

The incessantly vulgar dialogue and overbearing machismo aren't, though. The focus on strategy and a slightly more realistic form of combat than "Call of Duty" is refreshing. Not that "Red River" tells much of a story you're a Marine, you lead a four-man fireteam, and together you engage in tactical warfare with a fictional Middle Eastern regime. Rated M) - Here's a textbook example of a solid game derailed by horrible storytelling. OPERATION FLASHPOINT: RED RIVER (PS3, X360, PC.

The goth trappings grow tiresome, but clever level design and well-calibrated action keep boredom at bay. "Madness Returns" is tighter and more linear than any "Zelda," though, and its "Alice in Wonderland" appropriation taps into a far older tale beloved by children and adults alike. You lock on to enemies, attack with a blade or makeshift firearm, duck and block and otherwise fight the same way Link does. Yeah, the aesthetics are far less Hyrule than Hot Topic (with a tiny dollop of "Fable"), and there's more of a platforming element, but the core combat feels like "Zelda." Rated M) - This sequel to 2000's PC hit "American McGee's Alice" is almost an undercover "Legend of Zelda" game.
