Holy Overstimulation, Batman!

Okay, through a bizarre and sudden combination of Birthdays, in-store credits, accumulated coupons, killer sales and Gamespot's already extensive collection of $5 - 10 PS2 used games, we walked away this weekend from the little store with enough PS2 adventure and drama to last us for several lifetimes, and all for...well... pretty much next to nothing.  While most of these titles won't compare to the newest and greatest next gen platoforms (hey, we haven't even played HALO 1 yet... much less HALO 3...sorry), they are setting up to be some serious fun for us who still have yet to make the next gen leap and are still in the land of Playstation 2.  Here's the quick rundown on what we picked up and our initial reactions:

Over the Hedge:  Yes, Peri picked this one up.  Actually, it's pret

ty good, not too difficult for small munchkins, and features many of the voices of the original cast (Steve Carrell doesn't do Hammy's voice, alas, and i'm pretty sure Avril doesn't do Heather, but Bruce Willis does RJ and m

ost of the others seem consistent).  It blends all the wackiness of mind-controlled gophers and REALLY serious yard security systems with the fun personalities of

 the movie... if you liked the movie.

Avatar:  The Last Airbender:  As with Over the Hedge, if you like the Avatar animated series, you'll probably like the game.  My personal opinion is that it's a little too cumbersome and tedious to be really enjoyable, and 

hasn't received much play time from either kid, but when we get bored of the other titles, will probably be a good stand-by.  I hope.  

Marvel:  Ultimate Alliance:  Okay, this one is my biggest disappointment, actually.  I really liked the idea of being able to select my favorite heroes from various Marvel comic series, and i had read reviews that said that the

 gameplay was worthy of notice.  I found, however, that it's 

virtually the same as previously released X-Men series, and the gameplay is basically just lots and lots of repeated smashing of things.  Granted, if you were a superhero flying on an enemy airship miles above earth fighting legions of robotic minions, "smashing things" would probably be a good use of your time, but after a few minutes, it made me start wondering how long it could continue.

Star 

Wars Battlefront and Battlefront II:  Okay, now these games ROCK!  As far

 as first person shooters go, i haven't seen their equal (again, barring some of the newer next gen games, i'm sure).  And the great part is, you can choose from a variety of sides, functions and perspectives.  Need to take out a tank?  No problem, respawn as a rocket-equipped storm trooper.  Need to pilot that snow speeder?  No problem, respawn as a Rebel pilot.  Need to take down 30 s

uper battle droids?  No problem, play as the Jedi-Knight Mace Windu.  The controls are easy to use and master (very straight forward) and playing through historical campaigns reminisces nicely of the movies.  These are great games!!!   

Lego Batman:  THIS was the gem in the stash.  We have played at least one other LEGO version (Star Wars II) and found it funny, fun and pleasantly challenging enough to hold interest while not being impossible to play.  Batman was likewise no disappointment in the same vein, and we have all had great fun running across Gotham rooftops as the Dynamic Duo, or donning our bad-guy masks and parading through Arkham Assylum as Poison Ivy, Clayface, Joker and the like as well.  These games are brilliant blends of tongue-in-cheek fun and genuine g

ameplay, and i'd highly recommend them to anyone.  We'll be seeking LEGO Indiana Jones when we've had our fill of Batman!