Friday, June 28, 2002

Review of Aggressive Inline for PS2     Publisher: Acclaim     Developer: Z-axis, Ltd.     Genre: Sports     # Of Players: 1-2     Peripherals: None Get ready to strap on those skates! Featuring professional real life skaters, a huge amount of arenas, a killer soundtrack, and more tricks than you dare to count, Aggressive Inline is set to become the Tony Hawk of inline skating.  Now, if you are looking for an inline skating game or just a new game to do cool tricks off walls and half pipes, this is one of the better ones, but if you don’t enjoy things like Tony Hawk, this won’t change your mind. Graphics: Sweet animation, huge levels with great details and good variety (especially the movie studio, it’s just cool).  My only complaint is that even if most of the racers are real (I wouldn’t know), they just look too stereotypical, like grungy pros from every other extreme sport. Sound: No voices, and effects are kind of weak, but all that really matters in games like these is that you have some extremely cool music to perform your tricks to, and the game gets it right on the money with extremely appropriate tracks like “crawling in the dark’ by Hoobastank and other various bands. Gameplay: Control scheme is very similar to games like Tony Hawk, with tricks that are easy to learn, but take time and practice to pull off.  I really like that you can actually make your skater better in career mode (but I wish they weren’t so evenly balanced to start off with, no one has a real edge).  And the huge levels are great, giving lots of things to do cool tricks on.  But I do wish there was a better set up for the jump button, it shouldn’t be sharing with another one. Features: Unlockable tracks, skaters, competitive & freestyle mode, codes and s custom track editor.  But no straight racing mode, which I would’ve really enjoyed. Funfactor: Well, if you like inline skating (or games where you can do massive boatloads of tricks and grinds, this is one of the best games out there, with lots to do to keep you occupied, but at the end of the day, there is really nothing more to this game than doing a massive amount of tricks again and again, so if you’re looking for a little something more, stick with SSX or Freekstyle. --Final Scores— Graphics: 9.0-Great animation and level design, most of the characters (even the real ones) look a little bland, though. Sound: 8.0-No voice and effects suck, but soundtrack is so well done you won’t notice. Gameplay: 8.5-I like the aspect of building up your skater, but they start off way too even, and the jump button shouldn’t have to share another function, Features: 9.0-Lots of extras, but how about some straight up racing modes? Funfactor: 8.5-If you like inline skating, I would add another whole point to the funfactor because this is one of the best games of its type available for any system period, but it doesn’t really offer much for someone who is not a fan. 8:40:02 AM    comment []

Review of Eternal Darkness for Gamecube     Publisher: Nintendo     Developer: Silicon Knights     Genre: Survival Horror     # Of Players: 1     Peripherals: None Many have come and many have fallen in their attempts to dethrone the current king of survival horror, Resident Evil.  However, Eternal Darkness may be the first to really give the series a run for its money.  You start off as the latest descendant of the Roivas family.  Your grandfather has died; you come to his home and discover a book called ‘The Tome of Eternal Darkness’.  In it is a history of the Roivas bloodline, which has fought darkness through the ages, and you play as each of them.  This game simply redefines survival horror. Graphics: Gory, well, animated, and really well detailed.  You can see influence from classic horror movies and especially from action adventure movies (especially Indiana Jones and The Mummy).  My only complaint is that the game is a little too bright & colorful to be truly scary, but that doesn’t stop it from having plenty “oh that’s so freaking cool!!” moments (especially the first time you see blood dripping from the walls). Sound: Voice acting is decent, could be better, but could be a lot worse.  The music is what really makes the game creepy at times, being extremely ominous, and the occasional voices and whispers are just disturbing.  The effects are really solid, as you’ll hear the monsters from far off, traps being set off, etc. Gameplay: This is how really how Resident Evil should play.  You are able to target specific areas of monsters’ bodies, and there actually is an indicator as to which part you are targeting (although why you can’t target legs to slow them down is beyond me).  There are a good variety of appropriate weapons, and even your basic ones are pretty effective, and finally it is really easy to smoothly run.  My only complaint is that your sanity meter goes down way too fast, and it’s not easy to raise back up (i.e. killing a monster only restores half of what you lost when they saw you). Features: There’s a hidden bonus game mode after you beat it once, but other than that, it’s really just the bare essentials. Funfactor: While not even close to the scariest game I’ve played, (that title easily belongs to Fatal Frame), as far as a good action/adventure, this is probably the best I’ve played this year.  It’s stylish, it’s unique, and it’s fun.  But if you want something that will actually scare you, stick to Resident Evil or Silent Hill. --Final Scores— Graphics: 9.0-Little too bright and colorful to be scary but just looks and moves excellently. Sound: 9.0-Voice acting is just decent, but the music and sound effects are just superb. Gameplay: 8.5-Controls are great, and I love system, but it really should be easier to refill your sanity meter. Features: 5.5-Extra hidden game mode, but no real extras other than that. Funfactor: 9.0-Simply one of the best Gamecube titles to date. 8:34:02 AM    comment []

Review of Legion: The Legend of Excalibur for PS2     Publisher: Midway     Developer: 7-studios     Genre: Action     # Of Players: 1     Peripherals: None In this epic quest, you take control of the legendary King Arthur (and his just as legendary men), as he takes up Excalibur in order to protect the kingdom that will become Camelot from Morgan Le Fay and her hordes of soldiers.  Recruit others to fight along side you in real time combat, somewhat in a Diablo style engine.  While there are many interesting ideas in this game that could’ve worked, each and every one of them fails on a massive level. Graphics: Ugh.  Bland landscapes with poor color, horridly simple animation, and slowdown even when there’s nothing on the screen.  Sadly, these are not the worst graphics I’ve seen on PS2 this year (that award easily goes to Godai), but that doesn’t change the fact that these are downright horrid. Sound: Surprisingly not bad.  Pretty good voice acting, and sound effects (it’s real easy to hear battle sounds increase or decrease depending on your distance), and music is good and appropriate for a game set in the middle ages, but maybe a little too mellow for a game that’s supposed to be real intense. Gameplay: Ok, first, any of the soldiers helping you are pretty much useless.  I do like that you can switch characters.  Level ups don’t seem to make much of a difference.  The combat just plain sucks, as it’s real easy for enemies to simply swarm and slaughter you, and your abilities are extremely limited.  And when they aren’t swarming you the combat is just dull. Features: Surprisingly loaded with extras like history of Arthur, behind the scenes of making the game, etc. Funfactor: This game had a lot of interesting ideas, but fails to execute nearly every one of them.  Poor bland graphics, crap A.I., idiotic battle system.  This game is best described as what can go wrong when you try to blend genres (strategy, action, & RPG).  Just save yourself some time, money and pain and pick up Baldur’s Gate for a much better Action/RPG, and just about any other strategy game for better strategy. --Final Scores— Graphics: 2.5-Yikes, these are some of the worst graphics I’ve seen this year. Sound: 8.5-Good effects and voice acting, music is nice but a little mellow for intense fighting. Gameplay: 2,0-Combat is cheap and tedious, A.I. of party is pathetic. Features: 8.0-Loaded with nifty extras like behind the scenes and history of Arthur. Funfactor: 3.5-If King Arthur was forced to play this game; he’d surrender Camelot in a day. 8:29:52 AM    comment []

Review of Scooby Doo: Night of 100 Frights for PS2     Publisher: THQ     Developer: THQ     Genre: Platform     # Of Players: 1     Peripherals: None Rikes raggy, it’s a rooby roo rame!  Based on the popular classic cartoon show (it’s probably not coincidence that it came out within a month of the theatrical release) you take control of animation’s most beloved dog as he and the gang investigate a mysterious mansion that is supposedly haunted (big surprise there).  While this game faithfully recreates the show in look and presentation, it falls short in providing a sorely needed platforming game for the PS2. Graphics: While not taxing the PS2 one bit, the game looks likes it is taken straight from an old episode.  The colors are just right, the characters look and move great, and all the enemies and items are pretty much pulled straight from the cartoon.  My only complaint is that I think the game would benefit from looking more animated rather than polygons (maybe cel-shading). Sound: You can’t go wrong with the superb voices and classic music that THQ has chosen.  It really helps you fell like you are right in the show.   The sound effects are nicely done in classic cartoon fashion, which adds a lot to the atmosphere.  My only complaint is that the laugh track is way overused and it gets annoying. Gameplay: Well, while it’s obvious that a lot of effort went into presentation, none went into gameplay.  Every level is objective is collect enough Scooby snacks to get to the next level.  While there is some variety, you’ve seen it in 5 billion other platforms (especially the Crash Bandicoot games).  There aren’t even really any bosses.  And Scooby’s abilities are mind-numbingly limited.  The simplicity won’t really bother younger kids, but anyone over the age of 7 will probably get bored quickly. Features: Not any real extras to speak of, just the pure basics. Funfactor: Well, for the younger Scooby fans, the look and presentation alone will make them overlook the simplistic and extremely unoriginal gameplay and lack of any extras (how about an unlockable episode?).  But for older Scooby fans, and platform fans in general, this is yet another game that looks and sounds great, but fails to actually be ntertaining. --Final Scores—   Graphics:  8.5-Not top notch, and I would’ve preferred hand drawn, but captures the show’s look almost perfectly. Sound: 9.0-Great classic music, voices, and effects straight from the show.  But laugh track is used so much it’s annoying. Gameplay: 3.0-Same objective for every level, all you can really do is jump, elements stolen from 9 billion crappy platformers. Features: 5.0-No real extras here. Funfactor: 5.5-Strictly for the extremely young set of Scooby fans. 8:25:38 AM    comment []

Review of Test Drive for PS2     Publisher: Atari     Developer: Pitbull Syndicate     Genre: Racing     # Of Players: 1-2 Are you ready for a test drive?  In this racing game for PS2, you enter the underground world of drag racing (yes, like the Fast and the Furious).  You compete for pride, cash, and most importantly, the pink slips for other guy’s wheels.  Test Drive tries to be a little different by putting a an actual story mode to give the “career” mode some purpose, but in the end this game just doesn’t do enough to stand out in a crowded field. Graphics: Looks solid, but all these racing games are looking so similar these days; it doesn’t look as impressive as say, GT3.  But the cars all look realistic and cool, and the game runs really smooth no matter how much is going on.  Sound: Voice acting is pretty good for the most part, but the stoner dude needs to go.  The tracks are definitely appropriate style, but I really hate who they chose for the most part (Bubba Sparxx is cool, but Nelly is pathetic, and the heavy rock is painful).  Effects aren’t all that great, crashes all sound the same, there is no real street noise, the cars have an intercom system, but it’s never used during the races for mindless chatter or insults. Gameplay: Yawn.  While there are a wide variety of cool cars to use, and I like that the story mode has an actually decent story, this is just yawn.  The courses are extremely bland with little variety, you spin out of control way too easily, the cop cars are deeply stupid when chasing you, and the opponents race almost flawlessly, if you mess up once, you are pretty much screwed, even in the early races.  You can play pong while loading, which is kind of cool initially, but the novelty wears of real quick because of how often and how long it takes to load. Features: Usual stuff like unlocking new cars and tracks, two-player race, practice, etc.  This is drag racing, why can’t I build a car with custom-parts?  How about some minigames? Funfactor: This isn’t a horrible racing game, but it’s so by the numbers, lacking in any originality, and completely devoid of any real effort that it would be insulting to any hardcore racing fans to even consider picking it up.  Might be fun for about two hours, but then quickly you realize that this is just an over-priced knockoff.  Just pick up any good older racing game for cheaper, because you won’t notice the difference. --Final Scores— Graphics: 7.0-Runs smooth, but looks way too similar to every other racing game on the market. Sound: 6.5-Voice acting is good for most part, but sound effects are lacking and choice of artists just sucks for the most part. Gameplay: 5.0-Huh?  Sorry, I was falling asleep due to the mundane levels, simplistic A.I. and crap load times. Features: 5.0-This stuff is standard by now, how about something new? Funfactor: 6.0-Only for hardcore fans that desperately need a fix. 8:21:14 AM    comment []

Review of Stuntman for PS2     Publisher: Infogrames     Developer: Reflections     Genre: Driving     # Of Players: 1 Ever wanted to perform all those cool stunts you see in movies?  Well Stuntman attempts at allowing you to do just that by becoming a stuntman and performing big action sequences for cheesy B grade action flicks.  While unique in concept and design, however, what could’ve been a really interesting idea is marred by shortness, lack of variety, but most importantly easily being the most frustrating game I have ever played, and the frustration is by design. Graphics: Pretty good.  Action is smooth with no slowdown, Areas have a lot of detail, and everything reacts great & ealistically when you hit it.  My only problem is that nothing looks particularly smooth, and has jaggy edges.  It nothing major, but its very noticeable in this era of extremely smooth games. Sound: Very good original theme music, voice acting is B movie quality, but the movies you are in are B quality at best, so it fits.  The effects shine through as you’ll clearly hear the director ordering you, cars driving by, choppers, explosions, and so on. Gameplay: Well, first off, there are only 6 movies, so the game is pretty short and the stunts don’t change, so there’s no reason to replay them.  You are pretty much limited to different types of cars.  How about choppers, tanks, planes, horse-drawn buggies, horses, something to add some freaking variety?  And the levels themselves can only be described as an exercise in frustration, as even the beginning levels will take at least 10 tries if you are really, really good because everything is so on the fly and you have a very short amount of time (there’s not even a tutorial or practice mode to let you get the hang of things) to complete the stunts.  And the control is just out of place, as it’s clearly designed for a fast paced racer, not a precision driving game.  Then add in the atrocious load times.  The ability to design your own custom stunt track is a great idea that’s well executed, though. Features: Absolutely freaking loaded.  Previews, behind the scenes, real stuntman footage, custom stunt track builder, and you can watch trailers of the movies you did stunts for.  But why no competitive two-player mode? Funfactor: If you really like doing insane stunts with cars and don’t mind trying a level anywhere from 10 to 50 times before you get it right, this may be right up you ally.  But for anyone who wants to know what it’s like to be a stuntman without actually doing it, you may have to wait for the inevitable sequel.  This game is just simply too hard and too limited to be any real fun for most (myself included). --Final Scores--    Graphics:  8.0-Levels are nice and have variety, and everything moves well, but jaggy edges are annoying. Sound: 9.0-Voice acting is appropriate for level of movies you are in, music is great, and sound effects are pretty much flawless. Gameplay: 4.0-Limited variety of vehicles, only 6 levels, control scheme just isn’t right for the game, and is insanely difficult. Features: 9.0-Plenty for one player, how about some two-player modes? Funfactor: 6.0-If you don’t mind massive frustration, this game could entertain you for a very long time, but the rest of us who don’t have the patience of Mother Teresa will pass on this insanely difficult game unless we enjoy pulling our hair out till we have no more. 8:04:09 AM    comment []