Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: SEGA

PUBLISHER: SEGA

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

I must admit that when I first heard of the premise for the hyper-action game "Bayonetta," I was a bit skeptical. The mere thought of a sexy witch, who packs pistols in her shoes and wears a "living" outfit crafted from her own flowing hair, made me chuckle. Then I started playing the game. I was immediately bewitched by its awesome visual style and incredible combat.

Bayonetta is a supernatural being that can travel between dimensions, summon demons, and above all, kick ass! However, she only remembers the last 20 years of her life, which have been spent fighting powerful angels sent to drag her to the Underworld. Throughout the game, she uncovers bits and pieces of her past to discover just how important she really is.

With enemies coming at her from all sides, it's a good thing Bayonetta is even more skilled in combat than Dante from "Devil May Cry." This nimble minx can wield a wide array of lethal weaponry ranging from steel claws to razor sharp katanas and also grab weapons from fallen enemies. In addition, players can assign pistols or shotguns to her feet to add even more devastation to her deadly combos!

One of the coolest effects in the game is the ability to summon demonic appendages during combos that are literally made out of Bayonetta's hair. During Wicked Weave attacks, her "hair outfit" momentarily disappears, while her locks assemble a mighty fist or gigantic stiletto heel to strike her opponents. Sure it's weird, but it's also very cool. Let's just hope she never has a bad hair day ...

Another highlight of the game is the wide variety of environments and enemy encounters. Pure action games usually become repetitive after a while, but Bayonetta keeps players under her spell by always offering something new and exciting. Simply put, if you love intense action, you'll love "Bayonetta."

'Avatar: The Game' Offers More Beauty than Substance

DEVELOPER: Ubisoft

PUBLISHER: Ubisoft

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC, Wii)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)

Some of the ideas behind the movie "Avatar" seem like they would transfer easily to a video game.

After all, the ability to transport one's mind into another being is the highest evolution of gaming that I can imagine. So, why does "Avatar: The Game" appear to be nothing more than a lackluster book with a shiny new cover?

Sporting a separate story line that starts two years before the events of the film, "Avatar: The Game" teleports gamers to the lush world of Pandora to fight for control of the land. As a new recruit, players get to explore Pandora as both an RDA soldier and a Na'vi Avatar. Then it's time to choose sides and play out the rest of the game as one or the other.

This is a very cool concept that extends the replay value by offering two separate campaigns. Unfortunately, the actual game play is so bland that I doubt if anyone will trudge through the game twice. Not even gorgeous visuals and lush jungles can make up for such mind numbingly boring mission design. I swear if I have to fetch one more plant or shoot another Viper Wolf, I'll go mad!

Players who assume the role of a RDA soldier have access to many different weapons, ranging from assault rifles to flamethrowers, and can also use special powers like stealth or healing. Na'vi tribesmen can attack from a distance with a bow or up close with dual blades, and they also have access to special powers. Both characters play very differently, but loose controls make them suffer equally. In "Avatar: The Game," the only thing that controls worse than the main characters are the vehicles they drive.

Apparently, the lofty goal of making a game that captures the look and feel of the movie was as unobtainable as the ore the RDA is after. Think rental.

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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