METAL GEAR ACID 2
Konami, PlayStation Portable, $39.99
Over the last two decades, Konami’s number one super spy, Solid Snake, star of the Metal Gear series, has seen his fair share of highs and lows. Metal Gear Acid 2 allows you enjoy all of them in 3-D, thanks to a goofy bundled visor peripheral that lets you experience this first-rate, yet puzzlingly complex card-based battler the same way late-night viewers would a B-grade movie. (Okay, maybe not under the influence of potent hallucinogens, but you know what we mean…) We’ve got no beef with the gorgeous, if oddly cartoon-like cel-shaded visuals, the convoluted storyline (hello, bizarre bosses), or the tactical action (sure to short-circuit your cerebrum). However, the monstrous time commitment this game requires will have you tearing your hair out. Gaming enthusiasts who enjoy deliberately-paced, turn-based conflicts will be in hog heaven. Everyone else will wish they were still tiptoeing around some stinking jungle shucking hermit crabs for food (à la previous PS2-exclusive franchise installments). As a sequel, MGA2 is a major upgrade to the series–it introduces a much-improved aesthetic and a more dynamic and hands-on sneak-and-shoot experience. But if snapping necks and slitting throats is as deep as you prefer your electronic espionage to get, look elsewhere. Scott Steinberg
www.konami.com

Love: Graphics, depth, replay value
Hate: Learning curve, slow-moving play
Final word: Licensed to kill