Sony

Making a name for itself by being the first game designed for use with the then-new concept of dual analog sticks, Ape Escape has never truly been at the forefront of platforming action. Take away the newness of its features (or just take away the dual sticks, as the PSP re-release of Ape Escape has) and what's left is an uninspired effort that can't hang with the big boys of the genre.

Game Description: Ratchet: Deadlocked takes Ratchet and Clank on a mission to locate several famous heroes who have mysteriously disappeared. The good news is the duo located the missing people. The bad news is they find them after getting captured by the same person who has been going around stealing heroes. Now Ratchet has to compete in the game and go up against the deadly Exterminators, to save himself and his friends.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language

In fact, I almost feel guilty for writing this review. But, even the mightiest developer needs to slow down from the breakneck pace of game making once in awhile, and that's basically what I see Ratchet: Deadlocked as—Insomniac taking a break.

Starting at the most basic level of design, The Con eschews tradition and goes with an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective somewhat similar to the classic Punch-Out boxing titles found on the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo. This view lends a very up-close feel that never materializes in most fighters, the standard side-view or distanced third-person preventing players from really getting it on in a visceral way. Here, it definitely felt personal.

Game Description: The Con is a unique fighting game where the underground world of gambling plays center stage. Customize your fighter with five different brawling styles, programmable fighting combos and an insanely deep create-a-character mode. Place your bet to increase your rewards. Finally, pull off a con and rig the fight by working the crowd to increase your odds and get paid off (win or lose). How you work the CON is up to you.

Game Description: Pursuit Force lets you become a police officer who'll take the fight to the criminals! You're tracking down some of the most violent gangs in the state. Patrol five different districts as you clean up the streets.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Violence

For those whose should-know-better stubbornness can go round for round with that of the game's level designers, amazingly and in spite of its crudities and failings, Pursuit Force's pull factor never really wanes.

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