By Jae-Ha Kim and Misha Davenport
Chicago Sun-Times
ALL-STAR BASEBALL 2003
HOME RUN (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
From: Acclaim
Rated: E for everyone
Reviewed for: GameCube
Type
A baseball gamers will love this. The rosters are accurate, reflecting
Tsuyoshi Shinjo's recent trade from the New York Mets to the San Francisco
Giants. All the major stadiums are featured in a realistic manner. And
with the franchise mode, gamers have access to each team's records from
the last two decades.
There
are plenty of options to keep gameplay interesting, including quick play
(two randomly selected teams pit against each other), home-run derby or
all-star. Guessing the correct pitch enhances your chance of hitting a
home run. But you can't be a passive player. Snooze at bat and the pitcher
will whip a fastball past your head before you can blink.
And
just like in real baseball, there are flukes. Balls bounce at varying speeds
on the playing field. Watching the infielders fumble is as much fun as
watching them make an awesome save.
Sure,
you don't get hotdogs and beer at these ballparks, but you also don't have
to watch players readjusting their, um, undergarments in between innings.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 8/26/02)
ALL-STAR BASEBALL 2004
**HOME RUN *
From: Acclaim
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: GameCube
This
one hits it out of the ballpark. The All-Star franchise always was a winner,
but this latest version lets players re-create elements from the
2002 season. We determine that season's outcome.
I got a particular charge in helping the New York Met's Mike Piazza lose.
The Mets lost that game in
real life, but it was that much sweeter knowing
I had something to do with it. Diehard baseball gamers may be disappointed
they can only play these one
or two innings at a time. But jumping from inning
to inning also keeps the game from getting redundant.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 7/14/03)
AMPED
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Microsoft; Rated E for everyone
Xbox
So,
you're thinking about jibbin' for a livin'? For a real snowboarding experience
without buying a board and hitting the slopes, look no further than "Amped."
You begin the game with crappy clothes and a lousy board. You make your
way through a run trying to impress would-be sponsors and the media. Grab
either group's attention with real moves like stinky stalefish (grabbing
the heel of your board while your knees are apart) and you're on your way
to new duds and boards. The graphics are awesome and the soundtrack includes
electronic, emo, hip-hop and ska, among others. Plus, you can rip your
own songs to the hard drive to listen to while you play.
Duuuude,
sweeeet!
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 2/21/02)
"Animal Crossing" (Nintendo,
E for Everyone, GameCube, $49.95)--The GameCube's answer to "The Sims,"
begins with you moving away from home to set out on your own. A train takes
you to a town inhabited by cute, talking animals. This being a Japanese
game, the sense of freedom is short-lived and soon replaced by the necessities
of the real world (finding a job, paying a mortgage, keeping up with the
Joneses and heck, even yardwork).
The
game comes with its own memory card, so no two towns or town residents
are alike. Up to four gamers can each have a house in the town and play
the game (though not at the same time). It makes "Animal Crossing" ideal
for a family. ("Look, mom left me a bag of money and a note that says to
do my homework before I think about playing this game ...'')
You
initially have to do various errands for your neighbors to earn cash. Before
long, you'll be able to buy a shovel (useful for finding buried sacks of
money), fishing rod (it seems nearly impossible to over-fish and your catch
earns you a pretty penny at the market), a bug net (some of the rarer bugs
yield a wad of cash, but they're hard to catch) and a pretty useless axe.
(Though it doesn't earn you any money, you nonetheless need the axe to
thin out the forests and keep the residents happy. Wouldn't President Bush
be proud?)
It's
an open-ended game that allows players to determine what kind of game they
want to play. Fish all day if you want to. Pick fruit if that suits you.
It's up to you and thanks to the GameCube's internal clock--played in real
time. It makes the game highly addictive". If you don't play regularly,
when you do pick up the game again, you'll be surprised to find weeds everywhere
and half the town's residences have pulled up stakes for greener pastures.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
BACKYARD BASEBALL
Home run (Highly Recommended)
From: Infogrames
Rated: E for everyone
Reviewed for: Gameboy Advanced (also available
for PC)
Infogrames
has delivered a surprisingly solid baseball title for the 10-and-under
set. The game features pint-size versions of pro players like Sammy Sosa
and Ken Griffey Jr. alongside kids of various races, colors and
handicaps. Some of it is a bit too politically
correct (the kid in the wheelchair happens to be the best outfielder),
but with almost no learning curve and the option of playing tee-ball or
regular baseball, it's a great game for younger kids.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 8/26/02)
BACKYARD BASEBALL
**HOME RUN *
From: Atari
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: GameCube
Sure,
the 30 characters created for the game and 10 pro athletes are rendered
as 3D cartoons, but features like practice, single game and full
season mode will almost make you forget kids are
the game's target audience. Easy to pick up, yet challenging enough to
hold interest, Atari's "Backyard
Baseball" is a highly polished sports game.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 7/14/03)
BACKYARD FOOTBALL 2003
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Infogrames
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: GameCube
You
wouldn't think a game designed for kids could be so much fun for adults,
but this one is pretty darned cute. It's best enjoyed when playing with
a little kid. Infogrames' latest pint-sized take on sports features kitschy
humor that'll drive you insane if you hate knock-knock jokes. It takes
the game relatively seriously, but includes silly schoolyard plays such
as the Roly Poly and Leap Frog that'll keep the little ones chuckling.
Thirty-two
NFL teams are featured here, but only 10 pro athletes (including Jerry
Rice) appear as their child-size animated doppelgangers. They look like
adorable little Weebles, even when they fumble.
There's
also some grrrl power here: Little girls aren't relegated to the cheerleading
squad. They get to play ball, too.
That
said, the game does grow repetitive after a few plays. So it's best to
rent this game rather than shelling out the bucks to buy.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/10/02)
BLOODRAYNE
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: Majesco
RATED: Mature (extreme gore, violence)
REVIEWED FOR: Xbox
She's
young. She's beautiful. She's scantily clad and carrying an arsenal of
weapons. Move over Lara Croft--Rayne is the new pinup in town. Part human
and part vampire, Rayne was reared and trained by a secret society whose
mission is to hunt down and destroy supernatural forces that threaten humanity.
To explain away her bloody carnage, the game is set in the 1930s, and Rayne
must stop the Nazis from using the occult to conquer the world. You have
to go through two long training missions, though, before seeing your first
swastika. The game, much like Rayne herself, is something of a mixed breed:
part "Blade," "Matrix" and any World War II game on the market.
--Misha Davenport (10/28/02)
Bloody Roar: Primal Fury
Recommended
Activision
Rated T for teens (blood, suggestive themes, violence)
For GameCube
You
have to love a game in which a giant bunnylike beast can beat up a thug.
You have to love it even more if your human character can morph into said
animal, performing a flurry of martial arts moves without mussing your
hair, er, fur. The first traditional fighting game for GameCube, "Bloody
Roar" pays homage to Japanese anime with its distinctive animation. Eyes
are huge and breasts are heaving on the female characters. The men are
simply animals.
Gamers
face off in nine arenas, each with multiple levels and walls and floors
that may collapse from the fighters' impact. Weather and sound effects
add to the fun. There are buttons to control kicks, punches and other movements.
But for those who can't stand the regimen, pushing just about any combo
of buttons will result in one cool move or another.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/11/02)
Britney's Dance Beat
Somewhat Recommended
THQ
Rating: Everyone (mild lyrics)
For PlayStation 2
Can't
score a ticket to Britney Spears' concert tonight at the United Center?
Don't fret. For about $49.95, you can bring Spears into your living room,
courtesy of your PlayStation 2. Is the video game a good alternative for
those who are ticketless? Nah. But I imagine more than a few teenage boys
will like looking at the graphics as much as playing it. The celluloid
Britney looks freakishly like the real thing, stiff dance moves and all.
'Cause let's face it, Spears is a lot of things (adorable, sweet, savvy,
energetic), but she's not the most naturally gifted dancer in the world.
This
game is all about style over substance. You job is to land a spot as one
of her backup dancers. But unlike the cool dance-off between the Jets and
the Sharks in "West Side Story," the main competition here is yourself.
You have shake you booty better than the other dancers to get past the
10 auditions. The beauty of this game is that even if you can't dance in
real life, you can shake it up like Ricky Martin with a one-two click of
your fingers. But in the end, who cares? This game grows old fast.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 6/20/02)
CASPER: SPIRIT DIMENSIONS
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
FROM: Nintendo
RATED: E for everyone
REVIEWED FOR: GameCube
How's
this for creepy: When you come right down to it, Casper is a dead baby.
But unlike the cherubic cartoon character many of us grew up watching,
this Casper can sport a demonic smile and a tough-guy attitude. And this
is a good thing, considering that the usually friendly ghost must rid the
world of some unwanted spirits.
All
this would be a lot easier to do if he could bully his way through all
the walls. But he's young, so he's only able to navigate his way through
a few, which--considering this is a kids' game--isn't always easy to figure
out. Good witch Wendy is there to help, but she grows irritating fast and
you begin to wish Casper would make her disappear, too.
The
graphics are good, though too simplistic for older teens weaned on the
likes of "Final Fantasy." The little ones should get a kick out of this
for at least a few hours.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 10/28/02)
CASTLEVANIA: HARMONY OF
DISSONANCE
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: Konami
RATED: Teen (violence)
REVIEWED FOR: Gameboy Advance
Dracula's
back and he's kidnapped your best friend, Lydie. Never mind you look like
the lead singer from Poison--you're the one who must head back into the
castle and rescue her. Crack the whip, defeat the enemies, explore the
castle and rescue your girlfriend, already. Graphically, "Castlevania"
is the best title for the Gameboy Advance this year. The castle is a never-ending
maze of rooms, halls and courtyards that should keep you busy long after
your little brother has eaten his last piece of candy and wants his Gameboy
back.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 10/28/02)
DAVID BECKHAM SOCCER
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
FROM: Majesco
RATED: E for everyone
FOR: Xbox
David
Beckham is the captain of England's national team and probably the most
famous soccer player after Pele. You'd expect great things from a game
carrying his name. But you know you're in trouble when the only thing positive
you've written in your notes is "great soundtrack." The end result here
is a bit like France's performance at the World Cup--overhyped and a bit
of a bore. The game features decent graphics, more than 200 top international
and club teams, reams of player data and a training mode. Too bad more
attention wasn't paid to game play. Controlling the players during a match
was about as easy as bass fishing with spaghetti. And would it kill David
to record a few lines of dialogue for the game? Oy! The boys in
Manchester wouldn't want it this way, mate.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 6/27/02)
Dead or Alive 3
Highly recommended
Tecmo
Rated T for teens (for violence and mature sexual
themes)
For Xbox
The
plot is straightforward: select your fighter and pummel your opponents
before they pummel you. What makes this game unique are the personalities
and fighting styles of the 16 different characters. Each comes with a detailed
backstory as to motivations for stepping into the ring. Gen Fu fights to
raise money for a much-needed operation for his granddaughter. Kasumi enters
to avenge the maiming of her brother, only to have to face another long-lost
sibling in battle. Hitomi, meanwhile, wants to step out from behind the
shadow of her father, a martial arts master. Everyone has something to
prove and something to lose, and it's this human element, along with the
mind-blowing graphics, which sets this game above the rest.
An astonishing
amount of time has gone into the details: Hair moves and flows with every
spin kick, biceps bulge with uppercuts, snow and leaves randomly fall.
Tecmo has raised the bar on 3-D fighting games and created the best title
available on the Xbox.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
DISNEY SPORTS BASKETBALL
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
From: Konami
Reviewed for: GameCube
Rated: E for everyone
Software
giant Konami has taken it upon itself to answer the one question that has
been plaguing mankind since 1927: Sure, the mouse is cute, but has Mickey
got game?
"DSB"
is a kids' game that features Mickey, Donald and others in exhibition,
regular season, playoff and all-star game modes, just like the grownup
titles. The two-player game was fun, especially when I played as Minnie
and smacked the ball out of a certain sputtering duck's hands, took a Hail
Mary shot from midcourt and actually made the basket.
The
single-player games were a lot more difficult. Passing is the worst, because
the player you are passing to is usually offscreen. Most of the time, the
computer-controlled team ended up stealing the ball before I realized that
my player was in position. It makes the game ideal for family fun (up to
four can play against each other), but most kids are going to find the
computer in the one-on-one mode too difficult.
Now
that that's settled, we can move onto more pressing matters. Such as whether
white ducks can jump.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 4/7/03)
DISNEY SPORTS FOOTBALL
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Konami
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: Gameboy Advance
No offense
meant to the female fans of Madden and other titles, but Konami may have
inadvertently stumbled on a franchise that little girls will actually pick
up and enjoy.
That's
not to say it isn't challenging (it is) and the plays involved don't require
knowledge of basic strategy that only comes from a few seasons of playing
football (they do). The fact of the matter is that young boys who might
find "Madden NFL" too complicated will pick up "Backyard Football" before
they would this game, with its Disney characters. Unless they really have
a desire to see Mickey mop the field with Donald Duck's butt, of course.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/10/02)
ESPN MLS EXTRATIME 2002
NOT RECOMMENDED
FROM: Konami
RATED: E for everyone
FOR: Xbox
Playing
a Konami sports title is akin to the U.S. competing in the World Cup. You
can tell they're trying really hard, but they're out of their league. So,
what's good about this game? Well, I guess they deserve points for programming
the Chicago Fire. Then again, there are only 10 teams in the MLS, so it's
not like they had a choice. Generic game commentary, the inability to control
the direction of your pass and graphics that would
hardly tax the engine of a PlayStation, let alone
the more powerful Xbox--it all adds up to a red card.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 6/27/02)
ESPN NATIONAL HOCKEY NIGHT
Somewhat recommended
Konami; Rated E for everyone
PS2
Konami
deserves to be sent to the penalty box for this one. Yes, a lot of detail
went into the game, from players' statistics to the look of both the arenas
and the players themselves. Still, you don't buy a video game for trivia
or because it looks nice. You buy it to play hockey, and that's where this
game comes up short.
Players
were so unresponsive to my button and stick manipulation, I shouted more
obscenities at them than a real NHL coach. In real hockey, players do things
like race toward the puck and check someone into the boards. These features
are missing from "ESPN National Hockey Night," and the result is game play
that's less exciting than your average minor league team.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 2/21/02)
ESPN NBA 2 Night 2002
Konami
Rated E for everyone
PlayStation 2
Not recommended
There
was a moment when I thought I was watching the Three Stooges try to play
basketball. The players got tangled up with each other. There was a flurry
of arms and legs flailing about, but no one was getting anywhere. This
may be how I play basketball in real life, but it's not what I want in
a game.
Compared
to the other offerings on the market, NBA 2 Night is amateur night. The
players are less realistic looking, often with legs so large their heads
appear pea-sized by comparison. And the movements are basic and not particularly
challenging.
I did
enjoy playing the role of general manager, trading players and divvying
up salaries. But the paperwork will just annoy some gamers, who'll be frustrated
by the front-office duties and the unfair nature of the trades--e.g., the
opponents (OK, the computer) won't offer any trades, but will just sift
through your offers instead.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 3/28/02)
ESPN'S WINTER X GAMES SNOWBOARDING
Recommended
Konami; Rated E for everyone
Reviewed for PS2, also available for Xbox
Danny
Kass just picked up a silver medal in the Olympics, so we're inclined to
award a similar medal to the Konami title because gamers have a chance
to compete as him. You also have the option of starting from scratch with
a lousy board and very little skills to create your own personality.
The
moves were trickier to execute than with "Amped," but you have to love
a game where points are awarded for charisma as well as talent. --Misha
Davenport (reviewed 2/21/02)
ETERNAL DARKNESS: SANITY'S
REQUIEM
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Nintendo
RATED: Mature (blood, gore, violence)
REVIEWED FOR: Gamecube
Like
to get the bejesus scared out of you? Then "Eternal Darkness" is the game
for you. Each vignette brings you into a spooky new scenario. A church
hides a dark secret. A girl tries to solve her grandfather's murder. And
all the while, monsters attack, forcing you to fight--or die.
Each
time you run into a monster, your characters chance losing a little of
their sanity. Lose enough of this and you may lose your mind. Or your limbs.
Or, more interestingly, turn into one of them.
You
may want to leave a night light on. Yes, it's that insidiously creepy.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 10/28/02)
Grand Theft Auto III
Highly recommended
Rockstar
Rating: Mature (17+ for blood, strong language,
violence)
For PlayStation 2
Think
of this as the equivalent of a R-rated film in the "GoodFellas" tradition.
Don't let the little ones anywhere near this game. It's designed for adults
and should only be played by those who are at least 17 years old.
A crook
is set up by his girlfriend in a bleak metropolis called Liberty City.
Our antihero is anything but liberated. He has to outwit fellow criminals
and the police by performing tasks--stealing cars, beating up people, even
murder--that will get him in good graces of the Mafia, possibly the only
organization that can protect him.
Every
detail has been addressed here, from the pumping soundtrack (Gangstarr's
Guru is a standout) to the celebrity voices (Joe Pantoliano, Kyle MacLachlan,
Debi Mazar) to the exceptional plot. There are other excellent touches,
as well. Pedestrians flip the bird at drivers who clip them on the street.
Doors that haven't been shut flap in the wind. And helicopters circle you
when you don't run away fast enough.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/11/02)
GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE
CITY
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: Rockstar Games
RATED: Mature (blood and gore, violence, strong
language, strong sexual content)
REVIEWED FOR: PlayStation 2
You
are Tommy Vercetti. Never mind that you look like the love child of Don
Johnson and Steven Seagal and sound like Ray Liotta (who voices the character).
Life seems like it's going to improve 10-fold. You've just been released
from the joint after having served a 15-year stint. And because you kept
your mouth shut, the mob is about to reward you with a few choice operations
of your own.
So begins
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City--one of the year's most anticipated video games.
It doesn't matter if you're an expert gamer or a novice dude. The latest
game in this franchise is a must have. The game is so well-crafted it sucks
you in faster than the squealing cars being chased by
the cops. Speaking of which, the vehicles here
are plentiful. Sure, you can put in a good chase by foot, but why bother
when you can steal a motorcycle
(which is deceptively difficult to steer) or bully
someone into "lending" you their ride.
You'll
want to--no, make that need to--devote at least a couple of hours to this
choice game. Fast moving, smart and stylized, Vice City is slick and fun.
That said, it's also violent (think "Good-Fellas") and intended for a 17-and-up
age group.
But
there's humor infused into the plot as well. In the pizza delivery vignette,
pies are hurled in the same manic way that bullets are shot out of
guns.
Oddly
enough, though, for a game that pays such meticulous attention to detail,
the characters' hands appear deformed. The fingers aren't mobile, so they
all paw at the air as if they're wearing fingerlike mittens.
Set
in the 1980s, Grand Theft Auto has a look and feel that are dead-on, including
a soundtrack that'll bring you back to a time when big hair and
pastel suits were all the rage. Michael Jackson's
"Billie Jean" sets the mood during one chase, and the talk radio option
is a blast.
The
game also has some other nice touches. Gary Busey, Dennis Hopper and Deborah
Harry all lend their vocal talents. But two of the nicer turns
belong to Philip Michael Thomas (of "Miami Vice"
fame) and porn star Jenna Jameson, who voices a character named Candy Suxxx.
Did I mention there are some bada-bing, bada-boom moments in a strip club?
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 11/1/02)
HOOLIGANS--STORM OVER EUROPE
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: Hip
RATED: M for mature
FOR: PC
Speaking
of a riot, the most notorious game of the year in Europe now has invaded
U.S. shores, with all of its trademark madness, murder and mayhem intact.
This isn't a game about the sport; it's about the rabid fans who will do
anything (and I mean anything) to make sure their club makes it to the
match. This real-time strategy game is divided into 11 missions. On one
of the first levels, I had to keep French hooligans from trashing my team's
bus as it made its way to the hotel. Once at the
hotel, I had to patrol the grounds to keep rivals from making too much
noise and thus disturbing my team's rest before the big game. Along the
way, I fought, looted and recruited (you'd be amazed how many people will
join your gang simply because you bought them a round at the pub). Yes,
the game is filled with lawless abandon, but I loved every insane minute
of it.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 6/27/02)
HOUSE OF THE DEAD III
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Sega
RATED: Mature (blood, gore, violence)
REVIEWED FOR: Xbox
I'm
a little confused why this game--the latest in Sega's franchise--is even
called "House of the Dead." Granted, there are dead people (and lots of
them), but the game doesn't take place in a house; it's a top-secret research
facility. "Covert Science Lab of the Dead" just doesn't sound as cool,
I guess. Despite the title, "Dead" is a gorgeous-looking third-person horror
shooter. There aren't many surprises here, but your trigger finger will
certainly be happy. Added bonuses to make it worth the price: A full version
of "House of the Dead II" is playable after you finish "Dead III," and
there's also behind-the-scenes footage from the "House of the Dead" movie
that will drag itself into theaters next summer.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 10/28/02)
INSIDE PITCH 2003
**STRIKE OUT*
From: Microsoft
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: Xbox
The
only good thing I can say about "Inside Pitch 2003" is the ballparks are
detailed. No franchise mode, poor player animation and the pitcher's stamina
bar that doesn't work--I depleted the meter and the guy was still throwing
100 percent of his pitches. "IP" is definitely minor league.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 7/14/03)
James Bond 007 in Agent
Under Fire
Recommended
Electronic Arts
Rated T for teens (for suggestive themes and violence)
For PlayStation 2
If you've
ever fantasized about donning 007's tux, "Agent Under Fire" offers everything
you could want from a Bond game and so much more. "Agent" finds Her Majesty
much in need of Bond's talents. A terrorist organization is threatening
to clone an army and take over the world. Firearms, nifty gadgets and cool
cars are all at your disposal in a game that also features, in the Bond
tradition, scantily clad women who are either trying to kill or seduce
you--or both. The only thing missing from this game is a martini, shaken,
not stirred. "Agent Under Fire" is a thoroughly enjoyable game that moves
beyond the first person shooter to include auto racing and a mission involving
a tank.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
Jet Set Radio Future
Highly recommended
Sega
T for Teens (explicit lyrics and violence)
For Xbox
Can
I highly recommend a game in which the sole purpose of the characters is
to spray graffiti all over Neo-Tokyo? Granted, the characters are doing
it in order to bring down a corrupt government (though I'm not sure just
how threatening graffiti is to a party's political longevity). Still, I
can just see the flood of letters about how I'm encouraging this behavior.
Relax,
people. It's just a game. And a darn good one, too. There is almost no
learning curve. Within minutes, your character is roller-blading on rails
and spray-painting with ease. Bonus points to the cel-shaded graphics that
make the game feel like one long anime and the Dolby soundtrack of mixes
by the Latch Brothers that you actually don't mind hearing. I was instantly
addicted.
Sega's
Dreamcast video game system may have failed, but with titles like "JSRF,"
the company's future remains bright.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 4/11/02)
"Kingdom Hearts" (Squaresoft,
E for Everyone, PS2, $49.95)--Squaresoft, the company behind the hit "Final
Fantasy" series, teamed up with Disney for "Kingdom Hearts." Just about
every Disney animated character turns up, and that's only half the fun.
The end result is over 40 hours of pure gaming bliss.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
Lethal Skies (Elite Pilot:
Team SW)
Recommended
Sammy
Rating: Everyone (mild language, violence)
For PlayStation 2
Visually,
"Lethal Skies" could not look any better. Never mind that I went off the
radar more than a few times. This combat game offers a realistic view that
will make nervous flyers jittery. Set in the bleak future, the game has
a "Top Gun" feel to it that capitalizes on technology. The replay capability
offers multiple angles depicting how you flew and where you went off course.
But
where it's lacking is in the small details. While the plane is strikingly
real, the pilot has to land it on the aircraft carrier minus a catch wire,
because there is no catch wire. And, as anyone who has watched "JAG" knows,
no catch wire-no plane landing (at least on a carrier). By the time you
figure out how to actually land the thing, you've already crashed.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/11/02)
"Lord of the Rings: The
Two Towers"(Electronic Arts, T for Teen, PS2, $49.95)--Electronic
Arts plunges you into the battles that make the current film in the franchise
so compelling, with clips from the film. The game also includes interviews
with the film's cast and crew, production designs and more--all unlockable
as you play through the game. One game is truly lord above all.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
Madden NFL 2002
Recommended
EA Sports
Rated E for everyone
For Xbox
Are
you ready for some football? "Madden NFL 2002" is just the ticket. The
game allows the player to select not only home and away teams, but also
the stadiums and weather conditions. You decide which plays to run from
your playbook and have the option of selecting season mode, playing 16
games in your quest for the NFL championship. Franchise mode builds on
the season mode and allows you to take part in NFL drafts, negotiate players'
contracts or sign free agents.
The
result is an experience not unlike owning a real NFL franchise, though
at about $50 it's cheaper than buying a team. Of course, it helps to have
a detailed knowledge of the finer points of football, which might explain
why this entertainment reporter's Bears played less like the real Bears
and more like the Detroit Lions.
Yet
the game held my attention, inadvertently giving me a new-found appreciation
for the real players and coaches who face the scrutiny of John Madden and
every other sports reporter and armchair quarterback each weekend.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
MADDEN NFL 2003
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: EA Sports
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: PlayStation 2
This
may be the 13th Madden title, but there's nothing unlucky about it. Madden
continues to lead the video gridiron league with graphics and sound that
sometimes make you forget you're playing a game and not watching "Monday
Night Football."
Like
any good football franchise, EA Sports continues to build on the strengths
of the previous versions with new features and enhancements.
This
year, there's Football 101, where John Madden walks you through specific
plays, advises when and how to throw a pass and--in my case--offers post-play
analysis to tell me what I did wrong.
For
those who plunked down the cash for the PS2's online adapter and a broadband
subscription, there's also the option of playing people from across the
country. Madden proves yet again it's the Super Bowl champ of football
titles.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/10/02)
"MechAssault" (Microsoft,
T for teen, XBox, $49.99)--Published by Microsoft, this game is actually
the product of the Chicago-based, independent game developer Day 1 Studios.
Don't think we've included it simply because of hometown pride. "MechAssault"
left us dizzy, tired and with blistered thumbs and we don't regret a single
destructive moment.
There's
more to this game than just the usual third-person action shooter. Much
more. The campaign mode has 20 single player missions that put you in command
of a dozen "Mechwarriors," or Mechs for short. The Mechs are robotic tank-like
vehicles and each has varying capabilities and weapons, but all were built
for destruction. You're free to roam the heavily-detailed landscapes, destroying
everything from bridges to buildings. Heck, you can even squash the puny
street lamps if you want.
Just
when you think the mindless destruction couldn't get any better, you realize
the campaign mode is also perfect for training you for the real reason
to buy this game: online mayhem. When played through Xbox Live, the game
offers you head-to-head combat with players from around the U.S. Expect
to have your butt kicked the first few rounds of online play. Before you
know it, you'll be blasting your way to victory in this highly addictive
game.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons
of Liberty
Highly recommended
Konami
Rated M for mature (for animated violence and blood)
For PlayStation 2
Look
out evildoers: Cigarette-smoking, mullet-wearing spy Solid Snake is back!
A high-tech weapon called Metal Gear Ray is about to be hijacked from a
military tanker and it's up to Snake to infiltrate and carry out a covert
operation to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
Hands
down, this is the best game currently available for the Playstation 2.
With a stylish, cinematic opening and the intermediate scenes of dialogue
dispersed between game play with above-average graphics, MGS2 is an action
game, story and movie all rolled up into one. You get the distinct impression
while playing that the game is learning from you. From the guard-alerting
sneeze I caught from being out in the rain too long to the trail of blood
that led guards right to where I was hiding, MGS2 is relentless and unforgiving
when showing the consequences to choices made during game play. Yet, its
five levels of difficulty ensure that even a novice action player will
find hours of enjoyment. Sheer gaming bliss.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
"Metroid Fusion" (Nintendo,
E for Everyone, Gameboy Advance, $34.95)--It's been eight years since we
last saw Samus Aran, the plucky, power-suit clad heroine of Metroid. Fans
will no doubt say Metroid Fusion --the fourth entry in the franchise--
is long overdue.
Unlike
the GameCube's "Metroid Prime" and its teen rating, this one is rated E
and finds Samus searching for the X parasite, a creature able to mimic
any creature, including Samus. It's a surprisingly well-detailed game in
graphics, gameplay and story-telling.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
"Metroid Prime" (Nintendo,
T for Teen, GameCube, $49.95)--A GameCube must. You play as bounty hunter
Samus Aran, and you hunt for prey on planet Tallon IV. Besides getting
to wear a spunky red and gold uniform, you get to color coordinate your
visors. OK, technically the visors aren't so much for fashion as for offering
different views, and her default view is good enough for the game. She's
not the most graceful of creatures and at times has a few awkward "Robocop"
moments. Because there really aren't any levels to work your way through,
you get optimal playing time with minimal hand-eye coordination frustration.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/22/02)
MLB 2004
**BASE HIT *
From: 989 Sports
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: PlayStation 2
Perfect
for the casual player, this game is extremely easy to learn. Though the
loading time is longer than on some other platforms, "MLB 2004" has an
old-school feel that adds to the fun. The Spring Training mode is a hoot,
but if you're a stickler for the rules, the officiating will drive you
nuts.
Foul balls often aren't called and the umpires
sometimes let the players get away with murder.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 7/14/03)
MLB SLUGFEST 2003
Base hit (Recommended)
From: Midway
Rated: Teen
Reviewed for: PlayStation 2
This
game is worth it just to hit the players. I know--beaning a player in real
life is cruel and unsportsmanlike. But in gamerland, it's a hoot. Hit the
batter in the leg, and he'll lose his speed. Hit the belly, and he'll lose
some power. Get him in the noggin and he won't be able to hit as well.
But hit him one time too many and the batter not only will stomp to the
mound and kick you, er, the pitcher's butt, but he'll also turn into an
uberplayer who's just about unstoppable.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 8/26/02)
MLB SLUGFEST 2004
**HOME RUN *
From: Midway
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: PlayStation 2
"Slugfest"
is for every couch potato who likes to play dirty . . . in a videogame,
that is. As its name suggests, little is out of bounds. Knock the
ball out of a player's hands? Good for you. You
might want to whack him in the chest real hard while you're at it. But
be prepared, 'cause the other
guy might give you a right hook to the nose. It's
not fair play, but it sure is fun.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 7/14/03)
Monsters, Inc.
Somewhat recommended
SCEA
Rated E for everyone
For PlayStation 2
Based
on the charming animated film of the same name, this game won't hold the
interest of players over the age of 10. The goal is to help Sulley and
Mike become Top Scarers. When tots scream, the monsters generate much-needed
energy for their world. This worked well in the film, but the characters
here are stiff and not particularly well animated. That said, it's a good
game for novices to hone their skills. You basically run into things or
jump over them to score points. If you can't manage this, there's a monster
training program that teaches you how to pounce, break crates and jump.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/20/01)
"Mortal Kombat: Deadly
Alliance" (Midway, M for Mature, XBox, $49.95)--When the first
"Mortal Kombat" showed up in arcades in 1992, it redefined the genre of
fighting games. It was both good-looking and gory. In the days before game
ratings, anyone willing to pop in the required quarters could play it.
Its ultra-violent content evoked the wrath of concerned parental groups
and Congress.
A lot
has happened since 1992 and "Mortal Kombat"--once a leader in the genre--seems
content with following. The good news is, "Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance"
has closed the gap a bit. One improvement to the franchise includes three
fighting moves unique to each of the 21 characters. Now, all the players
don't fight the same. Another plus are the "koins" you receive after winning
matches. You use them in the "krypt" to purchase "koffins." The "koffins"
are like Christmas presents--you can't tell what's in them. Some feature
new characters or mini-games that are pretty cool. Others koffin prizes
are downright dumb--one awarded me (and I wish I was making this up) a
32-pack of adult diapers. Worse still, some are empty (robbed, I tell ya,
robbed I was). All and all, it's just enough to keep you planning the game
until you unlock all of the goodies --which should take you well into the
New Year.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
MVP BASEBALL 2003
**BASE HIT *
From: EA Sports
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: PlayStation 2
Two
words set this above the pack: base cam. The picture-in-picture device
helps you keep tabs on who may or may not be trying to steal each base.
Players and ballparks are rendered nicely too,
but where's the online play?
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 7/14/03)
NBA Courtside 2002
Nintendo
Rated E for everyone
GameCube
Highly recommended
You
will be blown away by the visuals. At one point, the players' real-life
team photos are shown alongside their virtual doppelgangers. The likenesses
are so striking you'll do a double take. The same goes for the arenas,
which are faithfully depicted here.
"Courtside"
takes a little more leeway with the action. The players are bionic in their
skills, taking everything to the Nth degree. The dunks are executed with
superhuman strength, and the dribbling is so intricate at times you'd think
it was being judged for style. Diehard basketball fans won't like it. But
for the rest of us, it's a fun kick in the pants.
The
audio does little to enhance gameplay. The players don't talk, and the
running commentary grows redundant after a few games. It would've been
nice to hear a more amped-up crowd to go along with those soaring plays.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 3/28/02)
NBA Inside Drive 2002
Microsoft
Rated E for everyone
XBox
Recommended
Graphically,
this was the most advanced game I played. My first matchup was a Los Angeles
Lakers home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It felt like I was
actually on the Staples Center court. The only thing that would have made
the game feel more real would be Jack Nicholson sitting courtside.
Game
play was quick and enjoyable. Offensively, I had difficulty passing the
ball to the intended player, and I found it a bit too easy to travel or
go out of bounds.
On the
defensive side, it was extremely easy to toggle between players to keep
a ballhandler well covered. I also managed to rack up a number of personal
fouls, though I'm not sure just what I did.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 3/28/02)
NBA INSIDE DRIVE 2003
RECOMMENDED
From: Microsoft
Reviewed for: XBox
Rated: E for everyone
In the
crowded field of basketball video games, something has to set a title apart
from the crowd. For Microsoft, it's all about getting you in the game.
What
sets "NBA Inside Drive 2003" apart from all the other titles is the RPG
element of the "Create a Player" mode. You control appearance, background
and skills. I was able to create a player who closely resembled me--of
course he had a better jump shot, though. As you play through several games,
you pick up additional skills that take you from bench-warmer to superstar
in no time. It makes for a highly addictive game.
The
game's one drawback is the absence of online play. For all the resources
Microsoft has put into its XBox Live, it's odd that its own basketball
title wouldn't support it. Oh, well, there's always next year.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 4/7/03)
NBA Live 2002
EA Sports
Rated E for everyone
Reviewed for PlayStation 2; also available for
XBox
Recommended
Visually
impressive, this basketball game isn't quite a slam dunk. Easy to play
and fun to maneuver, "NBA Live" offers players access to warmups, arguments
with referees and partying after a big win. They can make like Kobe Bryant,
Vince Carter or Shaquille O'Neal. Unfortunately, the athletes' likenesses
aren't translated into their playing style. All the stars move the same,
from passes to dunks to rebounds.
I could
have done without the running play-by-play commentary, which is the most
annoying thing this side of Regis Philbin's nonstop yammering on PlayStation's
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Humorous at first, it grows old fast.
Still,
the precise presentation and realistic animation make this a must-have
for any video hoops fan. All that's missing is the spilled beer.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 3/28/02)
NBA LIVE 2003
RECOMMENDED
From: EA Sports
Reviewed for: GameCube
Rated: E for everyone
After
Sega's superb basketball titles, EA's "NBA Live 2003" comes off as a runner-up.
Think of it as an attractive bridesmaid, rather than the bride.
There's
nothing inherently wrong with this game. The action is surprisingly seamless
and moves at a brisk pace. But there's also nothing new that will excite
fans who own the predecessors to this game. As before, the computer will
beat you down if your guys aren't up to speed with its players.
The
crowd noise is enthusiastic throughout the game and makes up for the cloying
commentary. And there are some good rap songs on the soundtrack by the
likes of Snoop Dogg.
The
players have a realistic look to them, but their features are off a tad.
A little graphical tweaking would've perfected their characteristics and
given their arms and legs a less sluggish, cartoonish feel. As for the
stadiums, the United Center looks pretty much the same as any other, and
you never know where you are.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/7/03)
NBA SHOOTOUT 2003
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
From: 989 Sports
Reviewed for: PS2
Rated: E for everyone
Much
has been made of the graphical limitations of PlayStation. However, games
such as the "Grand Theft Auto" series show that, done right, the visuals
can be just as vivid as the gameplay. Unfortunately, that doesn't translate
to "NBA Shootout 2003," where the players are mostly unrecognizable and
almost blocklike. In real life, basketball is a deceptively fluid and graceful
game. But here, the moves are choppy.
The
player is given the option of playing in exhibition, regular season and
playoff modes. Go for the exhibition setting, which is the most fun for
players who want to have a little more control of their b-ball. Creating
a player to challenge the foe of your choice is a kick. I particularly
enjoyed pitting my 5-foot-7, 100-pound scrapper against the likes of Shaq
and watching him outdunk the pros.
The
commentary flows at a nice pace and is helpful in ID'ing the players. Trust
me, you need this function, because unless you recognize their numbers,
you won't be able to tell apart their pixilated faces.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/7/03)
NBA STARTING FIVE
NOT RECOMMENDED
From: Konami
Reviewed for: PS2
Rated: E for everyone
I've
always been able to excel in sports--via a video game, I mean. I can't
skateboard for the life of me, but give me a Tony Hawk game and I can execute
tricks worthy of a gold medal. Skiing in real life? I don't think so. But
I'm a virtual whiz if you give me a couple hours to "work out."
So it
was with some concern that I discovered I am a better basketball player
on a real court than I am when playing "NBA Starting Five." I realized
this was one of those rare cases where it really isn't me--it's them.
The
rebound function is so screwed up on this game, it defies logic. A ball
goes up and lands a couple of feet away from the player. What does he do?
He walks at almost a turtle's pace to get it. Instead of getting cut from
the team, this same player then goes on inexplicably to miss shots that
a kid would be able to make during a game of H.O.R.S.E.
These
kinks are easy to overlook during the first half hour or so of gameplay.
But after that, why bother? None of the other features is compelling enough
to make you want to deal with the mess.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/7/03)
NBA Street
EA Sports Big
Rated E for everyone
Reviewed for PlayStation 2; also available for
GameCube
Highly recommended
First
things first: This game gives you the option of playing a host of streetside
courts, including one in Chicago. As rendered by the game, Buckingham Fountain
looks like it's across the street from the Hancock. And last I checked,
there wasn't a basketball court near either.
With
its hip-hop soundtrack, players in street attire, lightning-fast play,
attitude and a host of detailed courts, this is one groovy game. You gotta
love a title that has Stretch, a 46-year-old schoolteacher, as one of your
toughest opponents. His "Black Panther" afro, calf-length white socks and
Converse shoes will make you laugh until he slam-dunks, shoving a piece
of humble pie in your face.
In addition
to the streetball opponents, you have the option of playing the court with
a roster of NBA players--including Michael Jordan. Either way, a simple
game of 21 was never more fun.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 3/28/02)
NBA 2K3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
From: Sega
Reviewed for: Xbox
Rated: E for Everyone
If I
was an executive at EA Sports, I'd be nervous.
EA Sports'
basketball titles used to be the definitive champions. Like the Bulls,
they were unstoppable in their time. But I found EA's titles this year
to be lackluster.
Sega,
meanwhile, seems to be taking its cues from the Detroit Pistons. Much like
the team from the Motor City, Sega's game has improved leaps and bounds
over last year. The ESPN branding lends an authenticity to game play. Players
are incredibly detailed, right down to the tattoos on their forearms, and
the arenas are more or less faithfully rendered as well.
If there
is anything to criticize, it's the game's artificial intelligence. CPU-controlled
players have a tendency to push you out of bounds. They also have a tendency
to take half-court "Hail Mary" shots and actually make them more often
than not.
Despite
this, the game is nothing but net.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 4/7/03)
NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2K3
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Sega Sports
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: GameCube
Every
armchair quarterback dreams of handpicking his own squad. The premise for
this game is awesome, and gameplay is relatively quick, but the end result
isn't as exciting. You may play through an entire season, where you may
get to ham it up at the Rose Bowl. Or if a trophy isn't your raison d'etre,
you may opt to play random teams on whims.
As in
real-life college football, a good chunk of time may be spent wooing high
school stars to attend your college. Unfortunately, you're not allowed
to use money, fast cars or hookers to lure them.
Sure,
it's fun pitting a Pac 10 team against one of the stalwarts from the Big
10. But what I want to know is: Where are the University of Chicago Maroons?
Now that's a football team.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/10/02)
NCAA FINAL FOUR 2003
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
From: 989 Sports
Reviewed for: PS2
Rated: E for everyone
I've
generally found that playing college sports games is more fun than selecting
pro teams with known players. Because colleges don't license game publishers
to use their players' likenesses, there is no Chris Thomas playing for
Notre Dame. You're more in control when you play as your favorite team.
This
game's strength is in the variety of modes. Besides basic season and tournament,
there are two different dynasty modes that allow you to have more control
of your team in terms of coaching and even practice. Unfortunately, actual
play is hindered by clumsy functions, such as not allowing enough time
to hit the pass button. Honestly, I doubt even Thomas could pass the ball
in less time than this game allows you to hit certain buttons.
One
thing that might pep up this franchise is the inclusion of cheerleaders
during the game. I'm not talking about dancers prancing around at halftime,
but rather acrobatic young women (and men) who make up the squads for elite
cheerleading squads like Notre Dame and UCLA.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 4/7/03)
NCAA March Madness 2002
EA Sports
Rated E for everyone
PlayStation 2
Not recommended
If you
are the type of person who can't be bothered with reading a whole mystery
and instead flips to the last chapter to find out whodunit, this is the
game for you. Most sports titles (including several released by EA Sports)
give you the option of playing an entire season before reaching the championship.
March Madness gets right down to the "Sweet 16" bracket of college teams.
Graphics
aren't what you've come to expect from an EA Sports title, either. One
can only assume this product was rushed to market. How else to explain
players' facial expressions and body movements during play? Zombies in
any given "Resident Evil" title move with more fluidity. It's as if Percodan
was freely distributed on the road trip to the arena.
Another
beef: In my game between Michigan State and Michigan, I was expecting digital
versions of Spartans coach Tom Izzo and the Wolverines' Tommy Amaker. Apparently,
EA's license agreement doesn't include coaches' likenesses.
However,
they did see to programming every school's fight song. Pity that isn't
what you play sports games for.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 3/28/02)
NCAA 2K3 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
From: Sega
Reviewed for: Xbox
Rated: E for everyone
If you're
wondering what Sega has done with the ESPN license since it wrestled it
away from Konami last year, look no further than "NCAA 2K3." I played this
game in between watching the Big Ten playoffs on ESPN, and it was sometimes
hard to tell where the live coverage ended and the game began.
Granted,
the rather blandly rendered players could be more realistic. NCAA rules
prohibit players' names and likenesses from being used in a licensed game,
though. Sega makes up for it through detailed arenas, crowds and the lifelike
movements of the players.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 4/7/03)
NFL FEVER 2003
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
FROM: Microsoft
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: XBox
I didn't
think it was possible for a football franchise to get worse. Microsoft
has proved me wrong. There isn't much to distinguish NFL Fever 2003 from
NFL Fever 2002. Graphics and sound pretty much remain the same.
One
big difference is the downloadable online content, but even that has a
negative side. Compare the Bears' performance on the field before and after
you update the game to reflect the current roster of players thanks to
players sidelined by injuries, and you might think real-time updates aren't
such a great idea. I know I did.
The
game's biggest fault doesn't lie in content, per se, but in the artificial
intelligence programmed into it. The computer knows your playbook and can
counter anything you throw at it. It's enough to leave you virtually scoreless
and totally frustrated.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/10/02)
NFL GAMEDAY 2003
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
FROM: 989 Sports
RATED: E
REVIEWED FOR: PlayStation 2
This
game looks great but plays slow. If you're not a huge football fan to begin
with, the stall time will grow tedious. One of its most interesting elements,
though, is the ability to create your own player of freakishly odd proportions.
Will he play as well as a pro? Depends. But it's sure fun watching him
waddle down the 50-yard line.
Sportscaster
Dick Enberg's familiar voice does a fine job on the commentary.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/10/02)
NHL HITZ 2002
Midway; Rated E for everyone
Reviewed for Xbox, alsoavailable for GameCube and
PS2
The
player control is fluid and the game gives you the options of exhibition,
championship or franchise game player, but the player animation while playing
the game isn't as great as EA's "NHL 2002."
However,
Midway scores a silver medal for incorporating the one aspect of the sport
we truly love: senseless, underhanded violence. Whether it's introducing
a fellow player's teeth to your hockey stick or their entire body to the
boards, we couldn't get enough. Now that's hockey!
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 2/21/02)
NHL 2002
Highly recommended
EA Sports; Rated E for everyone
PS2
Don't
like hockey? Doesn't matter. You'll still enjoy this exciting game.
Start
off by peeking at the roster and checking out your players. Then get ready
to play. The Breakaway Cam is there to show awesome close-ups of one-on-one
challenges and puck maneuvers. Execute enough spectacular body checks and
other stunts and you earn in-game NHL cards. The more cards you collect,
the faster your players go.
The
sound quality is simply awesome and includes music by the Barenaked Ladies
(whose Ed Robertson last was seen sporting a speedskating uniform while
the band entertained the crowd at the Olympics). But it's even more impressive
to hear how the sound accentuates the game at crucial moments. When the
player skates to make a goal, the fans cheer. The closer he gets to the
opponent's goal, the cheering fades and the beating of
his heart crescendos into a nice Edgar Allan Poe
moment.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 2/21/02)
Pikmin
Highly recommended
Nintendo
Rated E for everyone
For GameCube
This
game is all about hunting, gathering and exploring. The main attraction
is Olimar, a cute little alien whose spaceship is blindsided by a comet.
Crashing on unfamiliar turf, Olimar discovers his ship is missing 30 parts.
He finds salvation in a field of creatures who look like feisty carrots.
They grow like plants but, when plucked, reveal quasi-human forms. Olimar
gets them to do all sorts of things for him--build bridges, blow things
up, fight the enemy. In exchange, he does his best to protect them.
Once
you get over the pimplike relationship between Olimar and the Pikmin, you
can't help but have fun. As the game progresses, you realize that Olimar
is pretty good at keeping things in order. He sends his Pikmin off to fight
hungry animals that may or may not eat them in retaliation. But when they're
successful in killing the beasts, they Soylent Green them for their own
purposes.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/20/01)
RESIDENT EVIL
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
FROM: Capcom
RATED: Mature (blood, gore, violence)
REVIEWED FOR: GameCube
Good
lord, this is frightening. The new version won't be out until next month,
but Halloween's as good as time as any to revisit a classic gore game.
Meticulously animated to depict realistic bloodshed, "Resident Evil" isn't
for the squeamish. It's "Night of the Living Dead" with nothing left to
the imagination. That said, you'll be tempted to "die" at least once just
to see what happens as you're ripped limb from limb.
Of course,
it's difficult to play this game when you're peering out from half-closed
eyes. So open them. Play it. And then hide it away. Fast.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 10/28/02)
SCOOBY-DOO! NIGHT OF 100
FRIGHTS
RECOMMENDED
FROM: THQ
RATED: E for everyone
REVIEWED FOR: GameCube
Hijinks
ensue when Daphne's friend asks the Scooby Gang for help. Her house is
haunted by something ... or someone. When her uncle disappears, Scooby
and Co. vow to find him.
This
game isn't as easy as you'd think by its goofy graphics and--Zoinks!--sound
effects. You'll find yourself busy jumping and grabbing (Scooby snacks)
your way through the levels to try to solve the caper. But just when you
think you're there, you'll slip, fall and have to start all over again.
Not
scary enough for you? Try listening to Tim Curry and Don Knotts spar.
The
game has the same look and feel of a vintage Scooby-Doo cartoon and is
everything the recent film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze
Jr. aspired to be: fun.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 10/28/02)
SEGA SOCCER SLAM
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Sega
RATED: E for everyone
FOR: GameCube
These
players don't care about any stinking World Cup trophy. The brutes are
out to win the Continental Cup--to drink from. Hailing from six continents,
these "footballers" play rough three-on-three soccer that's like a Bugs
Bunny cartoon gone wild. Anything goes in these slapstick matches, especially
when the goalie is sleeping it off. Practice playing by yourself and then
teach your friends. It's a great buddy game, allowing players to spaz out
as they manipulate the competitors into hamming it up for the cheering
crowd.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 6/27/02)
SHAUN PALMER'S PRO SNOWBOARDER
Somewhat recommended
Activision; Rated E for everyone
PS2
Besides
hearing some bitchin' music by Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm and Orange 9mm,
players get the chance to ride the, uh, snow like X-Games gold medalist
Shaun Palmer and his pals Tara Dakides, Leslee Olson and Ingemar Backman,
who are all featured in the game. The animation is first-rate and faithful
to the slopes on which they're based and, just as important, to the characters'
actual lines and movements.
Players
speed down the slopes executing intricate trick combos (ollies, grinds,
flips) that defy gravity. Players may venture from eight slope locations
such as Squaw Valley and Kirkwood to explore hidden areas and try to stick
tricks off anything that can give them momentum. The more complex movements
require "Street Fighter"-style combination moves that, for this player,
resulted in consistent crashing. But once you master the circular motion
to keep these dudes flying, you're on your way to a medal.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 2/21/02)
"Shinobi" (Sega,
M for mature, PS2, $49.95)--Hotsuma, the hero of Sega's latest 3D action
game, doesn't have an easy mission. He has to battle former clansmen who
aren't particularly friendly and his energy gets sapped from all the slash
and thrash fighting. Inspired by Sega's classic ninja franchise, Shinobi
is intended for an audience old enough to legally attend R-rated movies.
If you get the chance, try opting for the Japanese voice option when you're
done with the standard English. You may not understand what's being said,
but it fits better with the anime feel of the graphics and the Japanese
score accompanying it.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/22/02)
Shrek
Not recommended
TDK Mediactive
Rated T for teens (for comic mischief and mild
violence)
For Xbox
There
is an unwritten law in video gaming that states all titles based on movie
tie-ins must stink. The folks at TDK Mediactive have taken things far too
literally with "Shrek," releasing a game where burping and flatulence are
not only common, they're part of game strategy.
The
plot is typical of platform action games. Merlin, an evil wizard, has kidnapped
Princess Fiona and locked her in a tower surrounded by thick fog. To clear
the fog, battle Merlin and rescue Fiona, you first have to complete good
deeds that consist of moving objects from one place to the other while
being chased by a foe, setting enemies on fire, or simply belching or breaking
wind to disable them. You repeat these actions so many times, game play
can't help but be boring. All of the creativity and imagination that went
into the film are painfully lacking in this game. To quote a line from
the movie: You cut me, Shrek. You cut me real deep.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
SILENT HILL 2: RESTLESS
DREAMS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: Konami
RATED: Mature (gore, violence)
REVIEWED FOR: Xbox
James
Sunderland receives a letter from his late wife written three years after
her death. She wants to meet him in Silent Hill. Faster than you can say,
"Don't go in the basement," you--as James--are in a car bound for the sleepy
hamlet. Despite the dense fog covering the town and the eerie music in
Dolby, you get out of the car and begin to search for residents. The goal
of the game is to stay alive and solve the occasional puzzle, and fog isn't
all that's surrounding you. This game creeps up on you, makes your palms
sweat and your eyes peer at the dark corners of your living room. You've
never seen anything like the disturbing creatures that inhabit "Silent
Hill," and they stay with you long after you've put down the controller.
Never has a subtitle been more appropriate than "Restless Dreams." That's
exactly what you'll have after playing this game.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 10/28/02)
The Simpsons Road Rage
Recommended
Electronic Arts
Rated T for teens (for mild language, suggestive
themes and violence)
For Xbox
I never
cared much for "Crazy Taxi." So it's surprising how much I enjoyed "Road
Rage," as it's basically "Crazy Taxi" set in the cartoon town of Springfield
in all its garish, pastel glory. The plot of this road-racing game incorporates
much of what makes "The Simpsons" a hit. Machiavellian Mr. Burns has purchased
Springfield's mass transit system, converting all the buses to nuclear
power. It's up to the residents to beat the clock and ferry passengers
around town in their own cars to earn fares and tips to raise the $1 million
needed to buy back the system and put the hazardous buses to bed for good.
While
you initially start with only the Simpsons family and vehicles, as you
advance through the game and earn money, new characters and settings become
available. Of course, "Road Rage" has one thing "Crazy Taxi" doesn't:
the voice talents of the entire "Simpsons" cast. The irreverent and sarcastic
tone of the animated series is present in every one of the 25 or so characters.
Fans of the show should buy it now or say "Doh!" later.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/20/01)
"Sly Cooper and
the Thievius Raccoonus" (Sony, E for Everyone, PS2, $49.95)--Mario-schmario.
"Cooper" is hands-down the best platform game of the year.
There's
much that elevates it from the usual plumbers and janitors you find in
other games. First, cel-shaded graphics make you feel like you're playing
a Saturday morning cartoon. Second, gameplay is smooth. As Sly, you stealthily
search for the Thievius Raccoonus (a sort of Holy Grail for thieves) that
has been stolen from his family. Using all the tricks of a cat, er, raccoon
burglar, you jump, climb swing and crack safe codes. Finally, much thought
has gone into plot and character development. Even level bosses have names,
personalities and backstories. "Sly" is --well, how else can we say it--sly.
Here's hoping the game is the start of a new platform franchise for Sony.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
"SpongeBob Squarepants:
Revenge of the Flying Dutchman" (THQ, E for Everyone, Gameboy
Advance$29.95)--SpongeBob is back --and this time he's armed. OK, so it's
only a bubble wand, but in the wacky world where a sponge not only talks
but wears pants, of course a bubble wand would be a weapon.
The
plot might as well be from the hit cartoon. While searching for his pet
snail Gary, SpongeBob accidentally unleashes the ghost of the Flying Dutchman,
who quickly enlists SpongeBob to find his missing treasure. As you search,
you run into many of the characters from the show --SpongeBob's "special
friend" Patrick, the aptly named Mr. Krabby and others. All are rendered
with great graphics and it feels like you're actually manipulating an episode
of the show. Gamers and fans of the show will soak it up
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
SSX TRICKY
Highly Recommended
EA Sports; Rated E for everyone
Reviewed for the GameCube, also available for the
Playstation 2 and XBox
Even
if the idea of eating a doughnut is more appealing to you than executing
one, you'll be stoked with this game. It capitalizes on the daring nature
of snowboarding with loud techno music and some familiar-sounding characters.
The makers enlisted celebs such as Lucy Liu, Macy Gray and Bif Naked to
lend their voices. But it's rad-sounding David Arquette who is most like
an authentic boarder.
"Tricky"
is the updated, cranked-up follow-up to "SSX," which was released a year
ago on PS2. One of the gripes about "SSX" was that it was too difficult
to master. "Tricky" is a little easier to play, but it still is a challenge
to successfully perform tricks, which makes your character race faster,
which in turn helps you win the gold.
The
visuals are sharp and clear and have greater depth than any other snowboarding
game on a Nintendo system. The characters are well-developed, and a lot
of attention has been lavished on the background settings.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 2/21/02)
Star Wars: Rogue Leader
Highly recommended
LucasArts
Rated T for teens 13+ (violence)
For GameCube
If you're
ambivalent about which platform to purchase, "Rogue Leader" will help sway
you toward the GameCube. Simply put, this is the best-looking video game
I've ever seen. The battle sequences are stunning and take place on such
locations as Cloud City and Hoth--sites familiar to fans of the film. Rogue
Leader is a sequel to Nintendo 64's Rogue Squadron, but it's light-years
ahead in terms of polish and feel. When the X-Wings and Star Destroyers
blast laser fire, you can almost feel the impact. As for the images, they're
perfection. The ships are depicted down to the most minute detail, as are
the troops marching below. The load time is almost nonexistent, making
it a game that is fast, addictive and fun.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/20/01)
Super Monkey Ball
Recommended
Sega
Rated E for everyone
For GameCube
The
premise: A monkey is stuck in a transparent ball--a Monkey Ball, if you
will. Your job is to guide the world in which it lives, but you have no
control over what the super simian can do. The Monkey Ball rolls past obstacles,
which vary from relatively simple to mind-numbingly impossible. Do your
job right and you'll see your opponents teeter off the stage. The graphics
are colorful and pop from the screen. An added bonus is that Super Monkey
Ball is geared for gamers who enjoy playing with others. Four may play
just as easily as one. Subgames such as Monkey Fight--in which your monkey's
ball is equipped with a fist that lets you whack around your opponents--are
a hoot. The soundtrack keeps players pumped for action, but the monkey's
furtive cries are weak and grow old fast.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/20/01)
"Super Monkey Ball 2"(Sega,
E for Everyone, GameCube, $49.95)--So you're thinking this game just looks
too darned cute to be any fun? Try playing it with a group of friends and
I defy you not to get a kick out of this. The game makes no attempt to
mirror reality. When's the last time you saw a happy little monkey enclosed
in a ball dodging dominoes and executing some gymnastics-worthy tricks?
Granted, some of the characters do get cloying. Ignore them and hit a round
of Monkey Tennis. Better yet, try your aim in the shoot 'em up Monkey Shot.
The cartoon feel will delight the little ones, even if the mechanics are
a bit difficult for them to navigate. That's where you come in.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/22/02)
"Tom Clancy's Splinter
Cell" (Ubi Soft, T for Teen, XBox,
$49.99)--Good heavens, if there was one XBox title you had to own outside
of "Halo," this is it. In fact, we'll go so far as to say if given the
choice between "Halo" and this, we'd be buying "Splinter Cell." It's enough
to make us want to kiss Tom Clancy.
You
play as secret agent Sam Fisher and your mission is to infiltrate a terrorist
operation before it precipitates World War III. Fisher bears a striking
resemblance to George Clooney, but his moves are strictly 007. This is
probably the first game where it's recommended you don't skip the training
missions. Fisher has a host of signature moves including crouching, rolling
and sliding down a rope. Besides, unless you have hands-on experience with
the night vision headset, chances are you'll need the training.
If the
gameplay doesn't move you to buy it, the graphics will. Walls, objects,
people are all rendered with detail and texture. Even Fisher's 5 o'clock
shadow looks rough enough to file your nails on it. Simply, "Splinter Cell"
is currently the best looking game out for the holidays on any system.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
4" (Activision, T for teen, PS2,
$49.95)--Three years after the release of his first game, Tony Hawk's pro
skater series has become the action sports franchise to beat. It's a shame
that the two-minute time limit has been taken out of the game, but what
may have dissipated in suspense has been replaced with time to cultivate
your gaming skills. One of the nicer elements of this game is the option
to re-start an aborted trick, rather than having to backtrack to the beginning
as you had to in previous incarnations of the game.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 12/22/02)
TRIPLE PLAY 2002
Strike (Somewhat recommended)
From: EA Sports
Rated: E for everyone
Reviewed for: XBox, also available for the PlayStation
2
From
the opening sequence with the music courtesy of bland 1990's heavy metal
hair bands, you know you're in trouble. EA Sports, normally an innovator
in sports titles, has taken a step back. Waaaaaayyyy back.
Sure,
every major league baseball stadium is featured in startling detail. The
only thing missing from Wrigley Field, for instance, is the patch of dead
ivy on a portion of the wall. Yes, every player has been scanned in along
with any signature batting stances or moves they may have as well. Heck,
you can even hear the occasional shouts for red hots from the vendors in
the stands. So, what's not to like?
Everything
looks good until someone actually moves. This isn't Hollywood and all the
male stars aren't 5 foot 8 inches, so why does every major league player
look stumpy and out of focus?
Game
play made the kiddie title "Backyard Baseball" look challenging. With the
swing targeting system, I hit the ball out of the park more often than
not. It's hard to remember the last time I saw a real game go into double
digits. And don't even get me started on Bob Costas'
dull commentary.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 8/26/02)
2002 FIFA WORLD CUP
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FROM: EA Sports
RATED: E for everyone
FOR: Xbox
It must
have cost EA Sports a pretty penny to secure the only official video-game
license of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. But the designers couldn't have blown
all of their budget, because they deliver a solid game, as well. Of all
the soccer games I played, this had the most realistic player movement.
Graphically, the game mimics the sights and sounds of the World Cup--and
you don't have to get up at 4 a.m. to experience it. If there
is anything critical to say about the game, it
would be the function of controlling off-screen players.It's hard to manipulate
players when you can't see them. Otherwise, the game was a riot, especially
in the four-person, multiplayer mode.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 6/27/02)
VIRTUA STRIKER 2002
RECOMMENDED
FROM: Sega
RATED: E for everyone
FOR: GameCube
"Virtua
Striker 2002" is very easy on the eyes. The action is realistic, and the
athletes have determined looks on their little animated faces as they scamper
about. How well they scamper is up to you, the intrepid player. But the
game is relatively straightforward and not too difficult to master, especially
if you take advantage of the training option where you practice dribbling
and passing. Thankfully, there's little manipulation needed to pass, shoot
and score. Gamers have the option of battling it out among four, eight,
16 or 32 participating countries. You control the team roster, selecting
who's in and which loser gets pulled from the game. Before you know it,
it's all about the "Gooooooooooaaaaaaallllllllll!"
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 6/27/02)
WORLD SERIES
BASEBALL 2002
BASE HIT (RECOMMENDED)
From: Sega
Rated: E for everyone
Reviewed for: Xbox
The
Xbox is better than you and will always be better than you even after hours
of gameplay. Accept this and your WSB experience will be less frustrating.
Players controlled by the Xbox never make mistakes, regardless of their
real league records. Don't believe me? Just try catching a grounder and
tossing it to attempt a double play. The Xbox team makes it look easy.
Good luck accomplishing it yourself. Thankfully, there's a two player mode
that evens out the skill levels.
There
are some nice touches here that keep the game from totally sucking. Graphics
are great. Fans actually heckle or encourage a player at bat ("Knock it
onto Waveland" and "You suck" can be heard when playing games at Wrigley
Field). Die-hard baseball fans will enjoy the incredibly detailed franchise
mode that allows you to outfit your team in retro attire (sports uniforms
in the '70s were a bit flashy to say the least) or even play with Hall
of Fame legends. Still, the game would be better if Sega had programmed
a few errors into the Xbox AI.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 8/26/02)
WORLD SERIES 2K3 BASEBALL
**BASE HIT*
From: Sega
Rated: E for Everyone
Reviewed For: PlayStation 2
The
gameplay is fine, but I got a bigger kick watching the players move. The
way they play is realistic to their real-life counterparts. If you wear
glasses, take them off and you'll swear you were
watching a ballgame on TV rather than playing one on your PS2. To get really
creative with the teams,
go with the franchise mode, which lets you scout
and select your players. You may not end up a season winner, but I promise
you'll have a lot of fun
trying.
--Jae-Ha Kim (reviewed 7/14/03)
"Yu-Gi-Oh: The Eternal
Duelist Soul" (Konami, E for Everyone,
Gameboy Advance, $29.99)-- "Yu-Gi-Oh." began as a card game in Japan, was
exported to the U.S. and didn't really take off until a cartoon based on
the game debuted. "Yu-Gi-Oh" quickly became one of the top-rated kids shows,
creating a market for the card game.
The
game finally makes its way to the Gameboy Advance. Gameplay is a bit like
the old card game "War." You place a monster card in either a defensive
or attack mode, your opponent does the same. You attack, and if your attack
points are higher than your opponent's, your opponent has to discard the
card and points are deducted from his pot. Added to the mix are magic cards
that power up your monster and charm cards that protect your monster from
attack.
Adults
will find the game a bit confusing (Konami actually sent an animated video
on how to play the game with our review copy), but the game isn't for them,
it's for kids who are fans of the show.
--Misha Davenport (reviewed 12/22/02)
Read more about:
Technology
GameCube, PS2 and Xbox
Nintendo vs. Microsoft
Game Zone:
August 2003
September 2003
October 2003
2004
Videogame reviews:
Dec. 20, 2001
Feb. 21, 2002
March 28, 2002
June 27. 2002
Aug. 26, 2002
Oct. 28, 2002
Nov. 1, 2002
Dec. 10, 2002
Dec. 22, 2002
April 7, 2003
July 14, 2003
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