DEVELOPER: Firaxis Games

PUBLISHER: 2K Games

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 (out of 5 stars)

At one time or another, most people on this planet have felt powerless to affect the world around them. When this happens, ordering subordinates around can makes us feel better. Other people already wield power, but crave more. Both groups, it seems, have been preordained to nurture their god complex with Sid Meier's addictive turn-based strategy game "Civilization Revolution."

Anyone who wonders how such a complicated series will translate to consoles should be relieved to discover that Firaxis Games did an amazing job of simplifying the game without dumbing it down. What does that mean? Well, "Civilization Revolution" still offers a vast amount of choices to the budding monarch, but the lack of a keyboard and mouse doesn't hinder game play.

Potential potentates begin their campaign to rule the world by choosing one of 16 real-world civilizations that range from feudal Japan to the ancient Aztecs. Then they must build cities and defend them, conquer new areas, engage in diplomacy, research technology and please their citizens.

Let it be known that players don't actually control their units during combat. Instead, they must ensure that said units are powerful enough to defeat any enemy they encounter.

In order to advance their civilization, players must research technology and spirituality while also creating new units and buildings. Only one technology can be researched at a time, so it's up to the player to decide which ones are worth researching. Similarly, only one unit or building can be created at a time, which forces the player to prioritize their construction.

Up to four warlords can duke it out online by teaming up, going head to head, or engaging in a battle royale. In addition, a new map will be listed each week for the Game of the Week, and there will be additional downloadable content in the future.

"Civilization Revolution" clearly shows that strategy games can be successful on consoles.

Paradise Springs Forth in 'Pixeljunk Eden'

DEVELOPER: Q-Games Ltd.

PUBLISHER: Sony

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (network download)

PRICE: $10

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Casual games seem to be bursting forth from underneath every virtual rock in cyberspace, and many of them are available as downloads. Because these titles don't cost millions to create, developers can take bigger risks. One of the more enjoyable new games available for download on the PSN network is an unusual organic adventure called "Pixeljunk Eden."

In this two-dimensional game, players control a creature called a Grimp that can jump vast distances and grip onto any surface in the game. It can also fire a tether that attaches to objects, thereby letting the Grimp swing around to gain momentum and then release to reach difficult areas. Strangely enough, holding the 'X' button lets the Grimp pass through objects, which can be extremely handy in certain situations.

Creating psychedelic gardens is the object of the game. This is achieved by defeating enemies, gathering up the pollen they release and then delivering it to seedpods. When enough pollen is delivered, the pods grow new branches and players can climb up to new areas in the level. Five 'Spectra' must be gathered in each of the 10 cyber-gardens, but only one can be collected at a time. This means the same level must be repeated four times to close it out, which can get monotonous.

Playing "Pixeljunk Eden" by yourself is quite relaxing due to the — er —organic nature of the visuals, but playing with one or two others in the same room is a blast! The excitement builds into a crescendo while gathering pollen, and then turns into joyous disappointment when someone misses a jump and plummets to the ground. One advantage of multiplayer is that one Grimp can attach itself to another Grimp that can use its tether to fling the first Grimp further than it can reach by itself.

While "Pixeljunk Eden" won't please everyone, it does provide short bursts of fun and can be a big hit at parties.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Pretty Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.