Video Game Reviews

The longstanding sci-fi conflict between light and darkness first limned by writer-director George Lucas in 1977 continues in "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor" (Electronic Arts). It's another epic adventure for the sturdy saga. But the game's combat is too graphic for youngsters and some off-color vocabulary also makes it unsuitable for them.

With "Call of Duty: Vanguard" (Activision), the mayhem-ridden franchise that dates back to 2003 returns to its roots, at least insofar as this iteration is set, as the earliest games in the series were, during World War II.

The whole fabric of space and chronology having been ripped open by villains, the stakes are high in "Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time" (Activision).

The whimsical farming simulator game "Harvest Moon: One World" (Natsume) adds to a franchise that reaches back to 2007. Full of innocent fun, its engaging quests and magical adventures make it an entertaining title.

"Cyberpunk 2077," a fast-paced action-adventure title that warns of a dystopian future where glamor, greed and rogue science reign, is being hyped as one of the best games of 2020.

Like its predecessors in the popular Nintendo franchise, "Paper Mario: The Origami King" is a fun and wholesome game that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It's the sixth release in the "Paper Mario" series, which dates back to 2000 and the Nintendo 64 console.

Parents looking to purchase a game that is safe as well as fun -- for older kids and teens at least -- can rest assured: "Layton's Mystery Journey" (Level-5) fits the bill.

"Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney -- Dual Destinies", the latest title the long-running "Ace Attorney" franchise for the Nintendo 3DS, explores conflicting legal moralities in a way mature gamers are likely to appreciate.