Everyone 10+

Not Quite Cracking

HIGH An extremely cute main character.

LOW The controls and central mechanic never come together.

WTF The colors make it difficult to see except under optimal conditions.

Game Description: Ivy the Kiwi? is an action/puzzle game created by Yuji Naka, creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, that stars a baby bird as she navigates through a series of 2-D side-view landscapes. Ivy runs back and forth independent of the player and can be guided by the use of vines, which are drawn and controlled using the DS stylus or Wii Remote. The player can use these vines to herd Ivy forward or lift her up stairs, carry her over walls and past spikes or other dangers. Multiple vines can be created at a time and they can be pulled and stretched like a slingshot to propel Ivy skyward to launch her as a projectile to drill through barriers and enemies as the player helps guide her home through 100 challenging stages.

Don't Knock the Farmer

High Wiping the floor with enemies who wiped the floor with you earlier.

Low Adding a new class mid-game can mean a lot of painful leveling-up.

WTF Would it really kill the game to have the experience accrue just a bit faster?

Game Description: Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City is a turn-based role-playing game (RPG) for DS and DSi that places the player in command of a band of adventurers on an ongoing quest to return their city to its once great status. The third release in the Etrian Odyssey franchise, the game features five character party combat, 5-player local wireless multiplayer support, a large number of character classes, the ability to explore and battle from sea vessels, customizable maps and three possible game endings.

"Doggelgangers" for the Win

HIGH The story starts getting more exciting—and bizarre.

LOW The characters take a backseat to the bizarre story.

WTF Interspecies make-out session!

Zebra has Acquired a Nuclear Missile

HIGH Completing that damned stealth bomber mission.

LOW Being unable to pick apart the visual chaos for my first X attempts at the game.

WTF The constant pilot chatter. "Next time I'm here on vacation!"

Game Description: The classic arcade game After Burner returns for a new generation of gamers. After Burner Climax is fast and frantic action, putting you in the cockpit of the world’s fastest fighter plane. Dodge planes, rockets, and bullets while trying to target multiple on-screen enemy aircraft. Built for all skill levels, everyone can take to the air and blaze through a branching storyline and over 20 stages. Unlock achievements along the way to win an exclusive Avatar award using your experience and expertise.

What will the Ducks Reveal?

HIGH Witty writing and memorable characters—the Butcher rules.

LOW Trying to understand the convoluted plot reveal in Episode 4.

WTF The ridiculous mouse/cat/dog puzzle in Episode 6.

Who Says Games can't have Great Stories?

HIGH: A Scanners joke and Lovecraft references! Those never get old, dude.

LOW: Didn't I just fiddle with the boiler controls? Oh, wait: I had to do it exactly right.

WTF: A sociopathic rabbit has been elected President of the United States. Twice.