Blue Stinger - Sega Dreamcast

As Eliot or Dogs Bower, a ferry captain Eliot meets early in the game, you explore the island and uncover the story behind the disaster. While most of the game focuses on solving puzzles and learning more about the meteor and its effect on the island, roaming zombies and huge monsters will keep you on your toes.

Graphics are good--with nice flashy weapons effects--but not mind-blowing like Soul Calibur or Sonic Adventure. The Jump Pack accessory (sold separately) provides great tactile feedback when firing weapons or getting mauled by a monster--it seems to spend more time rumbling than not.

While the fighting is a lot of fun, some players may be frustrated by the regeneration of zombies. It can get tedious to exit a room after killing all of the enemies, only to run into them again when returning. The game's viewpoint system also could be improved, as it occasionally leaves you fighting an enemy you can't see. Parents should note that Blue Stinger is a horror game, and the gore flows readily.

All in all, while it doesn't build any new genres, Blue Stinger provides a solid gaming experience. Its flaws keep it from being a great game, but don't keep it from being a good time. --Aaron Karp

Pros: Long gameplay Involved science-fiction/horror storyline Good balance between puzzles and action Cons: Occasionally awkward viewpoint system Repetitive enemy encounters