Game On: 'DiRT 2' kicks up a good ride

"DiRT 2"

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, PSP, DS

Genre: Racing

Publisher: Codemasters

ESRB Rating: T, for Teen

Grade: 4 stars (out of 5)

My former co-worker Paul is into racing. I mean, into racing. He knows things about cars that I didn't even know existed, and he talks about selling and buying parts like I talk about frame rate and gameplay. I don't doubt he knows what he's talking about, and I have no doubt he would thoroughly enjoy "DiRT 2."

You don't have to be at Paul's knowledge level to enjoy the ride offered by "DiRT 2." Even young or inexperienced gamers will walk away impressed with the detail and thrills this sequel kicks up.

You can race in three different car types: rally, buggy or trophy truck. Learning the controls on one doesn't hinder learning another, so you can switch back and forth without being overwhelmed. The cars handle well, but if you miss a turn and get into a gnarly wreck, your ride will suffer. Luckily, the game features a flashback option, which allows you replays -- and thus improve your results. This option lessens the challenge, but it's a feature you can ignore if you want to stay true to the racing.

"DiRT 2" provides many settings for races. The open deserts of Utah will ride much differently than a Los Angeles arena or some jungle in southeast Asia. The race environments look fantastic. Rides can be customized, and the audio is excellent, with appropriate sounds of engine-revving and tires digging in.

You can play online, which is nice, but not being able to compete offline against friends in your own home is disappointing. That just means if Paul wants to whip up on me -- and he probably would -- we'll have to meet online. I have no doubt he'll enjoy "DiRT 2," just as you will.

"Muramasa: The Demon Blade"

Platform: Wii

Genre: Action

Publisher: Ignition Entertainment

ESRB Rating: T, for Teen

Grade: 3.5 stars

What "Muramasa" lacks in difficulty it more than makes up for in visual design, which ranks among the best in gaming.

"The Demon Blade" is amazing to view. Art lovers of any kind would be wise to watch someone play the game just to marvel at the beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds. But because the game is such a delight to look at you can overlook how easy it is to play.

The controls are absurdly simple to learn. Only a few buttons perform all the attacks and defensive moves you need to defeat enemies. There are two playable characters, and although each one's path is similar, there are subtle differences that make it worth switching from one to the other to see how things unfold. The sword is everything in "Muramasa," so when you are not hacking and slashing through enemies, you will be unlocking new blades or forging several together to form more powerful ones.

The boss battles are excellent and further show off the astonishing art direction. Whether you are fighting a gigantic centipede or avoiding the crushing foot of an enormous god, "Muramasa" may not always challenge you but its breathtaking scenery will make your play worthwhile.

(E-mail Chris Campbell at game_on_games(at)mac.com)

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