Do you remember those skee ball games as a kid at the local carnivals and fairs? Iconfactory has shrunk that game down to your iPhone or iPod touch with Ramp Champ, bringing the nostalgia back to your favorite gaming device. At only $1.99, is it worth buying?

The Icon Garden theme is reminiscent of the icon garden displayed at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino.

Instead of the normal skee ball game where you are challenged to roll a ball up a ramp and knock it into a series of circles with a different score, Ramp Champ has moving and dynamic targets for each “ramp”. Pre-loaded are four ramps: Clown Town, Breakwater Bay, Space Swarm, and Icon Garden. Clown Town has the traditional carnival theme, while Breakwater Bay is set underwater, Space Swarm is Space Invaders-esque, and Icon Garden pays homage to the former icon garden at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Depending on how fast you flick the ramp, determines how far each ball you have goes and the direction determines where the ball is aimed at. Each target you hit adds up to a certain amount of tickets which can be used to redeem virtual prizes.

As I kid, I fondly remember these skee ball games, loading up my pockets with tickets and buying those cheesy toys which are probably collecting dust in the attic. By this point you must be thinking, “Why should I waste my time trying to rack up virtual tickets for stupid virtual prizes?”

That’s what I was thinking at first, however, Ramp Champ has been extremely addicting since the first flick. With each level being progressively harder than the first, it’s been harder and harder for me to set down my iPhone. The goals for each level also add an extra level of addiction (if that’s even possible).

If you manage to beat every single level, four add-on packs are sold by Iconfactory for $0.99 each and include two levels each (with six goals, new prizes, and new trophiwes).

Buy Ramp Champ from the iTunes App Store today for just $1.99. Trust me, it’s well worth it.

Pros

• Highly addictive.
• Add-on packs available.
• Low cost.

Cons

• None.

Getting the optimal performance out of a gaming headset is always a concern for gamers, whether they should use an analog or digital headset, and if they should use a behind-the-neck or over-the-head design. Logitech recently introduced the new G330 Gaming Headset, and we’re taking a look at it today.

The G330 Gaming Headset uses an adjustable behind-the-head design, which some gamers prefer. It also is the first adjustable design, which is great for people who have had uncomfortable models in the past. For those who may be in noisy environments, no problem, the G330 has a noise-canceling microphone. In our tests using Skype, the conference call reported clear and noise-free sound.

The headset also has a very handy inline controller for muting the microphone and controlling the volume, which you can also clip on to your shirt or pants with the built-in clip.

Unlike most headsets, Logitech offers a unique feature which allows you to use either a USB connection or 3.5mm analog connection using the included USB adapter. So if you’d rather go the analog route, you can. Great when you’re going to a LAN party and don’t know what kind of inputs are available, though what computer doesn’t have USB? Plus, while your connected via USB, Logitech claims you receive enhanced audio, through an optimized EQ. We could easily tell the difference while listening to a variety of music, but didn’t receive the same experience while playing a game such as Counter-Strike: Source or Battlefield 2142.

In our audio playback tests, while music sounded good, it also seemed to be somewhat flat and lacking bass. While other gaming headsets focus on defined bass in their marketing, the folks at Logitech focused on comfort, which can be a plus in long gaming sessions.

If you can handle not having the best audio and would rather have the ultimate in comfortability, the Logitech G330 Gaming Headset is available at Amazon.com for just under $50 with free shipping.

Pros

• Comfortable.
• Adjustable behind-the-neck design.
• Noise-canceling microphone.
• USB/analog adapter.

Cons

• Flat audio quality.

Gran Turismo has been a staple in the gaming market as one of the best driving simulators available. The latest version, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue doesn’t disappoint. Read on to find out why.

To give you some background, the Gran Turismo franchise has had more than 48 million units shipped and has always improved its realism and physics technology in every release.

The new release has a ton of new features, including support for online racing with up to 16 drivers and more than 60 detailed cars from Ferrari, Audi, Nissan and others. The new in-cockpit view provides a great perspective for racers and displays customized dashboards for each vehicle in the game.

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Ever since seeing the first screenshots for this game, I was hooked and couldn’t wait for it to be released. The graphics are just stunning and I was speechless for the first minutes of gameplay. We hopped on to the online mode and while we were expecting more in terms of features, it was more than enough to have fun with others.

Keep in mind the Prologue title, this isn’t a full Gran Turismo game, but a precursor to the full Gran Turismo 5 game coming sometime in 2009. If this is a preview, imagine what the full game will feature and look like. The possibilities are endless.

We were kind of disappointed with the limited number of tracks to play on, but we can only hope that there will be a wider selection in the next installment.

Overall, both hardcore and amateur-level gamers should enjoy Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and can purchase it today at Amazon.com for $39.99 with free shipping.

Pros

• Superb and stunning graphics.
• Online racing support, a first in the series.
• Over 60 different vehicles to choose from.

Cons

• Only basic online functionality.
• Limited number of tracks.