Amplitude Studios

Windows 7/Vista/XP

$29.99

ESRB rating: Teen

Review rating: 4.0 stars

Turn-based strategy games based on history are quite popular, but those that explore the limitless boundaries of space are few and far between. That's why I was pleasantly surprised at the nearly unlimited number of options found in the indie title, "Endless Space." For once, a video game lives up to its name!

Players begin this 4X game (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) by choosing one of eight races to use in their exploration of the galaxy. If none of the races suit the player, he or she can create one of their own. Then it's time to use diplomacy, economics, war or a combination of these tactics to find new planets to colonize, new resources to ravage and new technologies to research.

Unlike some strategy games, "Endless Space" lets players customize nearly everything, starting with the winning conditions. This game also offers a tech tree that branches out in four distinct directions. Players quickly realize that putting all their points into one category will hamper others, like having a strong military with weak economic conditions. As a result, carefully balancing out the tech tree can mean the difference between being a beloved intergalactic ruler and an insidious space emperor!

Additional customization comes from creating a battleship and outfitting it with strong armor and a plethora of powerful weapons. It's also possible to hire hero characters as fleet admirals that earn experience and gain new levels. Their unique attributes can have a significant effect on game play.

All of these options may sound daunting, but the clean and intuitive control scheme helps make this game more enjoyable. Since nothing is more than a few menus away, micromanaging entire fleets is less bothersome. There's also a handy help system that's actually helpful!

Although it's lacking in action, "Endless Space" offers an overwhelming amount of ways to dominate the galaxy.

'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD'

Activision

Microsoft XBLA (PSN)

$15

ESRB rating: Teen

Review rating: 2.5 stars

As a former skateboarding enthusiast, I was thrilled when the "Tony Hawk Pro Skater" series dropped into the video game realm. The first title revolutionized the skateboarding genre, and the second one features excellent level design. Now the two have been combined and upgraded into one kickflip-filled package called "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD," but this remake falls short.

Instead of simply combining the two games and upgrading the visuals, the developers have added bits and pieces of both games to create a lackluster title. For starters, only seven levels are included, three from the first game and four from the second. This means many people will be disappointed because their favorite levels are missing. Also, there's no skate park editor, and the couch-side multiplayer modes are out in favor of online multiplayer only.

I remember struggling to get used to the controls for the original "THPS," but at least it was easier than landing tricks in real life. Ironically, I have now grown accustomed to the superior "Skate" control scheme, so I'm forced to learn the "THPS" controls a second time. This is difficult enough by itself, but the new developer hasn't accurately recreated the physics of the original game, and the movement seems a bit slow.

On the other hand, some of the new features are very welcome! For example, the new skating modes (Hawkman and Big Head Survival), new objectives and the addition of modern skaters like Nyjah Huston and Tony Hawk's son. Of course, the HD visuals make this game much more enjoyable because no one could stand the blocky visuals of the original.

"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD" may not be a great remake, but at least they left the awesome soundtrack intact!