Many games feature ideas of heaven and hell, but how many can take us out of our world and into these ideals? The games “El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron” and “The Cursed Crusade” just may.

“El Shaddai,” (available July 26 for PS3 and Xbox 360) an action adventure game is stunning, with different designs and imagery used in its characters and platform world. Design was led by Takeyasu Sawaki, who did impressive work with a sumi-e painting styled world in the game of “?kami.” As expected, this game continues the use of creative imaging, and “El Shaddai” promises to be one of the most visually impressive games on the market.

The main character in the game, Enoch (named after the biblical figure), is a man who was instructed by god to hunt the seven fallen angels in order to advert disaster for the world. Unlike most action games, Enoch starts the game unarmed and must steal his weapons and purify weapons from enemies mid-battle. He ends up with three weapons – the arch, the veil and the gale – each providing different actions and advantages in traveling the world and in fights from blocking enemy attacks to firing attacks from long distances.

Together with its story, graphics and unique gameplay style, this game will likely become one of the classic games of 2011.

On the other edge of the moral spectrum is “The Cursed Crusade” (available Sept. 13 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC). At first glance, the game is reminiscent of many other hack-and-slash titles. What gives this game its unique edge is its storyline.

“The Cursed Crusade” takes place during the fourth Crusade in the winter of 1198. The main protagonists, Denz de Bayle (whose father was in the last Crusade) and Esteban Noviembre (a thief and mercenary), journey on the campaign. Despite their intentions, the campaign goes awry and main characters find themselves fighting for their souls.

The players have an edge in battle. The same power that gives players an edge, the Templar's Curse, is also the power that they are running from, as it brings a fiery hell on earth. The player’s characters are not heroes, just men, who find their own weaknesses on their journey. A game feature that goes well with the story is the two-player co-op that allows players to play as Denz and Esteban, and players can help each other fight.

The environment provides historical locations and that provides a setting for Denz and Esteban’s supernatural struggle. Combat is weapons based and features over 90 combos and 130 weapons. The Templar’s Curse is an exciting feature that automatically kicks into play granting added power and speed but also abilities: a new hell-ridden view of the world and the continual risk of falling under the shadow of death which stalks players as they are using the curse.