DEVELOPER: Ubi Soft

PUBLISHER: Ubi Soft

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (also on Xbox 360, PC)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 4 (out of 5 stars)

When "Far Cry" was released, it helped jump-start the First Person Shooter genre out of stagnation back into the most popular genre for console gaming. Oddly enough, the sequel has absolutely nothing to do with the storyline of its predecessor, but "Far Cry 2" does offer a more expanded, free-roaming adventure than the original.

Set in the African plains, this title puts players in the role of a flourishing mercenary who must juggle missions between different factions in order to eliminate the dreaded arms trafficker known only as "The Jackal." Being a newbie to the area certainly doesn't help matters much, and neither does contracting malaria.

In fact, this is the most irritating portion of the game because the sickness will randomly dull the player's senses, even in the middle of a firefight. The only way to offset the disease is to take malaria pills, which are obtained by completing certain missions. This forces players to stop their current mission if they run out of pills in order to acquire more.

While malaria doesn't completely ruin the game, it does detract from the gorgeous visuals, excellent weapon handling and gigantic free-roaming zone that is available to explore. However, nothing can tarnish the ultra-realistic fire effects. Not only is it enchanting to simply watch a fire tear across the plains, but players can also start fires to take out enemies.

This title offers more than 40 whopping hours of game play, which is a great deal more than most FPS games. Unfortunately, most of that time will be spent simply traveling from the quest giver to the destination. This is usually fun because grungy automobiles and rusty boats are available, but it can get old after a while.

"Far Cry 2" does offer some great online multiplayer modes that are free of the irritations found in single player, making this title worthy of purchase for any online shooter fan.

Bond is Back in 'Quantum of Solace'

DEVELOPER: Treyarch

PUBLISHER: Activision

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (also on PS3)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Secret agent 007 is back and out for revenge in Activision's latest First Person Shooter, "Quantum of Solace." Using plot elements from both of Daniel Craig's Bond flicks and sporting a handy cover system, it had the potential to nab the crown of best 007 game since "Goldeneye." Unfortunately, the single player adventure is barely longer than both flicks combined, which is enough to leave me both shaken and stirred.

As soon as Bond wannabes first enter the game, the attention to detail becomes apparent. For starters, the main character looks exactly like Daniel Craig, and his animations closely resemble those found in his movies. In addition, Treyarch has packed every level with plenty of realistic items and areas to hide instead of simply creating minimal landscapes.

One of the highlights of the game is the useful cover system that lets 007 hide behind objects and pop up or to the side to take shots at enemies. This move switches to a third-person camera view that is perfect for watching cyber-Craig do his dirty work. I also really like how players can swiftly move from cover to cover with the press of a button. If it were just a bit easier to leave cover, the system would be flawless.

Some levels offer the option to use stealth to silently eliminate enemies, but agents-in-training can also run-and-gun through these portions. This is a welcome method of offering players some choices in a mostly linear adventure. Why, oh why, then do I have to endure an irritating mini-game just to walk across a plank of wood while being chased by ruthless enemies? Especially when Bond could easily hop across it in two steps in his movies.

Not even the mediocre online multiplayer modes can make up for the brevity of "Quantum of Solace," but the game does make a great rental.

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.