‘Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe’

‘Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe’

(Midway) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Genre: Fighting; Rating: T

Grade: C

Just like it was bad to cross streams in “Ghostbusters,” it is sometimes bad to take two completely disparate groups of fictional characters and have them interact. “Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe” is certainly a novel idea, but the execution plays it too safe and tries too hard to please both crowds, leaving it shy of excellent.

First off, I’ll admit my bias here. There is just no way “MK” characters could handle “DC” characters in a pure match-up. In fact, it’s not even close, so I’ll just leave it there. “MK” characters have a better chance at shining Batman’s boots than beating him up, even with all the magic. You’re just not beating the Caped Crusader. Yet the whole game is like this; all the “DC” characters have been pared down in order to level the playing field. Sure, it’s cool to watch Sonya take on Flash, but capping his abilities leaves me feeling a bit slighted.

Playing the single-player modes is fun, but none last long, and quickly you’ll seek refuge online, where most of the fun is. The graphics are strong throughout whatever mode you play, and, naturally, all the characters from both worlds look and move as they should.

I question some of the character choices on the “DC” side (really, Captain Marvel?), but if you have ever wondered what it would be like to see Sub-Zero and Superman do battle, this is clearly right up your alley.

‘Call of Duty: World at War’

(Activision) for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, DS

Genre: Shooter; Rating: M

Grade: B-

Once “Call of Duty” went 21st century with the “Modern Warfare” title last year, there were pangs of disappointment upon seeing the franchise return to its World War II roots.

The Pacific Theater never really got a fair shake in previous games, and it’s excellent to see that done here, but “World at War” certainly doesn’t break any new ground the way “Modern Warfare” did.

You’ll battle it out in jungles, in naval fights, on hardscrabble islands of death and much more. And though it’s tense, there is little innovative here. Just imagine “Modern Warfare’s” excellent gameplay with WWII-era machinery and weapons, and you’ve got the basic picture.

The Nazi Zombies are perhaps the best feature by far. Much like the horde mode in “Gears of War 2,” with Nazi Zombies you and some friends are trapped in a house where wave after wave of guess-whats are trying to break in and feast on you.

The online multiplayer is fantastic once again, so if you are looking for an intense gaming experience back in the WWII milieu, then “World at War” is what you are looking for.

‘Animal Crossing: City Folk’

(Nintendo) for Wii

Genre: Simulation; Rating: E

Grade: C

The “Animal Crossing” franchise could actually be a useful financial education tool for homebuyers. The goal is to pay off your debt to an evil money lender, while at the same time growing farms, collecting treasure and becoming just a standout citizen.

I’m not saying Fannie Mae should be in the gaming business, but while playing “City Folk” it’s impossible not to see the lessons of the real world in application here. Go online and you can visit a friend’s house and also go shopping with him for home furnishings. And even if you do fail to pay off Tom Nook, you get the ability to restart the game and try again. Much better than foreclosure or bankruptcy.

The game plays not unlike previous “Animal Crossing” titles. The Wii does seem like a waste of a platform, however. This game was great at first on the GameCube, but has more likely found its best home on the DS, where “City Folk” should have been. Wii owners may want to rent this game and see if it’s for them before adding it to their library.

— Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard