Short circuits

New and noteworthy experiences among DVDs, video games, gadgets and the Web.

GAME

'Ratchet' up the fun The new "Ratchet & Clank" game for the PlayStation 3 is every bit as good as previous entries in the popular series. "Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time" ($60; rated Everyone 10+) stars our favorite wrench-wielding lombax (pictured) and his robotic companion. The game features all of the usual elements: dynamic action, cool puzzles, spectacular graphics and brilliantly self-deprecating humor. So how can that be a bad thing? Well, although the game has an overall high rating from critics, some pre-release reviews took it to task for being more of the same. Hello? Being just as good as previous entries shouldn't be a negative -- and it isn't to this longtime fan. Besides, the game does feature new wrinkles, such as the ability to use time-shifted versions of your character to help your present self get through tricky areas. It's not the game of the year (still, probably top 10), but "A Crack in Time" offers -- wait for it -- a crackin' time on the PS3.

RANDY A. SALAS

DVD

An ordinary 'Joe' Stephen Sommers' film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" (Paramount, $30-$40), based on the line of Hasbro action figures, is loud, flashy, silly and too long. As far as plot goes, the crack commando G.I. Joes encounter an evil weapons dealer, a mad scientist, nanobots with a taste for 19th-century Parisian landmarks, a funny guy, a couple of unconvincing romances and a girl who's been brainwashed into becoming a lethal killing machine. Mixed in with such hard bodies as Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller are terrific actors such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Christopher Eccleston.

WASHINGTON POST

Also out today: "Aliens in the Attic," "A Christmas Carol" (Blu-ray), "The Claudette Colbert Collection," "Food Inc.," "Forrest Gump" (Blu-ray), "Here's Lucy" (Season 2), "I Love You, Beth Cooper," "It's a Wonderful Life" (Blu-ray), "Mission: Impossible" (final season), "North by Northwest" (Blu-ray), "Spin City" (Season 3), "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (Season 1), "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," "Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro" (Seasons 1 & 2), "Wings of Desire" (Blu-ray).

WEB

It's Crunch time Can't keep up with your tech buddies at the office? Check out Crunch Gear (www.crunchgear.com) for all the ammo you'll need. The blog, which covers the latest news in the electronics world, aims to please. Each day, editors post updates on new products about to enter the market, such as Apple's Magic Mouse and computer redesigns and HP's soon-to-be Envy 13 notebook, which could rival the Macbook. These products are thoroughly reviewed -- with humor and personality -- specifically so you have all the information you need to actually buy one.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE