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There is really no argument that "Condemned 2" is one of the most grisly games to be released in recent years.
That said, let's also say that "Bloodshot" is a great game and, more importantly, vastly superior to the original. The first "Condemned" got tedious and made fighting and evidence-collecting almost completely un-enjoyable. Now this is all updated with a story and mood that are stellar. This ranks among the most intense gaming experiences since the original "Resident Evil" game was released.
Everything in "Bloodshot" is about shock value.
Rarely do you get to enjoy the decision of whether to use a baseball bat or locker door to bludgeon a psychopathic bad guy.
The gunplay is available, but as with the previous "Condemned," it's neither effective nor reliable.
• "Condemned 2: Bloodshot" -- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; Genre: Action; Publisher: Sega; ESRB Rating: M, for Mature; Grade: 4 stars out of 5
'The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return'
One of the few games to properly utilize the Wii Zapper, this shooter has much more potential than others.
Anyone who has played the arcade version of "The House of the Dead 2" will feel some déjà vu because this is basically the exact same game.
There are new bonus modes and other gimmicks thrown in for good measure, but it won't be enough to wow you.
Part 3 is an entirely different beast altogether, taking place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. You'll definitely get a different game-play experience here, which is a nice shift in tone, but, again, the game is seriously short and doesn't seem to justify the $30 price.
This game should be rented, for sure, but avoid buying it unless you have a constant hankering to replay it.
• Platform: Wii; Genre: Shooter; Publisher: Sega; ESRB Rating: M, for Mature; Grade: 2.5 stars
"FlatOut: Head On"
Those familiar with the "FlatOut" franchise will love the frenetic pace "Head On" provides. It's all about quick race challenges and multi-car destruction. Perhaps the best mode in this game is the stunt mode. Here you get to build up speed and purposefully eject the driver through the windshield, hurtling him into some form of a target (bowling pins, a big bull's eye, etc.).
Play this with friends and there's instant hilarity.
The controls are a tad wonky at times, but the visuals and overall style of play make this an excellent PSP title for gamers looking for a fun, car-destroying diversion.
• Platform: PSP; Genre: Driving; Publisher: Empire Interactive; ESRB Rating: T, for Teen; Grade: 3.5 stars
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