Teen (13+)

Grinding Gears

HIGH The first fight where I really figured out the battle system.

LOW The difficulty spike in the final chapter.

WTF "Guys don't make passes at girls who kick asses!" Seriously?

Game Description: Civilization on earth has long been forgotten with the previously lush world now a burned out remnant of its former self. Originally built as an experimental life support system, Basel is now the only place on Earth where mankind can sustain their lives. As their role their PMF (Private Military Firm) the group (Vashyron, Zephyr and Leanne) must seek out and complete quests for their clients leading them on a journey that will reveal the truth of Basel. Experienced RPG development team, Tri-Ace, behind this entirely new vision of fate within a steam punk world. The Tri-Ace development team has had a hand in developing some of gaming’s most celebrated RPG franchises from Star Ocean to Valkyrie Profile. Sega and Tri-Ace now introduce Resonance of Fate, which adds a new spin to the genre with a new cinematic action gameplay system centered around gun play and a steam punk styled world.

Multi is the New Single

HIGH Jumping into a transforming Vital Suit and unleashing hell on enemy troops.

LOW The poor setup for mission 3-3 turns a great battle into a frustrating slog.

WTF Earning customization items is soul-crushingly slow and hatefully random.

Game Description: The next installment in the popular Lost Planet action series, Lost Planet 2 is a third-person shooter which continues the story of humanity's futuristic struggles and attempts at colonization on the planet E.D.N III. A blend of new RPG elements and features that made the original game a huge success, including massive boss battles against the alien Akrid creatures, rugged terrain, mech warfare and dynamic multiplayer support, Lost Planet 2 is sure to please both new and longtime fans of the franchise alike.

Old Movie Serials are Fun

High: The non-linear storytelling.

Low: That last puzzle is a tricky beast. Either that, or I'm just very unobservant.

WTF?: Baby Amelia Earheart?

It's Been a Long Time Coming

HIGH The pitch-perfect ending.

LOW Easy endgame battles that lasted five minutes anyway.

WTF 1 Boomerang + 20 Sturdy Bones + 6 Particle Accelerators = +6 to attack?

Game Description: From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. Players will follow Lightning, Snow, and the other heroes who are dealt a hand of fate by the god-like fal'Cie. Cursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. Will they find the strength within themselves to break free of their curse and determine their own fates, or will they succumb to this higher power? With a story that is sure to connect with players' hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences.

You may as well ask, Poor Overlord

High: Ha! You walked right into my den of Lizardmen! In your mauled face, hero!

Low: I got a Game Over in stage 3-3. I have to retry from stage 3-1. Again.

WTF?: I'm not sure if the cannibalism is a good thing or a bad thing.

Game Description: What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 is the single player strategy game for PlayStation Portable that drops players in the unlikely position of both monster farmer and dungeon creator. Protect Overlord Badman from the hordes of heroes that are compelled to attack as you excavate dungeons filled with monsters, grown, mutated and arranged to create maximum problems for pesky heroes and the traps they bring with them.