Basically, I'll just put comments about games I've played/seen to give people yet another opinion on them. I find that some reviewers are very, very harsh on some
games that are actually really, really good. In my opinion, at least. Well, anyways, I'm going to go ahead and do this. Freedom of speech and all. Feel free to send in your own comments.
|
Computer Games--|
Neverwinter Nights: This is one of the best RPGs of late. I find the storyline to be pretty good, and only recently decided to just pick pocket everyone. Also, being a double crosser
is more fun than you would think, esp. in Luskan (you know what I mean). The graphics, from what I've heard, aren't as stunning as Morrowind, but it runs quite well and the visuals are still
pretty nice. I recommend this to RPG fans everywhere.|
Unreal Tournament: I know, I know. It's been out long enough for most people to have played. But I still have to establish this as one of the best LAN games around for those
smaller groups, more than anything. I won't really say much more, other than, if you don't know what it is, you go into a level and kill. That's it. And it doesn't look too shabby.|
Freedom Force: Superheroes from the '70s. Need I say more? Well, I'm going to anyway. It's surprisingly fun, especially the option to create your own superhero to recruit in the
game. It's a win-win situation. It's too short, though. The ending came and I was completely surprised, "That's it? Damn." The graphics are kinda cool, with the whole comic book exclamations
accompaning battles, and El Diablo has some pretty cool fire effects.|
Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Yet another installment in the Dark Forces saga? Yes, please. The lightsaber fighting has been completely revamped and it's great. If you haven't
already played it, I highly recommend it. The multiplayer is great, as well. I do agree with Gabe from Penny Arcade about needing a
mod for the lightsabers in Capture the Flag and such. As long as someone has a lightsaber, they're going to use it with extreme prejudice. Please, unless someone has already done it, someone
do it. As for the single player portion, there are so many annoying puzzles that I almost stopped playing at parts. I mean, I was under the impression it was a first-person shooter, not
a platform puzzle game, for God's sake. Other than that, it's really fun (lightsabers!) and it just looks beautiful. My PIII 800 ran it wonderfully at 1024x768 with a GeForce 256 DDR card,
and I only needed to crank down the graphics for one level.|
Serious Sam: First Encounter: One of the hardest games around. It's the first game I HAD to get a cheat code to pass. Of course, I'm not a hardcore gamer, by any means, but I do
feel comfortable enough to be able to take most everything, but not a room where hundreds of kamikaze frogs keep spawning! Come on! Other than that and the VERY annoying boss, the game looks
excellent and the cannon launcher/gun is so much fun!|
Serious Sam 2: Second Encounter: I have 4 words-I hate jumping skeletons! Dear God, are they TRYING to be annoying? I've only played the story at a LAN, but still, there's so many
of those little bastards I thought we were having a population problem. And they keep coming! We aren't in China, for God's sake. Like the first one, the graphics were very well done and the
AI is negligible. It doesn't take much to have enemies just run at you.|
Battle Realms: A rather fun RTS (Real-Time Strategy) game based in Japan (I think. I know it's Asian, though.) with some neat little battle sequences. I haven't played a lot
of it yet, but it's pretty easy to manage. It's really straight forward - you have villagers that you use to harvest rice (which is what you use as currency/materials), water the rice, and
collect water for the town. You build dojos to train soldiers, and you basically just kick ass from there. I'm still not quite sure how to expand the number of units I can have in my village,
but other than that it's pretty fun. I'm looking forward to getting my ass kicked in a multiplayer game. One thing I should note - in battles, instead of having your characters just hack away
at each other, they actually spin around, jump, and move in a battle. It makes for some larger conflicts to be a bit overwhelming to watch, but it's pretty cool, nonetheless. And it's
realistic in terms of weapons, in that you can still see blood on a weapon after winning a skirmish.|
Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2: The first strategy game that I ever liked. It's well done and especially fun at a LAN, but it does tend to get old after a while. I really
don't know what else to put about it. Iraq's Desolators are annoying as hell to fight, but one of the more fun units in the game (they use nuclear radiation to "desolate" a field, effectively
damaging anything that walks near it) as are the Soviet Kirovs (blimps that take a lot of damge and deal so much more). I really only mess with the multiplayer aspects of the game, as the
single-person mode is kind of a pain. But, it's still pretty good.
|
Grandia II: So much fun! I can't stop playing it. I don't want to say too much, in case I might give anything away to those that haven't played it yet, but it's another one
of those "good vs. evil" things. And the main character is such a jerk! "I'm sorry, were you waiting for me to give a damn?" I mean, he's like that almost ALL THE TIME! And one definite
bonus is that you start at level 10 instead of 1, so you can pack some punch. Of course, it's pretty much like starting at level 1 in any other game, but it's more satisfying to see your
character do upwards of 70 points of damage per hit when you start. Currently, I'm level 24 and can deal around 120-170 points of damage per hit, not using any special abilities. Apparently,
according to IGN, the game is supposed to give an "easy 20 hours of gameplay." I still say it's quite fun, regardless of the writer's comments.
Not all console-to-PC ports are automatically bad.|
Vampire the Masquerade: Redemption: Another RPG, but this time you play Christof, a crusader in the Middle Ages. After a mission or two, you get bitten by a vampire and so
begins the fun. Unfortunately for you, though, you and a nun are in love, and since you see yourself as a vile thing, you leave her be. But, she goes after you and becomes a vampire herself,
but with another clan. The skills you get are kinda fun, and it's always great to go around sucking people. You make these really disgusting slurping sounds occasionally, and the hapless
victims moan, almost erotically. Of course, that's just one opinion. It's kinda fun, and you can control up to 4 characters in your coterie, although the game AI takes comtrol most of
the time. You get the classic 3rd person perspective in a compltetly 3d world, in case you haven't seen it. Some of the weapons are cool, and you get to play in the Middle Ages in 2 towns,
and then in "modern" day London and New York, I believe. I think the olden times are in Vienna and Munich, but I'm probably wrong. The multiplayer is also rather cool, with up to 4
people playing and one Dungeon Master controlling the action by loading mobs, weapons, armor, etc. Unfortunately, I'd recommend playing this only at a LAN, since most people are asses online,
only loading up the most powerful weapons and armor by themselves, then going online to just screw everyone else over. If you know me, and if you're reading this then it's a strong
possibility, then you could just copy it sometime. I must say, too, that the graphics are very, very nice.|
X-Wing Alliance: Probably the best Star Wars flight sim around. The single player mode is quite well done, and the multiplayer aspect is also excellent, giving you a wide
range of ships you can fly, most of which aren't seen in the movies at all. I think they should release either a bonus pack to update for the "first" 3 movies so you can fly the Naboo
fighters and Jedi fighters, but there's probably a mod somewhere online that does it. The single player game puts you into the life of a smuggling family who ends up being double-crossed by
a rival family, and you end up joining the Republic like your older brother did. The YT-2400 ships are quite nice to pilot, and you start out in a YT-1300, much like the Millennium
Falcon. From there, you fly the standard Republic ships once you join, but it's just more fun to mess around with TIE experimental ships in a melee battle or quick skirmish. Definitely a
must for space sim fans, esp since I'm 90% sure it's cheaper now, and will run amazingly well on any recent-ish video card. Come to think of it, I may bring it with me to college with my
joystick. Hm...
|
Arcade/Console Games--
Dance Dance Revolution: Keep the mixes coming! It's so much fun, and so much work at the same time! And I WILL beat Max300 if it kills me! If you don't know what it is, it's a
dancing game where you basically hit one of 4 directional arrow pads with your feet as the corresponding arrows scroll up the screen. DDR
Freak is probably the most popular site about it, along with DDR Maniax. If you're looking to lose weight, get some exercise, or
prepare for the next marathon, then give this game a try. And I'm not joking about the latter, either.|
Dance Freaks: Think Dance Dance Revolution, but with your arms. I'm not the biggest fan of it, but it's not bad. You get the upper body workout, and helps improve eye-hand
coordination. I think. Again, it's one of those games you have to try. There's 4 zones to put your arms-upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right-and you pass your arms through
motion sensors in these directions to rhythms.|
Pump it Up!: This game is like Dance Dance Revolution, but with 5 directional arrows instead - upper left, lower left, center, upper right, lower right-which makes it a bit harder.
However, you tend to feel like you're doing more freestyling maneuvers in this game, so you can seem more natural. Unless you lose your balance, which happens all too often. You have to get
used to shifting your weight a lot, and it helps if you speed the arrows up to 2x the normal speed. Again, you'd have to see it/try it.|
Soul Calibur: One of the greatest fighting games, and only on the Sega Dreamcast! Why did you have to go and die in the US? Why!? If you can play this one, or the sequel that's
coming out for the GameCube, XBox, and PS2 early next year, then do it! It's surprisingly complex and really, really fun. Don't expect the greatest of physics engines, and stay away from the
edges. The one gripe I have is that you can throw your opponent out. Or, more often to me, you do a move that throws you out of the ring. Sure, it's my fault, but I'm still going blame others
for my own shortcomings. You parents know what I mean.|
Super Smash Bros. Melee: A great party game for the GameCube. You can beat the shit out of all your favorite characters, including 16(?) hidden ones. One of which, I've
never heard of, and I'm wary of putting the names in case some of you don't know who it is, and I don't feel like spoiling the surprise. I'll just say he's the last character to unlock and
it takes forever! Still, it's fun to beat the hell outta characters.|
Super Monkey Ball: It's not bad, but I'm not a big fan of it. The basis of it is you play a monkey in a clear plastic ball that may or may not resemble a Pokeball. I've only
really played the party games, which are Monkey Bowling, Monkey Golf (9 or 18 holes), and another game I can't remember, but it involves rolling your monkey-in-a-ball down a ramp and flying
to land points in the water to earn the most points. I'll remember eventually. Anyways, it's not bad, but it's just not my bag.|
Capcom vs. SNK 2: So much fun, with so many fighter characters. It's a great 2d fighter that you should play at least once. There aren't many special character combos, and there's
an interesting powerup system that you can generally choose, from the Street Fighter Groove to a custom gauge where you get increased speed and damage temporarily. Play with up to 3 characters
or even just with 1 character that gets a strength enhancement. But, you better be damn good.|
Ape Escape: Yeah, if you've heard of this one, it came out for the PSOne a while ago, but I recently played it at a friend's house. Pretty fun, for a platform game. You
basically go around and catch monkeys in a net, but you get tools to get the job done, like an underwater net, a stun sword, a monkey radar, etc. Kinda stupid in a funny way, but still
pretty good.|
Fifa 2002: First off, I don't really like sports games. Or sports, for that matter. But this wasn't too bad with 4-player action. We'd generally just screw around for a
while, but the gameplay is pretty good. The AI is decent, but like all games, is no substitute for another human. Especially if they're stupid. Or uncoordinated. Or both. The music is only
about 4-7 tracks, at most, and they tend to repeat a lot. Especially if your friends will only put it on one song while you play it.|
Grand Theft Auto 3: So much fun with so much violence! But, I have to emphasize the FUN part. Just because you can pick up a hooker, have her service you, and then kill her
to get your money back, doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. Of course, now that I know you can, I will, but still. That stupid ABC Nightline news coverage was so stupid! Sure, you can use a
flame thrower to kill cops, civilians, etc. but that's why we gamers don't go postal. We work out our aggression in these violent games so we don't have to get medieval on your lame asses.
It's a win-win situation! Seriously, though, as long as you aren't bothered by the violent parts of the game, I highly recommend at least borrowing it. You don't even need to do the missions
to have fun - just go around stealing cars and beating people. You know you love it!|
Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader: Dude, it's Star Wars. I feel as though I don't need to say more, but I will for those pitiful few who haven't seen the original trilogy.
Yes, I say the original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) because the first two just aren't up to that calibur. Episode I sucked ass, and there've been mixed opinions on Episode II...
what was I saying? Oh, the game. Anyways, you get to fly ships and blow the hell out of Imperials. The controls are pretty good, and the GameCube controller is pretty good for the whole
flying thing. In my opinion, at least. I mean, the big red button is fire. That's really all you need to know. Again, pick it up if you're a Star Wars fan, borrow it if not. At least play it
once.
|
Other Opinions|
Suikoden: RPG... 108 characters... with this formula where can you go wrong? Although a very early PS game, I still find it as one of the many great RPGs on the PS. Storyline is
awesome, graphics are acceptable (for an old game) and the Music is awesome. If you can find this game in a store, it'll probably be cheap, you NEED to buy it. (Submitted by Sir Owen)
|
Suikoden 2: More 108 character lovin. This game is one of my all-time favorite RPGs ever. Amazing emotional storyline, graphics are actually quite good by today's date,
music is great (got to love the Warsaw Philharmonic) and did I mention the 108 playable characters!!! If you don't buy it, borrow, rent, anything. (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
Ring of Red: I find that not many people know of this pretty good PS2 Strategy/RPG (moreso a strategy game). In my opinion this game is very interesting and entertaining in
the start of the game, but later it gets a little tedious, since you don't get too many new soldier types. But hey, it has mechs in it. :) (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
Phantasy Star 2: he first RPG I ever played for the good old Genesis. This game is probably one of the hardest RPGs i've ever played though. Much level gaining is needed if
you even want to beat the 2nd to last boss. (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
Shining Force: This was the game that made me fall in love with Strategy/RPGs (I love you Genesis). While the story is pretty lame, who cares!!? The battles are the heart
of the game and they kick ass. If you are fortunate enough to find it for a reasonable price, I highly recommend picking it up. (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
Shining Force 2: Wow... more of everything... but even better. Storyline is still pretty lacking, but again, it's all about the battles. Everything is improved in this
game, which made it my favorite Strategy/RPG for a VERY long time (I still love you Genesis). Until a game called Final Fantasy Tactics... (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
Shining Force 3: Scenario 1 (Japanese version): This Saturn game was the entire reason I bought a Sega Saturn. Unfortunatly I bought one way after it died, so I had to get
the Japanese version of this game, because it was much cheaper (ncsx.com has it for 39 bucks if you want). This game has great graphics for an old Saturn game, and more awesome battles.
The story I hear is actually good compared to the last two, but since I cannot read Japanese, I have no idea. (Submitted by Sir Owen)|
|