'DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: MARIO MIX'

'DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: MARIO MIX'
Platform: GameCube.
Genre: Puzzle.
Publisher: Konami/Nintendo.
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: sss (out of 5)
In an interesting mesh, Konami and Nintendo bring Mario and his style of gaming into the realm of "Dance Dance Revolution." There's an innovative story mode that features Mario and plays like a typical "Mario" game, only with step dancing involved instead of a standard controller.
The graphics and everything about the game scream "Mario," and that is a welcome sign of synergy between two companies as they look to capitalize on two successful franchises in one setting.
The biggest adjustment that must be made is that of hard-core "DDR" players who were expecting something different with a "Mario"-infused "DDR" experience. If you are looking for a more family-friendly "DDR" game, then this is the one for you. More experienced stompers need to take a pass and stick with the "DDR" games created for the Xbox or PlayStation 2.
'SSX ON TOUR'
Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Sony PS2.
Genre: Sports.
Publisher: EA Sports Big.
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: ss 1/2 (out of five)
In this new chapter of the "SSX" line, EA continues to improve upon its already stellar skiing/snowboarding franchise.
The course designs and gameplay experience are more refined, which allows you to enhance your rider while playing on the tour mode and competing in challenges. The graphics have always been strong on "SSX" games, and this new edition is no exception, especially with the create-a-rider feature and also noticeable in the tricks you pull off while pulling big air.
The track designs have been tweaked for the better from "SSX 3," allowing for greater runs on the slopes without the slow, barren areas that existed in previous editions.
It is disappointing to see that there is no online component in this installment. There was just a flicker of online play in "SSX 3," and it seemed that EA could have gone bigger and better this time around.
Nevertheless, this is a must-own for both fans of the franchise or for sports fans looking for an extreme-sports alternative.
'TAK 3: THE GREAT JUJU CHALLENGE'
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: THQ.
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: ss (out of five)
This third installment has Tak and his buddy Lok taking part in a competition that only comes around once a lifetime, so it's obvious you better win and not shame the family. The pals compete against three other teams in a variety of challenges, based on score and other factors.
The game is set up in such a way that it almost requires playing with a friend, for relying on the game's AI to be your companion is almost certain to cause more frustration than it is worth.
What truly hurts "Tak 3" is the reliance of a timer that judges how fast you complete each mission, determining whether you may proceed. It takes several runs to get the best score possible, and this will frustrate younger gamers and cause them to turn away.
'TY THE TASMANIAN TIGER 3: NIGHT OF THE QUINKAN'
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance.
Genre: Action.
Publisher: Activision.
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: sss (out of five)
As trilogies go, "Ty" has had about the same amount of success as "Tak": enough to keep making games, but not enough to put the kind of effort into the franchise that separates it from the rest of the herd.
In "Night of the Quinkan," our hero from the Australian Outback and his friends will battle the Quinkan, an evil force that naturally threatens to destroy everything, thus giving Ty some purpose in life. Armed with trusty boomerangs and simple gameplay controls, younger gamers will enjoy much with this title. The vehicles are varied and fun, and the game benefits strongly from diverse level design.
--Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard