MAG (PS3)
Time spent playing: Ongoing
Recommendation: Rent

With up to 256 players in one game, MAG adds a whole new level to the online FPS game. Although it does not match the graphical quality of the Call of Duty games, it doesn't need to. It does only online play, but it does it well. When you first start out, you must choose one of three factions, which only really have aesthetic differences. There is the well funded and futuristic Raven, the modern day equipped Valor, and the cheap and efficient S.V.E.R. If you are good, MAG will allow you to rise up through the ranks to become a squad leader, platoon leader, or finally the Officer in Charge. Each position allows control of a greater amount of people. Squad leaders control up to ten people, platoon leaders have control of up to 40, and the OIC controls half the battlefield with 128 people. All in all this game does one thing, and one thing only. But it does it well

Killzone 2 (PS3)
Time spent playing: Ongoing
Recommendation: Buy

Set about two years after the events of the 2004 PS2 shooter. The first few levels are very easy, but the difficulty steeps drastically after that. The weapons of Killzone 2 feature many of the weapons from the original, including the M82 Assault rifle. In addition to the single-player campaign, Killzone 2 features two other game modes. Warzone, which is the online multiplayer, and Skirmish, which is a battle with AI in an online map. The online multiplayer is slow to get going unless you are really good. You have to level-up to earn badges, which then give your character a new costume and abilities. Skirmish is much more fun in my opinion. Mainly because it allows you to experiment with the online badges, while also learning the layout of the maps. Killzone 2 is among the PS3 Greatest Hits and sells for around $30. Downloadable content currently out for Killzone 2 are three map-packs for around $6 or all three for $12. This game is not my favorite but is still worth playing.

Aliens vs. Predator (PS3)
Total time spent playing: about 12 hours
Recommendation: Rent

AvP was a throwback to the original PC/Mac game. It includes three single player campaigns (Aliens, Marines, Predators) Each class has their own perks. Aliens have the ability to crawl on the walls and ceilings of levels. Marines have an array of weaponry including the classic M41-A Pulse Rifle. The Predator has the ability to turn invisible. The single-player campaign is the only worthwhile part of this game. The multi-player is severely flawed. The flaws include badly designed match-making as well as very bad class balancing. Aliens is the strongest class, able to kill any other player with two or three hits. The Marine is second strongest with high-speed attacks. The Predator is the weakest due to the fact that you have to track down his weapons, and you end up dying way before that. All in all it is a good single-player game, but lacks otherwise, so rent and return.