Release Archives: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 20049.28.2004 Donkey Konga *PICK OF THE WEEK* Dev. Nintendo/Namco Pub: Nintendo MSRP: $49.99 Systems: GC It's about time those quirky Japanese games finally started taking over our country. With Katamari Damacy already out and receiving great reviews and a sequel to the off-beat Ico coming out next year, it's no surprise that Nintendo is leading their holiday charge with a monkey and some bongo drums. The first starring game on the Gamecube for Nintendo's original mascot, Donkey Konga is a musical adventure through the world of pop music, classic Nintendo tunes and children's songs. Players must hit the included bongo drum in time to the music while Donkey Kong dances for their pleasure; maybe not the Grand Theft Auto-beater Nintendo needs, but where else can you spend $50 for a bongo drum and find an 800-pound gorilla waiting for you? Crash Twinsanity Dev. Traveler's Tales Pub. Vivendi Universal MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX Remember Crash? He was Sony's answer to Mario in the last generation, and if this new game coming out is any indication, is apparently still around. Don't worry, this isn't the same Crash you remember from yesteryear. Adding an extra half dimension, Crash: Twinsanity is a full 3D game this time around. In an unlikely twist, you now team up with your arch-nemesis Neo Cortex in attempt to save the world from something or other. Don't let the other far superior and more original platformers such as Sly Cooper 2, or Ratchet and Clank 3 pull you away from this Bandicoot romp - remember, the game isn't over until every barrel is smashed so you better start spinning. Shadow Hearts: Covenant Dev. Nautilus Pub. Midway MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 Though the first game was completely ignored by American audiences, the second one is shaping up to be noticeably good. Set in post- World War I Europe, SH:C takes players on an otherwise relatively typical RPG story. However, the battle system (though still turn based) offers real-time elements that made other RPGs such as Mario and Luigi's Superstar Saga (GBA) so much fun. By timing your attacks perfectly, you can deal major damage to enemies, making the game much more active than your typical, more cinematic RPG. Throw in the ability to morph into monsters during battle (just because it takes place in the real world doesn't mean you can't be a monster) and your canine companion's quest to kill every wolf in the world, and you have yourself a winner. - Tom |
