Video Game Reviews

2002 FIFA World Cup
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Driver
Final Fantasy Anthology
Grand Theft Auto 2
ICO
Jak II
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Psi Ops Mindgate Conspiracy
Syphon Filter
Tekken 3
Tekken 4
Tekken Tag Tournament
The Sims Bustin Out
Unlimited Saga


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2002 FIFA World Cup

6
solid 6

I'll admit it, soccer isnt the easiet game to program. But it could have been put together a little nicer.
For instance, is it impossible to have a 3rd person view camera setting? Because in the side or top view your either to far to get in on the action or too close.
The controls are nice and add a fun arcade style to the play, as well as the menu. But playing the game feels factory made, hearing the players comments would have been more realistic. Watching the same animations play out before and after every game got old real quick.
The graphics of the game where nice, as well as the authentic drunken audience. But all the players facial expressions seem to be forever disgruntled about something.
If you're a soccer nut you will get more fun out of this one, but any casual or gamer should probably keep away or rent it if curiousity gets the cat.


Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

9
Oh what fun

The level designs for this game still tease me to go back for more, and the control tugs my hand along the way.
Just the kind of funny silly genius that only a crash bandicoot game can muster.
The voice over is perfect for the cartoon atmosphere, CoCo is a little ditzy for a computer genius but who needs to nit pick?
Control is just plain fun to use, Crash animates like water and has some hilarious stop-action moves.
The music is a sort of "get your groove on" for the world its showcasing, I found my self many a time just having Crash slide with the tune.
The story is mischevious as it is colorful, Cortex certainly has a bit of flair that makes him lovable as a bad guy, like the kind you want to see in every episode.
The only thing is the camera could have been manipulated to fit some places better, and crash could of slid around objects easier, but hey he isn't perfect.


Driver

6
Controls

"Driver" subject matter and storyline are up there with the top of the PSone heap. The graphics and details on the cars look amazing on the little gray box. the crash details only add to the fun movie style of the game play.
The voice acting is a almost comical fit into the 70's language. Although the cut scenes that occur are a bit lacking in the focus department, it was at times difficult to tell what was going on.
The controls of the first few levels in each city start off comfortable but when the mission gets a little trickier and host a series of countdown clocks it becomes esily frustrating.
Starting a mission over at least 25 times caused more anger then excitment. It didn't seem worth the challenge.
The multiple endings and the variety of missions really bost up the reward despite the few draw backs of design. The map direction being one small detail that could have been fixed. larger, clearer map, easier accsess.
But the hotel room interface was pure genius as far as any game goes. It added more mood to this game then can be measured.


Final Fantasy Anthology

7
Starts off sweet

Indeed it is difficult to rate a classic, let alone two. But as good as the games are the problem surprizingly araises with pure functionality and add ons.
The first game Final fantasy V is one of the most old school RPG's to date, the classic job system, and the swords and kingdoms with crystals. Who doesnt like riding dragons?
the story however doesnt seem to match with its partner in crime, Final fantasy VI, but is envolving none the less.
Unfortunatly not really experienceing the nintendo decade, I am afriad i found the 3d attempted graphics adorable. The escape from an underground area shown nothing more then constant regenerating backgrounds "shooting" into the distance. At the time, that was quite genius, and still is if one takes time to look at what had been done before.
However the engaging story of FFVI was something that has yet to be rivaled, even to this new generation. I wouldn't mind seeing it get a 3d renewal. the multiple path choosing is so unique that its sad to see it go.
A major issue arose, however, when the saved game files that i acumulated refused to function, and at to many times making the wrong selection turns the game into a pixely mess.
Honestly, i have yet to fish either games, Just half way through, and i dont know if ill get the courage to brave the technological slip up.


Grand Theft Auto 2

6
Awww, man!

The Intro to this game really gets you hyped up!
"yeah! lets go double cross some bad guys and leave them in the dust!"
or
"Yeah! lets double cross some guys in a dark ally and steal the stash in a new painted car!"
But really, you can't do that, you just can't. And anything close is ruined by the inability to do anything but stand, walk shoot and drive.
It's true its all text and is in 2D but shouldn't this grant more freedom? You either complete the mission or you don't, you are either liked or hated. And yes that is interesting but you should be able to have some freedom as to where you actually go in these gangs. Doomed to minion-hood? What a dead end.
It would of been great to get high up, meet the boss, kill him and take his place, and all his job-doers would be on your side for doing those endless drive-by's with you.
But i must admit, some missions are fun, remote taxis that explode, getting sent and having to break out of jail was one of my favorites.
Control and veicles are fun, those bonus levels where creative to "blow" off some steam.
The freedom with the gangs and the city is nice, but the radio can be a little annoying, not nice like GTA.


ICO

9
Video Game Art

In a class by its self. It is a standard puzzle/strategy game, but its presentation and overall beauty make it more of a work of fantasy art. The story is strong and expresses a rare talent for telling legends. In seems to be drawn out perfect in every way. Not and element is un-needed or "game fluff". It is an actual strugle to escape. ICO and the princess are so realistic in their actions you look wonderously at the huge castle's features by their side.
The only thing negative about it is the lack of extra features in the North American version.


Jak II

6
done, over

It was read that the folks at naughty dawg wanted a cross genre masterpiece to butt heads with those of the like of Metal Gear Solid and Grand Theft Auto.
And they did, but thats it. They threw their artistic world into the proverbial design grinder and lost a very large chunk somewhere. Maybe they lost it in the game genre profit statistics.
The chunk mentioned was filled with the huge featureless city known as Haven City. It serves no purpose what-so-ever. The few missions inside the city feel like busy work and frustrating messes.
The areas outside the city are just as creative and well made as the original.
Graphics really are beautiful though, Those invisible metal head battles in the forest was the finest hour of the game play. if some one else was playing it would be possible to watch for hours..... if they skipped all the city traveling.
Controls are top notch though, nothing different there.
The story is unexspectedly complex,it takes at least 3 replys of all the scenes to fully realize the big kickers. Which are hidden through out and depend on the player as to when they are revealed.
Voice acting is amzing, and well as the music and sound effects, really help make it through the city streets.
Unless i have got the wrong ending things dont seem sewn up too nicely, hopefully they plan on making a street-less sequal to this Jak II. Yes, thats how much the story and writing pulled it through, sad in some ways.
FYI, Jak needs to make a choice about his character, is he mean? is he a puppy dog? <(showing such concern for the king of fat's men drowning woke me up) Yes he has the hulks emotion excuse but generally what is he?


Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

8
Kou Kon't Klay 4 Kun

Kortal...I mean, Mortal Kombat has always been something that, once mastered can be a sight to behold. To see some one who has mastered every Sub-zero move kick some ass really is like watching a kung-fu movie. But, if your a casual fighting game fan, its fun for a weekend rental.
Just soooo much time has to be invested into one character to get all the moves, it probably takes half these kids math classes away just in the process. Though the game is fun to experiment with, if you don't know what your doing it can get frustrating quick. The game tries to help with Konquest mode to train for rewards of Koins, of which you can buy...things...in the Krypt and see something that is Kool, or sukks...(no c's in this game are allowed) but there are 676 tombs to be bought. From AA to ZZ. And that takes time I don't really feel like investing.
However if you look past the expert level, you see a graphically beautiful game, from the motions of the fighters to the backgrounds they inhabit. It's like a work of art. A bloody,,,and at times vomity,,, work of art. Thanks to ehmm, certain characters. (Stop the fat man)
The controls work good too, just that pesky thing about re-routing your motor skills to use them I mention before gets in the way of the glory.
Story? As far as I know Mortal Kombat has always had a story. Do we care? Not really, do you care scorpion?
"GET OVER HERE!"
*Shivers*


Psi Ops Mindgate Conspiracy

8
Whoops, forgot

Mr. Scryer sure does have a few groundbreaking tricks up his mental sleeve. But to straiten out right away my reason for an 8 and not a 10. Here it is:
You beat the main boss! Yay! And your lady partner is okay! Yay!
Nick: I remember everything now! Run!
Credits roll.
.... Credits roll? CREDITS ROLL? The most awesome game play I have experienced in my life, (excluding being a Jedi) and a back-story screaming to be for filled for hours and I am left with jack squat. Yeah, good call, make me hate you for being a money grubbing game that forces me to buy the next game. Anger. For...days....
But, after I got past all that rage, I managed to recall the game play I was and continue to be so crazy about.
Nick has five psi-operation powers. Telekinesis, the most fun power, Mind control, the most sorely needed power (for every game, everywhere), Remote viewing, the power you most often forget but most often should use to see what lies ahead and to save health, Aura view, Not really a useful power, more of a bothersome undertaking, and Pyrokenesis, torch something, throw it, repeat. These powers and the stealth moves Nick has, crouch, wall stick, etc, Make the game amazingly refreshing to play. Add in the gun usage and you have some fun to be had. Kinda wish Old Nick could lie on his stomach to crawl, but that's serious nit picking. The game handles so well I don't see a single way to improve it. Unless virtual suits are coming to my nearest wal-mart anytime soon, and they're not, I checked.
Sweet extras on this baby too, different modes, and interesting co-op nicks moves mode, videos, extra bonus missions (playing pool with Telekinesis, sounds fun huh? ...does it? I don't know, but it's a good shot.) And unlock-able character skins for bonus level play, yummy.
The graphics are quite good; the expressions are really well done for each character. The Psi powers look great too.
So it's clear that everything about this game is amazing except for the way they decide to NOT EXPLAIN ANYTHING AT THE E-!


Syphon Filter

8
One hit wonder

Still being made today, it's a wonder how Syphon Filter keeps going. I only own the first one and never even thought of renting the next in the series. But as far as first game go, this one is the best. It was released in the wake of Metal gear solid. Which helped my immediate attraction to it.
Though the voice acting is about as energetic as X-files, the storyline is quite emotional and upsetting, especially during the levels when you discover you have been killing victims unknowingly.
The game play is very good for a PsOne. It responds well and the auto targeting system is very handy. Also Gabe Logan's moves are very fluid and enjoyable. Cinematic are well-done, very dramatic explosions and crashes.


Tekken 3

10
psONE shines

The pinacle of 32-bit fighters, the best of the best. This game had no flaw, the graphics aazing, the fight controls felt so natural it was scary, and the story mode! Oh this should be the bench mark and then some. this is what got me addicted to stick with tekken till the end. The intro was fanomenal as well. Thank the Mishimas i can play it with better lopad times and graphics on my PS2.


Tekken 4

7
heart break

The thing that dragged this baby down was 100% the story mode. It's sad even thinking about it.
Graphics are great, game play is that wonderful kind of complicated, and the play modes are awsome. Tekken force is a little obnoxious, they should have stuck with the side scroller there.
But oh how sad the story lines are. Sure they "interact with each other" but what does this ultimatly mean? that there are half as many endings as their should be. I kow they werent going for half-assed but it felt that way. also the little narative before and after each arcade mode for each character could have been great movies! That would of boosted the game up too a 9, but no, something stopped them.


Tekken Tag Tournament

9
Shnazzy

This game, despite other opinions, was a very good move by namco. It was sorta like a reverse goodbye. same great, old, loved characters with the same flawless moves, given a chance to say goodbye on the emotion engine. Its the game i play in the series if i just want to have fun beating people up. The gameplay and tag team combonatons never get old. And each characters ending is so perfect, it just seems so well put together.
graphics are awsome and tekken bowl is one of the best extras ever, no doubt.
And how couldn't love those Awsome intros!


The Sims Bustin Out

6
They wet themselves

As interesting as the consept is, controling EVERYTHING a sim does just isn't a good idea. Sure it is fun to dress them, give them a job, choose what they do with them selves, but it looses a lot of steam when you can't move forward in the game because its impossible to keep your Sims spirits high or their pants dry. Just thinking of the game gets me frustrated. The only real rewards playing it are the many repetitive animations you have to go through. And the interaction language of simlish. Which can be cute and funny at times, but basically stays annoying. The goals are often unlcear or impossible because just when you are ready to achive them your character gets depressed or has to go to work. The online options are fun though. And the game would redeem it's self if there where less babysitting things to do that would just happen automatically, such as bathroom and eating. But, some people like that.


Unlimited Saga

2
Is it just me?

Okay, i checked, it isn't just me. MOST people think this is one of the saddest PS2 games you'll see. There where some odd ball painted manga freaks praising it like the new lord, but other then that, i am surprised i could even get a copy to play. First off, and i know every one uses this line, but nothing about this saga is unlimited. When i think video game i think at the very least some 2D sprite moving action, i mean jesus even pong had more interaction then this game. the only things you control are battle choices, a comic like game piece on a pointless digital path, conversation options, and menus that make no sense. While doing this you get to hear and sometimes read via comic book bubbles, the stories of seven strangers that are bound to meet up along each of their journeys. But before that happends you have to take each one of them to the unofficial meeting point. though the voice over tried to be a somber narration, it just sounded like some one was reading some information simply to try and inhance the digital experience. But the stories you have to be put through really aren't worth listening too in the first place. So the only thing thats not 1 demensional is the battle field.It is a grainy 3D layout with 2D fuzzy characters that have one or two stances. Thats right, you travel upon a 3rd graders version of a trail, that OOOOOOOooooOOOO, changes color, every so often. with a immoble drawing of a character, then enter a town that is a movie back drop from the 20's, then hit the road and play slots and have un interesting battles that aren't even worth complaing about. I didn't finish the game. I watched the intro ( a cel shaded masqurade) twice. And now its in a bargin bin at some EB. Sounds like fun.


 

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