Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Nintendo

PUBLISHER: Nintendo

SYSTEM: Nintendo Wii

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)

When Nintendo tossed "Wii Sports" in with their Nintendo Wii console, no one realized that this small sampling of simulated outdoor activities would become so wildly popular. Over two and a half years later, the only mini-game compilation to eclipse "Wii Sports" is the sequel, titled "Wii Sports Resort."

Building upon the original, this title ... ahem ... sports twice as many games (12 in all) as well as the Wii Motion Plus accessory. "What is that?" you may ask? This handy little device snaps onto the bottom of the Wiimote and provides more responsive motion detection than the Wiimote alone. Now the system registers every little nuance, from gigantic overhead thrusts to subtle twists and turns.

Speaking of powerful strikes, the most enjoyable sport included in the package is called Swordplay. This addicting activity lets players duel against the computer using fake swords, and it offers a surprising amount of depth. Just like traditional Samurai, players must use split-second timing to block attacks and strike the enemy. Skilled players will be able to unlock the "Showdown" mode where endless streams of enemies attack from all sides.

This is just one example of the new "extra activities" feature that nearly every sport offers. Performing well in a sport unlocks additional activities within that sport, like VS mode for canoeing or a Pick-up Game for basketball. I really like this feature because it lets players further explore the sports they enjoy playing.

Another one of my favorite sports from this title is Frisbee. Tossing a plastic disc so that my canine companion can catch it is not only fun, it's also very tricky! But the ultimate challenge comes from unlocking Frisbee Golf and playing on one of three courses using different discs.

Not every game in "Wii Sports Resort" is a total hit, however, as cycling and canoeing get old fast. Nevertheless, I suggest that every Wii owner pick up a copy of this awesome sports compilation.

'IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey' Brings Unparalleled Realism To Consoles

DEVELOPER: Gaijin Entertainment/1C Company

PUBLISHER: 505 Games/1C Company

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360)

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)

For decades, PC gamers have enjoyed both arcade-style flying games and realistic flight simulators, while console-owners were stuck with only the former.

It seemed like attempting to find a realistic flying game on a console was as pointless as trying to give orders to a cat, but Gaijin Entertainment hopes to change this division with their WWII flying game, "IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey."

This console-only sequel to the highest-rated and most realistic flying series of all time introduces the same furious, fear-inducing aerial combat found on the PC to current-gen consoles. Although this version was mainly designed for controllers, I still highly suggest using a flight stick to gain better control and give a more realistic feel to the experience.

Three difficulty modes are available for budding pilots, with Arcade as the easiest and Simulator as the most difficult. Each level of difficulty is unlocked by beating the previous level in each mission. Arcade mode is very easy and even has a guide for leading targets, while Realism mode mixes in a few authentic factors, like engine stalls and the way damage affects performance.

For the ultimate experience in flying and frustration, however, Simulator mode cannot be beat! It tasks players with much more realistic turning, climbing, diving and shooting. In addition, the only available viewpoint is through the cockpit and there is no heads-up display (HUD). Attempting this mode without a flight stick is nothing short of masochism, but the joy of victory is much more rewarding than using the easier modes.

When flying on missions, the visuals are so sublime that it's easy to become distracted. I love seeing my wings riddled with bullet holes and smoke pouring out of the engine as I try to stay in the air. It's also awesome to watch a plane I attacked spiral downward into an impressive explosion against a highly detailed building in a bombed-out city.

Not everyone likes to fly the unfriendly skies, but those that crave realism won't find anything better than "IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey."

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Pretty 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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