I think it is fitting that I chose to trade my extra “Starcraft II” beta key for a copy of “Chaos Rising,” but I’m not here to discuss the details of the long-awaited sequel to “Starcraft.” Rather, playing the two real-time strategy games back-to-back is an experience that shows just how far “Dawn of War” developer Relic has strayed from the fundamental basics that have defined the genre for the past 12 years.

I’m sure we all take school seriously, but there are some days when I don’t feel like doing work or I’m just too bored to pay attention. And on those days, I foray into the Internet in search of games to play to kill time between now and whenever my body shuts down.

Wake up! Look, I know the couches are comfortable, and it’s usually pretty quiet up there, but the Fun Room isn’t for napping anymore. The consoles are in, and the gamers are coming. So pack up your pillow and pick up a controller. Last semester, the Fun Room didn’t quite live up to its name. [...]