Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: NetherRealm Studios

PUBLISHER: Warner Bros

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

With all of the attention paid to Marvel superheroes in movies and video games over the last few years, it doesn't take Brainiac to realize that the DC Universe needs a new PR team. In the interim, Warner Bros has recruited the mastermind behind the "Mortal Kombat" franchise to create a deep and enticing new fighting game called "Injustice: Gods Among Us."

Even though the storyline is rather convoluted, it's still more entertaining than what's found in most fighters. Apparently, all it takes to turn Superman into a villain is for the maniacal Joker to trick him into performing a really bad deed. Now Superman rules the earth with a Kryptonian fist, and other seemingly good guys have become less righteous.

Speaking of which, I really like the darker tone, both literally and figuratively, that all twenty of the characters in this title display. It makes the DC Universe appeal to more than teenagers and gives all the heroes and villains a valid reason for fighting each other. In addition, many of the awesome super moves are so violent that they wouldn't seem appropriate in DC comics.

Unlike most Asian fighting games, combat follows the "easy-to-learn-yet-hard-to-master" format. As a result, new players immediately feel super-powered, and anyone who invests some time into the game can discover some truly devastating combos! It's also really cool to use environmental props like missiles from the Batmobile to augment attacks. Even more fun is initiating level transitions that are not only visually pleasing but also inflict heavy damage!

Learning these moves is easy thanks to the handy tutorial mode that prepares virtual pugilists for battle. I also appreciate the variety provided by the multitude of Star Labs Missions that are tailored for each character. Adding even more depth is a robust online mode that is a true test of skills.

Both video game and comic fans will find little to dislike with "Injustice: Gods Among Us"

'Signal Ops'

DEVELOPER: Space Bullet Dynamics Corporation

PUBLISHER: Space Bullet Dynamics Corporation

SYSTEM: Windows PC Download

PRICE: $14.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 2.5 stars (out of 5)

Spy games have been have become extremely popular during this generation, so it takes either high production values or a new approach to gain attention.

Game developers Space Bullet Dynamics Corporation has decided to do the latter with their unusual new game titled "Signal Ops." This quirky title will test your patience, but the reward is a truly unique gaming experience.

Players take on the role of an operations commander who is tasked with performing a wide variety of missions behind enemy lines. These run the gamut from not-so-simple assassinations to stealing secrets to performing sabotage. However, the commander has the safest job of all as he plans and directs each mission from the comfort of his underground bunker!

After being briefed on the goals of a mission, the player moves to the command center where a wall of monitors displays each operative's point-of-view. He can either direct each operative's movements or take control of them and move around himself, but both forms of control are somewhat clumsy. Sadly, trying to shoot enemies is even worse!

For some reason, the radio carrier is the most important person on the field. His signal has a very short radius, and operatives who venture out of this area will have their screens turn to static. This means that players have to alternate between moving operatives and the radio carrier, which becomes very annoying. It doesn't help that the radio gradually loses power and must be periodically recharged.

It's too bad that the game play quickly becomes tiresome because the old-school watercolor-style visuals and humorous voice acting are quite enjoyable. Fortunately, playing this game in cooperative mode alleviates the need to inch forward and switch between operatives so often.

"Signal Ops" is an admirable attempt to introduce something new, but some only patient gamers will see it through to the end.

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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