Everyone 10+

Illusions and tricks of the eye have been staples of cinematic entertainment ever since those unwitting Lumière fans thought the train was coming right for them. And of late, gaming too seems to have developed a taste for undercutting its own visual conventions and toying with players' expectations. Super Paper Mario, Haze, Portal and Okami have all dabbled with innovative ways of twisting the player's perception of the game world...

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence.

Game Description: The only Final Fantasy that was never localized in the United States, Final Fantasy III has been reborn, incorporating the latest in portable gaming technology. Using the features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest, Final Fantasy III features graphics that have been reworked and remodelled in 3D, while maintaining the mythical Final Fantasy look and feel. This is the fans' chance to complete the circle. The legend of Final Fantasy III is reborn.

Despite my love of role-playing games (RPGs), I haven't spent much time with the Final Fantasies. (In fact, most of what I've learned about their universes and characters is via the Kingdom Hearts series). Be that as it may, Final Fantasy III hasn't kindled any deep passion for the series. Like a one-night-stand it was fun while it lasted, but it doesn't leave me wanting more.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes

Sega is a weird company—almost the antithesis of Nintendo. Both corporations were once gaming giants who've seen their stock fall in recent years, both created some of the greatest videogame IPs of all time, and both are still players in the industry. Yet, while Nintendo still makes consoles that cater to their hardcore legions of fans (and games that those fans vociferously want), Sega opted out of the console hardware business after the Dreamcast and seems almost single-handedly determined to take its classic franchises and pervert them in ways that do little more than alienate their core audience. Shining Force EXA continues that trend.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language

Game Description: Shining Force EXA challenges you to unite a planet. A bitter war between two world superpowers has raged on for decades; armies of beasts and demons devastate the people and the land. With both sides deadlocked, two young heroes rise up to begin a heroic journey to stop the fighting and unite the divided world. As either Toma, a talented sword fighter boy, or Cyrille, a cunning female sorceress, you'll venture into a stunning world of swords and sorcery teeming with a huge variety of tribes. With aggressive offensive and defensive strategies, you'll lead your battle party into combat while protecting your home base, the Geo Fortress, from massive attacks. Enhanced Power Arts System - Players will master different Power Arts and unleash a wide variety of magic attacks.

Cute, sweet, and to-the-point, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is a brand-new franchise from the minds behind such old-school classics as Ys, Popful Mail, and Brandish. Falcom clearly still has what it takes-I'd even say that their latest is my favorite Falcom effort ever, and easily one of the best PSP games available, bar none.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Suggestive Themes, Tobacco Reference, and Mild Fantasy Violence