Release Archives: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 20049.14.2004 Fable *PICK OF THE WEEK* Dev. Big Blue Box Pub. Microsoft MSRP: $49.99 Systems: XBX It's certainly been a long time coming. One of the most ambitious games ever from one of the greatest minds in the industry has finally arrived in spectacular fashion, if only a bit diluted since it's inception. Peter Molyneux has crafted what is sure to be a highly engrossing, gorgeous RPG experience, with a degree of character involvement and customization previously unseen. Your character grows as you do, reflecting your play style as such - don't defend often enough and you'll develop permanent scars, use magic more often than muscles and you'll probably go bald at an early age. How you approach the game is up to you as well; spend your time wandering the woods helping out old men and slaying beasts until butterflies follow you everywhere, or go town to town terrorizing taverns and seducing mayors' daughters until horns sprout from your evil cranium (I would lean towards the latter). As I said, the game doesn't quite live up to the ambition it had four years ago when it was called Project Ego - you can no longer have kids (though you can marry, have sex, and own property), and you can no longer kill schoolchildren in the towns (though you can play soccer with the heads of your enemies and punt chickens) - but it's not really fair to compare it to what it could have been. What's here is great, and more than enough game for most men - perhaps too much for some. Gradius V Dev. Konami TYO Pub. Konami MSRP:$29.99 Systems: PS2 The first Gradius game designed specifically for the PS2, this game is for fans of side scrolling shooters and no one else. Though it does add 3D graphics (surprise, surprise) and the ability to configure your weapons before taking flight, this should be standard fare for fans of the genre. Considering how few shooters are released each year, and that this game includes cooperative play and a lower price tag, why not support a blast from the past? Phantasy Star Online I&II Plus Dev. Sonic Team Pub. Sega MSRP:$29.99 Systems: GC There is now a fourth game available for Nintendo's ill-fated broadband adapter. This upgrade to the remake of the Dreamcast originals offer more items and the ability to take your quest off line. Maybe not the leap online Gamecube gamers had hoped for, but with no other new games to take on the internet, it's either this or nothing. The Broadband Adapter - for those that really like Phantasy Star. ShellShock: Nam '67 Dev. Guerilla Games Pub. Eidos MSRP:$49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX Celebrating the 29th anniversary of the war that crumbled our nation, 'Nam '67 is just one of six different Vietnam based games coming out in the near future. Headed by the aptly named Guerrilla Games, 'Nam '67 may not be the best looking of the bunch, but it is the only one that will allow you to purchase drugs and go into battle completely wasted. Early builds also feature the chance to enter the room with Vietnamese prostitutes, though thankfully the game cuts away before actions are taken. Not recommended for families, Vietnam war buffs, or moralistic gamers. Sly 2: Band of Thieves Dev. Sucker Punch Pub. Sony MSRP:$39.99 Systems: PS2 As one of Sony's big three platform games, along with Jak & Daxter and Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper is able to stand on its own with gorgeous cel-shaded graphics and a unique style that places heavier emphasis on stealth than the other, more action oriented, franchises. Added in this version are twice as many moves to play around with, 32 in all, and the ability to play as different characters. One caveat – the game clocks in at around 20 hours, but with no multiplayer or real incentive to replay the adventure, this could collect inches of dust in no time flat. - Tom (except Fable, which was written by Nick) |
