Strategy/Sim

In this age of eye-melting blockbusters and ever-more complex ways to simulate real-world physics, it's refreshing to come back to something that flies in the face of current trends. Striking out in its own direction, I'm sure that the vast majority of 360 owners will take one look at Culdcept Saga, shake their heads, and move on to something that's pushing a lot more polygons and fits neatly into one of the established, popular genres.

Game Description: The merging of board game and trading card game brings a unique, engrossing multiplayer experience to the Xbox 360 in Culdcept Saga. Join the journey of a powerful queen and a young boy who must fight for their world. The boy, endowed with the power of a Cepter, or one who can control magical cards, battle monsters and nefarious adversaries in an attempt to bring peace back to the land. Conquer the elements, takeover lands, and defeat your foes. You are a Cepter. Your cards are your weapons.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, and Suggestive Themes

Heroes of Mana feels like Dawn of Mana, take two. It's gorgeous and somewhat interesting, but undermined by basic flaws in its ability to let players see what's going on. Here's hoping there's no take three in the works.

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

Game Description: Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Heroes of MANA breathes new life into the World of MANA by taking it into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the history of the series, stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield. Utilizing the Touch Screen to the fullest, you take full control of the battle as you gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA.

Game Description: Step into a colorful world on your PSP where history meets fantasy. Take part in a mystical story inspired by the legendary Joan of Arc, where players will explore a fantasy setting filled with ogres, dragons, and magical powers. The game brings numerous animated in-game cutscenes that bring the world to life. The game's background story begins far in the past, during a long war where dark gods attempted to use their demon armies to enter the human world. Five brave heroes create armlets to restrain the demon gods.

"About ancient history... it's called Jeanne D'Arc, and it's all about this big war that happened, but it's weird because the two sides are the French and the English and at first I couldn't figure out was going on because there weren't any Nazis or zombies or anything."

"Jeanne D'Arc... is that the same as Joan of Arc? That one chick that dressed up like a guy to play football or something?"

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