Release Archives: WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 200410.05.2004 Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne *PICK OF THE WEEK* Dev. Atlus Pub. Atlus MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 RPGs don't get any more stylish than this. The story, while no doubt more important in an RPG than any genre, is a bit too complex and bizarre to get into here; suffice to say, there's more than enough apocalyptic settings, supernatural goings-on, and theological discussions to keep anyone enthralled for a good amount of time. The art design and direction are simply gorgeous, with easily the most evil uses of cel-shading seen yet. Strong character customization and a flexible party system are obviously important to any game of this sort as well, and you won't be let down in either regard. Along with Shadow Hearts: Covenant released last week, this is quickly becoming a fall that any RPG fan should be grateful for. Reward Atlus for finally bringing this revered series to America and pick up a copy if you're interested. Mortal Kombat: Deception Dev. Midway Pub. Midway MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX (GC early next year with no online play) After reinventing itself with Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, the MK series seems to be going more for refinement and expansion this time around. An already deep three-styled fighting system gets even deeper with the usual batch of new moves, fatalities, characters and background interaction, while online play makes it's first appearance in a 3D fighter (beating out Dead or Alive Ultimate by a couple of weeks). Not content with just furthering the 'kombat', the developers have also added a chess-like strategy game, a Super Puzzle Fighter-like puzzle game, and an expansive quest mode, a training adventure of sorts (all of these modes are online as well!). If you're not a fan of fighting games, this won't change your mind in the least, but if you dig the genre or the series even a bit, you'll eat it up. Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Dev. Neversoft Pub. Activision MSRP: $49.99 Systems: Every damn one You'd think that after five titles in five years, the quality of this series would have a dipped a bit. Fortunately, perfect controls and super-customizable gameplay never go out of style. This time around they're touting two main gameplay modes (adventure and classic), make-and-use-your-own-graffiti in the game, a handful of different vehicles to ride, improved face-mapping (thanks, Eyetoy), and the expected goofy character roster, including the likes of Wee Man and Benjamin Franklin. Between all that, the further refined park-creating features, and even more robust online play, it's most likely worth a purchase even if you own every previous iteration. There are probably better things to spend your money on this fall in the long run, but few are as sure of a bet. ESPN NBA 2K5/NBA Live 2005 Dev. Visual Concepts Pub. Sega of America MSRP: $19.99 Systems: PS2, XBX Dev. EA Pub. EA MSRP: $39.99 Systems: PS2, XBX, GC Look, you're not going to go wrong with either game if you're a basketball fan. Both have photorealistic graphics, a bevy of modes you'll likely never fully explore, and robust on- and offline gameplay. If you must know, Live is a bit more arcady, while ESPN is a bit more of a simulation. The real issue here is the price point - Sega's whole ESPN line is $20 this year, while EA's sports offerings have remained at $40-$50 the entire season so far. Why not pay half the price and support Sega this time around, letting them know not only that you prefer their product, but that you agree with their pricing decision? The reasons for this are twofold - one, EA needs to be motivated to make drastically better games instead of slight yearly improvements on already great games, and two, wouldn't you like to pay $20 for EVERY sports game you buy? I doubt both things will happen, but with enough support, one of them certainly could. In the end, you won't go wrong with either, and if you're a hardcore B-ball fan you'll probably be purchasing both games anyhow. However, for anyone on the fence (and if you own anything besides a Gamecube obviously), go with Sega this time around, if for no other reason than to support the idea that people really like getting a great game for $20. - Nick |
