DEVELOPER: Black Rock Studios

PUBLISHER: Disney Interactive Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 4 (out of 5 stars)

It's not often that I get excited about Disney games because, lets face it, they're usually tailored for the Nickelodeon generation. However, Disney's latest release is a high-octane, off-road racing thrill ride called "PURE" that is full of enough extreme tricks to make even the X-Games look tame.

Often referred to as a mix between "ATV: Offroad Fury" and "SSX," this title will draw players in with its easy-to-use controls and then keep them captivated with in-depth customization options, gorgeous visuals, and great game play. Even non-gamers will find themselves performing mind-blowing tricks after just a few short minutes.

One of the coolest features is the unique way players must build up their trick meter in order to pull off difficult tricks. At the start of each race, eight tricks are assigned to the A button, and each one is performed by pushing a direction on the left analog stick along with A. By performing tricks without falling, a meter fills up that eventually unlocks a different set of tricks using the B button. The third set of tricks uses the Y button, and they are very time-consuming to perform.

Last to be unlocked are the surrealistic "special" tricks that not only defy gravity, but also boggle the mind. These include moves like flipping and spinning over the top of the ATV and even riding it like a pommel horse. I like how the trick meter controls the use of turbo, forcing players to choose between speed and style.

Up to 16 up-and-coming virtual ATV riders can compete online in long races, short sprints or Freestyle mode. The cool thing about Freestyle is that winners are based solely on their score, so players don't have to win the race to win the competition.

With "PURE," Disney proves that they can still make great games for people who've never even heard of Hannah Montana.

'Infinite Undiscovery' Hindered by Limited Variety

DEVELOPER: Square Enix

PUBLISHER: Square Enix

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

While the gaming world eagerly anticipates the next installment of the infamous Final Fantasy series, Square Enix has released several other role-playing games, such as "Infinite Undiscovery," to help fans pass the time. This fantasy-based RPG was developed exclusively for the Xbox 360 and offers the same type of captivating storyline that Square Enix fans have come to expect.

The tale begins as a young lad named Capell is mistaken for the leader of the local resistance and subsequently rescued from prison. He finds himself inadvertently joining a ragtag group of rebels and eventually helps them rid the lands of the oppressive group known as Order. While the story is interesting, the lead character is incredibly annoying. His inability to help anyone but himself almost seems like a subtle commentary on misguided American youth.

Just like modern action games, battles occur in real time and never switch to a separate mode. This seamless transition between exploring and combat is very welcome, but the price gamers have to pay is limited variety. Only two attack buttons are at the player's disposal, and the only control over teammates during combat is invoking the occasional "connect" attack or requesting a "heal."

Usually, I like in-depth customization options, but the need to constantly update both weapons and armor for 17 plus characters can be very cumbersome. Still, it's the ability to tailor my group to suit my style of play that keeps me coming back. That, and the pure enjoyment gained by exploring the verdant, open world contained therein.

"Infinite Undiscovery" is enjoyable, but lacks the polish found in most Square Enix RPG series'.

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.