32 FANTAVISION (Sony, October 26, 2000)
One of the first PS2 titles is this unusual catch em and pop em puzzler by Sony. Hardly a ground breaking to show off your all new PS2 and the game play and graphics can REALLY get repetitive. The game can be purchased rather cheaply but even at $9.99 it's a questionable buy because it can't compete with other classic puzzle games like Tetris and Wario's Woods.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 3
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SECOND OPINION!
I disagree with your review of Fantavision. Here's my review:
90 FANTAVISION (Sony CEA, October 2001)
This was the first game I rented and purchased for my PlayStation 2, and I must say that it is one of my most favourite PS2 games ever. The object of this game is to detonate fireworks, and though some of the bonuses are a bit lame (bonus points, energy up, etc), you should watch out for the Starmine. I like this game because of its amazing music, great graphics (for a launch game) and its innovative twitch game play that just seems to meld with you. When it comes up, you just know what to do. This game is kind of like Tetris, except that it's good. Really good. (Then again, I'm probably the only person in the world who hates Tetris, so everyone else on the planet must hate Fantavision. Don't hate, investigate. I insist. It's well worth the ten bucks.)
GRAPHICS - 8
SOUND - 9
GAMEPLAY - 9
-John Marshall (snake)
91 FINAL FANTASY X (SquareSoft, December
2001)Square puts the fantasy back in Final Fantasy after that weird full length movie that few people remember. Join a young Britzball player named Tidus on a mission to figure out just what happened to his old world and then when he's strong enough; defeat the evil creature simply known as Sin. Final Fantasy X is a bit on the linear side but the story, music, and graphics are incredible.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 8
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93
FINAL FANTASY X-2 (Square-Enix, November 2003)Final Fantasy X-2 marks the first time Square released a true sequel to one of their mega popular FF games. Those expecting the same game though are in for a surprise because the only playable characters this time are the three females: Yuna, Rikka, and new comer Paine. This game may be a bit silly at times but the action and adventure is definitely there and the game is more unlinear now. Final Fantasy X-2 is a beautiful RPG is more ways then one.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
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GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
80 GRADIUS III & IV (Konami, November 2000)At long last! We get another Gradius game (actually two Gradius games in one) after all these years. I was worried this game wouldn't make it over here from Japan but Konami proved us wrong. Both shooters are tough as nails with loads of enemies on screen at one time, so the challenge level is high no matter what difficulty you're set at. The real joy in both these shooter games is passing that really difficult level that just seems impossible to your friends or seeing your ship fully jacked and powered up with all four options, missiles, and shields. Gradius III & IV is recommend to all old school shoot em up fans who are begging for a real challenge from their PS2.
For 1 or 2 players (alternate)
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
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70
GRADIUS V (Konami, September, 2004)It took a few years but Gradius returns again to the PS2 in a whole new game. The game play mostly remains the same because you blast away at aliens and gather power ups but the big difference now is that you can customize your Options to fire in different positions. Gradius V also has some beautiful 2D/3D graphics plus the sounds are not too bad either. Sadly, the game is so short yet insanely difficult that most gamers will gladly pass by this one. Now I love the Gradius series but would it have killed them to make the less tedious? Gradius III on the SNES is still the best in the series.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
Graphics: 8
Sound: 7
Gameplay: 7
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83 GRAN TURISMO 3 A-Spec (Sony, July 2001)
Although these hyper realistic racing games are not really my favourites simply because of their serious simulation nature but this game is loaded with such spectacular presentation that every PS2 owner must see what all the fuss is about. Big names like Nissan, Ford, Jaguar, Toyota, and tons more all lend their licenses for this huge PS2 game and because of all the different modes it's really hard to put down. Gran Turismo 3 is even a greatest hits game now so the game is only a few bucks.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 8
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75 GRAN TURISMO 4 (Sony, January 2005)
After years of waiting and hype Gran Turismo 4 is finally here to play and if you are a fan of the series then you're going to love this massive driving simulation too. GT4 not only has more detailed locations to drive across including the Grand Canyon to New York but the game also has a wide list of challenges to unlock more cool licensed cars the series is known for. The game has over an amazing 700 vehicles to see here so car nuts will go crazy for this. Sadly the game play remains mostly unchanged from the past games because the controls requirer a lot of presice positioning and braking to play the game correctly so if you love arcade racers like Cruisin' the USA then you will absolutely hate the more realistic-style controls in GT4. Also the game doesn't come with any online support despite being said to have it during its development and wasn't this released in the year 2005? Still the game is incredible with an unbelievable amount of depth and detail.
For 1 to 6 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
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91 GRAND THEFT AUTO 3 (Rockstar Games, October
2001)Now the famous GTA series goes into the true 3D virtual world like Nintendo's Super Mario 64, while keeping it's edgy game play that it's creators in so much trouble. Just like the name implies you steal Cars, Taxi's, Trucks, Cop cars, and even giant Tanks to complete your various missions (usually you have to wrack somebody by chasing them downtown while avoiding the cops or something). Although the graphics are not as smooth looking as say Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec, there is so much more you can do than that driving game that it blows the mind! Heck! You can even pick up hookers on the side of the street if you want to regain some lost health! This game lets you be a criminal for hire and not go to jail for it. One of the surprise hits of Playstation2 titles of the 2001 holiday season.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
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GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
93 GRAND THEFT AUTO San Andreas (Rockstar Games, October 2004)
It has been a couple of years but we finally have a new GTA game on the PS2 once again. This new chapter in the always edgy series has a new hero, a cool new story, and the game is even much bigger then the past two PS2 games combine but the big question is was San Andreas here worth the wait? This GTA game still lets you steal any vehicle you want to help you be a much better anti-hero but what has changed is this game takes place in the 1990's and instead of the usual tough white guy you play the role of a African American named CJ. CJ returns to his old home town after his mother was murdered and to find out just what happened to her. Unfortunately, he is instantly greeted with a mixed reception to say the least. This GTA has one of the best stories I ever seen and hear in a game and CJ is a very likable and believable character but remember this is rated Adults Only for a reason so expect some very foul and offensive language. Although the graphics are still impressive especially in the real time cinemas, they are starting to show their age thanks to all the slowdown, bland textures, and choppy animations. San Andreas may not have the graphical overhaul I wanted but it is now a much deeper and longer game with tons of cool side quests so this is still easily one of the greatest games in 2004.
*Banned video game
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (A) for Adults Only
graphics: 8
sound: 9
gameplay: 10
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GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
97 GRAND THEFT AUTO Vice
City (Rockstar Games,
October 29, 2002)Grand Theft Auto III was not only thee biggest game of the 2001 Holiday season but it even continues to sell well to this day! The company behind the madness, Rockstar games, isn't slowing down just yet because here we have another game in the GTA series in 2002. Grand Theft Auto Vice City gives us more of what we loved last year but now we are back in the 80's! So is this game a dream comes true for those GTA fans or is it just another wimpy rehash of a popular game? Sure, I liked Grand Theft Auto III but Vice City is even better. I absolutely loved going back into the 80's again in this cool game to see just how different life was back then. Everybody knows the Star Soldier is a hardcore retro freak and I still got my golden goodies like a NES, and some Transformers G1's in the house to satisfy my 80's flashbacks, now I can do it in a game in 2002. Vice City is a complete package of stylist graphics, hip music, and edgy game play for the adult gamers out there.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 9
sound: 10
gameplay: 10
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88 GRANDIA II (UBI Soft, December 2000)
Although the Final Fantasy games are stealing all the spotlight, there are still other great role playing games for the PS2 here. Takes this awesome for example. In it you play the role of a renegade Geohound soldier named Ryoko that is hired to guard a young women in unknown mission to a strange tower. Things go horribly wrong for the women and then the adventure really begins. The graphics are very smooth and the story really draws you in (it also has a more adult theme to it than the original Grandia) and the game's special turn based combat is deeper then most RPG's. Grandia II isn't a huge leap over the Dreamcast original but the game is a amazing adventure.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
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84 GUILTY GEAR X2 (Atlus, 2002)
This grand PS2 sequel not only includes the original hardcore fighters from the Playstation One game but this has even more over-the-top characters ranging from a girlish boy with a Yo-yo for a weapon to a freaky man who could be processed by a demon to alter his attacks. I'm not making this up! If you love anime and one on one fighters then this is at the top of the heap.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
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50 The GUY GAME (The Gathering, 2004)
The Guy Game is really nothing more then a video game version of 'Girls Gone Wild' tapes and DVD's. You know those cool videos where all the females show their breast and other crazy things for the cameras. In the game you or a group of friends guess whether a young girl will get a question right so you can earn points and the ability to see actual full frontal nudity as well. Both the Xbox and PS2 are pretty much the same but this version has slightly slower load times. Sadly, there isn't much here for game play other then a few mini games so don't expect a lot of replay value here especially if you are a women.
*BANNED video game
For 1 to 4 players
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 1
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63 I C O (Sony, Fall 2001)
In this unique adventure/action game you are a young boy simply know as I C O and this kid is in a lot of trouble. As the game starts I C O is condemned to die because of the strange horns growing from his head. The town's people believe the horns are an evil sign and they place you in huge castle to be sacrificed but you manage to escape and then you see you are not alone. Save the girl from the evil shadows and then find a way out of the giant castle that is filled with traps. Although this simple game had me bored to tears at the beginning it does pick up a little later so you may want to give it a chance as well.
For 1 player only
graphics: 9
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
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80 INTELLIVISION LIVES (Crave/Real Time, November 2003)
If you can play Atari 2600 games on the PS2 then why not have some Intellivision games on there too, eh? Crave Entertainment is giving us over 60 Intellivision games in one set! This is definitely one of the biggest collection of games to be on the Playstation but the Intellivision keypad menu system is very confusing to use on the fly and a lot of the games suffer for it. Intellivision Lives is still an excellent package that saves you from spending hundreds on auction sites for the real thing. Now where are the Turbografx-16 collections?
For 1 to 6 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 1
sound: 2
gameplay: 9
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65 KING of FIGHTERS 2000/2001 (SNK Playmore, 2003)
This King of the Fighters twin collection is good trip down memory lane especially for gamers that prefer 2D brawlers to these newer 3D fighters. Unfortunately these games have not aged very well so you have to put up with some disappointing visuals and audio from a 24-bit era. Another big problem with both these KOF games is that they are not too different from one another. Even the end boss is the same in both games! King of the Fighters 2001 is just like the 2000 edition but with a few new guys added to the line up and some new scenery, no big deal. Still King of the Fighters 2000/2001 is a fun package for fight fans looking for lots of style and technique over presentation.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
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68 KING of FIGHTERS MAXIMUM IMPACT (SNK Playmore, 2004)
KOFMI isn't one of those games that are going to revolutionize fighting as we know it. The new 3D effects are nice, the DVD extra are a cool bonus, and the great 2D-like game play is still here but it's all been done before and it has been done better. If you are looking for a Tekken 5-killer this just isn't it. There is no denying though the game is very intense and easy to pick up and play. King of Fighters Maximum Impact isn't the most polished title on the market but when you actually play it the game whole just screams fun.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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75 KLONOA 2: Lunatea's Veil (Namco, July 2001)
The sequel to the underrated Playstation One title puts Klonoa the dog (or is he a cat?) with long ears in a strange new dream world. This is a good looking cartoon-like 3D side scroller with lots to explore and fairly simple game play for anybody to master. Hopefully the upcoming Crash game on the PS2 will be as good as this .................. Oh wait, it wasn't!
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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68 MAXIMO: Ghosts to Glory (Capcom, February 2002)
The cool Ghost and Goblins series returns on the Playstation2 in an all new full 3D adventure. Maximo is trapped in the demon world and he must become strong enough to retain his life back and save the Princess. Maximo may be too arcade-like for some but it still plays ok despite the rather high difficulty.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
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85 MEGA MAN ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION (Capcom, June 2004)
After playing the Cube version of this game, the PS2 controls a lot better and the button placement feel fairly comfortable this time. Other cool thing about this game is that Capcom actually added the remixed soundtracks to the game play if you go to Navi mode. This collection of old Mega Man games may appear ancient but you can't go wrong with ten fun action games in one at a cheap price. "So Capcom, why did you screw up the Cube version?"
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 8
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70 MEGA MAN X8 (Capcom, 2004)
The long running Mega Man X series continues and if you loved the intense 2D action of the past games then chances are you'll like this one too. Like in previous instalments you control one of three super intelligent robots on a mission to stop 8 different animal-like androids and then you must go after the big boss to complete the adventure. You can not only steal some of your opponent's weapons but you can also buy new upgrades as well which helps to keep things interesting. Although the game is as action packed as after, again like most Mega Man titles the game play is nothing new. The game is still a lot of fun though so you could do worst.
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
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82 METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty (Konami,
November, 2001)In the sequel to the award winning PlayStation One game, Solid Snake must now investigate a boat believed to have illegal Metal Gear parts and just before Snake starts his latest mission the boat is suddenly attacked and taking over by highly experienced Russian Commandos, so now Snake's mission just became much more difficult. Make no mistake, this is a truly awesome game with some very realistic visuals and sounds but the thing's I hated about the other Metal Gears are in this game to like the inability to steal your fallen enemy's machine gun even though the guy is right there. Another thing wrong about this game is the whole second half of it. Instead of controlling the cold and calm Solid Snake, you now play as some blonde dork called Raiden and the storyline just goes downhill from there because of the inexperience of the rookie and what's the deal with the out of place love story? Metal Gear Solid 2 is still a great sequel to the original Playstation and NES titles but it's somewhat short length, with some questionable controls at times, and strange new story hold it down a bit. Still, it's well worth looking into especially for spy freaks.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 8
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79 METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater (Konami, 2004)
Solid Snake returns (or is that really him) in this special prequel to all the Metal Gear games. The game takes place in the 1960's in the height of the cold war. One of Snake's mentors is meeting with a group of terrorists and he must enter restricted area all alone with no weapons. The big difference in this stealth/action game here is there is no radar which makes the adventure much more difficult especially for casual players. Also if you like games with a lot of cinemas then you'll love this MGS while others will be bored to tears. Despite a few flaws the new graphics are absolutely stunning and the game is filled with a bunch of wacky but cool characters like a 100 year old man that's good at sniping to a underdressed (but scary) women who is excellent at close range combat. This game even includes some of those monkeys from the Ape Escape series for some reason. If you loved the last few games Metal Gear Solid 3 is another great edition to the series but other players may not understand what all the fuss is about.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
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70 MIDWAY’S ARCADE TREASURES (Midway,
November 2003)Most Midway compilations on the Playstation and Sega Saturn were only about 6 or 7 games per disc but now Midway is giving us over twenty games in one this time. Before you get too excited, most of these arcade legends are games you already played on the other collections. Even a lot of bonus material (like the developer biographies) is the same. If you don’t care about some déjà vu and you just want to play some golden oldies like Joust, Satan’s Hollow, Smash TV, and Gauntlet then dive right in. MAT provides tons of arcade action at a great price.
For 1 to 4 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 8
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56 MOBILE LIGHT FORCE 2 (Taito, 2003)
Unlike the first Light Force for the PS One this game lets the player save their scores to a memory card and that's something at least. It's too bad that the wacky story about a bunch of heroes flying through the air and the awkward weapon system won't appeal to most gamers over here. This is a good but not great vertical shooter that's available at a decent price.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
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