Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Sucker Punch

PUBLISHER: Sony

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 5 stars (out of 5)

Every once in a while, a game comes along that is simply a joy to play. One that not only pushes boundaries, but also exudes hard work and creativity on every level. A game that keeps players hooked until the end by offering both compelling storytelling and rewarding game play. I'm talking about Sucker Punch's outstanding open-world action title, "inFAMOUS."

What would you do if you suddenly became a master of electricity? Would you help mankind or enslave it? This is the predicament that mild-mannered package courier Cole MacGrath finds himself in. But first he must discover who triggered the explosion that gave him his powers and destroyed several city blocks.

Cole retained the "parkour," or free running, skills that made his job so much easier, and it translates into a sublime climbing system that lets Cole scale almost any surface he can grab onto. This makes climbing buildings easy and fun, and also lets players concentrate on using their powers from almost any position imaginable.

That's right, Cole can fire off electrical bolts, grenades, bombs, and much more while clinging to lampposts, poles, the side of a building, etc. Part of what makes this game so much fun is the fact that there are few limits. Jump on a moving railway train or automobile and every power is still available to use. Float down from a tall building and it's just as easy to fire off electrical bolts and trigger explosions as it is from the ground.

Just when I think the game can't get any more enjoyable, a new ability — like the sniper ability or electric shield — becomes available that makes me want to experiment with new combinations. I'm glad that different powers are available for both heroic and villainous paths because I plan on beating the game more than once.

Spend a few minutes with "inFAMOUS" and you'll discover why it's the first killer app (system seller) for the PS3.

Nothing Can Save "Terminator Salvation"

DEVELOPER: GRIN Studios

PUBLISHER: Warner Bros.

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, PC)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 2.0 stars (out of 5)

Most of the same Terminator fans that agreed the T3 movie should never have been made also think the T3 game was horrendous.

With "Terminator Salvation," the series has been propelled into the time line fans want to experience, but no matter how good or bad the movie may be, the game is much, much worse.

Even though the game has the same name as the movie, the story takes place in a war-torn version of Los Angeles two years before the events in the film. Players assume the role of a generic version of John Connor who doesn't look or sound like his film counterpart. Terminator lore enthusiasts will also be disappointed to discover the storyline is completely unnecessary and forgettable.

I'm amazed that combat in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to survive is so linear and predictable. It only takes a few minutes to find out that walking by a certain area triggers a wave of enemies that flurry towards you and your artificial intelligence squad mates. They fire their deadly weapons in a furious attempt to kill any humans they encounter, but they won't go outside the perimeter of boxes and cars that are conveniently set up. In essence, every ground enemy is trapped.

This is to let players flank them using the handy cover system — the game's one good feature — and blast them in their vulnerable spot because everyone knows that futuristic robots have tender, er, backsides. It wouldn't be so bad if this wasn't the goal of every single fight. Even the "on rails" sections where the player rides atop a vehicle and sprays enemies with gunfire are lackluster. In fact, the game play is so boring that I actually appreciate the short four-hour-long campaign.

With "Terminator Salvation," the only true salvation comes from turning off the game.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.