Reverb Publishing

Windows 7/Vista/XP

$25.00 download

ESRB rating: Mature

Review rating: 4.0 stars

After its release, I played the original version of "Battlefield 1942" for more than 400 hours. It's one of my all-time favorite games because it throws players into an open sandbox where creativity trumps raw firepower. Sadly, the "Battlefield" franchise has become severally structured, but the newly released first-person shooter, "Ravaged," harkens back to the fun-filled days of old-school gaming.

Players begin each match in this multiplayer-exclusive title by choosing to join either the Scavengers or the Resistance. Then it's time to jump right into the post-apocalyptic action and blast the enemy to smithereens! Each faction offers five unique classes to choose from, ranging from bandits to assassins to weapons specialists. This is a welcome feature as it adds variety and lets players adapt to constantly changing scenarios.

Even more variety and unpredictability is provided by ten deadly air and ground vehicles that players can use at any time. Providing vehicles also promotes team play because most of them have room for passengers, and many of those passengers can operate extremely powerful weapons. I love having the freedom to jump into a dune buggy and zip across the battlefield or slowly tear my way through enemies with a heavy tank.

Vehicles also provide a much needed distraction from infantry combat, and we all know that infantry-only multiplayer games quickly outgrow their ... uhh ... perkiness. In addition, the ability to actually spawn in the same vehicle as a squad mate is not only convenient but also keeps the action flowing.

Be forewarned that "Ravaged" is an extremely fast-paced game where new players are the equivalent of wildebeest. Moreover, the nimble Stryker helicopter has a steep learning curve, but it's the most powerful vehicle available when piloted by skilled combatants.

Anyone who's tired of the inhibiting structure of modern online games will surely have a blast playing "Ravaged"!

'Harry Potter for Kinect'

Warner Bros. Interactive

Microsoft Xbox 360

$49.99

ESRB rating: E10

Review rating: 2.5 stars

For me, watching "Harry Potter" movies is a magical experience full of merriment and wonder, the same thing Microsoft claimed their Kinect peripheral would deliver. Unfortunately, playing Kinect games is more frustrating than fun, especially when it's a mini-game compilation. Too bad the creators of "Harry Potter for Kinect" haven't realized this yet.

This title offers more than thirty levels that are the highlights of all eight movies, but nearly every level plays differently. For example, some levels have players flying around in Quidditch matches, while others let potential apothecaries mix potions or engage in wizard duels. Since most levels don't offer much explanation of previous events, anyone who isn't familiar with the series simply won't understand what's happening.

Unlike many Kinect games, the motions controls are pretty responsive in "Harry Potter for Kinect." I suspect that this is a result of the incredibly simplistic nature of each level, which amounts to little more than frantically waving hands in the air to toss spells or dodging to the side to avoid projectiles. Not surprisingly, some movements aren't accurately reflected in the game.

One standout feature is the ability to scan my face and create a custom wizard-in-training that looks like me. Since this title is aimed at youngsters, I'm sure they will love being able to "jump" into the world of Hogwarts. So much so, in fact, that they will ignore how creepy their likeness appears.

I appreciate the high production values that make each character resemble their film counterpart, but the animations are a bit stiff. However, Hogwarts and other levels are accurately modeled after the movie and this helps immerse players into the mystical realm of Harry Potter.

"Harry Potter for Kinect" will more than likely please youngsters, but older gamers will be disappointed.