Life and death of Chopin provide dreamy 'Sonata'

Video Game Reviews Game: "Eternal Sonata"

Publisher: Namco Bandai

System: Microsoft Xbox 360

Cost: $60

ESRB rating: T

Review rating: 3 1/2 stars 


Japanese-style turn-based role-playing games (RPGs) are almost nonexistent on the Xbox 360, so fans of this genre are eager for anything new. Fortunately for them, Namco Bandai's latest offering, "Eternal Sonata," serenades the player with haunting melodies, gorgeous visuals, a compelling story and a very unusual battle system.

Based on the dreams of composer Frederic Chopin in his moments before death, this game features two story lines that run side-by-side. The first reminisces about his life and eventual death due to illness, while the other is full of political intrigue and focuses on the fantasy world inside his head.

Most turn-based RPGs force the player to keep characters stationary and then sit back while the animation of their attacks are performed. "Eternal Sonata" adds real-time action (and fun) to the mix by letting the player move characters into advantageous positions and then attack in real time. A "battle timer" counts down during every turn and the player is free to mix up attacks in any manner.

While the visuals in "Eternal Sonata" may not be realistic, they are stunning. With the flashy special effects and highly detailed character models, the experience seems more like browsing through a meticulously detailed Japanese manga (comic book) than playing a video game. It's just too bad that every character looks exactly the same throughout the adventure, despite their being equipped with upgraded weapons and clothes.

In the end, "Eternal Sonata" is music for both the eyes and ears, and 10 minutes of game play is enough to wipe the frown off anyone's face.

Game: "Thrillville: Off the Rails"

Publisher: LucasArts

System: Nintendo Wii

Cost: $50

ESRB rating: E

Review rating: 3 stars

My father used to take the family to the Disney World resort every year, and it was a blast. On one trip, I fiddled for hours with a computer simulation that let people construct their own roller coasters and then ride them. Now, LucasArts has packaged an advanced version of this software, along with the ability to run your own theme park, into the addicting title, "Thrillville: Off the Rails."

Everyone loves to visit amusement parks, but how many people have ever had the chance to own one? This title offers pre-built attractions to budding park owners as well as the ability to create custom rides and place them wherever they want. In addition, the player can ride every attraction and play every game in each park.

Quests help beginners learn the ropes of successful park ownership, including: marketing campaigns, researching new rides, hiring and training workers, satisfying customers, and making new friends. It's even possible to customize every ride in the game by changing the theme, color, and ticket price.

Managing your own theme park isn't all fun and games, however, as guests will stop visiting if there is no where to buy food or relieve themselves. In order to make the park a success, workers must be hired to entertain guests, maintain rides, and clean up.

It didn't take me long to get used to the unique control scheme that employs both the Wiimote and its Nunchuk companion. Using the motion controls to build roller coasters feels intuitive, and controlling my character with the C-stick has a familiar feel.

While it may not sound like edge-of-your-seat excitement, creating rides and maintaining my own amusement park while playing "Thrillville: Off the Rails" keeps me entertained for hours on end!

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)