‘Rhythm Heaven’

May 1, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

‘Rhythm Heaven’

(Nintendo) for DS

Genre: Music; Rating: E

Grade: C+

Not for the musically timid, “Rhythm Heaven” provides a welcome break from current music-genre megahits that rely on sing-alongs to crummy pop hits or thrashing about on a guitar.

This DS game is all about tapping along to the beat. That sounds simple, but it is far from it. Those lacking musical talent or an inner beat will fail miserably at this game.

You are guided along through each instrumental song by a cartoon that helps you learn the beat. Remarkably, these simple and original cartoons provide some of the best visuals seen in some time, and work perfectly with the music.

If you can get keep up with the rising difficulty and can immerse yourself in the experience, “Rhythm Heaven” is a game that adults and musically gifted youngsters can jam to for a long time.

‘Don King Boxing’

(2K Sports) for Wii

Genre: Sports; Rating: T

Grade: C-

It’s hard to explain, given my mostly pacifist nature, but I love boxing. From my early childhood, the sport has captivated me and I cherish boxing games like old friends, so “Don King Boxing” should have been a perfect match. Instead, this game — released under the famed promoter’s name — left me dazed from too many uppercuts of mediocrity.

First off, let’s be clear that the controls are some of the best the Wii has to offer. The throwing of punches is fluid and properly mimics the sport’s motions. Toss in a solid campaign mode and this game should be a champ.

But it goes flat to the mat because of bad visuals. You are always looking through a semi-transparent representation of your boxer, which makes focusing difficult during the high-speed action. Compounding this is poor depth of field. Lastly, there is no vibration or response to hitting someone, which smacks down all the excitement a boxing game should deliver.

“Don King Boxing” lacks the emotional and physical punch one should get from the sport.

‘Demigod’

(Stardock) for PC

Genre: Real-time Strategy

Rating: T; Grade: C-

Full disclosure: I’ve never been a fan of “World of Warcraft” or real-time strategy games because I just don’t want the time commitment. Maybe that is why “Demigod” doesn’t appeal to me. Or it could just be that the game feels half-finished.

I’m leaning toward the latter, because when you start playing “Demigod,” it’s actually a visually appealing, thrill-at-every-turn experience. The eight playable characters are unique in their abilities, upgradable skills and so on. All of the battles are tense affairs, and with epic-sounding audio and smooth controls, the game has a solid foundation.

However, you quickly realize there’s little built on that foundation to keep you interested. The action is solely online multiplayer and, because of constant connection glitches, the game feels unfinished.

RTS fans may find much to love about “Demigod,” but I fear many others will consider the game, like I did, a false idol.

—Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard