Strategy/Sim

Game Description: Set on a futuristic Earth, Rebelstar: Tactical Command is a turn-based strategy game and you too can join in the fight against an evil empire in single-player mode. There is also the option to take on a friend in multiplayer mode. The year is 2117 and the evil Arelian Empire has been in control of planet Earth for the last 70 years. When the Arelians first came, they brought with them peace and prosperity to a world ravaged by war, disease and ecological devastation. Later they abducted people when they turned 30 and controlled Earth's inhabitants through fear using their henchmen, the Zorn. Now, a band of rebels rises up to fight against the Arelians and a new recruit, Jorel, quickly advances through the ranks and becomes their leaders. He organizes the rebel forces and builds a powerful global army, challenging the Arelian Empire for control of planet Earth.

Boasting a script from Ryo Mizuno (who penned the anime classic Record of Lodoss War), character designs from Shigeki Soejima (the mastermind behind the creepy demons of the Shin Megami games), a score from Hitoshi Sakimoto (of Final Fantasy fame) and a development team who worked on the ambitious (albeit tragically flawed) Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth one wouldn't be remiss in imagining Stella Deus standing as an SRPG for the ages. The end result, however, isn't even the best SRPG on the PlayStation 2 (Disgaea retains its crown in that category).

According to ESRB, this game contains: Suggestive Themes, Violence

Is the Game Boy Advance dead? It may be easy to think so with all the post-E3 talk of next-generation systems, let alone the current struggle between Nintendo's new kid on the block, the DS, and Sony's eye-candy PSP. However, there are still a few GBA nuggets worth looking at trickling onto retail shelves. The second of Nintendo's long-running strategy series to be released stateside, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, is one of them.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Fantasy Violence

Game Description: In Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones, you'll battle to defend an empire against internal dangers and external threats. On another world, humanity struck a bargain with demons and ensured generations of peace. Now, suddenly and for no reason, the Grado Empire has invaded neighboring Renais. Twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, fight to free their kingdom and uncover the secret behind their former ally's treachery.

I liked Metal Gear Ac!d about as much as Brad, but for different reasons. While Brad felt it stumbled out of the gate but gained steam later, I felt like it started out strong and became overwhelming as it got more complex.

The artistry on display here is merely one of commercial function rather than aesthetic form, akin to that of, say, a successful McDonald's advertising campaign. Sadly, just like the big M's marketing execs, it'll probably do exactly what it sets out to do: sustain the brand and make plenty of money in the process.

Game Description: Yu-Gi-Oh!: 7 Trials Of Glory World Championship takes you to all-new arenas for challenging tournaments in Battle City. Create and edit new decks and choose from multiple playing styles as you prove yourself to be the Duel Master. 200 all-new cards makes this the most extensive Game Boy Advance Yu-Gi-Oh! game ever.