Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Digital Extremes

PUBLISHER: Namco Bandai

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 2.0 stars (out of 5)

As a big fan of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," I wasn't expecting much from the recent "Star Trek" reboot movie. Much to my surprise, it managed to keep me ... err ... engaged throughout the entire adventure. With high hopes for the movie-based video game, I was saddened to discover that it's reminiscent of the last generation of movie-tie-ins that are rushed to release despite many flaws.

Taking place after the aforementioned reboot and before the upcoming sequel, the story revolves around the reptilian Gorn aliens introduced way back in the original "Star Trek" TV series. Apparently, they have stolen a valuable power source that is needed by the Vulcans, so Kirk and Spock team up to retrieve it by continually trudging through death-defying sequences.

This title was designed with cooperative game play in mind, and if you must play, I highly suggest using two people. Kirk and Spock are no dynamic duo in either mode, but the artificial intelligence that controls Spock is much more infuriating than his haughty attitude! Not only does he frequently run into the line of fire, but he also seems like more of a burden than an ally.

Even in coop mode, the shooting sequences are dull and the Gorn A.I. is laughable. Whether the aiming reticule stays onscreen during cut-scenes, the camera shakes violently for no reason, or the Gorn run right past players to take cover, it's obvious that this game could use a few more light-years in development.

The only impressive aspect of "Star Trek: The Video Game" are the intricately detailed visuals and authentic voice actors. Other enjoyable aspects include the ability to switch between stun and kill on phasers and the multiple uses of the tricorder.

At this rate, gamers will have to wait until warp speed becomes a reality to get a decent "Star Trek" game.

'Eador: Masters of the Broken World'

DEVELOPER: Snowbird Games

PUBLISHER: Snowbird Games

SYSTEM: Windows PC Download

PRICE: $19.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)

Despite the fact that turn-based strategy RPG games have come a long way since their inception, the popularity of this genre is at an all-time low.

It doesn't help matters when games like "Eador: Masters of the Broken World" contain game-stopping bugs upon release. To paraphrase a famous quote, "I do not think that (game title) means what you think it means."

The problems begin with the tutorial, which also sets up the story. It follows the simple concept of a villager from a small town who is told by a powerful wizard that he is destined to defeat the local king. Only by following the wizard's tutelage will the villager unite the broken shards of the world and make it whole again. Sadly, the tutorial is also broken, and performing actions in the wrong order can impede the player's progress. This can only be rectified by restarting the game, which is both annoying and time-consuming.

Players who get past the tutorial are tasked with defeating various provinces in order to set up their garrison and improve the area. This can help generate much-needed coin, but it also attracts enemy incursions that must be dealt with. Like most turn-based strategy titles, this game forces players to choose between building revenue-generating structures or ones that create offensive/defensive units with each turn.

"Easy to learn, difficult to master" definitely doesn't apply to this title. While the basic premise is apparent, an overly complicated interface coupled with visuals that aren't immediately recognizable will turn away anyone who isn't already a fan of this genre. On the other hand, the experience offers a new approach to a well-known game style.

If the game-breaking bugs are fixed and the interface is cleaned up, "Eador: Masters of the Broken World" will turn into a worthy waste of time.

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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