December 28, 2001
NFL 2K2 review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 1:29 AM, EST
We added a review of Sega’s football game:
The gameplay is also a mixed bag and will entirely depend upon how you like to play your football games. The controls are easy enough that anyone can pick up the game and get into the heat of things instantly. The play books are not as deep as those found in Madden but still offer enough of the core plays to keep even the hardcore football fans happy. Actually we found a number of people who enjoy the simplicity of 2K2 as they find Madden too difficult. It is the pace of the game that people may question. NFL2K2 is a very fast paced game that some people will argue that it is too arcadey.
Full review
Yanya Cabillista review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:29 AM, EST
We also added a review of Koei’s Yanya Cabillista:
At first glance it’s easy to confuse Yanya with Jet Grind Radio on the Dreamcast. Both are cell-shaded, with cartoony characters, large cityscapes, and people skating around. Action mostly takes place in the streets, playgrounds, and on or around buildings, but sadly, the cities are gray and rather bland when compared to higher profile titles. In addition to looking bland, the draw distance in the cities is rather poor. As you skate around you can look off in the distance and watch buildings pop-up and draw themselves in.
Full review
Grandia II screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:28 AM, EST
Ubisoft released new screens of the RPG Grandia II:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11, pic #12, pic #13, pic #14, pic #15, pic #16, pic #17, pic #18, pic #19, pic #20, pic #21, pic #22, pic #23
The game will be released for PS2 and PC January 22:nd, 2002.
Happy Holidays! - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:28 AM, EST
We want to wish all our readers a happy and safe holiday.
We will try to update a few times during the holidays.
Don’t forget to check out the cheats section and our forums!
December 20, 2001
BloodRayne screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:53 AM, EST
Majesco released first screens of its action-thriller, BloodRayne: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10
The game will be released for PS2, Xbox, Game Cube and PC Fall 2002.
GoDai Elemental Force ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:51 AM, EST
3DO today announced that the GoDai Elemental Force game will ship to retailers this month.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
The GoDai Elemental Force game brings a stunning cinematic story and diverse styles of action-packed gameplay to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. With the release of the GoDai game, 3DO will deliver the eight games across five platforms that were planned for the quarter.
December 18, 2001
Herdy Gerdy screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:08 AM, EST
Eidos released some new screens of the adventure game Herdy Gerdy: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7
The game is scheduled for a February 2002 release.
EA announces The Lord of the Ring games - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 8:08 AM, EST
Electronic Arts officially announced today that they have signed an exclusive deal with New Line Cinema to create games based on the upcoming The Lord of the Rings movies.
A slice of the press release:
The license grants EA the exclusive rights to develop and publish products based on the movies for next generation video game consoles and handheld platforms
EA will launch the first of their games in Fall 2002, in conjunction with the second motion picture, The Two Towers. Information on the subsequent games will be announced at a later date
Final Fantasy X ships! - Comments (4)
Posted by @ 8:08 AM, EST
Square announced today that Final Fantasy X started shipping to retailers nationwide. You should be able to find the game on retail shelves beginning December 20.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
FINAL FANTASY X is the story of Tidus who, after miraculously surviving the destruction of his homeland, awakens among ruins and thereafter meets a young woman named Yuna. As a summoner, Yuna must travel to distant temples and learn the secret art of summoning aeons-powerful spirits of yore, in order to defeat "Sin."
FINAL FANTASY X features the first English voiceovers for a FINAL FANTASY title and has a distinct Asian influence, bringing a fresh feel to the characters, music, settings and story. In addition to the game's voiceover dialogue and fluid gameplay-to-full-motion-video transitions, FINAL FANTASY X offers fully 3D environments that seamlessly integrate real-time movement with battles, allowing players to walk around and engage in battles on the same field map screen. Life-like, high-polygon, motion-captured characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura bring realism to the screen. As seen in previous FINAL FANTASY titles, players will be able to enjoy new mini-games, such as mastering the sport of blitzball and the Al Bhed language. FINAL FANTASY X carries a newly designed battle system with a unique character development system using the "Sphere Grid."
Jade Cocoon 2 ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:07 AM, EST
Ubi Soft announced today that it shipped Jade Cocoon 2 for the PS2.
Some game information from the press release:
This unique videogame combines role-playing game elements with monster breeding, to foster a challenging and captivating game.
Centuries after the first Cocoon Master Levant purified the wicked Forest Minions and freed his village from a sleep curse, this tale tells the story of a new deadly parasite called Kalma. Kahu, a fledgling Cocoon Master, must now brave the four elemental forests and seek the Orbs of Cocoon Masters past, before Kalma overtakes him and the earth. Within the quest for the four Orbs lies a unique battle system where players can capture hundreds of monsters and train them to become their greatest weapons. Join Kahu and his trusty companion, Nico, on their journey to rid the land of menacing monsters, find the magical Orbs and defeat the deadly Kalma. This is where our story begins…
Screens: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5
December 17, 2001
Formula One 2001 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:10 AM, EST
We added a review of Sony’s Formula One game:
Formula One 2001, like Gran Turismo is a simulation, so people that went to the videogame driving school of never touching the brakes need not apply here. Unlike NASCAR, the tracks are very involved, and being skilled on the brakes can be just important as knowing when to hit the gas. While most of the racing is realistic, there are portions of the tracks where cutting across the grass can gain you a significant amount of time.
Full review
December 15, 2001
NFL GameDay 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:29 AM, EST
We added a review of 989 Sports’ latest football game:
As with any sports game, gameplay and control is everything. GameDay 2002 has improved greatly in this area over last year's effort but there are still a number of quirks that need to be ironed out for next year. Controlling the players is pretty standard as football games go. The problem is the inconsistency. At times it is ridiculously easy to fire passes left, right and centre without any opposition. While at other times, trying to get a ball to a receiver is near impossible.
Full review
Jak and Daxter contest winners - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 3:29 AM, EST
The contest is over and here are the winners:
1. Charles Smith
2. Geoff Cousins
3. Brandon Volden
4. Steve Schick
5. Michael Brady
Thanks to all who entered. The winners will have their copy of Jak & Daxter mailed out to them shortly.
December 13, 2001
Pro Racer screens - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 9:54 AM, EST
Codemasters released some new screens of its racing game, Pro Racer:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8
The game is scheduled for a June 2002 release for the PS2, Xbox and PC.
TransWorld SurfT for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:54 AM, EST
Infogrames announced today that the action sports game, TransWorld SurfT, will make its PS2 debut in Spring 2002.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
"TransWorld Surf immerses players into the surfing lifestyle like no other game. With the addition of the Todos Santos, Mexico location, the Shark Attack multiplayer mode and updated sponsors and licenses, PlayStation 2 owners are in for an insanely addictive and unique gaming experience."
Working from start to finish with TransWorld Media, publisher of the world's most popular action sports publications, provided access to the world's best professional surfers, the most sought-after surfing event locations and authentically licensed gear. With true-to-life ocean wave physics, a huge array of tricks to perform and seven gameplay modes, TransWorld Surf brings gamers deeper into the world of professional surfing than anything before it.
December 12, 2001
Splashdown review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:55 AM, EST
We added a review of Infogrames Jet Ski game, Splashdown:
Splashdown is simply delicious from a visual standpoint. Screen shots do not do the game justice as you must see it in motion to truly appreciate it's elegance. Rainbow Studios promised realistic water effects and for the most part they have delivered. As far as watercraft racing games go, I have never seen water this realistic. I have all of the consoles and Splashdown looks a lot more realistic than Waverace on Gamecube. The water moves fluidly as it should. Water spray is done well thanks to the use of particle systems, as are course altering waves, detailed reflections and water transparency.
Full review
Don’t forget to check out the Jak and Daxter contest!
TimeSplitters2 interview - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:54 AM, EST
C&VG posted an interview with the TimeSplitters 2 team.
Here’s a bit:
Do the different time zones offer variety in gameplay or are they merely visual gimmicks?
Doak: There's more different gameplay this time. In the first one, because development time was short, it tended to play the same as you went through it. In this you'll find that in different time periods the weaponry and the people you're fighting against will change a lot more. The original decision to have different time periods was that we wanted to offer people a very rich visual environment: instead of confining ourselves to one thing, let's do lots of movie homages and different stuff.
Full interview
PS2 online gaming plans - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:54 AM, EST
An article on Yahoo news has some information on Sony’s online plans for the PS2.
A slice of it:
``We would like to offer not only game and entertainment content but also offer two-way (interactive) services, including TV, on a global scale,'' said Sony Computer Entertainment President Ken Kutaragi.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCE) and NTT Broadband Initiative Inc, subsidiaries of the two firms, said that the time was ripe to launch broadband technology such as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) services.
The alliance would also help Sony's plan to connect PlayStation 2 to broadband networks, transforming the game machine into an easy-to-use device for accessing the Internet and the burgeoning online entertainment market, Kutaragi said.
Full article
December 11, 2001
Burnout Review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:43 AM, EST
We added a review of Criterion Games latest racer:
The handling of the cars is an arcade experience rather than a simulation approach. And that suits the game fine as the control matches the intensity of the game's atmosphere thanks to a responsive and intuitive model. The premise of the game is to go as fast as possible pulling off power slides, all without colliding with civilian traffic. You must race against three other competitors who will do whatever it takes to win. These A.I. rivals will run you into oncoming traffic and have no regard for civilian traffic. The only way to beat them is take on their mentality. This is where the game thrives as you are driving unrealistic speeds avoiding traffic, taking insane risks, and avoiding injury. Naturally collisions occur which are graded for insurance severity. The more damage inflicted results in a better pay out. The trick is trying to win the race while stopping a couple of times to spectacularly crash your vehicle.
Full review
EOE: Eve Of Extinction screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:42 AM, EST
Eidos released new screens of its fighting/adventure EOE:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11
The game is slated for a March 2002 release.
Tekken 4 screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:42 AM, EST
Namco released some new screens of Tekken 4:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11, pic #12, pic #13, pic #14, pic #15, pic #16, pic #17, pic #18, pic #19, pic #20, pic #21, pic #22, pic #23, pic #24, pic #25,
Star Wars screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:41 AM, EST
Lucasarts recently released new screenshots for both Star Wars Starfighter and Star Wars Racer Revenge.
Starfighter screens: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7pic #8, pic #9pic #10, pic #11, pic #12
Racer Revenge screens: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10
Giants: Citizen Kabuto Goes Gold - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:40 AM, EST
Digital Mayhem announced today that Giants: Citizen Kabuto for the PS2 has gone gold. The final version of the game is currently in production and will ship to retail on December 21, 2001.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
Originally developed by Planet Moon Studios, the multi-award winning Giants: Citizen Kabuto takes full advantage of the PlayStation 2 cutting-edge technology. Highly-detailed character and world models along with all-new special effects have added to the already amazing game visuals of Giants: Citizen Kabuto. Mixed with the ease of the DUALSHOCK 2 and the most hilarious cut-scenes ever put into a video game, Giants: Citizen Kabuto is a must-have for all PlayStation 2 owners.
December 10, 2001
Final Fantasy X ships Dec 18th - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 8:16 AM, EST
Square announced today that Final Fantasy X will start shipping to retailers nationwide on Tuesday, December 18.
Naughty Dog interview - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:16 AM, EST
C&VG posted an interview with the team behind Jak and Daxter.
Here’s a slice:
What sets Jak and Daxter apart from other 3D platformers?
Jason: We call it a Platform Action game because it's both parts of Zelda's action and part of Mario's platforming.
Andy: In Germany they call it Jump and Run.
Jason: First, there's the story. There's also the load-free world, which no other action game I know of, has pulled off without camera cuts or things like that. We have a hundred different tasks in the game that are pretty much unique. If you fall in the water it's not death,you swim around. You can do things in many orders. You do a task where if you kick a pelican, he spits out a power cell and you race him to it. Go to a cannon first, and you can blow him up in his nest and you don't have to race him.
Full interview
Don’t forget to check out the Jak and Daxter contest!
December 7, 2001
Jak and Daxter contest! - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 11:42 PM, EST
We’re giving away 5 copies of the adventure game Jak and Daxter.
Go here for more information
Blood Omen 2 screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:42 PM, EST
Eidos released new screenshot of the action game, Blood Omen 2: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8
The game is scheduled for a Q1 2002 release.
State of Emergency and Max Payne media - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 11:42 PM, EST
Rockstargames released some new media of their upcoming games:
Max Payne: pic #1, pic #2pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7
State of Emergency: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4
Movie (17 MB)
Max Payne is scheduled to be released this month and State of Emergency will be available late January.
December 6, 2001
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 review - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 6:31 AM, EST
We added a review of Activision’s latest skater game:
Activision has redefined and extended the concept of replay value in THPS3 that will surely raise the eyebrows of replay veterans EA Sports. This is not a one trick pony. There is so much depth in THPS3 that it should keep you busy for the next six months. For starters, THPS3 features the greatest line-up of professional skaters ever assembled. Skate as the legendary man himself Tony Hawk or as one of a blockbuster team of street and vert skaters including the likes of Elissa Steamer, Steve Caballero, Rune Glifberg, Chad Muska and more. New to the roster is Bam Margera from MTV's Jackass. In addition to the pros there are a number of hidden characters that can be unlocked.
Full review
Battle Engine Aquila screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:30 AM, EST
C&VG posted first screens of Lost Toys’ upcoming shooter, Battle Engine Aquila:
pic #1, pic #2
Go here for more screens
December 5, 2001
The Legend of Alon D'arT ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:43 AM, EST
Ubi Soft Entertainment's The Legend of Alon D’ar has shipped to stores for the PS2.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
The Legend of Alon D’ar is a traditional RPG for one or two co-operative multiplayers, featuring an expansive and seamless world filled with enigmatic characters, dangerous terrain and an immersive storyline.
Join Jarik, a young warrior on a course with destiny to discover the dark mysteries of his past. Battle against deadly foes and unearth magical discoveries, as you dive into a limitless combat and magic skill system. Jarik and his party must use their skills and wits to overcome the unearthly evil descending upon the magical world of Chandar and discover the unimaginable power of The Legend of Alon D’ar.
Set within the original fantasy world of Chandar, created by scriptwriter Christy Marx,
The Legend of Alon D’ar features various mystical races dwelling on a world that has been devastated by powerful magical forces. The floating continents of Chandar are populated by the Orin, a human race inhabiting the foothills; the Kemarrans, women warriors who roam the Kemarran Highlands; the Dagani, a race of humanoid amphibians claiming the swampy depths; and the Sarojin, a mystical breed of lizard people.
Here’s a movie of the game:
Movie (6.6 MB)
NCAA Final Four 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:57 AM, EST
We added a review 989 Sports’ basketball game:
Controlling the players is easy enough but they are all over the court. Examples include: passes that are totally out of bounds appear to suddenly swerve back in, and players going out of bounds and then suddenly pulling off a spectacular dunk. While in past games in the franchise, the A.I. was regarded to as too easy to slam every time, in this outing the defensive A.I. is near impossible to break. This proves frustrating as you try to break through the defense with special moves that work sporadically. Even your offensive A.I. players act like they are robots. They can be found standing around doing nothing when instead they should be trying to get open or jumping up for a rebound.
Full review
December 4, 2001
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty review - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 7:50 AM, EST
We posted a review of Konami’s MGS2:
The graphics in MGS2 make good on the promises made from Konami. If you thought the demo looked good, then you are in for a treat. Everything has been tightened to the point that no game has ever looked this polished. You will even notice subtle improvements to scenes in the demo that are now even more detailed. The game is generally dark like MGS but this time the textures are more varied to convey a militaristic feeling. The environments are extremely interactive as demonstrated in the demo. You can open all kinds of door and interact with most things. Go near a hand dryer in the bathroom and it will go on. Blast a mirror and the pieces spread everywhere. Even the characters have been meticulously designed right down to fine details such has strands of hair blowing in the wind. The enemy soldiers are incredibly lifelike in how they move, talk and react to the slightest sound.
Full review
PS2 games from TDK - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:49 AM, EST
TDK announced today a list of 17 games it anticipates publishing for it's 2002-03 fiscal year ending March 31, 2003. Of those 4 were PS2 games:
* "Robotech", anticipated release and rating : Q3, 2002, rated T for Teen
* "Aquaman", anticipated release and rating : Q4, 2002, rated T for Teen
* "Shrek", anticipated release and rating : Q4, 2002, rated T for Teen
* "PRYZM[TM] Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn", anticipated release and rating : Q1, 2002, rated T for Teen.
December 3, 2001
TimeSplitters2 screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:40 AM, EST
Eidos released new screens of the first person shooter game, TimeSplitters2:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11
The game is scheduled for a Spring 2002 release.
Baldur’s Gate ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:21 AM, EST
Black Isle Studios and console game developer Snowblind Studios announced today that Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance for the PS2 has shipped to retail.
Here’s a bit of the press release:
"Since we started with such a great setting, we were able to spend more time developing a rich storyline and action-packed gameplay for Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance," stated Feargus Urquhart, Black Isle Studios President. "The game incorporates Dungeons & Dragons elements with fast-moving action which allows for an original gameplay experience that both RPG fans and console gamers will enjoy."
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance will be an entirely new action adventure experience opening the Baldur's Gate franchise to a much wider gaming community. Faithful adaptation of the new Dungeons & Dragons rules set, customizable player characters and character development allows for an engrossing gameplay experience new to console gamers. Dramatic new spell effects and powerful new abilities have been included to add to the flavor of the action-packed game and assist the player in combat against the terrifying monsters found in the adventure.
Grand Theft Auto 3 review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 8:17 AM, EST
We added a review of Rockstar’s top seller, Grand Theft Auto 3:
The best way to describe the visual experience in GTA3 is to recall all of the classic gangster films: Godfather, Good Fellas, Scarface and the modern day Sopranos. Their influence is clearly evident here in how the streets are organized, the detail of each location and how the people dress and act. Just thinking of the number of hours that must have gone into the graphic design alone is mind numbing. Each part of Liberty City is fully explorable and represented in fine detail right down to street signs and working billboards. A number of locations are accessible such as hospitals, stores and a plethora of gang hideouts and chop shops.
Full review
Wave Rally trailer - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:17 AM, EST
Eidos released a new trailer of its Jet Ski game, Wave Rally:
Movie (16 MB)
