Video games on a time budget: What you need to be playing

With the college semester drawing closer and being forced to drop our controllers for briefcases, who has any time for character advancement and talent points? If you crave that gaming fix, but simply cannot find more than 30 minutes to stuff it in your schedule, we have you covered. We have a small list of current and soon-to-be released games that will leave you feeling like you just exited a time machine. Fear not! These games do not compromise the gameplay or that social competition that you live by.

Mario Kart Wii: If you own a Wii and have failed pick this one up, shame on you. Mario Kart Wii has an addictive quality to it that is very difficult to let go. Getting started is as easy as picking up your Wiimote and bam! You’re firing red shells and lightning bolts at your fellow racers in the Mushroom Kingdom. With the combination of Wi-fi and the Wii-Channels, playing should be quick and painless.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC: As a kid, I’m sure you fantasized about fighting match-ups that you thought you would never see, but Midway plans to fashion that dream into a reality. MK vs. DC should give you a nice game play bang for your lack of temporal access. Details are sparse although current speculation points to online game play and a massive list of characters.

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift: Another racing game that has proven itself merit-worthy. Pacific Rift will return to some old roots and will also introduce new ones. Pacific Rift plans to plow its way exclusively onto the Playstation 3 and will feature online play and co-op split screen modes in case a buddy or sibling also finds themselves crunched for time.

Soul Calibur IV: What is left to say about this game that hasn’t been said already? Pop it in, turn it on, select a character and start slashing away. If you have heard more than your fair share about this game, that is probably your cue to finally buy the damn thing. Soul Calibur IV has an addictive and quick online play, and one that has legs.

Call of Duty: World at War: A franchise that has yet to disappoint, World at War plans to battle its way onto all platforms ensuring that you can (and will) play this game. Featuring co-op online play and a multitude of game options such as the probable return of Search and Destroy, a quick and competitive game run should be no problem.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels: The Nintendo Wii will finally exact its revenge upon their competitors come November for the absence of Soul Calibur IV. Lightsaber Duels is simply a lightsaber fighting game. Enough said. Generally, fighting games offer a quick get-in, get-out fast-paced game play but this one includes… LIGHTSABERS OMG GG LEZ PLAY.