Despicable Me: The Game Minion Mayhem (D3Publisher)
Smaller is better here as this DS game wins the quality battle over the basic version (**, rated E10+ for mild cartoon violence available on Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable), but all entertain. Help Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, steal the moon and beat Vector. The Wii version’s sounds, weapons/gadgets and actions are great, but the scenes are often small on the screen unless players have a large screen television. The magnet guns, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles offer several options, so Dr. Nefario offers helpful audio hints. Players can also assemble those hilarious yellow minions and play as Gru or Vector in the multiplayer modes. In the Nintendo DS exclusive Despicable Me: The Game/Minion Mayhem, players can have more fun managing the mischievous little minions throughout several basic levels (*** out of four stars, rated E for comic mischief).
Attack of the Movies 3D (Majesco)
Experience monsters, combat, space and sea in 3-D throughout six worlds of arcade shooter fun. Use the Wii remote, Zapper or game controller to conquer each scenario, which vary among six themes that echo familiar film franchises — insect invasion, robot rebellion, cosmic combat, deep-sea danger, into the emperor’s tomb and graveyard gunfight. This enjoyable “pick-up and play” game also features multiple weapons and includes four pairs of 3D glasses. The game runs a bit short in overall time and challenge, but the affordable $29.99 price offsets that minor vice (**1/2, rated T for animated blood and fantasy violence, also available on the Xbox 360).
Kick-Ass (WHA Entertainment)
This third person perspective beat ‘em up is now available at a new lower price of $9.99 for the Sony PlayStation Network (PSN). Play as Kick-Ass, Hit Girl, or Big Daddy while ripping through a crime-filled New York City. This high challenge game includes 12 story missions plus two bonus rounds with plenty of bosses, sub-missions, unlockable items and mini-games. A multiplayer local co-op gameplay mode helps develop skills that require quick decisions (***, rated M for blood, drug use, gore, intense violence and strong language, also available on iPhone and iPad).
