Game: "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess"

Publisher: Nintendo

System: Nintendo Wii

Cost: $49.99

ESRB Rating: T

Review rating: 3 1/2 stars

‘THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS’ - In “The Legend of Zelda,' you can use a Wii controller for everything from shooting arrows to swinging swords. CNS Photo courtesy of Nintendo.

From the first satisfying slash of Link's sword to the ominous enemy boss characters, Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" is captivating to the very end.

While the GameCube version of this title contains identical content, the ability to use the innovative Wii controller for everything from shooting arrows to swinging swords and fishing truly enhances the experience.

Taking a cue from the movie "Ladyhawke," Link has been transformed into a deadly lycanthrope, spending his daylight hours as a human while prowling the night as a ferocious wolf. In his lupine form, Link has access to various melee attacks as well as a powerful Energy Field Multiple Strike Attacks.

FANTASY FIGHTING - Exploring the kingdom of Hyrule in “The Legend of Zelda,' is enhanced by the ability to ride horses. In addition, mounted players can gallop, jump over small obstacles and attack enemies with their trusty swords. CNS Photo courtesy of Nintendo

Playing as "wolf" Link is fun, but swinging the remote as if it were a sword and watching those actions transform into virtual combat is a blast. Just make sure that you aren't too close to the TV as most screens aren't nearly as sturdy as the enemies' shields.

Exploring the kingdom of Hyrule is enhanced by the ability to ride horses. In addition, mounted players can gallop, jump over small obstacles and attack enemies with their trusty swords. Traveling by horseback is a wonderful addition to the series. It adds great diversity and is just plain fun.

It would be nice to experience Zelda in a much higher-definition resolution. And, unfortunately, the game features text chatting with voiceless characters. Otherwise, this title is by far the best in the series.

Game: "Superman Returns"

Publisher: EA

System: Microsoft Xbox 360

Cost: $59.99

ESRB Rating: T

Review rating: 2 1/2 stars

‘SUPERMAN RETURNS’ - If you prefer leaping over buildings in a single bound to slashing away at fantasy characters, then EA's action title “Superman Returns' may be more to your liking. CNS Photo courtesy of EA.

If you prefer leaping over buildings in a single bound to slashing away at fantasy characters, then EA's action title "Superman Returns" could be more to your liking. That is, if you like repetitive combat, awkward controls and mediocre graphics.

Loosely following the plot from the recent movie of the same name, "Superman Returns" adds classic villains that all seem to follow the same bad guy handbook. Basically, they invade Metropolis with their underlings, forcing Superman to smash through legions of minions until he takes out the main bad guy in a convoluted boss battle. Some boss fights are so confusing that it takes several tries before the player even knows what to do.

SUPER GUY - In “Superman Returns,' the man of steel battles legions of evil minions until he takes out the main bad guy in a convoluted boss battle. CNS Photo courtesy of EA.

Flying around is fun for a bit, especially when you can use Superman's powers and break the sound barrier. Blasting meteors out of the sky and performing feats of strength can entertain only for so long. (Too bad the movie directors didn't realize this.) His melee maneuvers don't make up for this as they aren't nearly as super as they should be.

On the bright side, using the city as Superman's energy bar is a super idea because it gives players more incentive to act like Superman and perform good deeds.

But the incredibly average graphics in "Superman Returns," combined with its unexciting combat, create a game that even the Man of Steel can't save.

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RATING KEY

4 stars - Must have

3 stars - Pretty good

2 stars - So-so

1 star - Don't waste your time

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Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

T: Teen (13 and older)

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)