Two new games of varying quality

"Soul Calibur IV"

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Genre: Fighting

Publisher: Bandai Namco

ESRB Rating: T, for Teen

Grade: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

The previous installment in the "Soul Calibur" series was not exactly a barnburner of epic proportions. Sure, "Soul Calibur Legends" came out for the Wii, so there is a slight difference in presentation and gameplay, but either way it was a release that was poor in many facets and left fans wondering if the franchise was beginning to sputter.

Two new additions to the franchise in "Soul Calibur IV" make that argument a wash. And though the gameplay remains mostly unchanged, these changes make enough difference to warrant this being a must-own, and then it comes down to which version to buy.

First is the inclusion of "Star Wars" characters. On the Xbox 360, you get Yoda, who may be small in stature but packs a wallop indeed. He's difficult to hit, and while he doesn't use a lot of Force powers, his nimble mobility is a definite advantage.

Over on the PS3 you get Darth Vader. Here, Vader has more Force powers than Yoda, but his overall strength is not as dominating compared with the rest of the "Soul Calibur" field. There is another Apprentice character, who is -- pun intended -- a force to be reckoned with.

The second big inclusion is online play. This is the first time "Soul Calibur" has had it. Playing online is smooth and easy, and while there are no special gaming modes or anything you have not experienced in other games, at least it is finally a part of this franchise.

The gameplay in "Soul Calibur IV" won't be a chore to learn. Once you get the controls down, almost every character plays the same. It's just a matter of finding one that fits your style. Character customization is equally important, with armor and appearance alterations that won't make you unstoppable, but will give you definite advantages based on how you play.

Besides the task of deciding between the PS3 or 360 version, there is little that should stop you from buying this game.

"Nancy Drew: Clue Bender"

Platform: DS

Genre: Adventure

Publisher: Majesco

ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone

Grade: 2 stars

It always amazes me what cultural items seem to live on. Nancy Drew is one of those, which may come as a shock. But her stories are still kicking around after 80 years, and it's something my sister and my grandmother can talk about on a level that is near-frightening.

I only remember a few of the mystery tales that I read when in grade school, but now I get weird looks when I talk about how Nancy has crossed the digital divide. For better or worse (and I am not going to judge), young gamers can check out Nancy's new adventures on the DS. But you'd be better off sticking with the paperbacks.

"Clue Bender" involves a mysterious society of intellectuals, a book of magical power, a haunted mansion and plenty of puzzles to be solved. How could this go wrong? Well, try playing it and you will see.

For starters, the game is much too short. And though "Clue Bender" is aimed at younger gamers, they have longer attention spans than this. The game also suffers from too many repetitive minigames and mazes that don't advance the story at all. Beyond the setting of the spooky mansion itself, there is not much connection between many of the tasks and the mystery you are hoping to solve.

Visually, the game is crisp with a comic-book presentation that will easily attract younger gamers. It's just a shame that the story doesn't last long enough for anyone to enjoy it. This is, at best, a rental game you'll finish and take back the same afternoon.

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