Much better than the first.

"Left 4 Dead 2" maybe the best zombie game ever. It's a sequel that expands and improves upon the original in exactly the right ways. If you liked the first game, then you'll love this one. But if you were a never a fan, no amount of tweaking will change your mind about the arcade- gameplay. After all, part 2 is still all about shooting zombies as a team in order to get from Point A to Point B alive. The game consists of five different modes; Campaign, Realism, Versus, Scavenge and Survival.

Campaign is the story mode broken down into five different chapters. Just like the first game, it features four characters (three males and a female) who have completely different backgrounds, yet stick together to survive. This time, the action takes place during daylight hours in the colorful state of Louisana. It's a far cry from the urban/nighttime setting of the original, and it's also alot better due to the variety of locations. In "Left 4 Dead 2", players navigate through a swamp, a concert stadium, a mansion, a carnival funhouse and more. "Cresendo" events (triggered zombie horde attacks) now require for players to move and search for a "switch" which causes the waves of zombies to stop. Additons include more firearms, 2 new ammo types, new items (such as laser dot sights and adrenaline shots) and the introduction of melee weapons. My favorite melee weapon is the chainsaw, but using a katana to decapitate zombies is also great fun. The A.I. "Director" also returns, which changes item locations, zombie attacks, etc. depending on player performance.

If you want a real challenge with the Campaign, not only can you change the difficulty, but you can also enable "Realism" which ups the tension considerably. Zombies are tougher, the Witch instantly kills, and players cannot be healed. Additionally, team members and weapons/items are not highlighted making group communication a high priority. VS. Mode plays the same as before; once you choose a Campaign chapter, four players try to survive it, while the other four are cast as the Special Infected who try to stop them. You can now play as the three new zombie types; the Spitter, the Charger and the Jockey who are great additions to the series. Scavenge mode is a VS. mode in which you must stop the other team from scoring points. Players score points by refilling a generator with gas cans. In both Vs. and Scavenger, teams alternate between playing as zombies and survivors. Which ever team has the most points, wins. The best thing about the Versus modes is the ability to play as the Special Infected. You have to take a very stealthy/team-based approach in order to win due to low health.

Survivor mode is the most simple one; the challenge is to stay alive as long as you cna from horde attacks. Your reward for surviving four minutes is a bronze medal, silver is 7 minutes and gold is virtually unattainable. Survivor is ultra tough and for fans of dying. It's fun, but probably the least of the five modes. Overall, "Left 4 Dead 2" is Valve's horror masterpiece. It's a much better, more refined experience than the original game. For zombie-themed arcade shooter fans, this is a must buy.

The Ultimate Version of "Ninja Gaiden II".

If you're an action fan and have a Sony PlayStation 3, then you owe to yourself to pick up this nifty revamp of the ultraviolent XBOX 360 title "Ninja Gaiden II'. If you've ever played it before, the first thing you'll notice is the omission of gore. In that game, blood sprayed continously as master ninja Ryu Hayabusa shredded up his enemies into bloody chunks using all sorts of wicked weapons. Beheadings and severed limbs are still a casual sight, but the gore has been replaced with a lame blue smoke. There is some blood that still appears, but it's of the 'T' rated nature. I found this version's 'M' rating to be quite questionable. Maybe it's really because of the constant killing, I dunno. However, the other changes to the game are for the better. Numerous improvements and additions have been made including online battles, but I'll get to that later.

Let me first say, that If you love hack ' slash titles, than you'll have a grand time with "Sigma 2". It's not innovative in the least, but it's up there with "Devil May Cry" and "God of War" when it comes to action. In addition to all the demonic monsters, you'll fight commandos, mechs, ninjas, dragons and more. You can mix up normal and heavy attacks with button combinations. And your weapons are right out of "Soul Calibur", they include the Dragon Sword, twin katanas, tonfu sticks, a staff, Wolverine-like claws and a Scythe presumably stolen from the Grim Reaper (amongst others). Each can be upgraded as you progress in the game. You can also use shurikens, a bow and arrow and a giant cannon to whittle away the enemies health. There is also magic attacks that can be utilized when the action gets too hot.

The biggest addition is online where you and a fellow ninja can play cooperatively. You'll team up in 30 different arenas to fight a constant onslaught of enemies. Many conclude with boss fight. Before each game begins, you can choose your character, costume and weapons. At the end, you'll be given your statistics and the option to save a recorded film of the fight. In fact, when you beat the single player game, you'll be given the option to play each level individually and have the same option to record. You can upload and download recorded fights on the internet. Other additions includes more detailed graphical textures, an improved camera, re-designed levels, additional bosses, an extra weapon, no slowdown, a better upgrade system and three new chapters where you control three other female warriors. They are "Ninja Gaiden" veterans Momiji, Ayane and the buxom blonde Rachel (the hottest video game babe ever). A while there are no longer "Tests of Valor" and less bad guys on screen at a time, the enemy A.I. has been amped up considerably. They dodge and weave player's attacks more so than their 360 counterparts. The game offers five difficulty levels, so you could spend lots of time mastering your inner ninja.

The new cutscenes which introduce the new bosses, levels and sections are very well done and add to the excitement of the game. If you love the of "The Matrix" and "Metal Gear Solid"/"Devil May Cry" cutscenes, then you'll be at home with "Sigma 2"s cinematics. However, the story is still one-dimensional, so don't expect a Krato's-like tale. Overall, it is one of the best action games you'll ever play on the PS3. If you can't wait for "God of War III", than "Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2" will seriously whet your appetite.

This "Goddess of War" is a PS3 action dazzler.

It's "Tomb Raider" for the new century.

An action epic spectacular!