UbiSoft

Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3)

$59.99

ESRB rating: Mature

Review rating: 4.5 stars

The older I get, the more I realize that many of the past events I learned in History class are inaccurate. This is also reflected in UbiSoft's latest stealth title, "Assassin's Creed III," which finally takes the game to a new location while also introducing a new leading character. Despite a few annoyances, this is the big, bold sequel that fans of the series have been anxiously awaiting!

This time around, the story follows Connor Kenway's exploits, starting from his childhood and leading all the way through his adult role in the American Revolution. After a surprisingly lengthy and linear introduction, players are tasked with uncovering various conspiracies as well as rewriting history to favor the Assassin's Guild. Meanwhile, Desmond Miles uses the knowledge he gains from Connor's true history to aid the Assassin's Guild in present day America.

Like past games in the series, players can use the protagonist's hidden arm blades to perform assassinations and also kill enemies in open combat, but Connor also has new tricks up his sleeve! Since he is half American-Indian, the seasoned assassin can silently take out enemies with a handy bow and also utilize his trusty tomahawk. Add in the most fluid combat system of any game in the series, and the result is much more fun than it is frustrating.

In addition to brutal combat, Connor can hunt wild animals for their pelts, assist common-folk in a wide variety of side missions and explore the wild surroundings to attune with nature. One of my favorite new abilities is captaining ships in violent naval battles! It's great fun to shred the enemy's sails with special cannon ammunition and then either sink their ship outright or board it for unpredictable crew vs. crew battles.

New online multiplayer modes add even more content to the game, making "Assassin's Creed III" a must-have for both stealth and action fans!

'Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault'

Sony

Sony PlayStation 3 (PS Vita)

$19.99

ESRB rating: Teen

Review rating: 3.0 stars

Insomniac's "Ratchet & Clank" series is not only extremely popular, but also incredibly fun and varied. Sure the online multiplayer modes are a blast, but the single-player adventures are the reason for the series' loyal following. So why did Insomniac change their award-winning formula so much for "Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault"?

This sequel combines the adventuring and combat aspects of past games with tower defense to create an action/defense hybrid. As a result, players must collect bolts and then use them to purchase towers and other defenses to protect their base and its generators from wave after wave of dangerous enemies. Fortunately, the wacky storyline is reminiscent of past games, but it's still rather forgettable.

To collect bolts, players must guide their character away from the base to explore the surroundings but must also return to help defend it when the defenses are damaged. Sadly, these defenses are damaged and/or destroyed too easily despite any upgrades they receive. As a result, players are forced to constantly zip back and forth, which is both tedious and annoying.

New weapons to use in combat are also obtained by venturing away from the base, but the pickings are slim compared to past games. I also don't like how their upgrades aren't permanent. Instead, players must re-upgrade them every time they begin a new level.

Fortunately, these aspects are minimized when the game is played in co-op mode because one player can stay at the base while the other goes out to obtain weapons and bolts. Too bad there aren't more levels to enjoy. On the other hand, the competitive multiplayer modes are slightly different and quite fun!

"Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault" is a decent distraction at an affordable price, but it pales in comparison to past games in the series.