Dave Canfield

CHICAGO – Forget the “Ridge Racer” you thought you knew. “Ridge Racer Unbounded” leaves behind the somewhat simplified gentility that defined its previous look and feel, embracing a high energy approach that offers destroyable environments and a harsher, more competitive edge.

CHICAGO – So what’s Max Payne been up to since we last saw him all those years ago? No, not since the horrendous 2008 movie. The movie just doesn’t exist folks. Take a deep breath. It’s been nine years since the last gaming incarnation of Payne. The long wait to the release of “Max Payne 3” has seen some things change and some stay the same.

CHICAGO – Remember when sequels of any kind were viewed with disdain? No, you don’t, because you aren’t old enough. Of course, now we have a situation where sequels, reboots and even simple rehashes are often better than what spawned them.

CHICAGO – For those unfamiliar with the “Armored Core” series, the story of the franchise comprises the usual Mech game elements — evil corporation, slightly misguided rebels, and apocalyptic landscapes. There’s even a genre-defining female voice guiding you through your mission. In other words, the story is there if you want to pay attention but it isn’t what has kept fans interested in the series for so long.