It's Finally here, after over a year of anticipation and drooling over the tech demos, oohing and awing over the reported specs and capabilities of the console, the somewhat controversial unveiling of the system's final design, DVD movie playback, backwards compatibility to original Playstation games and peripherals, and all the hype and excitement surrounding the system and what it offers, one still can't help but feel as if they are on the precipice of history as Sony is about to release the Playstation 2 in North America.
Already in the hands of Japanese gamers for over 7 months now, it is, finally, North America's turn to take part of the biggest video game console launch in history. That's right, it's the new millennium, and the PlayStation 2 is leading the charge. Sony has put all their cards on the table, and is about the release the most powerful gaming console in history. History is, literally, unfolding before our eyes, and it's gamers who will reap the rewards.
Sony has come off at the risk of sounding arrogant, naming the Custom-built processor in the system The Emotion engine. The idea behind it being, that developers will be able to transcend merely playing a game, and gamers will now be able to laugh, cry, and feel true emotions along with their in-game characters. Worlds will be vibrant, and the characters, thanks to the power of the system, will now be able to show true emotions, bringing in a new form of immersion to gaming that has never been experienced before.
However, abstract thoughts about immersion aside; and dreams of the PS2 being an entertainment hub of your living-rooms through things like DVD playback, the real question on a true hardcore gamer's mind is a simple one. Are the games any good? We at 3.5D gaming have the scoop on all of the north American launch games; the ones you need to buy, rent, or avoid should you be lucky enough to get your hands on at PS2 this October the 26th. That's right, stay tuned for reviews of all twenty nine launch games, as well as previews of the hottest new PS2 games on the horizon. Welcome to 3.3D Gaming's ultimate Playstation 2 launch guide.
Armored Core 2 (Agetec)
No Gran Turismo at launch, no problem. Agetec is gracing gamers with the Gran Turismo of mech games, in Armored Core 2. Technically the fourth actual game in the series, AC2 allows gamers to build their own custom mechs to take out on 30 new varied missions, or to take on opponent-mechs in the arena battles. Once you get past the steep learning curve in the controls, you'll find beautiful, eye popping graphics and particle effects, and a richly deep experience in the customization. If you're a fan of the series, this is a must-have launch title, however, if you're not a hardcore gear head, you should rent it first.
DOA2: Hardcore (Tecmo, Fighting)-
Look out Tekken, there is a new contender in town for Playstation fighting game dominance. Already in the hands of Dreamcast gamers, Dead or Alive 2, might just be the best fighting game released at launch. Featuring voluptuous, bouncing beauties, a deep fighting system with easy counters, and multi-tiered environments with environmental hazards, which make tekken's look flat an uninteresting by comparison, and beautiful graphics, Dead or Alive has it all. Unless you're a hardcore Tekken fanboy, Dead or Alive is the fighting game knuckle-heads should pick up first at launch.
Dynasty Warriors 2 (Koei, Action)-
Shedding the one-on-one fighting game system of the original, Dynasty Warrios 2 takes Koei's Romance of the three kingdoms strategy games into the world of a giant, open-ended beat 'em up, Streets of Rage style. The polygon pushing power of the PS2 ensures that you have never seen so many enemies on screen at one time. Koei really did recreate the feeling of a big open battle. The general graphics seem a bit blander, with even some pop in, but the grand scale of the game makes up for it. The beat ,em up gameplay does get a bit repetitive, but the added experience points give the game an almost hack-n-slash RPG feel. This game is really fun, but definitely repetitive. If you're a fan of the repetitve nature of beat-em-ups, pick this game up at launch, you won't be disappointed, the rest of you should be satisfied with a weekend rental.
ESPN International Track and Field (Konami, Sports)-
With the 2000 Sydney Olympics just concluding, it seems there is always a couple of track and field games released to coincide with the Olympic games. While track and field games are nothing new, I truly doubt this will be anyone's first pick amidst the PS2's launch lineup. While a very solid game as track and field games go, replete with all kinds of carpel-tunnel causing mini game disguised as the events, It's short length won't hold the average gamer long. However, the true appeal here is playing with your friends, and this game is definitely a good weekend rental for hours a friendly competition with a couple of buddies.
ESPN X-Games Snowboarding (Konami, Sports)-
If you are one of the two simulation snowboard fans out there, This game will be right up your alley. With 15 professional riders, a steep learning curve in the controls, two-player head-to-head support, and all the typical modes you would expect in the average Snowboarding game, this game has a lot to offer. Konami also added a new mode where players can create their own snowboarder, and work their way up to the X Games. This game does offer a lot to the sim gamer, and the snowboarder mode can be quite addictive, but We at 3.5D gaming predict that most gamers are going to go with EA's more accessible SSX instead. If you're not a hardcore Snowboarding fan, this game has pure rental material written all over it.
Eternal Ring (Agetec, RPG)-
Early Playstation adopters might be familiar with King's Field which was a snail-paced dungeon crawl in the vein of Ultima underworld. Eternal Ring comes to us from From Software, who also developed King's Field, and like King's field, there are likely to be two camps when it comes to this game. The first camp is a small handful of King's Field fans who will be wondefully immersed in this game's gameplay, graphics, and environments. The second, no doubt, will be the majority of gamers who will find this game to be a slow, plodding, chore of a game to play. King's Field fans will enjoy Eternal ring, but for everyone else, rent it to see if it's your cup of tea. At the very least, you'll enjoy the beautiful graphics provided in the game.
Evergrace (Agetec, RPG)- 2 characters
Speaking of King's Field, From Software is also gracing us with Evergrace which plays similar to King's Field, were it a third person action RPG. The combat system is similar to King's Field, but the game takes advantage of the PS2's analog face buttons, where the intensity of a strike, depends on how hard you press the button. There are also two characters you can swap to at any time to play their storyline, instead of having to play through the game as one or the other. The game's biggest claim to fame is that fact that the outfits you choose to wear throughout the game, actually show up on your character during gameplay. The graphics area bit rough in some areas, as this game started development on the PS1, and then was shifted to the PS2 along the way. This is a solid action RPG that will appeal to more gamers than Eternal Ring, and should be the next RPG you play after Summoner.
FantaVision (SCEI, Puzzle)-
Fantavision is one of the most fun tech demo's you will ever play. While, technically, it is a puzzle game where you string together color combinations of fireworks into a satisfying explosion, the game is really just a very pretty way for Sony to show off the system's much heralded particle effects capabilities. Taken on it's own, the game is too short to be anything more than a rental, even with it's added two-player mode, added for the North American release. Fun game, but way too short.
Gun Griffon Blaze (Working Designs, Action)-
If Armored Core 2 is too sim-heavy for you, Gungriffon Blaze takes the arcade route of allowing you to jump into a giant mech, and blow stuff up to your heart's desire. Gone are the worries about your mech load-out, all you have to worry about is completing the objectives and blowing stuff up nicely. The Gungriffon series has it's roots on the Sega Saturn of all things, but moves nicely to Sony's new console as a well, made mech game with a good variety to it's missions, and better controls than AC 2. Gungriffon will satisfy action, and mech fans with a weekend rental. Look for that shiny box that says Working Designs on it.
Kessen (EA, Adventure)-
Following real events in Japanese history, hardcore strategy nuts will lose hours to Kessen. While it is more accessible than Koei's Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, there is still a ton of deep strategy to be had here. Kessen features epic battles, beautiful eye-popping next gen graphics, and engrossing strategy gameplay that will appeal to patient gamers. Strategy fans, put this in your collection, action gamers, move on, and everyone in between, give this a rental to see if it suits your tastes.
Madden NFL 2001 (EA, Sports)-
Believe it or not, you're not watching an actual football game on TV, you're watching the raw power of the Playstation 2 on display. The graphics in this game are mind-blowing. The graphical polish details, and player animations are surreal in their movement, and tackles look real. The game looks so lifelike, you'll be hard pressed to notice this isn't a real broadcast. Players are beefy and move in a lifelike manner, details from the reflection of the stadium lights off helmets, to bumps on the ball, to even the bottom of the players shoes show how the extra power can allow EA to focus on polishing even the smallest visual details of the game. If you want to know what all the hype about the PS2's graphical capabilities are, We give you madden 2001.
Without exaggeration, this is the greatest Madden game we have ever seen. Going beyond pure visuals, madden has that same polished sim gameplay the series is known for, but the new momentum-based control scheme will take some getting used to. It has all the extra modes the series is known for, franchise, create-a-player, The Madden Challenge, and etc. However, it adds a new madden card system where completing challenges in the game unlock cards that can be used to purchase unlockables in the game. This means that not only is this the best Madden ever in graphics and gameplay, but all the extra unlockables means hardcore pigskin fans will put RPG levels of hours into this one. To sum up the hype of the PS2 launch with one game, we give you Madden 2001.
Midnight Club (Rockstar, Racing)-
Rockstar games is making a strong showing for the PS2's launch with games like Midnight club. For PC gamers, you might remember last year's Midtown Madness, Angel Studios, the same developer has, essentially brought the formula from Midtown Madness to sony's 128 bit gaming machine. For those not familiar with Midtown Madness, think the racing portions of driver where the player is forced to race in an expansive, living, breathing city, avoiding traffic, pedestrians, and running from the police, all while hitting checkpoints before their rivals do. The gameplay is fun, but can be frustratingly challenging, the controls and physics are solid, and the graphics, while not the most detailed of the launch crop, still have in impressive scale with so much going on on the screen. If you are looking for a non-traditional racer that will keep you coming back no matter how many times you fail, Midnight club is at least worth renting. Plus, as big fans of Driver, Midnight club shows off the system's capabilities, and makes us even more excited for what Reflections will be able to produce for Driver 3.
Moto GP (Namco, Racing)-
Moto GP treads the line between arcade, and simulation racing, and combines them with beautiful graphics. Pure sim enthusiast can turn on the sim mode for a more realistic experience, while more novice players can turn the handling to arcade. The game offers a season mode, where you can work your way up, two player mode, and even a challenge mode where you can complete up to 50 challenges. The only drawback to the game is the mere 5 tracks it offers which hampers replay value. However, sim racings fans, pick this game up to fill that Gran Turismo void, you won't be disappointed, everyone else will be satisfied with a rental.
NHL 2001 (EA, Sports)-
Not a Madden fan? EA didn't forget hockey fans for the PS2 launch. FIFA fans may still have to wait, but NHL 2001 is here in time for launch, and EA has given it the same treatment as Madden, making this the best looking hockey game ever released. Beyond graphics, the game has a plethora of modes, and tweeking options. Though it's missing the franchise and challenge modes of Madden, there is enough to keep hockey fans satisfied for months, especially if you spring for a ps2 multitap. Though it's missing some of the passing options of it's predecessors, and the difficulty comes off as a little easy, even on hard, this is still a must-buy for all hockey fan.
Orphen (Activision, RPG)-
Based off a Japanese Manga, Orphen is a unique mixture of Action-RPG, and Turn-based RPG. The game shifts between action RPG mechanics, to real-time turn-based battles. Instead of choosing a command from the menu, all attacks are assigned to a button on the Dualshock 2, and players can attack or defend in realtime at the press of a button. Orphen takes a unique spin on the RPG formula, and gets points for trying something new, however, the overall game comes of as not bad in any way, but also not great in anyway. It's simply, just middle of the road. This is a rental at best.
Q-Ball Billiards Master (Take-Two Interactive, Simulation)-
Even with the advanced processing power, and physics of the PS2, Q-Ball is still just a pool game, and a decent one at that. You can play 8-ball, 9-ball, and it even offers some challenge modes. However, you'd have more fun dropping some quarters at you local pool hall, then you will with this game. Not a bad game, but, even as Video game pool games go, it's average at best, and a rental at best.
Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 (Midway, Sports)-
The original Ready 2 Rumble made it to shelves in time for last years, superb, Dreamcast launch, and Round 2 has made it in time for the PS2 launch. Taking the Midway approach to sports, this game is all about cartoony, over-the-top aracde action, making it more approachable to hardcore and casual gamers alike. Player build up their rumble meters in the match in order to unleash a bombardment of attacks on their opponents without losing stamina. On top of head to head, and exhibition, the game features tons of unlockable characters like Michael Jackson, Shack, and even the president of the united states. There is also a championship mode where players take on weekly regiments of fights, and training in order to build their stats up, and work their way up the championship belt. This is a great pickup for fans of the original, and a great rental for anyone looking for some simple, arcade boxing fun.
Ridge Racer V (Namco, Racing)-
What would a playstation system launch be without a Ridge Racer Game, and a beautiful one at that. Everything about this game is smooth, from the controls, the buttery smooth framerate, and the eye-popping graphics, featuring details right down to reflecting the background off the back windshield. Even with the aliasing and shimmering visual glitches that have plagued early PS2 games, this is, possibly, the best looking racing game of all time. At least until Gran Turismo 3 hits.
Ridge Racer 5 takes the series back to it's roots, bringing back the single-branching track designs of the original, as opposed to R4's varied selection of tracks. There are also only 14 cars to unlock, as opposed to the 300 plus in the fourth game.
For those who aren't familiar with Ridge Racer, this series is known for it's pure, unadulterated arcade racing with power-slide heavy gameplay. Sim fans will scoff at this game, but this series has always chosen playability over simulation, and PS2 owners looking for the best car-based racing game to play at launch need to put this in their collection. Beatiful graphics, smooth gameplay, tight controls, great soundtrack, and an abundance of cars and race modes to unlock, Namco has shown up big for the PS2 launch with Ridge Racer 5.
Silent Scope (Konami, Shooter)-
The original Arcade cabinet for Silent scope comes equipped with a really cool sniper-rifle lightgun which allows players to look through the scope to take out enemies. Unfortunately, the PS2 version does not come with a rifle controller, in fact, as of yet, no lightguns have even been released for the system as of yet. Playing this game with a controller sort of kills the novelty of the arcade original. That being said, this is a fun, arcade shooter that quickly wears thin. Even Silent Scope's putting the USB port on the front of your shiny new console to use with full USB mouse support can't make up for the lack of the Rifle, and certainly can't lift this game beyond pure rental-only territory.
Smuggler's Run (Rockstar, Racing-Adventure)-
Smugglers run is a rip-roaring, seat-of-your pants mission-based driving game that has players driving across massive landscapes to complete a variety of illegal missions. Imagine Driver, except not in a city, but in spawling landscapes, and you're not the good guy. Smugglers throw a good variety of missions your way, from capture the flag against competitors, pick up and drop off missions, to even straight races, Smugglers has enough variety, and extra modes to keep you playing. Like Driver, some of the missions in the game are hair-pulling, frustratingly difficult, but you always find yourself giving even the hardest missions just one more try.
The size and scope of the the levels is massive, and the maps are filled with hair-raising jumps, and even populated with pedestrians, and wildlife. Unlike Midnight Club, Smugglers has no qualms about running them over, Grand Theft Auto style. The gameplay is high strung, there are three large environments to explore and do missions on, and the gameplay is challenging, yet, addictive. The controls take a getting used to, and the physics are a little bouncy, and it's easy to get overturned. Graphically, the detail isn't the best looking of the launch crop, but the size of the maps make up for it. Overall, if you're a big fan of driver, pick this game up, otherwise, this is a must-rent for everyone else.
SSX (EA, Sports)-
This may sound a little strange, but, if after you drop $299 on your shiny new console, and $34 dollars on the required memory card, you find that you only have enough money in the bank for just one of the 29 launch games, plop your money down on Snowboard Super Cross. This needs to be in every PS2 gamer's collection.
SSX is more than just a mere Snowboarding game, most of which give you a bunch a random modes, and focus on either tricks or racing, but none of them combine tricks, and racing in the way SSX does. In SSX, doing tricks builds your boost meter, which allows players to boost their speed throughout the racing. The game forces you to tread the line between doing sick tricks, all of which are easy to pull off, and focusing on the race at hand. There is a risk verses reward to the racing.
Do you try and pull off a sick trick to get some boost, or do you skip the tricks to pull ahead of you competitors. The reward gives you boost, but the risk is, potentially not landing the trick, eating it, and losing position. This game combines racing a tricks like no other snowboarding game before. Tricks aren't just a means to get an arbitrary score while racing, they are an essential part of winning the race, and wining all three runs per track gains you experience points to use to up your character's stats.
The tracks themselves steal the show as, possibly, the most intricately designed tracks in any racing game ever made. The power of the new console has opened up the door for each track to be it's own open world, full of hidden paths, and shortcuts. While, Ridge Racer 5 uses different variations of the same track for each of it's different tracks, you'll swear there are at least five or six different variations of each track in SSX all hidden in the same tracks. While games like Cool Borders would occasionally have some branching paths, but hampered by the PS1's hardware limitations, often kept the edges of the track obvious with an invisible barrier always keeping you on the main track, in SSX, there are no barriers.
Often times in this game, you'll swear you are going off the track to an area where you are not supposed to go only to find out that it leads to a secret shortcut that was put in by design. The added power of the PS2 had opened the doors for EA Canada to add so many secret areas, and new areas in each track that you'll be finding new areas for months, if not years, the sheer size, scope, and attention to detail mean these tracks are like none you have ever experienced before. This is what the next generation is all about.
If you aren't sure why you needed to upgrade to the PS2 from the PS1, SSX is not only the best game at launch, the best snowboarding game ever, and easily one of the best games this year for any console, it is also one of the few actual next generational offerings in the PS2 launch lineup. Most of the games on this list are prettier PS1 games, meaning, from a design and gameplay aspect, has been done before, and could be reproduced on last gen consoles. SSX, along with a couple of others in the lineup, is a true next generation game that's size and scope could not be reproduced on the PS1, Saturn or N64 in any playable form. Until Metal Gear Solid 2, Final Fantasy 10, and Gran Turismo 3 hit the shelves, this is the best reason to own a PS2 for the time being.
Street Fighter EX3 (Capcom, Fighting)-
EX3 is definitely the third-string contender for the PS2 fighting crown, and should only be looked at by hardcore Street Fighter fans, or fighting game fans who have already mashed their way through Tekken Tag and DOA2. EX3 improves over the Japanese game by eradicating most of the slowdown that plagued the Japanese launch version, and it does have some unlockble characters, and even a cool character edit mode where you earn experience points and special attacks by beating challenges. Not a bad mode, but the overall package is, this will only appeal to Street fighter fans, and specifically Street Fighter EX fans. Street fighter will always play the best in 2D, but EX3 is worth a look, but not worth a buy to most gamers.
Summoner (THQ, RPG)-
Summoner is the best RPG to play on your new console. All the RPG offerings are a mixed bag, and none of them are traditional. Luckily, for Final Fantasy fans who get their hands on the new console, backwards compatibility to PS1 games means they won't have to miss out on the soon to be released Final Fantasy 9. However, if you plopped down the money for a PS2, and want to play the best next gen offering at the moment, pick up Summoner.
Summoner tells the story of Joseph, a summoner with a storied past, who wakes up to find his village on fire, and so the game begins. Summoner plays like a PC RPG. The battles are a mixture of reatime with some menu commands to do things like control you cohorts, cast spells, and even summon monsters. There is a chain system that allows players to chain attacks, think Vagrant Story, and leveling up allows the player to add stat points to customize your character.
As the game goes one, you get summonable creatures, and three new members added to your party. You can only control one player at a time, but the rest can be controlled via a mid-fight menu. Cities in the game are massive in scope, you can get lost for days wondering, just taking in the sights. Talking to NPC's will not only gain you much needed information, but a myriad of side quests. You can ignore these quests, or choose to play them to gain new items. The size and scope, and extra gameplay options in this game are beyond impressive. There are even random battles on the world map which put you in large environments fully of enemies.
Overall, despite some first gen-graphical issues, some major pop-in issues, slowdown, and even weird character models and undetailed textures in some spots, Summoner is the best RPG available on the PS2 at launch. Final Fantasy fans might be disappointed, but PC RPG fans will be pulled into Summoner's deep storyline, and varied gameplay. Everyone else should rent it to see, and traditional RPG fans should just pick up Final Fantasy 9 when it hits in November instead.
Swing Away Golf (EA, Sports)-
If you're a fan of Hot Shots Golf, Swing Away Golf will be right up your alley. Going for a more accessible game of golf, Swing Away will appeal to a wider market who find the idea of playing simulation golf as appealing as watching paint dry. Like Hot Shot's Golf, Swing Away manages to package deep enough simulation aspects into a very playable, fun golf game that is packed full of extra modes, including a course editor. With added features, and some decent next gen graphics, it still doesn't quite top Hot Shot's, but hardcore golf fans, and gamers looking for an addictive way to spend a weekend with a rental should look into Swing Away.
Tekken Tag Tournament (Namco, fighting)-
Last year, Namco wow Dreamcast Gamers by porting Soul Calibur to the system with brand new graphics, amazing gameplay, and tons of unlockables, making for, arguably, the greatest 3D fignting game ever made. Namco is giving Tekken the same treatment by releasing Tekken Tag Tournament for the PS2's launch, but with mixed results.
The graphics are amazing a beautiful, you've never seen Tekken, or possibly, any other fighting game look so good. The new tag feature works well, and is even worked into tag-team combos, and the roster plays like a greatest hit's version, a who's who of tekken characters, combining most of the roster of all three games into one, super tekken. Without a doubt, this is the greatest Tekken game of all time.
That being said, beautiful graphics aside, for Tekken fans, this is retreading old ground. If you played Tekken 3 to death, there is very little here to warrant a purchase. While Soul Calibur's gameplay was a breath of fresh air, and added the incredible edge master mode to earn new unlockables in the game, Tekken Tag's only special mode, outside of the standard modes you expect is the very well made Tekken Bowl mode, which is fun, but not a replacement for something as in-depth as the edge master mode in Soul Calibur.
If you are already bored with Tekken 3, Tag won't bring enough to the table to bring you back, it's graphics are beautiful, but the backgrounds are still the same, flat, psuedo-3D, endless scrolling backgrounds the series has always had. By comparison, DOA2's backgrounds feel light-years ahead with fully 3D gameplay and backgrounds. IF you want to play something fresh that feels truly next generation, go with DOA2 over Tekken Tag. Tag is great Tekken game, the best one ever made to be sure, but doesn't feel like the truly next-gen Tekken game we wanted to see on the PS2, meaning it takes second place behind DOA.
TimeSplitters (Eidos, First-Person Shooter)-
Free Radical design is debuting for the PS2 launch with Timesplitters, aptly named Timsplitters due to the incredible speed the game runs at. For Goldeneye fans, Timesplitters should look, play, and even sound similar, that's because Free Radical design is comprised of original members of the Goldeneye/Perfect Dark Team, and that heritage shows through in both the single player, multiplayer, and overall feel of the game.
The only gripe that can be levied about the game is how basic the single player missions are in the game. This was a game rush for launch, as the single player missions amount to a simple game of capture the flag, and the visuals aren't a giant leap forward from even the N64.
Players start at the beginning of each map, hunt down a simple artifact, and then run to the exit as the Timesplitters show up to stop them. The A.I. Is well programmed, especially on harder difficulty levels. The single player levels show promise in the case of a sequel, but one can tell the devs spent most of their time on the multiplayer aspect of the game, and that's where this game truly shines.
Not only is there an incredibly in depth map editor in the game that will keep you designing and tweeking your homemade maps for hours, the the sheer mayhem of the multiplayer will keep you coming back for more. Not only is this game the best reason to pick up a PS2 multitap at launch to play with up to four people, and up to 14 bots can join in on the action, so even if you are short a person or two, you will be able to kill hours blasting away, at death match, team deathmatch, capture the bag, bag tag, and more. The multiplayer is the most fun you can have in console first person multiplayer, even by yourself. Despite the platry single player, Timesplitters is a must-buy launch game for Goldeneye fans, and a must rent, must play for all PS2 gamers. Pick this game up.
Unreal Tournament (Infogrames, First-Person Shooter)-
1999's PC Game of the year is making a huge splash on consoles, seeing release on both the Dreamcast, and the PS2 at launch. Like Quake III, Unreal Tournament ditches the single player campaign to focus on what is truly important, it's the multiplayer stupid.
The poly counts in the PS2's character models get a boost, looking even better than the PC version, and the gameplay is fast, and mostly smooth. The game generally hovers around 30 frames per second, but there is some noticeable slowdown in certain levels, especially the larger ones. The slowdown doesn't hamper the experience much, but it's especially noticeable when using a mouse to aim.
That's right, not to ignore the hardware features of the PS2, Epic has added full keyboard and mouse support for Unreal Tournament, which can even be used in the four-player split screen matches if you have a USB hub to use. The biggest downer with the PS2 version is beyond Epic's control, whereas Dreamcast owners can enjoy this game for up to 8-players online via Seganet, Sony's network plans are still yet to come.
However, not to be defeated by lack of online play, Epic has included system link play through the firewire port on the front of the PS2 to create what's called a local area network. Those rich enough to own four PS2 systems, four copies of Unreal Tournament, four TV's and a firewire hub can link them all together for full screen four-player fragging fests.
Overall, while Unreal Tournament is an excellent launch offering, coming with 51 maps, mutators, and up to four player split screen, framerate issues bog the game down. Given the choice of which one to get, buy Timesplitters, and rent Unreal Tournament.
Wild Wild Racing (Interplay, Racing)-
Ever played a racing game where the wonky physics ruin the experience? Wild Wild Racing is a mediocre offering at best due to some poor design choices on the side of Rage Software. While the challenge modes the game offers can be pretty fun, and the game's only saving grace, the wonky physics and flawless AI opponents quickly turn the racing elements into a practice in frustration. The most aggravating part of the controls has to do with what happens when you buggy even so much as taps a wall in the game. Instead of bouncing off the wall, and continuing on, your cart will, instead be pulled in to face the wall, thus stopping all forward motion, and leaving you stranded there until you reverse, away from the wall, and correct your course. This problem shows up so much that half the races you'll be going in reverse as much as you will be going forward. The challenge modes are the highlight, but overall, this is only rent if you have nothing else to play. There aren't even any pretty graphics to look at here.
X-Squad (EA, Action)-
X-Squad is a squad-based shooter developed in partnership by Square EA, and wile it has an innovative gun upgrade system, the rest of the game is standard fare. The squad-based elements are interesting, but under developed, and the missions lack any real variety. The controls are well done, mimicking fist person shooters like Timesplitters, but overall, the gameplay is a little basic. Some of the graphics are nice to look at, but the game's short length make this pure rental material. If you have played any of the Syphon Filter games, you have already played better than X Squad, but for a weekend rental, this game is worth a playthrough.
A dozen for the future:
Gameday 2001-
The preview version of NFL Gameday is still early from what we can tell. The graphics and animations aren't up to snuff, and the whole game is glitchy. If 989 can iron out the many rough edges before the game is released, this could be the restart of the old Madden verses Gameday fued.
Rayman 2-
Rayman 2 has been ported to every available platform under the sun, now it's the PS2's turn to get an upgraded version of the game with new graphics and some new refinements to the formula, 3D platformer game fans are in for a real treat when this game hits in January.
Winback-
Koei is porting their above average action game Winback to the PS2 from the N64. On top of updated graphics, they are adding several new multiplayer modes to go along with it. The solid gameplay should tide PS2 action gamers over for a while until more high profile games hit the system.
Oni-
Oni is an anime-inspired third person shooter from Bungie Software, best known for The Myth series on the PC. The art style of the game feels like you are playing a real Japanese Anime movie. If the gameplay matches the quality of the art style, PS2 gamers will have another great action game to immerse themselves into this january.
Red Faction-
3.5D managed to get their hands on footage of the Red Faction Demo that THQ was showing behind closed doors at E3, and man are we excited for this game. Coming from Volition, the devs behind Summoner, Red Faction's main claim to fame is it's revolutionary geo-mod engine, standing for geometric modification. What this translates to is, environment in the game like pillars, and walls, can be blown up, and are deformed in real time. Things like walls, and locked doors are literally no longer a hindrance as the player can now just blow holes around them. This is one of our most anticipated upcoming PS2 games.
Soul Reaver II-
The original soul reaver hit the Playstation last year, and quickly became one of our favorite dark, action adventure games of all time. A huge world to explore with a very dark color pallet and art direction. The game was moody and brilliant. Soul reaver II has us drooling in anticipation to find out what happens after the cliffhanger ending in Soul Reave.
Dark Cloud-
Is this Sony's Zelda killer in the making? Probably not, but Dark Cloud mixes elements of Zelda with elements of a really old Super Nintendo Game called Actraiser where players find items in the game that allow them to build the town around them. So it's a mixture of Zelda with world building elements, mix that with beautiful graphics, and you have one of the most hotly anticipated PS2 games coming your way.
Onimusha-
Think Resident Evil with Samurai and you have only part of an idea of what onimusha offers. PS1 gamers might be familiar with Soul of the Samurai, and Onimusha plays similar. While there are horror elements to the game, it is primarily and action game, but with the same controls as resident evil, and the same prerendered backgrounds. Capcom started developing this game on the original Playstation, but moving it to the PS2 means Onimusha is slated to be the system's first high profile killer app.
The Bouncer-
Coming from the same developers as the Tobal series on the playstation, the bouncer showcases amazing graphics, and is said to have incredible interactivity with objects in the environment. With a good story focus, and character designs that look like they were ripped straight out of Final Fantasy 8, the Bouncer is one of the most hotly anticipated PS2 games on the horizon. We can't wait to get our hands on this one.
TMB-
Twisted Metal is back and black with Twisted Metal Black, and looking to revitalize the faltering franchise for the next generation with a much darker art direction, and a new development house made up of members of the original Twisted Metal Team. We can't wait to get our hands on this game.
GT3-
The previously anticipated Gran Turismo 2000, and now morphed into a full blown Gran Truismo sequel in Gran Turismo 3. The graphics in this game are mind blowing. Never has any racing game on any platform come close to looking as good as this game, and beyond that, it has the same, amazing sim-gameplay we have all giving hundreds of hours to with the first two games in the series. This series is amazing, and we can't wait to get out hands on this game next year. Outside of Metal Gear Solid, and Final Fantasy X, this is the real reason to own a PS2. We can't wait.
MGS 2-
Were it medically possible, we at 3.5D would gladly volunteer to be put into a medical como for a year just to pass the time till Metal Gear Solid hits. There is no game on the system that is more hotly anticipated than 1998's game of the year. The original Metal Gear Solid is easily one of the greatest games ever made, and what few snippets of footage we have been able to get our hands on of Metal Gear Solid 2 show us that it is on course to top the original in every conceivable way. The graphics in this game are unreal, and unrivaled. Chances are, if you pick up a PS2 at launch, it's to play this game. We can't wait any longer for this game to hit, unfortunately, we are still a year out from this game. Why is life so unfair? Metal Gear Solid 2 is undoubtedly going to be the biggest killer app for the Playstation 2, and the best reason to buy one unless some other unforeseen game can dare come in an unseat it, which is highly unlikely. This will be a generation defining game for the PS2.
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