Down and Dirty Reviews: Sony Playstation2 -- A - E |
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There are now more reviews other than Gradius
3 and 4 now, lots more actually. This system is so popular and
since it is there are tons of games out there. All reviews are tons
by the StarSoldier unless noted. The overall scores are out of 100. The graphics, sounds, and gameplay are out of 10. |
Score / Name /Company / Release Date
28 187: RIDE OR DIE (2005)
Are you looking for a gritty and intense urban game where you compete against other gangsters for money and respect? If you are looking for a good one then this certainly isn't it. 187 here is yet another stripped down Grand Theft Auto/Twisted Metal clone where you race and shoot down other riders to win. The game is hightly repetitive and it just doesn't look realistic at all. Maybe a better name for this game should have been 187: Rent and Never Play Again!
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 4
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79 ACTIVISION ANTHOLOGY (Activision, December 2002)Activision not only gives us most of the games they create for the then popular Atari 2600 but they were kind enough to include all the game's instruction booklets, some real 80's rock tunes, and you can even unlock various goodies like older TV commercials, those Activision patches, and more so you can see some awesome video game history! Is Activision Anthology a dream come true for hardcore Atari 2600 fans or is this collection better left gathering dust like most older games? Despite all of the bonuses of 45 games, retro tunes, and cool unlockables, this collection fails to keep me playing beyond a few weeks. I also didn't like how close the important buttons on the controller itself, you could easily hit the Reset, Difficulty switches, and Black and White by accident. Activision Anthology makes a great buy for retro fanatics but a save feature to record high scores would have been awesome.
154KB needed to save to PS2 Memory Card
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 1
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
10
AUTO MODELISTA (Capcom, 2002)I know some people were a little bummed out that Gran Turismo 4 didn't support any online features but at least there is another PS2 racing simulation with glorious cel shaded visuals that will let you. In Capcom's Auto Modelista you get drive several real license cars and use them to compete in various quick races and tournaments to earn points for new cars, toys, and touch ups and like I said earlier you can also play this game online. The game looks amazing with its stunning cartoonish Gran Turismo-like visuals and the game play sounds interesting but there is just one problem with the game: the control are totally $@#*! This could have been a GT killer but Capcom ruined it.
For 1 to 8 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
32 The BOUNCER (SquareSoft/Dream Factory, 2001)
In this game three different fighters try to rescue their kidnapped friend from some strange organization of thugs. Bouncer is a really basic 3D beat em up (much like the original Fighting Force) with some really great graphics and a unique storyline but the good features end right there. Rent The Bouncer before you buy it though because it's fairly short, repetitive, and far too easy.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
TTR Dud of the Month Collection!
05 CAPCOM FIGHTING EVOLUTION (Capcom, November 4, 2004)This game should have been the game that would reinvent 2D fighting games since Capcom is the innovator of this genre but instead it showed why these games should stay dead and buried. There is absolutely nothing new here because not only are the graphics and sound are horribly out dated, but the game also has no moves or techniques either. Capcom Fighting Evolution is so bad that it is easily one of the worse games I played in 2004.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 1
sound: 1
gameplay: 1
Find this game on eBay here!
73 CASTLEVANIA Lament of Innocence (Konami,
October 2003)Konami hyped this CastleVania PS2 game so big that many gamers were expecting the next Symphony of the Night from this title. Sadly this 3D game may have some great 3D graphics, sound, speedy game play and all that, but the game also has a lot of boring wandering with many rooms looking very similar in design. CastleVania LOI ended up being just a Devil May Cry clone although it’s still an above average game.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
Total Recall Dud of the Month!
46 CONTRA: Shattered Soldier (Konami, November 2002)
Contra Shattered Soldier for the PS2 features some slick 3D graphics in the good ol' traditional 2D view, new louder sound effects, and the super chaotic game play that will have you begging for mercy. Is Contra finally back or did Konami fudge it up yet again? As much as I wanted to like this all new Contra for the powerful PlayStation2, this game fails to revive the same passion I had for the first action packed Contra on NES and it's just another strike against this once popular series. The originals Contra had more action, better guns, and more diverse level designs. If you want better value for your money than go for the original Contra and Super C for the NES, better games at a better price!
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
The Total Recall Dud of the Month!
41 CRASH
BANDICOOT: The Wrath of Cortex (Universal Studios/Traveler Tales, 2001)
Unlike my brother, I have never been a big fan of the Crash Bandicoot games. The reason for this is that I have been playing video games now for over 20 years and the Crash games in my opinion have always lack serious originality in the game play department and the storylines have been weak at best. Sure the simple and effective play mechanics of jumping and spinning have worked well for the Crash games over the years but I was expecting a bit more from this PS2 game. Sadly that didn't happen because there are LOADS of problems in PS2's first Crash game here. If you're looking for a greatly improved sequel in this popular action jump 'n spin series than you're going to be waiting a little while longer because Crash on the PS2 is a lot like the older Crash Platformers from the original PSone despite the advance power of the PS2. That's not really a bad thing though because it still plays very well and the game has a nice balance of different stages so it won't be too easy to get bored but you'll still find nothing new here as well folks! If you're a hardcore Crash fans or you're somebody looking for something simple than this maybe for you but be careful of the many flaws here. "You've been warned!"
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
50 CRAZY TAXI (Acclaim/Sega, 2001)
The Sega Dreamcast hit surprisingly comes to the Sony Playstation 2 and now more people can see what all the fuss is about! You help one of four cabbies to earn tons of cash in the shortest amount of time possible. They don't call this game Crazy Taxi for nothing because you can drive as recklessly as you want so that means you can drive on the wrong side of the road, you can drive through parks, and you can even drive in the water. Although it's awesome to see a Sega game on a Sony machine, the game is now over two years old plus Crazy Taxi 2 was released for the Dreamcast in the Summer of 2001, so how come we didn't get that game instead of this, uh? Anyways, if you're looking for fun arcade-like action with a lot of combo to learn then don't over look Crazy Taxi, just don't pay full price for a older game like this or you're going to look pretty stupid down the road. Crazy Taxi features background music from the Offspring and Bad Religion if you like those bands.
364kb needed to save to PS2 Memory Card
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
91 DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION EXTREME (Konami, October 2004)
I was a big fan of DDRMAX 2 so was I really looking forward to Konami's next dance game here. This game comes packed with several new songs like Duran Duran's 'Reflex', The Village People's YMCA, Junior Senior's Move your feet, and lots more modern and retro tracks. These tracks are great but I can't help feeling disappointed that many of the other songs are just recycled from past DDR games. Unfortunately the older music isn't the good stuff like 'Love at first Sight' or 'Lets Groove Tonight', it's the stuff you heard a million times before like .59. Like DDRMAX 2 is DDR Extreme is still very addictive and the new Eyetoy options are incredible too so if you are a fan then be sure to look this up.
*Eyetoy compatible
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
78 DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION EXTREME 2 (Konami, September 2005)
DDR is back yet again and now this foot mashing game can go online here on the PS2. Other then that new feature it's still pretty much the same as before and even a lot of the graphics look the same. There are some cool new songs here like Get Busy by Sean Paul but not all the new stuff is that impressive (unless you still like out dated hits 'Oops I did it again' and 'Genie in a Bottle' not done by the original so called Artists and if you do please avoid me at all cost because I don't like you). The game is still a fun way to lose weight so if you loved the last ones you'll like this one too.
*Online ready
*Eyetoy compatible
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
66
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION MAX (Konami, 2001)When Konami took their popular DDR series to the PS2, I was expecting some exciting new features to bring this dance craze to the next level. The game does have new long green arrows where you hold the position for a bit and the menu system is a lot easier to use but most of the background movies still look pretty bad and genenic (upset for the 'True' track) plus the new Oni mode is good idea to add some variety to the game play but it is for DDR insane experts only since only Great and Perfect count for points here. The game is still a lot of fun but Max 2 was so much better.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 4
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
Game of the Month Collection!
95 DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION MAX 2 (Konami, 2003)Want something different? DDRMAX2 may be a mouth full but it’s also a very addictive dance pad game that packed with over 60 songs and many of them are actually ones I recognize this time. You get stuff like ‘Days gone by’ by Dirty Vegas, ‘Love at first site’ by Kylie Minogue, and lots more. These DDR games maybe very intimidating but at least this version has multiple beginner programs to teach you the ropes. Out of all the Dance pad games I played so far this is my favourite.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 7
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
76 DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION Super Nova (Konami, 2006)
Holy crap! There is five of them now and that's just for the Playstation2 here. There is even one for the Gamecube. Anyway this DDR floor stepping mashfest has a new stellar quest mode where you can complete tasks and meet conditions to earns points and unlock stuff. It's fun and challenging but some objectives can be downright annoying. For example: one asked me to play through 3 songs with a male dancer in the background. The problem this is all done completely randomly unlike in the previous editions so the only way to finish it off is with dumb luck. Screw you Konami! The game's background characters look a bit more realistic but they still look pretty bad compared to the ones on the Xbox editions plus the non FMV stages just consist of boring wireframe backdrops someone dances in the center. Super Nova is still a lot of fun.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E10) for Everyone over 10
graphics: 3
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
72 DARK ALLIANCE (Interplay, 2001)
In this action/RPG you help three different warriors on a quest for revenge in a rather good looking medieval setting. This kind of reminds me a lot of the classic Gauntlet because of the overhead arcade-like adventure but this has much better graphics and sounds then the average game.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
75 DEAD or ALIVE HARDCORE (Tecmo, 2001)
This is really Tecmo's Dead or Alive 2 from the Dreamcast but now this famous one on one brawler has some of the graphics upgraded a little and now most of the characters speak English this time. There is nothing too new and the story mode doesn't really have much of a story but you still have a solid fighter here with excellent visuals.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
65 DEVIL MAY CRY (Capcom, Fall 2001)The cool look of this game really drew me at first in but the hideous game play made me wanna cry. Despite all the hype surrounding this game, you're looking an average hack n slash game with little depth here plus what's the deal with that poor B movie storyline?
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
SECOND OPINION!
Unfortunately, I would like to respectfully disagree with you regarding your review of Devil May Cry for the PlayStation 2. The gameplay seems complicated, but can be mastered - after you practice sufficiently. There are so many cool combos and chained attacks that it boggles the mind. Learning how to pummel and then juggle the enemies becomes second nature - it really makes for some exciting attacks. In addition, the enemy variety is staggering and the number of powerups and weapons keeps thing fresh. Further to the gameplay, the graphics and overall "badass" attitude of Dante puts this game way over the top. In my opinion I feel that Devil May Cry deserves a Score of "90" or more.
Thanks for your time and "play on, player!"
Regards,
Luis Salazar, Ogdensburg, NY (December 10, 2002)
45 DEVIL MAY CRY 2 (Capcom, 2003)Dante the Demon dude returns in this big sequel but instead of improving on the first title like every new part of the series should Devil May Cry 2 is filled with even worse game play. In DMC2 you just basically run from point A to point B and when you encounter bad guys, these vicious looking enemies here are not too aggressive either. You can power up your weapons over time if you collect enough power ups but that's only makes the game even easier then it already is. The DMC series is still not one of my favourites and I'm sure a lot people will now agree with me now.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
71 DRAGONBALL Z Budokai (Infogames, 2002)
Forget about the original Playstation DragonballZ games because this game here blows them out of the water. This game not only sports some great animation here but this game also lets you experience the story of this famous Japanese series as well. This is a solid fighting game for fans and new fans alike.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
96 DRAGON QUEST VIII (Square-Enix, October 2005)
In a smart move Square-Enix decided to finally drop that Dragon Warrior name (c'mon, everybody knew that series got screwed since they canceled the SNES games) and now they are now using the original Japanese name for this PS2-only edition of this once popular role playing series. Fortunately, this looks like this is the big game that will return the series back to greatness. Dragon Quest 8 is a absolutely huge adventure across a giant landscape where a few heroes try to save a king and his daughter from a evil curse. The story is interesting, there are tons of missions and side quests, the cartoonish graphics are stunning, and the game even has some well done voice acting. Dragon Quest 8 isn't a huge leap over previous editions in terms of game play but the game is just so big that it will keep you busy for months!
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
The Total Recall Dud of the Month!
40 DRIV3R (Atari/Reflections, June 2004)
This was once one of the biggest franchises on the original Playstation but now somehow the sequel fell on it's a%^. Driv3r has a lot to lure the public into buying it if you follow the hype. The game comes loaded with three huge real-life cities, the graphics look fairly decent at some angles, and the violent car and gun action is definitely here. The big question is since this game took over 3 years to develop then why are there only a mere 26 missions? It will only take a few days to go through a rather predictable story mode and once that's done; there isn't much reason to play it again either. Add to the fact the game's controls are far too sensitive so casual gamers will be frustrated in no time plus the game is loaded with ugly graphical glitches as well. Driv3r is a drive by.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
70 EYETOY GROOVE (Sony, 2004)
Here's a cool idea! If you have that cool Eyetoy accessory then this game lets you try to dance to over 20 tracks from real big names like Elvis, Jessica Simpson, Earth Wind and Fire, and many more. Since you are doing the motions with your hands it's hard not to laugh at some of moves and it makes for a great party game. The only problems I have with this innovative game is that the loading times are on the slow side plus if the light is a bit off it won't recognize what you're doing. Other then that Eyetoy Groove is a lot of fun.
*Eyetoy required
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 6
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
77
EYETOY PLAY (Sony London, 2004)Here is the launch game that introduced the world to Sony's cool Eyetoy peripheral, a device that shows your very own mug on TV! Eyetoy Play features 12 simple but very innovative games that require precise timing from your body movements to earn high scores. The games are very cute in design and it is hard not to have a good time at parties especially when you can look a little goofy playing them. Eyetoy Play even lets you record yourself to video so you can insult friends with messages (that is me in the image by the way). The games have long loading times in between them and the game play gets a little stale after a while but Eyetoy Play is a great step forward in console gaming.
*Eyetoy required
For 1 or 4 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
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