Release Archives: WEEK OF JULY 26TH, 20057.26.2005 Delta Force Black Hawk Down Dev. Climax Pub. Vivendi Universal MSRP: $49.99 Systems: PS2, XBX Fifty-player online multiplayer is the big draw here - it's a scale as yet unexplored on consoles, and it's looking like it's going to work quite well considering the size. Every classic team game mode you can imagine is featured (CTF, Deathmatch, etc.), as well as some created just for BHD. Similar to the Battlefield series (it's mentor, if you will) there are different character classes selectable, and a handful of vehicles to implement in battle (though they're not directly controllable in the game, just on-rails gun turrets). Online co-op is a very nice feature as well, considering most people will be hard up to find twenty-five people to team up with who won't act like complete morons. There's a lot to enjoy here assuming you have the means to play online (don't bother if not, it's nothing new), and if it's half as fun as Halo 2 or the upcoming console version of Battlefield 2, we'll know we have a winner. Graffiti Kingdom Dev. Taito Pub. Hot B MSRP: $29.99 Systems: PS2 Familiar with Magic Pengel: The Quest For Color? Well, it was a creature-battling RPG along the lines of Pokemon, with the added twist of drawing and animating your own critters (allowing for command of a formidable army of phalluses, for one). The combat system was a bit too rock-paper-scissors for anything too memorable, but the innovative creation tool was definitely appreciated; enough for a spiritual sequel, anyhow. Graffiti Kingdom finds Prince Pixel on a quest to save his parents/restore his kingdom back to normal after an ancient evil did otherwise. The battles are no doubt a bit on the simple side once again, but the creation tool has been vastly improved - any simple 2-D drawing can be transformed into full 3-D and refined with textures, transparencies and animations. You can create your own heroes from scratch or modify any of the 220+ creatures already in the game, and steal your enemies moves as you advance. Hey, there's even a two-player mode. It's hard to argue that the gaming industry is starved for true innovation, and games like this are becoming more and more important to the well-being of real gamers everywhere. Stretch your creative muscles and give it a chance - and draw a talking, dancing wang for me. Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life Dev. Natsume Pub. Natsume MSRP: $29.99 Systems: GC For every hooker disemboweled in Grand Theft Auto, a carrot is planted in Harvest Moon. It keeps the gaming world balanced, and it's nice to try the other end of the spectrum for a change. Your tasks are simple in principle - maintain a successful farm with tasty veggies and healthy animals, court the young men in town (this installment has you playing as a lady), and generally keep things shiny and happy. Spend enough time with it though, and it becomes hypnotically addictive. It's so relaxing and calm, and you'll be damned if things are going to change. One sick pig can ruin your evening, but looking over a healthy field of corn can make your day. If you'd rather be playing NCAA Football, I won't try to convince you otherwise, but you're missing out on a really great, fun little game in Harvest Moon. Then again, farming isn't for everyone, unfortunately. - Nick |
