Release Archives: ... WEEK OF MARCH 29, 2005 3.29.2005 Dynasty Warriors 5 Dev. KOEI Pub. KOEI MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 This fifth main installment of Dynasty Warriors in what seems like two years finds you battling hordes of warriors in ancient China, as usual. There are slightly more moves to perform, characters to play as, bodies on the screen and tactics to employ, but the snails-pace that this series evolves at is getting ridiculous. You could easily mistake the first game in the series for the newest one, and that's not a good sign of innovative design. Still, it was a good game years ago and it's more or less still fun now - just make sure you're into convoluted history lessons and genocide. Obscure Dev. Dreamcatcher Pub. Dreamcatcher MSRP: $19.99 Systems: PS2, XBX I'm definitely digging the idea of this game, though I have no idea how well it will play (they've barely announced the game, nevermind released a demo of it). It's survival-horror set in a high school, with a teen horror movie vibe and five playable characters whom you can swap between at any time. Having two people on-screen at the same time already goes above and beyond the genre norms, as does....wait for it...2-player co-operative play! If the gameplay ends up being even remotely fun this becomes a must-buy for twenty bucks. Every game should have co-op. Red Ninja: End of Honor Dev. Tranji Pub. Vivendi Universal MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX I won't say it's a shame that the standard for the third-person action/adventure genre is so high (that would be...idiotic), but it is a shame that some decently original games don't stand out as a result. You play as Kurenai, captured and left to die, having been hung from a wire. Well, you're back, somehow, and that wire is your new best friend. You can chop your enemies in twain, hang them from pipes, and generally exact some satisfyingly brutal revenge. The environments aren't the most interesting, and the graphics ain't so hot either, but hey - you can seduce guards. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga Dev. Atlus USA Pub. Atlus USA MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2 The quasi-sequel to my favorite game of last year that I never played, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, DDS combines a hardcore RPG battle system with some of the coolest visuals and enemy design you're likely to see in a videogame. There's little point in getting into the specifics of the battle system and such, but you can definitely turn into a demon when needed. You probably won't dig it if you don't like steep learning curves and deep, strategic gameplay, but for anyone looking for a change of pace in the RPG genre, like myself, ths definitely fits the bill. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Dev. Ubisoft Pub. Ubisoft MSRP: $49.99 Systems, PS2, XBX, GC I almost wish I didn't have to write about this game. I'll admit - if you're into pure stealth, this is easily the standard. The gameplay is tight, the situations are tense, and the moves and items you have at your desposal are are worthy of any spy movie. On the other hand, this series is so boring it hurts - sneaking around at a snails pace gets unbelievably tedious, as does having the level end when you're seen (much of the time you won't survive the ensuing battles). It also hasn't evolved much since the first game, beyond the graphics (which are, I must say, quite phenomenal, probably the best this generation has to offer, and possibly on par with some next-generation games). The spies versus mercenaries four-player online game on the other hand was a huge hit in the last game, and it's looking even better here. It's weird that a game can have one of the most innovative multiplayer modes ever and one of the least innovative single-player modes. If you were a fan of the last one, you'll no doubt love Chaos Theory for all the same reasons. If you're new to the series, just brace for a steep learning curve before you can truly enjoy the multiplayer, and steer clear of the single-player after you marvel at the graphics.