Release Archives: WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 200410.26.2004 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas *PICK OF THE WEEK* Dev. Rockstar North Pub. Rockstar Games MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 For just one second, try to forget about all the controversy surrounding the last two GTA games. Forget about parental groups who sought monetary compensation for buying those violent titles for their young children. Forget about the enforcers of morality who tried to outlaw these games for making it cool to kill a police officer. Forget the lame retail clerks telling you about the time they dragged a wounded man 17 blocks from the back of their ambulance. Forget that this is one of the most popular titles around. None of that matters. All you need to know is this - Grand Theft Auto is not only the most important and influential game made this generation, it is also the best. Anyone out there who enjoys playing video games should purchase this title. San Andreas is not merely a cosmetic upgrade to Vice City, it's a brand new experience that should not be missed. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Dev. Namco Pub. Namco MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 I have a brief story about the Ace Combat franchise. I was lucky enough to receive the 4th title in the series at absolutely no charge when I purchased my PS2. I was quite excited at the time - who doesn't like a free game - but quickly forgot about it as I tore through Hot Shots Golf. The weeks and months passed by, and newer games entered my collection, all while AC4 sat under my television unloved and unplayed. A few weeks ago, I traded in my unopened copy of AC4 for a few credits towards Halo 2. So, while I can't give you a hands-on opinion of the series, I can tell you that they are widely considered to be the best console air combat games in existence. So, if you like flying around and blowing up planes, this is the perfect game for you. Dead or Alive: Ultimate Dev. Team Ninja Pub. Tecmo MSRP: $49.99 Systems: XBX The series that pioneered the term "breast physics" is back with an all-new game. Well, maybe it isn't quite as new as people hoped. Basically a revamped version of older DoA titles, Ultimate is only the second online 3D fighter around, and the first that places an emphasis on group online play. Using an interesting arcade room setup, Ultimate allows a small number of players to watch two opponents duke it out, all while yelling insults to anyone who fights cheaply and cheering on the victor. Hopefully, you'll even be able to place your virtual quarter on the arcade cabinet so everyone knows who's got next. The DoA series has never been the deepest fighter around, but this is the only game where you can toss your opponent into a nearby elephant. The Bard's Tale Dev. inXile entertainment Pub. Sierra MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX Upon first appearance, this game seems like your typical hack-n-slash RPG. Reminiscent of Champions of Norrath without the multiplayer, you use magic and physical attacks against a horde of angry foes. But this isn't just your run-of-the-mill, mindless kill 'em all adventure. As the Bard, you are a narcissistic hero who takes great joy in ridiculing the weak and needy. Taking a much different approach to being evil than say, Fable, your weapon of choice in this game is your mouth. Create allies or bitter enemies depending on how you treat people. This is one of the funniest games around. If that isn't enough to sell you, I actually named my character in Fable after this fine title - I call him Bardly, but most people call him Chicken Chaser. - Tom |
