FIGHTING

Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (PSN)
This game has been available as a Playstation Network download for some time, but recently Namco released the Online add-on or the stand alone download of the Online edition of Tekken: Dark Resurrection. Featuring over 30 unique characters, stunning graphics, literally thousands of moves, numerous play modes and now online fighting, this release in the Tekken line is a great choice for any fighting fan. Note this is a Playstation Network only game (not available in retail) and as such must be downloaded on the users PS3.

Why Buy it? Tekken has always been a fast and fun fighting experience, this newest version on the PS3 gives fans all they could want and more. With characters utilizing martial arts ranging from Mui Thai Kickboxing to Capoeira and Wrestling the action is different and unique from character to character. This version features a Survival mode that throws an endless horde of enemies at you and also has a deep Ghost Mode that allows you to compete against martial arts experts and customize your fighter with items, extras and moves. Perhaps the best inclusion is obviously the online mode, now you can jump online and challenge players around the world competing for Rank advancement and gloating rights. All of this together at a relatively low price makes this a great addition to any fighting fans collection.

ROLE PLAYING GAMES

Folklore
Good RPG's take a lot of time to make, which explains why there are so few for the PS3 at this time, luckily Folklore is a great Action RPG that is available now for the PS3 and is a solid addition to its library. The story in this game revolves around two different people who head to the village of Doolin for different reasons. Both have heard that Doolin is a place where the living can meet the dead; both characters (Ellen and Keats) have their own reasons for visiting and over the course of the game their stories meet and merge. The game play begins when you enter the Netherworld and start interacting with the Folks, which are spirits in the Netherworld, you will talk and battle with them in a unique way. The main characters have no weapons, instead they capture the ID of the Folks and use them as weapons or shields, all this is tied to a great control scheme and one of the first really fun uses of the Sixaxis motion control. Luckily for us game starved RPG fans Folklore looks and plays like a dream and is a great game for any fan of the genre.

Why Buy it? As mentioned there really are few RPGs on the PS3, so that alone is reason enough to buy Folklore, luckily the game is deep, fun and has a great story. The game is very plain at the start, but once you enter the Netherworld the lush graphics really show off the PS3's power, there are bright vibrant flowers, environments and imaginative characters. The game play is truly unique with the fact that all your powers are based on stolen souls that the get mapped to the buttons on your controller, instead of swinging a sword when you press the square button you will attack with the power of the Folk you assigned to it. Stealing souls happens frequently as you can level up your captured Folk by stealing more of their kinds souls, you tilt, wave and move the Sixaxis to steal the souls. The actions required are suitable and fun, often it feels like you are reeling in a fish, the effect is nice and adds a visceral feel to the game. Folklore is a great and relatively unique that PS3 owners should enjoy.