Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Bioware

PUBLISHER: EA

SYSTEM: Windows 7/Vista/XP (Xbox 360, PS3)

PRICE: $39.99 ($49.99 consoles)

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 5 stars (out of 5)

Every once in a while, a title comes along that makes players forget about every other game in their collection. One that draws virtual explorers into an extraordinary world ripe with gorgeous visuals, interesting characters, an intriguing story line and excellent game play. After playing Bioware's latest fantasy RPG, "Dragon Age Origins," I just can't seem to think about much else.

Over 60 hours of addictive adventuring awaits promising explorers willing to embark on an epic journey through the troubled land of Ferelden. Players take on the role of new recruit into a respected order of guardians called the Grey Wardens. What ensues is a complex tale of bravery against near-impossible odds coupled with the usual corruption and betrayal. Fortunately, there are six different story origins depending on the player's class and race, which makes subsequent play-throughs less repetitive.

It might seem like having three classes isn't enough for an epic RPG, but rogues, warrior and mages play very differently. In addition, each class has different skill "trees" that let players customize their abilities. This makes it possible to create a wide variety of characters ranging from a damage-dealing warrior swinging a two-hander to a fury warrior wielding dual weapons to a "board and sword" tank. Specializations that are unique to each class, such as Berzerker and Reaver for warriors, let players customize their fighters even further.

Combat is one of the highlights of this game as players simultaneously control their created Grey Warden and up to three other party members. Not only is it possible to switch between any character at will, but players can also pause the action and queue up the next move for each one. Since players aren't rushed, it's possible to coordinate every single move that each character performs and compliment each other in battle. As a result, boss fights are programmed to be rather complicated, especially against mighty dragons.

One feature that I love is the ability to control friendly A.I. in combat using "Tactics." You see, when players switch characters in battle, the A.I. automatically takes control of the other three. Usually, one hopes that the developers know what's best, but this game actually lets players set up A.I. routines that follow an "if this, then this" layout. Some examples are: if health is less than 50 percent, then perform heal, and if enemy health is above 75 percent, then perform sunder armor.

This "Tactics" system allows basic and complex routines to be set up and saved in groups, and the only disadvantage is that players will now have to blame something else when their party gets wiped.

Even though "Dragon Age Origins" looks and runs better on a computer, all three versions will leave players craving for more.

Unleash Your Inner Rage with 'Tekken 6'

DEVELOPER: Namco

PUBLISHER: Namco Bandai

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360)

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

Throughout the years, many fighting games have come and gone, but the "Tekken" franchise still remains as popular as ever. As one of the original 3D fighters, the series has undergone many changes but has still managed to keep combat fast and fluid. Sporting a huge roster, great visuals, new moves and several gaming modes, "Tekken 6" is an excellent blend of the old and the new.

Forty perturbed pugilists are available to assault competitors with a virtual cornucopia of devastating martial arts maneuvers. Old favorites like Nina Williams and Paul Phoenix (I swear his flattop gets taller with each new game) join several newcomers including Lars Alexandersson, Leo and Bob. Azazel is the new boss to beat at the end of Arcade mode, and his towering demonic form is really tough to take down! Too bad he isn't playable.

There has always been an adventure mode in console "Tekken" games, and the Scenario mode in "Tekken 6" is the best one yet! Virtual fighters can undertake a long journey to defeat multitudes of bosses and underlings, and there are even choices to branch off in different story directions. This mode doesn't offer quite as many moves per character as regular one versus one modes, but it makes me nostalgic for the old-school game, "Streets of Rage."

Speaking of modes, this title is overflowing with variety. In addition to the classic Arcade mode, there is Ghost Battle, VS. Battle, Time Attack, Survival, Practice and my favorite, Team Battle. There's nothing quite like selecting a team of fighters and starting a rumble in the Bronx. Online modes include Ranked and Player matches, but they can get frustrating due to lag problems.

"Tekken 6" may not redefine the fighting genre, but it does provide gamers with more mixed martial arts than the entire UFC league.

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.

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