DEVELOPER: 4J Studios/ Mojang AB

PUBLISHER: Microsoft

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360

PRICE: $20 (XBLA download)

ESRB RATING: E10+

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

"Minecraft" on the PC was an unexpected indie game that turned out to be a huge hit, so it's no surprise that the game has been crafted on the Xbox 360. This unique software is actually more of a game design tool than an actual game, which is why it's so popular. What I can't understand is why the console version costs nearly the same as the PC version but offers substantially less content.

Every gamer has wanted to create their own game, and "Minecraft" is the perfect tool for the job. There's no story, or even much direction, because it's up to players to create their own worlds using blocks to modify randomly-generated levels. It's possible to fabricate whatever players want, from houses to forests to plateaus jutting out of the ground and much, much more!

Players are only limited by their imagination. Well, that and the actual build used to create the Xbox Live version. You see, the 'new' version is actually an old PC beta version that doesn't offer nearly as much content as the current PC version. The maps are very small and there is no Creative mode, only Survival. This means players always have to contend with potential enemies, which can limit the time spent on fabricating vast structures. It isn't enough to ruin the game, but anyone who has played the PC version will be disappointed.

Abilities seem limited at first, but as soon as players realize their character's main ability is punching (trees to harvest wood, mines for minerals, etc...), they'll most likely get punch-drunk! These items can be used to craft more useful items and weapons, and part of the fun is discovering what can be made.

A handy new crafting menu, smooth controls and great online multiplayer options help to alleviate the missing components of "Minecraft," and the result is still a fun, engaging experience.

Shoot Up the City in 'Gotham City Imposters'

DEVELOPER: Monolith Productions

PUBLISHER: Warner Bros.

SYSTEM: PlayStation 3 (PC, Xbox 360)

PRICE: $15 (PSN download)

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Both of the recent Batman games helped to break a long-running tradition of low-quality super-hero games, so Warner Bros. decided to expand the franchise. Who would have known that meant creating a third-person shooter set in the Batman universe that doesn't even feature the Dark Knight? Despite this absurd premise, "Gotham City Imposters" is still fun and exciting.

It's a good thing this title injects humor at every turn because seeing a gang of Batman wannabes fight against a gang of Joker wannabes can't be taken seriously. That's why wacky gadgets like spring shoes and glowing green goggles are so appreciated! I also like the ability to customize my character's appearance because playing as a 400-pound muscle-bound Joker is almost worth the price of the game!

Of course, no TPS is fun without responsive controls, and anyone who's played "Call of Duty" will feel right at home. Both games have a similar fast-paced feel where players die and quickly re-spawn only to die again in spectacular fashion. However, "Gotham City Imposters" breaks free of some of the constraints found in traditional military first-person shooters.

What other shooter lets players equip a cape that propels them into the air when traveling over air vents or give them a grappling hook that helps them ascend to otherwise unreachable areas? "Team Fortress 2" comes to mind, but that game is outdated and not nearly as humorous. To quote the Joker: "Where does he get those wonderful toys?"

It's too bad that there are only three gaming modes and a handful of maps, but additional downloadable content has recently been released. I'm also not crazy about letting players buy items through micro-transactions instead of earning them, but it's hilarious to school newbies donning elite gear.

"Gotham City Imposters" isn't nearly as enjoyable as the recent Batman games, but it's still quite charming in its own way.

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.