By Matthew Scott Hunter
‘Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing’ (E)
A photo finish
****
Sega
Wii
Sonic’s finally decided to give those sneakers a rest, opting to catch a ride in his very own kart racer. All of his furry franchise friends are joining in the race, and characters from other Sega games fill out the bizarre roster. But this is a kart racer, and when it comes to this genre, there’s only one relevant question: How does this compare to “Mario Kart?” Nintendo’s plumber has set the bar extremely high, and while Sonic and company don’t quite drive over it, they do pass under it with very little clearance.
For the most part, the tracks are colorful, imaginative and challenging. The vehicles handle responsively, building boost with every drift, “Ridge Racer”-style. And power-ups like missiles and mines, though generic, function just as satisfyingly as “Mario Kart’s” koopa shells and banana peels. Players who fall far enough behind first place are assisted with a special burst of speed to help them catch up to the pack, which keeps competitors neck-and-neck even if a bad turn has left someone stuck in a corner or tumbling into an abyss. For PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners who like a good, wacky race, this purchase is a no-brainer, but for Wii drivers, this is just a pleasant detour before turning back to the Mushroom Kingdom.
‘Tropico 3’ (T)
***1/2
Kalypso Media
Xbox 360
Most gamers probably don’t equate politics with fun, but micromanaging the needs of your registered voters is what makes “Tropico 3” so addictive. Unlike other city-building sims, you’ve got more to worry about than building industry and filling the treasury’s coffers. You also have to make decisions on everything from immigration policy to same-sex marriage. You’re bound to upset a few groups no matter what you do, so you’ve either got to walk that elusive line that placates everyone, or you need to build a big army to protect you from the inevitable rebellion.
‘White Knight Chronicles (International Edition) (T)
**1/2
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation 3
The biggest surprise “White Knight Chronicles” offers is that it has you spend an inordinate amount of time customizing your avatar, only to turn him into the biggest fifth wheel in any role-playing game. He tags along, contributing nothing to the story of the game’s true protagonist: a boy with magical powers on a standard RPG quest to save a princess. The third-person, MMO-style combat is functional but, ultimately, as forgettable as the story. Your best bet is to ditch the narrative and team up with some friends for a few multiplayer side-quests.
‘Socom: U.S. Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 3’ (T)
***
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation Portable
Sony’s “Fireteam Bravo” series is beginning to feel like bringing four suitcases on an overnight trip. Why pack so much stuff you’re not even going to use? The third handheld entry in the “SOCOM” series has you packing a lot of infinitely customizable firepower, but regenerating health bars and linear level design ensure that you won’t need it. The new online co-op eliminates any remaining hint of challenge. Fortunately, the multiplayer still offers opponents worthy of all the heavy artillery you’ve lugged along.
