Steel Diver

10 cert, Nintendo/Vitei, Nintendo 3DS ***

In Steel Diveryou are a submarine commander with missions that involve avoiding mines and torpedoes while sneaking under enemy radar and performing reconnaissance or attacks. There are time trials and first-person "periscope strikes", but most of the game is a gentle, side-scrolling affair. It requires you to be something of a military nerd, and many gamers (including this one) fall into that category. You can choose your vessels based on strength or speed, from the powerful Serpentto the less forceful Manatee. Steel Diveris a game of a certain pace. A less generous reviewer might say that it captures all too well the tedium of being stuck in a small sub, but I found it fun and engaging. The stately pace draws you in and assures that you play with precision, and completing the missions is strangely gratifying. Oh, and the 3D looks good.