Killzone 2

Let's start off by saying Killzone 2 is drop dead gorgeous. It surpasses any other console game I have played when it comes to the graphics. The audio is no slouch either as the sound of bullets ricocheting off the environment put you right in the action. The battles are huge and the weapons are pretty varied and all have the distinctive feel. The sixaxis control is one of the best I've seen yet on the PS3 and plays an important part without making it feel forced. One of the best uses of this is when using the sniper rifle you have to have steady hands to get the best shot. Offline the game is not too long but offers replay value by going back to collect intel, shoot helgast symbols and an offline mode using bots.

When you jump online, there are plenty of game modes to choose from with the maps being huge yet detailed. It supports up to 32 players and the battles can get crazy. When you rank up, you unlock different guns and can collect ribbons to get extra perks like increasing the amount of grenades you can carry. You can also earn classes like the medic to heal wounded allies, set up turrets, spawn points and ar support. The action moves pretty fast and you can join games that switch game modes within the actual level so your objectives range from strait team deathmatch to assassinate an opposing team player

So lets recap. Intense action that looks amazing, great sound and plenty of options online and off. Perfect game, right? Well unfortunately killzone is weighed down by delayed controls. When you first start playing you have to take your time lining up perfect shots because when turning you will have to fight against the delay. It's hard to explain without feeling it, but it leads to jerky movements that can get you killed. It takes time to get used to and the settings need to be tweaked on your controller. Often when aiming, it is almost impossible to shoot down a sprinting enemy because you can never catch up to him, it just feels to slow. Also, when taking bullet damage it becomes almost impossible to see towards the end (although I'm pretty sure that part is pretty realistic)

So, is Killzone 2 worth it? Although the control can be frustrating, Killzone 2 is worth playing just for the experience. The graphics and sound put you right in the fight and the online can be a lot of fun. It the game is patched for the controller delay, it would easily be the best shooter on the PS3. I recommend it, and will keep my fingers crossed on the patch. Easily a 5/5 with tight controls but I have to give it a 4/5 right now.

LittleBIgFun

LittleBigPlanet is one of those games where you hope for the best but know that there are plenty of things that can go wrong. For the most part, it delivers on the fun with only a few gripes along the way.

The loose story mode does not make a lot of sense but isn't really needed as you run around the beautiful levels created by the developers and makes you say "wow, how did they do that". The levels start out simple but work their way up in difficulty so much that the last few levels are a real challenge to beat and very difficult to clear without dying. All of the story levels are playable online and you will need a couple of buddies to get everything in the level. Some puzzles are only designed for 2-4 players and encourage you to go online to beat them. Acing a level (can't die) and collecting all the prize bubbles adds to your materials and costumes.

The create mode is overwhelming at first, but there are a lot of tutorials that show you how to use many of the different parts. Some people will find this frustrating, but creating and publishing a level is very rewarding. When published, other users get to play through your creation, rate it, describe it and level comments for you.

Overall, LittleBigPlanet gets points for trying something new and having a ton of replay value. There is some frustration along the way, but it is well worth it in the end.

Blast from the past...again

Tony Hawk games are always fun to play around with for a while but really leave you wanting more. Project 8 is no different and has little replay value. Once the skating style has been mastered, all Tony Hawk games can be completed with ease because there is never really anything new that changes the way you play the game. It's pretty, but no online and the smae old game play kill it in the end.

Insomniac does it again

Insomniac games knows what they are doing. The creators of Spyro and Ratchet and Clank bring us a darker shooter that stands up to any shooter out there. Taking control of Nathan Hale to eliminate the alien threat feels crisp and fun. A great online experience only adds to the replay value and earning medals adds to the challenge.

A work of art

Why games like this never sale is beyond me. Okami is one of those special games that actually tries to do something different for a change. The story is unique and the game play can be a joy. The graphics in the game are beautiful and fun to just run around in. The perfect mix of beauty, great game play, humor, and an easy to pick-up and unique way to play.