Parents' Guide to Deceive Inc.

This is a fun and fresh "social stealth" thriller that's easy to pick up but tough to put down. Deceive Inc. isn't without flaws -- mainly, technical glitches -- but it's a game players will no doubt come back to time and time again. You start with three playable agents and complete missions to unlock others, each with a unique skillset. This is key when you're banding with others in Teams mode, as you'll want to match your skills to compliment each other. For each mission, your holographic watch changes your appearance, but your cover will be blown if you fire your weapon in public or if you take damage, too. Your faux appearance takes a few seconds to regenerate, too, especially if you're moving. You also can't trust anyone you come across in these missions...even the bathroom attendant may attack you when you're at your most, er, vulnerable. Oh, and other Deceive Inc. agents may not be who you think they are, too.

Assuming the shape of inanimate objects makes it even more fun and challenging, but just as you may look like a trash bin or chair, remember your rival spies may be doing the same. It's frustrating to make progress, only to be taken out with a single shot (in Solo mode) or hoping someone has time to revive you (in Teams mode) but the ability to look like other characters and even items in the location amps up the fun and replayability. The stealthy play is more gratifying than shootouts, which will inevitably happen at nearby extraction points, but the entire experience, from tip to toe, is super enjoyable. That said, it's usual to see graphical glitches, like people halfway stuck through a wall or briskly walking up against a wall and not moving. Plus, there's occasional freezing and other tech issues that need the most attention. Deceive Inc. is great for shooter fans that want something with more smarts and character. And at under $20, it's a great deal -- especially when the bugs are (hopefully) squashed by the developer via downloadable patches.