NCAA 07 March Madness
XB 360
From: Electronic Arts
Price: $59.99
March Madness is just around the corner, so it’s high time to take the reins of your alma mater’s basketball squad and guarantee a deep run in the NCAA’s 65-team megatournament. This year’s version, at least on the 360, is greatly improved–to the point where it dunks on Electronic Arts’ pro game. The player models and arenas are nothing short of awesome. And the computer coach has gotten a lot more wily. Run a play a few times and, instead of a monster jam, the adaptive AI will slap that junk out of bounds. Each player has the usual stats (shooting, defense, speed, etc.) but also a composure rating, which indicates how hard it is to rattle them. From a strong matchmaking system to a deep dynasty mode that largely mirrors EA’s NCAA football game, March Madness does a good job bringing the energy of college hoops home.
RATING: 4 GHOSTS
Wario Ware Smooth Moves
NINTENDO WII
From: Nintendo
Price: $49.99
This bizarre collection of more than 200 lightning-quick microgames proves the motion-sensitive Wii remote will redefine how people play video games. Instead of pressing buttons to shoot or jump, the versatile controller is ingeniously employed to steer a bike, balance a broom, engage in a sword fight, pick a nose and tune a guitar. Games last just a few seconds, but the variety will keep players coming back for more. The microgames are loosely tied together through Wario–archenemy of Nintendo’s famed plumber, Mario–who discovers a magical “form baton” that looks suspiciously like the Wii remote. Smooth Moves is great for parties because it’s hard not to look silly while putting dentures in an elderly person’s mouth. But the single-player game must be completed before multiplayer options are enabled.
RATING: 3 GHOSTS
Tom Clancy Rainbow Six Vegas
XB 360
From: Ubisoft
Price: $59.99
Terrorists have taken control of America’s casino capital, and it’s up to Rainbow Six–the world’s most elite counter-terrorism unit–to make sure the gamble doesn’t pay. As a tactical shooter, Vegas is solid, but repetitive. The game boils down to visiting a series of hotels and other sites and clearing room after room of bad guys with the occasional epic firefight thrown in. Many challenges require correctly positioning squad mates before storming in. As with other Clancy titles, cool gadgets steal the spotlight, including night goggles, a rappelling rope and a snake cam. The game looks good, especially building interiors that come later, but it is difficult to spot enemies until they begin firing. That’s when the series’ new cover system comes in handy. Returning fire while crouched behind a crate, pool table or wall is the only way to stay alive.
RATING: 3 GHOSTS
