Zen Studios

Microsoft Xbox 360

$10 download

ESRB rating: Everyone

Review rating: 3.0 stars

Just like the world-renowned inventor, Nikola Tesla, "Pinball FX-2" has quickly risen to the top of its class. But for some unknown reason, the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are different. Now Xbox 360-owners can catch up to their PS3 brethren by purchasing the old-school add-on called "Pinball FX-2: Zen Classics!"

The pinball tables included in this pack are: Tesla, Shaman, El Dorado and V-12. All four tables were originally included only in the PS3 version of "Zen Classics" that was released a while ago, and now they have finally been released for the Xbox 360 in the updated title, "Pinball FX-2." While I'm glad the only upgrades include improved visuals and ball physics, these tables are a prime example of how far the series has come in only a few years.

I'm not saying that they're lame, but they definitely aren't as elaborate as modern add-ons to the series. In fact, their complexity pales in comparison to most of the superhero additions. When you add in the fact that it's very difficult to achieve scores in the tens of millions, the biggest draw becomes their nostalgia.

As a huge fan of the Steampunk scene, the Tesla table electrifies me the most. Players are tasked with performing cool experiments among whirring cogs, spinning gears and powerful electrical arcs. The wood panel background and copper pipes also add a nice touch!

V-12 is another elaborate table with a cool concept, American muscle cars, but the glare from all the chrome and bright lights makes the ball hard to see. Shaman is fun and colorful, but I think that six flippers can be overwhelming and the constant ball save extends games too often. El Dorado is the most basic of the bunch. Even the Nathan Drake lookalike can't save it from mediocrity.

"Pinball FX-2: Zen Classics" is a great way to complete the Xbox 360 version of the game, but the simplicity of these titles may disappoint fans of the modern tables.

Immanitas Entertainment

Windows 7/Vista/XP

$19.95

ESRB rating: Mature

Review rating: 3.5 stars

Some gamers are opposed to genre blending, but I encourage it because the eventual result is a new staple. After all, most people would rather play a modern action RPG than a standard turn-based one. Australian developers Epiphany Games have combined RTS tactics with RPG character building to create their latest strategy title, "Frozen Hearth."

As the first chapter in a planned trilogy, "Frozen Hearth" tells the trials and tribulations of a race called the Danaan. They are fractured into three tribes, but they must forgo their differences and unite against a powerful foe that threatens their very existence. When frozen supernatural creatures known as the Shangur exterminate all who are in their way, only the player can save the Danaan.

It's also possible to play the entire campaign in co-op mode, which seems to be the developer's intention. Despite the simplistic nature of the first couple of missions, later ones task players with controlling two armies. This is quite a challenge for one player unless they love micromanaging.

Each tribe has a mighty leader that can acquire different active and passive skills when they level up, which is very cool. I also like how players can't use every single upgrade in the same game. However, I wish that veteran units weren't reset for every mission. It would also be nice to be able to manually save the game during the campaign.

My main complaint is the extremely inconsistent frame rate. It seems like everything from casting multiple spells to pressing the spacebar to change from one army to another drops the frame rate to a crawl. This results in frequent mistakes that can drastically affect each mission!

"Frozen Hearth" can be fun and exciting, but it takes a beefy computer to properly enjoy the game play.