VIDEO GAME REVIEWS

'MLB 2K6'
Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Sony PSP.
Genre: Sports.
Publisher: 2K Sports.
Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: C+
It was said that "MLB 06: The Show" from SCEA may be the best baseball game on the market. With 2K Sports finally chiming in with its "MLB 2K6," this distinction may still remain, but "2K6" has some big selling points that easily could make it a hot seller as well.
The first is its swing stick controls. Anyone familiar with the shot stick in 2K's basketball games will be right at home here; those new to it will most likely find it a natural extension of game play and wonder why baseball games couldn't have mastered this feature sooner.
2K teamed up with Inside Edge, which has assimilated its statistical analysis into the game to give players an advantage in certain areas like in-game scouting of a pitcher or getting better reads on an opponent's power hitter.
Another advantage it has over competitors is full MLB licensing. This allows for the incorporation of the World Baseball Classic into this title -- although now that that event is over, it's hard to see anyone suddenly wanting to play it.
The graphics are well-done, and the voice work of Joe Morgan and Jon Miller is superb. This game matches up well against Sony's "The Show," and your game play desire may be what helps make the final decision here. Either way, you are getting a top-notch baseball experience.
Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard
'KINGDOM HEARTS II'
Platform: PlayStation 2.
Genre: Role-playing.
Publisher: Square Enix.
Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: C+
What makes "Kingdom Hearts II" so enjoyable is that no matter your age or skill level, you can't help but get a kick out of seeing so many Disney characters take part in a serious adventure story alongside individuals from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," for instance.
You play as Sora, the hero of the first installment of this game. There's a mix of RPG and straight-action gaming involved. The level of difficulty hurts this title in that it's not very hard, and the game play almost takes a back seat to the cameos from all these characters.
As you progress through the game's levels and bosses, you'll encounter scores of different environments that are just teeming with Disney life. In the oceanic areas you'll run into Captain Jack Sparrow ("Pirates of the Caribbean") and, moments later, members of the cast from "The Little Mermaid." Sure, it's Disney to the extreme, but you never feel like you are trapped in "It's A Small World."
The game as a whole beautifully blends an adult theme with teenage sentiments. If nothing else, this is a fantastic way for younger gamers to feel more comfortable diving into an RPG experience.
Sometimes you get wrapped up in whether a game is too hard or too easy or too something else. What's great about "Kingdom Hearts II" is its ability to make you sit back and just have fun.
Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard
'TOURIST TROPHY'
Platform: PlayStation 2.
Genre: Racing.
Publisher: SCEI.
Rating: E, for Everyone.
Grade: C
Now that the Sony folks have all but mastered the car-racing game with its "Gran Turismo" franchise, it has taken its realistic racing vision and brought it to the two-wheeled action of motorcycle racing.
"Tourist Trophy" has a multitude of bikes to ride, and no matter which one you choose you'll be impressed. Almost all of the interfaces and game play are ported from cars to bikes, so anyone who has played "Gran Turismo" will feel right at home. A series of challenges helps you upgrade your bike to a newer model.
The game is a bit sparse when it comes to modes of play, with only a quick play or career mode to choose between. It is rather surprising to see this game not feature online play, given that most racing games in the motocross area have it, and this game would enhance it that much more.
Some might see "Tourist Trophy" as a two-wheeled version of "Gran Turismo," but to judge it that plainly would ruin the experience and overlook this worthwhile game.
Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard