It appears that the Allies prevailed in WWII simply because Nazis are dumb. In fact, they're about as helpless as silhouette targets on a shooting range. There are sequences in this game that play more like Duck Hunt than a WWII simulation. But AI issues aside, Call of Duty 2 is still a well-rounded first-person shooter, offering some entertaining vehicular combat and a variety of weapons and backdrops.
As you follow the exploits of the legendary infantry division nicknamed the Big Red One, you'll wage battles in Africa, Germany and (because no one can get enough of the beach in a WWII shooter) Normandy. Each level does a great job of capturing the feel of a frantic combat zone, even though your victory couldn't be any more decisive if you were equipped with an atomic bomb.
PAC-MAN WORLD 3 (E) (3 stars)
Namco
PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
This Mario 64-like 3D platformer has the yellow gobbler collecting pellets such as coins and even stomping on his enemies. The game has its moments, but it's antiquated and clearly ripped off from Nintendo's mascot. Mario should retaliate by gobbling meatballs scattered around a haunted Mushroom Kingdom hedge-maze.
EYETOY: OPERATION SPY (E) (2.5 stars)
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation 2
The EyeToy's flaws make several of these espionage mini-games unplayable, bringing new meaning to the words "mission impossible." The game also has a surveillance feature that photographs whoever passes in front of the EyeToy, meaning you can catch anyone dumb enough to try this game red-handed.
MAGNA CARTA: TEARS OF BLOOD (T) (3.5 stars)
Atlus
PlayStation 2
Relax, this game has nothing to do with the historical document, though the opening tutorial is less fun than reading the actual Magna Carta and may even have you crying tears of blood. But that's only because this RPG introduces a fresh and complex combat system that's sure to please role-playing purists.
METROID PRIME PINBALL (E) (4 stars)
Nintendo
Nintendo DS
If you thought Samus' morph ball was impressive in Metroid Prime, just wait until you see what a couple flippers can do with it. Not only is this quirky title somehow true to the spirit of the Metroid series, it also utilizes the DS's two screens to create a vertical backdrop that feels exactly the way true pinball should.
Matthew Scott Hunter has been known to mumble, "Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start" in his sleep. E-mail him at
[email protected].