Release Archives: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 20049.07.2004 Burnout 3: Takedown *PICK OF THE WEEK* Dev. Criterion Pub. Electronic Arts MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX I can say enough good things about Burnout 2 - it's one of my favorite games of all time. So I'm honored to introduce Burnout 3, a sequel that introduces a few choice additons to the series (in-air controls, robust online play) while improving everything else in the game to near-perfection. The main game centers on driving dangerously, and rewards devastating crashes in crash mode. The controls are shockingly simple (at it's deepest, you'll be using no more than three buttons), but the gameplay is brilliantly deep. It's as fast, gorgeous, and fun as any game this generation is likely to be, and easily one of the best racing games of all time. If you're a fan of fun, you will love this game. Guilty Gear X2: #Reload Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco MSRP: $19.99 Systems: XBX I don't know what it is with all the great $20 games being released this season, but I'm certainly not complaining. The Guilty Gear series has always been about fast, deep and beautiful 2D fighting, with some of the weirdest characters (many based on heavy metal, somehow) and mind-melding moves you're likely to come across. This reworking of the PS2 sequel includes a handful of smaller tweaks and additions, but the big deal here is the lagless online play. If you can't handle the intensity that this game offers up, wait for the X-Box port of Street Fighter Anniversary Edition, but if you've got the reflexes and retina strength, pick this game up post-haste. Gungrave: Overdose Dev. Jack of all Games Pub. Jack of all Games MSRP: $19.99 Systems: PS2 The first Gungrave game was an exercise in style over substance, twitch gunplay over strategy, and is only about five hours long. So why do I recommend it? Because every minute of that five hours was fun, and about as outrageously stylish and over-the-top as games get. Whether you're doing a backflip over some thugs while wielding your enormous coffin gun or having babies hurled at you from the mouth of a boss, you'll always be having a good time while destroying everything on screen in cel-shaded ecstasy. This sequel packs three playable characters, nine new stages and 45 minutes of sweet anime cutscenes. You're not likely to find many other games out there like this, and at $20, you'll get your money's worth (even if it is a little short). Juiced Dev. Acclaim Pub. Acclaim MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX If you're unable to find Burnout 3, go speed down the highway for a quick thrill and use the $50 towards the ticket. In other words, there is little to no reason to take more than a passing glance at Juiced. With so many other racing games coming out this season, including several snazzy sequels like Gran Turismo 4, Midnight Club Racing 3 and even Need For Speed Underground 2, every area in the genre is covered if not crowded. Street racing has been done better before, and will no doubt be done better this season. Don't waste your time. Silent Hill 4: The Room Dev. Konami Pub. Konami MSRP: $39.99 Systems: PS2, XBX While the Silent Hill series might not be the scariest around, it's certainly the creepiest. The overwhelming sense of paranoia and eeriness you feel walking around abandoned hospitals and foggy towns is without comparison, in games or in movies. The sound, graphics and creature design have always been amazing as well, and go a long way towards furthering the illusion. The controls and puzzles haven't been quite as solid, but with atmosphere this thick, it's hard to hold too much against the game. This fourth iteration focuses a bit more on reflexes than brain power, but fans of the series will still want to check it out. Others should give it a rent in case it's not their cup of terrifying tea. - Nick |
