“The hunt thrills you.  The hunger consumes you.  You are Jaws!”

Jaws Ultimate Predator on the Nintendo Wii wraps up one player action mayhem in a teen rated package where developers work to keep the blood and violence below the higher mature rating. Set at the same Amity Island, 35 years after the event in the 1975 Steven Spielberg film, players can control the big guy and even upgrade his teeth, skin, and tail. Other settings include the Great Barrier Reef and Hawaii and feature remarkable camera shots from underneath the water giving players a real feel for the setting and even the life of a shark.

This famous great white tangles with sea serpent, killer whale, and other sharks plus some mechanized scuba hunters and a few human elements. Developers try to soften the human casualty elements with character flaws. Object destruction yields helpful advantages and provides some relief from the relentless flesh eating. Collectible edibles include stingrays, sea turtles, and puffer fish while various colored jellyfish provide special power ups.

The smooth controls work well in the water environments as Jaws dispenses targets with brutality, quickness, and the occasional stealth. The 20 different advanced attack combinations ensure players do not get bored. Increased rage and shark frenzy modes ramp up the attacks even more as players target enemies with the minus button. Most attacks and combinations involve the A and B (trigger) buttons, so player execution is easy and intuitive.

Players can stun enemies, grab and hold them or even thrash them around by shaking the Wii remote while holding them. Players can also meet their need for speed by pressing the c button on the nunchuk control. Special actions include the self-explanatory bite toss, corkscrews, crazy eights, fin slice, tail spin, tsunami, and wrecking ball. No multiplayer or online modes, so the three profile files help other players get in on the action. A unique underwater action game that faces unique perspective focusing on violent content, which can trouble, exhilarate, or both (**1/2, rated T for blood and violence, also available on the Nintendo 3DS).

Disney Universe (Disney Interactive Studios)

This all-ages platform action game on PlayStation 3 features several characters from animated and live-action Disney and Pixar films. More than 45 classic (Snow White, Winnie the Pooh) and contemporary (Muppets, Tangled, TRON: Legacy) character costumes add variety and have a special upgradable property. More characters are available in the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 versions and in the online shop, which also expand the experience with downloadable content. Each character’s special traits could have a strategic impact on the game, but players can really enjoy the fast-paced actions, environments, and scenarios that mirror the films at each level among six different worlds. Levels also contain special bonus challenges.

Everyone can get in on the act as gameplay centers on co-operative play. As many as four friends can play the local multiplayer modes, which also include rankings. Players can grab coins, stars, badges, powerups, and special items amid battles against endless enemies who can leave traps and hide the special items. Players solve some puzzles as enemies hinder their progress. Special attacks using the square, triangle, and x buttons give the good guys some help, but watch out because players can hurt each other – a precarious situation in an action-filled melee game. Players regenerate when they lose all their health while losing points from their overall score. The level designs miss the short session drop-in/drop-out format, so be sure to complete levels, which are autosaved, before moving on to keep progress. The playful antics entertain and overshadow some repetitive combat and fixed camera issues (***, rated e10+ for action violence, also available on Xbox 360, PC, and Nintendo Wii).

Available downloadable content for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions includes the new “Jungle Book” five-costume pack for $2.99 on PlayStation Network or 240 Microsoft points on the Xbox Live Network. Look for “The Muppets” costume pack in March or try the other Disney Villains Costume Pack including Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians),  Hades (Hercules), Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), The Evil Queen (Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs) and Ursula (The Little Mermaid).

Margaritaville Online (THQ/Exploding Barrel Games)

Margaritaville®Online^TM warms up the winter with an immersive free social game experience. This Facebook game, inspired by the lifestyle of legendary singer, songwriter and author Jimmy Buffett, offers a one-time Parrothead Membership upgrade and optional in-game premium items that help players complete quests, customization, and open unlockable items faster. Set on a beautiful tropical island, players can also spend their energy accessing a map to travel faster. Specific locales includes reefs, the Oasis bar, jungles, and private beaches. Players can fish or net great items on the reefs. Fishing requires the most knowledge to use the appropriate lure. Hire bands and collect from/refill their tills at the Oasis bar. Cut through bamboo in the jungles for treasure and grab even better items on the beach. The mini games tie into the regular gameplay very well. For example, players can try pirate slingshot shooter then net for extra items near the same beach. Other mini games include limbo, steel drum playing, various puzzles, and the matching game Hammocktime, which is similar to Bejeweled. Mini games can yield extra currency while the quests, located on the left screen side, advance player up the levels. Coins are main currency followed by beach bucks, level, experience points, and energy. Higher levels let players store more energy.

Players can even gather their own food like coconuts to replenish energy. Players must manage their energy consumption because certain activities siphon it down quickly. For example, shooting down coconuts costs two energy points but each coconut will give you one point, so players depend on multiple hauls for their efforts to stay out of the hole. Some jungle bamboo regrows, so explore/conquer the entire area before leaving. Buffett’s familiar songs and related characters like Captain Tony, first introduced to fans in Buffett’s song “Last Mango in Paris”, enhance the experience. Players can also customize their own band; hire friends, and their own boat. Player tools include a machete, slingshot, fishing pole, shovel, and hammer for breaking open boxes and chests. The graphics look great even when set on full screen. Players can send and receive gifts from friends (current list located at the screen bottom along with their current level). Look for in-game rewards that translate into real world perks soon (***1/2, also available on iPad). The upcoming iPhone® version will be a companion app that features a variety of popular mini-games from existing Facebook and iPad versions that offers players real life rewards.

There have been original “Star Wars” prose novels since 1978, but perhaps never one quite like James Luceno’s “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis.” The new book tackles a story that, until now, had yet to be told in any medium, that of the life and motivations of Palpatine, once Senator from the planet Naboo and later the big villain of “Star Wars,” the galactic emperor.

Though the title indicates a character only referenced once, in a short scene in “Revenge of the Sith,” the real revelations here center squarely on Palpatine. The book follows him for roughly 50 years of his life, from a 17-year-old with a chip on his shoulder to the moment he becomes supreme chancellor of the republic, as seen in “The Phantom Menace.” In fact, this novel would make an excellent companion to that film, now back in theaters in 3-D, as it explains in great detail the political and philosophical manipulations of Palpatine and his Sith Master Plagueis as they work on the “Great Plan,” the return and revenge of the evil Sith cult. Though, of course, there are action scenes in the book, sometimes graphically so, the delicious, intricate nature of the duo’s Machiavellian schemes is worth the price of admission alone.

Luceno has taken great pains in “Darth Plagueis” to set the stage for almost everything you see in “The Phantom Menace” and, indeed, the rest of the film series. Palpatine’s origins once seemed to be something that Lucasfilm wanted to keep obscured, but in their relenting, we’re gifted with this multilayered, epic story. And one of the best things of all here is that the author does not attempt to “humanize” Palpatine and water down his villainy; the character actually comes off as even more evil, more self-centered.

Too many “Star Wars” novels of the past have failed in one important aspect: imparting the feel of the films. “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis” succeeds on that score with a galactic scope, myriad planets and alien races, brisk battles and dialogue you will swear you can hear the film’s actors speaking. Every “Star Wars” fan needs to read this book; it’s that good.

Tekken 3D Prime Edition (Namco Bandai)

Tekken 3D Prime Edition, image courtesy of Namco Bandai

The famous fighting series continues packing a nice punch in its exclusive debut on the Nintendo 3DS handheld console. The environments do not have much impact on gameplay, but look great. The character design also looks sharp, and so are the fighting mechanics. The familiar 40-plus character roster includes many of the same fighters as Tekken 6 on the PSP and the young Heihachi character for the first time ever. New content includes the full-length “Tekken Blood Vengeance 3D” feature film, the first such film release for the 3DS, which takes place between the Tekken 5 and Tekken 6 storylines. The game itself has no story, so the cut scenes and even the traditional ending boss battles are gone.

Multiplayer is available in local and online/Internet modes, but the 3-D mode is automatically disabled. In multiplayer mode, players cannot switch to different characters when playing online without totally backing out of the mode. Single player modes include practice and quick battle (similar to arcade mode), a series of 10 rounds with increasingly difficult opponents. The special survival mode gives players a health bar slowly that rebuilds among rounds against foes who lose health when successfully attacked in specific ways. Game developers substitute familiar unlockables and rewards with card rewards (765 total) that can be found in the game and using Street Pass where players can also trade cards. Players earn cards in quick battle and survival modes (***, rated T for mild suggestive themes and violence).

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (Electronic Arts/38 Studios)

Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling founded the game producer 38 Studios who have produced their first game, an adventurous role playing game (RPG) called Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Schilling drew upon talents in the game developing “bullpen” by hiring game designer Ken Rolston (The Elder Scrolls III Morrowind & IV Oblivion), writer R.A. Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane (Spawn) as collaborators. New York Times bestselling author Salvatore creates a compelling, but familiar story based in a 10,000 year timeline where one special warrior rises amid an epic war involving immortality.

The huge “open world” environments and graphic design impress in this PlayStation 3 game version, but the game could have used additional strategic elements, especially in the character creation/customization and conversation choice, which becomes an entertaining element that does not much impact the story much either way. The evolving character elements in the new “Destiny system” really make the game interesting amid a solid story that contains familiar RPG elements like abilities, armor, skills, and weapons. Characters can change at various points within endless combat scenarios. Combat fans can enjoy special moves like Fateshift kills while players new to the genre can appreciate the simple one button combat system. The first downloadable add-on content (a.k.a. DLC) will be available in March 20. This DLC will include a new continent for players to explore, the island of Gallows End, which constitutes a 15% expansion of the game’s world, complete with a new story arc that takes place there. Players can also look for an upcoming sequel and massively multiplayer online (MMO) game. (***1/2, also available on Xbox 360 and PC, rated M for blood, gore, intense violence, and suggestive themes).

Game of Thrones DVD home video review – Toledo Free Press

By Michael Siebenaler

Fans can now delve into the first 10-episdoe season of the popular HBO dark fantasy adventure series Game of Thrones on home video (DVD and Blu-ray) before the next 10-episode second season televises on HBO beginning April 1 then ending on June 3. The high production values, solid storylines, and strong characters with a cast featuring Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings) who also graces the cover of the DVD version as Eddard Stark. The Stark family becomes the focus as various dramatic scenarios as the supporting cast also includes Lena Headey (300) as Cersei and  Peter Dinklage (Elf) as Tyrion, a dwarf character who commands attention in every time.

The DVD-version features character profiles, audio commentaries, various featurettes, and special hidden dragon eggs, similar to the popular “Easter egg” concept found in many home video titles where audiences can search for and interact to get special content. The Anatomy of an Episode – A Golden Crown featurette offers the familiar Maximum Movie Mode that provides an amazing in-depth experience ideal for every episode not just one. The Blu-ray version has exclusive content. Audio options on the DVD version include English, French, and Spanish tracks with subtitle options in English, French, Latin Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, complex Chinese, Thai, and Korean. Game of Thrones (****), is based on the first book in author George R.R. Martin’s sprawling fantasy saga A Song of Fire and Ice. Season one episodes are also available on mobile and a Games of Thrones game will release on May 15 on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.

Grand Slam Tennis 2 (Electronic Arts)

“Service with a smile…as long as you’re up for the challenge.”

Electronic Arts returns to the tennis courts with the PlayStation 3 game Grand Slam Tennis 2, which really lives up to its name as players progress to all four Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon – a great option available for the first time in any next generation game. Game developers work in smaller courts as well while only requiring 3 MB hard drive space. This game contains an extensive legendary player roster including McEnroe, and Borg, but needs for female players in the mix thought they do include Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters.

This enjoyable pro tennis game simulates the sport incredibly well while offering a full court of gaming options including online (cooperative and competitive), multiplayer, career (includes 10 year career) and tournament play modes. Players can learn tennis rules as they play (best in the single player career mode), but knowing the rules already greatly reduces the learning curve.

The controls are intuitive, so players just need good anticipation skills and fast reaction times for successful gameplay. The P.R.O. AI ramps up the challenge as the backhands, lobs, and angles create a realistic experience that the valuable PlayStation Move control and of “total racket control” options expands even further with different slices, top-spins and other formidable weapons. This tennis game sequel also features ESPN and some great playable tournament moments. An excellent tennis experience especially at a newly reduced price – $29.99 in most stores now (***1/2, rated E for everyone, also available on Xbox 360 (no Kinect sensor support)).

Twenty years ago five mega-popular comic artists had a big idea: abruptly walk away from the company that had made them stars and start their own publishing house. Today, Image Comics has grown beyond the vanity press of its origins and is still releasing not only books by mega-popular comic creators, but also newbie writers and artists with stars in their eyes. Two new Image series have captured the attention of Ed Katschke, comic controller at Monarch Cards & Comics, which he says have “debuted as instant sell-outs and to critical acclaim.”

“ ‘Thief of Thieves,’ co-created and written by Robert Kirkman of ‘Walking Dead’ fame and Nick Spencer and illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough,” he reports, “is the story of a master thief and his efforts to get out of the business and try to piece his shattered personal life back together. It is by turns exciting and thoughtful and the first two issues set up the situation and introduce the characters beautifully.

“ ‘Saga,’ written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples, is a wonderfully realized science-fiction story concerning two star-crossed lovers on the wrong side of an epic interstellar war trying desperately to find an escape for themselves and their newborn child. Vaughan does a great job at setting up the principles and the world they find themselves in and Staples’ simple and expressive art gets the story across perfectly. Both titles deal with adult situations and, as a result, are not meant for children, but are still great choices for readers looking for good comics that aren’t populated by the long underwear crowd.”

The solicitations on “Saga” refer to the book as “Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama” and the cover of No. 1 has already generated a bit of controversy for its image of the title’s female co-star breast-feeding her alien baby.

We always hurt the ones we love — super heroes and their adventures have been parodied and satired right from their very inception. Famous examples of such skewering abound, like legendary cartoonist Shelly Mayer spoofing the long underwear crowd with his long underwear-wearing Red Tornado in 1940 and MAD’s daring to tug on Superman’s cape with its infamous “Superduperman” drubbing in 1953. But, perhaps it took modern creators to truly vivisect our colorful heroes and produce caricatures that are both illuminating and disturbing.

Monarch Cards & Comics’ Ed Katschke has two favorites from among recent releases. “Before his popular Batman work, comic legend Grant Morrison and illustrator Frank Quitely collaborated on a strange little project called ‘Flex Mentallo.’ ” he reports. “The series was designed as a parody/homage to the old Charles Atlas comic strip that ran ads for comics for decades. Indeed, the likeness between Flex and Atlas’ ‘Muscle Man of the Beach’ was so similar that this new reprint volume took years to be published due to trademark infringement issues! Morrison and Quitely deliver a truly bizarre comic book opus, one that is whimsical, eerie, and weird on top. Morrison does his usual brilliant job of subverting traditional comic book tropes and Quitely’s expressive and oddly beautiful art complements Morrison’s vision exquisitely. Certainly not for everyone, but worth checking out if you need a dose of sublime comic fantasy … with characters in tights.”

Next up is the return of “Supreme.” “Back during the wild and wooly days of the 1990s, Image Comics made it their business to try and outdo Marvel and DC with a raft of characters directly based on mainstream favorites, but made over in their own hyper-kinetic and violent style,” says Katschke. “ ‘Supreme,’ based on Superman, was one such concoction. The fact that ‘Supreme’ started out as an unpleasant and violent version of Superman makes his eventual transformation into his current incarnation all the more ironic.

“Alan Moore took over the character in the late ’90s and remade the title into a nostalgic love letter to the innocent and wacky Silver Age stories of the ’60s. The title eventually wound down due to financial problems, but the scripts still exist and have now been completed by artist Erik Larsen, standing as one of the most charming and intelligent comics on the racks. Larsen does a fine job of evoking the Silver Age style while still keeping things current-looking and Moore is a master of using self-referential plot points without making the source material look ridiculous. Truly a labor of love and one worth checking out for anyone who fondly remembers the days where Superman could end up with an insect head while Lois Lane tries to trick him into matrimony.”

Baseball is in full swing, so game developers have all the bases covered with Sony’s PlayStation 3/PlayStation Vita version (MLB 12 The Show) and a 2K triple play – PC/Xbox 360 version (Major League Baseball 2K12) and a Nintendo 3DS version (Nicktoons MLB® 3D).

The PS3 and PS Vita MLB 12 The Show versions allows players switch between both games with constant synchronization so either version presents current progress before players start or continue a game mode. On the PS3, MLB 12 The Show features full PlayStation Move capability, real time MLB game broadcast presentations, and free online play. The multiplayer online mode includes the new diamond dynasty feature featuring MLB player collections as well as dynasty card options that let players train. The PS Vita has four player online and offline game play as well as the new front and rear touch screens controls.

The Major League Baseball 2K12 Xbox 360 and PC versions lets players follow the actual MLB season for six months and adjusts statistics and other factors accordingly – a great feature. Both versions also have a new throwing system incorporating a unique “risk vs. reward” system plus a special player progression system. The PC version works on Window 7, Vista, and XP operating systems. Major League Baseball 2K12 is also available on Nintendo DS, PS3, PSP, and Wii.

Nicktoons MLB® 3D, the first baseball game for the Nintendo 3DS, mixes 175 real MLB players from all teams with Nickelodeon’s Nicktoons characters while adding special, entertaining powers. Other features include augmented reality extras (card included), and wireless two-player modes that include quick play, single, showdown, and the distance derby mini game, which consists of nine pitches in Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. The tutorials help novice players and two profiles can be used. All games are rated E for everyone.

PixelJunk 4am (Sony/Q-Games)

This music simulation game debuts exclusively to the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Move controller. Players have the freedom to create whatever musical masterpiece they want: a stress-free solo environment, a collaborative music studio with a friend (local play only) and/or living room into an online social night club. Online play in the “live viewer” offers feedback (just shake the PS Move) and social media options for friends or anyone on the PlayStation network.

Colorful visual creations complement the corresponding audio so players can build complex layers from each loop/track. The music variety depends on gameplay, so the tutorials must be mastered (try playing with your eyes closed or with two PS Move controllers for an extra challenge). The game progresses nicely with numerous unlockables as players orchestrate the synthesizer/keyboard, bass, drum, and rhythm tracks together represented as columns, strands, and another cool graphics.

Options include reverb, effects, loops, and muting using various control button actions and movements. The Move button and T button (“trigger” underneath) represent the main button actions, along with the colored buttons — triangle for synthesizer, cross/X for drums, circle for rhythm, and square for bass. The select button changes tracks. Extra movements include twisting the PS Move or moving forward utilizing the space depth for added effects. Players also feel vibration when hitting the virtual edges of the screen. This unique game costs $9.99 and comes recommended (***), especially for music fans. Rated E for everyone.

We live in a time when video gamers’ thoughts are beginning to focus on the next generation of  hardware, whether confirmed (Wii U) or rumored (Xbox 720, PlayStation 4, whatever Valve’s console will be called if it even exists). So it comes as a bit of a surprise that the 2012 edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in California was focused almost exclusively on games for the present generation of hardware.

Sure, Nintendo had its mind on the future and spent its news conference continuing to hype games for its new system. But it presented precious few details on Wii U’s release, neither a price or when it would be in stores. The much-rumored Xbox 720 reveal didn’t happen, nor was there word about a next-gen console from Sony, either.
But that’s OK, as it put the focus of the Expo squarely where it should be, anyway — on the games. And man, were there some amazing ones demonstrated at E3 this year. Here are a few that have definitely caught my eye:
“Assassin’s Creed III” (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360): There’s no doubt setting the new installment of Ubisoft’s popular action series during the American Revolution has an appeal all its own. But further details that have emerged about the game have only served to intensify fan anticipation. The demos shown at E3 highlighted numerous aspects of the title, from revamped combat styles and assassination scenarios to epic sea battles, a first for the franchise. Ubisoft also announced a new, exclusive spinoff adventure for PlayStation Vita. Release date: Oct. 30, 2012.
“Beyond: Two Souls” (PS3): Sony opened its news conference confirming reports of a new game by developer Quantic Dream, which last produced the stellar 2010 thriller “Heavy Rain.” The game’s premise, outlined as an exploration of the barriers between life and death, follows its lead character Jodie Holmes from childhood into her 20s. Bolstering the game’s pedigree was the announcement that Academy Award nominee Ellen Page will be playing the lead character. No release date set.
“God of War: Ascension” (PS3): Sony let this cat out of the bag well in advance of E3, revealing in April the existence of a fourth console game in its wildly popular series based on Greek mythology. What’s new this time: A multiplayer mode (a first for the series) and a single-player game which functions as a prequel to the other games. Gameplay footage was shown at Sony’s news conference, which showcased the game’s stellar graphics and gameplay that looks right in line with the rest of the franchise. Release date: March 12, 2013.
“Halo 4” (Xbox 360): Fans have anxiously awaited more news of the latest game in Microsoft’s epic space shooter series, the first in a new trilogy. The game was the centerpiece of Microsoft’s E3 news conference, showcasing its single-player story as well as an extensive new multiplayer experience that appears to be an impressive expansion of its previous modes. The quality of the footage shown has stilled any lingering doubts over the game’s new developer, 343 Industries, which inherited the franchise from previous developer Bungie. Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012.
“The Last of Us” (PS3): Ever since developer Naughty Dog revealed the existence of this new post-apocalyptic epic at the 2011 Video Game Awards, much has been made of the game’s zombie-like villains. Seemingly determined to emphasize the other threats its world contains, Naughty Dog presented a gameplay sample featuring its protagonists fighting very human scavengers in a brutal fight to survive. In basic gameplay structure, it looks a lot like the company’s classic “Uncharted” series but much bleaker and much more violent. My own personal “game of the show.” No release date set.
“Tomb Raider” (PC, PS3, Xbox 360): No more lighthearted adventures for gaming’s most popular heroine. Showcased at the Microsoft conference, the new gameplay trailer for the forthcoming reboot of Lara Croft drove home the point that this was a more primal and brutal game than all its predecessors, with an emphasis on survival over exploration. The story, essentially a reboot of the franchise, stars a young Lara marooned and fighting for her life — and growing into the adventurer we know today. Release date: March 5, 2013.
“Watch Dogs” (PC, PS3, 360): Ubisoft dropped a major bombshell (and the jaws of attendees) with the unveiling of a brand new franchise — one that ended up earning many journalists’ “game of the show” honors. Centered on the premise of the worldwide interconnected data network, the game’s trailer offered fast-paced action as gamers play as a hacker who can manipulate electronic devices almost at will. It’s been compared to “Assassin’s Creed,” but the trailer’s modern setting and hi-tech feel promise a completely different experience. No release date set.

Email Toledo Free Press Star Pop Culture Editor Jeff McGinnis at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

Money has become a great gaming equalizer in Activision Blizzard’s new fantasy computer game Diablo III, which sold more than 3.5 million copies on its record-breaking launch day. Diablo III players can participate in a real-cash auction site that allows sales and purchases of in-game items using real currency.

This groundbreaking experience has had similar iterations as self-sustaining in-game “economies,” but never on this large a scale. Players can withdraw the money or increase their in-game currency from sales. Players are charged a flat fee to list items and another fee if the item sells.

Game publisher profits increase with each transaction, but it must contend with exchange rates, site security and, most importantly, cheaters who face a lifetime ban. Predictably, reporting suspicious activity is encouraged.

Diablo III's auction site

This whole system can be seen as a cheat because players no longer have to be good at a game to get great things. Rewards can be had if you have the money as hard-core Diablo III players could possibly identify a player’s misrepresented skill level or achievements in the game.

This auction site curtails the whole satisfaction function of gaming. Sure, it can be fun to buy stuff, but the game developer’s carefully planned designs and challenges will not mean much with these huge shortcuts.

There are some disadvantages for players looking for these shortcuts as well. “Newbies” can get a quick advantages, but must set up PayPal accounts to secure funds and use secure procedures (special codes, passwords, etc.), which can be a hassle at times.

This auction site might be ideal for people who have less game time in their schedules. They can still get ahead in this game by investing their money, which allows them more player powers to vanquish more powerful foes, but how do these vanquished foes feel when they find out they have been beaten by a 15-year-old … who just bought a killer sword with his $100 weekly allowance money from his parents … a sword that took weeks to find in the game?

Sure, the vanquished player might never find out all these details, but they certainly get a sense of who they are through online chats and in-game behavior observations. Could this auction site create new animosity among players? It might, but would it matter among a war-filled, horror-action game?

Diablo III is available in standard and collector’s editions on PC and Mac computers.

In “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century: 2009,” writer Alan Moore may be revealing what certain societal watchdog groups have espoused all along – Harry Potter is the Antichrist. Moore’s long-running series brings together characters from literature and pop culture and the newest volume, out now, brings the story to present day and serves up a few sacred cows, namely J.K. Rowling’s famous boy-wizard.

In the last LOEG volume, we saw — spoiler alert — the League disband in 1969 and leader Mina Murray stuffed away in a loony bin. In “2009,” the world’s slipped further into turmoil and, with no League to defend it, become prime real estate for the prophesized Antichrist to set up shop. Moore, along with artist Kevin O’Neill, has filled his infamous series with boatloads of references to other works of fiction in many media, but this new installment marks a unique time when he’ll have to be extra-careful to avoid copyright and trademark infringements. Don’t expect any mentions of “Harry” or “Potter.”

What you may expect is some topical references, most especially a certain war that opens up “2009,” set in the fictional Mid-East country of “Q’umar.” Moore has claimed that he doesn’t really keep up with modern pop culture, so it will be of great interest to see how this new book continues his fine and often acid-tongued skewering of cultural icons. Past chapters have mostly centered on Victorian and Edwardian references; the previous “1969” revealed how our eternal League heroes fit in with more psychedelic times.

The “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” comics have grown increasingly dense since their 1998 inception, even to those readers who’ve followed right along with each new volume. It’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend them to newbies, but if a prospective reader enjoys a good read that doesn’t involve superheroes, then this may be for them. If anything, they might even follow lines of sight back to their original literary and cultural foundations.

This handheld music rhythm game lets players “play back awakened memories” though it’s not exclusive to Final Fantasy fans. Yes, these fans will understand more references and get a deeper experience, but any age gamer can enjoy this deep, highly replayable experience — an exclusive and essential Nintendo 3DS experience.

"Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy"

“Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy” is the first music rhythm game in the history of the world-famous franchise and was developed by rhythm game veteran indieszero. The music covers from “Final Fantasy I” game to “Final Fantasy XIII.”

Players get three game modes (battle, field and event), strong sound and several unlockables in an easy pick-up-and-play format. No online play, but StreetPass options, downloadable music content and local co-operative play for two to four players help expand the experience.

More than 70 musical scores featuring Nobuo Uematsu’s musical composition permeate the gameplay while developers add many familiar role-playing game elements including character progression, party building, skill assignments, leveling up (occurs quickly) and restoring the music crystal. The characters all have the same solid circle eye style due to the smaller handheld graphics; characters are instead defined by their hairstyle and colors. They battle villains while completing swipes, taps, and holds in collaboration with the musical scores.

The amazingly sharp background visuals on the top screen during music sequences are so fun to watch they can even distract players from completing tasks on the bottom touch screen. A great tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Final Fantasy game series and essential addition to the Nintendo 3DS game library.

***1/2, rated E10+ for fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, suggestive themes and tobacoo use.

With college football just around the corner, it’s time for EA Sports to cash in as it continues a trend of mediocrity and a lack of innovation with the 2013 edition of its NCAA Football franchise.

The gameplay is almost identical to the game they released five years ago. The developers are preaching their efforts with 20 new quarterback dropbacks and 25 pass trajectory zones, but it still feels the same. They changed it so defenders can’t blindly swat the ball anymore, but middle linebackers will still leap 3 feet into the air out of nowhere to intercept the ball.

Jason Mack

The presentation looks almost identical to the 2010 edition of the game. There are still plenty of errors such as a headline saying a team won by a score of 14-20. The ESPN ticker at the bottom looks nice, but it’s showing fake scores and makes it feel more like you’re watching a game than playing one.

Some of the most frustrating errors are the little to major details relating to Toledo. Every pre-game presentation shows the Rockets huddling up in a non-existent tunnel before running onto the field. They also made quarterback Terrance Owens right-handed with dreadlocks despite his being left-handed with short hair. I don’t want to accuse EA of perpetuating stereotypes, but not all black quarterbacks have dreadlocks.

The only major change from previous additions of the game is the “Heisman Challenge,” which allows users to play as former Heisman Trophy winners from Archie Griffin to 2012 winner Robert Griffin III. It is entertaining and amusing to see how good the Rockets could be with a legend like Barry Sanders in the backfield during his prime. However, the gameplay is too similar to the pre-existing “Campus Legend” mode. They basically just tweaked it and threw in some new characters. It’s a nice add-on to the game, but it shouldn’t be the main addition.

The game is fun to play and a good way to get pumped up for the upcoming season, but I’d be content just updating the rosters from a previous edition.

**1/2 out of 5

As a property, “Star Wars” doesn’t always translate well into other media beyond its filmic foundation. A new comic book miniseries from Dark Horse Comics, “Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison,” manages to not only deliver the look and the feel of the famous films, thanks to beautiful art by Agustin Alessio, but also an aspect that’s not often discussed among its many fans: political and historical commentary. Seems the beloved Order of the Jedi Knights kept a few dirty little secrets from the public, namely a secret prison into which many “enemy combatants” have disappeared.

The series, currently on its third of five issues, tells the tale of young Lt. Laurita Thom, a member of the very first graduating class of Imperial cadets after the events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” On Coruscant for his graduation ceremonies, he winds up in the middle of a terrorist attack bent on killing the Emperor and seizing the nascent Galactic Empire in a bloody coup. Unfortunately for Thom, the terrorists turn out to be his fellow graduates. Helping Darth Vader quell the insurgents, the lieutenant accompanies the Dark Lord of the Sith and a wounded Emperor to a secret prison that a younger Anakin Skywalker remembers from the days of the Clone Wars — a clear counterpart to the real world’s Guantanamo Bay.

The series’ fascinating narrative hovers precariously within its many shades of grey. Ostensibly, the protagonists of the piece are the original trilogy’s antagonists, Vader and a clutch of Imperial officers, and writer Haden Blackman cleverly places the reader in the prickly “what would you do in the same situation?” position with Thom as he begins to question the very fabric of his service to the Empire. Add to that the questionable Jedi practice of having their Clone Wars adversaries “disappear” after being captured – as well as eavesdropping and recording — and you have a “Star Wars” spinoff that not only builds off the films’ universe but also provokes strong opinions with its plot points.

It’s no real secret that George Lucas endowed his second Star Wars trilogy with a healthy does of liberal commentary on what he saw as an assault on democracy in the new millennium — one wonders if he might not champion Blackman and Dark Horse’s not-so-thinly-veiled commentary on the last Republican administration’s standards and practices during wartime in this thought-provoking series.

By Marie Eye, Toledo Free Press Staff Writer

Devotees of the late internationally known spiritual healer Bruno Gröning will be in Toledo on Sept. 30 to offer a free public lecture on Gröning’s beliefs and techniques.

The Toledo Chapter of the Bruno Gröning Circle of Friends will host a 90-minute introductory presentation, “Healing on the Spiritual Path: The Key to Tomorrow’s Health,” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Unity of Toledo, 3535 Executive Parkway, in Toledo.

Bruno Gröning

Dr. Lucia Colizoli of Cleveland will discuss how healing energy regulates, cleanses, heals and can be consciously experienced by anyone.

“We will talk about Bruno and his work. As a doctor I will present some of the well-documented cases,” Colizoli said. “People will have a chance to feel the healing and an opportunity to meet the Toledo group. We will teach a little bit on how to absorb the energy with hands open upward and allow the flow of energy to go through the body. People from Germany will be there also along with the local Friends of Bruno.”

Colizoli, who has more than 30 years of experience in adolescent, adult and geriatric psychiatry, is an active member of the international medical scientific group associated with the Circle of Friends. The group reviews reports of spiritual healing and provide medical comments based on the findings of independent doctors.

“It’s unusual work. I don’t know many groups where doctors review reports of God’s work,” Colizoli said.

Gröning was born in 1906 in Germany into a working class family and started healing people at a young age.

“As a toddler, he started healing people by just walking around them,” Colizoli said. “At 2, he ran away into the woods and said to God, ‘Life on Earth is so hurtful.’ And God responded, ‘You volunteered for this so you can help people.’”

Misunderstood by his family as a child, Gröning also had a difficult adult life, including a bad marriage, Colizoli said. He was also drafted into World War II, where he refused to fight.

“The army put him in a tank and when he was told to fire, he would fire in the air.” Colizoli said. “He was then captured by the Russians, but instead of being desperate, he helped people around him even though he was held as a prisoner.”

The bulk of his work came later in life as many people were injured physically and mentally after World War II.

“Thousands of injured people — on more than one occasion 30,000 people — would show up for healing at his home in a single day,” Colizoli said. “His energy was so unbelievable that 90 percent of these people would actually heal. People would go home and spread the word. Even those who had not been in direct contact with Gröning, but would hear their story, would also get healing.”

Dr. Lucia Colizoli

Gröning referred to his divine gift as the Heilstrom, or healing stream. Human beings are like batteries, he believed; if we don’t recharge ourselves we lose energy.

“There are two polarities of energy in the universe: God’s positive energy and destructive negative energy, and we have to choose what to focus on,” Colizoli said. “Traumatic and negative experiences lead to illness. For example, pregnant women should be in a positive energy, because [negative energy] creates illness in babies.”

Gröning did not intend his teachings to replace religion, Colizoli said.

“He said, ‘Continue on your path, just connect to your heart. The spiritual way on Earth is filled with thorns, and I’m here to clear the way,’” Colizoli said. “In fact, Christians, Muslims, atheists, etc., are part of the Circle of Friends.”

Gröning was persecuted by authorities, who banned him from practicing and threatened him with prison, Colizoli said.

“They did everything to stop him,” she said.

Gröning, who died in 1959, continues to heal from beyond the grave, his devotees say.

“Before he died, he said he could help more from the other side.” Colizoli said. “People have had experiences after his death and some are still receiving healing even though he is not alive anymore. There is a five-hour documentary about him and people receive healing just by watching the film.”

After his death, Gröning was somewhat forgotten, but his teachings were revived by Austrian schoolteacher Grete Häusler, who founded the Circle of Friends in 1979.

“Mrs. Häusler continued his work. She died a few years ago and her son is now the leader,” Colizoli said. “We are all volunteers, thousands of us, in almost every country in the world. We are modeling after Gröning, who never asked for a single cent for his healing. All he asked was that healed people write their story for others so he could heal as many as possible.”

Colizoli said she finds her work rewarding both professionally and personally.

“I am so glad to be in a group that recognizes God can really help people where my profession has failed,” Colizoli said. “I’m 65 years old and I look younger since I came into the Circle of Friends and started practicing Gröning’s techniques.”

For more information, visit www.bruno-groening.org/english.

Video Game Review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Sleeping Dogs (Square Enix)

This crime-centered role-playing/action video game lets players take out Hong Kong crime syndicate as undercover detective Wei Shen in an open world format beginning with helpful tutorials as players progress. This one player game has no multiplayer mode, but offers online stats and leaderboards so players can compare their scores from three different experience point types – Triad, Face, and Police. Triad and Police points relate to Wei’s respective loyalty to each while Face reflects general reputation.

Players get a satisfying detective experience through a wide variety of elements including spycraft, safecracking, tracing phone, and stakeouts. The slo-motion options and melee actions work well, but camera issues occasionally hinder the experience especially when performing counter attack moves. Players can move the camera with the right stick (R3), but it still automatically recenters and creates obstacle/environment obstructions when rotating for better fighting angles. Players can drive, run, vault, use cover, throw, hijack, ram attack, grapple, jump onto vehicles, aim weapons, fire blindly, view maps, use phones, perform finishing melee moves, and change wardrobe, which make real impressions on bystanders to boost Face point scores.

The settings appeal with fantastic lighting effects while players can try secondary objectives and find collectibles. The strong voice acting and story writing blends between English and Cantonese languages for a compelling narrative. Originally envisioned as a continuing True Crime game series installment, Sleeping Dogs packs a surprisingly potent punch and comes recommended. Grab downloadable content packs like the Top Dog Silver Pack for extra point advantages, which yield impressive new abilities  (***, rated M for violence, language, and sexual content, also available on PC, Xbox 360).