Super Paper Mario

Platform: Wii
Genre: Arcade
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone
Grade: ****

True Nintendo gamers know that everything comes to a halt when a new "Super Mario" game is released. With "Super Paper Mario," you get a first-class Wii game that is definitely a must-own.

The most exciting aspect of "Super Paper Mario" is the ability to switch from a 2D side-scroller to a 3D plane. That allows you to interact with the environment in new ways and also creatively solve puzzles. You can only do the switching as Mario, but luckily you can change characters (you have four at your disposal) on the fly, so there's amazing flexibility that keeps the game play challenging and fun.

The dialogue is wordy, but do your best to stick it out, because it's enjoyable and sticks to the classic "Mario" themes. Interestingly enough, there are elements of RPG mixed into "Super Paper Mario," and talking with various characters opens up side quests that vary the action throughout the game.

Tons of power-ups litter the game's levels. There is a healthy mix of classics that you'll appreciate, and some new ones that give you abilities you'll find useful.

You'll find very little to dislike. The only thing that really stands out is the difficulty of attacking enemies when in 3D mode.

Tetris Evolution

Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: THQ
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone
Grade: **

That "Tetris" has survived in a world of "Sudoku" and other Internet fads speaks to its lasting power: Gamers still just can't be torn away from shifting those blocks into place.

With "Tetris Evolution," the franchise makes things a little harder for gamers to keep up the love.

The game play is OK, with nothing that detracts from the classic look and strategy everyone is familiar with.

There are the standard modes of play, from traditional to race and so on, and you can play along with up to four other players.