DEVELOPER: From Software

PUBLISHER: Ubi Soft

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4 (out of 5 stars)

My name is Jeb and I'm a Mech addict. No, that's not a misprint. I'm talking about Mechs, gigantic, heavily armed robots, not methamphetamine. But just like a drug-head anticipating his next fix, my mouth runs dry and hands tremble whenever I fantasize about three-story tall steel behemoths engaged in combat. Lucky for me, From Software satiates these destructive desires with their latest release, "Armored Core: For Answer."

After playing over a dozen games from the Armored Core series, I can confidently exclaim that "For Answer" is the best of the bunch. Not only does the game feature gorgeous visuals and nonstop action, but it also offers unsurpassed customization options. Every Mech part, from radar-infused head to steel toe, can be changed to suit personal preferences or combat situations.

New to the series is the ability to battle against colossal military vehicles that rival the height of a skyscraper. These mighty adversaries are covered with high-tech weaponry, and each one requires unique tactics in order to achieve victory. For example, some have weak spots on their outer hull that can be exploited while others are large enough to be destroyed from the inside.

While the last iteration finally incorporated online multiplayer combat, "For Answer" adds two-player online co-op game play to the Mecha mix. Now players can team up and take down gigantic fortresses, as well as a wide variety of other enemies, in over 30 missions. This is also a great way to get ideas from other players about customizing your metallic creation.

Some people may find the controls to be a bit cumbersome, but believe me; they have significantly improved over the years. It also seems like I can fly through the air for much longer than before, which offers more variety during combat.

Anyone looking for intense Mech combat with fully destructible environments and great online game play won't find anything better than "Armored Core: For Answer."

Room for Improvement in 'TNA Impact'

DEVELOPER: Midway

PUBLISHER: Midway

SYSTEM: Microsoft XBOX 360

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3 (out of 5 stars)

As an adult, it's hard to take Professional Wrestling seriously. Heck, I still remember when my high school friends would angrily defend the spandex-laden "sport" against my accusations that it is both fake and rigged. As the first video game based on the TNA branch, "TNA Impact" offers fans more realistic wrestling than they will ever see in real life, but the combat is only average when compared to other wrestling games.

Twenty-five TNA wrestlers are available to make mincemeat out of your opponents, including: AJ Styles, Sting, Rhino, Kurt Angle, and much more! Each grappler can perform a few authentic signature moves, but most of their maneuvers come from a pool that is shared by all. This may be realistic, but it also means that the variety is mostly cosmetic.

Fortunately, additional moves are available when playing tag-team matches. Unleash devastating double-team moves and tag-team finishers to help ensure that rivals don't leave the ring on two feet. It's hard to get up when two muscle heads jumping off of the top rope have just knocked you on your derriere.

Usually, playing the single-player mode eases players into the online multiplayer offerings, but the A.I. characters in "TNA Impact" sport inhuman abilities. They can reverse moves much faster and more often than real players, so playing online is actually easier, and less frustrating, than offline. Too bad there aren't more online modes, like cage matches, but this is the first game to offer Ultimate X.

"TNA Impact" doesn't offer nearly as much variety as the immensely popular "Smackdown VS. Raw" series, but fans of TNA wrestling will surely find something to enjoy.

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 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.