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The Arcade
"MX vs. ATV: Untamed"
$30 to $60 for multiple systems from THQ (reviewed on the Xbox 360)
Rated Everyone
You probably didn't expect any mud in your stocking this holiday season, but if you load "MX vs. ATV: Untamed" into your gaming system, you're going to get some. This off-road game doesn't spare any of the brown stuff as the motorcycles, ATVs and monster trucks crisscross through the various tracks and terrain.
While it's nearly a given that any game released right before Christmas is guaranteed to be rubbish, "MX vs. ATV: Untamed" bucks that trend. It's not a deep game that will keep your wheels spinning for months on end, but most won't be disappointed to find it under the tree. The game presents off-road racing very well, with the unique vehicles driving differently instead of just looking differently and feeling the same. "MX vs. ATV: Untamed" groups eight unique racing series such as Waypoint and Supercross into the ultimate off-road championship. Gamers may race through treacherous trails in one event, then switch to surviving log barriers, boulders and pits in another. There are rough rivers to traverse, swamps to dissect and deserts to endure. Vehicle power, handling and acceleration can be tweaked with more than 100 upgrades. The online multiplayer modes offer even more fun and the graphics won't make anyone look away. Parents looking for games that are cool but not rated M should definitely take this one for a spin.
"NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams"
$50 for Nintendo Wii from Sega
Rated Everyone
Back when Sega made hardware and not just software to play on consoles, there was the under-appreciated Sega Saturn. It was home to many unique, fun games, including "NiGHTS Into Dreams," which still has a cult following. It's been 11 years and several consoles since that game came out, but we finally have a sequel.
The game is once again set in the dream world of Nightopia, and the nasty Nightmaren are causing everybody to toss and turn in their sleep. The gamer picks from one of two kids who have entered the dream world and tries to navigate them through various challenges and against mean-looking bosses. Much of the gameplay centers on gliding through hoops and gathering orbs. It's nothing new, but creatively done. Special powers can be opened up that turn the character into a dolphin, dragon or rocket. Everything is against the clock, so it's crucial for gamers to find the all-important treasure chests that extend time. "NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams" does a good job of using the Wii's motion sensitive controllers. Younger gamers and "NiGHTS" fans will play this again and again.
"Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command"
$30 for Nintendo DS and Sony PSP from THQ (reviewed on the DS)
Rated Teen
The massive Warhammer universe has spawned tons of models, tabletop and video games, and other knickknacks. The PC game series has a dedicated following, and THQ hopes to nail down the handheld crowd. "Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command" is a turn-based strategy game set in a violent future with powerful weapons and plenty of folks who just don't like each other.
Gamers control up to six units as they make their way through 15 missions, usually on the side of the emperor. Before each mission, there's recon to be done and weapons and ammo to be assigned. Each mission begins with movielike scenes explaining why we are here and who must be eliminated. The goal is to defeat the legions of Chaos who threaten the emperor's supporters. But the story is really only an excuse for the mayhem. Unfortunately, the visuals are frustrating because the camera usually takes bad angles that make it hard to see what's going on at times. Even worse are the controls that make it hard to do simple things such as move your entire squad at the same time. The actual gameplay - once you get over those issues - is fun.
