Balance O11
ARTIST: Luke Fair, www.lukefair.com
LABEL: EQ Recordings, www.stomp.com.au/eq
FORMAT: 2xCD
RATING: 4
Luke Fair is at it again, this time donning his headphones for the continuous saga of the Balance mixed series. Although you might expect an onslaught of the minimalistic sound waves that are populating today's dance floors, Fair stays true to his funky and techy roots and proves why he'll continue to be a refreshing sound for years to come. - JW
LUNA
FROM: Xtrememac, www.xtrememac.com
$149.99
RATING: 4
Not a morning person? Personalize your wake-up experience from "zzz... huh?" to "holy crap, it's an earthquake!" with this customizable iPod alarm clock, which lets you choose between buzzers, radio or MP3 tune alerts and set increasing/decreasing volume options. Dual speakers and a two-channel amplifier ensure your timely stirring. - SS
Alien Syndrome
FROM: Sega, www.sega.com
FOR: PSP
RATING: 3.5
Back in '87, when you were just a gleam in Dad's Chuck E. Cheese-obsessed eye, this Aliens-meets-Gauntlet-style mash-up's eponymous predecessor was the ish at local arcades. These days, however, the series has reinvented itself as a decent, yet repetitive 3D action role-playing saga. Entertaining, and best viewed through nostalgia's rose-tinted shades. - SS
Ninja Gaiden Sigma
FOR: PlayStation 3
FROM: Tecmo, www.tecmoinc.com
RATING: 5
Resuming where legendarily difficult chop-socky epic Ninja Gaiden Black left off, this all-star remix finds headliner Ryu Hyabusa kicking it live on a next-generation platform-and reaping the benefits. Think high-definition graphics, updated bosses, new weapons, motion-sensing support and a slick side-story featuring a playable version of blonde gal pal Rachel. - Scott Steinberg
Mlb 07: The Show
FOR: PlayStation 2/3
FROM: Sony, www.playstation.com
RATING: 4
After years pinch-hitting, Sony finally steps up to the plate and delivers a game-winning performance. Similarities to last year's edition aside, cop this one for its enhanced online capabilities (hello, 30-man league play), improved audiovisuals and action-oriented Road to the Show mode, a plausible intro to the sport for typically bored bystanders. - SS
Ratchet & clank:Size Matters
FOR: Sony PSP
FROM: Sony, www.playstation.com
RATING: 4.5
Unlike what's going on below the waist, the latest portable iteration of Ratchet & Clank does it big. Size matters in this original PSP title, as does the wide array of weapons, gadgets and armor the game packs. Wireless-enabled, throw it down with three homies on the go. - Carter Jung
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
FOR: PC, PS2, PSP
FROM: Eidos, www.eidos.com
RATING: 4.5
Lara Croft's star power may have shrunk in direct proportion to her cup size in recent years, but watch out, because the British bombshell's back. For hard proof, see her latest hand-cramping adventure-a puzzle-solving, T. Rex-hunting remake of the original Indiana Jones-esque fracas using comeback smash Legend's smile-/stiffy-inducing software engine. - SS