Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Vicarious Visions

PUBLISHER: Activision

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, Wii)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)

There are plenty of superhero-themed video games as of late, but most of them limit players into taking on the role of only one or two caped crusaders. Not so with Activision's latest title, "Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion." This action-packed RPG boasts over 24 playable mutants and more than 250 devastating Fusion moves. Fear not action fans, for Deadpool is not only a playable character, he's also the most entertaining one.

Influenced by the Secret War/Civil War Marvel storylines, the plot forces players to pick sides in a war initiated by the Mutant Registration Act. But no matter which allegiance is chosen, players will have to team up with past enemies and fight against their former superhero brethren. Having two sides also makes a second playthrough much less repetitive.

Budding mutants control a team of four heroes and/or villains that each sport basic attacks as well as four superhero moves. While this may sound like a small number, there is a surprising amount of strategy that can be incorporated. In addition, some characters can fly and attack from above, but it looks odd because they can't exceed 6 feet in height.

When the going gets rough, it's time to bust out an impressive Fusion move and watch the virtual fireworks commence! Any two characters in the game can team up to initiate a stylish maneuver that inflicts serious damage on one target or clears the area of weak enemies. These cool moves vary depending on the powers of the participants. For example, Iron Man shoots his hand-mounted Repulsor weapons at Wolverine's claws, which splits each beam into three separate beams, while Ice Man freezes a huge chunk of rock that the Thing rips out of the ground before he hurls it at an enemy.

Players can also upgrade each character with more potent versions of their superpowers or enhance traits like health regeneration and critical attacks. I also appreciate the ability to augment teams with medals earned in battle.

Whether playing "Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion" alone or with friends online, the nonstop action and high character count are sure to impress.

'Mini Ninjas' Proves That Size Doesn't Matter

DEVELOPER: Io-Interactive

PUBLISHER: Eidos Interactive/Warner Bros.

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC)

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Eco-terrorism is a growing problem, but is it justifiable? Is it considered wicked or noble to illegally remove living creatures from tortuous conditions? Should the captors or the rescuers be punished? It may be a confusing modern problem, but in the mystical realm of "Mini Ninjas," animals are considered to be just as important as humans.

In ancient feudal Japan, an evil Samurai Warlord hatches a dastardly plan to conquer the world. He begins snatching innocent animals, and then uses Kuji Magic to turn them into weapon-wielding henchmen. But this disturbs the balance of nature, and a seemingly ordinary young ninja named Hiro (coincidence? I think not) is the only one who can rescue the animals and save the world. Apparently, defeating each enemy turns them back into their original animal form.

Six adorable ninjas that each feature original moves are available to control during the adventure. Hiro is always accessible, and the other five become available as soon as they are rescued. Players can switch between each pint-sized pugilist at any time, and doing so becomes necessary in certain situations.

You see, Futo is the only large combatant, and he wields a mighty club that is perfect for taking down even larger foes, while Shun can attack enemies from afar with his lethal bow. One of my favorites ninjas is the nimble Suzume because her special attack consists of playing a flute that makes all nearby enemies dance, which is hilarious.

Hiro is the only ninja that can use Kuji Magic, which comes in handy when fighting large numbers of enemies. Sure it's fun to blast a group of bad guys with a blazing fireball, but why not send them flying in all directions with a mini-tornado instead?

Although "Mini-Ninjas" is very cute and comical, the combat becomes repetitive and usually degrades into button mashing. On the other hand, a cool visual style and beautiful setting help make the game quite enjoyable.

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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