA Redwood Shores, the studio that created the original Dead Space. |
 "Dead Space Extraction is a sci-fi survival horror shooter made exclusively for Wii, based on 2008's Dead Space for high-def consoles and home computers. Players use the Wii Remote as a light gun, to aim and fire at onscreen enemies and other objects. The game is played as an on-rails shooter, with the lead character moving ahead automatically through dark and twisting caverns and corridors, challenging players to watch for upcoming enemies and react quickly. As a prequel to the original, Extraction puts players in the role of deep space explorers in the distant future, battling creepy alien entities that can mutate and animate human corpses. To keep these alien Necromorphs from repeatedly coming back to life, their space zombie hosts need to be systematically dismembered. The game also features environmental puzzles, and players must choose the direction to take when the on-rails path splits, as it does often throughout the adventure. Sci-fi circumstances and space suit abilities featured in the original Dead Space, such as zero gravity areas and "stasis" slow-down powers, are factors in combat and puzzle solving. A second Wii player can join the Extraction action at almost any time, through the game's drop-in cooperative multiplayer features. |
 "In this prequel to Namco's 2002 urban third-person shooter, player's resume the role of the versatile anti-hero Jack Slate, who is rejoined by his faithful canine companion Shadow. Dead to Rights II is designed to accent the features fans enjoyed in the original, including the fast melee, dangerous gunfights, and -- more than anything else -- the chance to solve problems a number of different ways by selecting wisely from the hero's wide assortment of special moves and shooting skills. Slate can now attack enemies in all directions, even those standing behind him, and the revamped slow-motion "bullet-time" mode offers greater control and more cinematic sequences. |
 "That wacky madman from the Middle East is at it again in Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf. Backed by a strong and fiercely loyal military, General Kilbaba is threatening to reign Armageddon on all his enemies, including the good ol' U.S.A. The President of our fair land calls on you, fearless gamer, to fly a series of dangerous preemptive campaigns in the desert to eliminate the tyrannical despot from the face of the globe. After choosing a campaign (if you don't have a password, you must begin with campaign number one) and a copilot, you must decide whether to control your Apache) helicopter With Momentum, From the Cockpit, or From Above. With Momentum is similar to From the Cockpit, but the computer makes you compensate for the momentum of your helicopter. You view the game from a three-quarter overhead perspective. Once the action begins, you will find yourself frequently referring to the battle map as it enables you to locate yourself in relation to your targets and objectives. Many times throughout the game you will receive incoming intelligence reports. You'll be called on to perform numerous military exercises, such as demolishing enemy airfields, destroying radar and power stations, escorting a busload of innocents, blowing up command centers, killing guards, trashing jails in order to free prisoners, airlifting and dropping off commandos, taking out scud launchers, and protecting oil fields. Your helicopter is a powerful vehicle and is equipped with a chain gun and the ability to fire hydras and hellfire missiles. To stay fortified and ensure your survival, you must frequently pick up armor, fuel, and ammunition. Enemy weapons you'll face include a variety of tanks, gun turrets, choppers, speedboats and soldiers. Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf is composed of 27 missions divided among four major campaigns. You begin the game with three lives and can find additional lives hidden throughout. If you lose all your lives prior to completing the final mission of a campaign, you must start over at the beginning of that campaign and finish it before you can advance to the next. |
 "A former SWAT operative travels around the world to unravel a conspiracy in Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Private security expert Adam Jensen, who has been secretly "augmented" with biotechnology, will complete missions using a choice of combat, hacking, stealth, or social means. Each approach is designed to influence the game's story in various ways. Human Revolution is the third entry in the futuristic Deus Ex series, which was notable for blending role-playing elements with first-person action. Human Revolution continues many elements from its predecessors, such as the ability for players to acquire new, permanent augmentations and weapon upgrades to enhance their character's abilities. There are multiple ways to approach each scenario as well as multiple ways to develop your character. Jensen can use a variety of close-quarters takedown moves, more than 20 weapons, and other offensive techniques against targets that range from robots and thugs to augmented spec-ops soldiers and boss characters. |
 "The fourth installment of Capcom's gothic action series is the first to feature a new protagonist: Nero, who enters battle with a double-barreled revolver called the "Blue Rose" and an ornate sword known as the "Red Queen." He is also a card-carrying member of the Order of the Sword, an organization systematically dismantled by former series protagonist, Dante. Nero's power is not limited to his distinctive weapons, however. Nero's right arm, a.k.a. "the devil bringer," is imbued with an ethereal glow and is a source of supernatural strength. The demonic appendage lets him perform feats of agility not possible by mere mortals, such as grabbing enemies from afar, slamming them into the ground, spinning them overhead, or initiating various other context-sensitive moves. Players can once again freely switch between melee and projectile attacks to string together elaborate combos, with bonus points awarded for style. By varying his attacks and minimizing the damage received in each level, Nero will earn "Proud Souls" to spend on sword combos, bullets, and improved attributes. Fans of earlier versions can still collect health-enhancing orbs from defeated enemies and initiate "devil trigger" transformations for temporary boosts in speed and power. Throughout his demon-slaying journey, Nero must solve environment-based puzzles and confront towering boss creatures, with each conquest allowing him the opportunity to upgrade his powerful arm. Dante is also playable at certain points in Devil May Cry 4, which according to producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, features more content than the first three titles combined. |
 "The Devil May Cry HD Collection features the games from the series' original PS2 trilogy, remastered with updated textures and widescreen support for high-definition play on PlayStation 3. The games follow the adventures of the demon hunter, Dante, which play out through kinetic battles involving martial arts, firearms, dark magic, and gravity-defying chain attacks. Included are Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2, and the Special Edition of the prequel, Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening. The package adds PSN Trophies to the games and includes other bonus content. |
 "Codemasters re-christens its Colin McRae Rally series with "DiRT," an off-road circuit racer that incorporates a wide assortment of events and more than 40 licensed vehicles in 12 car classes. A custom graphics engine dubbed "Neon" was specifically created to take advantage of each format's advanced features, allowing for more realistic physics that account for such variables as wind, terrain, damage, and weather. Up to ten drivers will slide and skid their way through real-world courses in a mix of rally, hill climb, rally raid, rally cross, and crossover events. Fender-crumpling crashes and dramatic jumps can be revisited with the built-in replay system, which for the first time in the long-running franchise, gives players complete control over how they view the captured footage. Players can embark on a career, enter a single race, or compete against up to 11 real-world opponents via Xbox Live. |
 "Codemasters' acclaimed off-road racing series continues with Dirt 2, which offers enhanced visuals, controls, and play mechanics over its power-sliding predecessor. A revamped single-player mode finds you starting out in the humble confines of an RV, where you'll begin your racing career. It's there where you'll meet driver Travis Pastrana, who gives you the keys to the late Colin McRae's blue Subaru and sends you on your way. You'll then compete in various locales around the world, from Los Angeles to Malaysia, interacting with such real-life drivers as Ken Block, Dave Mirra, and Tanner Faust while entering over 100 events designed to put your driving skills to the test. Earn upgrades to McRae's Subaru or acquire new cars along the way. Each event is geared toward a specific style of off-road racing, from Rallycross and Trailblazer to Landrush and Raid. Up to eight players can also compete online in any of the available game modes. |
 "Dirt Showdown takes Codemasters' rally racing series on an arcade-style detour as players drive cars, trucks, vans, and even hearses through full-contact races, high-flying stunt events, and explosive demolition derbies. Frenzied crowds and pyrotechnics add to the atmosphere as gamers take on more than 50 events and four championships set in a variety of locations around the world, including Tokyo, London, Michigan, Colorado, and Miami. Multiplayer fans can join a friend for local split-screen competitions, head online for eight-player races, issue challenges, and upload videos. Players can use nitrous boosts, navigate choke points, and soar off ramps in the various race events, while the freestyle "Hoonigan" events let gamers drift around huge, obstacle-filled courses. Demolition events take a variety of forms, including the King-of-the Hill-like "Knock Out" mode, in which drivers attempt to knock one another off a raised platform, and the contact-heavy "Nevada 8," where racers repeatedly cross paths. |
 "Baloo and Kit are still employees working for Rebecca Cunningham at Higher for Hire. She looks in the newspaper and finds that the Mayor has announced a flying contest with a lifetime work contract to Cape Suzette as the prize. She shows it to the others who then decide to take part. However Shere Khan of Shere Khan industries has also taken an interest in the contest. The City Official announces that Higher for Hire and Shere Khan Industries have been selected for the contest with Shere Khan's company going first. They successfully complete their run, giving Higher for Hire only seven days to win. Baloo and Kit must now collect 10 boxes of Cargo from 8 countries around the world, whilst avoiding Shere Khan's henchmen and the air raid attacks of Don Karnage. |
 "After years of celebrating rock & roll culture and making gamers feel like guitar gods, Activision turns its attention to hip-hop pioneers like Kool Herc and Grand Wizard Theodore by offering players more than 80 original mixes to blend, juggle, and scratch in DJ Hero. Featuring a variation of the "note highway" mechanic popularized by Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and incorporating a turntable-and-mixer peripheral controller, DJ Hero finds gamers manipulating a crossfader and effects knob with one hand, while using the other hand to press three gameplay buttons located atop a fully rotatable faux record. Instead of increasing difficulty by making players account for more buttons, DJ Hero begins to incorporate more scratching and crossfader movement in an attempt to foster a more authentic feel. Developer FreeStyleGames worked closely with world-renowned artists DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip, DJ AM, and Cut Chemist to create a realistic experience, and all four DJs contributed original mixes and mash-ups. DJ Hero also features DJ Jazzy Jeff and Grandmaster Flash as playable characters, but the game does not mine its track list solely from the world of hip-hop, featuring portions of more than 100 individual songs from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Beck, Nirvana, Daft Punk, and Tears for Fears. The game takes players to a variety of locations designed to mimic real-life party hotspots, and gamers looking for multiplayer action can hook up multiple controllers for competitive "DJ vs. DJ" mode, or the co-operative "DJ + DJ" and "DJ + Guitar" modes. |
 "Released in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the hugely influential Nintendo Entertainment System console (which first appeared in Japan as the Famicom, in 1984), the "Classic NES Series" of Game Boy Advance cartridges present accurate versions of original NES games, for play on the handheld. Donkey Kong for the NES did a remarkable job of capturing nearly everything that made the 1981 arcade game great. The graphics are an almost exact reproduction, and the sound is nearly perfect. The timing and speed of characters and objects also matches up well. The omission of the conveyor belt level is the only significant difference. |
 "One of the most fondly remembered first-person shooters of all time gets fully revamped with new HD visuals, improved lighting, support for 3D screens, and a new seven-level mission in Doom 3: BFG Edition. Named for its signature weapon, the BFG Edition also includes the original version of Doom 3, its add-on Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, and its two predecessors, Doom and Doom II. |
 "Undercover police officer Tanner returns to active duty in DRIV3R, a continuation of the mission-based driving series that made its PlayStation debut in 1998. Following a similar structure to Grand Theft Auto III, players are given the freedom to leave vehicles at any time to complete objectives on foot. Gameplay involves using weapons in violent encounters with criminals, performing deliveries, and engaging in high-speed chases and getaways in a variety of vehicles. The adventure will take players across the sandy beaches of Miami, the winding cobblestone streets of Nice, and past the bazaars and drizzled rain of Istanbul as they infiltrate an international crime organization. U.K.-based developer Reflections, the team behind the first two titles in the Driver series as well as Stuntman, takes the wheel once again for the third game in the best-selling series. |
 "Driver 2 is the sequel to 1999's popular mission-based driving game. Players will once again assume the role of the undercover police officer Tanner. The game picks up right where the first one left off: your job is to run errands for various crimelords throughout the pedestrian-filled cities of Havana, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. The sequel has many new features not seen in the original installment. Where the first Driver had each urban location set up in a grid-like manner, Driver 2 adds curves to the streets, making the cities closer to their real-life counterparts. Tanner can also jump out of his car at will in order to ditch the police or to carjack someone. In-game hints via radio updates are available from partner Tobias Jones as well. Players can choose between a first-person driver's seat view and a camera placed directly behind the car. As Tanner, players will traverse through all of the cities evading police, chasing down individuals, and carjacking enemies. Driver 2 also has multiplayer options as well as a free driving mode. A special director's option allows you to save your mission footage and edit the camera angles, effectively creating your own movie that can be saved onto the PlayStation memory card. |
 "Step back in time as you take the role of wheelman in Driver 76. Set in the '70s, two years before Driver: Parallel Lines, you must work your way through 27 missions divided into six plotlines as you explore New York City from Jersey to Coney Island. 76 features all the sights and sounds of a 1970s New York, and includes an authentic soundtrack with hits from that period of time. As you build your collection of cars, you can take on side jobs to upgrade the components of your vehicle or customize the paint job. Using a wireless connection, you can compete with friends in such multiplayer modes as "Street Racing," "Destruction Derby," "Pink Slip Racing," and "Swap Meet." |
 "Just a bit player in the 1999's mission-based racing title Driver, the City by the Bay takes on the title role as gamers once again assume control of race car driver-turned-detective John Tanner as he continues to hunt crime boss Charles Jericho in Driver: San Francisco. However, the developers at Ubisoft Reflections have included a plot twist that throws the series on its ear: the entire game takes place in the fevered dreams of a comatose John Tanner. The resulting freedom of movement allows for the aptly named "Shift" mechanic, which lets players exit their current vehicle, float above the scene, and switch to other cars in real time. Gamers can use this feature for any number of purposes, such as jumping from a pursuit vehicle into an oncoming car to cause a head-on collision, or making a 90-degree turn at full speed by simply shifting into a car heading in a perpendicular direction. Driver: San Francisco makes several more departures from series tradition, beginning with the inclusion of more than 100 licensed vehicles inspired by classic Hollywood films like Bullitt and Vanishing Point. Gamers can speed around more than 200 miles of Bay-area streets in Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, and even DeLoreans, but they can't get out of the car and run along the road, as was the case in some previous entries in the series. And for the first time in a Driver game, players can head online for nine different modes of multiplayer competition. Driver: San Francisco also supports local split-screen multiplayer action, and the "Movie Maker" mode returns, allowing gamers to record car chases with Hollywood-style visual effects, and then upload them online. |
 "In the realm where puerile plotlines and locker-room humor meet hardcore shooter action, Duke is king, and after a decade-long hiatus, the king returns in Duke Nukem Forever. With development completed by Gearbox Software for a 2011 release, the game incorporates many contemporary first-person shooter features, but the destructible surroundings, larger-than-life enemies, and high-adventure pacing are in classic Duke Nukem form. In a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas setting of crumbling roadways and toppled buildings, mission levels are stocked with grizzly pig-cop enemies, monstrous alien bosses, and plenty of hot babes in various states of undress and need of rescue. As he frags and gibs his way through each gory sequence, Duke rattles off an arsenal of deadpan one-liners to rival Arnold Schwarzenegger or Bruce Campbell in their action-flick heydays (as well as some that were probably lifted from their movies in the first place). Available weapon set-ups include two-fisted pistols and the traditional shotgun, as well as more fantastical devices, such as the shrink ray that lets Duke squish enemies beneath his boot heels. Players can also get behind the wheel of vehicles they encounter in the game, and some sequences have Duke manning powerful stationary weapons. Along the way, story-driven character interactions allow players to express some of their innermost machismo urges. After saving the world (in 3D) the first time (on MS-DOS, PlayStation, N64, and other mid-'90s gaming platforms), Duke Nukem disappeared -- or so the story goes. When the angry alien invaders returned, and tore into civilization with a vengeance, the great hero was nowhere to be found. When they started stealing away the planet's hottest babes, however, it was enough to bring Duke out of retirement and into the fray, with an "all out of bubblegum" sense of urgency. |
 "The uniquely original platform shooter that raised a legion of fans on the Sega Genesis and Super NES finds its way to the portable power of Nintendo's Game Boy Advance with this release of Earthworm Jim. This GBA version is based directly on the 1994 console game, but offers special mini-games and other features designed just for the handheld release. Players take the role of Jim, an otherwise ordinary earthworm who has gained special powers from a mysterious, super-high-tech spacesuit. In the spacesuit, Earthworm Jim can run, jump, climb, and fire the suit's built-in Plasma Blaster to make short work of vicious enemies. While wearing the suit, Jim also has the ability to use his own head as a whip, or as a spinning helicopter blade to allow soft landings from long drops. With power comes responsibility, however, so Earthworm Jim is honor-bound to a quest to save the beautiful Princess-What's-Her-Name while avoiding the treachery of the foul bounty hunter Psy-Crow and his evil (and disgusting) employer, Queen Pulsating, Bloated, Festering, Sweaty, Pus-Filled, Malformed, Slug-for-a-Butt. |
 "Players can blast the bad guys, score the hot chicks, and kick down the fourth wall of gaming in Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, a shooter that satirizes video game mythology and industry clichés. Matt Hazard, voiced by Arrested Development's Will Arnett, is a Duke Nukem-esque hero whose years of unemployment have him looking to reclaim his throne as the king of over-the-top action games. In reality, Eat Lead is Hazard's debut game, but developer Vicious Cycle and publisher D3 have concocted an elaborate backstory for the character, placing him in a dozen fictional games such as 1983's seminal side-scrolling shooter "The Adventures of Matt in Hazard Land," the GoldenEye 007 parody "You Only Live 1,317 Times," and "Haz-Matt Carts," Hazard's inevitable slip into kart-racing purgatory. Unfortunately for Hazard, fictitious developer "Marathon Software" spread his character too thin, and by the time of 2002's Viva Piñata-esque children's game "Choking Hazard: Candy Gramm," he was a washed-up has-been. But Eat Lead offers redemption, as gamers help Hazard on a quest for blood and relevance in the first actual game among his 13 fictional adventures. Though primarily a third-person 3D shooter, the game's story and style are subject to dramatic graphical, sound, and gameplay changes because the comeback is not exactly what Hazard envisioned. It seems that Wallace Wellesley, a Marathon executive voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, created Eat Lead as an elaborate ruse designed to make Hazard's life even more miserable. Continuous hacking of the game causes a number of inexplicable situations, such as Hazard fending off gun-toting cowboys in a futuristic space station, and only gamers can help the gruff protagonist make sense of the chaos and resurrect his career. |
 "Ecco the Dolphin puts players in control of the title character, a young dolphin who can swim and leap with all the acrobatic acumen for which his species is known. The game presents a playground of underwater levels that challenge Ecco to move about with power and precision. Most levels include small fish Ecco can eat to replenish health, as well as vicious squids or hungry sharks that would like to do the same to him. As a mammal, it is also important for Ecco to return to the surface regularly for a breath of air. The main challenges in Ecco the Dolphin are environmental puzzles. Each new area presents an increasingly sophisticated labyrinth of airless corridors, contrary currents, and hungry predators. The trick to enjoying the game is in mastering the controls that allow Ecco to squeeze through tight spaces, dart away from enemies, and perform high-flying leaps. As swimming and leaping become second-nature, possible puzzle-solving techniques become more apparent. Players have a side-on view of the dolphin and his undersea environments. The three primary actions that can be performed are a steady, speed-building tail pump, a quick dart, and a sonic blast, which can communicate with other friendly marine mammals, affect certain objects (such as brittle boulders), and also be used to bring up a radar-like map of the surrounding area. Some puzzles require Ecco to move special objects by pushing them with blasts of his sonar. The progression of the game follows a detailed and emotionally compelling plotline. Ecco has been separated from his pod by a strange and powerful storm. As he makes his way back to his family, he meets many other marine creatures and faces many challenges that teach him about the myths and history of his undersea world. |
 "Space marines team up for squad-based shooter battle in this multiplayer-minded follow-up to id's well-received Quake 4. Designed and developed in the spirit of 2003's Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Quake Wars allows teams of players to take the roles of Global Defense Force soldiers and alien Strogg warriors to compete against one another in mission-oriented scenarios. Class-specific abilities encourage teamwork among squad mates, giving each player in the group an important role based on the soldier-type chosen. To welcome newer players to the field, aspects of play such as mission-objective listings and vehicle piloting have been simplified, while features such as character upgrades and global stat-tracking offer dedicated players opportunities to benefit from strong performances and hard-won victories. |
 "Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is the action-oriented adventure of two fugitives, Monkey and Trip, who must work together to survive, in spite of significant antagonism between them. The game features flowing combat against an array of mechanically enhanced enemies, as well as 3D environmental platform puzzles, some meant to be solved by two characters in tandem. The game's story is set a century and a half in the future, in the aftermath of a global war that destroyed most of modern civilization across the planet Earth. Although based in futuristic science fiction, the game plays out in natural, forest settings, where advanced technology is viewed as magic by most surviving humans. Monkey's physical strength and great agility allow him to move through aging structures and tall treetops with ease, for advantages in reconnaissance and attacks from above. Trip does not fight, but she has an electromagnetic pulse generator that can temporarily stun their mechanical would-be captors, and she can distract enemies while Monkey positions himself for a surprise attack. Players begin in the role of Monkey, a physically powerful man who has spent his recent years alone and on the run, from deadly robots left over from the war and still programmed to capture human beings for eradication. Eventually, however, Monkey is caught and interred on an airship, full of other human captives. Working together with Trip, a technologically adept woman he meets on the ship, Monkey escapes, but is knocked unconscious soon after. When he reawakens, he finds that he has been fitted with a modified captive control device, placed on his head. The device ties Monkey to Trip, such that if she dies, so will he. It also allows Trip to threaten Monkey's life if he does not follow her commands. The two embark on a shared journey to deliver Trip to the safety of her homeland, upon which she has promised to set Monkey free. The game's story is loosely inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, sharing the adventuresome plot elements of a small party that must rise above adversarial tendencies to work together in travels through unknown territories, as well as the name of the main character, Monkey. |
 "Ash is back, baby, and more bitter than ever in THQ's follow-up to Evil Dead: Hail to the King. The city of Dearborn, MI, has been infested with Deadites and there's only one man alive who can clean them out. As the one-handed Ash, players can whack enemies with a shovel, shred them with a Gatling gun, rip into their bodies with a chainsaw, and make them chew lead with the boomstick, a 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun. Played from a third-person perspective, the game lets players use two weapons at once and features the wisecracking voice of Ash himself, Bruce Campbell. Up to 50 enemies can appear on the screen at any given time, but Ash can call upon the Book of the Dead's dark magic whenever he's in a pinch. Magic is replenished by collecting the souls of Deadites, and spells are acquired by finding scrolls hidden throughout each stage. Levels also feature multiple objectives that could involve locating more weapons, meeting with a certain character, or finding a way inside a specific building. Items such as keys to buildings, health packs, and other tools needed to advance are automatically stored in inventory. The heart of the game is combat, and players can attack creatures independently with either hand as well as block. A lock-on targeting system is used to isolate specific creatures, with two colors used to indicate whether or not an enemy is in range. If an enemy is in range, the lock-on system lets players keep attacking it no matter where its position is in relation to Ash. Finding the chainsaw allows Ash to perform special combos, such as the backhanded slash or chainsaw impale, with the latter freeing Ash's other hand to finish the job in gruesome fashion. Each completed level is available for play in a separate Arcade mode, where players try their hand at killing Deadites using a preset list of weapons. Letter rankings are awarded based on factors such as time, health remaining, number of kills, and body parts severed. Statistics earned during Arcade mode are also saved at the end of each stage, but recording progress during the main game requires players to find special tokens. Evil Dead also features video commentary from Bruce Campbell on the making of the game as well as concept art. |
 "Project Origin is more action oriented than the original F.E.A.R. Tight interior spaces bring back the tension of the first game, while large outdoor levels and mech suit combat aim directly for fast-paced, heart-pounding battle. However, as in the original F.E.A.R., a central feature in Project Origin is the ability to use the main character's enhanced reflexes to effectively slow time, for a "bullet-time"-like effect in combat and other action events. Another game feature is interactive environments that allow players to move and alter obstacles in order to clear a path or create cover, adding to the tactical possibilities for both sides in the fight. Throughout single-player adventure, scripted sequences, and dynamic combat put forth a stream of violent, fast-paced first-person shooter action, punctuated with a mix of sniping, exploration, puzzle solving, and story development. Project Origin players follow the mission of Delta Force Sergeant Michael Becket and his crew, as they move to secure Genevieve Aristide, president of the technology company Armacham. Aristide's counter-advised continuation of the Origin Project, which seeks to tap into the vast psychic powers of the girl Alma Wade, must be stopped. Alma's body may be destroyed, but aspects of her tortured soul live on -- in the twisted aberrations that prowl the cloning laboratories, and throughout the doom and destruction that will lay an entire cityscape to waste. The game begins 30 minutes before the end of the original F.E.A.R., allowing players to view the first game's final events from Becket's perspective and then continue on in the aftermath. As may be expected, the Project Origin sequel boasts larger maps, more weapons, and smarter enemies than featured in the original F.E.A.R. game, and developer Monolith promises a continuation of the storyline with the integrity of the original -- ignoring parallel plotlines and side events in TimeGate's Extraction Point and Perseus Mandate expansion packs. In addition to the solo campaign, as many as 16 virtually enhanced players can try to put the F.E.A.R. into one another online, in a selection of deathmatch, capture-the-flag, conquest, and other team-style multiplayer competitions |
 "The supernatural shooting series known as F.E.A.R., short for First Encounter Assault Recon, makes its third entry on consoles with a single-player campaign and two-player cooperative action. In both modes, you will control the genetically enhanced soldier from the original game, Point Man, who has the power to alter time. Also available in the co-op mode is Point Man's scheming brother, Paxton Fettel, who uses the power of telekinesis to resume "life" as an undead spirit. The story once again centers around Point Man and Paxton's mother, Alma Wade, whose psychic powers have created an alternate dimension filled with ghastly creatures and other horrors. To combat the paranormal, players can enter slow-motion combat, utilize 360-degree cover, and more. F.E.A.R. 3 also features a mechanic called the "generative scare system," which introduces random events designed to keep players on edge. Developer Day 1 Studios consulted with famed director John Carpenter for the in-game cinematics and horror writer Steve Niles to assist with the script. |
 "F.E.A.R. -- or "First Encounter Assault and Recon" -- is a first-person shooter set in a secretive complex full of government intrigue. Players take the role of a member of an elite squad of soldiers that's called in when conventional troops have failed. One such situation occurs when a crazed battlefield commander named Paxton Fettel escapes from a military instillation with a unit of troops. The first strike Special Forces team sent to quell the invasion was decimated minutes after arriving on the scene. Now it is up the F.E.A.R. squad to isolate the invaders and eliminate them, before anyone else gets hurt (or any multibillion-dollar government equipment is lost). The game's realistic, near-future setting and storyline feature elements of horror, supernatural vision, and even philosophical insight. The lead character is not given a name, in order to encourage the player to more fully assume the role, but well-developed teammate characters are designed to bring a personal context to the adventure. Enemy artificial intelligence is designed to produce believable human characters, as well, who work together as a deadly efficient, reactive team. In addition to the single-player game, popular multiplayer modes -- such as Deathmatch, Elimination, and Capture the Flag -- are available. |
 "Codemasters' F1 2010 is based directly on the 61st season of the FIA Formula One Championship, featuring the drivers, teams, racecars, and courses of the real-life Grand Prix series. Created for dedicated fans of the motorsport, the game focuses on presenting a sophisticated simulation of the power and handling of an F1 car, under a variety of realistic conditions. Developers incorporated real-world racing data and feedback from teams and parts manufacturers. The game's physics account for the whole car, part by overpowered part, to create an authentically "twitchy" feel in steering and acceleration, demanding precision from virtual drivers. In a sport of control, skill in managing the uncontrollable separates winners from the pack, and the game's dynamic weather system affects the courses in extensive detail. As rain begins to fall, for example, areas of the track sheltered by foliage or overhanging structures remain dry and safe, and after a shower, slick puddles remain in low spots as moisture evaporates from the rest of the track. Other fleeting details can change conditions in significant way, such as whether the track is still clean and "green" or has been broken in over a weekend of racing. Quick-race options are available, as well as a Career Mode campaign of three, five, or seven seasons, in which players must manage their F1 careers off as well as on the track. Multiplayer racing is supported over an Internet connection. |
 "Return to the vibrant world of Albion in this follow-up to 2004's Fable. Acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux has crafted an action role-playing game filled with moral choices, allowing you to create an altruistic or evil character based on your decisions. You begin the game as a boy or girl and will eventually mature into an adventurous adult. Explore the lush countryside, fight bandits, slay foul creatures, venture into mysterious dungeons, marry, or raise a family. Your fortune amassed during your travels can be spent on houses, castles, taverns, clothing, equipment, tattoos, and more. Your actions will literally change and shape the world, and the townsfolk will react accordingly. The setting takes place 500 years after the original game, enabling you to use guns in combat as well as swords, bows, and spells. Fast-paced combos can be strung together by alternating between magical, ranged, and melee attacks. Fable II also features a canine companion that will perform tricks, dig up treasure, and protect you in combat. Cooperative play is supported via Xbox Live, allowing a friend to seamlessly join your world at any time. Xbox Live subscribers can also build their fortunes outside of the main game by playing Xbox Live Arcade's Fable II Pub Games. Money and prizes earned while playing the three games of chance can be transferred to your character. Acquire too much debt, however, and "collectors" might come looking for you. |
 "Fable III is an action-oriented role-playing game of classic swords and sorcery, designed around a deep and encompassing system of character development. Player decisions constantly influence the advancement of the character's magic and combat abilities, as well as the development of personality traits and social qualities. In addition to earning gold and experience, and gaining upgrades to combat abilities, a Fable character also develops personally and morally. The most often used weapons become larger and more powerful in Fable III, and they change in appearance to match the way they are wielded, just as the character's physical appearance gradually changes, to reflect a lifetime progression of good and evil acts. Choosing a gender and starting appearance, the player takes the role of a young adventurer destined to overthrow a tyrant king. Following the earlier games in the series, the adventure is set on the continent of Albion, and begins several decades after the events of Fable II. The first part of Fable III follows the young hero through a succession of quests that lead to an ultimate confrontation with the cruel King Logan. For the second part of the game, the hero becomes ruler of Albion, whose civic decisions influence the attributes and appearances of city streets and countryside throughout the realm. Be it through compassion, justice, or fear, the player's rule of Albion is eventually challenged by threats from a rival nation, and the sovereign must decide whether to prepare for war or seek a more peaceful resolution. As well as creating the Fable series, developer Lionhead Studios has noteworthy experience applying the concepts of "good" and "evil" decisions to city-management sims, with Black & White and its sequel. Also reminiscent of earlier Lionhead games, the contextual user interface in Fable III strives to present an uncluttered view of the game world, free of menu bars and other statistical distractions. Actor John Cleese gives voice to Jasper, an in-game butler and regular companion who offers advice and assists the player's hero with game-management tasks. Other celebrated British actors performing voice work for the game include Ben Kingsley and Jonathan Ross, with Zoë Wanamaker reprising her role of Theresa. |
 "Fable is designed to offer pure, concentrated role-playing, with a primary emphasis on open character development and influential interaction with the game world. The game begins as the player's character enters the fantasy land of Albion, a growing, interactive environment that develops and changes with each new event. The character grows and changes as well, beginning the adventure as a youth but slowly aging as he or she lives life in Albion, gaining wrinkled skin, graying hair, and (hopefully) becoming quite elderly by the end of the story. The game is designed such that every choice and action the character makes can have an effect on his or her development. Physically active characters become more fit, while those who spend their time studying the arcane arts may develop receding hairlines. Characters who spend time working in the hot sun will get a tan and individual wounds heal into distinct, telling scars. Less tangible characteristics mature according to behavior as well. Players are free to commit nearly any conceivable action, but acts of cruelty will lead to vilification by NPC townsfolk, while noble and altruistic deeds may inspire loyalty and adulation from the masses. Instead of focusing on a limited number of scripted "good versus evil" plot points, character development in this game occurs mostly through hundreds of minor day-to-day decisions that gradually come to define and refine the character's place in the game world. In short, role-playing gamers are offered a virtual lifetime of choices to play through. Fable is developed by Big Blue Box, an affiliate of Lionhead Studios, whose Black & White games share the theme of free-form, consequential character development over a broad span of time. As hinted by the "Lost Chapters" subtitle, this "Platinum Hits" re-release of Fable includes additional material, such as quests, characters, regions, weapons, armor, and enemies, which were originally featured in the PC port of the original Xbox game. |
 "Fallout 3: Collector's Edition includes the game and an assortment of bonuses designed for hardcore fans of the post-apocalyptic role-playing series. Featured within the distinctive packaging are a Vault Boy bobblehead figurine, a hardcover book of the game's concept art, a making-of DVD, and a metal Vault-Tec lunchbox. Learn more about the creative team responsible for the game's development and flip through nearly 100 pages of original artwork in this special release. |
 "Gamers return to the post-apocalyptic frontier for more hardscrabble living and darkly comic violence in Fallout: New Vegas. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment (known primarily for its competent stewardship of BioWare's Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic franchises), Fallout: New Vegas draws inspiration from all of its forebears, offering a Western setting and factions reminiscent of Fallout and Fallout 2, while retaining the gameplay mechanics and graphics of Fallout 3. And while ostensibly a sequel to Bethesda's epic action RPG that found gamers exploring the wastelands on a hunt for their altruistic father, Fallout: New Vegas chooses to spin a classic tale of revenge befitting the "sinful" nature of the town that is its locus. Players begin their New Vegas saga as a simple courier who is inexplicably shot in the head and unceremoniously left to die in a shallow Mojave grave. Thanks to the intervention of strange robot and a friendly doctor, gamers survive this apparent death sentence with nothing more than amnesia and an intense desire for exploration and retribution. This new outlook on life forces players into a dangerous open world, where giant radioactive creatures roam the countryside, and raiders, slavers, supermutants, and ghouls vie for control of territory and resources. Combat and conversation remain the primary means of advancing the storyline, with mercenary missions and random battles providing for character advancement, and the V.A.T.S. targeting system and branching dialogue of Fallout 3 returning unmolested. Obsidian has added a number of its own flourishes, led by a new reputation system that builds on the franchise's established Karma mechanic, continually updating gamers' standing among the wasteland's various settlers and warring factions. Companions also take a larger role, as players can now form a party, pass off weapons and items to friendly characters, and instruct their squad mates whether to be passive or aggressive in combat situations. Gamers also have more battle options thanks to new weapons, modifications, and special attacks; and the Nevada Wastes landscape is just as treacherous as the similarly sized Capital Wasteland thanks to militant factions and ferocious new beasts. Fallout: New Vegas also includes a "Hardcore" mode that operates outside of standard difficulty levels, and is designed to ratchet up the realism by giving ammunition weight, requiring players to remain hydrated, and making wounds heal gradually rather than instantly. The "Collector's Edition" plays on the game's location by including "Lucky 7" poker chips that represent seven different casinos, a re-creation of the game's rare "Lucky 38" platinum poker chip, a full deck of playing cards that depict characters and factions from Fallout: New Vegas, a hardcover graphic novel written by the game's creative director Chris Avellone, and a "making of" documentary DVD. |
 "In the role of a mercenary, Far Cry 2 players find themselves in Africa. They are to bring down an arms dealer known only as "the Jackal," who has been thriving on tribal warfare. Suitably equipped but mostly alone, players are left to themselves to decide exactly what needs to be done and how to do it. Instead of a linear storyline or scripted quests, the game presents a framework of places and people who are designed to act according to their own natures, and react according to the way the player deals with them. The game's heroes are a group of loosely associated "buddies." Players can choose to play as any one of the characters in this group, and the others will be placed in the game as friendly NPCs. Friends and enemies alike, all NPCs in the game are designed to act and react naturally in their current circumstances. Enemy guards tend to their duties and make decisions dynamically. Allies decide to become allies on their own terms. |
 "Retaining the open-world characteristics of Far Cry 2 while returning to an island setting similar to that of the original Far Cry, Ubisoft's shooter Far Cry 3 puts players in control of Jason Brody, a tourist who finds himself stranded on a lawless island where warlords and indigenous rebels have spent years mired in bloody conflict. Gamers can explore the jungles, swamps, mountains, and beaches of the island in a variety of ways, including speeding over land in jeeps, trucks, and ATVs, soaring through the air in hang gliders, and gliding across the water in speedboats. As Brody attempts to reconnect with his girlfriend he will interact with a cast of unusual characters, come across more than 20 different species of wild and sometimes dangerous animals, and discover ancient ruins, shipwrecks, and caves. He can also earn money during his adventure by playing poker, racing, and winning shooting and knife-throwing contests. Players gain experience as they fight their way across the island, developing better stealth skills and combat techniques, and collecting plants and animal parts to craft new and improved items. A separate co-op mode spins an entirely different story, as four crew members of a seedy cruise ship set out on a six-chapter campaign to track down the captain who stole their valuables and sold them out to pirates. Other multiplayer features include classic modes in which gamers team up to capture land or kill the most enemies, while the Firestorm mode finds two teams competing to turn opposing bases into raging infernos. Creative players can also design and share custom multiplayer maps using the included map editor. |
 "The top-selling series based on the world's most popular sport, EA Sports' FIFA Soccer returns to the virtual pitch with a smoother, more customizable game for 2010. The drive behind this year's renovations and refinements is twofold: make the game a more authentic representation of real world pro soccer, and give gamers more freedom to play it their own way. Animations and on-field moves have been enhanced, and goalie AI in particular has been honed, for keepers that react more quickly to loose balls and don't hesitate to challenge a rush. The control scheme now allows for complete 360-degree dribbling, allowing skilled players to freely adjust their stance and facing while moving the ball down the field. Another highlight of the "10" edition of the game is the "Custom Set Piece" mode, which allows gamers to design and practice their own plays for special situations, such as free kicks and corners, and then execute their maneuvers in the heat of a live game. In addition to the hundreds of featured real-life pro players, gamers can create a custom "Virtual Pro," and work him through practice and club league play to international stardom. Gamers with a compatible camera accessory can personalize the custom player with the "Photo Game Face" feature, and set the look of their pro's face from a captured image. For gamers who like to take charge of the whole team, FIFA 10 features a Manager Mode designed to offer realistic control over club decisions, accounting for dozens of details from salaries to team spirit. A new online club mode lets connected gamers create and join teams with other FIFA players, and to challenge other teams online in league play. |
 "The analog control punch system introduced in EA Sports' original Fight Night gave gamers a whole new way to do battle in the virtual squared circle, and this follow-up game aims to refine that system while offering more control over the boxers in the ring. The sequel is designed to make it easier to move a fighter around the canvas, allowing for realistic blocks, dodges, and stick-and-moves; clinching is now possible as well. Players can determine the type of punch they'll throw in Round 2, whether a quick, light jab or a slow, hard wallop. Round 2's "Haymaker" feature lets fighters deliver a true, one-punch knock-out blow -- if they're brave enough to leave themselves open as they wind up (and also confident in their ability to connect with their opponent, to avoid an onslaught of ruthless counterpunches). As in the first game, damage dealt in the ring is reflected immediately in the boxers' appearance, and injured fighters may have trouble performing at their best. Between rounds, players can now take control of the cut man, to make sure wounds are properly tended and no one has to throw in the towel. The game's Create-a-Champ system returns, with additional options available to customize characters. Boxer characters can head to the gym and lift weights to add muscle, or practice footwork to become leaner and quicker. Nearly all of the professional fighters featured in the original return in this second version, joined by newcomers Diego Corrales, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Juan Lazcano, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Ringside commentary is delivered by Joe Tessitore, known to many boxing fans for his work on ESPN. Game types include quick, one-time matches and the character-building Career mode, as well as a number of mini-games designed to challenge particular boxing skills. The "My Gym" mode lets players work on their boxers without the risks of fighting in front of a crowd, and the "Hard Hits" mode has fighters trading blows until a knock-out is scored. Online play is once again supported for the PlayStation 2 version of the game, and also for the Xbox version, for the first time in this sequel. The GameCube version offers players an exclusive blast from the past, featuring a complete, playable version of Super Punch-Out!!, the classic Super NES boxing game. |
 "FlatOut 2 continues the demolition racing series with a number of enhancements over its 2005 predecessor. After selecting a vehicle from a choice of four classes (muscle, sports, pickup, and compact), players will compete against seven AI opponents that possess individual driving styles and personalities. The heart of the game is the championship mode, where the object is to enter multiple cup races, win cash prizes, and unlock new events or vehicles. Each track features an assortment of jumps, ramps, signs, alternate routes, and buildings to crash into while engaging in high-speed collisions with rivals. New stunt mini-games are available in FlatOut 2, sporting the same twisted takes on daredevil driving as in the original game. Instead of jumping across objects or navigating through obstacle courses, the aim in each of the 12 events is to propel the driver out of the windshield and into (or onto) various targets. Players can also enter their vehicles in six demolition derby arenas, where the last car left sputtering is declared the winner. Tournaments, stunt challenges, and individual races are supported online via broadband connection for up to six drivers. |
 "The FlatOut demolition racing series makes its next-gen debut with Ultimate Carnage on Xbox 360. Building on the first two PlayStation 2 titles, the game takes advantage of the Xbox 360's processing power by increasing the number of onscreen cars, expanding the amount of smashable objects, and upping each vehicle's polygon count. Players can once again embark on a career mode that involves advancing through three distinct classes and engaging in multiple events, from destruction derbies to time trials. Up to 12 cars are available on each course at any given time, each offering 40 points of damage for realistic crumples, dents, sideswipes, and head-on collisions. FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage features six themed environments, including deserts, city streets, forests, fields, and canals. A total of 40 tracks offer multiple routes and 8,000 destructible elements, from telephone poles to billboards and nearly everything in between. FlatOut's body-tossing mini-games return for more masochistic mayhem, which involves catapulting drivers through windshields and into specific targets. Up to eight players can compete over Xbox Live in all of the single-player modes as well as multiplayer exclusive events, such as "Head On" challenges and "Deathmatch Derbies," where the last vehicle left smoking and sputtering wins. Stats and point totals for each event are tracked as an incentive for drivers to top previous high scores. |
 "Microsoft's answer to Gran Turismo switches gears from Xbox to Xbox 360 with the release Forza Motorsport 2. The added horsepower of the Xbox 360 allows for high-definition visuals, advanced special effects, and a frame rate that clocks in at 60 frames per second. More than 60 tracks are available to race on, including such authentic venues as Silverstone Circuit, Mazda Raceway Laguna, and Sebring International Raceway. Gearheads can acquire more than 300 licensed vehicles from 50 top manufacturers, with each car's performance influenced by damage or wear, weather, and road conditions. An assortment of tuning parts and customization options exist, as players decide on suspension kits, engines, body kits, brakes, paint schemes, and more before adjusting their vehicle's tire pressure, gear ratios, and various other settings from within a garage. Prized wheels can be snapped for fun or posterity in the "Forza Photo Mode," and Xbox Live support is once again included for players to test drive their custom cars while earning special credits to unlock bonus features. Races between rival cars can also be viewed on "Forza Motorsport TV," which lets players learn driving strategies and techniques from the top racers on Xbox Live. |
 "Microsoft's premiere driving simulation series revs up with its second high-definition release for Xbox 360, Forza Motorsport 3. The third in the series enhances or improves upon nearly all the key features of earlier games, while adding new driver-assisting functions to make play more accessible to a wider audience. Central to Forza 3 are detailed, virtual re-creations of more than 400 models of automobile, from 50 different manufacturers. Races may be run on more than 100 tracks, including old favorites and some new to the series, based on actual locations around the world. Graphically, the cars are built from over ten times the number of polygons used to create the cars in Forza 2. The game's physics model refines the systems used in the previous game, and developers worked with other driving-game experts as well as with representatives of several auto manufacturers, in their efforts to build-in authentic cause-and-effect elements in minute detail. For more casual drivers, Forza 3 offers features such as auto-braking and computer-assisted tuning, allowing for a freer driving experience without the constant danger of a crash around each tight corner, or concerns about inefficient settings for the current road conditions. When accidents do happen, the game's new "rewind" feature allows the player to stop, roll back time, and try again. Meanwhile, the hardest-core of driving aficionados can eschew the computer assistance for realistically demanding experience, just as gearhead gamers are free to do their own custom tuning, with the ability to make essentially any adjustment to their virtual auto that could be made to its real-life counterpart, for realistic performance tweaks. Xbox Live-connected Forza 3 players can race against others online in a selection of events, and show off their favorite tunings and custom paint jobs. |
 "In Forza Motorsport 4, the premier Xbox driving sim returns to race around 360 tracks with enhanced graphics, a more diverse selection of cars, and support for Kinect natural-motion controls. As in previous Forza games, detailed physics models re-create the power and handling characteristics of different cars in different conditions, to provide hardcore enthusiasts with a realistic driving experience. With various optional driver-assist features, casual players can compete as well. Motion tracking allows players to look left or right in the game by turning their heads. Kinect players can also choose to steer with hand motions. Forza 4 incorporates a new lighting system and adds camera angle options. Meticulously re-created automobiles from more than 80 manufacturers are available, although many of the most coveted cars must be unlocked for play. The game's World Tour mode allows players to drive to the top of an international auto racing career. Other modes and racing styles are available, including autocross and drift. Xbox Live Gold players can race online against rivals, even when they are not on at the same time. Car Clubs and custom-car sharing also return. Previous players can import credits and gifted cars from their Forza 3 save files. Forza Motorsport 4 was developed by Microsoft's Turn 10 Studio, creators of previous games in the series. |
 "Fracture is a futuristic first-person shooter whose "hook" is being able to freely transform the landscape with your weapons. In the year 2161, the continental United States is divided after a seismic event topples the country's central region. The government is no longer in power, so organizations on both sides vie for control with the backing of sympathetic nations abroad. The main protagonist is Jet Brody, a soldier fighting on behalf of the Atlantic Alliance. He will confront genetically enhanced troops from the Republic of Pacifica in a series of battles that will take him across what's left of the U.S. Rather than simply blast enemy troops throughout each environment, you must also solve puzzles using your high-tech weapons. Barriers blocked with rubble can still be traversed simply by shooting at the ground and creating a subterranean tunnel. High destinations can be reached by shooting at a patch of land to create hills of varying size. In addition to removing and building areas of the landscape, you can also create temporal disturbances such as a mini black hole, which will suck everything near it into its gaping maw. Grenades, missiles, torpedoes, and other high-powered weapons can all be used to manipulate your surroundings in surprising ways. |
 "Freedom Fighters offers a blend of strategy and action as players fight to reclaim New York City from Soviet invaders. After winning the Cold War, the Soviet Union launched a nuclear missile at Washington, D.C., killing the President. Soldiers then started flooding across Canadian and Mexican borders to establish control in each of the largest U.S. cities. Cast in the role of a New Yorker whose brother was kidnapped by the Red Army, players must solicit and then lead a group of ragtag freedom fighters to accomplish various objectives. From an underground base in the sewers, players plan out their missions using a turn-based system. Once on the streets, the action takes place in real-time as players fight using such weapons as machine guns, grenades, and Molotov Cocktails. As players capture key military installations and rescue prisoners, their character's charisma rating will increase, thereby helping the recruiting process. Yet as players send fighters into battle and experience casualties, their charisma rating will diminish. Battles take place within evolving environments marked by rain, snow, billowing smoke, and explosions. Up to four players can battle it out on a split-screen. |
 "Fuel is an off-road racing game of grand scale and open-ended attitude. The racing takes place on and off 100,000 miles of track, in a 5,000 square mile area that comprises deserts, forests, and a hodge-podge of natural landmarks of the western U.S., including Mt. Rainier, Crater Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Grand Canyon. Players are free to explore the area as they wish, in one of the game's many two- or four-wheeled off-road vehicles. Different vehicles have different strengths and weakness in different types of terrain. Fuel is set in an alternate reality, in which whole regions of the world have been ravaged by climate change. Speed junkies now race through the abandoned wastelands, with scarce and valuable fuel as the ultimate prize. The game's single-player circuit poses particular rally course challenges, and gives players a chance to unlock new possibilities. Players are also free to create their own courses, by dropping waypoints across the map. Fuel features a day-and-night cycle and strategy-influencing weather effects, such as thunder and lightning, sandstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards. |
 "Anointed by the games media as Microsoft's first "killer app" for its Xbox 360, Epic Games' Gears of War is a futuristic third-person shooter emphasizing tactical action over run-and-gun battles. Players are thrust in a climactic clash between what's left of humankind and a swarming underground race called the Locust Horde. The main protagonist is Marcus Fenix, a once disgraced soldier looking to redeem himself by leading a ragtag squad against the monstrous threat. Since the alien army vastly outnumbers the team, players must use the post-apocalyptic world to their advantage, such as seeking cover behind dumpsters, pillars, cars, rubble, and other objects. The developer has adapted its award-winning Unreal technology to create interactive environments with a physics-based damage system. Players, for instance, can shoot down structures to forge new routes or opportunities to trap the enemy. Up to three squad mates will accompany Fenix in each mission, with basic commands such as "advance," "hold," or "freelance" available to guide them. A behind-the-shoulder view similar to the one employed in Capcom's Resident Evil 4 is the default perspective in Gears of War. Weapons include an assortment of grenades, pistols, assault rifles, and other long-range blasters, many of which offer a means to engage enemies in melee combat. The Locust Horde is not averse to lunging, rushing, or gnawing at soldiers, so players have the opportunity to perform grisly finishing moves by quickly tapping specific button sequences during close encounters. Cooperative support for two players is offered throughout the campaign, and up to eight can battle each other in team-oriented modes via Xbox Live. |
 "Sequel to the Xbox 360's first truly Epic hit, Gears of War 2 continues the brutally gruesome futuristic, apocalyptic wartime adventures of Marcus Fenix. Set six months after the end of the original Gears of War, the single-player campaign follows Fenix and his COG Delta Squad as they lead the way in humanity's desperate counter-offensive against the Locust, a last-ditch effort to destroy the subterranean scourge where it lives. Players embark on squad-based first-person shooter missions in a desperate assault against an enemy that has no mercy, nor should be given any. New abilities and weapons help in the fight. Portable shields make it safer to advance through open spaces, and when a proper shield is not handy, a fallen enemy can be used for portable cover. Weapons such as the "Mulcher" machine gun and the "Scorcher" flamethrower leave their mark on the destructible environments, as well as on Locust enemies. Expanded support for co-op play allows two to play through the main campaign together, with support for easy drop-in and -out play, and the option for each teammate to use a different difficulty setting, allowing a veteran COG commando to play alongside a newcomer to the series, and both to still enjoy the right level of challenge. The game also offers a new "Horde" co-op mode, in which up to four players together struggle to fight off wave after wave of increasingly difficult Locust attacks -- battling for high scores, and perhaps even to reach the rumored, final 50th wave. In all, the sequel features eight modes of online multiplayer play, including the two-man team "Wingman" mode, a meaty twist on capture-the-flag, called "Submission," in which the "flag" is a computer-controlled character, and "Guardian," a variation of the original game's "Assassin," in which each team receives unlimited respawns until its designated Guardian is killed. |
 "The final chapter in Epic's Gears of War trilogy wraps up the story of the Delta Squad in its last-ditch effort to save what's left of humanity on war-ravaged Sera. New playable characters join protagonist Marcus Fenix and crew, along with a ghastly group of new enemies to battle. Additional weapons to master include the deadly sawed-off shotgun and digger launcher, which fires an explosive projectile that burrows its way into the ground toward your target. Gears of War 3 also includes both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes via Xbox Live. Online matches let you gain experience and earn rewards for participating in various game types and performing all-new actions such as weapon-specific executions. Matches now take place on dedicated servers, and various gameplay tweaks have been added, such as the ability to "tag" enemies in your sights for teammates to track. New map types vary in size and atmosphere, ranging from a grocery store and freeway overpass to a courtyard and sports arena. Play modes include Team Deathmatch, Capture the Leader, King of the Hill, and more. |
 "The Xbox 360's retro-themed shooter series thrusts onto Wii with Geometry Wars: Galaxies. Inspired by classic arcade titles like Asteroids and Tempest, the game mixes vector graphics and non-stop blasting action within colorful, grid-shaped solar systems. The controls attempt to mimic the dual-analog system of earlier versions by using the Wii Remote as a pointer for 360� aiming and the Nunchuk for movement. Blasting enemies will leave behind items called Geoms that increase bonus multipliers for high scores. One of the biggest changes to the series is the inclusion of a drone ship companion, which can be ordered to attack, collect Geoms, deploy defensive turrets, and perform other strategic options. Four multiplayer modes are available for both competitive and cooperative action with a friend, and Galaxies supports connectivity with the DS version for bonus content. The full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is also included as a special bonus. |
 "Watch out for slime and avoid crossing the streams in this surprise continuation of Sony Pictures' Ghostbusters franchise. Written by stars Harold Ramis and Dan Ackroyd, who scripted both blockbuster films, Ghostbusters: The Video Game features a storyline set two years after the events depicted in Ghostbusters 2. Hailed by New York City residents as heroes, the Ghostbusters are hoping to turn their thriving business into a franchise, much to the chagrin of ex-EPA agent Walter Peck. After the Ghostbusters hire a new crewmember, the city is overwhelmed with a surge of paranormal activity. There's something even stranger in the neighborhood, and you're getting the call. Since the game is all about hunting down and capturing ghosts, the perspective is set behind your character's shoulder to offer a clear view of the rooms and spectral anomalies ahead. The third-person viewpoint also displays one of the most important tools you'll have in confronting the ghosts: the Proton Pack. You must monitor the Proton Pack's power consumption to avoid overheating the device, and the backpack's flashing display also indicates health and weapon charge. Your character will be in constant radio communication with other members of the Ghostbusters team, including Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore, each voiced by the movie's original actors. Each 3D area features a number of ghosts to bag and tag using a mix of familiar devices (ghost traps, ecto goggles, and PKE meters) and new technology (goo-slinging slime guns and freezing electron beams). As in the film series, apparitions can attack, disappear through walls, and will struggle when faced with the proton beam's harnessing power. Using the second analog stick, players can slam wrangled ghosts into environmental objects to subdue them, while nearby computer-controlled teammates assist in the capture process. Money earned from trapping the ectoplasmic enemies enables the purchase of various equipment upgrades and enhancements. A variety of collectibles can also be found while exploring the haunted buildings, unlocking bonus content in the form of artwork, interviews, and more. |
 "The God of War Collection is a compilation that includes the first two mythological adventures of Sony's irascible antihero Kratos. Originally released for PlayStation 2, God of War and its sequel God of War II have been reformatted and remastered to fit on a single PS3 Blu-ray disc, and both games offer full PlayStation Network trophy support. |
 "After three years of honing his golf game (Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds), loaning out his trademark looks (LittleBigPlanet), and working on his hand-to-hand combat skills (Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny), Sony's belligerent mascot Kratos gets back to the old-fashioned deicide that made him famous in God of War III. Serving as the final installment in an epic trilogy, God of War III picks up where its predecessor concluded: with Kratos and the Titans scaling Mt. Olympus for a final confrontation with the Gods. Gamers will guide the irascible "Ghost of Sparta" on his relentless pursuit of vengeance, taking him to the heights of the famed Greek summit, exploring the bowels of Hell, and literally standing on the shoulders of giants in Shadow of the Colossus-style levels that take place entirely on living beings the size of skyscrapers. The gameplay is once again designed to mix frequent bouts of furious, bloody combat with periods of exploration and puzzle solving, all set within massive, multifaceted levels. Sony's Santa Monica development branch created an entirely new engine for God of War III, promising groundbreaking lighting techniques that mimic the human retina, and textures designed to realistically depict muscle contours and the glisten of freshly spilled viscera. New magical attacks and weapons, such as the supremely powerful Cestus gauntlets, help Kratos unleash his wrath in a variety of ways, but familiar items such as the Golden Fleece, the Icarus Wings, and the permanently affixed Blades of Chaos also return. Beasts are now a means of conveyance as well as an obstacle, as Kratos can rip the wings from a Harpy to glide over chasms or yank the eyeball off a Cyclops to ride it like an enraged bull, and players can help guide the tortured soul along his path of ultimate revenge by using new grappling techniques and wall-to-ground attacks to dispatch hordes of mythological foes. |
 "In God of War: Ascension PS3 gamers join Sony's perpetually enraged antihero Kratos on another blood-soaked adventure full of grand vistas, environmental puzzles, brutal hack-and-slash combat, massive enemies, and for the first time in the series, multiplayer action. Set years before the events of the original God of War, but after Ares tricked Kratos into killing his own wife and child, Ascension finds the Ghost of Sparta trapped in a prison for mortals who break oaths with the Gods, fending off insanity and torture at the hands of the hideous, sadistic Furies. Fans of the series know that Kratos isn't one to simply accept his fate, so players guide him as he begins his quest for vengeance and unleashes his rage on hordes of twisted, undead monsters. The Blades of Chaos are once again his primary means of attack, but now Kratos can also steal weapons from some enemies, use a tether attack to swing foes like a giant mace, and use the new Life Cycle mechanic to alter time, solve puzzles, and freeze enemies in the middle of combat. The biggest addition to Ascension is undoubtedly the online multiplayer action, which finds gamers swearing an allegiance to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, or Ares and building up their character by engaging in 3D combat across a variety of modes. Each God offers a different set of weapons, armor, attacks, and magic, all of which can be upgraded as players accrue experience. Eight-player modes include Capture the Flag and Favor of the Gods (Deathmatch), while four gamers can compete in the Free-for-All mode. |
 "Tormented Spartan warrior Kratos journeys to the underworld to battle mythological creatures in Chains of Olympus, the anticipated debut of Sony's blockbuster action series on PSP. The storyline in this original title precedes the events chronicled in 2005's God of War. As penance for past transgressions, the son of Zeus agrees to become an indentured servant to the Greek gods for ten years. When the world suddenly plunges into darkness and renders their powers useless, the gods beseech Kratos to return Olympus to its former glory. Kratos will journey to the Gates of Hades and beyond to fulfill his solemn obligation. With a look and feel designed to replicate the same fast-action mechanics from the first two God of War titles on PlayStation 2, Chains of Olympus offers a few subtle changes to combat. Once again Kratos wields the Blades of Chaos, twin swords chained around his wrists, with each swing punctuated with light trails to enhance the theatrics of the combo-heavy fighting system. As players string together multiple hits, "vicious," "gory," and "savage" words of encouragement will appear. Enemies include Persian soldiers, Cyclopes, minotaurs, and the screen-enveloping boss encounters the series is known for. Defeating bosses allows Kratos to learn powerful new magic-based attacks. Kratos can also parry blows and perform evasive dodges, with the latter now initiated with a button modifier due to the lack of a right analog stick. A new windmill-style move has been added for taking out multiple enemies, at the expense of leaving Kratos temporarily vulnerable to subsequent attacks. Also featured is a more dynamic camera system designed to show off the atmospheric stages without interfering with combat or the game's various action-oriented puzzles. Veteran character actor Linda Hunt reprises her role as the game's narrator. Chains of Olympus is independent developer Ready at Dawn's second PSP game after 2006's best-selling Daxter. |
 "This compilation lets PS3 gamers try out the previously PSP-only adventures of Sony's irascible antihero Kratos. The graphics of God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta have been re-mastered for high-definition displays, and the God of War: Origins Collection also includes downloadable content, a behind-the-scenes video, and full trophy support. |
 "Top Gear Rally is a racing game featuring nine customizable vehicles and five themed locales, including courses set within a jungle, strip mine, desert, mountain, and along a coastline. A paint shop lets you change your vehicle's color scheme and logos, while further tweaking in the areas of transmission, tires, and steering is also possible before each race. Navigate your way through the twisting, sprawling courses while traveling across snow, dirt, mud, and gravel in varying weather conditions. Four play modes include Practice, Time Attack, Arcade, and Championship. The latter involves progressing through six seasons by challenging 19 rival vehicles on various courses for three laps. In addition to racing the computer, you can also compete against a friend on a choice of courses via split-screen display. A Controller Pak is required to save season progress and custom paint schemes. |
 "GoldenEye 007 returns to a Nintendo console as an exclusive, updated version of the 1995 film. Featuring a slightly altered storyline written by screenwriter Bruce Feirstein, who co-wrote the film's screenplay, GoldenEye for Wii adds completely new levels, alternate locales, destructible environments, and even a new Bond: the original film's Pierce Brosnan is replaced by the likeness and voice of Daniel Craig. Each level can be played in different ways, depending on your style. Those who enjoy stealth can attempt to slink through areas unseen, while those who prefer a more direct approach can engage enemies with guns blazing. Bond will be able to use 25 different weapons in the game, from assault rifles and rocket launchers to proximity mines and smoke grenades. Like the original GoldenEye on N64, multiplayer support is a key component. Eight classic Bond characters, such as Jaws and Oddjob, are playable across ten maps and three main game types. Matches can be further customized with a choice of 17 modifiers. Up to eight players can compete online, earning experience points to unlock gadgets, perks, and weapons, while up to four can challenge each other via split-screen display. Multiple controller configurations are supported as well, including the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller, GameCube controller, and even the Wii Zapper. Two versions of the game are available: a standalone release and a limited edition that includes a gold colored Classic Controller Pro. |
 "Hit the links in youranywher with Golf for the NES. Consisting of an 18-hole course and a horizontal swing meter, the game lets you choose your clubs, change your stance, select the angle of impact (for straight, slice, and hook shots) and control the power of your swings. When hitting the ball, your viewpoint is from behind the player. Otherwise, your perspective is from above the course. Wind conditions affect standard hits while turf conditions affect the roll of putts. Hazards along the fairways include water, woods and out of bounds areas. If the ball does go out of bounds, you are penalized two strokes. Golf offers three modes of play: 1-Player Stroke Game, 2-Player Stroke Game, and 2-Player Match Game. Match games are played nine holes out and nine holes in for a total of 18 in all. |
 "Grabbed by the Ghoulies is an action-oriented beat-'em-up set within a haunted house. Played from a third-person perspective, the game stars a boy named Cooper who must save his girlfriend from the fiendish creatures that reside in Ghoulhaven Hall. Cooper will encounter 25 types of ghastly ghoulies, some of which include vampires, mummies, skeletons, zombies, and flying imps. As players make their way through the many rooms of the manor, they can acquire and use an assortment of household items with which to smash, bash, or slash the nasties trying to do them harm. The more than 100 types of objects at Cooper's disposal include chairs, pool cues, pictures, fire extinguishers, and tables. Many of the creatures can only be defeated using certain types of weapons, such as the vampires who are susceptible to the powerful garlic-firing blunderbuss. As the title suggests, the game relies heavily on humor in its tongue-in-cheek depiction of enemies and weapons, though it also tries to create some tension through the use of disembodied heads floating through the air, sudden attacks from ghosts, and eerie faces staring at players through windows. Each of the 50-plus rooms featured in Ghoulhaven Hall also features a number of hazards and traps that players must be on the lookout for. Collapsing floors, tentacles, spikes, possessed furniture, and other dangers can spring forth at a moment's notice, which could have Cooper fainting from the scare if the enemies don't get him first. Among the attacks players will have to worry about are mummification, curses, bites, electrocution, burns, and being thrown around the environment like a rag doll. Fortunately for players, Ghoulhaven Hall offers a few friendly faces in the form of staff members who have served the occupants for much too long. They will be more than happy to supply Cooper with the items or weapons needed to find his girlfriend. |
 "Sony's fifth entry in its flagship racing series includes over one thousand licensed cars that, for the first time in the franchise, will show real-time damage based on the point of impact and rate of speed. Other visual enhancements include smoke from tires, sparks from rollovers, and the gradual accumulation of dirt. The vehicle physics engine introduced in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has been replaced with a revamped model to offer more realism. Play modes include the GT Career Mode, Championship Races, Arcade Mode, and License Tests, with a progression system that lets you earn credits to further customize your ride(s). The career option features a world map that lets you enter races, visit licensed dealerships, browse various tuning and body shops, and view nearby car washes to return your vehicle to its showroom state. More than 20 tracks are included, each supporting over 70 variations to offer new twists and turns each time you play. Snap photos of your best races from multiple angles and store them in an album, or capture replay footage to share with others on YouTube. Four players can compete via split-screen display, and up to 16 can battle each other online via PlayStation Network. Online features include public and private lobbies as well as text and voice chat. Owners of the PSP version and/or Gran Turismo 5 Prologue can also transfer unlocked vehicles to the PS3 game's garage. |
 "Grand Theft Auto III challenges gamers to "explore their inner criminal," through violent, mission-based challenges set in an open, extensively interactive, urban game world. The player takes the role of a cold-hearted street thug making his way up the ladder of underworld gangs and organized crime. With over 50 different types of vehicles on the busy city streets, sports cars to SUVs, taxi cabs to 18-wheelers, and even ambulances and cop cars all there for the taking, a wide variety of outlaw adventures awaits. |
 "The most anticipated game of 2008 expands the open-world action introduced in the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto III to a new level of detail. The next-gen debut of the unapologetically violent series stars new protagonist Niko Bellic, a criminal looking for a fresh start and perhaps a shot at redemption. Niko is lured to the bustling Liberty City from Europe by his reckless cousin Roman, who sells him on a life of luxury with quick cash, fast cars, and faster women. Roman has considerably overstated his wealth, however. The cousin is indebted to the type of people who don't take "no" for an answer, and he desperately needs Niko's help. So begins Grand Theft Auto IV, which returns players to a revamped Liberty City teeming with pedestrians, vehicles, and criminal activity. The game's tongue-in-cheek version of the Big Apple features replicas of four boroughs as well as a portion of New Jersey. While the environment is smaller than the area found in 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the setting is more densely packed, offering a greater amount of things to see and do. A new physics model forms the backbone of the advanced 3D engine, allowing players to interact with objects and characters in more lifelike ways. The storyline is designed to offer more meaningful choices as well, with Niko able to access key contacts and messages at any time with his camera-equipped cell phone. The world is once again viewed from a third-person perspective with players able to freely walk, run, swim, or drive with little to no restrictions. Combat continues to incorporate hand-to-hand moves and gunplay, albeit with a new aiming system designed for more precise control. A reticule can be manually positioned for pinpoint accuracy, or it can be set to automatically lock onto the next available target. Niko can also duck behind objects for cover, trading shots with enemies who do the same. New ways to interact with the world include GPS-equipped vehicles, functional police car databases, working window scaffolding, and much more. During the day or at night, players can listen to a variety of licensed songs from dashboard radios in cars, trucks, boats, helicopters, and other vehicles. |
 "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City presents the same savage, amoral, open-ended gameplay as its predecessor, but moves the action to a more stylized time and location. Set in a fictional Florida city during the 1980s, the game should elicit a true sense of nostalgia from those who remember the popular culture of that time, and presents a rich caricature for those who are too young. A long play list of licensed music from the '80s completes the pastiche, featuring songs by Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Run DMC, Wang Chung, Hall & Oates, INXS, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, Loverboy, Foreigner, Jan Hammer, and many, many others. |
 "Honor among thieves is a concept known in any culture, and no criminal organization can last without deep, unquestioning trust among its members. In Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, players discover a betrayal of that trust: corruption that runs to the core of a Triad crime syndicate. Most of the action in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is viewed from an angled, top-down perspective on the city streets, more similar to the pre-GTA3 games in the series. Originally developed for the DS, the PSP version of Chinatown Wars features spruced-up graphics and an original soundtrack, and the former's stylus-based controls have been replaced by more traditional analog maneuvering. The driving sequences and mini-games remain however, once again representing iniquitous activities such as hotwiring cars, dealing drugs, and digging through debris for stashed goods. Fans will find the same open world, emergent adventure, violent action, pop-culture riffing, and dark humor that make the Grand Theft Auto series the most glorified and notorious of its time. What they won't find is a rehash of previous adventures with the likes of Tommy Vercetti or Niko Bellic. Forget it. It's Chinatown. |
 "Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City is a compilation that bundles together the two downloadable expansions to Grand Theft Auto IV on a single game disc. The package includes the two-wheel gangland adventures of Johnny Klebitz in Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, and the more glitzy nightclub escapades of Luis Lopez in Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony. |
 "Submit to the seedy streets of Vice City in this portable prequel to the top-selling PlayStation 2 game of 2002. British developer Rockstar Leeds revisits a familiar open-ended world while creating an original storyline with new missions and design elements. Lance Vance's brother Vic is the game's lead protagonist, and players will follow the ex-soldier in his bid for power and respect in 1984's corrupt, Miami-inspired metropolis. The mission structure, controls, and perspective are similar to those introduced in 2005's Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, albeit with several notable enhancements. The draw distance has increased, allowing players to see more of their surroundings, the missions are more intricate, and the variety of vehicles has expanded. Players will zip through the narrow streets in various sports cars and motorcycles, take to the air in helicopters or jets, and bob along the water in speedboats or on jet skis. One of the Grand Theft Auto franchise's distinguishing features is its high production values, and Vice City Stories showcases professional voice acting, cinematic cut-scenes, and radio stations rife with licensed music, satirical commercials, and quirky personalities. More than a dozen '80s era songs include such hits as Dio's "Holy Diver," Ratt's "Round and Round," and Pat Benatar's "We Belong." Multiplayer options offer a mix of cooperative and competitive games playable over an Ad-hoc wireless connection |
 "Rockstar Games' cornerstone Grand Theft Auto series returns for a third run through the 128-bit generation, with this violent, mature-themed third-person shooter and mission-based driving game. Set in the early-'90s gang culture of "San Andreas," a fictional U.S. region modeled after California, the adventure plays out across the entire virtual state, with action centered in its three main cities: Los Santos (based on Los Angeles), San Fiero (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). Like its immediate predecessor, Vice City, San Andreas strives to provide a wide, deep foundation for its free-form criminal gameplay by setting the story in a slightly exaggerated representation of a familiar (if not glorified) American subculture. As Vice City seemed inspired by Miami Vice, and the pastel-decked, "me generation" ideals of the early '80s, San Andreas is set in a time and place suggested by films like Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society, or Colors, where riots eventually brought a whole city to a halt and awakened new consciousness across the country. Players take the role of a young man named Carl "C.J." Johnson, who thought he had escaped the gangland lifestyle by moving away from his Los Santos home. When his mother is murdered, he returns to the neighborhood of his childhood, only to become embroiled with threats and danger from all sides. Because of his family and friends who remained in Los Santos, he's considered an enemy-on-sight to rival gang members. Even worse, perhaps, the corrupt local law enforcement frames him for a crime he did not commit. To clear his name and save his family, C.J. sets out on a long journey that will lead him all across the state. More than any earlier GTA game, San Andreas features strong elements of role-playing and character development, encouraging players to customize their version of C.J. as they play through his adventure on their own terms. Unlike the protagonist of GTA 3, or Vice City's Tommy Vercetti, C.J. isn't really working for some underworld organization or crime boss mastermind -- he's out to take care of himself and his own family. He is not driven by the immediate promise of wealth or promotion; his goals are far more personal. He must steer the direction of his exploits, to follow them to a satisfactory end. Also in the theme of giving more control of over the lead character's development, players will take care of C.J.'s day-to-day needs. Food presents the easiest way to replenish lost health, so when he is hungry, he'll need to eat -- perhaps at one of San Andreas' fast food chains, like "Cluckin' Bell" or "Burger Shot." If he doesn't eat enough, C.J. will become thin and weak, but too much fast food without any exercise will cause him to grow fat and slow. Players can also choose the clothes that C.J. wears, and have him get customized tattoos. C.J. has to come up with any money he needs for these things on his own, however, since there won't always be some boss character waiting to pay him off as he completes his missions. One way to scratch up some quick cash is by robbing homes at night. When he jacks the right kind of van and puts on his ski mask, C.J. enters a stealth mode, and is more likely to be able to sneak into a house, nab some valuables, and head off to the local fence before the residents even wake up. Overall, San Andreas is in the same format and style that won millions of fans for GTA 3 and Vice City, but it features a number gameplay adjustments and improvements. In addition to C.J.'s stealth mode, he can also swim; a wrong turn off the pier will no longer result in an instant trip to the emergency ward, and if all else fails, the protagonist may even be able to evade pursuers by taking a quick dip. The game's targeting system has also been adjusted. Using triggers and both analog sticks (à la Manhunt), players take more complete control of C.J., and can have him run and strafe, change targets, and shoot in almost any direction, even while moving in another. |
 "Rockstar Games' cornerstone Grand Theft Auto series returns for a third run through the 128-bit generation, with this violent, mature-themed third-person shooter and mission-based driving game. Set in the early-'90s gang culture of "San Andreas," a fictional U.S. region modeled after California, the adventure plays out across the entire virtual state, with action centered in its three main cities: Los Santos (based on Los Angeles), San Fiero (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). Like its immediate predecessor, Vice City, San Andreas strives to provide a wide, deep foundation for its free-form criminal gameplay by setting the story in a slightly exaggerated representation of a familiar (if not glorified) American subculture. As Vice City seemed inspired by Miami Vice, and the pastel-decked, "me generation" ideals of the early '80s, San Andreas is set in a time and place suggested by films like Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society, or Colors, where riots eventually brought a whole city to a halt and awakened new consciousness across the country. Players take the role of a young man named Carl "C.J." Johnson, who thought he had escaped the gangland lifestyle by moving away from his Los Santos home. When his mother is murdered, he returns to the neighborhood of his childhood, only to become embroiled with threats and danger from all sides. Because of his family and friends who remained in Los Santos, he's considered an enemy-on-sight to rival gang members. Even worse, perhaps, the corrupt local law enforcement frames him for a crime he did not commit. To clear his name and save his family, C.J. sets out on a long journey that will lead him all across the state. More than any earlier GTA game, San Andreas features strong elements of role-playing and character development, encouraging players to customize their version of C.J. as they play through his adventure on their own terms. Unlike the protagonist of GTA 3, or Vice City's Tommy Vercetti, C.J. isn't really working for some underworld organization or crime boss mastermind -- he's out to take care of himself and his own family. He is not driven by the immediate promise of wealth or promotion; his goals are far more personal. He must steer the direction of his exploits, to follow them to a satisfactory end. Also in the theme of giving more control over the lead character's development, players will take care of C.J.'s day-to-day needs. Food presents the easiest way to replenish lost health, so when he is hungry, he'll need to eat -- perhaps at one of San Andreas' fast food chains, like "Cluckin' Bell" or "Burger Shot." If he doesn't eat enough, C.J. will become thin and weak, but too much fast food without any exercise will cause him to grow fat and slow. Players can also choose the clothes that C.J. wears, and have him get customized tattoos. C.J. has to come up with any money he needs for these things on his own, however, since there won't always be some boss character waiting to pay him off as he completes his missions. One way to scratch up some quick cash is by robbing homes at night. When he jacks the right kind of van and puts on his ski mask, C.J. enters a stealth mode, and is more likely to be able to sneak into a house, nab some valuables, and head off to the local fence before the residents even wake up. Overall, San Andreas is in the same format and style that won millions of fans for GTA 3 and Vice City, but it features a number gameplay adjustments and improvements. In addition to C.J.'s stealth mode, he can also swim; a wrong turn off the pier will no longer result in an instant trip to the emergency ward, and if all else fails, the protagonist may even be able to evade pursuers by taking a quick dip. The game's targeting system has also been adjusted. Using triggers and both analog sticks (à la Manhunt), players take more complete control of C.J., and can have him run and strafe, change targets, and shoot in almost any direction, even while moving in another. The special edition package includes a 30-minute prequel to the game and a documentary feature. The prequel offers more background information about the game's main characters and sheds more light on the events that bring C.J. back to Los Santos. The documentary Sunday Driver, the first film from Rockstar Games, is an examination of the history and impact of the California low-rider culture. |
 "The first Grand Theft Auto game to hit the streets on PSP, Liberty City Stories follows in the tire tracks of the series' 2002 breakthrough hit. As in the PS2's Grand Theft Auto III, the three island boroughs of Liberty City are the setting for this portable game of violence, speed, and free-form criminality. Players take the role of a new character, however; another up-and-coming thug who follows a fresh underworld adventure to infamy, through a series of loosely related missions. Of course, as in the other contemporary GTA games, players are also free to explore the expansive, interactive game world on their own, participating in side-challenges or simply stirring up trouble however they see fit. Sprawling city streets are full of ineffectual police, cash-carrying pedestrians, and cars of a wide variety of fictional makes and models, all there for the taking. Also in line with series tradition, the game's soundtrack comes in the form of satirical radio stations which are available in any car, each featuring a long list of licensed music. |
 "Another installment in Codemasters' long-running racing series, Grid expands on the traditional grand-touring formula established by its predecessors TOCA and Race Driver. Grid takes players to Japan for import tuner drifting, to the U.S. for muscle car street racing, and into Europe, where drivers get a chance to race around some of the world's most famous circuits in high-performance beasts like the Ferrari F430, the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Aston Martin DBR9, and the Porsche 911 GT3-RSR. Racing enthusiasts will need to be more than just fast, because Grid features the same Ego physics engine employed by the rally game Dirt , meaning every bump and ding is reflected in a car's appearance and performance. High-impact racing is likely to yield engine fires, tire blowouts, and extreme crashes that send cars hurtling through the air. Players can collide with other vehicles as well as trackside objects, and each spectacular crash is captured in Burnout-esque slow-motion replays. Gamers can race across three continents alone, or head online for multiplayer events. |
 "Guitar Hero 5 continues Activision's music rhythm series with an expanded lineup of 85 songs from 83 artists. While the basic format is identical to 2008's Guitar Hero: World Tour, with each song supporting a singer, drummer, lead guitar, and bass, a number of changes have been added to enhance its pick-up-and-play appeal. The "Party Play" option lets would-be musicians create a set list and drop in or out at any time while it plays, without having to restart a song. Friends and onlookers can also join in at any point, simply by pressing a button on one of the peripherals, and none of the songs can be failed. You'll also be able to use any combination of instruments, allowing you to play a song as four drummers, four lead singers, and so forth. In a first for the series, the game's entire song lineup is immediately available to drum, hum, or strum from the start. Career Mode now includes bonus challenges for each song, such as scoring a specific number of points while in Star Power. Each challenge offers three levels of progression, which will unlock bonuses such as characters, outfits, venues, and instruments. Two to eight players can participate in battle modes designed to test one's prowess with a particular instrument, and the song-creating Guitar Hero Studio is back with improved audio quality and a more streamlined interface. Guitar Hero 5's diverse selection of artists include Tom Petty, Sonic Youth, Duran Duran, Iron Maiden, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, the White Stripes, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Peter Frampton, Johnny Cash, Public Enemy, Wolfmother, and Elton John. Among the songs featured are "All Along the Watchtower," "Runnin' Down a Dream," "No One to Depend On," "Ring of Fire," "Sympathy for the Devil," "All the Pretty Faces," "A-Punk," and "the Rock Show." All downloaded songs and instruments from Guitar Hero: World Tour will be also be playable in Guitar Hero 5. |
 "The Guitar Hero series offers its biggest lineup of songs to date with Legends of Rock, the first game developed outside of Harmonix. Fans of the finger-fiddling franchise will rock out to over 70 tracks, many of which use master recordings from the original artists. The core play mechanics are nearly identical to previous iterations, with players using a guitar-shaped controller to quickly match colored notes as they cascade down the screen. By keeping up with the song, hitting the right chords at the right time, and strumming to the beat, players will rack up points and advance to more challenging tunes. Once again players can embark on a career, earning money to unlock new characters, guitars, songs, and other surprises while competing in an assortment of colorful venues. For the first time, players will test their technique against real-life guitar gods. Rock stars Slash, Tom Morello, and others will confront players at various points, where the object is to drain their "rock meter" by outperforming them at their own songs. Players can also directly challenge a nearby friend. Completing tricky "star power" riffs earns players random power-ups to use against rivals at any time. Player-sabotaging power-ups include doubling the number of onscreen notes, switching control to left-handed play, and more. Non-competitive types will appreciate the career co-op mode, allowing two guitarists to work together through each song list. Among the featured tracks are "Paint It Black," "Cherub Rock," "Slow Ride," "Barracuda," "Rock and Roll All Nite," and "Sabotage." Guitar Hero III for PlayStation 2 is available as a standalone purchase or as part of a bundle including a black, wireless guitar controller patterned after the Gibson Kramer. |
 "Just as Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was something of a glorified expansion of Guitar Hero III, Guitar Hero: Metallica serves as an extension of Activision's band-focused hit Guitar Hero: World Tour, offering gamers a feel for life in and around one of heavy metal's most popular and influential bands. The game features a total of 49 songs, including 28 original Metallica tracks, such as "Seek and Destroy," "Fade to Black," "Master of Puppets," and "One," and 21 band-selected songs from such acts as Bob Seger, Judas Priest, Queen, and Thin Lizzy. In general, the game's difficulty level was designed to be on par with that of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, however, the hard-hitting nature of some of Metallica's tracks led to the creation of an extremely difficult "Expert+" mode that can incorporate a second drum pedal. Though band members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo participated in motion-capture sessions to help create lifelike in-game avatars, the story actually finds players in the shoes of a band serving as Metallica's opening act. This narrative mechanic sends gamers to such real-world music venues as the Stone nightclub in San Francisco, the Forum in Los Angeles, the Hammersmith Odeon in London, and the Tushino Airfield in Russia. As always, players must earn high scores and unlock new songs by rhythmically matching onscreen prompts that correspond with musical notes. The music creation aspect of World Tour returns in Guitar Hero: Metallica, with new musical tones based on Hetfield's guitar and a new "Drum Over" mode that lets gamers play improvised drum tracks over any song, while the multiplayer "Battle Mode" comes equipped with new Metallica-themed power-ups such as "Fade to Black," "Ride the Lightning," and "Trapped Under Ice." |
 "The first name in music instrument gaming returns with a Rock Band-esque focus on full band simulation, the ability for players to create their own music, and more than 80 new tracks in Guitar Hero: World Tour. For the first time in the series, wannabe rock stars can simulate singing and drumming in addition to the familiar strumming of guitar-shaped controllers, and with the addition of a bass guitar, up to four players can form a band and jam together. As with all titles in the Guitar Hero series, gamers must "play" their instruments by rhythmically matching onscreen prompts in order to earn high scores and unlock new songs. The singing mechanic resembles Karaoke Revolution and SingStar in that it requires vocalists to match the pitch and notes of each song, whereas drummers must be timely when depressing the kick drum and striking the proper combination of drum and cymbal pads. A revamped single-player Career mode lets gamers advance their musician through a series of gigs by playing a specific number of songs, with the option to change difficulty level or instrument at any time. The Band Career mode works in a similar fashion, offering up to four players the opportunity to advance through a full career, with the Battle of the Bands mode letting two groups duke it out online. Boss Battles also return in a form more akin to previous Face-Off modes, and they no longer feature the attack power-ups used in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Gamers can use the new "Create-a-Rocker" feature to customize the posture, age, hair, makeup, and tattoos of their unique characters, and real-life rock legends such as Ozzy Osbourne, Jim Hendrix, and Ted Nugent are also playable. The song list spans several decades and is made up of a diverse selection of master recordings by artists such as: 311, the Allman Brothers Band, the Beastie Boys, Billy Idol, Blondie, Coldplay, the Cult, the Doors, the Eagles, the Foo Fighters, Jane's Addiction, Jimi Hendrix, Korn, Linkin Park, Los Lobos, Metallica, Michael Jackson, Modest Mouse, Motorhead, Nirvana, No Doubt, NOFX, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Pat Benetar, R.E.M, the Sex Pistols, Steely Dan, Sting, the Stone Roses, Sublime, Tool, Van Halen, and Willie Nelson. In addition, players can create their own songs in the Advanced Studio mode by playing tracks for each instrument in either real or slowed time. Songs can be either 1,200 notes long or three minutes in length, but vocal recording is unavailable due to storage issues. Players can then upload their songs to an online service where other gamers can rate and download each original creation. |
 "The sequel to developer Bungie's best-selling Xbox launch title returns for more first-person shooting action against a host of new alien races. Players once again assume the role of a genetically engineered soldier known as the Master Chief as he battles the remaining forces of the Covenant for control of the galaxy. The Master Chief will now be able to acquire new weapons from fallen enemies and explore the planetary landscapes from inside more than double the number of vehicles found in the original. In addition, Halo 2 features both a single-player campaign playable across multiple difficulty settings as well as online competition using the Xbox Live broadband service. No matter which mode is selected, players won't be alone in the conflict: allied forces will once again join in the battles and skirmishes to help repel enemy forces. |
 "After two chartbusting efforts on Xbox, the enigmatic, genetically enhanced Spartan soldier known as Master Chief makes his highly anticipated Xbox 360 debut in Halo 3. The sci-fi shooter picks up where Halo 2 abruptly left off: The Covenant is continuing its plans to activate the Halo super-weapon and obliterate the galaxy; Earth is in utter disarray with only a few remnants of its armies intact; and the Flood grows stronger and more aggressive with each passing day. Your mission, as Master Chief, is to repel the Flood's advances, save Earth, and stop the Covenant -- no matter what the cost. Halo 3 offers a solo campaign, cooperative play, and multiplayer action via Xbox Live, system link, or split-screen display. The cinematic storyline introduces new characters, weapons, and mission objectives, with the enemy AI offering distinct fighting styles, tactics, and even personalities, all while trying to rip your armored space suit into pieces. Familiar weapons such as the Needler have been upgraded and are joined with all-new armaments, including massive support weapons (such as a missile pod or turret) that switch the default perspective to a third-person view, chargeable lasers, and a gun that shoots out metal spikes. Players can also protect themselves with bubble shields, reach high places with portable gravity lifts, disrupt motion tracking with radar jammers, and more. Vehicles are also a big part of the action, with redesigned favorites and new class types entering the fray, such as the speedy but fragile Mongoose. The matchmaking service introduced in Halo 2 will once again bring similarly skilled Xbox Live players together, albeit with more customization options and a new streamlined interface. Players can still enter multiple lobbies, veto certain maps or game types, and so forth, but now they can instantly form parties with people they've just met for future matches, watch videos of completed games to learn techniques of the top Halo players, view detailed stats and rankings updated in real time, and squelch certain voices from being broadcast to their headsets. |
 "Microsoft and Bungie's blockbuster sci-fi shooter series continues with this standalone expansion to Halo 3. Battle through an all-new campaign as an ODST, short for Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, in a story line that serves as a prequel to the events chronicled in Halo 3. Your mission is to locate the remaining members of your squad somewhere within the Covenant-besieged city of New Mombasa. A new multiplayer mode entitled "Firefight" is introduced, where up to four players must work together to repel increasingly challenging waves of enemies. A second disc is home to a total of 24 multiplayer maps, three of which are new, with the remainder comprised of the "legendary," "heroic," and "mythic" Halo 3 map packs that were previously available as downloadable content via Xbox Live. Initial runs of Halo 3: ODST also include a key to the multiplayer beta of the franchise's next anticipated entry, Halo: Reach. |
 "Microsoft's iconic space marine Master Chief returns to begin a new trilogy as gamers head to the Forerunner planet Requiem and battle a force more powerful than anything humanity has ever faced in Halo 4. Set four years after the Covenant War, the Campaign mode finds up to four players working together to help Master Chief battle a variety of foes, uncover ancient secrets, and deal with Cortana's instability. Halo 4 also includes the new Spartan Ops co-op multiplayer mode, in which up to four gamers can join forces for weekly objective-based missions and cutscenes. Competitive multiplayer remains a key part of the Halo experience, with players creating their own Spartan-IV warrior and then accruing experience by taking part in various game modes. The War Games mode fits into the overall narrative, serving as a large training simulator in which Spartan warriors fight one another in a variety of multiplayer game types, including Slayer, Regicide, and Infinity Slayer. Players can now completely customize their loadouts with a primary weapon, secondary weapon, grenade, and a variety of armor upgrades like jet-pack boosting, camouflage, and a new kind of X-ray vision. Gamers can equip new abilities by earning Spartan Points, and all the experience they accrue allows them to progress from level one to level fifty. When players hit level 50 they unlock Specializations, which, over the course of ten more levels, give them the ability to further customize their characters into eight specific classes like Pioneer, Rogue, and Operator. There are ten basic multiplayer maps, but an updated version of the Forge mode returns to once again let creative gamers edit and share their own map designs. |
 "Halo is a futuristic first-person shooter that casts you in the role of a genetically enhanced super-soldier known only by his rank, Master Chief. The game includes a ten-level campaign playable on four difficulty settings and three multiplayer options: two-player cooperative, four-player competitive via split-screen display, and four-player competitive via System Link. Notable features include rechargeable energy shields, allowing soldiers to quickly recover from enemy damage, and the ability to drive or pilot four types of vehicles. Master Chief will also be able to use ten types of weapons on the battlefield, from assault rifles and rocket launchers to plasma grenades and shotguns. In the most obvious sense, the "Halo" is a space station built in the shape of an enormous rotating wheel. As the wheel spins, it creates centrifugal force that mimics gravity on its inner rim. An entire world exists inside this wheel, with huge developed structures and vast, open landscapes. But something else exists in the Halo as well -- something mysterious and powerful. All that is really known is that a force of alien invaders is desperate to find it and they are leaving death and destruction in the wake of their search. This mystery of Halo must be solved and the aliens must be vanquished, before they find what they are looking for and destroy us all. Some of the basic themes and plot points in Halo may be familiar to gamers who have played Marathon, Bungie's successful first-person shooter which was released in 1992 for the Macintosh platform. Among other elements, Marathon is known for intelligent level design and a deep, intriguing story. Though Halo should not be considered a sequel to Marathon, the two share common plot elements and have related back-stories. Initial development of Halo was done simultaneously for the Macintosh, the PC, and the Xbox. |
 "Released to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of Microsoft's seminal gaming franchise, Halo: Combat Evolved -- Anniversary offers remastered sound and visuals, seven of the most popular multiplayer maps in franchise history, full achievement support, and online co-op via Xbox Live. Halo is a futuristic first-person shooter that casts you in the role of a genetically enhanced super-soldier known only by his rank, Master Chief. Notable features include rechargeable energy shields, allowing soldiers to quickly recover from enemy damage, and the ability to drive or pilot four types of vehicles. Master Chief will also be able to use ten types of weapons on the battlefield, from assault rifles and rocket launchers to plasma grenades and shotguns. In the most obvious sense, the "Halo" is a space station built in the shape of an enormous rotating wheel. As the wheel spins, it creates centrifugal force that mimics gravity on its inner rim. An entire world exists inside this wheel, with huge, developed structures and vast, open landscapes. But something else exists in the Halo as well, something mysterious and powerful. All that is really known is that a force of alien invaders is desperate to find it and they are leaving death and destruction in the wake of their search. This mystery of Halo must be solved and the aliens must be vanquished before they find what they are looking for and destroy us all. Some of the basic themes and plot points in Halo may be familiar to gamers who have played Marathon, Bungie's successful first-person shooter which was released in 1992 for the Macintosh platform. Among other elements, Marathon is known for intelligent level design and a deep, intriguing story. Though Halo should not be considered a sequel to Marathon, the two share common plot elements and have related back-stories. Initial development of Halo was done simultaneously for the Macintosh, the PC, and the Xbox. |
 "Acclaimed developer Bungie's final Halo game for Microsoft serves as a prequel to the sci-fi storyline that began in 2001. An all-new campaign supporting cooperative action for up to four players is included, and in a departure from previous titles, Master Chief is no longer the main protagonist. You are a new recruit to the Noble Team, a six-person squad of Spartan super soldiers, whose members specialize in key roles and wear customized gear. Planet Reach, the main base for UNSC military operations and home to 700 million civilians, is under attack from the alien collective known as the Covenant. Your mission is to assist the human resistance and prevent the Covenant from destroying Reach, Earth's last line of defense. The shooting takes place from a first-person perspective, powered by a new graphics engine designed to incorporate large-scale battles in more open environments than in previous entries. Enemy AI has also changed from earlier games, relying more on dynamic actions instead of scripted routines. Each soldier's armor now offers distinctive abilities, depending on the equipped enhancements. A jetpack allows you to fly, active camouflage makes you invisible to enemies, sprint lets you dash at high speeds, and armor lock makes you temporarily invulnerable at the expense of movement. These abilities also play an important role in Halo: Reach's multiplayer modes, which support up to 16 combatants online. Reach's multiplayer component includes such past favorites as Team Slayer and King of the Hill along with new options. In Headhunter, players collect flaming skulls from defeated opponents and attempt to deposit the skulls in designated areas for points. If you are killed before you reach the target area, your collected skulls will fall to the ground for others to retrieve. Stockpile is a variant on capture the flag, while Generator Defense pits three Spartans versus three Covenant Elites in a battle to defend or destroy generators. Invasion features a series of three team-oriented skirmishes designed in a similar fashion to Battlefield: Bad Company's rush mode. In addition, players can create custom scenarios with the Forge option, take in-game screenshots, earn credits to cosmetically enhance their soldier, and record video to study combat techniques or to share with the Halo community. |
 "J.K. Rowlings' boy wizard makes his Game Boy Advance debut in a title that closely follows the events found in both the book and second feature film in the Harry Potter series. The handheld version differs from its multi-platform siblings by featuring an isometric perspective as players attempt to solve the mystery behind recent attacks on the Hogwarts students. The game begins in Diagon Alley as Hagrid informs young Harry that he needs to visit the labyrinths of Gringotts Bank for money to purchase school supplies. While exploring their environment, players can converse with other characters and interact with the world through direct action and the use of spells. Actions Harry can perform include opening chests, pulling levers, picking up and throwing items, pushing objects, and sneaking around hallways. Spells such as Flipendo, Incendio, and Skurge are learned during the course of play and are stored in Harry's notebook. Each spell can be charged for added power by holding down the button and watching as a horizontal meter fills from left to right. Other spells can be used to solve puzzles or to reveal areas otherwise inaccessible. Players, for example, can levitate heavy objects by casting Wingardium Leviosa or open magically locked items with the Alohaomora spell. In addition to exploring the grounds of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, players can take to the skies for some flying practice or a heated game of Quidditch. A number of collectables are strewn throughout the levels, including chocolate frogs to increase Harry's stamina bar, allowing him to withstand more damage. Twenty-five Famous Witches and Wizards Cards can also be found for a special reward. Players wishing to save progress can do so only by finding a save book hidden somewhere within the region. Owners of Harry Potter on GameCube can link both titles up to unlock additional areas and/or play a sliding puzzle game on the handheld. |
 "Following the story and settings of the concurrently released feature film, and inspired by the fourth novel in J.K. Rowling's wildly successful series, the video game version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire puts players in control of the bespectacled boy wizard and his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. As the story goes, Harry is unexpectedly entered as one of Hogwart's select representatives in the prestigious and dangerous Tri-Wizard Tournament, and much of Goblet of Fire's gameplay is based on events in the magical competition. Players will be challenged with winding mazes, fire-breathing dragons, and duels against deadly rival wizards. While similar to earlier games in the Harry Potter series, Goblet of Fire boasts refined presentation and a more empowering control scheme, designed to give players an immediate, palpable sense the spells they cast. The game also introduces a cooperative mode to the series, allowing gamers to play together, as Harry and his friends, and accomplish goals through teamwork. |
 "When an evil king destroys the clan guarding the Heavenly Sword, players must take the role of Nariko and begin a long journey to revenge. Featuring in-game cinematography and real-time story involvement, Heavenly Sword is designed to look and feel similar to an action movie and stars Andy Serkis as the invading king. To complete her quest, Nariko must take up the sword and fight her way through miles of enemies. The sword itself is deadly to mortals who wield it, so Nariko must find and kill the king before her life is taken by the powers of her weapon. Players can create their own fighting style by switching between three different stances, and when a meter at the bottom of the screen is filled, players may execute visually stimulating and deadly combos. Besides using the Heavenly Sword, gamers can also lay waste to their enemies with spears and bazookas, and a counter system allows players to perform reversals by successfully blocking an opponents attack. |
 "Heavy Rain is a high-def psychological thriller; an adventure game with action-oriented elements and a dark storyline that is as disturbing as it is compelling. The noir plot follows the lives of four largely unrelated individuals, all of which have been affected by a serial murderer on the loose. Each with a different motive, the characters seek to end the gruesome spree of the "Origami Killer," so-called for the folded paper creations left on murder victims. Players navigate the game world using the controller's left stick to look around and the trigger to move, squeezing harder to run faster. Interaction with objects comes through context-sensitive buttons. Fights, chases, escapes, and other fast actions are accomplished in quick time event style, as players must punch in a button sequence, move the analog sticks in a particular direction, or shake the controller, quickly and accurately following onscreen cues for success. Each decision and action can influence the development of the plot, and even the ultimate survival of the four main characters depends on the choices the player makes throughout the game. Released in 2010 as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Heavy Rain was created by Quantic Dream, the French development studio behind 2005's well-received crime adventure for 128-bit systems, Indigo Prophecy (known as Fahrenheit in Europe). |
 "IO Interactive's sequel to Hitman finds Agent 47 reluctantly pressed into service once again after his close friend and personal confidant, a priest, is beaten and taken hostage by a gang of thugs. As a professional assassin handicapped with a conscience, players will pursue those responsible for this grievous error in judgment to the far corners of the world. Featured locales include Sicily, St. Petersburg, Japan, Malaysia, Nuristan, and India. Missions for each setting are retrieved from a laptop computer, allowing players to witness video footage of their intended target as well as a list of objectives. After receiving their briefing, players can go about the mission as they see fit, for there are more than one way to complete objectives. Most of the locales are in the heart of enemy territory, requiring players to use stealth, caution, and careful planning to find a safe entrance and carry out the hit without arousing suspicions from enemy guards. Players will infiltrate castles, temples, citadels, and more as they carefully weave their way toward their objective. To make things easier, Agent 47 can change into numerous disguises after subduing their former owners. A hitman cannot effectively do his job without the tools of the trade, which in this game, come in the form of knives for silent kills, handguns, sub-machine guns, rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles. Other equipment of use includes binoculars to plan out routes from afar, maps of the surrounding area, and night vision goggles for missions shrouded in darkness. The world in Hitman 2 is not simply filled with pedestrians and enemies. Police regularly patrol certain areas and will attempt to make an arrest if they see someone carrying a weapon in plain view. There are also missions where players are challenged to protect certain individuals or VIPs. Hitman 2 is primarily played from a third-person perspective, but players are free to switch to a first-person view at anytime. Depending on the difficulty, players can also save at any point while undertaking a mission. Normal difficulty allows players to save up to seven times within a mission, while the hardest setting challenges players to complete a mission in one sitting. No matter which setting is selected, the goal remains the same: make the required hit, finish remaining objectives, and leave the area unharmed. Statistics in such areas as shots fired, stealth, aggression, innocents harmed, and enemies killed are displayed at the end of each mission. |
 "Gamers can experience upgraded high-definition versions of three titles starring IO Interactive's bald assassin Agent 47 in Hitman HD Trilogy. Players can use stealth skills and perform hits through more than 40 missions spread across Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts, and Hitman: Blood Money. |
 "IO Interactive's bald assassin returns for his first new adventure in more than six years as gamers help Agent 47 avoid the police, eliminate those who betrayed him, and uncover a deep conspiracy in Hitman: Absolution. The developer's new Glacier 2 AI system was designed to mimic the wide range in intelligence, behavior, and response seen in real humans, while the trial-and-error gameplay of previous entries in the series has been replaced by a new AI attention meter that lets gamers know exactly how close other characters are to spotting Agent 47, so they can back off when needed. As always, the build up to the kill is as much of the gameplay experience as actually performing the assassination, and the freedom to choose how to perform a hit is a direct result of how much players plan, observe, and listen, and how creative they feel. Hitman: Absolution rewards gamers for performing classic moves by allowing them to use the new Instinct mode, in which they see the world through Agent 47's eyes and can map out enemy patrol routes, spot weapons, and locate shortcuts or ways to escape. Players can also accomplish their tasks by donning a variety of disguises or impersonating victims, but doing so may elicit unpredictable reactions from other characters. |
 "Featuring a story overseen by John Milius, Homefront features a similar premise to the screenwriter's Red Dawn. Instead of U.S. occupation by Russia, however, America is taken over by a well-organized, well-funded North Korea in the year 2027. The single-player campaign has you controlling a member of the resistance movement and engaging in guerilla warfare across shopping malls, schools, and similar settings from a first-person perspective. Commandeer vehicles and futuristic drones to complete objectives, interacting with an assortment of colorful characters along the way, many of whom will fight alongside you. On-foot and vehicular combat are also supported in online multiplayer battles, which are designed to offer fast-paced action in the spirit of the Call of Duty series. Developer Kaos Studios' previous game was 2008's Frontlines: Fuel of War. |
 "Mattel's best-selling toy car series screeches onto Game Boy Advance with the release of Hot Wheels: Burnin' Rubber. Players can choose from a total of 25 genuine Hot Wheels models divided into five categories: street rods, super sport, super screamers, muscle cars, and sports gallery. Each vehicle is individually rated in top speed, acceleration, and handling, but players can further fine-tune their ride between races from within the in-game garage. Upgrades in the form of engines, mufflers, computers, suspension, wheels, rear ends, and brakes are available to improve each car's performance during a race. Yet in order to acquire an upgrade, players must first earn some cash during competition. Eleven fantasy-based courses take place amidst a game of backgammon, atop a pool table, inside a casino, on a desk, and even inside a bathroom. The perspective is set behind the vehicle as players attempt to complete three laps before their four opponents. Grand Prix involves advancing through all 11 races, unlocking cars and courses along the way for use in other modes. Cup Select has players participating in a group of races to win a championship cup, Free Race offers an opportunity to learn shortcuts, while Time Trial involves trying to beat specific records for a chance at unlocking certain cars. Two players can compete head to head with a Game Link Cable, and all unlocked cars, upgrades, and lap records are saved to battery. |
 "Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition is a competitive fighting game by Capcom that was originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2003 in Japan and in 2004 in North America and Asia. Released to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Street Fighter series, Hyper Street Fighter II is a modified port of Super Street Fighter II Turbo in which players can control any versions of the main characters from the five Street Fighter II games previously released for the arcades. Although, originally released as a home console game, an arcade port was released shortly afterwards in limited quantities, turning it into the sixth and final arcade iteration. |
 "Developed exclusively for the PS3 by Sucker Punch Productions, Infamous is an electrically themed open-world adventure that fuses a Grand Theft Auto-style narrative with Crackdown's superpowers and the parkour-inspired acrobatics of Assassin's Creed, all set within a modern metropolis left reeling after a catastrophic explosion. At the epicenter of that explosion was Cole MacGrath, a simple courier whose package detonated in mid-transit, leveling a six-block area of Empire City, and seemingly unleashing a mysterious plague that prompted a military-enforced quarantine. Even more mysterious is the fact that Cole not only survived the blast, but walked away from it with the superhero-like abilities to harness electricity, cling to nearly any surface, and scale buildings with stunning alacrity. As the beleaguered citizenry of Empire City try to eek out an existence, waiting for supply drops, coping with isolation and anger, and living in fear of roving gangs, they begin to look to Cole as either the source of their misery, or their only hope for deliverance. It soon becomes clear, however, that Cole is not the only one with mysterious powers. The gangs terrorizing people aren't mere hoodlums or looters, but mysterious wraith-like creatures known as Reapers. Infamous gives players the freedom to use Cole's powers for good or for ill, but regardless of whether they choose to navigate the story altruistically or go the self-serving route, gamers will frequently confront Reapers of varying size and strength. From a combat standpoint, Infamous resembles a typical third-person shooter, except Cole's powers render him incapable of handling firearms. No matter, though, as his arcing bolts of blue lightning serve the same purpose as bullets, and small bundles of charged energy function as electric grenades. He can also create electric handcuffs to restrain foes, use blasts of energy to send people or objects spiraling backward, resuscitate injured bystanders, and even sap the life from downed enemies. Cole is not a never-ending reservoir of electricity, however, so players must locate transformers, lampposts, power wires, car batteries, and other electrical hotspots in order to recharge. As is the case with many open-world games, Infamous includes a number of side missions and collectibles, though the developers actively sought to encourage vertical exploration by tying the collectibles to the main storyline. Instead of tracking down hidden packages or flags, gamers set out to find audio recordings from a federal agent, or chunks of a strange substance that makes Cole even more powerful. Another continuing side quest finds players shutting off valves to prevent the Reapers from releasing a hallucinogenic substance into Empire City's water supply. Unfortunately, Cole must come in contact with the psychoactive drug in order to reach the valves, but the resulting hallucinations open a mental link to the mysterious leader of the Reapers, and these revelations offer gamers a more complete understanding of Cole's place in the ongoing struggle. |
 "Infamous 2 continues the saga of Cole MacGrath as players guide Sucker Punch Productions' electrified superhero to the New Orleans-inspired city of New Marais in order to enhance his powers in preparation for a battle with a devastating evil known only as The Beast. Further complicating matters is the fact that the citizens of New Marias are being terrorized by mutated swamp creatures known as The Corrupted, and the city has been placed under martial law by the iron-fisted politician Joseph Bertrand, III, whose militia has been ordered to kill all "unpure" dwellers, including MacGrath. Sandbox-style gameplay returns, giving players the freedom to roam the city's slums, swamps, and plantations at will, taking advantage of Cole's parkour-like acrobatic climbing skills, and his ability to "grind" along power lines and hover through the air on a cushion of electricity. Morality continues to play a part in the storyline and in-game mechanics, as gamers must decide whether Cole should act out of pure altruism, selfishness, or any of the gray areas in between; and the choices players make ultimately determine Cole's appearance and powers. But while the original Infamous often presented users with black-and-white choices, Infamous 2 attempts a more nuanced approach by introducing two new super-powered characters who offer different solutions to each problem. Essentially personifying the proverbial Angel and Devil on Cole's shoulders, Kuo is a patriotic NSA agent who harnesses the power of ice, while Nix is a hot-tempered New Marais native who can wield oil and fire. MacGrath has a variety of new powers, including the Amp, an electrified melee weapon designed by his friend Zeke; the Kinetic Pulse, which lets Cole launch vehicles at enemies; and the Ionic Vortex, a massively destructive tornado of electricity. Players can also acquire fire- and ice-based attacks from Nix and Kuo, or team up with the new characters for combo attacks. And though Infamous 2 lacks a true multiplayer component, it does include a user-generated mission editor that is part Demon's Souls, part LittleBigPlanet. Gamers can use any of the allies, enemies, and non-player characters that they have encountered to create custom side-quests that include target shooting, platforming, and escort, survival, and stealth missions, among many other options. Players then have the option of playing and rating missions that randomly appear in the game world, with highly rated quests earning "Featured" status. |
 "The sequel to 2001's best-selling Jak and Daxter once again follows the exploits of the elfin hero Jak and his churlish sidekick, a weasel-like creature named Daxter. Using the same 60 frames per second graphic engine as its predecessor, albeit with a number of refinements for more dramatic visual effects, Jak II takes place in a darker, more futuristic world than the original game. The titular hero, now older and wiser, has a number of new moves and abilities this time around, all of which are available right from the start. As players make their way through this mystical world, acquiring power-ups and interacting with an assortment of characters, they will unravel over an hour of cinematic cut-scenes to further the story. Jak's new skills have him zipping around the world atop a hoverboard, using multiple weapons such as a laser rifle to neutralize foes, and performing a number of acrobatics to escape from harm's way. The game blends action sequences with light puzzle-solving situations, whether it's shooting through a series of rotating pipes on the hoverboard, traveling at high speeds in a vehicle, or aligning multiple objects in a specific direction to trigger a gateway. For this second game in the 3D platform series, developer Naughty Dog (Crash Bandicoot) called upon the talents of Hirokazu Yasuhara, designer and co-producer of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series on the 16-bit Genesis, to assist with level planning. |
 "John Woo Presents Stranglehold stars martial arts star Chow Yun-Fat as Inspector Tequila, a detective on Hong Kong's police force in search of his kidnapped daughter. The game features a single-player story mode in which players take the role of Tequila and fight their way through cities such as Hong Kong and Chicago to locate the missing child who is held captive by mafia members and gangsters. Players will have the opportunity to earn style points by performing such moves as running up banisters while shooting, and when enough points are acquired, gamers can execute moves that include the "Tequila Bomb" or enter "Tequila Time." "Tequila Time" is a sequence during a gunfight when enemies are slowed down while players maintain their speed, making it easier to hit targets. Up to eight players can get involved in multiplayer action through the Internet, and the environments within the game are fully destructible and interactive. |
 "Return to the futuristic streets of Tokyo-to for more extreme inline skating and artistic turf-marking in Jet Set Radio Future. Though more a critical than commercial success, Sega's late-2000 release of Smilebit's Jet Grind Radio (titled Jet Set Radio in Japan) had an impact that continues to influence the field of game development. This sequel is designed to retain and enhance the innovative gameplay and exquisite presentation that were so engaging in the original. Many favorite characters return but this sequel features a new story the ability to perform more tricks. The defining cel-shaded graphical style includes new visual effects, such as motion blur and more meticulously animated character movement. The game world of Tokyo-to is now much bigger, with areas that are more interactive. Characters move even faster through these larger environments and responsive controls encourage big trick combos. Answering one of the very few complaints that Dreamcasters had of the original game, Jet Set Radio Future also offers multiplayer options. |
 "In this sequel to Desert Strike, you must defend the United States against a desert madman and a South American drug lord. These two fiends have joined forces and planned a nuclear terrorist attack. Their target is Washington D.C. You must defend the various monuments and buildings while ensuring the safety of the president. After driving the terrorists from Washington, you will go to South America. There you must find the terrorists' hiding places and training grounds, destroy their nuclear weapons, raid their drug processing plants, locate their counterfeiting operations, and rescue American prisoners of war. Your first mode of transportation is a powerful Apache helicopter loaded with weaponry. You will also control an armored car, a hovercraft, a stealth fighter, and other vehicles of destruction. To keep afloat in this 3D shooter and have a chance at defending this great country, you must constantly keep on the lookout for additional ammo and fuel supplies. |
 "Swedish developer Avalanche Studios' first in-house development project is a 3D action-adventure starring a U.S. operative named Rico Rodriguez. Just Cause has Rodriguez attempting to overthrow a fictitious South American island's regime by instigating a revolution. Players will accomplish this by working with citizens, political factions, rebels, and even drug cartels in a series of explosive operations. In the tradition of games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Just Cause features a free form world with an estimated 250,000 acres of territory to traverse by plane, car, boat, or in some cases, parachute. Since the island of San Esperito is filled with cities, towns, resorts, jungles, and mountains, players can acquire more than 100 vehicles throughout their tumultuous stay. The main storyline includes over 20 missions with objectives that can be accomplished by any number of means. Hundreds of side and bonus missions are also available for fun or profit, with stunt challenges like parasailing, vehicle leaping, or skydiving part of the itinerary for tropical thrill-seekers. |
 "Agent extraordinaire Rico Rodriguez returns for more death-defying missions against ruthless cartels and corrupt governments in this sequel to 2006's open world, third-person shooter. Instead of the Cuba-inspired island of San Esperito, Rodriguez will battle heavily armed foes in well guarded compounds scattered throughout the South East Asian islands of Panau. As in the original Just Cause, how you cross the terrain or complete mission objectives is up to you. Hitch a ride in a 4x4 to travel up a snow-capped mountain, pilot a helicopter or plane, or slip behind the wheel of a dune buggy to travel over desert regions. One distinctive feature from the first game is back with improved play mechanics. Rodriguez can fire a grappling hook anytime and anywhere he wants, allowing him to latch onto a surface to propel him forward or to bring items (and even enemies) closer. This technique can be combined with the protagonist's parachute to glide through the air and perform elaborate combos. Rodriguez will need to rely on new stunts, vehicles, and weapons to become a one-man army in a world spanning 1,000 square kilometers in size. Just Cause 2 is Swedish developer Avalanche Studios' second game on the Xbox 360 platform. |
 "Mercenary outlaws Kane and Lynch blaze a path of violence and bloodshed through the Shanghai criminal underground in Dog Days, a sequel from IO Interactive, creator of the original game. Missions involve exploration and light platform-puzzle navigation through various large urban environments, with a focus on gunfights with firearms of nearly all sizes and types. The game's graphical style mimics reality broadcasting and amateur documentary, with shaky camera cut-scenes and backstory told through YouTube-esque video clips. The play style is similar to that of the first game; in the main campaign, single players control one character while the computer controls the other. In cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, players control both characters. As the original game, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, followed the gruesome misadventures of the former death-row inmates primarily from the perspective of Kane, the second game unfolds from the perspective of Lynch. His unbalanced psychopathic tendencies lead to more improvised missions and spontaneous action sequences, compared to the more careful planning informed by Kane's military background. When the game begins, Kane is traveling to meet Lynch in the world's largest city, where he has been hiding in plain sight among Shanghai's 15 million people. Separating after the events of the first game, the two criminals rejoin to embark on a risky gambit with an unimaginable payoff. |
 "Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is the story of two death-row inmates who end up in a partnership together after they are kidnapped by The Seven. The Seven is a highly organized terrorist group that recruit Kane and Lynch for a variety of missions around the globe. Not much is known about the duo before their time on the row, however, when the characters are close to death, image sequences that mimic their life flashing by clue gamers into where each man began, and how they ended up working for The Seven. Single players must work their way through each objective as Kane with Lynch following behind for back up. In cooperative, multiplayer action, both the avatars are used and each man has his own goals to accomplish in each level. |
 "Kinect Adventures! takes courageous Kinect owners on a trip across the raging rapids, underneath the sea, through outer space, and to other atmospheric locales. There are a total of 20 adventures to complete, from navigating your way past obstacle courses to testing your reflexes in "rallyball" to paddling your way down a river. Each event incorporates full body movement -- from jumping and kicking to ducking and dodging -- as you attempt to complete each lighthearted adventure alone or with a friend. The Kinect peripheral can also be used to capture photos of some of your sillier actions as well as record live videos that can be shared via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, or e-mail. Three difficulty settings and special timed challenges are also included to extend the title's replay value. Kinect Adventures! is the first pack-in title for the Kinect accessory. |
 "Passive panda Po relinquishes his slovenly ways to fulfill an ancient prophecy and defeat a sinister snow leopard in this adaptation of DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda. The video game version is a 3D platform game that has Po navigating 13 hazard-filled, multi-tiered levels. Animal enemies are defeated using an array of paw-to-paw moves, from spinning kicks to body slams to bowling over foes by tucking into a ball. Po's agility will also be put to the test, whether it's swinging from tree limbs or leaping across lily pads. Players can even control Po's menagerie of friends, who specialize in distinct kung-fu styles and offer character-specific talents. Monkey, Tigress, Viper, Crane, and Mantis are all playable throughout the adventure. In addition to the single-player game, Kung Fu Panda includes cooperative play and a variety of competitive mini-games. |
 "L.A. Noire casts you in the role of a rookie officer working his way through the ranks of 1947's Los Angeles Police Department while dealing with corruption, politics, and scandal. Protagonist Cole Phelps will start his career working as a beat cop, patrolling the streets on foot, before eventually finding his way to the department's traffic, homicide, vice, and arson divisions. Instead of missions, you'll have to solve cases. To crack each case, you'll need to visit the crime scenes, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, follow persons of interest, interrogate suspects, and when the need arises, engage in shootouts or brawls with the criminal element. Inspired by the hardboiled style of movies like Naked City, Chinatown, and L.A. Confidential, L.A. Noire features authentic clothing, cars, and items from the turbulent time period and more than 100 interior and exterior locales to visit. The developer's MotionScan technology, designed specifically for the game, captures subtle movement and gestures from the faces of professional actors. This technology plays a key role during the questioning process, where you'll need to study the suspects' faces and behavior along with their statements to sort out the lies from the truth. In total, more than 50 hours of dialogue were recorded for the game. |
 "Indeed a legend in her own time, Lara Croft leaps onto PSP in 2006 with a new look, a new game, and a new developer. Revamped physics and an enhanced control scheme allow for more free-flowing action, while graphical improvements present a redesigned Lara who is immediately expressive, more believably proportioned, and as strikingly attractive as ever. Lady Croft's new look in Legend is based in part on 20-year-old British model Karima Adebibe. Lara now boasts smoother animations, a more realistic deportment, and a number of costume changes. The first Tomb Raider games were popular for their innovative blend of gaming styles as well as for their distinguished female lead, however, and this game is designed to return fans to the winning combination of 3D platforming, environmental puzzle-solving, and third-person shooting found in the blockbuster originals. While the storyline of Tomb Raider: Legend is told around the series' traditional "tomb raiding" action, Lara must also adventure through modern city levels, proving her acrobatic skill set is as applicable to skyscrapers and cement as it is to unforgiving wilderness and ancient architecture. New equipment, such as the grappling hook and communication device, offer new abilities. A number of vehicles become available along the way, as well, for special gameplay sequences. For the first time in the series, stalwart Eidos studio Crystal Dynamics (Gex, Legacy of Kain, Project: Snowblind) was developer of this Tomb Raider game, instead of the franchise's creator, Core. The designers at Crystal Dynamics have endeavored to apply their extensive experience in the 3D action genre toward reinvigorating one of gaming's most recognizable and beloved characters. |
 "Living up to the multi-faceted meaning of the title, Left 4 Dead features four playable human characters, who have been left behind to survive in a city with a rapidly growing population of people-eating undead. The characters are identical in the way they play, although outwardly they appear largely dissimilar and unlikely to get along well at first. They'll need to trust one another and work together, as it takes teamwork to survive in streets overrun with rampaging zombies. Computer-controlled companions are available for solo players, but online multiplayer co-op games are a main thrust of play. In a standard game, players begin each level in a safe room area, where they can stock up on supplies and agree on a general strategy before moving out into the zombie-flooded city streets. No place is safe for too long in this game, however, and once the zombies start coming, they keep coming, no matter where the players run or hide -- until the heroes make it to the next safe room, to end the level. The exact progression through each level is not known from the start. A built-in artificial intelligence "Director" analyses the players' positions and creates new challenges on the fly, making each game a little different and adding creepy factor of the unknown. Friendly fire is painfully possible, so players need to be careful where they aim and shoot. Sometimes, in close quarters, a quick melee attack is a safer way to temporarily stave off encroaching undead or knock a hungry zombie off a companion. Each player can carry only one health pack, which can be used for self-repair or to heal a teammate. Left 4 Dead was developed by Valve Software, built on the studio's Source game engine. In addition to the four-person survival-horror shooter, other available modes of play allow multiplayer competition for up to eight, with one team of four playing as the human survivors and the other four players taking the roles of infected boss zombies. Each boss zombie has a different special power, such as a prehensile tongue or an explosive belly full of corrosive swamp gas, encouraging them to combine their strengths and work as a team, just like the unfortunate human beings they are hunting. |
 "Four weary humans work together in an apocalyptic world overrun by grotesque zombies, collectively known as the "infected," in this sequel to 2008's third-person shooter, Left 4 Dead. In addition to the new protagonists and five new campaigns, the game offers more enemy types to battle and adds a slew of weapons to improve your chance of survival. Joining the hunters, tanks, smokers, and boomers from the first game are jockeys, chargers, and spitters. Jockeys are short creatures that leap on the backs of characters and steer them toward dangers. Chargers are hulking brutes that run quickly toward characters and use their powerful arms to slam victims to the ground. Spitters spew out projectile acid that can also form deadly pools on the ground. Each campaign area, ranging from a Coney Island-style amusement park to a Louisiana bayou, also contains distinct enemies to face. The "Dark Carnival" campaign, for example, features zombies wearing clown makeup, while "Swamp Fever" features creatures known as mudmen. New weapons and tools include a katana, baseball bat, grenade launcher, hand axe, Desert Eagle, military sniper rifle, chainsaw, MK17 assault rifle, and a defibrillator to revive fallen foes. In addition to the co-op campaigns and both the survival and versus modes from the original, Left 4 Dead 2 introduces a new multiplayer mode entitled "scavenge." As a survivor, your goal is to locate and collect 16 gas cans on each map before time expires, all while user-controlled members of the infected try to thwart your progress. |
 "Return to the 1980s heyday of big-time wrestling to guide classic figures, like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Bret "The Hitman" Hart, toward victory in the 3D rendered arenas of Acclaim's Legends of Wrestling. Battle up the ladder with Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Enter a barbed-wire brawl with George "The Animal" Steele. Eliminate the competition in an eight-man brawl with Jerry "The King" Lawler. In all, more than 40 wrestlers virtually reprise their greatness in the 12 different match styles offered in this release. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and "Captain" Lou Albano are also along to provide commentary. |
 "The multisystem release of LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes offers more third-person platforming action for young (and young-at-heart) comics, building-block, and video game fans. Carrying on from the first adventure, Batman and Robin are joined by the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern in virtual LEGO-constructed settings stocked with gadgets and special-use power suits. Players will also pilot the Batmobile and Batwing in some sequences. As in Traveller's Tales' earlier LEGO adventures, a second gamer can drop in and out of the action at almost any time. |
 "The Dynamic Duo hits the bricks in LEGO Batman: The Videogame. In the game's main campaign, players take control of Batman and Robin for familiar bust-and-build action and puzzle-solving adventure through more than a dozen levels of Gotham City -- re-created completely from Lego brand toy building blocks, of course. There are plenty of thugs, goons, and even supervillians ready for a brawl along the way, and Bat-gadgets, vehicles, and a special-purpose "tech suits" allow the Caped Crusaders to make their way through various precarious situations. Once the good guys have won the day, another full campaign has players taking the roles of the bad guys, including favorites such as the Joker, Catwoman, Mister Freeze, the Penguin, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Scarecrow, Two-Face, and others. Different characters have different abilities, and it sometimes takes teamwork to overcome an obstacle and progress to the next area. As in the earlier Lego games, collection quests and other side activities may allow players to create even quirkier mixes and matches. LEGO Batman is the first co-production of Warner Bros. Interactive and its 2007 acquisition, TT Games, which includes developer Traveller's Tales. The game features the humor, action, and family-friendly presentation found in the developer's popular LEGO Star Wars games, while incorporating characters and content from nearly 70 years of Batman comics, cartoons, television shows, movies, and music available under the publisher's license. |
 "Young wizard Harry Potter and friends get the LEGO treatment in this continuation of TT Games' best-selling video game series. Based on the popular building toy line, Harry Potter: Years 1-4 features scenes, characters, and locales from the first four films, offering cooperative-based action viewed from a third-person perspective. The whimsical sense of humor from previous titles in the series, which include takes on Batman, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones, is once again a key part of the experience. Control Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and other notables while attending classes, earning house points, soaring on broomsticks, conjuring magic, and more. Explore Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade, and of course, Hogwarts castle, to solve puzzles, confront challenges, unlock secrets, and battle foes. |
 "The LEGO version of literary and film sensation Harry Potter comes to a conclusion with Years 5-7, introducing new locales, characters, and challenges to players as they battle the forces of evil. In contrast with the first LEGO Harry Potter, Years 5-7 features more exploration, puzzle-solving sequences, and magic. In addition to Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade, players will visit such venues as Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric's Hollow as they prepare for the final confrontation with Lord Voldemort. Of course, the LEGO series is known for its humorous spin on familiar events, and players can expect the same whimsical approach to the cinematics and encounters as in previous entries. |
 "Players return to a virtual playroom re-creation of the iconic movie series in LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues. As in LEGO Indy's Original Adventures, gamers play through famous scenes from the films, with 3D characters and settings created completely from colorful LEGO building blocks. The 2009 sequel game features scenes from all four feature films, including the most recent Indiana Jones movie, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Some characters have new moves since the first game, and new vehicles are available to re-create well-known movie scenes on boats, motorcycles, and mine carts. In a feature new to the LEGO movie game series, players can also create their own levels, using an almost unlimited supply of blocks. Custom levels can be built completely from scratch, or created by altering and adding to the pre-designed levels included in the game. As in the Indiana Jones original and other LEGO movie games (LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Harry Potter, LEGO Batman), players can collect objects hidden throughout the game world to unlock playable characters. More than 60 hidden artifacts in The Adventure Continues can be collected and used to unlock Crystal Skull characters, such as Marion Ravenwood and Mutt Williams, as well as supporting characters and villains from throughout the film series, such as Short Round and Indy's father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. |
 ""Building" on the success of LEGO Star Wars, LucasArts allows another of its signature properties to receive the interactive toy treatment. Famed archaeologist Indiana Jones takes his whip-cracking, pistol-packing persona into the lighthearted realm of LEGO in this homage to the rogue explorer's first three movies. Players begin their adventures in the world of academia, Barnett College, where Dr. Jones teaches archaeology. The institution serves as a jumping point for each of the three films, where players will revisit memorable scenes on their way to recovering the Ark of the Covenant, the Sankara Stones, and the Holy Grail. The game offers 18 levels divided equally among three chapters. Indy can use his whip to swing across chasms, fight enemies, or break apart objects to reveal coins. As in LEGO Star Wars, a second player can join in at any time for cooperative action online or off. Each character has specific roles and even phobias, such as Satipo's ability to dig up treasure or Indy's fear of snakes. Thus, players will frequently need to switch between characters to solve puzzles or complete tasks. Over 60 playable characters include Sallah, Mola Ram, Marion Ravenwood, Short Round, Marcus Brody, and Toht. To appeal to the family friendly spirit of the toy series, Nazi references and symbols were removed in favor of a generic "cult" dressed in trench coats. |
 "Incorporating characters, settings, and storylines from the first four entries in Disney's blockbuster film series, this adaptation of Pirates of the Caribbean continues in the tradition of earlier LEGO games based on Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter. Over 20 whimsical levels are included as players guide "minifig" versions of Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann across locales based on Port Royal, Tortuga, Isla de Muerta, Shipwreck Cove, and Sparrow's ship, the Black Pearl. Characters will engage in lighthearted swordplay against soldiers, skeletons, and other enemies while solving puzzles and interacting with objects in the environment. As with previous titles in the LEGO series, you'll quickly assemble items throughout each area to reveal treasures, unlock secret areas, or to complete objectives. The action is once again viewed from a third-person perspective as up to two friends or family members work together on the same screen. Over 70 playable characters are included in total, with a "free play" mode allowing players to revisit their favorite scenes with their choice of heroes or villains. |
 "Clone troopers and droids engage in comical battles in this continuation of the best-selling LEGO Star Wars series. Choose from an assortment of characters featured in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (as well as classic heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca) while engaging in brick-on-brick combat and using character-specific abilities to solve puzzles. More than 20 missions are included along with 40 bonus levels set throughout the Clone Wars timeline. The action once again takes place from a third-person viewpoint set behind the LEGO characters, but you'll now be able to control multiple teams in different locales by swapping between groups with a button press. In addition to on-foot missions, you'll journey through the stars in spaceships or steer ground vehicles such the clone turbo tank. Simultaneous and split-screen multiplayer support is also included with drop-in and drop-out play. |
 "The surreal yet successful melding of the plastic LEGO universe and the fantastic Star Wars universe continues in LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Combining the stories of Episode I through III from the original LEGO Star Wars with the classic tales from LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, The Complete Saga lets gamers of all ages enjoy light-hearted action taken directly from all six Star Wars blockbusters. More than just a bundling of the two previous games, The Complete Saga features new story mode levels like Episode II's high-speed chase of bounty hunter Zam Wessell, new characters like Aayla Secura and Watto, and an updated character creator. There are more than 160 existing characters from which to choose, or players can get creative and make original heroes like Qui-Gon Solo or evil annoyances like Jar Jar the Hut. Enhanced Force powers let gamers literally knock the blocks off of enemies in 36 different story mode levels, and players can use the special attributes of each character to reach secret areas in free play mode. New challenge modes reward diligent gamers with special LEGO stud bonuses, and a two-player online co-op mode means far away friends can get together and kick some brick. |
 "This curious blend of big-name brands tells the earlier parts of the Star Wars story in a version of films' universe that's been built from scratch with Lego parts and people. The game highlights the action of Episodes I through III (the more recent, prequel films); players take control of thoroughly Lego versions of heroes such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and others, to battle through action-oriented levels based on the films' settings, but constructed entirely with Lego blocks. Different characters have different special skills, and this leads to some exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay along with the 3D platform-style action and combat. As they progress, heroes earn credits which can be spent to unlock new characters. The main game features unlimited lives, encouraging players to explore the secrets hidden in each area. LEGO Star Wars was developed by Traveller's Tales, a studio previously known for its handling of licensed properties in games such as A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo, The Weakest Link, and Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. |
 "This curious blend of big-name gaming brands tells the earlier parts of the Star Wars story in a version of the films' universe that's been built from scratch with LEGO parts and people. The game highlights the action of Episodes I through III and lets players take control of LEGO versions of heroes such as Qui Gon Jinn, Obi Wan Kenobi, Princess Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and others, and battle through action-oriented levels based on the films' settings, but constructed entirely with Lego blocks. Different characters have different special skills, and this leads to some exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay along with the platform-style action and combat. As they progress, heroes earn credits which can be spent to unlock new characters. |
 "Sony's most unusual release for 2008 is, on the surface, a platform title starring a stitched burlap doll called Sackboy. Yet beneath its whimsical exterior lies a robust editing tool that allows owners to create, save, and share custom levels. You are introduced to LittleBigPlanet through a campaign simply entitled "Play." This mode features an interactive tutorial and a series of offbeat levels where you'll be able to drive vehicles, activate switches, avoid hazards, solve puzzles, and defeat boss characters. By collecting orbs throughout each level, you'll earn various items, accessories, and stickers to help personalize the game to your liking. The other two modes are arguably the heart and soul of LittleBigPlanet: "Create" and "Share." You can cobble together levels filled with an assortment of objects, platforms, dangers, triggers, and other surprises. Tools to create more exotic stages are unlocked by completing the tutorial, and other useful items will become available while advancing through the main campaign. Up to three custom levels can be published to the online community, who will rate and rank your creations. Those who deliver exciting content will be allowed to publish more levels, but there are no restrictions on the stages you create for friends. Up to four players can work together during the campaign as well as the creation phase. |
 "Sony's hit platform game that presented players with the tools to create their own levels returns to PlayStation 3 with LittleBigPlanet 2. Over 40 new story levels are included, with six new themes that range from steampunk and "hand-made arcade" to "neon propaganda" and "designer organic." Up to four players can once again work together online or offline, as they participate in new competitive and cooperative modes that incorporate puzzle, racing, action, sports, and adventure mechanics. Sackboy also has some new tools to use in his travels, including a grappling hook, power gloves, and a "creatinator" that spits out whatever items players desire. The create tools have expanded to allow level designers the ability to reset controller buttons for any object or even alter the rules for any level. Multiple genres are now possible, and computer-controlled Sackboys can be customized in size, appearance, behavior, and given user-created voices. The editing tools can be used to design full-length movies, short films, music videos, or cut-scenes. All-new materials to work with include plasma, electrical neon, holographic material, and an assortment of stickers, decorations, materials, bolts, rods, and more. Other notable improvements include a revamped graphics engine, new tools to expand and improve level design, and easier access to user-created levels from social networking site, LBP.me. LittleBigPlanet 2 is backwards compatible with the first game's downloadable levels and includes trophy support. As an added bonus, Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves is included on the disc to showcase cooperative play with the PlayStation Move. |
 "Juliet Starling is an athletic, attractive, high school cheerleader, who spends her 18th birthday hack-and-slashing through writhing throngs of hungry zombies. She is the hero of Lollipop Chainsaw, a post-modern horror-action game from Suda51 and his Grasshopper Manufacture. Echoed by the juxtaposition in its title, the game combines two disparate libertine attractions: a firm-fleshed young woman in graceful motion and the gas-powered massacre of splatter-y undead mobs. Juliet acrobatically outmaneuvers attackers, and fights back with her oversized chainsaw blade. Often outnumbered, Juliet's cheerleading skills allow her to leap about and kick foes into place, setting up gratifyingly gory finishing moves that cut down the whole gang. Her now-zombified classmates remain organized by social groups, and Juliet must defeat increasingly difficult rock & roll-themed cliques of zombie teens as she progresses through the adventure. Not completely alone in this endeavor, she travels with her boyfriend, Nick -- or, Nick's chatty severed head, at least -- to provide supernatural assistance and foul-mouthed comic relief. |
 "An original sci-fi shooter from the developers of Dead Rising, Lost Planet takes place in an arctic wasteland populated by aliens and a ragtag group of pirates. The world, E.D.N. III, is home to the Akrid, an insect-like race that is threatened by an encroaching human colony. As a snow pirate named Wayne, your goal is to harvest the Akrid for the thermal energy necessary for mankind's survival. The harsh weather and hostile creatures require a bit more than the average snowsuit, so players can strap themselves into armor-plated, bipedal machines called Vital Suits. These suits can be outfitted with a variety of high-powered armaments, from plasma rifles and machine guns to rocket launchers and grenades. Lost Planet features a third-person viewpoint and emphasizes frenetic action across 11 distinct stages. Targeting is automatic and missions are structured in a linear fashion, each culminating in a boss fight against a deadly mix of organic and mechanical creatures. Cinematic cut-scenes delve into Wayne's mysterious past, while destructible environments lead to new Vital Suits being discovered for alternate attack and transportation forms. Xbox Live support for up to 16 combatants is also included in a variety of game modes. In addition to the kill-or-be-killed elimination and team elimination formats, players can race to control five outposts or work together to take out an armed fugitive. Lost Planet is available in both a standard and limited edition. The latter includes a metal case, a book of concept art, and additional multimedia content. |
 "This 2D platform puzzle game is based on the DreamWorks film of the same title and release time. Players take control of four unlikely animal companions: Alex, the brave lion; Marty, the idealistic zebra; Melman, the hypochondriac giraffe; and Gloria, the heavyweight hippo. The animals have joined forces to try to escape from their current confinement in the Central Park Zoo. Each creature has a special skill, and finding the best use for these abilities can be key to making it through each zoo and city level. The animals abilities become more powerful as players progress. |
 "A highly stylized game filled with enough blood-soaked ultraviolence to make Malcolm McDowell blush, MadWorld drops players in the midst of a twisted sports show known as Death Watch. Created by a group of terrorists who call themselves "The Organizers," Death Watch pits competitors against one another in a gruesome, Running Man-style battle for survival. Gamers step into the role of Jack, a contestant who must master the deadly weapons found in each environment in order to advance. MadWorld makes use of comic-book-inspired black-and-white art, but players can interrupt the monochrome with frequent splashes of crimson blood and viscera. Comedic commentary narrates the over-the-top action as gamers use their Wii Remote and Nunchuk to rack up combos by thrashing enemies and performing brutal finishing moves on hulking bosses. Those looking for human competition can choose to join friends in hot seat mode for a series of violent mini-games known as "Blood Bath Challenges." |
 "Mafia takes place in the fictional 1930s city of Lost Heaven. The player takes the role of a relatively innocent cabdriver who becomes involved in the underworld of organized crime through a random accident. While between fares one night, the hero is suddenly approached by two shady characters in urgent need of a ride. Fearing a quick shot to the head if he refuses, he accepts the passengers and, thanks to his excellent driving abilities, is able to help them escape the rival gang members that had been chasing them. Quick thinking and good driving skills save the day for the thankful mobsters, who make it a point to remember the main character. When he finds himself out of work a short while later, the hero is graciously welcomed to "the Family." The third-person adventure in Mafia has the player moving about a 12-square-mile city, designed from authentic photographs and architectural plans from the 1930s. The player will have almost complete freedom to move about the city, exploring and interacting as he sees fit. Each building is unique, providing a sense of location and allowing the players to learn landmarks as they travel through Lost Heaven. A wide variety of missions will have the protagonist racing cars, investigating seedy hangouts, and even executing hits (if his conscience will allow it). Mafia is designed to envelop players in the look and feel of the classic gangster movies that were its inspiration. |
 "In a win-or-die-trying romp through America's happy days, Mafia II players vie for underworld ascendancy, in the role of a young thug who's willing to drive and shoot his way in and out of whatever trouble it takes to get the job done. The original Mafia won a gangland of fans by combining the open-ended driving adventure and on-foot urban action of Grand Theft Auto III with a more tightly scripted story, set in a romanticized 1930s inspired by films and pulp fiction. Coming a console-generation later, Mafia II presents a grittier, less linear, more personal adventure, but with the same goal of enveloping the player in a cinematic experience of action, violence, and storytelling. Mafia II is set in Empire Bay, a fictional metropolis inspired primarily by New York and San Francisco, and influenced by other major American cities during the 1940s and early 1950s. Most of the game plays out in a ten square-mile area, created from hundreds of photographs and illustrations of the era, in interactive detail worthy of Illusion Softwork's (now 2K Czech's) original setting of Lost Heaven -- but in higher definition and greater intricacy. Players are free to walk, drive, and move all about the area with no artificial restriction, but the choices made there have realistic consequences. Laws, both capital and minor, are expected by in-game authorities to be obeyed. In many common situations, players can choose between "normal" and "violent" interactions with objects or people. Instead of unfortunate circumstances leading the main character to a life of crime, as in the original game, Mafia II's Vito Scaletta is an outlaw hero at heart, whose ambition outweighs his moral reservations right from the start. When he was busted in a small-time robbery that went wrong, he took an opportunity to join the military instead of serving time in jail. The game begins as Vito returns from his tour of duty in World War II, ready to get back to work on his career. There are at least three competing crime families running the Empire Bay underworld. With patience, some luck, and a little dirty work, one day Vito hopes to be the man in charge of the one that puts the other two out of business. |
 "The madness of trying to keep a marble balanced atop narrow, obstacle-filled pathways makes its way from the Arcades to the palms of your hands with Marble Madness for the Game Boy Color. After plugging the game in, firing up your system and progressing past the title, you'll see an option screen that lets you start the game, observe a demonstration, or reconfigure the sound effects, music and angle of your control pad commands. Unlike the original Arcade game, which featured simultaneous combative play, there is no two-player mode in this version. Your goal in each level of Marble Madness is to safely steer your marble through twisting mazes, steep ramps, dangerous enemies and hazardous drops, eventually crossing the finish line. There are numerous tunnels and chutes in the various mazes and pathways that will send your marble to a different area of the course. Marbles are free and unlimited in number, but when an enemy destroys your marble or your marble falls off a cliff, you lose valuable seconds. If you run out of time in any course, it's game over. If you perform exceptionally well, your marble will sometimes be "charmed" with extra time. You score points in Marble Madness by finishing levels, completing the entire game, dropping through chutes, landing on painted blocks, passing the finish line with extra time left on the clock, and defeating Steelie, a black marble that is basically your arch enemy. Other enemies and obstacles include: Marble Munchers, which hop up and down trying to swallow your marble; Vacuums, which can suck up your marble piece by piece; and Acid Pools, which dissolve your marble on contact. In most of the levels, your marble starts off at a high altitude and it goes down the course, rolling down slopes, pathways and ramps. However, in the Silly Level, the game's rules are reversed and you go up the course. Also, the enemies and obstacles are smaller and can be destroyed. Each Silly Level impediment that you defeat adds three seconds to your time. Let the madness (and the silliness) begin with Marble Madness for the Game Boy Color! |
 "Longtime competitors Sonic and Mario can finally settle their differences (peacefully) at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The unlikely combination of Sega and Nintendo mascots results in a choice of 16 characters, eight on each side, in 20 official Olympic events. Each character has distinct ratings in speed, power, skill, and stamina, with Sonic and Shadow edging out all rivals in sheer swiftness. Single Match involves earning medals in a choice of events, while Circuit Mode has players trying to place third or better in multiple circuits spanning three to five events. Mission Mode offers a total of 96 individual challenges, with each character facing six different goals to complete. All events use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in various ways. Running consists of alternating up and down motions with each hand, while jumps are initiated by lifting the Wii Remote upwards or at an angle. Featured events include the long jump, hurdles, swimming, archery, trampoline, pole vault, hammer throw, skeet shooting, fencing, and more. Up to four players can compete simultaneously in certain events, and top scores can be posted online via Wi-Fi Connection. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games also lets players import their Mii characters for a more personal touch to the character-based competition. |
 "Gaming's most recognizable personalities return to internationally celebrated athletic competition in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Following their 2008-based summer games outing in Beijing, the two mascots and their corporately aligned teams head to Vancouver for the 2010 games, to do their best in cold-weather sports such as alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboarding, and bobsled. The game features all the playable characters that competed in Mario & Sonic's original summer games, as well as new personas, such as Metal Sonic and Donkey Kong. Each character is rated in three basic areas -- speed, power, and skill -- so different characters excel in different events. Players can also choose to play as a Mii character, and new options allow customization with winter clothing and accessories. A "Festival Mode" allows characters to take part in opening and closing ceremonies. The game features adjustable difficulty settings, and other options designed to make play accessible for competitors of all ages and skill levels, while still providing a challenge for console gaming experts. Olympic events in the Wii version of the game feature motion controls, with same-screen competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes. The Wii version of the game also allows players an option to use the Balance Board accessory in some events (although it is not required). Published by Nintendo in Japan and by Sega elsewhere around the world, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee. |
 "More than just a retread of Super Mario Kart or Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit is a completely new title that combines elements of both its predecessors as well as adding new features unique to the Game Boy Advance. Single players can compete in the multi-cup Mario GP, race against the clock in Time Trial, or speed around any track in the Quick Run mode. 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc engine classes are available, with each class containing five cups, the last of which is unlocked only after earning trophies in the first four. The cast of eight playable characters consists of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Bowser. Multiplayer-only modes include Vs., in which up to four players compete in a standard race with a choice of any character and all tracks, and Battle, a four-player skirmish where the goal is to pop your opponents' balloons. Two players can also play Mario GP simultaneously. These multiplayer modes require each player to have a copy of the game, but for those not so fortunate, the Single-Pak Multiplayer mode lets up to four players link up with only one cartridge. This mode has players racing differently colored Yoshis with a choice of four tracks in a five-lap competition. |
 "The original kart racer is back on track with a motion-controlled edition for Wii. The 2008 release features classic characters, courses, and cups from previous Mario Kart games, both on consoles and handhelds. New tracks and championships are available as well, along with a new vehicle type. For the first time in the series, characters can race motorbikes as well as go-karts. Bikes can perform wheelies, and mid-air tricks add a speed boost upon landing. Many of the series' other classic power-ups return to the circuit in abundance, with plenty of koopa shells, bobombs, and invincibility stars. Several control schemes are available, making use of the Wii Remote (with or without the snap-on steering wheel handle), the classic GCN controller or Wavebird, or the Wii's Classic Controller add-on. Following the lead of the DS version of the game, Mario Kart for Wii supports online multiplayer competition, for as many as 12 players in various modes. |
 "One of Nintendo's flagship series, which in 1992 helped spawn a new style of whimsical racing games, makes its long-awaited GameCube debut with the release of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! For those unfamiliar with the series, play involves selecting a character -- each rated in such areas as acceleration, speed, and handling -- and then competing against friends or computer opponents on an assortment of courses inspired by locales from previous Nintendo games. New to this installment is the addition of go-karts with two seats, allowing players to select two characters instead of one. The character behind the wheel is responsible for steering and acceleration, while the character in back tosses out a collection of six offbeat power-ups, from banana peels to turtle shells, as well as eight character-specific items. The object is still to use these power-ups to delay the opposition long enough to reach a first-place finish. Players are also free to switch character positions at any time during the race, to take advantage of a particular character's special abilities on offense or their superior skills while driving. Featured characters in the game include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Baby Mario, Yoshi, Birdo, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Baby Luigi, Koopa, Bowser, Baby Bowser, and Paratroopa. As in previous games in the series, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! features a variety of multiplayer modes, where up to four players can race each other on a split-screen or battle it out in specially designed arenas. The courses can be played at different times of the day and feature dramatic changes in elevation as well as varied terrain. |
 "Serving much the same purpose as the Virtual Console, only for games too large to fit on the Wii's internal memory, Nintendo's New Play Control! series lets gamers use the motion-sensitive Wii Remote to enjoy classic GameCube titles. Taking cues from the ultra-popular tennis portion of Wii Sports, the updated version of Mario Power Tennis lets players physically serve, spike, and volley with their favorite characters from the Mario universe. |
 "Marvel Comics and EA Games join forces in this super-group adventure. The game stars pillars of the Marvel pantheon such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man, as well as a new group of characters called the "Imperfects," created in collaboration with EA. Set in and around New York City, the game is heavy on combat, as players use various superpowers to duke it out in destructible, urban environments where enemies can be thrown through walls and nearly any object can be wielded as a weapon by the right hands. Head-to-head multiplayer battles are supported, and the game's single-player storyline was developed by a veteran creative team from Marvel. |
 "Heroes from two disparate publishers come together for three-on-three brawls in this continuation of the Marvel vs. Capcom tag-team fighting series. Projectile attacks, slams, jump kicks, punches, and over-the-top "hyper" combos are all possible with your choice of 32 characters. Representing Marvel are Iron Man, Deadpool, Storm, Magneto, Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, She-Hulk, Doctor Doom, Wolverine, Super-Skrull, X-23, Phoenix, M.O.D.O.K., and Dormammu. Characters lifted from Capcom's vaults include Mike Haggar, Viewtiful Joe, Dante, Ryu, Morrigan, Chris Redfield, Felicia, Chun-Li, Trish, Amaterasu, Tron Bonne, Wesker, Nathan Spencer, Zero, Crimson Viper, and Arthur. A simple mode lets those new to the series perform combos with a single button press, while other difficulty settings require more intricate controls but rewards players with more attacks to choose from. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 also includes online support in a number of tournament-style play modes. |
 "The superhero universe is embroiled in civil war, and it's time for players to choose sides in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. The game is a mission-driven action-adventure with a focus on small-squad combat, viewed from an isometric perspective. As in Marvel's earlier 3D action games (such as titles in the X-Men Legends series, as well as the original Marvel: Ultimate Alliance), role-playing aspects also influence the adventure, with gamers choosing which heroes to control, and how to improve their various superpowers and abilities as they gain experience by defeating enemies and accomplishing goals. In most scenarios, a team of four Marvel heroes battles a path through areas teeming with high-tech defenses, heavily armed thugs, and rival superhero and supervillian enemies. Players can switch control between the characters, while the computer takes control of additional teammates. Co-operative multiplayer modes for up to four are available. While all the heroes and villains can perform basic maneuvers such as leaps and melee attacks, each also has a distinct superpower. Over two dozen heroes and villains are available for play, and the special powers of any two super-beings can be combined into a new, even more powerful "fusion" ability. A team with a good mix of special abilities is better prepared for the diverse dangers and challenges that wait in each mission. The story of the Ultimate Alliance 2 is taken from the Civil War saga, the major crossover event that was first revealed in the pages of multiple Marvel comics in 2006 and early 2007. The U.S. government is calling on all super-powered humans to reveal themselves and register with an official agency, for the safety and protection of the population at large. Heroes and villains now reevaluate past loyalties and regroup according to their stance toward this conflict, which pits the security of the people against the liberties of the individual. |
 "The heroism of one brave human being could have a massive effect on the entire galaxy, in this original sci-fi RPG from Bioware. Players take the customizable role of a celebrated starship captain, who is exploring the fringes of known space when the story begins. Mass Effect is set soon after human beings have discovered the secrets to interstellar travel, and the people of Earth were both surprised and challenged to find that the universe is full of intelligent races that are far more advanced than they. However, it may very well be those human ties to a more primal nature that ultimately save all the space-faring species from destruction. Built on a third-generation version of the Unreal game engine, Mass Effect features real-time combat, in which players take limited command of a three-soldier squad. Decisions made by the hero, both in the heat of battle and in sophisticated role-playing sequences, will affect many details and may even influence the final outcome of the plot. Mass Effect is intended as the first of a trilogy of Xbox 360 games from BioWare. Between the launches of each full game in the series, the developer intends to release additional levels, side-stories, and other Mass Effect material through the Xbox Live service. |
 "The series that introduced "bullet-time" gunplay for dramatic and artful slow-motion shooting sequences returns after a seven-year hiatus with Max Payne 3. The gritty and vengeful protagonist, whose family was viciously murdered by drug addicts, has left his role as a New York City detective to start a clean slate in another country: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Yet Payne cannot escape the violence that has tragically shaped his character. Twelve years after the events from the second game, Payne finds himself victim of a double cross. An older, wearier Payne must once again rely on his primal instincts to find a way out of his quandary. The action takes place from a third-person perspective as Payne utilizes an assortment of weapons to mete out his distinctive brand of justice. For the first time in the series, Max Payne 3 includes a multiplayer component that has players earning experience, acquiring skills, and completing objectives in a sequence of events. Players will choose a faction and then battle the opposing team, using bullet-time and slow-motion dodges to gain a tactical edge on the competition. Objectives range from collecting duffel bags of money to disarming bombs to conquering territory. |
 "Taking cues from the Call of Duty franchise it helped spawn, EA resurrects its floundering first-person shooter series by moving it from WWII into 21st-century Afghanistan in Medal of Honor. Taking place in 2001, when the U.S. military began combat operations against the Taliban, Medal of Honor puts particular emphasis on special operations soldiers from throughout the armed forces, known as Tier 1 Operators. Single-player missions are primarily focused on Tier 1 soldiers as they stealthily target Al-Qaeda strongholds, but gamers will also engage in frenzied firefights as an Army Ranger, and serve as the gunner on an Apache helicopter. Developer Danger Close Games stressed reverence for soldiers and authenticity in Medal of Honor, working closely with military veterans, featuring 24 real-world weapons, and ensuring that all of the action showcases the stark juxtaposition between Afghanistan's natural mountainous beauty and the hollowed-out Soviet tanks and crumbling buildings that indicate the decades of perpetual combat that have plagued the country. The multiplayer component of Medal of Honor is handled by EA DICE, the studio behind the well-regarded Battlefield: Bad Company series, and the action once again draws some inspiration from Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare games, with combatants persistently progressing to higher ranks, unlocking new weapons, and earning special bonuses for kill streaks. Players can choose from the Rifleman, Sniper, and Special Ops character classes and then battle across eight different maps as a member of either the "Coalition" forces or the Opposing Force "Insurgents," with all four game modes supporting up to 24 combatants. The "Team Assault" mode functions as a traditional team deathmatch, with both sides attempting to amass a certain number of points, while "Sector Control" mode finds gamers attempting to dominate smaller sections of each map in order to earn points. The "Objective Raid" mode gives players five minutes to capture or defend two objectives on the map, and the "Combat Mission" mode is a slower, story-driven campaign in which Coalition forces are tasked with capturing five consecutive objectives, while the Insurgents must prevent them from progressing. Medal of Honor also features a "Hardcore" mode, in which the mini-map and weapon crosshairs are removed, health does not regenerate, ammo cannot be acquired from fallen enemies, and players can be injured by friendly fire. |
 "As alluded to by the title, Medal of Honor: Rising Sun focuses specifically on the Pacific Theatre of Operations in this installment of EA GAMES' best-selling first-person shooter series. Players slip into the fatigues of Marine Corporal Joseph Griffin on a mission to rescue his abducted brother from a Japanese prisoner of war camp located somewhere in the Philippines. The tour of duty can be completed alone or with the help of a friend in a new cooperative multiplayer mode. The game begins on board the USS California, stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack, as players fight to survive the ensuing chaos. From that point on, Griffin will lead his troops through the jungles of Guadalcanal and journey to three other locales set within the Pacific Theater. Captain Dale Dye, USMC (ret.), who helped ensure authenticity in films such as Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, and Saving Private Ryan, once again lends his expertise to the development staff. |
 "Hideo Kojima's critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid 2 can now be enjoyed on Xbox, with the bonus of two new modes of play as well as other enhancements. The main game follows the story of Solid Snake as he infiltrates an oil tanker to find the whereabouts of a powerful weapons technology. A hallmark of the series is the use of stealth to avoid patrolling guards and to safely make it through areas without detection. Moves include diving somersaults, hanging from ledges, and using disguises as players immerse themselves in fully interactive areas where wet shoes leave behind footprints, puffs of smoke uncover laser beams, and bullets shatter glass. Harry Gregson-Williams, whose previous credits include Armageddon, The Rock, and Enemy of the State, composed the cinematic score that accompanies the action. One of the two new modes found in the Xbox version is Missions, which offers two distinct styles of play: VR and Alternative. The former follows a similar format to 1999's Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions on the original PlayStation. Players must complete over 350 missions in four different modes: Sneaking, where the object is to either reach an exit without being caught or to eliminate all enemies without detection; Weapon, which tests a player's skill with specific armaments; First-Person View, where the entire mission is played from the character's perspective; and Variety, which offers an assortment of objectives. Alternative Missions, which number over 150, also feature four different modes, including Bomb Disposal, Eliminate, Hold Up, and Photograph. Bomb Disposal has players deactivating a series of bombs before time expires, Eliminate involves taking out all enemies within the allotted time, Hold Up consists of holding up all enemies without arousing suspicion, and Photograph has players snapping specific pictures within the time limit. The second of the two new modes in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, Snake Tales, follows Solid Snake as he embarks on five standalone missions taking place within the environments found in Metal Gear Solid 2. Each of the missions is made more difficult by removing the radar display of patrolling guards, requiring players to navigate their surroundings by sight and sound alone. Other features in Substance include a Casting Theater, Boss Survival Mode, and a "European Extreme" difficulty setting previously available only in overseas versions. |
 "Konami's 2011 holiday-season presentation of the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection contains graphically enhanced remakes of three previously released games: the PS2's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and the PSP's Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The games run at 60 frames-per-second in 720p, and interfaces have been fine-tuned for Xbox 360 controllers, with features such as vibration feedback and right-stick formatting. Multiplayer modes from Peace Walker are available online through Xbox Live, along with co-op play. The masterpiece series of luminary designer Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid games are known for adventuresome stealth action in modern, military situations, for tightly woven narratives that project universal, philosophical themes, and for their enigmatic protagonist, the loner special operative Solid Snake. In Sons of Liberty, he infiltrates an ocean-bound tanker, hijacked by rogue soldiers. Snake Eater challenges the hero to survive terrorist threats a hostile wilderness. In Peace Walker, players command operatives in third-person action and real-time tactics missions. |
 "Metal Slug makes its Game Boy Advance debut as a five-level platform shooter with a number of new twists to the long-running series. While the basic premise is the same as in previous installments (players assume the role of an elite commando sent to wipe out a terrorist army), Metal Slug Advance features a special mode in which players must rescue hostages as well as a play mechanic that involves collecting more than 100 cards. Each card, when found, grants characters new abilities or weapons, such as a shotgun, sword, or hyper cannon. The game also includes a number of bonuses to be unlocked by achieving top performances in each branching mission. |
 "Metro 2033 is a first-person adventure of fast-paced shooter combat, with a strong narrative. Based on the same-titled sci-fi novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the game is set in the subway systems beneath Moscow, in the aftermath of World War III. Toxic atmosphere and mutant monstrosities have forced the world's few known human survivors underground, where each subway station has come to serve as a sort of sovereign city-state. Players take the role of Artyom, who was born before the apocalypse but has lived his entire life underground. The play of the game leads the hero to gain knowledge and gather equipment as he progresses through the story. He finds increasingly powerful guns and other special-use weapons in his travels, but ammunition is so valuable a commodity that it has come to serve as currency in the underground, dystopian realm. Eventually, with the use of a gas mask, Artyom may venture above ground to search for additional equipment, yet the greatest dangers may lie below, where the territorial and ideological rivalries of human nature continue to drive people into deadly competition, even in the wake of the destruction of the world by human warfare. His unique insight on a terrible truth forces Artyom from the relative safety of the underground station that has been the only home he has known, to deliver a fateful warning to the other survivors who are rumored to live throughout the vast, subterranean rail network. As he follows his mission to a far-distant subway station, Artyom encounters constant challenges to his combat skills and equipment, as well as to his fundamental belief in the inherent good of the human species and his convictions for its survival. |
 "Micro Machines V3 continues the whimsical toy racing series that has appeared on multiple platforms since 1991. Once again the action is viewed from an overhead perspective, only now with 3D modeled vehicles and tracks. A total of 32 Micro Machines, from tanks and boats to helicopters and cars, can compete on 48 courses held within such offbeat locales as a backyard, school desk, pool table, beach, science lab, and more. Power-ups like hammers or missiles can also be found on each course and used to hinder rivals. Single-player modes include Driving School, Head-to-Head, Challenge, Time Trial Challenge, and Time Trial Single Race. "Driving School" is a practice mode, "Head-to-Head" pits you against a computer opponent, and "Challenge" features a series of three-lap races against four computer opponents. Both "Time Trial" modes have you trying to break one or more speed records. Micro Machines V3 also features dedicated multiplayer modes supporting up to eight players on the same screen. (The latter requires a Multi-Tap with two people sharing each controller.) If a player lags behind the competition, he or she is automatically removed from the race. Multiplayer variants include Single Race, Tournament, Teams Mode, and Party Play. Key statistics for each mode are automatically tracked and saved to memory card. |
 "Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 featured cars that require different handling techniques for each course and also hovercraft and helicopters. There are different playing modes including "head-to-head", in which each player earns points by driving a full screen ahead of the opponent. The PC version featured a track editor. A selling point for the Sega Mega Drive versions was the J-Cart, a cartridge including two control ports, thus eliminating the need for a 4-player adaptor. It also included a 'pad-sharing' feature which allowed 2 players to share a single joypad; thus it enabled 8 players to compete simultaneously, on certain tracks. The 93% review in Mega described the game as "multi-player fun at its best". TV presenter Violet Berlin features as a playable driver. |
 "Microsoft's free-roaming racing series makes its Xbox debut with Midtown Madness 3. Developed by the team responsible for RalliSport Challenge, the game features two 3D cities, based on Paris and Washington D.C. Three modes of play are carried over from past versions of the series, including Blitz, Checkpoint, and Cruise. A total of 34 vehicles are available to drive, ranging from a Lotus Espirit Turbo and garbage truck to a 1967 Ford Mustang and ambulance. Each vehicle also receives damage with repeated collisions from traffic lights, street signs, and rival cars that can affect performance. Blitz is a timed race through either city, while Checkpoint involves passing through a series of gates -- in any order -- before the competition. Cruise lets players become familiar with the ins-and-outs of the two cities without worrying about goals or time limits, with adjustable options for time of day, season, weather, and either pedestrian or cop density. As in previous titles, the cities are brought to life with oncoming traffic and walking pedestrians. Neither city features a pre-defined track, so players must determine the quickest route on their own. The heart of the game is the Work Undercover mode, which offers a total of 54 missions. In Paris, players assume the role of an undercover detective who must protect fictional racecar driver Dieter Kleinmann. In Washington D.C., players become a private investigator hired by two demanding filmmakers: Stefano and Michael Tortellini. Each job offers three missions, with tasks that include escorts, deliveries, or chases before players can advance to the next job in the storyline. Midtown Madness 3 features eight-player System Link support, a two-player split-screen option, and online competition via Xbox Live. In addition to the Blitz and Cruise options, multiplayer game types include Capture the Gold, which involves grabbing the precious metal and delivering it to a drop-off point before rivals; Tag, an event where players try to avoid getting hit by opponents until time expires; Hunter, which pits one vehicle against the rest; and Stayaway, where players try to remain "it" for as long as possible. Also featured in the game are hidden paint jobs to customize each selected vehicle's look. |
 "Racing is the focus of Midway's third Arcade Treasures compilation, which features accurate emulations of eight fast-paced coin-op hits, spanning over a decade. Included are S.T.U.N. Runner (1989), Badlands (1989), Super Off Road & Bonus Track Pack (1989), Race Drivin' (1990), San Francisco Rush: The Rock -- Alcatraz Edition (1997), San Francisco Rush 2049 (1999), Hydro Thunder (1999), and Off Road Thunder: Mud, Sweat, N Gears (2000). |
 "The first-ever high-def first-person platform game, Mirror's Edge is an edgy, action-driven adventure starring Faith, a skyscraper daredevil whose specialty is flips, twists, and tumbles through a 3D obstacle course of rooftops, ledges, and wires. To say that Faith takes parkour to new heights would be an understatement. It's her job to be fast and elusive, and acrobatic escapes through the highest of futuristic high-rises are all in a day's work for her. Then again, sometimes it is better to take an opponent by surprise -- disarm him, or worse, with a quick kick or flurry of punches, before making an easy escape. The game is designed to pose Faith with multiple solutions to her puzzles and predicaments, and multiple paths to a quick demise as well. A key dynamic in this stream-of-motion play style is the "flow," which gives the player visual indications of possible routes, from rooftop to rooftop and beyond. Players devise on-the-spot strategies, to evade or attack enemies and to reach for goals that can change, literally, with every leap of Faith. Faith works as a Runner -- a sort of secret, rogue courier. The city is controlled by an all-knowing government that truly wants to know all, and so the ability for one person to get a private package through to another person without the authorities taking a peek inside is highly valuable. It is also highly dangerous, involving death-defying routes to run, and the constant threat of being discovered and chased down. When her sister is framed for an assassination, however, the city becomes a lot more dangerous for Faith. No longer is she running for the job -- she is running for her life. |
 "This package contains two previously released Game Boy Advance games based on Disney/Pixar films. Finding Nemo is set in the colorful undersea world around Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Players guide the clown fish Marlin as he searches for his missing son Nemo. The game is designed to recapture the spirit of the film and the personalities of its characters. Monsters, Inc. contains mini-games, puzzles, and more than 20 levels of Monstropolis to explore as players help Sulley return Boo safely to her home. Gameplay centers on finding the broken pieces of Boo's door, which was shredded by Randall, and evading detection by the Child Detection Agency throughout Monstropolis. |
 "The definitively violent Mortal Kombat fighting game series is re-invented on high-definition consoles in its ninth full production, a plainly titled release that both moves the supernatural combat action forward and returns it to its roots. Rendered in full 3D, the hand-to-hand battles play out strictly on a 2D plane, as in the original Mortal Kombat games for 16-bit consoles, emphasizing keenly timed blocks, counter-moves, and ranged attacks. More so than in any recent Mortal Kombat game, the fighting action is designed for true hardcore players, with each character presenting a deep system of special attacks to master and relative weaknesses to overcome. Each character can also execute a full-fledged fatality move, in classic MK form. Leaving aside the inter-dimensional diversions of the most recent Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, the game's unusually involving single-player story begins after the events of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, but then returns to the events of the first three games to revisit the series' original lore. Gaining a trans-temporal awareness, the enigmatic thunder-god Raiden is central to the plot, but gamers take the roles of several different combatants as they progress through the campaign. In all, over two-dozen characters are playable in this edition of Mortal Kombat, each uniquely modeled and individually animated. Multiplayer fighting is thoroughly supported, in both same-console and online options, with a selection of competitive and cooperative modes. |
 "Unclear as to what happened at the end of Mortal Kombat II? The answer is: more Kombat! Mortal Kombat 3 is the third gruesome installment of the game infuriating congressmen everywhere. After the Kombatants lost the second tournament in Outworld, alternate-dimensional home of baddie Shao Kahn and his sorcerer Shang Tsung, Kahn decided to take over the Earth like any steroid-poppin' supervillian would. Conquering the souls of all but a few select Earthlings, Kahn prepares warriors of his own to meet the likes of Liu Kang and Sub-Zero head on. You control 14 selectable fighters (and one hidden one) with the standard two-punch, two-kick, and block buttons, plus a new feature, the run button. MK3 also adds multi-hit combos and level-ascension (basically, you punch a guy through the ceiling and he ends up on another screen) to the MK mythos, rounding out a fine bloodbath for any Playstation owner. |
 "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe presents coin-op and comics fans alike with the chance to battle through never-before-seen fantasy grudge matches featuring the most powerful characters from Midway's notoriously brutal fighting series and DC Comics' expansive superhero universe. Although it's not the first fighting game to bring together characters from multiple fictional universes, many of the most recognizable DC heroes are playable in head-to-head bouts for the first time here. The roster of 22 playable characters includes Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Sonya, Raiden, and Kano from the Mortal Kombat games, with Batman, Superman, The Joker, Wonder Woman, and Darkseid from DC. Each character has a particular fighting technique, as well as a distinct, Mortal Kombat-style finishing move. The game's "Freefall Kombat" allows fighters to battle as they fall from one level of an arena to another, and the "Klose Kombat" mechanic handles up-close grappling. An expanded single-player campaign follows a storyline in part by comics writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. Unlike earlier Mortal Kombat console games, Vs. DC Universe receives a rollicking T for "Teen" rating from the ESRB. |
 "Designed to analyze their surroundings and react in a realistic manner, the artificial intelligence in MotorStorm can adjust their speed or team up with another driver to take you out if they feel threatened. Your opponents can also locate shortcuts and adjust their aggressiveness based on your actions. As an extreme racing enthusiast, you find yourself beginning at the MotorStorm Festival for a variety of off-road events including the Grizzly, Mud Pool, and the Rockhopper. You must enter and win races to earn tickets for previously locked activities. Competitions range from similar vehicle races to odd-man-out scenarios where your opponents have semi trucks and you must beat them on a motorcycle. Each off-road transport in the game reacts to the courses differently, creating a unique ride for all vehicles. Multiplayer action and voice chat is available for up to eight players. |
 "Sony's extreme off-road racing series continues with MotorStorm: Apocalypse. The highlight of this installment is its dynamically changing urban setting. Bridges, skyscrapers, subway tunnels, and other structures can crumble, crash, burn, twist, or collapse at any moment. Drive and customize your choice of supercar, muscle car, chopper, and superbike while engaging rival racers across an earthquake-ravaged metropolis. More than 40 races are included, each challenging you to survive machine gun fire, rocket attacks, and the destructible environment. Up to four players are supported via split-screen display, while up to 16 racers can compete online in custom-created game modes. MotorStorm: Apocalypse also includes 3D support for stereoscopic televisions. |
 "The system's first off-road racing title returns with a new tropical setting and 16 destructible tracks. The arcade-style racer once again challenges you to not only come in first, but to make it through the chaotic courses unscathed. ATVs, motorbikes, rally cars, trucks, buggies, and other rugged vehicles will compete on multi-route tracks that snake through jungles, mountains, and lagoons. Hostile opponents won't think twice about ramming your vehicle or sending you on an extended vacation off a steep cliff. As in the original MotorStorm, the courses will wear down in real time, as the competition digs into the ground or collides into objects with each new lap. Pacific Rift introduces split-screen racing for up to four players, and features online action for up to 20 racers. Network features include a matchmaking service, stat tracking, leaderboards, and support for downloadable content. |
 "THQ's best-selling racing series continues with MX vs. ATV Alive. Licensed vehicles under three MX and two ATV engine types are available for racing on ten courses. A new play mechanic called "bar-to-bar racing" is introduced in this version, which refers to the frequency of contact between riders for more intense competition. Other notable changes include improved terrain deformation, with riders altering the terrain in real time after every lap, as well as a revamped control scheme designed to bridge the gap between hardcore and rookie racers. AMA Supercross Champion James Stewart appears in multiple videos to show racing techniques and tips for correcting collisions, sticking landings, and more. In addition to Stewart, playable riders include Nick Wey, Alex Martin, Ian Trettel, and Tarah Geiger. New courses, vehicles, gear, and play modes can be purchased separately as part of the game's downloadable content service. |
 "A key feature introduced in the Reflex edition of Rainbow Studios' off-road series is independent control of the rider from the ride. The game's trick system allows players to make their character perform free form switches, extensions, and more, while the vehicle continues along its own trajectory. Under the new system, players can also control their riders to shift weight and momentum and pull their bike or four-wheeler back from the brink of a big spill, staying on track and out of the ditch. The control system is designed for intuitive movements, with high-flying hilltop stunts and balanced acceleration through corners and in valleys. The game's terrain effects allow the track to change during the race, as riders knock the dirt around, or even dig out a new path through the malleable earth. The vehicles themselves are deformable as well, with real-time damage in competitive events. Races are set in a variety of international locations, including tracks in the U.S. and Europe. The revamped game engine emphasizes the traction and handling on different surfaces such as mud, packed dirt, and snow. A variety of vehicles is available, including event-specific MX motorcycles, ATV four-wheelers, super-buggies, and specialized off-road racing trucks. The high-def graphics have been updated, for granular detail several times greater than in the polygonal rendering of previous MX vs. ATV games. Multiplayer modes are available for online-connected gamers, with new "Snake" and "Tag" modes, as well as the standard off-road racing set-ups. |
 "Gamers speed up nearly vertical mountains, vault over chasms, and plummet hundreds of feet to the racetrack below through 14 extreme off-road courses in Nail'd. The arcade-style action finds players climbing aboard a variety or quads and dirtbikes and then careening through fantastical landscapes at breakneck speeds. The Nail'd physics engine allows for full control of in-air vehicles, letting gamers shorten or lengthen their jumps and change their descent angles to shave precious seconds off of their lap times. Players can customize their vehicles with a variety of parts, components, and design schemes, and then head online to compete in 12-racer multiplayer action and global tournaments. |
 "In Naughty Bear, the Island of Perfection has a flaw that's about to become quite noticeable. The colorful, cheerful teddy bears populating the island have forgotten to invite one of their own. This sullen, tattered bear has been picked on, laughed at, and forgotten for the last time. Naughty Bear is going to get even with his teddy bear brethren in gruesome fashion. Armed with a machete and a need to maim, Naughty Bear will exact his brutal revenge on every island inhabitant. Played from a third-person perspective, Naughty Bear features an objective that involves causing as much mayhem as possible. Your goal is simply to do harm to your teddy bear rivals, earning "naughty points" for creative methods of killing, acts of intimidation, and more. Achieving high scores will unlock new areas of the island to explore. You'll also have to watch out for local law enforcement, nicknamed "the fuzz," as well as organized factions looking to end your murderous rampage. In addition to the single-player campaign, an assortment of game types are available for multiplayer action. |
 "The NBA 2K series makes its second appearance on Xbox with further refinements to the visuals, sound, and controls. The right analog "shot stick" introduced in NBA 2K6 returns for this installment, with players able to directly control specific shot types as well as steals, blocks, and more without having to press a button. The same flexibility is offered in the passing game, where players can choose to perform bounce passes or lobs. A more dynamic presentation with television-style camera angles is also an area of focus. Yet the biggest change involves instilling a sense of personality into the league's biggest stars, embodied by new signature-style animations and player-specific moves. The VIP system that monitors a user's playing tendencies and performance returns, as does Xbox Live support for each of the main game modes. A revamped streetball game and tweaks to the franchise mode, dubbed the "Association," round out the list of improvements to the heralded hardwood simulation. |
 "This sequel to the popular NBA Jam doubles the number of NBA players and secret characters, so you can now make substitutions after every quarter. Nine new earth shattering dunks have been added to the lineup and a battery will save your records, ranking and winning percentage against the 27 featured NBA teams. Perhaps the biggest additions are the Hot Spots option, which places random circles on the court with different point values, and Power-Up Icons, which will temporarily affect a player's abilities. Otherwise, it's the same two-on-two dunk fest as the original. For those unfamiliar with NBA Jam, the action is played from a horizontal view of the court as you control one player on offense. The object is to score as many points as you can while trying to prevent the other team from doing the same. Controls on offense consist of a passing, shooting and turbo button, while defense replaces the shooting button with a jump. By pressing the turbo button, players can not only move faster, but perform special moves such as acrobatic dunks or gravity defying jumps. Grab up to three friends and everyone can play at the same time with an adapter! |
 "Need for Speed: Carbon is ready to take you to the heart of underground racing. Set in a bustling east coast city, you begin the story by picking a tag and colors to use for identifying fellow gang members and territory. Picking your crew is important, and throughout the game you will have the opportunity to recruit 17 different characters. Group members come in three different classes -- brawler, assassin, and drafters -- and each of them have their own unique skill. Finally, your last task is to decide which of the 29 exotic, American muscle, or tuner cars you want to make your own. The story takes you through 14 territories of such racing events as circuits, sprints, and lap knockouts against rival gangs. As you begin winning races, you earn territory within the city. Start losing races, and the territory is given back to the rival crew. To completely take over another group's turf, you must defeat their boss in a race. If you don't have time for the long version, you may jump into "Quickplay" or "Multiplayer" mode. Four person circuit races are available through an Ad-hoc connection. Need for Speed: Carbon includes personalization options that let you customize the color and overall look of your menu system, and a way to load MP3s into the game. |
 "The long-running Need for Speed series races into new territory with this cross-platform, cross-generational release. Most Wanted is built upon many of the fan favorite features and modes from previous games in the series, including a forgiving yet credible physics engine, vehicles of real-life makes and models, and state-of-the-art graphics. As the previous Need for Speed: Underground, much of the game is styled around the illicit street racing scene, and as in earlier games such as Need for Speed III and Hot Pursuit 2, many of the Most Wanted's challenges involve not only getting from one place to another in the fastest time, but avoiding ambitious law enforcement officers (in souped-up vehicles of their own) all along the way. |
 "The long-running Need for Speed series races into new territory with this cross-platform, cross-generational release. Most Wanted is built upon many of the fan-favorite features and modes from previous games in the series, including a forgiving yet credible physics engine, vehicles of real-life makes and models, and state-of-the-art graphics. As with the previous Need for Speed: Underground, much of the game is styled around the illicit street racing scene, and as in earlier games such as Need for Speed III and Hot Pursuit 2, many of the Most Wanted's challenges involve not only getting from one place to another in the fastest time, but avoiding ambitious law enforcement officers (in souped-up vehicles of their own) all along the way. |
 "The Need for Speed series makes a significant departure from previous entries with "The Run," which has players on a high-speed race across the country. Your goal is to make it from San Francisco to New York City as quickly as possible while trying to outmaneuver those pursuing you -- from law enforcement to the mob -- and outwitting your competition. Each destination is broken down into a series of time-sensitive stages that has you completing specific objectives before you can advance. You'll need to swerve to avoid spotlights and bullet fire from a pursuing helicopter, for example, or make it out of a city before time expires. For the first time in the series, you'll engage in on-foot sequences as well as driving missions. Your car will periodically crash during the course of your travels, at which point you'll have to continue on foot. Rather than directly control your character, you'll instead rely on scripted quick-time events to dodge bullets, leap across rooftops, engage in hand-to-hand combat, and more. Successfully tap the right button at the precise time to continue the action. |
 "The 2008 release in Electronic Arts' high-mileage road-racing series, Need for Speed: Undercover is built on a revamped game engine with a dual focus: realistic sports car physics and accessible, empowering controls. Hundreds of components and systems are individually modeled on each automobile, for realistic acceleration, suspension, weight displacement, and handling, in any car and under any circumstance. The game features dozens of automobiles from the world's leading manufacturers, as well as real-life aftermarket parts, paint, vinyl, and other customizations. The "Heroic Driving Engine" introduced in Need for Speed: Undercover aims to harness the game's realistic physics by condensing difficult, dangerous driving maneuvers into simple, button-press controls. Players perform 180s, 360s, burnouts, and instant reversals with the tap of a few buttons, and a fixed camera angle makes it easier to follow the action through spins and quick turns. It does not take stunt driver skills to drive like a stunt driver in Need for Speed. It still requires a stunt driver's spirit, however, with imaginative routes and daring maneuvers well rewarded, and a complete wipeout always one wrong turn away. Undercover's single-player campaign is driven by a story that sends the player's character deep into an underground crime syndicate, using his driving skills to gain trust by performing jobs and wining street races around Tri-City Bay, the game's fictional, open-world setting. Much of the driving action takes place across wide, southern U.S. highways. The roads can fill up with randomly generated traffic and multiple, computer-controlled cop cars that work together to chase down crooks. Other game modes allow players to take the role of the fleeing suspect or the pursuing police in one-off levels and challenges. As many as eight players can go Undercover together online. |
 "They may be geezers of gaming history, but the New Super Mario Bros. edition for the Nintendo DS shows Mario and Luigi are still in prime shell-stomping form. Play through eight worlds of volcanoes, islands, mountains, and pipes. Using wireless technology two players may play cooperatively, or go head to head in Mario vs. Luigi mode. Mini-games allow up to four players to compete against each other. New power-ups include the pump-up mushroom, and new moves include sliding into enemies using shells. Watch out for the 3D versions of Goombas, Piranha Plants, and Cheep Cheeps. |
 "Nintendo's signature series returns to its side-scrolling roots with new levels, new power-ups, and a host of multiplayer modes in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Players choose to guide Mario, Luigi, or two versions of Toad through a variety of colorful worlds on another quest to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. As always, the game worlds are filled with pitfalls and enemies, but players can fight back thanks to the new ice flower, which allows them to hurl snowballs, the new propeller mushroom, which lets gamers float through the air, and the new penguin suit, which provides surer footing in icy environments. The game makes use of a classic Super Mario Bros. control scheme, though propeller-suit actions and the spin jump incorporate the Wii Remote's motion sensitivity. Multiplayer action comes in both competitive and cooperative forms, letting up to four gamers interact with the environment and one another in a variety of helpful or hurtful ways. |
 "The third installment of Take Two's NHL 2K series on Xbox 360 features completely remodeled player graphics, updated faces, and even new player-specific equipment -- all part of the developer's effort to showcase "next-gen" visuals. While the presentation is the most obvious change in NHL 2K8, a number of other enhancements are included. The goaltending AI of previous games has been scrapped in favor of a new system that incorporates more dynamic, situation-specific behaviors instead of predictable, pre-defined routines. The animations have changed accordingly, as goalies now guard the post, perform dramatic butterfly saves, leave the crease to challenge puck handlers, and more. Other significant features include a revamped control scheme built around the right analog stick, a different face-off system, and a franchise mode with added layers of depth. Waivers, two-way contracts, salary caps, holdouts, free agents, a player progression system, and an improved off-season are just a few of the details would-be GMs must deal with. All other game modes from previous titles are available in NHL 2K8, from the option to create custom athletes to competing online via Xbox Live. Online players have a special incentive to show off their hockey skills: by entering the official Dodge-sponsored NHL 2K8 tournament, players can win a new car. |
 "Strong, silent Ryu Hayabusa sharpens his sword for another acrobatic adventure through deadly environments in this exclusive sequel on Xbox 360. The action once again takes place from a third-person perspective set behind the nimble ninja, with highly cinematic showdowns taking place amidst exotic locales. Acclaimed designer Tomonobu Itagaki has altered the original title's fast-paced combat system to incorporate new weapons, attacks, and special finishing moves called "obliteration techniques." In an attempt to appease those who thought the original game was too challenging, the developers have included an automatic health regeneration system and a choice of four difficulty levels, ranging from "acolyte" to "master ninja." The all-new story mode follows Ryu in his trek from Tokyo to New York to a demon-populated netherworld. While the game is still strictly a single-player experience, Xbox Live subscribers will be able to record, modify, and post film clips of their most manic maneuvers for the online world to enjoy. |
 "Master ninja Ryu Hayabusa somersaults and springs onto PlayStation 3 in this enhanced remake of 2004's Ninja Gaiden on Xbox and its remixed successor, Ninja Gaiden Black. For its PS3 debut, the game has undergone a visual makeover with a higher polygon count, refined textures, new animations, and retooled special effects such as improved lighting and shadows. Hyabusa can also wield twin katanas for the first time, offering a new twist to the fast-paced, blood-soaked, athletic action. Perhaps the most intriguing addition for Gaiden veterans is the addition of a new playable character in Rachel, who was previously seen in cut-scenes from the Xbox original. The suggestively costumed Rachel swings a heavy war hammer and features different moves than Hyabusa, giving players a new way to approach combat during the specific stages in which she's available. Play options include a cinematic story mode divided into chapters and a mission mode featuring specific action-packed scenarios. The motion-sensing functionality of the Sixaxis controller is supported and lets players shake the controller to activate certain special moves. The karma rating system introduced in 2005's Ninja Gaiden Black is also available in Sigma, rewarding those who finish off enemies in style with a skill ranking at the end of each chapter. |
 "Travis Touchdown is the name, slicing and dicing is his game. No More Heroes is a stylishly violent combat game in the sardonic spirit of films like Kill Bill. Players must take out ten rival killers, with names like Death Metal, Dr. Peace, and Destroyman, and their hellish henchmen before they "intercept" Touchdown. While Touchdown's primary attack is an upgradeable beam katana blade, he is also schooled in grapple moves made popular by professional wrestling. In between assassination attempts, players can relax in Touchdown's interactive motel room (where he can play with his cat, watch wrestling videos, or save progress by sitting on the toilet). Players can also work a number of side jobs to earn extra spending money. Mowing lawns, collecting coconuts, and other offbeat occupations are available as mini-games, each taking advantage of the system's motion-sensing controls. The action takes place within the fictitious city of Santa Destroy, home to a video store, baseball stadium, burger joint, gym, pizza parlor, and other hangouts. Players will travel from target to target on a massive motorcycle that can perform wheelies, jumps, and pavement-scorching turbo boosts. Directed by Goichi Suda, best known for Killer7 on GameCube and Contact on DS, the M-rated No More Heroes features a distinctive cel-shaded visual style. |
 "Taking a more realistic approach to military combat than many of its contemporaries, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is set on the fictitious Russian island of Skira, a target of acquisition by the Chinese PLA. Your mission, as a soldier in the U.S. Marine Corps, is to forcefully address the situation before full-scale war erupts between the two countries. How you achieve your objectives is up to you, with the game allowing you the freedom to decide on the best course of action in a wide-open world. Employ real-life military strategies, issuing commands to flank, assault, and suppress, while guiding your squad into buildings, adjusting formations, and reacting to an enemy that will alter its tactics in real time. You can also commandeer tanks, jeeps, attack helicopters, and many other vehicles to complete mission goals. Up to eight players can battle each other online in various team-oriented multiplayer modes. |
 "Famed AM2 designer Yu Suzuki's 1986 arcade breakthrough is updated for a new generation in OutRun2. Once again, players hop behind the wheel of a souped-up Ferrari and head for the horizon, as fast as they can handle it (and often, maybe a little too fast). Like the original, this sequel features numerous environments -- deserts, snowy mountains, tropical forests, foggy hills -- which change as players race from one international location to the next. Eight different Ferrari models are available in OutRun2: The Enzo, Dino 246 GTS, 365 GTS/4 Daytona, Testarossa, 360 Spider, 288 GTO, F40, and F50. The game is playable over the Xbox Live service, where racers can also upload and download "ghosts" of best runs, to see how they stack up against real-life competitors. The in-game radio was another important feature of the arcade game, and Outrun2 features remixes of original tunes like "Magical Sound Shower" and "Passing Breeze." |
 "Released in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the hugely influential Nintendo Entertainment System console (which first appeared in Japan as the Famicom, in 1984), the "Classic NES Series" of Game Boy Advance cartridges present accurate versions of original NES games, for play on the handheld. In Pac-Man, players guide a yellow, pie-shaped creature around a single-screen maze, munching dots while avoiding four roaming ghosts. Four energizer dots are on the board; one in each corner. Eating one of these special dots will temporarily empower Pac-Man to turn the tables on the ghosts. Each time all the dots in a maze are eaten, play resumes with a fresh screen. |
 "Fourteen years after it became an arcade hit, Paperboy makes its way to Game Boy Color, minus the handlebars and shrunk down several size factors. In Paperboy, you control a bicycle-riding paperboy whose weapon of choice is a rolled up newspaper. Your turf is a street filled with dangerous obstacles like fire hydrants, cats, cars and kids on tricycles. Your job is to avoid these nuisances and deliver newspapers to all subscribers while breaking the windows of non-subscribers. Points are earned for each paper delivered (accuracy counts), damaging non-subscribers' houses and hitting bystanders. There is also a bonus training course at the end of each street which can earn you extra points. Each level consists of one day on your route. At the end of each day, some houses will cancel their subscriptions and others will subscribe depending on your performance. Paperboy contains three levels of difficulty: Easy Street, Middle Road and Hard Way. |
 "This futuristic first-person shooter from the makers of Unreal Tournament puts players in the role of a down-and-out medical researcher named Jack Mason, whose spacecraft has crash-landed. He survives the crash, along with his only remaining patient, an incarcerated test subject called "Katrina J." who was exposed to an experimental drug that killed all her male counterparts. The two find themselves far from civilization, alone on the surface of one of the most notorious prison planets known to humankind: Earth. Luckily, the two unlikely heroes have access to an arsenal of sci-fi weaponry, which can be equipped with custom upgrades. "Energy cores" can be found throughout the game world, and used to add more power and new abilities to weapons and other equipment, as the player sees fit. Mason and his "prisoner" will also commandeer vehicles to help them move around the overgrown wilderness of the planet's surface. Although designed to offer lots of run-and-gun shooter action, the game's levels include vehicle-based and adventure-puzzle challenges as well. Along with the full-fledged single-player campaign, Pariah also offers a number of multiplayer modes and options. Traditional match types such as "Capture the Flag," "Deathmatch," and "Team Deathmatch" are available, along with a "Front Line Assault" mode, and the game comes with integrated editing tools that allow players to design and share their own maps. |
 "Joanna Dark, that Rare heroine who raised the bar for console shooters with her near-perfect 2000 debut on Nintendo 64, returns to her past with new purpose (and on a new platform), in this 2005 launch title for the Xbox 360. As the title implies, this game is a prequel to the N64 game, set before the original's twisted story of corporate conspiracy. Gamers are challenged to guide Joanna through training as a rookie operative, and help her earn the "perfect" test scores that inspired her ominous nickname. The earlier setting should not imply that all has been said and done, however; while the game's storyline may answer old questions about Joanna and her background, it also poses plenty of new questions of its own. In addition to its story-driven single-player mode, as Xbox aficionados and fans of the series might expect, Perfect Dark Zero features a variety of cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, including split-screen shooting for up to four, and online action through the Xbox Live subscription service, capable of hosting more than 50 human players in a single map. |
 "PGA Tour 96 represents a significant departure from previous games in Electronic Arts's popular Genesis golf series. The links are now modeled in 3D, allowing for visible slopes and varied terrain instead of the straight, flat courses in earlier titles. A new swing meter replaces the tried-and-true horizontal bar, appearing as a blue arc just behind your digitized golfer. Once you press the button to begin the shot, a line will move up along the arc simulating the natural motion of a backswing: hit the button again to determine power and once more for accuracy. If you don't time the swing correctly, you'll either hook or slice the ball depending on where the line falls on the arc. The three authentic courses include the TPC at River Highlands, TPC at Sawgrass and Spyglass Hill GC. Players can create their own golfers or elect to play as or against one of ten different PGA Tour pros (with statistics based on the 1994 season): Brad Faxon, Fuzzy Zoeller, Craig Stadler, Jeff Sluman, Mark O'Meara, Davis Love III, Bruce Lietzke, Tom Kite, Lee Janzen and Peter Jacobsen. The five play modes consist of Tournament (against 56 additional roster players), Match Play, Skins, EA Shoot-Out and Practice. Those who would rather get a feel for the swing meter can also "visit" a Driving Range or Putting Green to work out the kinks. Rounding out the package is battery backup to record statistics (both individual and course), tournament progress and created golfers. |
 "Publisher Valve's sleeper hit of 2007 returns with a new single-player story mode, two-player cooperative action, and new physics-based challenges to overcome. As in the original game, Portal 2 involves figuring out a way through a series of rooms within Aperture Science Labs, a futuristic facility that exists within the Half-Life universe. You'll fire a portal gun to create openings and exits within each area, allowing you to traverse the environment and manipulate objects in unusual ways. The GLaDOS computer once again serves as your droll guide through the game, as you navigate the hazard-filled test chambers and encounter new characters along the way. The cooperative mode is notable for featuring a distinct campaign, separate playable characters, completely different test chambers, and reworked puzzles that rely on teamwork. |
 "In Prey, players take the role of a disgruntled indigenous native named Tommy, searching the ship for a way out while blasting slimy space monsters and other vile creatures. Based on Cherokee mythology, the game centers on Tommy, his spiritual powers gained from an unknown birthright, and the nifty things he can do with them such as the "Spirit Walk" and "Death Walk." Portal technology used in the game allow enemies to appear out of nowhere, while Tommy's spiritual awakening will have him walking on walls and leaving his body by doing the "Spirit Walk." The living ship will attack Tommy any chance it gets, but a friendly guide in the form of a hawk can help guide him through the ship and decipher the alien language when needed. The Xbox 360 version of the game takes full advantage of Xbox Live, and up to eight players may defy gravity, blast aliens, and "Death Walk" together. |
 "It is a time of war and great darkness. The Sultan has gone off to lead his troops in a foreign war. Meanwhile the Grand Vizier Jaffar has taken control of Persia in the Sultan's absence. Throughout the land, the people hide in terror and ache for better days. Days when the wise and good Sultan ruled. Then a young prince arrives from a far away land. He has no knowledge of the evil that is taking place. All he knows is that he has won the heart of the Princess, unwittingly making a enemy of the power mad Jaffar. On his orders, the young prince is arrested, stripped of all his possessions and thrown into the deepest, darkest part of the Sultan's dungeon. The poor Princess is given an ultimatum and one hour to decide: marry Jaffar or die. Her decision really doesn't matter. Either way, Jaffar gets the throne and the people will be treated to even more hardships. Worse still, true love will be denied because the man who would be Prince of Persia will die too. In Prince of Persia by Redorb Entertainment you are the captured Prince. You have exactly one hour to get out of the dungeon and to the top of the tower to save the Princess. Along the way you will need to find your sword and collect different types of potions. Just be careful, not all potions are helpful. You'll need all your wits because you will face many challenges ahead. You must solve puzzles, evade traps, scale the walls and duel with the palace guards, all in under five minutes in order to beat the one hour time limit. Be careful, not everything is what it appears to be. Not only are you Persia's only hope, you are the Princess's as well. Stop the evil Jaffar and restore joy to the kingdom, if you can. |
 "This compilation from Ubisoft offers PS3 gameers a chance to try out remastered HD versions of three classic adventures from the long-running Prince of Persia series. Players can take on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, and Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones. |
 "In Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, Konami's critically acclaimed soccer series maintains its focus on a smooth, realistic simulation of the sport. Exclusive to the series this year is a Union of European Football Associations Champions mode of play, featuring a top-tier selection of real-life players, teams, and stadiums that participate in UEFA league play. Over 20 National teams and 40 Club teams are available for play under this license, in venues such as Stockholm Arena, Camp Nou, and Wembley Stadium. PES 2009 boasts a number of presentational improvements over the previous year's game, using a new engine for sharper graphics and smoother animations, at higher resolutions and from additional camera angles. Computer-controlled teammates and opponents are designed to constantly strive for the best position on the field, through an enhanced "Teamvision" system. As in earlier Winning Eleven and Pro Evolution games, teams and players may be edited, and a USB camera can be used to import custom player face and team logo graphics. |
 "Konami's best-selling soccer series returns with updated features designed around consumer feedback. The analog controls now allow for full 360° movement, the AI for both referees and goalkeepers has been adjusted, and there are more feints and special moves available on the pitch. Over 300 moves have been added in total, with new animations for dribbling, turning, and kicking. Other refinements include more expressive player faces, dynamic lighting, enhanced stadium details, and new crowd chants and cheers. The franchise-style Master League mode adds depth with new fiscal responsibilities, corporate sponsorships, and youth team coaching. Online play is once again supported with a two-on-two option as well as an assortment of new competitions to enter. |
 "Konami's "Winning" soccer series makes its 2012 return to the pitch, with play enhancements that give gamers more direct control of the ball and improvements to the artificial intelligence that controls teammates and opponents. "Off the Ball Control" allows gamers to move a cursor to quickly highlight and select any team player at any time. The game's "Pass Support" is adjustable through five settings, providing computer-assisted passes or allowing complete player control of a kick's direction and velocity. New interactions and animations and highlight the bumps and jostles as opposing players race down the field, battling for the ball. Teammates anticipate passes, accounting for movement down the field, and referees are designed to be more sensitive to the flow of the game. Following earlier games in the series, Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 includes the teams, tournaments, and athletes of the Union of European Football Associations, and features the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League competitions. |
 "Project Gotham Racing makes its second appearance on Xbox 360 with several key additions, from a dynamically changing weather system to the option of racing motorcycles alongside the iconic sports cars. The predecessor's five cities have been updated with new visual effects and enhancements, including red-and-white "rumble strips" to more easily identify approaching turns, and drivers can now tear up the streets in four international locales: Macau, St. Petersburg, Shanghai, and Quebec. A tenth venue, the fictitious Michelin Test Track, is patterned after traditional NASCAR courses for special invitational events in the single-player career mode. The kudos system of earning points for flashy moves returns, but now players will receive star ratings for combos and computer AI drivers will more aggressively compete for kudos. The career mode is more fleshed out and personalized compared to previous versions, with loyal fans following your driver to each event, wearing clothing with your logo or waving your home country's flag, and with a television-style atmosphere complete with camera crews and running commentary. The licensed vehicle list has expanded to 120 models, including such classics as a Corvette Sting Ray, a Maserati 250F, a Toyota Supra Turbo, and a DeLorean DMC-12. In addition to the career mode (which spans 200 races and includes new garages for storing vehicles), users can participate in 70 arcade-style events or compete in eight-player online races via Xbox Live. New event types include "survivor" and "superstar," with the latter testing a player's skill in completing tricks within time limits. A new "Team Play" online mode has four friends creating a racing team and working together to take out other top-ranked teams. The Gotham TV option introduced in PGR 3 also returns with an "on demand" feature that not only lets users share photos and streaming video, but also search for specific footage or players by keyword. |
 "Prototype is an open-ended action-adventure game that puts players in the role of a smart young scientist named Alex Mercer -- in a sense, the title role. Alex has been infected with a virus that gives him amazing powers of genetic manipulation, allowing him to alter his physical form. By adjusting his biomass at will, he can leap and safely fall from great heights. He can detect smoke-screened enemies or other infected beings with enhanced vision. He can transform his arms into cutting blades or heavy sledgehammers. He also can take the shape, and even the memories, of opponents he defeats and "consumes." Alex once worked for an innovative and influential genetics research firm, but his memories have been taken from him. He is now alone, in an evacuated New York City. To survive, he must hunt. What Alex hunts is left largely to the player. Is the true enemy Blackwatch, the Army's special force dedicated to eliminating the virus in every form, including Alex? Or is the ultimate threat the virus itself, which threatens to consume all life on the planet, including humankind? The adventure uses non-linear mission structures and an expansive, open sandbox setting to push players to their own answers. Alex gets around by leap and bounds, and he can make parkour-style runs up the sides of buildings. In combat, his ability to shift his physical structure puts deadly melee weapons and bulletproof shields at his immediate disposal. Often, even greater damage is done through subterfuge, as the ability to assume another's persona allows for deep and deadly infiltration. |
 "Psychonauts is a 3D platform game starring a gifted young psychic named Raz as he attends school to become a member of a top-secret intelligence organization. As part of his academic "studies," Raz must enter classmates' minds to solve their problems, ranging from childhood trauma to borderline personality disorders. Accomplishing these feats involves using the character's unusual talents to manipulate the strange worlds created by the subject's mind. Raz literally walks through an individual's fears, delusions, and rage to solve various object-oriented puzzles and to eliminate potential threats. The human brain guards itself against foreigners poking around the subconscious and will manufacture enemies and barriers to stop Raz before he can resolve whatever psychological ailment is plaguing the host. Among the special powers Raz can call upon are invisibility, confusion, mind control, psychic blasts, and telekinesis. |
 "Pure is an off-road racing title featuring ATVs and fast-paced, arcade-style action. The object isn't merely to cross the finish line before your 15 opponents, but to perform a variety of flashy stunts while hurtling down mountains, leaping off cliffs, and motoring across rugged terrain. A three-tier trick system (basic, advanced, and pro) is initiated simply by tapping one of the controller's face buttons, with the analog stick used to modify or tweak each acrobatic feat. As with titles in the SSX series, performing tricks in Pure fills a boost meter that lets you travel at high speeds in short bursts or in one extended stretch. Multiple characters are available to race in a choice of real-world locales, including Ocotillo Wells, Lake Garda, Sandy Mountain, and Timber Falls. Up to 16 players can compete online in an assortment of competitive challenges. |
 "The forces of Earth take the offensive in Quake IV, in an effort to eliminate the Strogg menace at its source, once and for all. The fourth edition of id's popular first-person shooter returns to its roots, to offer single-players an extensive adventure in the role of a soldier named Matthew Kane. Ultimately, Kane may be called upon to sacrifice a bit of his humanness, for the sake of humanity's ultimate victory. While boasting substantial graphical and audio improvements as well, significant refinements to the A.I., the single-player portion of Quake IV holds true to the originals, and the story picks up where Quake II left off. The Xbox Live multiplayer modes of Quake IV should feel much more reminiscent of Quake III, with their large weapon selection, diverse battle arenas, and intense, kill-or-be-killed gunplay. |
 "Rage is a first-person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. You'll battle an assortment of mutants, creatures, and gang members with a mix of conventional and unconventional weapons, from pistols and shotguns to crossbows with electric arrows and an edged boomerang called the "wingstick." Also featured in the game are armored dune buggies and ATVs, allowing players to more easily traverse the deadly environments, engage in car combat, and enter optional races to earn money and increase their fame. The world in Rage features two main cities, large expanses of hostile terrain, and several adjacent outposts. In addition to the single-player campaign, which spans an estimated 15 hours in length, Rage features two multiplayer game types. In "Rage Combat Rally," you'll use the game's vehicles to shoot down rivals, cross checkpoints, and more. "Legends of the Wasteland" is a two-player co-op mode featuring eight scenarios set in different areas from the solo campaign. The Rage: Anarchy Edition offers access to an exclusive double-barreled shotgun, the "Fists of Rage," the "Rat Rod Buggy," and the "Crimson Elite" armor. |
 "Sony's gadget-wielding duo return with new weapons, new abilities, and a revealing conclusion to the "Future" storyline in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Set after the events of the downloadable title Quest for Booty, A Crack in Time finds the dynamic Lombax Ratchet and his robot friend Clank battling to prevent the aptly named Dr. Nefarious from altering space and time. Levels are designed to allow open exploration, with new space gameplay letting gamers blast their way around various star systems, while Ratchet's new Hoverboots and Clank's Chronoscepter give players new ways to solve puzzles and navigate levels. As always, the pair make use of the finest weapons and accessories, including such familiar armaments as the Negotiator and Buzz Blades, as well as new tools of destruction like the Cryo-Bomb Glove, the Plasma Striker, and the Spiral of Death. And those looking for a degree of customization can collect Constructo mods throughout the game to design their very own high-powered weapons. |
 "To save a schoolgirl named Luna in Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, single-players must take control of two characters and adventure through numerous environments in the "Story" mode. Assisting gamers through the game is a variety of gadgets, weapons, and armor. Gadgets include the Sprout-O-Matic and the Swingshot, while enemies are destroyed using such weapons as the Bee Mine glove and the Acid Bomb. Gamers can equip and swap armor to create different upgrades and effects. For example, equipping full sets of matching armor can envelope Ratchet's wrench or spread freezing crystals. In the multiplayer arena, gamers can play through both Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure connections, and there are several modes and hidden areas that feature multiplayer weapon upgrades. Players can go head-to-head in "Deathmatch" or cooperate in "Team Deathmatch" and "Capture the Flag." Additionally, a mode called "Iron Lombax" requires gamers to team up and complete objectives that include turning Martian cows into fast food. Players may accomplish this task by collecting the burger bound bovines honestly or by stealing them from your opponents. |
 "Sony's best-selling Ratchet & Clank series makes its PS3 debut with a return to the play mechanics and sly humor introduced in the 2001 original. Incorporating both shooting and platform jumping segments, Tools of Destruction finds Ratchet on a personal mission to stop a Lombax-loathing emperor from destroying his species. Droll sidekick Clank accompanies his feline-like friend on an action-packed trek across the cosmos. The duo will visit and explore new 3D worlds, from a prehistoric land inhabited by towering dinosaurs to a swamp-like world crawling with insects. To bring the planets to life, developer Insomniac Games created an enhanced version of the graphics engine used in Resistance: Fall of Man, the company's first PS3 game. Once again a number of inventive weapons and gadgets are available to defeat the comical creatures populating each planet. The Transmorpher temporarily changes enemies into waddling penguins with a keen fashion sense, while the Groovatron forces foes to get down and get funky. Jiggling gelatin cubes are generated with the Gelanator, which Ratchet can use to reach higher areas. Several cinematic events are woven into the action for diversity, from grinding atop twisting rails to engaging in space combat while traveling across fixed paths. Along the way players will encounter several new characters that shed light on both Ratchet and Clank's pasts. The motion-sensing Sixaxis controller is even put to use in selected areas, including weapons, moves, and puzzles. The Tornado Launcher, for example, fires a twister that can be "steered" toward a target by tilting the controller, allowing Ratchet to move independently with the analog stick. Players must also tilt to avoid objects while freefalling, to manipulate circuit panels, and to even fly with Clank's robo-wings -- one of several new abilities the little robot acquires as he progresses. While Tools of Destruction does not feature a multiplayer mode, solo players are encouraged to revisit areas to unlock bonus content and other surprises. |
 "Ubisofts limbless mascot returns for his most unusual adventure yet, one that involves saving the world from a wacky warren of demonic bunnies. Using the Wii Remote, players will control a revamped Rayman who wears outlandish outfits from different eras, including a purple afro and 70s-style threads, to further enhance his powers. The character is joined by a number of creature comrades, many of which can be ridden to help traverse treacherous areas or to combat the rabbit regime. Player can hitch rides atop spiders, sharks, and other animals while exploring an assortment of colorful, free-roaming environments. Raymans creator, Michel Ancel, reprises his role as lead designer for this offbeat installment in the successful platform game series. |
 "Shortly after making its debut on the Dreamcast, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing hit the PlayStation. You control or fight against Afro Thunder, a big-haired boxer with flair to spare; Salua, a former Sumo wrestler with a big appetite; or one of 14 other boxers. Each contestant has a number of standard and unique boxing moves along with a special signature move, such as a Bow & Arrow, a Cruise Missile, or a Triple Upper. Standard moves include body shots, high and low punches, swaying, ducking, dodging, hooks, uppercuts, and overheads. Also, boxers can taunt other boxers. Your main goal in the Championship mode of play is to train three boxers to become champions. Training involves speed bag and heavy bag workouts, weight lifting, Rumble aerobics training, and other strenuous forms of boxing exercise. You will fight for money in order to build a gym and purchase better training equipment, bet on your fighter to increase the stakes, and enter Title Fights to move up in the rankings. Also, Exhibition Fights can be fought between your saved fighter and another gamer's saved boxer. You can even trade your saved fighters! In the Arcade mode of play, you can play the game by yourself or against a friend. When playing alone, you duke it out with computer-controlled boxers in an attempt to progress up the ranks of Bronze, Silver, and Gold. In either mode of play, boxers can perform a "Rumble Flurry." Letters are awarded to a fighter when he or she has inflicted a certain amount of damage on his or her opponent. When "Rumble" is spelled out and the player hits L1 and R1 simultaneously, the Rumble Mode kicks into gear. Michael Buffer gets the action in Ready 2 Rumble Boxing underway with his famous "LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!" battle cry. Each match is viewed from a number of adjustable camera angles: normal, rotate about players, ringside view, rotate about ring, first-person player 1, and first-person player 2. |
 "Red Dead Redemption is an open-world adventure game, set in the Wild West at the beginning of the 20th century. A well-defined main character and a strong narrative provide the structure for mission-based progression through the adventure, but the sandbox-style game world allows players to explore and interact as they wish, moving from town to town through the harsh wilderness on horseback, by stagecoach, or on a train. Throughout their travels, players can hunt and skin wild animals, gamble, capture bounties, engage in duels, search for treasure, and help those in need. The game is built on the same Rockstar software engine that runs Grand Theft Auto IV, and the user-directed action-adventure playing style is similar to that of GTA4 as well, although the setting is very different. More of a successor than a direct sequel to 2004's Red Dead Revolver, Redemption puts players in control of a former outlaw looking to make good. John Marston is on a mission to bring an old ally to justice, and perhaps to bring a little law and order to the outposts and boomtowns he passes through along the way. Marston once rode with a gang of outlaws who robbed trains, held folks for ransom, and killed nearly anyone who got in their way, to take whatever they wanted. Now, as part of a bargain to protect his own family back home, he must use his violent skill set to apprehend or gun down a former partner called Bill Williamson -- a bandit at least as ruthless and deadly as Marston ever was. |
 "Red Faction: Guerrilla is a shooter that eschews its series predecessors' confined paths and first-person view in favor of a third-person perspective set in a vast open-world landscape. One thing the series hasn't changed, however, is its revolutionary tone. The original Red Faction found gamers rebelling against a corrupt Martian mining corporation, Red Faction II saw players back on Earth taking down a totalitarian regime, and Red Faction: Guerrilla finds gamers rising up again, this time against an Earth Defense Force (EDF) that has grown corrupt in its occupation of Mars. Players assume the role of Alec Mason, a young man who, much like Red Faction's protagonist Parker, came to Mars to work as a miner, but soon found himself in the middle of a proletariat insurrection. As Mason, gamers can freely explore six zones of an expansive Martian landscape, ambushing EDF convoys, joining fellow revolutionaries, attacking military outposts, and exploring mines, industrial compounds, and thriving cities. Players can use an array of different weapons, from futuristic military fare like nano-rifles to improvised armaments like arc welders, and a variety of machines, such as armored personnel carriers, tanks, and mining excavators, can be hijacked and used against the enemy. The "Geo-Mod 2.0" engine expands on the series' acclaimed emphasis on destructible environments, allowing gamers to systematically destroy any man-made object, from bridges, to huts, to towering skyscrapers. Red Faction: Guerrilla also puts its destructive engine on display in several different multiplayer game modes, including "M.A.Y.H.E.M.," "Fall Guy," and "Rampage." |
 "Red Steel is a first-person shooter that combines gunfights and swordplay with the Wii's unique motion-sensing controls. After the Yakuza abducts an unnamed American's Japanese fianc�, he journeys into the heart of Japan's underworld to confront a crime syndicate boss and his well-armed minions. Players begin the game equipped with a pistol and a sword, both of which showcase the platform's unusual control scheme. Holding the Wii Remote like a firearm, players point the controller at the television screen and squeeze the trigger-like B button to shoot. More precise shots are accomplished by extending one's arm to zoom-in on targets, as players freely look around their environment, duck, or jump using the analog-based Nunchuk attachment. Those who dispose of enemies with efficiency and precision are rewarded with "focus," a technique represented by a gauge, which lets players freeze time and isolate multiple targets before taking them all out in one John Woo-inspired finishing move. The game's Tokyo-based locales will take players through gardens, corporate offices, dojos, restaurants, gaming parlors, and crowded streets, each offering destructible elements such as aquariums, pachinko machines, cars, neon lights, and more. The goal in each setting is to work your way past armed thugs and onto boss duels involving swords rather than guns. Swordfights are approached in a slightly different manner, as attacks require specific, pre-defined motions instead of the sword responding to your real-time movements. Red Steel also includes support for up to four players in a variety of competitive game modes. |
 "One of the Wii's high-profile launch titles receives a revamped sequel featuring a cel-shaded presentation, a new setting, and retooled play mechanics. While the first game's distinctive combination of gun slinging and swordplay returns, you can now freely switch between the two combat styles at any point in the action instead of being forced to use one weapon during specific levels. Your sword also benefits from the added precision of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, allowing for true 1:1 movement that also tracks the strength of swings. The protagonist, known as the "Swordsman," is inspired by "The Man With No Name" film series starring Clint Eastwood. You are a strong but silent hero who finds himself wandering through an unusual city named Caldera in the middle of the American desert. Mixing elements of Western and Eastern cultures, Red Steel 2 offers combat against up to six enemies simultaneously and a number of stylized moves, from dramatic finishing blows to the ability to deflect bullets with your blade. Your goal is to free the town from a tyrannical warlord, whose minions include katana-wielding swordsmen and agile ninjas. Red Steel 2 is available in two packages: the standalone game and a bundled version with the Wii MotionPlus, which is required for play. |
 "The critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 on GameCube staggers onto Wii with a retooled control scheme and additional bonus content. The sinister storyline and zombie-blasting action are unchanged, but players can now move their character with the Nunchuk attachment while independently targeting enemies with the Wii Remote. Nintendo fans will also be able to experience content previously exclusive to the PlayStation 2 version, delving deeper into character Ada Wong's history with the franchise in a revealing scenario entitled "Separate Ways." One new weapon is available, the powerful PRL 412 gun, which can be unlocked along with new alternate costumes for both Leon S. Kennedy and Ashley Graham. |
 "Arising from the same unholy concoction as its immediate predecessor in the series, Resident Evil 5 looks like a third-person shooter, plays like a first-person shooter, and feels like a survival-horror game. As in the acclaimed Resident Evil 4, an up-close, over-the-shoulder perspective allows players to see the heroes in action. Accessible aiming controls and fluid graphics make for quick, intuitive weapon use. Creepy settings, un-human enemies, and keen pacing create experiences of tense exploration, startling surprise, and overwhelmingly outnumbered desperation. The first in the Resident Evil series designed for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the game presents its horrors in high-definition, built on a custom-enhanced version of Capcom's MT Framework game engine. The story takes place in Africa, in the fictional desert country of Kijuju. The game is set about a ten years after the events of the original Resident Evil, and features the original game's character Chris Redfield in the lead role. He is accompanied by a skilled mercenary named Sheva Alomar. The two make a good team, and many of the most challenging situations in the game are best overcome with teamwork. When one of the two characters has been subdued or wounded, the other can "help" or "heal" with the press of a button. Other circumstances call for particular solutions, such as one player drawing enemies out of cover while the other picks them off with rifle shots from a safer location. Both characters are agents of a international group known as the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (or BSAA), on a mission to investigate the origins of the nefarious Tyrant virus, variants of which have been responsible for turning ordinary people and animals into mindless, zombie-like killing machines throughout the Resident Evil series. The game's levels are a mix of spooky, scripted runs and open-ended battles that develop dynamically. Although facing surprise attacks and overwhelming odds, a run-and-gun approach won't last; it takes situational tactics and good ammo management to make it through each stage. Online multiplayer co-op is available throughout the game, in which one player controls Chris and the other controls Sheva. |
 "Capcom's long-running series about zombies, bioterrorism, and political machinations continues with four distinct campaigns, overhauled controls, and four-player co-op in Resident Evil 6. One campaign begins with Leon S. Kennedy and his partner Helena Harper attending an anti-bioterrorism speech by the President of the United States, only to be forced to kill him when he becomes an infected mutant. A second campaign features Chris Redfield and Piers Nivans as they head to China to battle the spread of a powerful new strain known as "C-virus." The third campaign takes place in Eastern Europe and stars Jake Muller, son of series antagonist Albert Wesker, and Raccoon City survivor-turned government agent Sherry Birkin, as they flee from a biomechanical abomination know as an Uranak. The fourth campaign can only be unlocked once gamers finish the first three, and it stars longtime series antihero Ada Wong. All three main campaigns offer co-op support, and some sections of the game combine two groups for four-player action; while the new "Agent Hunt" multiplayer mode lets Xbox 360 gamers become monsters and infiltrate the campaigns of fellow players. |
 "Featuring classic environments from earlier releases in the series, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles allows gamers to the explore mansions, underground testing facilities, and hospitals of games past on a next-generation console. Players lead Jill Valentine, Billy Coen, Rebecca Chambers, or Chris Redfield through each viral landscape, using the Wii Remote or Zapper against a never-ending barrage of zombies and other unsavory enemies. While out in the infected zone, gamers move on a path, and can adjust their field of vision to view unseen areas with the D-pad. Looking closely is essential, as key information is often within each interactive scene. This chapter in the Resident Evil franchise is playable alone or with a friend, and gamers may replay any mission to earn higher rankings and more effective weaponry. |
 "Humanity continues its heroic struggle against the hideous Chimera in this follow-up to the PlayStation 3's top-selling launch title. Taking place two years after the events from the first game, Resistance 2 has you controlling Nathan Hale as the war campaign moves from England to the United States. The setting is an alternate 1953 America, a landscape ravaged by war and alien occupation. Fight alongside a group of super-soldiers called the Sentinels and attempt to stave off the effects of the Chimeran virus surging through your bloodstream. The enemy is now equipped with deadly new weapons in addition to modified armaments from the first game. Game types include a solo campaign, cooperative play, and online warfare for up to 60 players simultaneously. The co-op option features a distinct storyline parallel to the main campaign and includes support for up to eight players. It also offers a choice of three character classes: medic, soldier, and special ops. In addition to possessing special attributes, each class can earn experience in combat. New equipment and armor can be unlocked by achieving certain level milestones. The online component features improvements over the first game, with new social networking tools and an open invite system bolstering such multiplayer mainstays as skill-oriented matchmaking, stat tracking, and dedicated servers. |
 "Re-creating world history, Resistance: Fall of Man invites players to travel back to 1950, where an evil force called the Chimera threatens to destroy mankind. Playing as U.S. Army Ranger Nathan Hale, gamers exploring the single-player campaign are enlisted to help the U.S. and British armies defend what is left of civilized Europe. To help with this arduous task, gamers are supplied with a variety of weapons including the Auger, a lightning gun that burns through all solid objects including an enemy's cover, the Sapper, a type of weapon that shoots ooze just as flammable and volatile as napalm, and the Hedgehog, a type of grenade that shoots 50 spikes in all directions. Players may also go on a mobile assault through the game by commandeering such vehicles as the Lynx, an alien Stalker, and more. Offline, players can team up with a friend for split-screen multiplayer action complete with the use of vehicles. Online, up to 40 gamers can get together for such events as "Deathmatch," "Meltdown," and "Breach." In "Breach," players must take out the opposition's reactor while simultaneously taking control of five "nodes" located throughout the map. "Meltdown" is a simplified version where gamers focus on controlling the five "nodes," and unlike "Breach," the size of the map and number of players may be customized. Each "node" supplies gamers with a bonus, such as better radar or more weapons at the home base. Due to the large number of players per game, vehicles are not included in online multiplayer action. |
 "Rise of Nightmares is a Kinect-enabled horror-adventure, intended for the most strong-stomached of grown-up gamers. From a gratuitously gory first-person perspective, players proceed through the zombie-infested mansion of a homicidal mad scientist. In the role of a hapless American tourist, desperate to save his kidnapped wife, players must resort to physical combat to stave off undead assaults, swinging their arms and legs in view of the Kinect sensors in order to pummel away the encroaching onscreen ghouls. Wielding brass knuckles, hatchets, and chainsaws, players can master the game's different fighting styles to achieve gruesomely damaging special moves and combo attacks. As the hero battles desperately through one gothic corridor to the next, dismembered limbs, spilled guts, and splatters of crimson slop across the floors, walls, and ceilings. When not busy fighting off swarms of mindless attackers, players are free to move around and explore the house. Stealth sequences also play a role in completing the adventure, as does macabre puzzle-solving. Presenting itself as the first Kinect game for adult players only, Sega's Rise of Nightmares was created by some of the same developer's behind the House of the Dead series. |
 "Rocksmith is a play-along musical instrument sim that works with a real guitar. Using the included USB-to-1/4 inch jack, players can plug in and jam out with dozens of original rock recordings, from the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" and David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel" to the Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" and "Icky Thump" by the White Stripes. As in the genre's leading series, Guitar Hero and Rock Band, players can follow sequences of color-coded graphic indicators, which scroll along with the song and represent the notes to be played. In Rocksmith, however, these indicators represent actual musical notes, and a successful performance involves pressing the correct strings on a real fret board. Players perform single-note accompaniments, which become more complex, as they learn the finger positions of additional notes and attempt to master new songs. An automatic difficulty-scaling feature queues up more or fewer notes, according to the player's success throughout a performance. Various mini-games are designed to help players hone different skills. The software also features a tuner and several built-in pedal effects. Rocksmith can be played with any guitar that has a pick-up. |
 "Normally known for gritty, mature-themed action-adventures, the development team at Rockstar San Diego serves up this unlikely sports game, intended to translate the furious and intense action of table tennis to the Xbox 360. Designed to mimic the exciting experience of international table tennis competition, the game allows players to choose from 11 distinct characters, which vary both in appearance and abilities. These up-and-coming athletes must train, to master various shots and techniques. When they are ready for competition, they will compete across 19 venues while sporting authentic equipment and apparel from some of the top names in table tennis, including Killerspin, Adidas, Joola, and Butterfly. |
 "Normally known for gritty, mature-themed action adventures, the development team at Rockstar San Diego serves up this unlikely sports game, intended to translate the furious and intense action of table tennis to the Nintendo Wii. Designed to mimic the exciting experience of international table tennis competition, the game allows players to choose from 11 distinct characters, which vary both in appearance and abilities. These up-and-coming athletes must train, to master various shots and techniques. When they are ready for competition, they will compete across 19 venues while sporting authentic equipment and apparel from some of the top names in table tennis, including Killerspin, Adidas, Joola, and Butterfly. |
 "If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Saint's Row kowtows to 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. As in Rockstar's underworld oeuvre, Saint's Row features a free-roaming city rife with crime and served by an increasingly frustrated police force. As a member of the 3rd Street Saints, players must conquer Southern Cross block by block to earn the respect of their gangland peers. Numerous vehicles are available to "borrow," pedestrians can be slugged or robbed at gunpoint, and an assortment of missions exist to advance the game's cinematic storyline. Players must also be wary of the law, with criminal actions often resulting in high-speed chases that can lead to crumpled fenders, large dents, broken glass, and explosive wrecks. Yet crime does pay in the world of Saint's Row, as the lead protagonist can attract women by wearing stylish new clothes, jewelry, and other accoutrements worthy of a crew leader. Xbox Live support for competitive action is included to settle the score with friends and foes alike, with special challenges and rewards offered to those who can prove their mettle. |
 "Sega's action-oriented fishing series is lured from the arcades and Dreamcast onto Wii with motion-sensing controls simulating both casting and reeling. As in previous iterations, Sega Bass Fishing focuses on catching the "big ones" as quickly as possible instead of waiting patiently on a boat for a nibble or two. Four play modes include Arcade, Tournament, Practice, and Nature Trip. The latter is a Wii exclusive, allowing players to enjoy the thrills and spills of competitive fishing without worrying about time limits or achieving specific objectives. A total of 15 venues are available, seven of which are new to the Wii version. Players will be able to choose from 20 lures to land four types of bass: Florida Large Mouth, Red Eye, Small Mouth, and Northern Spike Large Mouth. Adjustable options include season, time of day, and weather. |
 "Sega's acclaimed racing simulation series makes its Xbox debut with the release of Sega GT 2002. As in its Dreamcast predecessor, this Gran Turismo-style racing game features licensed vehicles from such auto manufacturers as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Renault, Ford, Jaguar, and Daimler-Chrysler to drive around a variety of real-world tracks. Among the refinements offered by the Xbox are a selection of 125 cars, more courses, and enhanced visuals. The main focus of play is the Sega GT 2002 Mode. As players enter various competitions, they'll be able to store cash winnings, trophies, and vehicles in their own personal garage. Players begin with $13,000 to purchase a car and can then enter an official race, event race, or buy new or used car parts. Official races are divided into three stages, spanning three to five races apiece, where players aim to finish within the top three cars. License tests are required during the first season, which grade driving prowess as well as overall time. Each test must be passed to advance to the next stage. Event races do not require licenses and are played simply to win money and prizes. The 15 races in this category range from the Casio Sports Cup and Super Car Event to the Microsoft Speed Cup and Battle of the '70s. Certain races require players to own a specific car model before they are allowed to enter. Classic cars from the 1970s and early '80s are also available, to drive in a separate Chronicle mode. Video replays of each race can be saved during this mode, as well as in the Sega GT 2002, to show friends or to study before the next event. Other modes of play include Time Attack, where players can record their best performances and then save them as a Ghost Car for subsequent challenges, and Quick Battle, where players select their car, course, difficulty, and number of laps before challenging a friend or the computer. Players can also earn the right to snap up to six photos while watching a race's replay video and save the shots in their garage. Each replay can also be edited using various filter effects for a more cinematic look. |
 "Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection contains over 40 celebrated Sega classics in one package; making it the largest collection of Sega first party games ever offered. Featured games include Sonic The Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3, Columns, Alien Storm, Ecco The Dolphin, Space Harrier, and cult classic, Streets Of Rage 1, 2 and 3. The games in the collection have been reproduced with the utmost detail and accuracy to commend their originals. In addition, Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection can output the games in 720p with higher resolution graphics for HD televisions, bringing a new visual richness to these classic titles. |
 "Sega's off-road racing series spins onto PlayStation 3 with Sega Rally Revo. For the first time in the arcade-style franchise, the environments gradually change and are affected by the player's racing style. This "GeoDeformation" technology has cars leaving behind tracks, kicking up dirt and mud, and shifting sand, as players jockey for position on themed courses held in safari, arctic, canyon, and lakeside regions. More than 30 licensed vehicles are available to choose from in multiple classes, from 4WD and 2WD models to classic and bonus vehicles. Up to six people can compete in both online and offline races. |
 "In classic Smash Pack style, this GBA compilation from THQ features three classic Sega games in one little cartridge. The original Genesis titles Ecco the Dolphin, Golden Axe, and Sonic Spinball have all been converted and enhanced for play on the 32-bit Nintendo handheld. Ecco the Dolphin is a 2D adventure game in which the player makes use of the title character's marine skills and abilities. The side-scrolling brawler Golden Axe consists of battle and exploration across a fantasy-themed landscape. Sonic Spinball features the hero hedgehog trapped in a world of pinball machine-styled levels. All three have been converted from the original versions by Codefire. |
 "Dual-sport athlete Shaun White moves from the snow to the streets in this skateboarding title from Ubisoft. Your goal is to transform a dreary city into a "skating utopia" by performing a variety of tricks in unusual places. Shaun White himself will offer tips and advice as you skate in abandoned plazas, empty fountains, and lonely alleys. As you create skate lines across the city, you'll transform the environment, opening up new areas and literally changing the nearby structures. The more creative your runs, the more points you'll receive to unlock gear and other skating challenges. Characters from Shaun White Snowboarding will assist in your quest, introducing events like collection runs, races, and story-driven missions. Both online and split-screen multiplayer support are included, allowing you and friends to work together in cooperative tasks or compete against one another in adversarial matches. |
 "Gamers hit the slopes with the Renaissance man of the extreme sports world for some open-mountain exploration in Shaun White Snowboarding. Players have free reign to skirt the edge of an avalanche in extreme peak conditions, carve new routes through untracked backcountry powder, and join other riders for competitive events in terrain parks spread throughout mountains in Alaska, Utah, Europe, and Japan. Each mountain is peppered with downhill enthusiasts, including fellow online gamers, and players can join races at any time, hike to secret locations, film their friends pulling off tricks, or ambush other snowboarders in giant snowball fights. Shaun White Snowboarding is built using the same game engine as Assassin's Creed, and the graphics are designed to offer players stunning vistas that express the large amount of playable area each mountain offers. Gamers can use environmental obstacles to execute tricks and catch massive air as they explore craggy mountaintops and dense, tree-lined paths, and players have thousands of different character customization options thanks to unique ride-styles and hundreds of different gear and board offerings. The game soundtrack lets riders carve up the slopes while listening to 40 licensed songs from artists as diverse as Bob Dylan, Run-DMC, and Modest Mouse. |
 "The gruff but lovable ogre returns to Game Boy Advance in this platform-hopping adventure that encourages teamwork among a small squad of onscreen characters. Players control Shrek and up to three of his companions as they side-scroll through levels based on locations in the feature film sequel Shrek 2. Different obstacles require the abilities of different characters to overcome them, so players must switch between their chosen team members as each situation requires. Shrek is strong enough to move objects that others can not, for example, while Donkey is able to kick open doors and Fiona can slow down time for easier attacks. The game also features characters and areas not seen in the film, offering fans new fairy tale people to meet and lands to explore. |
 "This is Konami's sequel to 1999's critically praised original Silent Hill, which was often noted for its deep storytelling, believable environments, and engrossing gameplay. Like the original PlayStation game, the Xbox's Silent Hill 2 is an interactive horror story built to derive its effectiveness from unsettling inconsistencies in an otherwise realistic, believable small-town setting. It is written to disturb players with a growing, pervasive sense of darkness and unseen evil, as opposed to regularly shocking them with sudden, unexpected events. While set in an area of the same town of Silent Hill, this game features a new protagonist and a new storyline, which begins with a love letter from a woman who has been dead for three years. Also new is the sequel's platform. Developed for "next-generation" machines like the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox, Silent Hill 2 is designed to take advantage of the improved technology over that of the original platform to deliver dynamic environmental effects, detailed city streets, and expressive characters that will enhance both realism and utter spookiness. |
 "Sessions of Skate take place in a fictitious world called San Vanelona and are designed to offer gamers a realistic skateboarding experience. Players pick from a roster of characters that include Danny Way and PJ Ladd, and then explore the city while using the triggers and analog sticks to perform a wide variety of tricks and jumps. The goal is to become a famous skater, unlock hidden skating areas, and anger the security guards in the "no skate" zones. Gamers must draw from their real-life skills as a way to improve their avatar instead of upgrading a character through missions to increase their abilities. Rather than placing ramps around the environment, EA invites gamers to explore the ledges, dropins, funboxes, and rails around the urban landscape. Because the game is intended to challenge players, a full replay mode allows gamers to view that sweet backside bigspin they finally landed. While reviewing their moves players can adjust the speed and camera angles and then save them for others to download. |
 "Sleeping Dogs has players exploring the crowded streets of Hong Kong while working as undercover officer Wei Shen. Shen's objective is to learn more about the Triad crime syndicate, which means doing whatever it takes to earn the trust of those in power. Shen's moral choices throughout his exploits will affect how is viewed by the locals and shape the storyline. The action in Sleeping Dogs takes place from a third-person perspective as players use martial arts, guns, vehicles, or even the environment to take out rivals. Sleeping Dogs was originally developed as "True Crime: Hong Kong" before switching publishers. |
 "Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile Territory is Rockstar's sequel to one of the first games released for the PlayStation 2. Like its predecessor, Smuggler's Run 2 takes some elements from the racing genre and some of its style from car combat. The resulting gameplay is something like Crazy Taxi set in the third world with guns. In Smuggler's Run 2, you take on the role of a smuggler working for a mysterious and wealthy benefactor. The storyline, full of twists, turns and double crosses, is presented in full-motion video clips. Parents take note: the protagonists refuse to smuggle drugs, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that they're only trafficking in things like guns and explosives. There are over 30 different missions to conquer, ranging from simple tasks like following your partner through rough hills and deep valleys, to more difficult stages that require several pick ups and drop offs, all the while fighting with other smugglers for your precious cargo. Throughout the game, players have to deal with the law. Toward the beginning, they are little more than a nuisance, but as the game progresses they'll do everything they can to smash into your vehicle and cause it to explode. To counter this threat, players have a host of different vehicles to choose from that are unlocked over the course of the game. If players want to simply race, they can do so by choosing to go through a checkpoint race right from the menu. Smuggler's Run 2 also includes three different multiplayer games: Crooks and Smugglers, Loot Grab, and Bomb Tag. You can also Joyride in levels, riding in an area for as long as you like. |
 "A sequel to the 2005 stealth shooter, Sniper Elite 2 returns players to the battlefields of World War II for solo assignments behind enemy lines. Posing deadly puzzles of tactical positioning and split-second timing, each mission demands preparation, patience, and steel-nerved execution. Reconnaissance is crucial, in order to take the right shot at the right time, while remaining concealed for a safe escape to the next waypoint. Precision shots are rewarded with graphic "kill cam" cutaways, which show the bullet impacting the victim's skeleton with a slow motion, x-ray effect. |
 "First appearing in his own Sega Genesis game in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates over ten years as a gaming industry icon in this return to his roots, which features classic 2D side-scrolling action at the character's trademark high-speed pace. Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy to put a stop to the nasty Dr. Robotnik. The first Sonic release for a Nintendo system, Sonic Advance features cross-platform support to interact with the GameCube's Sonic Adventure 2 Battle through a special cable connection. |
 "Sonic Advance 2 chronicles the continuing portable escapades of Sega's affable blue hedgehog. Dr. Eggman once again serves as the primary antagonist, and it falls to Sonic and friends to perform the familiar task of traipsing through a series of trap-laden zones, collecting rings and staving off the attacks of his many robotic minions en route to the stage goal. Secondary objectives include scavenging for Special Rings dispersed throughout each level. Finding and subsequently obtaining all seven rings will grant players access to a bonus round where they can obtain one of the many coveted Chaos Emeralds. To find all the hidden items, players will need to make use of the intrinsic abilities of each character; Amy, Knuckles, and Tails return for this second GBA outing, along with new character Cream. An adorable rabbit shadowed by a small Chao named Cheese, Cream is capable of flying by flapping her ears -- an ability similar to that of series veteran Tails -- or even using her small companion as a weapon by flinging it at enemies. Extras include Time Attack, a Sound Test mode, and even hidden stages. Also included in the package is the ability to use the GameCube -- GBA Cable to swap data between Sonic Advance 2 and the GameCube title, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. Using this feature players can raise Chao or compete in mini-games such as Memory Game and the all-new Super High-Jump on the GBA before uploading Chao to the GCN for play in Chao Karate and Chao Races. Multiplayer modes reminiscent of those found in the first title provide support for both single- and multi-pak play across a variety of disciplines. Players will race opponents across stages; try to collect the most rings before time runs out; and even compete for possession of a tiny Chao. |
 "The third game in the GBA's Sonic Advance series is one that requires teamwork, between the blue hedgehog and his familiar friends. Dr. Eggman has a new plan to take over the world -- by breaking it into seven conquerable parts -- and he must be stopped before it's too late. The only way to do this is for two Sonic game heroes to combine their powers and work together to retrieve seven missing chaos emeralds. Sonic Advance 3 features five of the series' favorite characters: Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. Players choose which hero they will control, and then choose a second, AI-controlled character to join their team. This "partner system" unleashes new abilities in the chosen characters, and each different partnership presents the player with a unique set of special powers to help them overcome Eggman's vicious robots. In addition to the single-player storyline, Sonic Advance 3 allows up to four cartridge-equipped GBA players to link together, and enter into a variety of two-on-two multiplayer battles. |
 "Sonic Gems Collection is a compendium of the best-kept secrets in Sonic`s gaming history. Includes three rare titles that until now have only been available on Arcade, Sega Saturn or PC as well as six of your favourite Game Gear titles and some additional surprises to uncover along the way. Featuring Sonic Fighters, Sonic R and the much loved Sonic CD. Sonic Fighters: In this 3-D arcade fighting game, join forces with all your favourite Sonic characters including Tails, Espio, Fang, Bean, Knuckles, Amy, and Bark and take on Dr Robotnik and the evil metal Sonic. Sonic R: Our favourite blue haired hedgehog features in a twisting, turning, upside-down corkscrewing race faced with the challenges of fierce competitors, hidden track smokers and five blistering circuits. Sonic CD: Play as Sonic as he travels through past, present and future and explores over 50 levels of adventure, plus amazing 3D hidden bonus levels.For Sonic fans of all ages this is a fantastic opportunity to discover some of the hidden treasures in this best selling series. Three Sonic games previously only available on SEGA Saturn, Arcade and PC: Sonic CD Sonic R Sonic Fighters Six Sega Game Gear games: Tails Adventures Tails` Skypatrol Sonic Drift Racing Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sonic Spinball Additional unlock able games to discover along the way. |
 "Developed and released to honor the 20th anniversary of the 1991 debut of Sega's star franchise character, Sonic Generations sends past and present versions of the platform hero on a run down memory lane. After an unforeseen incident involving a picnic, a cake, and a hole in the space-time continuum, our modern-day Sonic is transported 20 years into the past where he meets the younger version of himself. Players can choose to play as either version of the character, Modern Sonic or Classic Sonic, throughout the adventure. The game's levels are inspired by defining stages in the Sonic series' history, including "Seaside Hill" from Sonic Heroes, "City Escape" from Sonic Adventure 2, and "Green Hills" from the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The levels are broken up into three console-era categories: Classic, Dreamcast, and Modern. The style of play in each level is determined by character choice. Classic Sonic's paths play out in the side-scrolling 2D style of the Genesis and Game Gear originals, while Modern Sonic must make his way past both 2D and 3D challenges, as in the more recent Sonic Unleashed for the high-def consoles. |
 "The PSP-exclusive release of Sonic Rivals finds Sega's iconic mascot in a high-speed footrace against friend and foe alike. Featuring side-scrolling action set within 3D environments, the game involves speeding across twisting, looping courses while grabbing helpful power-ups and avoiding deadly traps set by the notorious Dr. Eggman. Four playable characters include Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow, and Silver, each offering distinct storylines as players advance through 18 levels of one-on-one races and climactic boss fights. In addition to the main story, the game offers both a challenge and cup circuit option for solo players. The former has players trying to fulfill objectives on a choice of stages, while the latter is a best-of-three race on a series of courses. Each mode offers the chance to earn one of 150 collectible trading cards, which can be used to customize characters or wagered in Ad-hoc wireless races against a friend. |
 "A blue hedgehog with red sneakers attempts to save his ensnared animal friends from the mechanistic mind of Dr. Robotnik in Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic distinguishes himself from other mascots with his surge of speed, as the prickly protagonist races across loops, underground tunnels, and more by tucking into a ball and spinning swiftly into the next area. The object is to navigate the hazard-filled regions of six themed zones before time expires. Sonic will be able to release imprisoned animals along the way by jumping and spinning into their robotic captors. Golden rings scattered throughout each stage serve three functions: a means to earn extra lives, a gateway to rotating bonus stages containing coveted chaos emeralds, and a defense against enemies and dangers. As long as Sonic has at least one ring, he can safely absorb a hit. |
 "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 follows in the same speedy footsteps as its well-regarded predecessor, Sonic the Hedgehog. Once again, players run, jump, and spin the blue hedgehog through a bizarre world of metal robots created by Dr. Robotnik, avoiding obstacles, trouncing enemies, and collecting rings and the elusive Chaos Emeralds (earning all seven emeralds turns Sonic into Super Sonic). While the basic action remains essentially the same, the levels are longer, the colors are brighter and more varied, all the zones are new, and the game introduces a new character: Tails the fox. In the standard game, Tails simply follows along, helping collect rings and defeating the occasional enemy, but he is a playable character in the special two-player split-screen race mode. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also introduces a new move (the Spin Dash) and a new special stage: a challenging, pseudo-3D race through tubes to collect rings. |
 "Picking up where the second game in the series left off, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is indeed true to its forebears. Players guide the running, jumping, spinning, dashing, swimming, hedgehog through six huge zones of play (including Carnival Night and IceCap Zone), each with a different theme. The music matches the levels extremely well, and the graphics are the best yet, especially terms of the lushly detailed backgrounds. Split-screen two-player races have returned from Sonic 2, as has Tails the fox. This time, however, gamers playing the one-player mode can pick up controller two and have Tails airlift Sonic out of danger. Other fresh features include tons of new enemies (including Knuckles the echidna), a special Insta-Shield super move, new special stages (involving dodging red spheres while grabbing blue ones), and a save feature, which is very helpful since this is the biggest, toughest, least linear game in the trilogy. |
 "Sega's speed-loving mascot returns to foil another evil plot in Sonic Unleashed. This time, Dr. Eggman has caused a catastrophic event that shattered the world into many pieces, and gamers must guide the spiky-haired Sonic on a quest to reunite the planet. The cataclysm also brings about an unexpected change in Sonic, and in order to find the lost chaos emeralds and reconnect the world's continents, players must master both his traditional daytime abilities, and the new nighttime abilities of his slower and stronger alter ego Sonic the Werehog. Sonic Unleashed makes use of a new "Hedgehog Engine" designed to give the game an unparalleled sense of speed and provide smooth transitions between the 2D and 3D sections of each daytime level. As always, players collect rings as they reach supersonic levels of speed, making use of the "Quick Step" and "Speed Drift" abilities to avoid obstacles and handle corners without losing momentum. There are nine game worlds, all designed to resemble real places such as Greece, China, and New York City, and each of the worlds features branching pathways and multiple routes to the finish line. Other familiar characters from the franchise, such as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, make appearances in a number of optional mini-games that offer a break from the high-speed action. |
 "Spider-Man returns to PS3 in four different guises and four distinct Marvel eras with Shattered Dimensions. Unlike previous Spider-Man games on the system, Shattered Dimensions features linear, level-based progression instead of a free-roaming, open world. You'll swing across city, jungle, and other outdoor environments as the Amazing Spider-Man, slink through the shadows as Spider-Man Noir, and battle futuristic enemies as Spider-Man 2099. Defeating enemies in each time period earns you spider essence that can be used to purchase alternate costumes, new moves, and other bonuses. The legendary Tablet of Order and Chaos has been shattered, causing a rift in time, so it's up to Spider-Man to retrieve the fragments as he progresses through his respective era. Adhering to the look of the comic books, each universe has its own art direction and visual style. Spider-Man Noir, for instance, adopts an atmospheric, black-and-white style, while the Amazing Spider-Man features vibrant colors and a cel-shaded appearance. Each Spider-Man can utilize character-specific moves as he subdues an assortment of villains and boss characters in creative ways. |
 "In Splatterhouse for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, college student Rick Taylor embarks on a violent quest to save his girlfriend, Jennifer, from untold horrors lurking within a mad scientist's creepy mansion. Rick has but one asset: a Mayan terror mask that will transform him into a rage-filled monstrosity that will literally tear its foes limb from limb. A metal soundtrack sets the mood for the ensuing mayhem, with licensed songs from Lamb of God, Mastodon, ASG, Terrorizer, and more. Splatterhouse marks the return of Namco's fright-filled franchise that made its U.S. debut in 1990 on the TurboGrafx-16. This is the first version of the game since 1993's Splatterhouse 3 on Sega Genesis. |
 "Fan-favorite snowboarder characters conquer real-world slopes with feats of exaggerated action and extreme-sports daring, in EA Canada's high-def reboot of SSX. Expansive, chart-your-own-course levels are set in nine of Earth's greatest and most famously inhospitable mountain ranges. Harsh wilderness environments are full of natural gaps, ramps, and rails, challenging boarders to survive the slopes as they seek out the trickiest path to the bottom. Players can race head-to-head online, or share statistics and ghost runs for time-shifted co-op and competition. Building on the winning play style of the previous console generation's sleeper-hit series, the PS3's SSX features a more powerful physics engine, and ratchets up the outrageousness of the stunts. The choice of play modes has boarders racing to the finish, exploring vast stretches of virgin territory, or simply fighting to survive the perils of the mountainside. Determined in part by fan input, the game's roster includes Mac, Elise, Moby, Kaori, and other seasoned veterans, along with a few newbies. The soundtrack features songs from Pretty Lights, Las Ketchup, and Run-D.M.C. |
 "SSX 3 comes to Game Boy Advance for more high-speed, trick-performing action on the winter slopes. Once again players can select their favorite boarder before heading out on a mountain course filled with ramps, rails, and moguls. Events range from straightforward races to point challenges, where players are challenged to string together as many aerial stunts as possible before finishing a run. As in the console versions, the view in this handheld title takes place from behind the boarder as players steer and increase speed using the Control Pad. The face buttons control jumping, tricks, and speed boosts, while the shoulder buttons initiate grabs. Battery backup saves top times, scores, and unlocked features as players progress through the game. |
 "Players can once again shake what their momma gave them with the release of SSX 3, the high-flying snowboarding game that emphasizes speed and aerial stunts above all else. This installment does away with the separate courses found in the first two games and instead features one giant interconnected world filled with different competitions, hidden collectibles, and new elements called Big Challenges. In addition to new courses, characters, and tricks, SSX 3 offers such visual enhancements as character shadows as well as snow that sparkles in the sun and drifts in the wind. The trick system allows for unlimited combos as players manipulate their character to perform an assortment of spins, grabs, twists, and flips while trying to earn as many points as possible. Big Challenges offers players over 100 different objectives to complete, whether it's grinding a billboard or making a hand plant on a fence. Like its predecessors, SSX 3 also features an assortment of licensed music from such artists as the X-Ecutioners, Felix Da Housecat, Queens of the Stone Age, N.E.R.D., and more. |
 "Gamers are invited to get some air and slalom down a mountainside in SSX Blur. Designed as a "best of" version of previous SSX titles, the game offers a variety of single-player experiences along with two choices for multiplayer competition. Returning to the series are several gameplay modes including "Quickplay" and "Tournament." "Quickplay" allows gamers to sample several half-pipe, slaloming, and racing competitions while "Tournament" requires players to take on many competitors as they attempt to reach the peak of the mountain. The 12 courses in the game feature updated versions of classic levels along with a selection of stages created specifically for the Wii. Gamers may select from a cast of ten returning characters or choose one of two new avatars and then attempt to make it down the slope using the Nunchuk and Wii-Remote to pull off impossible tricks and combos. During a run, players can collect pickups that unlock a special "Uber Trick." To land an Uber Trick, gamers must fill their Groove Meter by completing a successful round of tricks. As the meter fills, the in-game background music adjusts to antagonize the intensity. With friends, gamers may compete in two-person split-screen or four-person alternating action. |
 "Gamers return to the slopes in this third full edition of EA's exaggerated-action snowboarding series, SSX. As the game goes "On Tour," players create their own custom characters, which they'll develop from amateur bunny-hillers to seasoned "Black Diamond" pros. For the first time, the game allows skiers on the mountains as well, and players can decide if they'd rather ski or board when they create their characters. Building upon a distinguishing feature of the series, SSX On Tour features long, seamlessly streaming courses, some of which may take as long as half-an-hour (of real-time) to complete. The slopes are populated with fellow boarders and skiers in this edition, providing some extra personality. Featuring more than 40 songs, the diverse rock soundtrack includes selections by Def Leppard, The Hives, Iron Maiden, Bloc Party, Jurassic 5, and several others. |
 "Imperial soldiers and Rebel insurgents are called back to duty in Star Wars: Battlefront II, a multiplayer-oriented sequel shooter based on the famous movie series. Like the original Battlefront, scenes are set in environments familiar from the films. For example, mission maps in the sequel have players fighting on the swamp planet of Dagobah, as seen in Empire Strikes Back, or defending Princess Leia's diplomatic blockade runner, as in the opening scene of the original A New Hope. While designed to retain the features that helped make the original Battlefront the best-selling Star Wars game to date (at the time of Battlefront II's release), the sequel's technological refinements allow for new gameplay elements as well. With seamless transitions across an entire mission map, players could now begin a confrontation on their own capital ship, board a fighter to engage the enemy in a dogfight, then land on the enemy's capital ship and disembark for an assault raid, all in a single battle. In response to fan requests, playable Jedi characters are introduced by the sequel, allowing gamers to take control of heroes such as Yoda, Grievous, or even the Emperor himself. To keep the battles balanced, players can only play as these hero characters for a limited time, and may temporarily lose access to them if they are not used to their potential in battle. Once again, the single-player game centers on a "Galactic Conquest" mode, but map-specific objectives add new tactical elements. Online multiplayer modes support as many as 32 in the Xbox version of the game. |
 "Star Wars: Episode I: Racer streaks onto the Nintendo 64 just as the highly anticipated fourth Star Wars film debuts across the nation -- a simultaneous release on May 19, 1999. Based on the movie's Podracing sequence, the game offers players the chance to pilot one of six crafts in a Tournament spanning three circuits: Amateur, Semi-Pro and Galactic. Players can also race in Time Attack and Practice modes. Each circuit is composed of seven different tracks, bringing the number of courses to 21 (plus four hidden). Since only one event is featured in the film, the developers expanded the racing to eight planets: Tatooine (site of the movie's race), Ando Prime, Aquilaris, Ord Ibanna, Baroonda, Mon Gazza, Oovo IV and Malastare. As you might expect, each planet offers varied terrain, including oceans, mountains, forests, deserts, swamps and even lava! Podracers span 30 feet in length and feature twin engines designed to reach speeds of up to 600 miles per hour. Each craft is also built to reflect the abilities of the 23 pilots in the game, meaning no two Podracers look or handle the same. The six characters you'll initially choose from are as follows: young Anakin Skywalker (the only human able to compete), Ebe Endocott, Dud Bolt, Elan Mak, Gasgano and Ody Mandrell. Additional Podracers can be unlocked by placing first on each course, but you'll only need to place fourth or better (out of 12) to continue progress in the tournament. The game also includes a betting system that allows players to set the amount of money received after finishing a race: Winner Take All (first place receives the entire sum of cash), Fair (money is spread out among the top four) or Skilled (the top two earn the most money). The winnings can then be used to purchase upgrades in the following areas: traction, turning, acceleration, top speed, air brake, cooling system and repair. Players have the choice of buying either new or used parts, with used parts being cheaper and more likely to wear out, at Watto's shop in between races. Besides the one-player game, Star Wars: Episode I: Racer also features two-player competition on a horizontally-split screen. The 256-Meg cartridge supports the Rumble Pak for vibration feedback and the Expansion Pak for high-resolution graphics, but the Controller Pak is not required to save information. The game automatically records fastest times, unlocked characters and ship upgrades to one of four data files. Expect to hear voice clips from Anakin Skywalker and the various aliens as they taunt you in Dolby Surround Sound throughout each race! |
 "Lead an elite team of Rebel Alliance pilots through a series of desperate missions against the dark Empire in Star Wars: Rogue Leader -- Rogue Squadron II. The original Rogue Squadron presented N64 gamers with a new benchmark for combat flight sims, featuring comfortable, fluid control, and diverse environments full of crafty enemies and impressive explosions. Developed by the same Factor 5 studio that gave us the original, this sequel is designed to deliver the same magnitude of advancement as Nintendo gamers and Star Wars fans move into the 128-bit generation of consoles. Players take the role of either Luke Skywalker or Wedge Antilles. The game's story follows those told in the Star Wars film series, with progressive missions taking place across diverse locations such as a moving asteroid belt, the misty skies of Bespin, the frigid lands of Hoth, and a fully operational Death Star. The Rogue Leader has more control over his mates in this sequel, as he can issue commands to attack specific targets or to flee when outnumbered. Extra credit is awarded for bringing the Squadron back home safely when the mission is completed. The title is also designed to show off the graphical capabilities of the Nintendo GameCube, featuring layered atmospheres, a realistically gentle dusting of particle effects, dozens of ships battling independently onscreen at once, real-time lighting and shadows, and other state-of-the-art eye candy, all pumped out at a steady 60 frames per second. Like many other GameCube titles, Rogue Leader supports a 480p output, which allows higher resolution display on compatible HDTV systems. |
 "The movie series may be over, but the saga lives on with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The storyline takes place between films Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, with the Galactic Empire nearing the peak of its far-reaching power. You are none other than Darth Vader's secret apprentice, engaging in covert missions to defeat those with designs on dismantling the Imperial regime. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions feature custom designed technologies that let players interact with the environment in diverse ways. Mastery of the Force allows the protagonist to lift writhing bodies into the air, letting them dangle powerlessly, before pushing them at high speeds into the background. Objects of varying sizes and strengths can also be manipulated, acting as mere toys for the evil Jedi to use in his nefarious deeds. Lightning crackles from fingertips, lightsabers twirl in the air, and entire spaceships move with the mind. It's all part of being a Jedi. The protagonist will travel to various worlds in his relentless search for the few remaining Jedi who escaped Order 66. Featured locales include a TIE Fighter construction facility, the Wookiee home of Kashyyyk, a junkyard-like realm known as Raxus Prime, and a fungus-infested planet called Felucia. Each features groups of enemies that must be eliminated in stylish fashion, with Force power combos earning players experience points to customize their character. The action is viewed from a third-person perspective with the apprentice holding his red lightsaber pointed upward behind his back. Accompanying the lead character at various points is a prototype "holodroid" called Proxy as well as a blond Imperial pilot named Juno Eclipse. The Sith Lord's apprentice faces several deadly foes throughout his mission, including Maris Brood, a Zabrak warrior bent on revenge, and the primary target: grizzled General Rahm Kota, who learned the ways of the Force under the tutelage of Mace Windu and Yoda. |
 "Sith apprentice Starkiller is very much alive -- as a clone -- in this follow-up to the best-selling Force Unleashed. Continuing the events chronicled in 2008's game, Force Unleashed II has the embittered antihero on a quest to reunite with Juno Eclipse, who is now a key asset to the Rebel Alliance in its quest to dismantle the Galactic Empire. Yet Starkiller's former master, Darth Vader, has other designs, seeking the powerful protagonist to further his plans for overthrowing the Emperor. Gameplay once again takes place from a third-person perspective, with Starkiller using a combination of Force powers and lightsaber techniques to defeat foes across multiple environments. Starkiller's improved skills allow him to wield two lightsabers simultaneously and perform new Force techniques, such as the "mind trick," which turns enemies into allies. An enhanced targeting system allows for more precise control, and a new fury state has Starkiller temporarily increasing his ability to cause destruction and mayhem. Players can collect lightsaber crystals as in the first game, adding new powers, combos, and techniques to their character as they progress. An assortment of new costumes are also available, and players can hone their skills in all-new challenge levels. Travel to familiar and new worlds as you attempt to elude Darth Vader's pursuit and connect with individuals from Starkiller's past. |
 "The fighting game series' first true sequel in three console generations, Street Fighter IV re-creates the classic characters, settings, and time-tested 2D fighting mechanics, at resolutions and frame rates that make use of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 potential. Favorite characters and backdrops, once depicted in 16-bit pixels, appear as colorful, hand-drawn illustrations brought to life in full, fluid 3D. The game introduces a slew of new special attacks, but the series' basic moves are at the heart of the six-button control scheme. A challenging new Focus Attack system can allow a low-health fighter to absorb an attack and then unleash a powerful counterattack, strong enough to grab an unexpected victory with a last-moment turnaround. Street Fighter IV follows Street Fighter II in the series narrative, taking place before the events of Street Fighter III. Over two dozen characters are available for play, including core heroes and villains from Street Fighter II such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-li, and M. Bison. There are also series newcomers, such as Gouken, the trainer of Ryu and Ken, C. Viper, a government agent with moves as tight as her uniform, and the weapons master Seth, who can use the special moves of other characters. Home versions of Street Fighter IV also feature characters not in the arcade version of the game, including Fie Long, Dan, Gen, and Cammy, who won the most fan votes in an online poll, prior to the game's U.S. release. |
 "More than just a Super Mario Kart clone, Street Racer is a go-cart racer that lets players select from eight Street Fighter II-type characters, each with his or her own special attack weapons. Four-player split-screen capabilities supplement the raucous racing/combat action, and two unique bonus games give players even more bang for their buck. Soccer mode has gamers using their cars to bump the ball into a goal as many times as possible while Rumble mode is an arena game in which players try to knock each others' cars out of the ring. As if fast and fun gameplay weren't enough, Street Racer has realistic sound effects, a rocking soundtrack, and fantastic graphics. |
 "This hauntingly familiar Game Boy Advance platform adventure is an enhanced port of the Super NES game of the same title, and a sequel of sorts to the 1985 coin-op classic Ghosts 'n Goblins. Ghoulish gameplay consists of eight levels, including the Rotting Sea, the Deep Chill, and the Throne Room. In addition to the port of the 16-bit original, this cartridge contains a special Arrange Mode, which includes re-mixed levels from Ghosts 'n Goblins and Ghouls 'n Ghosts. Players take the role of the brave knight Arthur, who must rescue Princess Guinevere from the clutches of darkness by conquering a treacherous countryside crawling with dangerous monsters (such as dragons and man-eating plants) and creepy undead (such as zombies and vampires). Arthur can pick up sacks of gold, weapons (such as a crossbow and a scythe), extra lives and other items throughout his journey. Since he can only carry one weapon at a time, he should choose his power-ups wisely. Though he's as tough as he is brave, Arthur is human and therefore must rely heavily on shields, which are acquired by opening treasure chests. Steel Armor protects him from one hit, Bronze Armor protects him from one hit and gives him the power to use the Weapons of Enchantment, and Golden Armor has all the attributes of the lesser armors with the added power of letting Arthur use shields and summon White Magic. The designers have included a battery-backed feature that lets players save their progress. |
 "The well-traveled Mario embarks on his most visually striking adventure to date, one that finds the mustachioed plumber running, jumping, and flying across 3D realms for the first time. While the storyline might not surprise veteran players -- Princess Peach has been abducted yet again by Mario's turtle-shelled nemesis, Bowser -- the control scheme and play mechanics offer a new take on the best-selling platform series. The Nintendo 64's distinctive controller allows Mario to tiptoe, walk, and run simply by varying pressure on the analog stick. The yellow buttons control the camera, while others initiate triple jumps, back flips, ground pounds, and more. Mario can even swing and fling large boss characters by twirling the analog stick after grabbing them. The 15 main worlds in Super Mario 64 are linked together from within Peach's castle. While exploring the hallowed halls and royal rooms, players will encounter paintings leading to new and varied environments. From snow- and lava-filled realms to lagoons and deserts, each world is home to seven golden stars that Mario must collect to unlock additional areas in the castle. Players will complete an assortment of tasks to acquire all 120 stars, from locating eight red coins to racing a giant penguin. Familiar enemies such as goombas, koopas, and chain chomps will appear sporadically throughout each area, allowing Mario to perfect his patented butt-bounce. The ultimate goal is to find and defeat Bowser in a series of three one-on-one showdowns. |
 "Nintendo offers classic, old-fashioned Mario platform action on a brand new system with Mario Advance. Produced as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance, Super Mario Advance marks the first appearance of the Mario franchise on the 32-bit handheld system. The game is based on the classic Super Mario Bros. 2, released for the original Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988. Although characters and gameplay remain true to the original, the cartridge makes use of the increased technical abilities of the handheld Game Boy Advance over 1985's original 8-bit Nintendo console, featuring detailed graphics and animations. Much of the action in Super Mario Advance concerns lifting items to throw at enemies or carry to a special location. Instead of hopping on a Shy Guy's head, for example, Mario may need to pull a turnip from the ground and throw it at the enemy to get him out of the way. Often, characters will need to carry a key from one part of the level to another. GBA gamers choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad. Each character has a different combination of strength and agility. The Princess can jump very high and float gracefully to the ground, but if she is carrying an item she moves much more slowly and cannot leap as far. Toad can't jump as far as the others, but he can carry items without any effect on his speed or leaping ability. Going even further back in the characters' history, Super Mario Advance also features a multiplayer-compatible mini-game based on the original Mario Bros. arcade game. Players will have to hop their way to the top of the screen, quickly and carefully, avoiding turtle-like Koopas and other enemies. This enhanced version of the arcade game can be played in "Classic" or "Battle" modes. In all, Nintendo makes an effort to send their best characters ahead to welcome the handheld system to their product line. |
 "Fly through the air, make a special new friend, and rescue Princess Toadstool in this portable version of 1993's acclaimed Super Mario World. The Super NES classic that first paired Mario and Luigi with the cute little dinosaur Yoshi comes to the Game Boy Advance in this faithful remake. Gameplay is in the defining platform style of traditional Mario Bros. adventures. In addition to his familiar running and jumping talents, Mario can use a cape for limited flight in this game, similar to the feather power-up introduced in the NES' Super Mario Bros. 3. Of course, Yoshi adds many new powers and abilities of his own to the mix. The original game is known not only for its familiar gameplay style and refined presentation, but also for large levels worthy of thorough exploration. This release is designed to retain these elements as it translates the 2D masterpiece to the small screen. |
 "The evil Magikoopa Kamek has hatched a plot to kidnap the newborn Mario brothers, and his toadies are dispatched to rob the stork of this precious cargo. They succeed in capturing only Luigi, however, and the baby Mario falls to the ground. There he is found by Yoshi, who sets out on a great adventure to rescue Luigi and return the brothers to their parents. The twist in Yoshi's Island is that you control Yoshi for the majority of the game, not Mario. Baby Mario rides on Yoshi's back as you travel through six worlds (with eight stages per world) on your way to Kamek's castle. When Yoshi is hit by an enemy, Mario falls off and floats in a bubble. You then have a limited amount of time to regain Mario before the toadies capture him and you lose a life. When you grab a Super Star, Mario, whom you will control for a short time, will power-up and become an invincible little tike who can do a whole lot of damage to enemies. Crafty dinosaur that he is, Yoshi can run and jump and he can use his lashing tongue to grab enemies. He can then spit the enemy out or swallow the enemy to create an egg, which will grant you a coin, two stars, or a special red coin. Yoshi can find watermelons that will enable him to spit seeds, fire, and ice at the enemies. Also, by touching a metamorphosis bubble, Yoshi will temporarily become a helicopter, a mole tank, a submarine, a train, or a car. |
 "This fourth installment of the Super Mario Advance series once again revisits a classic Mario game while adding a few enhancements to appeal to veteran players. Super Mario Bros. 3, at one time the biggest selling video game in history, is the subject of choice for this cartridge, featuring updated graphics and sound resembling the version introduced in the Super Mario All-Stars compilation on Super NES. New speech, the ability to save progress to battery, and a few surprises are in store for those familiar with the 8-bit platform game. Mario and Luigi must stop Bowser and his mischievous children from turning the local populace into animals, kicking off an adventure spanning eight themed worlds: Grass Land, Desert Hill, Sea Side, Big Island, The Sky, Iced Land, Pipe Maze, and Castle of Koopa. Mario can don special power suits that grant him the ability to fly, hop like a frog, toss hammers, and freeze into an immobile statue for protection. As in previous Super Mario Advance games, up to four players can compete in a standalone version of the original Mario Bros., and those owning the e-Reader peripheral will be able to swipe cards to unlock additional levels or special challenges. |
 "Released in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the hugely influential Nintendo Entertainment System console (which first appeared in Japan as the Famicom, in 1984), the "Classic NES Series" of Game Boy Advance cartridges present accurate versions of original NES games, for play on the handheld. Former plumbers Mario and Luigi have been sent to rescue to Princess Toadstool and restore peace to the kingdom. They must make their way over land, under ground, and through the sea, in eight worlds divided into four levels each. At the end of each world, the brothers come face to face with Bowser, the evil king of the Koopas, who must be stopped before the quest can continue. |
 "Super Mario Bros. Deluxe contains four separate modes of gameplay: Original 1985, Challenge, Versus and The Lost Levels. In addition, there is a picture album and a "toy box" that contains a calendar, a fortune teller and a banner printer. Original 1985 is Super Mario Bros., plain and simple. The only concession made in the conversion from the NES to the Game Boy Color is that entire height of the playfield doesn't fit on the screen all at once due to differences between the aspect ratios of the two systems. In certain cases, you have to scroll up and down to view objects above and below you. The most welcome addition to this Deluxe version is the ability to save your game after each level. Mario's goal is to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the evil Bowser. Along the way, you'll face a variety of nasty enemies, including Goombas, Koopas, Bullet Bills and Hammer Brothers. Mario's main method of attack is to jump on top of enemies, but much needed power-ups will aid you in your quest. Mushrooms make you grow to more than double your normal size, giving you extra strength and the ability get hit once by an enemy without dying. Fireflowers give you the power to shoot fireballs, and stars make you invincible for a limited amount of time. The game is divided into eight worlds, and each of these worlds is divided into four stages, for a grand total of 32 different levels. Challenge mode adds new goals to each of the original levels. In order to fully complete each level in Challenge mode, you have to find five red coins, a Yoshi egg and reach a certain point total. Versus mode lets you link up with a buddy in a race between Mario and Luigi. Your goal is to make it to the end of the level as quickly as possible while trying to stop your opponent. Both players will need a copy of Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and a Game Boy Color to participate, but there is also a one-player version than can be unlocked. The Lost Levels is a special bonus game than can be unlocked. Released as Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan, the game features the same gameplay as Super Mario Bros. with new worlds, a higher level of difficulty and an "anti-mushroom" that hurts you if you touch it. This game also appeared as "The Lost Levels" in Super Mario All-Stars for the Super NES. The picture album contains artwork that is revealed when you perform specific tasks in the game, such as when you find a bonus stage or first stomp on a Koopa. The calendar acts as a basic scheduler, the fortune teller provides your with your future, and the banner printer allows you to print various Nintendo and Mario-related pictures. If you have a Game Boy Printer, that is. |
 "Mario leaves behind the Mushroom Kingdom and soars into space, of all places, for his debut adventure on Wii. Bowser is once again making trouble for poor Mario, snatching the persistently imperiled Princess Peach and stashing her somewhere deep within the cosmos. The plumber begins his rescue mission from the Comet Observatory, where beings known as Lumas require star energy to power their planet so Mario can reach Bowser. The hero must venture across multiple galaxies to collect stars, while mastering a mix of familiar and new play mechanics along the way. The space setting introduces a number of changes to the classic Mario experience. Instead of running, hopping, and bopping on flat land, for instance, Mario leaps across spherical planets with variable fields of gravity. A new spin move has been added to his repertoire, allowing him to stun enemies, deflect projectiles, break objects, jump higher, and much more. Players will also rocket through space by using the Wii Remote to "latch" onto certain stars like a grappling hook or a tractor beam. Hidden throughout each world is stardust that can be used as a weapon or as a means to gain extra lives. Collecting stars opens up more routes to explore and conquer, and players will visit more than 40 galaxies across six themed regions. Multiple objectives are available to complete within each galaxy, and several transformations are possible with the game's new costumes. The bee suit, for example, has the plucky plumber hovering and climbing sticky surfaces, while the "boo" suit turns Mario into an apparition that floats and passes through barriers. An assortment of racing and other whimsical mini-games are sprinkled throughout each region, and a friend can even join in on the fun by lending Mario a helping hand in the cooperative assist mode. |
 "Mario's first Game Boy adventure, Super Mario Land looks and plays much like the original, groundbreaking Super Mario Bros.. Mario is out to save Princess Daisy instead of Princess Toadstool, and he can throw superballs instead of fireballs, but the side-scrolling, turtle-trouncing, coin-collecting action is much the same. Super Mario Land owners will notice several additions to the SMB formula, including stone statues (and other new enemies), bonus rounds, and levels where you pilot an airplane or a submarine. The graphics are too small (even for a handheld game), and the game is easy to beat (even though it has no save points), but gameplay is fittingly super. |
 "The largest Game Boy cartridge at the time of its release, Super Mario Land 2 nearly doubles the number of levels found in its side-scrolling predecessor and features a revamped visual style influenced by 1991's Super Mario World. Mario will travel on land, under water, and in outer space to find the six golden coins needed to save the land from his diabolical doppelganger, Wario. The action takes place across six themed zones, each spanning multiple stages: Tree Zone, Space Zone, Macro Zone, Pumpkin Zone, Mario Zone, and Turtle Zone. Confront a mixture of familiar faces and new adversaries while acquiring various power-ups to assist Mario. Grow larger, shoot fireballs, and even fly across levels to safely make it through each stage. Mario's flying ability is triggered by a carrot, which causes the portly plumber's hat to sprout powerful bunny ears that can be used like wings. Once all six coins have been collected (by defeating each zone's boss character), the hero must confront his arch-nemesis lurking deep within Mario Land's castle. Automatically save progress throughout your travels via battery backup. |
 "Super Skidmarks is a racing video game developed by Acid Software and released in 1995. The game is the sequel to Skidmarks and as such was also termed Skidmarks 2 and Super Skidmarks 2 by commentators. The game features �minimally realistic�[1] action viewed from an isometric perspective as well as novelty vehicles such as wheeled cows and caravans. Various methods such as joypad adapters and link systems are employed to allow multiple players to compete, up to a maximum of 8. The game was critically acclaimed and a best-seller in the UK. Several upgrades to the Amiga original were released as well as conversions for the Amiga CD32 and Sega Mega Drive, the latter published by Codemasters. |
 "One of Nintendo's most anticipated games for 2008, Super Smash Bros. Brawl continues the mascot-mauling series that began in 1998 on Nintendo 64. As in the two previous installments, players will choose from an assortment of major and minor characters from the publisher's prolific past, including such stalwarts as Mario, Pikachu, Link, and Samus. New to Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the inclusion of cross-platform stars Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake, as well as such "slighted" characters as Wario, Diddy Kong, and Pit of Kid Icarus fame. Characters will engage in hand-to-hand or projectile-based combat within multi-tiered environments based on iconic locales. Yoshi's Island, Delfino Plaza, and WarioWare are but a few of the featured stages, each offering built-in hazards and a number of surprise twists. One of the game's distinguishing features is its offbeat item list, which has now expanded to include the likes of smoke balls, cracker launchers, and one deadly dinner: super spicy curry. As characters progress through the game's several play formats, including a new side-scrolling Adventure Mode, they can take snapshots, win trophies, and even collect stickers to store in an album. Four controller options are available, and players can once again set up dream matches and tournaments by customizing an assortment of minute details. Some of the industry's most respected composers have contributed to the eclectic soundtrack, which features rearranged theme songs and bonus tunes unlocked by collecting CDs throughout the course of play. Yet the most compelling feature for longtime fans is the inclusion of four-player online support for global competition. |
 "Sporting beautiful cartoon-like graphics from the 1991 animated series and an offbeat jazz soundtrack, Taz-Mania is a platform game suffering from short, unimaginative levels and an incredible number of blind jumps. Players control the whirling dervish through six multi-staged areas of jumping and spinning action, from an abandoned mine to a mouse-infested jungle. In addition to his patented spin attack, Taz can throw items at enemies and belch fire after consuming red peppers. While enemies are few and far between, hazards such as quicksand, slippery icebergs, and bottomless pits make for a devilish mix of trial-and-error gameplay. |
 "Making its debut on the PSP, Tekken: Dark Resurrection features two returning characters (Lili and Dragunov), an Ad-hoc mode for up to eight players, the return of the Armor King, 19 stages, new modes, more than 30 customizable characters, and money to spend on costumes, armor, weaponry, and other items. The game features four modes of play -- "Arcade Battle," "Team Battle," "Quick Battle," and "Story Battle" -- and multiplayer options include three attack modes. "Time Attack," "Survival," and "Gold Rush" pit player against player in a fight for supreme thumb skill supremacy. As usual, a "Practice" mode gives gamers a chance to test their skills before entering the ring. "Story Battle" includes background information on each character as players fight for the title of "Tekken Lord" through a series of dojos based on a private island owned by Mishima Zaibatsu. |
 "One of the industry's longest running franchises accelerates onto Xbox 360 as a single-player racing game and a persistent online community, one that can support thousands of simultaneous users with continuously updated content. The setting is the tropical islands of Hawaii, where more than 1,000 miles of open roads await both casual and competitive drivers. Test Drive includes over 125 licensed cars and motorcycles from such manufacturers as Ferrari, Jaguar, and Mercedes, each customizable with authentic performance parts earned by winning races, completing missions, entering tournaments, and more. Both the single-player game and online world are seamlessly connected so that players can immediately jump between the two to engage in various challenges against up to seven drivers. While online, players can either join or form a club to chat with other racing fans, initiate trades, create custom events, or host tournaments against rival clubs. Division rankings and user stats are tracked during the online experience, and those new to racing will be able to find similarly skilled players through the integrated matchmaking service. Each race on the islands can also be catered to individual tastes, with drivers able to choose from more than 50 rules and settings before entering competition. |
 "Car and driving enthusiasts embark on new automotive adventures across the Mediterranean paradise of Ibiza in Test Drive Unlimited 2. Following the innovative design of the original Test Drive Unlimited, the sequel features a full single-player campaign that can be played offline, but which integrates into a persistent online world, shared with other players. Through mission-based progression, players can develop their characters and expand their car collections for both offline and online play. Players can gain experience points and unlock new missions by competing in races, collecting cars and avatar items, exploring the island, and joining in online activities such as multiplayer races and "car club" guilds. The driving adventure plays out over hundreds of miles of open virtual highways and byways in Ibiza, and the sequel also includes new roadways and missions in Oahu, Hawaii, the setting of the original game. Most roads are paved, but players may wish to add a few SUVs to their garages to take on the game's two-track challenges. Test Drive Unlimited 2 features showcase cars from a selection of international manufacturers including Aston Martin, Audi, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Gumpert, Lotus, McLaren, Mercedes, Pagani, and others. Some of the rarest automobile models in the game can only be unlocked by members of an online guild that overcomes special multiplayer challenges. As they prove themselves on the road, both off- and online, players unlock faster and more powerful automobiles for their collections. Similarly, in the single-player story mode, gamers can gradually build a virtual empire of luxury living for their customizable avatars, with mansions, yachts, showrooms, and other opulent amenities. Even with these RPG-style elements for ambiance, however, the focus off the game is squarely on the experience of driving the world's most luxurious high-performance automobiles through scenic and sometimes-challenging locations. |
 "Originally sold as a pack-in with the venerable handheld system, Tetris for the Game Boy is a rock solid, platform-friendly port of the puzzling PC classic. In addition to including two one-player modes (endurance and 25-line), the game pak introduced to the Tetris formula a special two-player link mode in which players competed to finish 30 lines. By vanquishing multiple lines with a single block placement, players could send lines of blocks to their opponent's screen, making the game very competitive. |
 "Tetris DX features battery-saved high scores and three player profiles. It has a new single-player mode against the CPU, and also features two new modes of play. In "Ultra Mode," players must accumulate as many points as possible within a three-minute time period. In "40 Lines," players are timed on how quickly they can clear 40 lines of play. In addition, new music themes were added as well. |
 "The Fab Four take center stage once more in this exclusive Rock Band spin-off. More than a compilation of songs from the Beatles, the game recreates the band's historic concerts, signature instruments, and changing appearances over the span of a 12-album career. Digital versions of John, Paul, George, and Ringo will not only perform at authentic venues, but also within dreamlike environments inspired by some of the band's more colorful songs. As with previous entries in the Rock Band franchise, the game involves playing songs by following onscreen cues with one of four peripherals: a microphone, lead guitar, bass guitar, and drums. Vocals now offer three playable parts, a first for the series, including one lead and two harmonies. A built-in vocal trainer will help you get accustomed to singing each melody, as you are able to freely switch between all three parts with a press of a button. Three microphones are required to harmonize with your friends. Featured on the disc are 45 tracks, including "Back in the U.S.S.R.," "Here Comes the Sun," "I Feel Fine," "Taxman," "Octopus' Garden," "Get Back," "Day Tripper," "I Saw Her Standing There," "I Am the Walrus," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Downloadable content is also supported to expand the initial track list, with 1969's Abbey Road the first album scheduled for online distribution. Xbox 360 owners will also be able to download a system-exclusive track, "All You Need Is Love," to enhance their collection. |
 "A stealthy first-person action game with up-close combat and light 3D platforming, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a sequel to Starbreeze Studio's acclaimed Xbox action-adventure, Escape from Butcher Bay. Players resume the role of the nocturnally ocular Richard B. Riddick, first portrayed by Vin Diesel in the sci-fi movie Pitch Black, and then in 2004's Escape from Butcher Bay and the concurrently released Chronicles of Riddick feature film. Riddick's ability to see in the dark gives him advantages in the shadows, where he can often pass undetected. When his cover is blown, his martial arts mastery and ruthless fighting style make it difficult to beat him to the punch, and gunfights are more common in Assault on Dark Athena than in the earlier game. The Assault on Dark Athena single-player story begins with Riddick and his current companion, the bounty hunter William Johns, in cryostatsis aboard their small ship, adrift in space. Riddick's "deep sleep" dreams (which serve as the game's tutorial stage) are interrupted as the vessel is boarded by pirates, who carry Johns off as Riddick hides in the shadows. As he explores the pirate's massive ship, called The Dark Athena, Riddick uncovers an injustice he can't abide and sets out to shut the entire operation down. In addition to the new sequel story, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena includes the complete Escape from Butcher Bay game, updated for play on the high-def generation consoles. |
 "Based on the Top Cow comic, The Darkness is a mature, Mafioso adventure, set in modern times but steeled by ancient magic. Players take the leading role of mob hit man Jackie Estacado, who acquires supernatural powers known as "The Darkness" as he reaches his 21st birthday. Gameplay involves exploration and combat through interactive, destructible New York City environments. The plotline is balanced on conflicts between Jackie's ambitions and his family's underworld entrenchment, and on the conflicts between Jackie's own human personality and that of his supernatural side. The Darkness was developed by Sweden's Starbreeze Studios, which gained much positive recognition for its 2004 Xbox and PC game, The Chronicles of Riddick. |
 "The Darkness II is a grim and violent first-person shooter with a modern-day horror setting. The game follows the unholy misfortunes of Jackie Estacado, a fearless crime-family enforcer who inherited gruesome supernatural powers, personified as a spirit called "the Darkness." The game plays along with the strengths and weaknesses the spirit bestows, while emphasizing its vile and hateful compellations. Jackie is stronger in the shadows, as his powers feed on actual darkness, and bright light causes blurred vision and an uncomfortable ringing in the ears. By mutilating defeated enemies and defiling their corpses, players can build up Jackie's "Dark Essence," which is used to unlock new powers and abilities. In addition to a selection of dual pistols and other deadly firearms, Jackie can wield weapons and other objects found throughout the adventure. He can also use his four demon arms for auxiliary attacks, and to perform hideous finishing moves. Two years after the events of the original adventure, Jackie has taken revenge on Paulie, and then risen to take his place as mafia don. His only true enemy is the Darkness itself, which corrupts so much of his humanity in exchange for the power it gives. Unreal co-creator Digital Extremes takes on development duties for the sequel, which is again based on the Top Cow Productions comic. Graphics are more stylized than in the original, using a cel-shading technique for an illustrated look that is closer to the graphic novel source material. |
 "Like earlier games in the Elder Scrolls line, Oblivion is designed to present a living fantasy world that gamers experience on their own terms. The game is populated with over 1,000 NPCs, each leading a full life, following regular schedules according to their individual wants, needs, and positions. Players are encouraged to interact in the world as they choose, as noble heroes, greedy villains, or anything in between. The game's main story is designed to conform to characters of any moral bent, and plenty of side-missions provide extra adventuring for all. |
 "Originally conceived as a PlayStation title, The Getaway is a mission-based game set in London, England. Inspired by such films as The Long Good Friday and 1968's Get Carter, The Getaway has players slipping into the shoes of an ex-con named Mark Hammond. Hammond finds himself reluctantly drawn into a life of crime again after his wife is brutally murdered and his son abducted by the Bethnal Street Mob. Now Hammond must complete 12 missions on behalf of a once-powerful crime boss named Charlie Jolson, whose control over London's East End is as frail as his health. If Hammond fails to comply, he'll never see his son again. The result is a cinematic adventure encompassing car chases, gunfights, stealth, and a second playable character in the form of embittered Detective Frank Carter, whose 12-mission storyline runs concurrent with Hammond's. The 3D city captures an estimated 20 square miles of London, complete with authentic storefronts and landmarks. Players will also be able to walk into mission-related buildings such as restaurants, pubs, warehouses, and hotels during the course of the game. Actors were filmed using an advanced form of motion-capture technique, where up to five people could be recorded at once (along with their dialogue) inside actual sets. Each actor's face was also digitally scanned and mapped to his or her character model. The main adventure in The Getaway consists of 52 objectives spread across the 24 missions, with driving representing nearly half of the action. The game distinguishes itself from others in the genre by its lack of on-screen indicators for targeting enemies or viewing health. Instead players must rely on subtle visual cues rather than obvious meters to advance through the game. Once the main mode is complete, players can embark on a scenic tour of London to visit various landmarks and notable attractions without worrying about time or having to complete objectives. |
 "Overkill is an over-the-top, B-movie, pulp fiction-style take on the House of the Dead series. Played from a first-person perspective, the game's seemingly simple goal is to shoot at the zombies, mutants, and other unearthly horrors that come into view, before they can get close enough to take a bite. The lead character quips sardonic comments and macabre jokes, and innocent civilians flee the carnage as he blasts a swath of righteous gore through the writhing hordes. The play mechanics are of the on-rails shooter style used in other House of the Dead games. As in the well-received House of the Dead 2 & 3 remake for Wii, players aim and fire using the Wii Remote, while their characters automatically move forward through the level, pausing at key locations for special challenges and scripted events. The action is set to a rousing pace, with swarming undead and surprise attacks to keep the tension on edge. The motion-sensitive controls also play a role when the creepies get too close for comfort: with a swing of the controller, players can pistol-whip a zombie or smack back a mutant with the stock of their shotgun. Two-player cooperative play is supported, for side-by-side shooting. |
 "Overkill is an over-the-top, B-movie, pulp fiction-style take on the House of the Dead series. Played from a first-person perspective, the game's seemingly simple goal is to blast at the packs of zombies, mutants, and other unearthly horrors that come into view, before they can get close enough to take a bite. Based on the Wii edition of the title, Extended Cut presents the gruesome shooter action in HD, with support for stereoscopic 3D. The original seven stages are re-mastered for PS3, and two new stages are included, along with Trophies, game modes, and other additional content. Play mechanics are of the on-rails shooter style, as in other House of the Dead games. Players aim and fire while their characters automatically move forward through the level, pausing at key locations for special challenges and scripted events. The lead character quips sardonic comments and macabre jokes, and innocent civilians flee the carnage as he blasts a swath of righteous gore through the writhing hordes of evil creepies. The action is set at a rousing pace, with heavy waves of enemies and surprise attacks to keep the tension on edge. The game is Move-compatible, for light gun-style shooting and hand-to-hand action. |
 "In the 2D fighting genre, there are two main companies that dominate the market: Capcom and SNK. Although Capcom is single-handedly responsible for making the genre what it is with its always-reusable Street Fighter license, SNK has always been lurking in the shadows, dishing out (for the most part) quality 2D fighters left and right: Samurai Showdown, Art of Fighting, Fatal Fury; heck, even the first World Heroes was good fun. With so many fertile licenses to use, SNK did what every fighting fan dreamed of - they combined fighters from all of their different games (even Ikari Warriors!) and created the King of Fighters series. |
 "Released in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the hugely influential Nintendo Entertainment System console (which first appeared in Japan as the Famicom, in 1984), the "Classic NES Series" of Game Boy Advance cartridges present accurate versions of original NES games, for play on the handheld. As the epic Legend of Zelda begins, the evil Ganon has kidnapped Princess Zelda and scattered the eight pieces of the Triforce throughout the land of Hyrule. Only a young hero named Link can return peace and order to the kingdom. Armed with a small sword and shield, he sets out to explore a world filled with monsters and puzzling secrets. |
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 "Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is an update of 1992's blockbuster Super NES title, the first and only Zelda game to appear on Nintendo's 16-bit system. Players control Link from the familiar overhead perspective as he battles monsters in real-time while venturing across 11 dungeons spread across two diametrically opposed worlds. After the wizard Agahnim murders Hyrule's benevolent king and captures Princess Zelda, Link is pressed into action to save the troubled land once more. Unique to this Game Boy Advance version is a standalone multiplayer mode entitled Four Swords, where up to four players can fight as a version of Link dressed in a different colored outfit. Structured in a similar manner to Gauntlet, each player must work together as a team to defeat hordes of monsters while collecting rupees and fallen items. Acquired items can then be transferred to other party members in need, as cooperation is the key to solving many of the game's puzzles and boss encounters. Players will team up to move giant boulders, activate pressure pads, or to get past certain areas, often requiring characters to play a specific role apart from the rest of the party. One character may need to lob bombs over a fence for another Link to use on a barrier, for example. Each character possesses one special weapon different than everyone else's. Thus, others will depend on a certain Link's ability to perform a particular task so the entire group can advance. No matter which Legend of Zelda game is selected, progress during both adventures can be saved via battery backup. |
 "Link makes his anticipated Game Boy debut in this four-megabit cartridge, which closely follows the visual style introduced in 1992's Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The story picks up after the conclusion of the Super NES game, which has young Link venturing across the sea to continue his training as Hyrule's greatest champion. After a tumultuous storm, Link finds himself shipwrecked on a mysterious island named Koholint. A talking owl tells Link that he needs to awaken a creature called the Wind Fish if he wants to return home. Yet in order to do this, the elfin hero must collect eight musical instruments scattered across the island. The catch? Each instrument is hidden inside a trap-filled cave guarded by entities known as Nightmares. Link has learned some new moves for his first handheld adventure, including the ability to jump and attack at the same time, and the ability to move his shield to block attacks or to push enemies. Familiar items such as the sword, bow, bomb, hookshot, and magic powder are joined by a number of new tools, such as an acorn, wand, fins, and magical keys. Explore the island's vast overworld to discover an assortment of characters, quests, secrets, and challenges before venturing into each maze-like dungeon in search of the eight musical instruments. Engage in whimsical mini-games, from fishing to treasure hunting with a crane, and save your progress in up to three games to the battery-backed cartridge. |
 "Nintendo's famous swords-and-sorcery champion Link faces some enormous challenges, as he journeys through the Lilliputian lands of the Minish folk in this Game Boy Advance adventure. Though it may be too small for a normal-sized person to ever notice, the realm of the Minish hosts a bustling community of good-hearted people. Unfortunately, it is also a community of people in trouble, and it will take a hero like Link to help save them all. So it's lucky that at the beginning of this adventure, Link rescues a creature that allows him to shrink in size. This wise-cracking creature -- which is actually a talking hat -- offers a few other surprises as well, and the powers it bestows on its wearer become instrumental in solving many of the game's puzzles. Some of the environments in Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap are best suited to a person of normal size, while others can only be accessed by someone of Minish proportion; Link must learn when to switch back and forth in order to accomplish different tasks. Real-time battles and NPC interaction also play their part in this adventure. Many characters carry "kinstones," which are half-pieces of special pendants. Often, when Link can recover the missing half of a kinstone, new characters, areas, or abilities become available. The Minish Cap was developed by the same Capcom studio that created the well-received Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages Legend of Zelda titles for Game Boy Color. |
 "Notable for being the first Zelda game launched with a Nintendo platform, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii is an enhanced version of the GameCube title with a new control scheme. Players guide the elfin Link with both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers as he fights to save Hyrule from a shadowy new threat, one that has cast a crippling darkness over the once vibrant land and its surrounding areas. Link has a few new powers up his tunic's sleeve, however, as he can transform into a wolf with the help of a mysterious animal friend named Midna. Familiar elements from previous Zelda games have made the transition to Twilight Princess, albeit with new twists afforded by the motion-sensor controls. As players explore puzzle-filled dungeons, they will shake, point, pull back, and tilt their controllers to throw boomerangs, fire arrows, launch a hookshot, swing a sword, and more. Link can even continue his battles on horseback, running at full gallop into packs of mounted enemies. Twilight Princess also includes several optional mini-games, from canoeing to herding to fishing. The latter has players flicking the Wii Remote to cast the line and then jerking it back to reel the fish in. |
 "The Circle of Life continues. High on an outcropping, the Lion King, Mufasa, holds his new-born son high in the air. Simba is born, and is destined to be the Lion King when Mufasa's time is up. Unfortunately, Mufasa's brother, Scar has other plans. Staging a wildebeest stampede, Mufasa is killed, and Simba blames himself and goes into self-imposed exile. Scar takes the mantle of the Lion King. Based on the populer Disney movie of the same name, you play Simba, the Prince of the Pridelands. You will face hyena's, an elephant graveyard, a stampede, and finally Scar as you grow from a cub, to a full-grown lion. Fight your way back to the Pridelands and reclaim what is yours, and save your family. |
 "The Orange Box is a five-game collection of best-selling Valve hits and anticipated new releases. The most recognizable games in the package are 2004's critically acclaimed Half-Life 2 and its first two expansion packs, Episode One and Episode Two. They are joined by the standalone puzzle game, Portal, and the team-based online shooter, Team Fortress 2. Half-Life 2 continues the saga of scientist Gordon Freeman, who finds himself in a world overrun by an alien army known as the Combine. One of the key features in Half-Life 2 and its expansions is the use of physics to interact with the environment, whether it's pushing cinder blocks to create a staircase or using a gravity gun to hoist and then slam objects into enemies. Freeman will interact with several friendly characters as well as drive an assortment of vehicles in his quest to defeat the ruthless Combine. Portal is a 3D puzzle game played from a first-person perspective. The object is to advance through a series of rooms by using a gun to create a means of escape. Instead of lasers or bullets, the gun fires one of two opposing portal types: orange and red. One could be used as an entrance, while the other used as an exit. Portals can be fired on most surfaces, and the gun can also be used to pick up and toss objects. Storage and weighted "companion" cubes found within rooms are creatively used to activate switches, knock out security droids, and more. Turret guns, toxic liquid, crushing walls, and other hazards must also be avoided throughout play. A sarcastic, female-voiced computer will monitor your performance and serves as a droll guide for each area. In addition to the main game, players can unlock both a challenge and an advanced mode for more deviously designed puzzles and goals. Team Fortress 2 pits two rival construction crews against each other on six themed maps. Nine classes are available when forming a team: Pyro, Heavy, Spy, Scout, Sniper, Medic, Engineer, "Demoman," and Soldier. Each class offers unique abilities and equipment to complete objectives, from a medic's healing powers to a spy's disguises for eluding detection. Three play modes include Capture-the-Flag, Control Point, and Territorial Control. Capture-the Flag involves retrieving a briefcase from the enemy's base before the opposition does the same. Control Point has teams maintaining control over four areas on a map, two of which are in contention, before one side can capture the rival team's base. Territorial Control features five contested areas, allowing for a more open play style. Team Fortress 2 is further distinguished by its distinctive, cartoon-like visual style as well as its detailed stat tracking. |
 "Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa are the last hope for Springfield in The Simpsons Game for PSP. Featuring cartoon-like, cel-shaded graphics and 3D environments, The Simpsons Game offers players a chance to control each member of the flawed family (even baby Maggie) in a series of 16 "episodes" spread across four acts. Each episode parodies films, television shows, and particularly video games, with the latter skewering such mainstays as Grand Theft Auto, EverQuest, and the publisher's own Medal of Honor series. Two playable family members are featured in an episode, with solo gamers able to freely switch between the pre-selected pair to take advantage of a character's special attributes. Cooperative play with a friend is also supported throughout the animated adventure, which mixes elements of platform hopping, projectile firing, and puzzle solving. Homer's abilities befit his slovenly persona: a belch of acrid gas and the power to transform into a blob to bounce or bowl over enemies. Bart fires a slingshot and transforms into Bartman, while Marge barks orders into a bullhorn and dons a policeman's cap for added strength. Lisa, on the other hand, disarms enemies with her sax and calls on the "hand of Buddha" to unleash various attacks. Each character can also activate special moves by filling up an energy meter or by finding power-ups. Character-specific collectibles are available as well, such as Duff bottle caps or Krusty coupons, which unlock one of two trophies per level. Players can even discover multiple video game clich�s, from double jumps to invisible walls, each narrated with particular disdain by Comic Book Guy. The Simpsons Game features a storyline crafted by the show's Emmy-winning writers and dialogue voiced by the original cast members. |
 "The Simpsons Road Rage brings the lighthearted mission-based driving of Crazy Taxi to the characters, settings, and amusing sense of ennui cultured in the popular animated television series. Play as one of over 20 Simpsons characters to run driving errands and deliveries at breakneck speeds through a dozen Springfield neighborhoods featuring over 100 recognizable landmarks. The world and its characters are rendered in full 3D for a sense of space and speed, yet the familiar people and places of Springfield are designed to match the 2D essence of their television counterparts. The physics model is purposefully exaggerated to allow impossible trick maneuvers and arcade-style control. Homer's boss Mr. Burns lives up to his reputation as a true capitalist pig when he buys the local transit system and raises all the fares to outrageous rates. The resourceful citizens of Springfield begin to drive themselves around instead of paying the ridiculous mass transit fees, so the streets soon become crowded with frustrated motorists. Only by running errands and making deliveries can the downtrodden masses of Springfield earn enough money to buy back the transit system and return the roadways to their former state of relative efficiency. The game's Story Mode offers at least 40 different challenges that can help earn money for the cause. The more open-ended Sunday Driving mode lets players make deliveries and cruise virtual Springfield at their own pace. |
 "Homer's boss, Mr. Burns, lives up to his greedy reputation when he buys the local transit system and raises all the fares to outrageous rates. The resourceful citizens of Springfield vow to drive themselves around instead of paying the ridiculous mass transit fees. Now the streets are crowded with frustrated motorists. Only by running errands and making deliveries can the downtrodden masses of Springfield earn enough money to buy back the transit system and return the roadways to their former state of relative efficiency. Road Rage merges the lighthearted mission-based driving of Crazy Taxi with the characters and settings featured in the popular animated television series, The Simpsons. |
 "The Simpsons: Hit & Run takes players on a trip through the colorful streets of Springfield in a mission-based racing game with the ability to continue objectives on foot. Something is amiss in Springfield, as strange crop circles have been reported and people are suddenly disappearing. After Homer notices a mysterious satellite-equipped van parked outside his home, he takes it upon himself to discover the truth behind these unsettling events. A total of 17 characters are available for the mission-based driving sequences, with Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, and Apu able to leave their cars and enter such buildings as Moe's Tavern, the Kwik-E-Mart, Kamp Krusty, and the Springfield Power Plant. To lend a degree of authenticity to the game, the animated show's original cast recorded the voice-overs for their respective characters. |
 "Soldier Kyle Reese travels from the distant future to 1984 Los Angeles to protect a young woman named Sarah Connor in this console adaptation of James Cameron's cult film. Designed as a platform shooter, the Genesis version has you controlling Kyle on foot through a total of four levels. Climb ladders, leap across ledges, and do battle with a number of enemies, both man and machine, while being relentlessly pursued by a futuristic assassin known as the Terminator, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie. Use a combination of shotgun blasts and grenades to defeat the opposition. Prevent the Terminator from fulfilling his objective to win the game. |
 "Putt, swing, and slice with some of the biggest names in golf as you travel to various real and fantasy courses in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07. Practice your swing, play against human opponents online, or gather a team of golfers and go head-to-head against Tiger Woods and his team of birdie-scoring buddies. The game features 21 courses including the Four Seasons Resort Avaira, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Riviera Country Club, the K Club, and more with in-game commentary provided by David Feherty and Gary McCord. Select your character from such golfers as Vijay Singh, Ian Poulter, Annika Sorenstam, and John Daly, or create your own character from a variety of clothing, facial features, equipment licenses, and specialty items. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 comes with several gameplay options including "Team Tour," "Career," "Practice," and mini-games such as One-Ball, Battle Golf, and more. Characters will no longer spend money to earn experience points, and will gain experience by spending time in the "Practice" area shooting from six different tee boxes. Performance of your skills on the practice green translates to improved character stats that carry over into your career game. You also have two types of swing styles, Standard and Swing Stick, and the game will adjust the difficulty based on how well you are playing. To aim your shot, look for the circular area with a size determined by such factors as attributes and club choice, and then take a shot towards your goal. Online play features three person tournaments, stat trackers, leader boards, the ESPN ticker, radio updates, and news. |
 "International superstar Tiger Woods tees off for his fourth golf outing on Xbox 360 with several new features. While the core play mechanics are identical to last year's game, which continued the analog-based swing meter first introduced in 1998, more options are now available to customize the experience. The biggest change is the inclusion of a personal golf coach to help improve your long and short game. Tiger's coach Hank Haney will serve as your mentor, assessing your swing and offering tips on equipment to maximize your abilities. Clubs can now be tuned to take advantage of a course's width, doglegs, and length. You can freely adjust power (at the expense of accuracy), accuracy (at the expense of power), or "workability" to improve draw and fade. Five new courses include Gary Player Country Club, Sheshan Golf & Country Club, Wolf Creek Golf Club, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, and Wentworth Golf Club. A dynamic attribute system automatically adjusts skill ratings based on how well you play on each course. If ratings fall too far below acceptable levels, call on Hank Haney to provide specific drills so you remain competitive. |
 "With a new emphasis on online tournaments and refined controls, the biggest name in golf returns for another season of virtual chipping, putting, and driving in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10. Gamers can hit the links on a variety of real-world courses, including the newly added Turnberry (site of the 2009 British Open), Bethpage Black (site of the 2009 U.S. Open), Oakmont, Hazeltine, and Torrey Pines. The inclusion of Bethpage Black marks the first time in franchise history that players get to tackle the notoriously difficult U.S. Open tournament, and dynamic crowds, scoreboards, and weather effects are designed to provide the game with a realistic sense of dramatic intensity. Wii MotionPlus is fully integrated into the game, allowing for more accurate shots and realistic draw-fade possibilities, and Wii gamers get the added bonus of a Disc Golf side-game that lets players toss a Frisbee around all 27 available courses. Online tournaments come in three different varieties, with two of the modes challenging players to post the best possible score to online leaderboards. The "Daily" tournaments find gamers competing in single-round competitions with a 24-hour window, while the "Weekly" tournaments challenge players to post the best four-round score they can over a seven-day span. The "Play the Pros" option lets gamers golf against professionals who are competing in real-life tournaments, so players can go shot for shot with Tiger Woods in real-time. The "Daily" and "Weekly" modes offer four separate difficulty levels to prevent experts from ruining a tournament full of novices, and EA Sports has included a number of potential tiebreakers, such as fairway hits and greens in regulation, to help sort out the inevitable stalemates. |
 "Inspired by the March 2007 CGI film, TMNT takes the fearsome foursome through a series of acrobatic battles amidst the dark and gritty streets, sewers, subways, and rooftops of New York City. To faithfully capture each turtle's signature fighting moves and athletic prowess, developer Ubisoft Montreal designed the game with the same "Jade" graphics engine used in the acclaimed Prince of Persia series on home consoles. The heroes in a half-shell will confront enemies new and old, including the Foot Clan, the Purple Dragon Street Gang, and monstrous creatures loyal to the film's antagonist, Max Winters. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo are all playable, despite the combat-oriented action being strictly reserved for solo gamers. Each character offers an assortment of attacks using his trademarked weapon, from Raphael's Sai throw to Michelangelo's nunchuck face slap, and can block or evade impending blows. Navigating each level involves jumping from rooftop to rooftop, climbing buildings, diving into sewers, and more, with new areas unlocked by performing temporary tag-team moves with a computer-controlled character. TMNT is the first game in the franchise to be published by Ubisoft, who acquired the license from Konami in January 2006. |
 "The elite "Ghost" operatives embark on a dangerous mission close to home, in this third full-fledged addition to the Ghost Recon series of squad-based shooters. The title's "advanced warfighter" alludes not only to raw talent and rigorous training of the special ops agents under the player's command, but also to a distinctive set of cutting-edge equipment, known as the "Integrated Warfighter System" (IWS), which these agents can use to perform field analysis, call for air or vehicular support, communicate with their commander and one another, and even share first-person perspective video feeds through a high-tech monocle device. These immediate, informative, visual communication capabilities become especially useful in the game's sprawling urban settings. The main campaign in Advanced Warfighter plays out entirely in a single city -- but it happens to be the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. When the leaders of Mexico, Canada, and the United States meet in Mexico City for a highly publicized conference, the threat of terrorist attack is tripled, and so the elite Ghost team is assigned to protect the North American heads of state. In the role of Captain Scott Mitchell, players guide Ghost forces and spec ops agents through tense, densely populated city streets, where the situation has been confounded by the theft of secret nuclear weapons codes. As in earlier Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon games, Advanced Warfighter's single-player campaign consists of a variety of tactical mission types, including recon, escort, and full-on assault. The game also supports a number of team-based, online multiplayer modes. |
 "Taking place in the year 2014, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 finds the Ghost team once again fighting rebels from Mexico, only this time it's on the U.S. border between El Paso and Juárez. In order to prevent an imminent attack on American soil, players must lead a four-man team on an 11-mission campaign, with battles taking place in mountainous regions, deserts, rural areas, and small towns. A sophisticated graphics engine incorporates such elements as real-time day and night cycles, a dynamic weather system, and destructible environments. The artificial intelligence of computer-controlled teammates has been an area of focus for this installment, with two new orders available to squad commanders: recon and assault. Issuing the recon order will have troops gathering intelligence and only attacking an enemy if fired upon, while the assault order has soldiers concentrating all their firepower on a specific target. The game also does away with the checkpoint system, allowing players to save their mission progress at any time instead of at specific intervals. As players issue commands to their squad and carefully plan out their attacks, they can once again rely on CrossCom technology to view the battlefield from the eyes of their soldiers. CrossCom 2.0 lets players expand the picture-in-picture display to a full-screen view for a more detailed look at the environment. A tactical approach is essential, as rebels will not only attempt to flank your outnumbered squad on the ground, but they will also take advantage of elevated positions for sniper fire. To help improve your team's chance of success, air strikes can be called, mobile cover can be utilized, and weapons can be replenished with unmanned artillery mules. Each squad member can also be healed directly on the battlefield with the new medic soldier class. Xbox Live support is also included for up to 16 players on a choice of 18 maps. Clan support, dynamic spawn points, and a six-level co-op campaign are just a few of the new online features in store for Xbox 360 owners. |
 "Taking place in the year 2014, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 finds the Ghost team once again fighting rebels from Mexico, only this time it's on the U.S. border between El Paso and Juárez. In order to prevent an imminent attack on American soil, players must lead a four-man team on an 11-mission campaign, with battles taking place in mountainous regions, deserts, rural areas, and small towns. A sophisticated graphics engine incorporates such elements as real-time day and night cycles, a dynamic weather system, and destructible environments. The artificial intelligence of computer-controlled teammates has been an area of focus for this installment, with two new orders available to squad commanders: recon and assault. Issuing the recon order will have troops gathering intelligence and only attacking an enemy if fired upon, while the assault order has soldiers concentrating all their firepower on a specific target. The game also does away with the checkpoint system, allowing players to save their mission progress at any time instead of at specific intervals. As players issue commands to their squad and carefully plan out their attacks, they can once again rely on CrossCom technology to view the battlefield from the eyes of their soldiers. CrossCom 2.0 lets players expand the picture-in-picture display to a full-screen view for a more detailed look at the environment. A tactical approach is essential, as rebels will not only attempt to flank your outnumbered squad on the ground, but they will also take advantage of elevated positions for sniper fire. To help improve your team's chance of success, air strikes can be called, mobile cover can be utilized, and weapons can be replenished with unmanned artillery mules. Each squad member can also be healed directly on the battlefield with the new medic soldier class. Xbox Live support is also included for up to 16 players on a choice of 18 maps. Clan support, dynamic spawn points, and a six-level co-op campaign are just a few of the new online features in store for Xbox 360 owners. |
 "Guiding a team of specialists through famous Las Vegas locations including Fremont Street, and the Strip, players must save Sin City in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas. Working against the clock, a wise gamer will use all three members of the team to complete objectives and locate the people responsible before the time runs out. Logan Keller is the team leader and recon expert that knows every nook and cranny of Vegas. Michael Walter is a heavy weapons and demolition expert who can offer advice on how to make it past large obstacles that, at first glance, may seem impassable. Jung Park is a long range and electronics expert who can hack into computers, or use a "snake cam" to locate enemies before entering a room. Enemies in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas are designed to grow smarter and work together as the game progresses to challenge players thinking and planning skills. Internet play offers a variety of action including cooperative and competitive missions for a maximum of 16 players, and two split-screen players can enter online games together. Create a custom online character that will evolve and unlock new equipment and achievements through gameplay. |
 "The city of sin is under siege from terrorists, and it's up to the talented Rainbow Six team to take them out. The follow-up to 2006's acclaimed squad-based shooter emphasizes new customization features and refined play mechanics. Vegas 2's storyline runs concurrently to the first game's story, so a new team is now playable. The leader's name is Bishop, who can be created as a male or female operative with a choice of gear and weapons. One of the game's biggest enhancements is an expansion of the "Persistent Elite Creation" concept from earlier titles. Now players can level up their characters throughout any of the available play modes. Similar to the online component in Call of Duty 4, players receive experience points by performing actions, completing objectives, and achieving victories. Killing terrorists, for example, or simply reaching a checkpoint earns characters experience, represented on a meter in the heads-up display. Once the meter is filled, players will advance in rank and receive new gear. Other ways of earning equipment include specializing in specific combat techniques. This A.C.E.S. system (Advanced Combat Enhancement Specialization) gives rewards for skills in three areas: close quarters, assault, and marksmanship. Players who make long-distance kills or headshots will earn points in the marksmanship category, which can unlock specific weapons like sniper rifles or assault rifles. Points are also earned for making kills while holding onto a rope, taking out multiple targets at once, using flash bangs, and so forth. Everything unlocked in one mode can be used in the others. Since the story takes place during the first game's time frame, players will explore different parts of the city, taking the fight on rooftops, through back alleys, across residential areas, within a strip club, inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, and more. Up to 14 players (16 on a dedicated server) can compete online in one of seven modes. New to Vegas 2 are the following formats: Team Leader, Total Conquest, and Demolition. Team Leader involves hunting down and killing the rival squad's designated leader while the other side attempts to do the same. Total Conquest has teams capturing and holding three satellite transmitters until time expires, while Demolition has one side trying to detonate a bomb as the other tries to defuse it. Other online improvements include faster loading times, more host control options, and the ability to save up to four weapon profiles. |
 "Combining the stealth, tactics, and action popularized in both the Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon franchises, Splinter Cell represents a new Tom Clancy series featuring a single character instead of the team-oriented play found in Red Storm's successful squad-based shooter games. The title alludes to the secret organization players are part of, an offshoot of the NSA called Third Echelon, whose members rigorously serve to protect America using whatever means necessary. Players embark on a series of nine missions to eliminate potential security threats by covertly infiltrating and destroying the data and communications critical to cyber-terrorist operations. The lead character, Sam Fisher, must conduct his missions without being detected, or risk being disavowed by his agency and left to his own devices. A key feature in the game is a horizontal stealth meter, which changes according to Fisher's overall visibility within a level. Players must stick close to shadows, avoid light, and move silently or else patrolling guards will sound the alarms and attack. While Sam is equipped with a silenced pistol, bullets are limited, so players must decide whether to shoot an enemy or to save ammo for shooting out lights or video cameras. Bodies left in the open can be spotted, so care must be taken to relocate them to a more inconspicuous locale. Since the game is played from a third-person perspective, players have a varied selection of moves with which to guide Sam Fisher. He can crouch, mantle onto objects, climb, shimmy, roll, rappel down buildings, and grab enemies, as well as perform splint jumps up narrow corridors, drop attacks, or position his back to the wall to hide, peer around corners, or shoot a target. Fisher can even move hand over hand or pull his legs up to crawl along a pipe or similar object. The nine missions each begin with a cut-scene detailing the story in a CNN-like news report. Players will receive their objectives via voice communication during the game and can refer to their wrist-mounted Palm computer for notes and details on their mission. Data such as door codes can be downloaded from terminals located within the region or on guards, and additional gadgets such as sticky cameras, gas grenades, lock picks, laser microphones, a night vision headset, and wall mines can be used to help. More items are available for specific missions, ranging from infiltrating the CIA to exploring a police station, Chinese Embassy, Georgian Defense Ministry, and more. Additional missions can also be downloaded via Xbox Live. |
 "Players resume the tension-heavy role of NSA operative Sam Fisher for this third game in the Tom Clancy stealth-action spin-off series, Splinter Cell. A new kind of war is being fought in 2008, and digital data is the weapon. Enemies of the free world can now orchestrate devastation from afar, through such means as power outages and financial sabotage. The only way to stop them is with the same weapon they've chosen to use: information. Players must infiltrate enemy operations to recover secret data that can be used to prevent the enemies' attacks and leave them defenseless. Chaos Theory boasts more fluid combat and stealth moves than its predecessors, bringing a new athleticism to the grim Sam Fisher and allowing quick, hand-to-hand stealth kills. As with earlier Splinter Cell games, Chaos Theory is also designed to push the technical limits of the consoles on which it appears, in terms of its physics model and graphics. Levels were built to offer more possible paths to their objectives -- and more opposition as well. Two-player infiltration is supported, however, allowing gamers to use teamwork to overcome the most challenging obstacles. The Xbox version of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory supports both online and split-screen multiplayer modes, for both cooperative and competitive play. |
 "Gamers get a glimpse into the origin of Lara Croft as she struggles to survive on an isolated tropical island in Crystal Dynamics' reboot of Tomb Raider. The game finds the recently graduated Croft joining her treasure-hunting mentor Conrad Roth on an expedition into the Pacific Ocean's dangerous Dragon's Triangle. But a powerful storm splits their ship in half, and when the survivors wash onto shore they are greeted by dangerous terrain, fierce wildlife, and fortune-seeking scavengers. As always, players must use a combination of exploration skills and combat to escape alive. The Lara of this Tomb Raider isn't the steely heroine from previous games, but a frightened and injured young woman who is very reluctant to kill people, but slowly builds her resolve in order to rescue her captured friends. To reach that end, gamers can make use of a variety of upgradeable weapons and tools, including torches, a bow, an ax, and a host of guns. The action mostly takes place in open, multi-path locations, with players using newly acquired tools to access loot and treasure maps in previously unavailable areas. The open layout also lends itself to multiplayer action, which pits groups of survivors against groups of scavengers in a variety of modes across five trap-filled maps. |
 "Gamers get a glimpse into the origin of Lara Croft as she struggles to survive on an isolated tropical island in Crystal Dynamics' reboot of Tomb Raider. The game finds the recently graduated Croft joining her treasure-hunting mentor Conrad Roth on an expedition into the Pacific Ocean's dangerous Dragon's Triangle. But a powerful storm splits their ship in half, and when the survivors wash onto shore they are greeted by dangerous terrain, fierce wildlife, and fortune-seeking scavengers. As always, players must use a combination of exploration skills and combat to escape alive. The Lara of this Tomb Raider isn't the steely heroine from previous games, but a frightened and injured young woman who is very reluctant to kill people, but slowly builds her resolve in order to rescue her captured friends. To reach that end, gamers can make use of a variety of upgradeable weapons and tools, including torches, a bow, an ax, and a host of guns. The action mostly takes place in open, multi-path locations, with players using newly acquired tools to access loot and treasure maps in previously unavailable areas. The open layout also lends itself to multiplayer action, which pits groups of survivors against groups of scavengers in a variety of modes across five trap-filled maps. |
 "Following the franchise's legendary return to success under the direction of Crystal Dynamics, Underworld, the studio's sophomore production with Lara Croft, aims to maintain the high level of solid, free-flowing action that reinvigorated the series, while bringing back more of the spooky exploration and challenging jumping puzzles that helped define the classic Tomb Raider games of the late '90s. Developers strove to create a smooth-moving, contextually integrated character. Motion-capture technology is used for the first time in the series, with the 3D recordings of a world-class gymnast bringing Lara's jumps, flips, and kicks to life. In all, Lara's movement throughout the game incorporates over 2,000 animations. It takes a god's weapon to kill a god. Lara is set on a quest to obtain the power of Mjöllnir, the hammer of the invincible Thor. Lara's acrobatics and cunning are pushed to their limits in elaborate, sprawling platform puzzles set among ancient tombs and ruins in the jungles of Mexico, the coast of Thailand, beneath the frigid arctic seas, and in other forbidden places of mystic power around the world. |
 "Perform tricks at breakneck speeds while racing down steep terrain in Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. The game features over 90 events held in eight environments, including Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Machu Picchu, and more. Play as Hawk himself, another of eight pre-made riders, or a boarder crafted from your imagination using the "Create-a-Skater." Each existing character has his or her own special tricks, and although character attributes cannot be upgraded, skateboard selection can affect such skills as speed, turning, and balance. Skateboards come in all shapes, sizes, and attributes, and you'll have a choice of modern boards, old- school "fishtails," long boards, and even 1970s models. Some are available from the start but more must be unlocked through skilled play. Each of the game's events is focused on getting to the bottom of a hill as fast as possible, while performing sweet tricks and avoiding obstacles like cars, pedestrians, and buildings along the way. Environments feature a multitude of routes and hidden paths designed to offer a new downhill experience with every run. |
 "Built on a new engine, Tony Hawk's Project 8 is designed to be the most complete and well-rounded game in the series to date. Tony and his crew are looking for eight promising skaters, so single-players in "Career" mode must show the pros they can grind, heel flip, and spin better than the competition. Gamers may select their avatar from one of five characters each with their own abilities and a specific trick, and then begin to complete the objectives found in each environment. Missions range from grind challenges to bail contests, and each activity has several variations. Players may also hook-up with photographers for picture challenges that require skaters to perform tricks and follow instructions while keeping up with the cameraperson. "Puzzle" goals make players adjust the rails, vehicles, and other objects within the closed course to create a skate-able path to travel without touching the ground. A text messenger will also beep in from time to time to alert gamers to newly opened goals or contests. An in-game feature called "Nail That Trick" allows a player to slow the action down as the character enters the air, so that gamers may create new skills or perfect old ones by using the avatar's feet to flip the board in any direction. "Nail That Trick" can be accessed at any time, and can be used to transition into the next combo. Of course, there is a "Free Skate" area where skaters can spend time practicing tricks and earning upgrades. Skill enhancing bonuses are given while players are in "Free Skate," and can increase such attributes as spins, vert tricks, grinds, and airtime. All progress can be viewed in the move chart. Players who want live competition can access the Internet and engage in two-player challenges, a new game called "Walls," and more. |
 "Control the destiny of your skater as you grab, grind, and check your way through Tony Hawk's Proving Ground. The ninth installation into Hawk's skate-centric series brings you to the streets of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where the choices you make affect the overall training and path of your character. There are nine skill sets to control, and eight are completely new to the game. The skills you focus on determine if you are to become a "Hardcore Skater," a "Career Athlete," or a "Rigger." Each label brings with it a handful of special actions, such as checking, bowl grinds, and altering the existing landscape. "Nail that Trick" is back with an expanded set of moves that are designed to be more accessible than the original in-game feature found in Project 8. Now, you can also "Nail that Grab" and "Nail that Manual" as you explore each urban environment. If you tire from single-player action, you can take your show on the online road and join friends for skate sessions in your own personal lounge. The lounge allows you to meet with other gamers in a personal setting for chatting and trading videos made offline in the editor included with the game. You can film your best moves and then splice a visual portfolio together using a variety of lens, camera, and soundtrack tools. These videos, along with successful runs and tricks, can help improve your overall Internet ranking and statistics. Success means learning from the best, and you take instruction from Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Arto Saari, Jereme Rogers, Daewon Song, and Jeff King as you advance through each challenge. |
 "Based on Norse legend, Too Human is the story of the ongoing struggle between gods, man, and machines. After disappointments and failures to develop the game on the original PlayStation and GameCube, Too Human finally finds a home on the 360. Gamers take the role of Baldur, the Norse god of joy, goodness, and forgiveness. However, this game is not about forgiveness, and Baldur's weapons are not full of joy. Baldur must protect mankind against a powerful nation of machines who desire the end of human life. Players lead Baldur through several environments and levels as he defeats enemies and earns points to upgrade both his powers and weaponry. Gamers use a combat system designed to seamlessly integrate both melee and ranged-weapon attacks to defeat their foe. The single-player campaign is also available for cooperative multiplayer action through Xbox Live or a system link. |
 "Top Gear Rally is a racing game featuring nine customizable vehicles and five themed locales, including courses set within a jungle, strip mine, desert, mountain, and along a coastline. A paint shop lets you change your vehicle's color scheme and logos, while further tweaking in the areas of transmission, tires, and steering is also possible before each race. Navigate your way through the twisting, sprawling courses while traveling across snow, dirt, mud, and gravel in varying weather conditions. Four play modes include Practice, Time Attack, Arcade, and Championship. The latter involves progressing through six seasons by challenging 19 rival vehicles on various courses for three laps. In addition to racing the computer, you can also compete against a friend on a choice of courses via split-screen display. A Controller Pak is required to save season progress and custom paint schemes. |
 "2K Sports' leading tennis series returns to the virtual courts in Top Spin 4. The game's controls are designed to feel natural and straightforward for those new to the series, yet still permit advanced players to make accurate lobs, smashes, drops, and other precision-spin shots. The Wii edition of the game features redesigned motion controls that allow players to more accurately wield their remotes as tennis racquets in off-the-couch gameplay. Presentational updates include television-style camera angles, cut-aways, and commentary, as well as more realistically responsive crowds in famous venues such as Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rod Laver Arena, and the O2 Arena in London. Top Spin 4 also features the deepest roster in the series to date, with both past and present stars of the sport including Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic, and more than 20 others. Each athlete is recreated with a "Signature Style," encompassing appearance, attributes, attitudes, and custom-animated swings and stances. In addition to playing as or against the famous professionals, gamers can create their own custom character, to lead through an up-and-coming career and onto championship tournaments. |
 "Based on the Pixar film three-quel and produced by Disney Interactive Studios, Toy Story 3 is a 3D adventure that sets high-spirited action and mini-games in the world of the film series. The game's "Adventure Mode" follows the story of the movie, with players guiding Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their gang to meet new toy friends and explore new places, as they embark on a long and challenging journey back home to Andy's room. Also central to the play of the game is an open-world "Toy Box" mode, in which players can mix and match parts and pieces from different toy sets, to create their own characters and stories. Players can assemble cowboys, space rangers, dinosaurs, and other dolls and action figures, into new adventures through an interactive playroom. Toy Story 3 is released alongside the summer 2010 theatrical debut of the film. |
 "Based on the 2007 film, Transformers invites gamers into a world of mechanized shape-shifters called the Autobots and the Decepticons. By selecting an alliance, gamers will work their way through one of two campaigns and ultimately decide to defend Earth or watch it burn. As a robot, players experience combat in seven fully destructible environments as they attempt to complete objectives and missions including destroying drones. When gamers are in car form, they can compete in a variety of point-to-point races. Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, and Ironhide make a return in the game, and players can shift from vehicle to robot on the fly. Content exclusive to the PSP includes 20 playable characters, an expanded storyline, Ad-hoc multiplayer action, and robot customization features. |
 "Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is a shooter game in which gameplay takes place from a first-person perspective. The three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and style of play combine elements of the run-and-gun computer game Doom with exploration mechanics of Tomb Raider. Players begin the game in a central hub level, which contains portals to seven other stages. The player must find keys scattered across the stages. When enough keys have been inserted into the lock mechanisms of a hub portal, that level is unlocked. Players explore the large, typically jungle-based levels by jumping, swimming, climbing, crawling, and running. One of the player's main objectives is to find pieces of a relic known as the Chronoscepter; there is one piece on each level. In exploring the levels the player must fight various enemies such as poachers, gunmen, indigenous warriors, dinosaurs, demons, and insects. Turok features 13 weapons plus the Chronoscepter, ranging from a knife and bow to high tech weaponry. All weapons except the knife require ammunition, which is dropped by dead enemies or picked up in the levels. Enemies and boss characters have multiple death animations depending on what body region the player shot. Because items dropped by fallen enemies rapidly disappear, players must engage foes from close range. The player character's health is shown as a number at the bottom of the screen. When the player is at full health, the meter reads 100, while dropping to 0 subtracts one life. Gathering "spiritual points" scattered across the levels increases the player's life count by one for every 100 points accumulated.[8] Players restore their health by picking up powerups, which can increase their health above full. Players may also gain health points by shooting deer or non-threatening wildlife. |
 "The Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed-martial arts organization throws down in a high-def virtual octagon for the first time with UFC 2009 Undisputed for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. As featured in television broadcasts seen across the country, players enter one-on-one matches against brawlers and grapplers from around the world, using combat techniques from Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Judo styles and disciplines. The game is built on a new engine, designed to support accurate collision detection and realistic fighting action that represents the real-life styles of the series' star fighters, more the 75 of whom are featured. Players can lead their favorite fighter to the Hall of Fame though an extensive single-player Career mode, or design their own combatant from scratch with the game's Create-A-Fighter system. UFC 2009 Undisputed is the first UFC game from THQ, long-time publisher of World Wrestling Entertainment's Smackdown vs. Raw games, and it's the first to be developed by accomplished wrestling game creator Yuke's Co. |
 "The roguish fortune-hunter hero Nathan Drake returns in Among Thieves, a high-adventure follow-up to the original Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. In action, Drake employs a movie-set worthy of the most daring video game tomb raiders and relic hunters, with agile running and jumping, light hand-to-hand combat, and a noteworthy talent with small arms. These skills are put to use as the hero once again finds himself adventuring in the wilderness, facing a tricky location-based platform puzzles or vastly outnumbered by bands of violent, heartless bandits. The game runs on the developer's own engine. The character is designed to move with a smooth, realistic flow as he runs, sneaks, climbs, and fires his weapon from nearly any position -- behind makeshift cover, or even while hanging by his fingertips from high on a cliff face or treetop vine. The action shifts seamlessly from one scene to the next, with no loading screens. In this adventure, Drake seeks answers to the mystery of Marco Polo's lost fleet. Great riches and wisdom are tied to the fate of ships and treasure that left China with the famous explorer at the end of the 13th century, but did not arrive with him back home at his final destination. Although Marco Polo took the secrets of the lost ships and crew to his grave, Drake seeks answers on a journey through history, to the fabled Himalayan valley of Shangri-La. The key to the mystery may be a legendary sapphire, known as the "wish-fulfilling jewel." Magical properties or no, the billions of dollars the stone would be worth in modern markets should be enough to make nearly any wish come true. In addition to the main single-player story, the game features cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. Among Thieves was developed by Naughty Dog, the studio that created the original Uncharted as well as other successful Sony-system exclusives. |
 "Developer Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed Uncharted series returns to PlayStation 3 with Drake's Deception. As globetrotting adventurer Nathan Drake, you must embark on a trip to the mysterious Arabian Desert on a mission to find the legendary "Atlantis of the Sands," otherwise known as the lost city of Ubar. Joined by his mentor, Victor Sullivan, Drake soon discovers that he is in a dangerous race against a covert organization immersed in the occult. For the first time in the Uncharted series, Drake's Deception will offer stereoscopic support for 3D televisions. Promising larger set pieces than those in the two previous games, Uncharted 3 will once again rely on a cinematic presentation that blends Hollywood-style storytelling with dramatic action sequences and special effects that utilize sand, water, smoke, and fire. In addition to his proficiency in ranged combat, Drake can now disable his opponents in other ways. New hand-to-hand combat moves let him take out multiple enemies at once, for example, or Drake can use stealth along with context-specific melee attacks. Both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes are supported, with the developers integrating more single-player elements into the online game for a new experience. |
 "Move over, Indiana Jones. Step aside, Lara Croft. Video gaming has a new adventurer in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Trapped on a tropical island crawling with pirates, treasure hunter Nathan Drake seeks out the legendary fortune of his apparent ancestor, Sir Francis Drake. He'll explore ancient forts, lush jungles, mysterious catacombs, and other exotic areas, using a combination of firearms and hand-to-hand combat to defeat enemies. A female filmmaker named Elena Fisher accompanies Drake to document his latest exploits. As with more famous video game heroes, Drake is no slouch when it comes to feats of agility, from swinging on vines to leaping over rocks to shimmying across precarious ledges. He must also seek out and use cover to protect himself from enemy gunfire. Dramatic chase sequences on watercraft and in a jeep are included for a cinematic feel, and over 50 minutes of cut-scenes help flesh out the swashbuckling story. Drake's Fortune is developer Naughty Dog's (Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter) first foray on PlayStation 3. |
 "Epic Games' competitive online shooter makes its PlayStation 3 debut with Unreal Tournament 3. Players once again control a futuristic soldier who must battle an assortment of rivals in multiple game modes. The first-person shooter, designed with the developer's celebrated Unreal Engine 3 technology, includes both offline and online support. High-powered weapons include the long-range Link Gun and the close-range Bio Rifle, with many returning favorites upgraded with new features. Also returning are many of the same characters from previous Unreal Tournament games, each possessing new looks, personalities, and abilities. Standard game types include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and more. Vehicle combat is also available with two sets of technologically advanced transports, each varying in size, speed, and capabilities, from the enormous Leviathan to the sleek Hoverboard. |
 "Urban Strike is the third game in Electronic Arts' Strike series for the Genesis platform, and this time the war will be fought on American soil! Evil media mogul H.R. Malone plans to overthrow the U.S. Government. The Strike C.O.R.E. has learned of the plot and needs you to disable all of his military operations. The game features over forty missions spanning ten levels in key U.S. cities, such as New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Three new vehicles are at your disposal, including the Mohican and Blackhawke assault choppers and Ground Assault Vehicle (GAV). For the first time in a Strike game, you can now journey on foot for certain missions (many of which are timed!) in your campaign to defeat H.R. Malone. As in previous games in the Strike series, the emphasis is on action as you fly into well-defended combat zones. Nearly everything can be destroyed, which is important since many buildings contain extra fuel, armor and ammo to help you reach your objectives. Cinematic cut-scenes will help explain the story after each level and a map screen will help you plan out your mission in detail. |
 "Virtua Tennis 2 on PS2 adds nearly every element fans of the Dreamcast's excellent Virtua Tennis longed for. The game features eight female players, including the Williams sisters and Monica Seles, along with eight male players, including Patrick Rafter and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. As if that's not enough, you can create your own male and female players--selecting from a range of faces, hairstyles, heights, and weights--and train them to conquer the new World Tour mode. The gameplay is slightly deeper than in the previous instalment thanks to separate topspin and backspin buttons and a lob button to foil opponents who rush the net. You'll need all the tricks you can muster to beat the revamped AI opponents, who put up a fight even on the easiest difficulty setting. The amazing graphics engine from the original game has been tweaked to look even better, with smoother animations and more detailed players. Squint and you'll almost be fooled into thinking you're watching a TV broadcast. The fun minigames from the original are back and better than ever, but it's the depth of the World Tour mode that keeps us coming back for more, and that puts our copy of Virtua Tennis in permanent retirement |
 "Building on its high-def debut in 2007, Sega's respected Virtua Tennis game returns to the virtual courts on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and in a PC download. The series' simple control scheme and realistic action are bolstered with refinements to serving, volleying, and net play, and the added possibility for players to stumble brings new challenges and opportunities in the heat of the match. Console and computer gamers can play as and against more than 20 real-life tennis superstars, including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, and series newcomers such as Andy Murray and Ana Ivanovic. Singles, doubles, and mixed doubles play is available, and gamers can customize their own contender, from facial features to wardrobe, using the Player Creation tools. Virtua Tennis 2009 offers a full World Tour mode and features the Davis Cup championships. Away from the serious tennis action, a dozen lighthearted "Court Game" mini-games are featured in Virtua Tennis 2009, involving fast-paced tennis ball battles against ornery pirates or hungry zoo animals, and other silliness. |
 "The world encompassing the piñata community is slowly dying, and to keep these creatures from going extinct, players must create a world where the piñata can thrive. Viva Piñata offers a place for gamers to create a lush green environment where all kinds of piñatas can live and prosper. Players have complete creative control over the neighborhoods they create, and can add grass, flowers, trees, fences, ponds, and other objects that will lure in the piñatas. Each type of piñata has different needs, such as a worm piñata's need for good earth to burrow in, and a rabbit piñata's need for long grass and carrots. Piñatas can come in the form of customizable horses, sheep, raccoons, worms, crocodiles, or wolves, and just like in nature, some of them will not get along. Players can build fences to keep rival piñatas away from one another, and also to keep predator piñatas away from prey. Wild piñatas are red with black stripes and can cause general disorder in a garden. They are filled with bad candy that is poisonous to other piñatas, but they can be handled by asking helpers to beat them with a stick, taming them, or sending them off to pollute another player's garden. Connecting to the Xbox Live online community opens up opportunities for item trading, player competitions, and obtaining rare objects and game currency through the Xbox Live Marketplace. |
 "Based on Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe, Space Marine is a third-person shooter that pits elite human soldiers against two deadly factions: the feral Orks and the shadowy Chaos. You take command of Captain Titus of the Ultramarines, who must defend a strategically critical weapons-producing planet from falling into enemy hands. Both shooting and melee combat are supported, with players able to seamlessly switch between fighting styles simply by tapping a button. Defeating enemies will earn your character "fury," which can be used to trigger more powerful ranged or melee attacks. In addition to the single-player campaign, Space Marine includes co-op play as well as competitive multiplayer game types. |
 "Mario's evil twin returns! Wario, everyone's favorite miser, is back on the Game Boy Color, fighting once again to wrest first-string mascot status from "that other" Italian plumber. Wario Land 3 finds our smarmy antihero in a pickle. Out enjoying a cruise in his private plane, Wario's engine sputters suddenly, sending him spiraling toward the ground in a curl of smoke. Confused and irritated, Wario takes shelter in a nearby cave, where he comes across a magical music box. After being sucked mysteriously into the box, Wario happens into an odd-looking little guy who claims to have once ruled the world inside the music box. His kingdom has been taken over it seems, and overrun by nasty creatures. He needs his five smaller music boxes recovered in order to regain his magic powers. After wondering what this all has to do with him, our greedy gus Wario agrees to lend some muscle to the cause in exchange for all the treasure he can find, and a one-way ticket back home. The gameplay in Wario Land 3 follows closely in the footsteps of its predecessors, and carries with it the traditional Wario twist: as before, Wario is completely invincible. But because Nintendo has shifted the emphasis of the game from simple survival to completing your quest, level layouts and puzzles have become more complex than in previous Wario or Mario games for the Game Boy. Which isn't to say your enemies aren't to be feared. Across the five worlds Wario will have to explore, he'll run across baddies who have the capability to temporarily handicap Wario in nearly a dozen ways. For example, Wario may be electrocuted, set ablaze, inflated, frozen, flattened, rolled into a ball, and even engorged with doughnuts. Naturally, entering one of these undesirable states has its drawbacks, rendering you in many instances unable to control Wario for a few moments. However, there are several areas and items within the game that can't be reached unless you strategically stricken yourself with a particular condition. Wario navigates across each world via a world map, a la Super Mario World. If you're ever stuck on where to go next, your godlike buddy at the temple will give you a tip. As in previous Wario or Mario games, there's often more than one way to complete a level. Completing it through different paths or procuring different special items usually results in the opening up of new areas on the world map. Other times, however, you'll have a new skill bestowed upon you. Wario may start out a bit dim and clumsy, but as you progress through the game, he'll have the ability to stomp on blocks and certain foes, he'll be able to pick items up and toss them, he'll even learn to swim like a pro. These abilities will uncover areas within the game that are otherwise inaccessible. Beyond all this, there's even a mini-game in Wario Land 3. Revisiting the more eccentric aspects of Mario Golf, Wario must putt (re: kick) an enemy creature into a hole. A power meter at the bottom of the screen assists you with your "swing." Far from being a mere diversion, the golf mini-game is integral to progressing in your quest. Wario Land 3 is a one-player game only, with a single save file. Your progress is saved for you either automatically after completing a level, or by saving your game yourself via the inventory screen. |
 "Battle enemies, earn new abilities, and explore over 20 levels of traditional 2D platforming in Wario Land for the Game Boy Advance. Though his goody-goody counterpart Mario has played the classic hero in countless console releases, the complex and brooding Wario seems to have found his niche on the smaller screens of various Game Boy releases throughout the years. This trend continues as the crusty antihero embarks upon this new adventure developed specifically for the 32-bit Nintendo handheld. Unlike earlier games, Wario is not invincible in this adventure and the action now requires attention to self-preservation as well as exploration, with the character gathering heart icons to replenish his health. By collecting the many treasures hidden along the way, Wario can also purchase new items to aid him on his journeys. Different situations may call for Wario to become extra-heavy, inflated and light, thin as a pancake, or to undergo other strange transformations in order to access remote areas and collect every last bit of treasure. |
 "Oh, brother. Captain Syrup and her gang of nefarious pirates have busted into the evil Wario's castle and pilfered his collection of gold coins. And to get 'em back, Wario will have to quest through fifty levels in Wario Land II, Do battle through a variety of massive environments while picking up power-ups to become Fat Wario, Puffy Wario and even the undead Zombie Wario. You'll need to muster every bit of skill you can find, since you'll need to take advantage of these different conditions to reach the end of each level! With a boatload of mini-games and multiple paths to take, Wario Land II on the Game Boy aims to provide hours of treasure-hunting, platforming fun. |
 "Mario's dastardly doppelganger has his first starring role in this surprise entry in the Super Mario Land series on Game Boy. Picking up where Super Mario Land 2 left off, the selfish Wario does what he does best: getting his grubby mitts on all things shiny and sparkly. Wario's goal in Super Mario Land 3 is to collect as much treasure as he can to build as large a castle as he can. Wario controls a bit differently than Mario. Not only is he much slower, but running into enemies is not a problem for the burly protagonist: colliding with creatures merely knocks them on their backs. Wario can then pick up the incapacitated enemies and throw them. Wario's other moves include climbing, swimming, jumping, charging, and performing special techniques after finding magic caps throughout the pirate-infested realm of Kitchen Island. The jet cap increases his speed, the dragon cap lets him shoot fire from his nose, and the bull cap makes him stronger and able to latch onto ceilings. Explore all 40 of the island's side-scrolling courses while visiting such mouth-watering locales as Sherbet Land, Parsley Woods, Rice Beach, and Syrup Castle. Wario Land also features battery backup to save your progress and collected treasures. |
 "You are the only one brave enough to fly a lone Star Fighter into the heart of space. The Galactic Armed Services desperately needs your skills to protect its bases scattered across eight primary quadrants of the galaxy. They are the Earth's last line of defenses in a time of war. Aliens of multiple species have united to exploit this weakness, but they didn't count on their ships being spotted. Use the element of surprise to your advantage and take them out! WarpSpeed places you in the cockpit of one of four starfighters: the Stinger, Striker, Stalker and Slasher in your effort to wipe out four alien races. Seven battle scenarios will let you hone your skills and earn medals for your bravery, and a Campaign mode will randomly link four new scenarios from a pool of ten. Each quadrant has 64 sectors each, bringing the total number of locations to 512. Your ship's Warp Drive will let you travel between quadrants as you seek out and destroy all hostile invaders. If you're good enough, you might be eligible for promotion! |
 "Comely covert operative Rubi Malone accepts a potentially lucrative contract to find a socialite's rebellious son in this Kill Bill-inspired action game from Bethesda Software. A pastiche of '70s action films, Wet is a third-person shooter incorporating both sword fighting and acrobatic maneuvers. The agile and adept Malone will travel to exotic locales across three continents to locate her target, who isn't what he seems. Malone needs to keep her wits about her as she battles countless enemies while running across walls, sliding across floors, and more in stylistic, slow-motion sequences. Athletic moves can also be linked together to create score-boosting, blood-splattering combos. Points earned during the campaign can be traded in for new moves and weapon upgrades to enhance Malone's damage output. Wet's story was penned by Duppy Demitrius, known for his work on television's 24, while actress Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Dollhouse) lends her voice to the sultry star. |
 "The first sports title for Nintendo's Wii showcases the platform's unique controller and its potential for revitalizing conventional genres. Versions of tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, and boxing are included in this collection designed for gamers of all backgrounds. In tennis, the Wii Remote is held like a racket, with onscreen athletes responding to the direction and speed at which players swing the input device. Lobs, serves, backhands, and smashes are all performed by moving the controller in lieu of pressing buttons. Both singles and doubles matches on multiple court surfaces are available, with the latter supporting up to four players simultaneously. Baseball and golf follow a similar style, with the Wii Remote functioning as either a bat or a club, while bowling and boxing use the device to simulate throws and punches. Wii Sports is the first game bundled with the launch of a Nintendo console since 1991's Super Mario World on Super NES. |
 "Wii Sports Resort is a sequel to the original Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports. The title's resort is set on a tropical island, where players may take part in a dozen sports-based activities involving archery, basketball, biking, canoeing, golf, jet skiing, skydiving, sword fighting, table tennis, water skiing, and flying disc games with a cute, Mii dog companion. As in the original Wii Sports, Resort players participate in the activities by performing the motions of the real-life sports while holding the movement-sensitive controllers, such as thrusting and parrying with a sword, taking a slicing swing at a Ping-Pong ball to put backspin on it, flicking the wrist to toss a spinning disc, or leaning side to side in order to steer with air resistance while skydiving. |
 "Picking up where 2001's Return to Castle Wolfenstein left off, Wolfenstein continues the alternate-history World War II storyline starring the heroic BJ Blazkowicz. The Nazis' depraved and twisted experiments in the occult have succeeded. Using portals to a dark dimension known as the Veil, the Nazis now have the capacity to construct a world-altering weapon. As the grizzled Blazkowicz, you must go behind enemy lines to stop the Nazis' terrifying technology. Battle a ghastly mix of human soldiers and supernatural creatures while using authentic weapons of the era, or wield more fantastical inventions like tesla guns and particle cannons. Blazkowicz can also channel four mystical powers once he acquires an amulet from the Veil. These powers will grant you the temporary ability to slow time, enhance your vision, absorb bullets, and more. Discover hidden gold, intelligence, and tomes to trade for weapon upgrades such as silencers or enhancements to your Veil powers. Wolfenstein also includes optional side missions from the multiple cities you'll visit throughout the campaign. In addition to the solo game, Wolfenstein includes class-based online action for up to 16 players. Experience earned during the multiplayer component can be used to purchase various unlockables for use in subsequent matches. |
 "In this sequel to Castle of Illusion, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have mysteriously teleported to an enchanted land filled with magic. Travel through five levels as either Mickey or Donald in your quest to find the individual responsible for your new surroundings: the Sorceror. Find him and you'll find your way home! Since this is a world of illusion, each character can use an enchanted cape to turn enemies into harmless objects. Expect to ride through the skies on a magic carpet, journey through abandoned mine shafts, run from dangerous floods, and even survive a gigantic forest--where butterflies are twice the size as your character! World of Illusion allows two players to team up for simultaneous action, and offers a password after each level so you can resume progress at a later time. Don't worry, you're not alone in this land: Disney characters Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle Cow and Donald's three nephews all make cameos throughout the game. |
 "Past legends grapple with modern superstars in this arcade-style take on professional wrestling. WWE All Stars features a lineup that includes Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, The Rock, John Cena, Bret Hart, The Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Steve Austin, Ricky Steamboat, Sheamus, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, Ultimate Warrior, Macho Man Randy Savage, and more. Wrestlers in the game are more stylized than realistic, with the developers opting for exaggerated physiques and over-the-top moves. Characters are also assigned a class based on their styles inside the ring. Featured classes include brawler, acrobat, grappler, and "big man." Class type influences a wrestler's attributes, such as speed and power, which in turn affects the types of moves available to players. Attacking and taunting your rival will gradually fill your wrestler's energy meter, earning you one of three stars each time it's maxed out. Stars can then be used to power wrestler-specific "extreme" signature moves that will both daze and dazzle the competition. Another departure from traditional wrestling titles is that each grappler in WWE All Stars has a health bar. Similar to a one-on-one fighting game, your goal is to deplete your opponent's health before finishing him off in dramatic fashion. |
 "Pro wrestling fans relive glory days in WWE Legends of WrestleMania. The game's main "WrestleMania Tour" mode play through memorable moments from the league's history, featuring recreations of famous venues and TV clips from the era. More than 40 prominent pro wrestling personalities of the 1980s and 1990s are available for play, including Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Ted DiBiase, Bret Hart, Roddy Piper, and The Ultimate Warrior. The Create-a-Legend feature allows players to custom design their own wrestler, with a choice of costumes, moves, and arena entrance routines. Managers also play prominent roles, interfering from the corner and even joining in the fight, especially when it moves outside the ropes. Unlike the earlier Legends of Wrestling games, which were handled by the now-defunct Acclaim Entertainment, WWE Legends of WrestleMania was developed by the wrestling game experts at Yuke's and published by THQ, the same team behind the long-running WWE (and previously WWF) SmackDown and Raw games. Compared to the annually updated challenges of the contemporary Smackdown Vs. Raw series, Legends of WrestleMania is a showy, accessible, easy-to-play game, in theme with the larger-than-life matches and colorful broadcast coverage of the 1980s and 1990s. The game's March, 2009 release coincides with the real-life WrestleMania XXV event. |
 "The 2009 edition of World Wrestling Entertainment's reigning interactive entertainment title has players entering the sold-out arenas with a partner. More than before, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is about teamwork -- tag-teamwork, to be precise. Two players can work together toward a Wrestlemania victory in an expanded co-op campaign. Working together, a good team can build momentum and become stronger as it progresses, gaining powerful moves. The game allows for team tactics, such as matching strengths and weaknesses and budgeting stamina, and players can perform the classic babyface beat-down turnaround: a hot tag to a raw and rested teammate who ready to smack both unready opponents down to the canvas. The 2009 edition's "Create-a-Finisher" feature allows players to create not only the look and attributes of their custom WWE superstars, but their finishing moves as well. Internet-connected players can take their game online to access additional downloadable content. |
 "Wrestlemania 2000 is the first game to result from THQ nabbing the WWF license. If you've seen the semi prequel, WCW NWO Revenge, you probably already know how this game ticks. Developed in Japan by folks who know wrestling, this is an extremely comprehensive pro wrestling simulation. Over 50 WWF superstars have been stuffed into this game, and there's room for plenty more thanks to the detail rich wrestler edit features. What's more, all your favorite wrestlers have managed to retain their introductory songs and Titantron video introductions. Even the vocals are here! For the nostalgiast, you can even break out the edit mode and recreate the immortal Hulk Hogan of yesteryear complete with his nearly trademark "I am a real American" theme song. The editing mode is comprehensive in other words. With several thousand situational moves to assign your created wrestler, and a wide variety of body types, you should be able to create almost any wrestler you can imagine. Wrestlemania 2000 also offers a variety of play modes for the electric armchair sports entertainment athlete. In addition to the ability to play though an entire year's worth of a wrestler's career in the Road To Wrestlemania mode, you have the ability to create your own Pay Per View events, and for fun, you and your friends can face off in steel cage matches, King of the Ring tournaments, tag team matches, the Battle Royal, and even three way matches. All the drama, all the action of the WWF is stuffed into this little black cartridge! |
 "X-Men Legends is a real-time role-playing game where players put together their own team of X-Men heroes to combat such legendary foes as the Morlocks, Brotherhood of Mutants, and Sentinels. In true role-playing game fashion, players control their group of X-Men characters to take advantage of each individual's special powers and abilities while in combat. As each character becomes more experienced in battle, his or her powers will grow over time and new fighting moves become available to help the character develop into a more formidable opponent. Players will assemble their party from a lineup of more than 15 characters, including popular favorites Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Gambit, and Beast. Certain locales may require stealth to avoid alarm systems or traps, making Wolverine or Nightcrawler more valuable team members, while multiple enemies may be more quickly dealt with using the crushing power of Colossus or the Beast. Players will have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each superhero before forming the party and beginning a mission. Once a mission begins, players can switch control between the mutants at any time and can even implement combo moves between specific characters such as Wolverine's and Colossus' "fastball special" maneuver, which has Colossus picking up Wolverine and tossing him at a foe to dole out heavy damage. Up to four players can join in the adventuring together, working as a team or honing their superhero skills from within the Danger Room training ground. Man of Action, a four-man production company of veteran comic book authors, wrote the game's storyline. |
 "Professor Xavier's team of misunderstood mutants battles on in this sequel RPG from Raven and Activision, creators of the original. Once again, players control small squads of X-Men in a series of action-oriented, combat-intensive missions that lead them through the game's comics-inspired storyline. Between missions, heroes can rest, recover, and re-supply, at Professor's X academy headquarters, or one of four other game world hubs. Each of the game's 16 playable characters has ten personalized powers, which can be customized and upgraded with experience and power-ups. In addition to Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and other characters playable in the first Legends, the sequel also lets fans of the series choose lesser-known X-Men, such as the energy-absorbing Bishop, or even the team's nemesis, Magento, and members of his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants such as Toad and Juggernaut. It seems that past rivalries may be forgotten -- at least temporarily -- in the face of a universal threat posed by the ancient, megalomaniacal, Egyptian super-mutant known as Apocalypse. As did the original releases, the Xbox version of X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse features a same-screen cooperative multiplayer mode. Online co-op play, and competitive Danger Room and Skirmish missions are also available, for Internet-connected gamers. |
 "Playing through the story of the feature film and including additional, original scenes, the video game version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a mission-driven action-adventure with lots of combat. Players control the mutant who will become Wolverine from a third-person perspective. The fighting interface is based on light, heavy, and grapple attacks, with improvised combos and sharp finishing moves. As he fights, Wolverine builds rage, which allows more powerful attacks. The agile hero can also perform a lunge attack, leaping with his claws extended toward an enemy. Wolverine's feral senses give him enhanced surveillance capabilities. When he is hit, his wounds appear and heal quickly, distinguishing his mutant regenerative abilities. Throughout the adventure, Wolverine encounters other characters with related origin stories, including those who would be known as Sabretooth, Wendigo, Blob, and Gambit. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was created by Raven Software, the studio behind Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and the X-Men: Legends games. |
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