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Christmas has come and gone, and with it, some really great video games. Disappointing with their lack of originality, Nintendo stuck to usual rooster of characters, though they deliver some great gameplay.

I began my bottomless pit of gaming with Viewtiful Joe 2, the sequel to the life-changing slow-mo sidescroller. Now teaming up with his girlfriend Silvia and her pistol of hearts, Joe is back to save the world yet again in his cheesy, red Japanese Megaman suit and flapping pink cape. I fell in love with the first installment of this obviously successful series, and I ripped through this edition with virtually no problems. Adding a few new elements, a few new enemies, and new training-style mode, Viewtiful Joe 2 was a great addition to my Gamecube collection. Even though it wasn’t particularly original, I’d buy another Viewtiful Joe for sure. It’s just a great concept.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes was something I’d long awaited. With a similar style of gameplay and overall concept, this sequel proves to be one of the most addictive and creative three-dimensional video games. Each region can be explored as two distinct universes, the light world and the dark world. The artistry and music behind this game is genius and truly makes for an interesting set of action sequences and puzzles. The dark world is surfeit with dangerous enemies as the toxic environment consistently drains your energy. As in all Metroid games, the fun lies in defeating mazelike maps and daunting bosses as well as powering up your suit to include all new attacks and abilities. I was also shocked when a certain robotic enemy gave my suit a computer virus, snowing up my vision and reducing the frame rate, which forced me to “reboot” by pushing the L, R, and B buttons at the same time. This game puts a brand new skin on an old concept, and does so with the smoothness of every Nintendo success. Echoes is definitely a great buy.

Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time was a game to remember. Slowing and reversing time in the third person with a master swordsman made this game an instant classic along the lines of Max Payne. Running up walls, swinging acrobatics, impossible jumps, and hardcore sword-fighting are the very staples of the Prince of Persia series. These elements, combined with significant advances, are the foundation of the sequel, Prince of Persia: the Warrior Within. Now with the ability to use two weapons, the hero has to stop the Sands of Time from ever being created in order to survive. Some have criticized the Warrior Within storyline, but few video games are known for their amazing plots. This new installment is a brutal puzzle and action filled quest of endless enjoyment. The controls are a little tough to pick up, and some moments are just plain difficult. But don’t fret, you’ll frequently encounter water fountains that facilitate the process of replenishing life and saving your game.

Concept Art: Prince Of Persia- The Warrior Within

Coming soon: a review of Nintendo’s party games…