PSP

Sony Bend has done it again. The first handheld Syphon Filter was a powerhouse, and its sequel, Logan's Shadow is no different. Series star Gabe Logan may not have the personality of Solid Snake or the instant recognition of Sam Fisher, but he's got them both beat by a country mile when it comes to portable action. Without a doubt, this is the small-scale action franchise to beat.

When I reviewed the original Coded Arms, I appreciated that the game attempted to spice up its standard FPS formula by wrapping it in a "hacker jacking into the Matrix" theme. It was something a little different, even if the gameplay was as average as could be.

A rock-solid showpiece that every PSP owner should consider, Killzone: Liberation is a better game than the original in every way, and a standout title in its own right.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Language, and Violence

Game Description: In Killzone: Liberation, two months after the events of Killzone, most of southern Vekta is still under Helghast control. The rules of war have been cast aside with the Helghast General, Metrac, employing brutal measures in order to seize the initiative and strengthen his position further. Returning as Templar, players will be sent on a mission to undertake a covert operation to save hostages captured by Metrac, while ISA troops continue the fight for liberty.

Although the game's rough edges would sink most titles, it's to Vicious Cycle's credit that I felt compelled to play through the unpleasantness and walked away from Dead Head Fred with a respect not only for what it accomplished, but for what it tried to accomplish.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, and Strong Language

Game Description: Dead Head Fred is a unique 3rd person-action game created exclusively for the PSP. An original 1940's inspired alternative universe is blended with a slice of old time Americana, producing a morally bankrupt town ruled by violent organized crime and populated with mutants spawned from toxic waste. You are private detective Fred Neuman, savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without your memory or your head. Embark on a quest for vengeance as you solve your own murder by using the severed heads of enemies to battle your way through environments designed to showcase each head's unique abilities.

After my first session with Brave Story: New Traveler, I was fairly convinced that I had gotten stuck with another by-the-numbers effort copying the same schlock that's been less than thrilling for the last few years. I was about to put my brain on autopilot and zone out until the credits rolled for the sake of the review when I noticed something strange—the longer I played it, the better it got. By the end, it was really good.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Language, Mild Fantasy Violence, and Suggestive Themes.