Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: UbiSoft

PUBLISHER: UbiSoft

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

Stealth-based titles aren't nearly as popular as they used to be, but most gamers will play them if they're made well. "Assassin's Creed" introduced the idea of an open-ended stealth game, but constrained players with repetitive tasks. Fortunately, "Assassin's Creed 2" not only addresses this flaw, but also adds several new features and a much larger, more beautiful world to explore.

This time around, the story follows the exploits of a dashing young noble named Ezio during the Renaissance. His trouble-free life is turned upside down when a cowardly betrayal leads to the death of several family members. Forced to flee his hometown, Ezio must secure his family's safety and then exact revenge on the heartless conspirators.

With such a large hit list, it's fortuitous that Ezio has access to many deadly tools of the trade. For starters, he can now wield maces, pole arms and hammers as well as swords. In addition, he can strike at enemies from afar with throwing knives and now has dual assassin blades that are literally hidden up his sleeves. It's also possible to distract beggars and guards by tossing money in the streets, but I'm not in any position to throw money away, real or not.

New weapons means new assassination moves, and this game is overflowing with them. Players can now strike from the water or yank targets into bales of hay. They can also pull enemies off of high ledges or jump on them from the shadows. My favorite is pulling off a double assassination by leaping down from the rooftops.

I also like the ability to purchase armor, health pouches and new outfits. This adds a welcome bit of variety and additional incentive to earn money. Additional gear comes from Leonardo da Vinci, who provides weapon upgrades, fun gadgets and even an exciting flying machine!

"Assassin's Creed" was good, but the improvements to "Assassin's Creed 2" have created a masterpiece!

'Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising' Offers Authentic Modern Warfare

DEVELOPER: Codemasters

PUBLISHER: Codemasters

SYSTEM: Windows XP/Vista (Xbox 360, PS3)

PRICE: $39.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

With all the hoopla surrounding "Modern Warfare 2," one might think that every gamer wants to circle around small levels shooting at enemies every two seconds, but that isn't true.

Some cyber-soldiers like to play on much larger battlefields where realistic strategies blow away "run-and gun" tactics. Codemasters' latest shooter, "Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising," satisfies both desires by dropping players into the role of a modern-day squad leader and giving them a 220 square-kilometer island to play on.

Since this game strives for realism, players don't run very fast and can only sprint for short distances, but that's how I like it. In addition, it only takes a couple of bullets to send players 6-feet under, so taking cover and getting the drop on enemies always succeeds over running in with guns blazing.

Leading a squad of three computer-controlled brothers in arms is fairly simple and intuitive. Budding commanders can give them simultaneous orders or split them up and send them to flanking positions or whatever might be needed. Squad mates can even drive vehicles and man emplaced weapons, but they need to be told where to drive or what to shoot.

Speaking of which, there really needs to be more vehicles in this game because I'm tired of running everywhere. Nearly every mission starts players out on foot, and it's up to them to find some wheels on site. What I can't understand is why a game that promotes realism doesn't let players look to their side when driving or flying and doesn't offer joystick support. These are considered to be basic features that all military PC games offer.

The entire single-player campaign can be played cooperatively, and there are also adversarial modes that pit fire teams against each other. Even though there are some bugs to work out, anyone interested in a realistic military shooter should give "Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising" a try.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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