'PES 2013'

Konami

Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3)

$59.99

ESRB rating: Everyone

Review rating: 4.0 stars

Ever since the first "Pro Evolution Soccer" game was released, it was obvious that the ... err ... goal of the developers was to craft a realistic professional soccer experience. Thankfully, triggering fan riots isn't an option, but gamers can experience nearly everything that pro soccer players and coaches do in real life. While "PES 2013" may lack the high production values found in the "FIFA" series, it still offers incredible depth and satisfying game play.

Casual soccer fans may not notice the numerous changes in this year's version, but that's because most of them are subtle. For example, defending players can no longer rely on automated tackles and now must manually time them to be successful. Offensive maneuvers also demand more skill, as players must use a combination of analog stick and pressure-sensitive button presses to deftly dribble around opponents and score goals.

Also new is a more accurate shooting and passing mechanic where players can bring up an onscreen arrow with the press of a button. This arrow shows where the ball will land and lets players line up precise passes and shots on the move. I also appreciate the ability to modify passes and shots in different ways by pressing the left and right triggers. Other improvements include a slower pace, improved ball physics and more detailed visuals.

Unfortunately, players aren't treated to any new single-player modes, and the Become a Legend mode is still rather bland for the first several hours. Playing online is also surprisingly similar to past versions, but one cool feature is that it can actually improve the offline experience. Now it's possible to earn items online that can be used in the offline Master League and Become a Legend modes.

Most of the improvements found in "PES 2013" seem to be aimed at core gamers, and that's certainly not a bad thing!

'Dogfight 1942'

City Interactive

Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3, Wii)

$15 download

ESRB rating: Teen

Review rating: 2.0 stars

Air combat games usually come in one of two forms, hardcore simulation and casual/arcade style. I enjoy playing both, but I've lost my taste for modern games that rely heavily on lock-on "fire and forget" missiles. With the release of "Dogfight 1942," City Interactive has apparently ignored the plethora of spoiled gamers who cry "not another WWII game." Too bad it isn't very fun!

Set in famous locations in both the Pacific and Europe during "the big one," this game follows stereotypical American and British pilots as they attack a narrow variety of enemies and defend bases. If this sounds boring, that's because the game play in "Dogfight 1942" is as generic and unremarkable as its name.

The first mission in the game is a tutorial, but flying and shooting is so simplistic that this mission only benefits gamers who've never played a flying game before. None of the later missions become very challenging, and combat ends up being more of a skeet shoot than a deadly air battle. In fact, I never felt as if I was on the verge of being shot down even when I flew in straight lines and was constantly peppered with gunfire.

Making things simpler still is the "Ace" button that actually points the airplane's nose in the direction of whatever target is chosen and basically flies the plane automatically. This is supposed to let players focus on fine-tuning their aim, but it really turns the game into a rail shooter. Yawn! There's also an offline co-op mode, but having two overpowered planes on the Allies' side makes the game unbearably easy.

I enjoy the WWII era airplanes and the stylistic "kill cam," but these features aren't enough to justify paying $15 for "Dogfight 1942."