Play to win

Open Season
Xbox
Ubisoft         *

The Good
Boog eventually gains a good variety of skills and weapons; extras include mini-games. 
The Bad
Game is nearly over by the time you have access to all of Boog’s abilities; too many inane fetch quests; few levels make use of all of boog’s skills; dialogue scenes are lifeless and not funny.  
The Verdict
This rendition of Open Season is a plodding adventure full of inane fetch quests and lifeless dialogue scenes.

Rengoku II
PSP
Konami          **

The Good
Improved level design; colourful visual style; engaging character customisation.
The Bad
Enemy designs are repetitive; combat wears out well before it’s over.      
The Verdict
The game ultimately runs out of steam before it’s over, but along the way, Rengoku II creates a more streamlined and interesting experience than its predecessor.

NBA Live 07
PS2
EA Sports                 ***

The Good
Game plays as solid as ever; slam-dunk contest is great; commentary and soundtrack are top-notch; level-one superstar moves are cool.
The Bad
Not a whole lot new here; upper-level superstar moves are overkill; new dunk and layup buttons make controls needlessly complex.. 
The Verdict
Few changes have been made to NBA Live formula since last year, but it’s still an enjoyable game with a good amount to offer.

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
PS2
Square Enix                    ****

The Good
Great combat system combines turn-based depth with real-time action; fun-to-explore dungeons are designed like levels from a 2D action platformer; large variety of gear and skills for customising a big cast of playable characters.
The Bad
Steeper-than-average difficulty forces you to power-level to victory. 
The Verdict
A storyline based on Norse mythology isn’t the only thing that’s unusual and original about this tough, complex, and action-packed Japanese role-playing game.