DEVELOPER: Naughty Dog/Bend Studio
PUBLISHER: Sony
SYSTEM: PS Vita
PRICE: $49.99
ESRB RATING: Teen
REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5)

Naughty Dog's PS3-exclusive "Uncharted" series made tremendous advances from the first game to the third — advances that dramatically increased its popularity. Although "Uncharted: Golden Abyss" on the PS Vita is a slight step back for the series, it's still one of the best games available on the new hand-held system.

Set before the events of the first game, "Uncharted: Golden Abyss" follows everybody's favorite treasure hunter, Nathan Drake, as he explores the South American jungle. He teams up with archeologist Marissa Chase and, not surprisingly, soon finds himself embroiled in a complex, life-threatening adventure.

While the visuals are superb for a hand-held game, don't expect any of the console versions' massive sequences, such as escaping from sinking ships or crashing cargo planes. However, the lush backgrounds and expansive vistas are far superior to any other hand-held game. In fact, several times, I almost got my character killed while stopping to admire the scenery!

Cover-based combat is very similar to what's found in the PS3 'Uncharted' games, thanks to the inclusion of two analog sticks on the PS Vita. Too bad they don't have the same range of motion as console controllers, but a handy addition takes care of that. Players can tilt the PS Vita in any direction to fine-tune their aim, and this extra bit of control makes a huge difference!

Sadly, some additions to the series aren't so welcome. For instance, why do hanging strips of cloth have to be chopped with a machete using touch-screen controls during action scenes? Not only does it dramatically slow the pace of the game, but it's also unnecessary and annoying!

"Uncharted: Golden Abyss" may be toned-down from it's console brethren, but it's still a great action-packed, portable adventure.

Exact Revenge in 'Asura's Wrath'

DEVELOPER: Cyberconnect2
PUBLISHER: Capcom
SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
PRICE: $59.99
ESRB RATING: Teen
REVIEW RATING: 2.5 stars (out of 5)

Thanks to the quick advancement of technology, modern video games are no longer restricted to offering only one form of game-play. However, this advantage can also be a hindrance if it isn't implemented correctly. Capcom's latest action title, "Asura's Wrath," seems to have a case of split personality because it juggles three types of game-play without focusing on one in particular.

Asura is an angry being with godlike powers, who, along with the powerful group known as the Guardian Generals, unleashes his rage on enemies in world-shattering combat. When his wife is killed and daughter is kidnapped by fellow Guardians, Asura's wrath knows no bounds. In order to exact revenge, he must fight his way out of the underworld and confront those who betrayed him.

I was intrigued by the surreal storyline and awesome visuals from the moment the game began. After a few quick-time events and some short "on-rails" shooting action, I thought to myself, "I can't wait until the intro is over and the game play begins." Unfortunately, the intro never ended! Throughout the entire game, "Asura's Wrath" gives players very brief interactive segments shrouded by heavy story visuals. Just when I started getting into the shooting or melee segments, they abruptly ended and the story resumed.

Too bad there's no character advancement or customization to propel players onward. Sure, the fighting looks cool, but the limited number of moves available quickly turns combat into a stale affair. Ending each melee with a quick-time super-move is a novel idea, but it ends up as just another way to take control away from players.

Simply put, "Asura's Wrath" is too much video and not enough game.

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.