Red Dead Redemption

DEVELOPER: Rockstar
PUBLISHER: Rockstar
SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
PRICE: $59.99
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 5 stars (out of 5)

Howdy partner! Folks tell me you're new to the Old West, so I thought I'd introduce you to the legend of "Red Dead Redemption." It's an excitin' tale of murder, cattle rustlers, betrayal and old friends turned enemies. Go ahead and sit for a spell and I'll fill ya in on the details.

Ya see, Sam Marsten used to be in a rambunctious gang of hoodlums that rode around robbin' and plunderin'. Eventually, Sam became weary of this careless lifestyle and settled down with a wife and child. Then some of them no-good government types kidnapped his family, and now Sam must hunt down his former gang members if he ever wants to see his family alive.

There ain't nothin' quite like the bond a man forges with his steed when they are together through thick and thin, and Sam is a great horse rider. He can break any steed he finds, whether it's already been caught or is roaming the open plains. Legend says that he found three of the fastest horses any man has ever seen and can call them with a simple whistle.

Of course, he's also great with firearms! I've heard tales of Sam Marsten beating every single gun duel challenge he ever faced and he can even shoot from horseback! Some say he made a deal with the devil to acquire the Deadeye ability that lets him shoot enemies so fast it seems like he slowed down time. Add in the ability to hide behind any cover he finds, and Sam becomes unstoppable!

Even though he's on an important mission, Sam still likes to have fun. He doesn't partake in the ladies of the night, but he likes to play cards, dice, horseshoes, and arm wrestle. He also helps out random people in distress, whether they need a stolen horse returned or are being robbed by bad guys.

Yes sir, Sam Marsten is a legend, and simulating the Old West don't get any more authentic than "Red Dead Redemption"!

N3II: Ninety-Nine Nights

DEVELOPER: feelplus
PUBLISHER: Konami
SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC, Wii)
PRICE: $59.99
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 2 stars (out of 5)

Microsoft introduced Xbox-360 owners to melee combat on a massive scale with "Ninety-Nine Nights," and now Konami takes the reigns for the sequel.

Similar to "Dynasty Warriors," this series pits players against thousands of enemies on gigantic battlefields, letting them turn the tide of battle with their bare hands. You know what players can also do with their bare hands? Toss CDs like "N3II: Ninety Nine Nights" through the air like a Frisbee because that's the most fun anyone could possibly have with this dreadfully monotonous title.

In a mystical land where humans live alongside magical creatures like elves and goblins, combat is a way of life. When the devious Lord of the Night and his minions ravage the lands and invade Orphea, only the mighty warrior Galen and his pals can single-handedly turn the tide of battle and return freedom to the natives. Sure this story sounds incredibly generic, but it suits the game play.

Slashing through hundreds of enemies was fun in the original, but I was bored after the first five minutes of this game. Maybe it was the lack of interesting attack variations or the brain-dead enemies that literally stand there staring at you before they decide to attack. Maybe it was the fact that magic attacks look impressive, but they aren't any more effective than melee attacks. Whatever the reason, plowing through endless waves of enemies just isn't very fun in the sequel.

Making matters worse is the fact that blocking and evading are really only necessary for boss battles. I also don't like having to needlessly slaughter dozens of enemies while searching for hidden characters and outfits. To top it off, new characters have different versions of Galen's same moves, so there isn't any true variety in playing with them.

Perhaps the only redeeming quality to "N3II Ninety-Nine Nights" is the impressive visuals, but that doesn't justify paying full price for a game.