UFC Undisputed 09 is MMA marvel

--

Grade: A- (a great introduction to real-time simulators that will be enjoyed by young 'uns and appreciated by old 'uns)

Details: Nintendo DS platform; $29.99; rated Everyone (cartoon violence, comic mischief)

--

Roadway not much of a gas

Fuel is a beautifully designed off-road racer that comes from the same company that released the stunning-looking Grid last summer.

And there is no denying the pedigree. The miles and miles of off-road tracks that were created are some of the most interesting we've ever seen. (There are more than 5,000 square miles to drive on, the game boasts.)

The problem is, when does it become too much? In this case, the vast driving area can be explored for hidden challenges and races but is so wide open, and nearly unpopulated, that Fuel ends up feeling a little empty.

The deserted logging town level unlocked at the game's start, for instance, is desolate. Broken-down cars litter most streets, and weeds and brush grow everywhere. Rather than feeling like this is a place you'd actually want to drive through (like the tracks in the comparable Motor Storm), this feels like you should be on the lookout for zombies. Oh, this isn't set in some kind of post-apocalyptic wasteland? My bad.

--

Grade: B- (beautiful yet boring)

Details: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms; $59.99; rated Everyone (comic mischief)

--

Racing a hit, but not quite super

Another recently released driving game, MySims Racing, is without question the best kiddie kart racing game of all time -- well, except to those who have played the uber-popular Super Mario Kart (and really, who hasn't?).

Sims is a nearly exact copy -- right down to the superpower pickups, the varied and whimsically themed tracks and even the yellow on-road turbo boosts. The latter's numerous different styles of control for the Wii (from tilting the controller to using the old-school paddles) are also identical. The only thing missing is Mario, Donkey Kong and the gang.

And though the racing is just as fast-paced and exciting as you've come to play in Mario's version, in Sims, a few wrinkles have been added to try to inject some originality.

The ability to easily customize and race three different sizes of a car as well as choose the name and look of its driver are very nice touches that will surely be appreciated by wee ones. Also, a quirky story mode livens up play between races.

But once the actual racing begins, this is Mario Kart through and through, and that's not so original.

--

Grade: C+ (copies don't get much more blatant than this)

Details: Nintendo Wii and DS platforms; $39-29.99; rated Everyone (comic mischief)

--

It's child's play

all the way

The Legendary Starfy is just about as perfect as a game can be for first-graders (who, presumably, are the target audience for this title). It's got simple controls, light reading, bright colors and very little violence.

Add that to the upbeat music and basic story and you've got a parent's dream. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot for older gamers to latch on to.

--

Grade: B+ (great for kids; not so much for teens and adults)

Details: Nintendo DS platform; $34.99; rated Everyone (mild cartoon violence)

--

calendar@latimes.com