Down and Dirty Reviews: Playstation -- A - M

This great machine has loads of games for it, some good, some bad.  Before you get too mad at these reviews here, I don't go for many unoriginal ideas and I like something in the action department with a good storyline or something like that.  I try to play as many games has possible but some just can't be reviewed at this time.  "You dare read it on?"  Go ahead, but I warned you!

The scores are out of 100.

The graphics, sounds, and game play are out of 10.

SCORE NAME

53 ACE COMBAT 2 (Namco, 1997)
Ace Combat 2 is a realistic but very boring 3D flight simulator that was the sequel to the well forgotten Air Combat; one of the earlier Playstation games to be released. If you like dog fighting with questionable visuals then maybe you will like this better than I did.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

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50 ACTIVISION CLASSICS (Activision, 1999)

If you loved the ancient Atari 2600 then maybe some of these older games will ring a bell? Frostbite, Mega Mania, Pitfall, and Kaboom are some of my personal favourites on this disc but others like Boxing, Laser Blast, and Dragster are not nearly as good. These 30 games are actually slower that their Atari 2600 counterparts but it's still a huge list of classic games for a good price. This game also has a terrible save system where you save a game in progress but you officially can't record your high scores so this collection is far from perfect.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 1
sound: 2
gameplay: 8

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67 APE ESCAPE (Sony, 1999)
Some will like these unique analog only controls here, others won't. In Ape Escape rotten monkeys are trying to takeover earth and a lone kid is on a mission to catch them with his specail net or they will change the course of evolution.
Before you invest in this action, adventure game you should know that this title can only be played with the Playstation Dual Shock controller but they are insanely easy to get now of days. The game is cute but the controls are too loose to control at times.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7 ...........colourful
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

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75 ARCADE PARTY PAK (Midway/Atari Games, 2000)
Although you get some great games like Smash TV, Klax, 720, Rampage, Toobin, and Super Sprint, not everything is all that impressive. There are some problems here with the games having unlimited continues because it now makes them too easy but on the flip side of things most games like Smash TV are way too difficult so I can see why Midway left them in. At least you're not feeding quarters all time now I guess.
For 1 to 3 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
72 ARCADE'S GREATEST HITS: The Midway Collection Volume 1 (Midway/Digital Eclipse, 1996)
Here's the idea: In the age of 3D gaming and polygons, Midway decides to release something different to the masses. This was Midway's first ever collection of classic arcade games ever released for the then new age of 32-bit systems. The collection includes the following 6 games: Defender, Defender II, RoboTron 2084, Bubbles, Joust, and Sinistar. These are some great games especially if you like the old school shooters from the early eighties, while the games Joust and Bubbles offer more action type game play. The games are not only as fast and intense as their arcade originals but gamers can now you get the chance to save your high scores to your memory card, the replay is definitely there even though there are only 6 games here. The first edition of Arcade's Greatest Hits is great for gamers who love video game history.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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80 ARCADES GREATEST HITS The Atari Collection Volume 1 (Midway/Atari, 1998)
In the second collection of Midway's retrospective, you get six great classic games in one disc from Atari's golden age, here is the line up: Asteroids, Battle Zone, Centipede, Missile Command, Super Break Out, and Tempest. All the games play great and it even comes complete with some history for each classic title. I'm a sucker for classic quarter munchers like these but it's also 6 games from the early 1980's so get ready for some basic visuals.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 9

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77 ARCADES GREATEST HITS The Midway Collection Volume 2 (Midway, 1998)
This game is perhaps the most sought after game in the Midway Arcades Greatest Hits Collection series. Why is it so rare now? The disc actually includes a huge selection of Seven classic games in one CD and some of these games are pretty good. Blaster: this game is one of the first real 3D shooters I ever seen and it still looks fairly impressive even today. Burger Time: in this weird game you help a chef make some giant burgers while avoiding many angry food products. Joust 2: this is the rare sequel to one of the craziest games of the early 80's. Moon Patrol: in this action game you guide your moon buggy across 5 levels of deadly pits, landmines, and evil aliens. I love Moon Patrol! Root Beer Tapper: in this game you help a bartender serve up of glasses on Root beer to your many customers. This is a tough but very original game that kind of remind me of Activision's Pressure Cooker. Splat: this game is certainly well forgotten and this weird food fight type game suffers from overly quick game play and way too many cheap hits. The game does a loud the player to take two hits but the whole idea still kind of sucks though. Spy Hunter: in this overhead racing game you can hunt down terrorists in a top of the line sports car.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 9
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60 ARCADES GREATEST HITS The Atari Collection Volume 2 (Midway/Atari, 1999)

These six classic Atari games are actually from the mid eighties and not the early eighties like in Midway's past arcade collections. The games are Road Blasters, Gauntlet, Paperboy, Crystal Castles, Marble Madness and Millipede. The CD would have scored higher if there was some history added like in the other collections plus do some of the games didn't have unlimited continues and rolling scores?
*MultiTap compatible
*Mouse compatible
For 1 or 4 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 8

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56 ASSAULT RIGS (Psychosis, 1996)
This 3D game looks like a fairly cool futuristic tank fighting game at first, but after only a few boring levels and lame enemies to blast away it got way too repetitive. It could have been great action game if there was more variety included here but Assault Rigs as almost nothing for game play.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

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68 ASTEROIDS (Activision/Atari, 1999)
Here is a cool looking remake of the awesome 1981 arcade hit with lots of new stuff like three different ships, new weapons and even some amazing looking backgrounds to bring this classic series to a new age. If that wasn't enough this CD also includes the original 1980's vector version of Asteroids for retro fans like me. Isn't it cool that Activision is now making Atari games? Atari actually tried to sue Activision once back in the 80's because Activision was actually started by former Atari employees upset at their current boss Ray Kasser. The former Atari employees were not happy about not giving any credit for their creations but they still wanted to make games on the 2600, so they left Atari to create their own third party company. Activision was actually the first ever third party company in video game history. Activision is now making Atari games in a weird twist of fate. "Talk about payback, eh?"
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

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92 ATARI ANNIVERSARY EDITION REDUX (Info games/Atari, 2002)
Atari may have seen better days but with this awesome collection you to see why they use to be the best in the business. These 12 games not only include the original 6 Atari games from Midway's Greatest Hits Volume 1 (Asteroids, Battle zone, Centipede, Missile Command, Super Break Out, Tempest) but you also get the legendary Pong and a few other oddball titles like Warlords, Black Widow, Gravitar, Asteroids Deluxe, and Space Duel. This version is superior to the Dreamcast edition because you can save your high scores to the memory card now.
*MultiTap compatible
*Mouse compatible
For 1 or 4 players
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 9

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60 BLASTER MASTER: Blasting Again (Crave/Sunsoft, 2001)

Can you believe it, there's a sequel! You now take control of Jason's son in this all new 3D action game based on the NES classic. Some people may be turned off by the overly weak frame rate, long levels, and poor texture mapping but it's still a good platformer at a great price too ($14.99)!
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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38 BLASTO (Sony, 1997)
Blasto sure had the potential to be another great mascot Playststion title like a Crash or Spyro but this suffers from some crude space locations, weak draw distances, and awkward controls. This game also stars the late Phil Hartman (from Saturday Night Live and the Simpson's fame) as your space hero but unlike other characters like Gex you rarely hear him say anything. Sadly in a shocking story Phil Hartman would be murdered by his wife just before the game was officially released. Blasto is just a plain shooter.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

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76 BLOODY ROAR (Sony/Hudson Soft, 1998)
What makes this so different then your typical Street Fighter clone is that you can transform your standard human fighters into dangerous and more aggressive animals to destroy your opponent in this fast arcade-like beat'em up. Bloody War is a fun game with a unique concept!
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

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45 BUSHIDO BLADE 2 (SquareSoft, 1998)
This overrated sword slashing fight game tries to be a solid one on one brawler with lots of realistic features like one-hit kills but it turned out to be no Soul Blade. What's the deal with the people with guns anyways here, isn't this a samurai game or not? This idea just doesn't work and I guess we will not be seeing Bushido Blade 3 anytime soon.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 4

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83 BUST A MOVE 2: Arcade Edition (Acclaim/Taito, 1996)
The fun and simply puzzle action starring the cute little dinosaurs from Bobble Bubble return and there are new features like the time trials modes and smoother graphics and better music on the Playstation of course. There are tons of levels and loads of modes so there's plenty to like but the game play remains the same where you must guide coloured bubbles to ensure a matching set of 3 or more to help clear the game board. This is also available on the N64 and Sega Saturn too by the way but this version is definitely the easier one to get in the wild.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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76 BUST A MOVE 4 (Natsume/Taito, 1998)
The 4th edition of the series is still a good puzzle game but little has changed in this aging series other than a new combo system and some new characters as well. This game also supports the Dual Shock feature which was kind of a big deal back in the late 90's......... to a nerd! Bust A Move 4 isn't a huge leap over the past aiming and bubble matching games but it's still fun.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 8

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76 BUST A MOVE 99 (Acclaim/Taito, 1999)
This game is actually Bust A Move 3 if you live in Japan or have a Saturn. The game has lots of new levels and different modes to try out but the game is still the same old aiming the bubble at the other bubbles to score points. It doesn't have the four player mode like the N64 version but Bust A Move 99 is another great edition to the series.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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38 C: The CONTRA ADVENTURE (Konami, 1998)
Do you remember those great run and gun action games from the NES and classic arcade days? Well, they were a lot better then this! It's a fun old school shooter at first but it just gets worse and worse has you keep on going. C features both the classic side scrolling and awful looking 3D levels that are light years behind the usual Playstation action games. I don't wanna C this one again.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 4

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68 CASTLEVANIA CHRONICLIES (Konami, 2001)

CastleVania Chronicles is another remake of the very first Castlevania and this version includes a few new stages and some updated presentation. Return to the role of Simon Belmont as he enters the dreaded castle of Count Dracula alone to hopes of freeing Europe from his evil grip. Anyone expecting the next Symphony of the Night will surely be disappointed in this Playstation CastleVania's basic game play but if you are a fan of the original CastleVania on the NES then this simple and linear action game is sure to please.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
97
CASTLEVANIA: Symphony Of The Night (Konami, June 1997)

Here's one of the best action/role playing games ever, for any game system! This amazing game not only includes the classic Castlevania game play we all know and love but it also has advanced new RPG elements too that really draws you into the adventure. SOTN is a long quest (easily the biggest CastleVania ever) with multiple endings, amazing sounds, and great 2D graphics. You can even play as Richter Belmont after you finish the game once (by starting a new game as 'Richter') It's almost too much. This is a legendary game!
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 10
gameplay: 9
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30 CONTRA: Legacy of War (Konami, 1996)

Wow, it's Contra's first ever fully 3D game! If you are new to the series Contra is all about pure shooting action. You control one of four characters with big guns and you blast away at anything that moves plus there are no brain teasing puzzles to get in the way of the killing. All that is great but what happened to the controls? Jumping is needlessly difficult and game's overall pace feels too slow for a arcade-like shoot em up. Although you would think making a old 8-bit NES game into a great 32-bit title would be easy but Contra Legacy of War misses the mark big time.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 3

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78 CRASH BANDICOOT (Sony/Naughty Dog, September 1996)
With its amazing 3D graphic plus the very simple to learn controls and game play, Crash Bandicoot was a instant hit for the Playstation. This adventure title is very easy to get into unlike Nintendo's Super Mario 64 since you only have a few moves to master but unlike Mario 64 this game can be very repetitive after awhile. Crash is still a solid pick for the casual gamer and for fans of platformers like Donkey Kong Country.
For 1 player only
graphics: 9
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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82 CRASH BANDICOOT 2 Cortex's Revenge (Sony/Naughty Dog, 1997)
This sequel has even better looks and sounds than before plus there are even more secrets to discover as well. Crash 2 isn't too different by any means but it is a fairly good sequel and it expands on all the good points in the last game. Crash 2 is the best in the series so far in my opinion.
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 9
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

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78 CRASH BANDICOOT 3 Warped! (Sony/Naughty Dog, 1998)
Not much as changed over the years in the Crash series and the same can be said for part 3 unfortunately. Still a highly rail based game with little to no free play areas. Although it's still fun 3D platformer and now Crash's little sister is a playable in some levels but you can't help to feel a sense of deja vu. "Some innovation please!"
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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77 CTR: CRASH TEAM RACING (Sony/Naughty Dog, 1999)
It's Diddy Kong Racing for the Playstation....... well kind of. You have a few cool multi-player modes and even a huge single player quest mode to keep you playing. This fun game is certainly one of the better kart clone games around thanks to the nice graphics and superior control but when it's all said and done it's still a clone nonetheless.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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70 DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION KONAMIX (Konami, 2000)

If you are new to these weird arcade to home dancing then lets just say you better prepare yourself for a workout! In DDR Konamix you get to dance (hopefully you have a dance pad of course) to over 40 great but not very main stream techno tracks. The foot button game play is fun as always and the edit mode was a nice addition but the game's interface doesn't let you select from all of the tracks at once and the graphics just consist of boring flat backgrounds and choppy scrolling. If you can't get the latest editions then this DDR isn't a bad choice for PSone owners and it is highly recommended you get a dance mat as well.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 3
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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30 DANGER GIRL (THQ/N-Space, 2000)

This action game had all the makings to be something else thanks to its beauitful comic artwork and intense spy theme but the game just ended up being nothing more than a second-rate Tomb Raider (which is a bad series on its own) clone. The game's pacing is slow, the animation is choppy, and like the breasts of these females here the game just feels so fake.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5

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50 DARK STALKERS (Capcom, 1996)
Capcom wanted another fighting franchise after the mega success of Street Fighter II so they created this Dark Stalker game, an one on one fight feast that has 10 playable characters with monster themes. The only problem with this amazing looking 2D game is that most of moves have been lifted from Street Fighter. I'm really getting tired of Fireballs and Flying Uppercuts so it didn't take long for me to lose interest.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
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57 DARKSTALKERS III: Vampire Savior (Capcom, 1999)

Another Street Fighter clone comes out by Capcom and it's just way too average yet again. Sure, there are more characters now but since this is on the Playstation here, the game lacks the ultra smooth animation of the 4 meg Sega Saturn cousin. At least this should be a lot cheaper and more easier to find. Who takes this series seriously though?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

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73 DEAD OR ALIVE (Tecmo/Team Ninja, 1998)
Cheap computer AI ruins this fun arcade brawler with the three half naked ladies stealing the show. There is even a 'bounce' option in the game for the breast of the women go up and down during the fights which looks pretty unrealistic plus your girlfriend will not to be too happy with the game for obvious reasons. Dead or Alive plays a lot more like the Virtua Fighter series and not the Tekken games.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 9 ........ one of the best looking fighters on the Playstation.
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
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64 DINO CRISIS (Capcom, 1999)
Yet another survivor horror game like Resident Evil but now your main enemies are now Dinosaurs instead of zombies. It's a cool concept but what hurts DC is the poor camera angles which of course are almost always at a fixed angle and it has the same crappy tank-like controls too from the early RE games. The Jurassic Park-like concept is good but this game is for die hard survivor horror fans only.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 5

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StarSoldier Game of the Month Winner!
15 DRAGONBALL GT The Final Bout (Bandai, 1997)

I had a real problem tracking this one on one fighter down but I was finally lucky enough to get my greedy little hands on this Playstation bad boy. For a chosen few this was a chance to play a real North American Dragon Ball Z video game for their Playstation. Dragon Ball GT the Final Bout is great for collectors because you'll never have the urge to play again once you give it a go. Sadly this game is horrible for people looking for a good, high quality fighting game.
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 1
sound: 6
gameplay: 4

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24 DRAGON BALL Z Ultimate Battle 22 (Infogames, 2003)

Here is another very unrewarding fighting game based on the very popular Japanese cartoon. The game lets you pick from a massive 22 characters from the hit show but some characters are very similar to others plus the animation is chunky, the controls are stiff, and the game's options are fairly boring too so the game fails to be anything interesting or fun.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 2
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78 DRAGON WARRIOR VII (Enix, November 2001)

Japan's top selling Playstation game (over a whopping 4 million copies sold in that country alone) finally arrives here! The graphics look even uglier than the one's in Shining Force 3's 3D universe on the Sega Saturn and not everyone will love the classic RPG feel of the game but if you stick with it you'll discover one of the deepest Playstation games ever made. Turn a young fisherman into a brave warrior in this long adventure with over 100+ hours of game play!
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 7
gameplay: 9

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58 DUKES OF HAZZARD (1999)
This is a very fast but that at the same time it's also a fairly average racing game based on the older hit TV show with the racist flag. One of the better licensed games for the Playstation but that's not saying too much, eh? The action is fast and there are cool jumps here too but the game play is not very indepth.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 4

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51 EHRGEIZ (Square, May 17 2000)
This game is a confusing and very dumb looking 3D fighter with some Final Fantasy 7 characters in it and some other weird fighters too. The quest mode was a cool idea but it's too limited to be compared to other Fighting/Role Playing games like River City Ransom and the one on one fights themselves feel nothing new either. It's hard to say and it's also hard to recommend.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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71 EINHANDER (Square, June 1998)
I'm a huge shooter fan of the old school shoot em ups like R Type, Blazing Lazers, Gradius, and others but I'm not too crazy for Square's Einhander, despite the fact every shooting fan out there seems to love this game. I don't like most of the weapons because they're usually just too weak, they don't last very long either, plus you can't even power up your ship like in traditional shooter. You should try it if you like shoot em ups but remember "It's not for everyone!"
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 9
sound: 7
gameplay: 5

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55 EVILZONE

This is a very odd 3D fighting game that's decent for hardcore anime fans thanks to its over-the-top characters which range from stylist business men to half naked super females in pink spandex. All that is good but the action is nothing new for fighting fans even if the controls are serviceable. Also everyone else who doesn't like cheesey anime though will hate this crazy game with a passion. Seeing the different fully voice acted story lines were interested but the typical drain the health bar of the opponent game play was just meh.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 2
gameplay: 4

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GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!
BEST SONY PLAYSTATION GAME!
99 FINAL FANTASY VII (Square, September 9, 1997)
Final Fantasy 7 was, for many, the introduction to this popular Role Playing series, and some even consider it the best game of this long running million selling RPG's. Why? Who could forget how the main character's struggled to retain his sanity during some intense situations of the storyline or the game's scary head villain, eh? Part 7 was also the most impressive major shift in the series thanks to the 3D graphics, soaped up CD music, and even the newer game play. Not even the FF sequels were as good as this game in my opinion. I heard there were rumours about a true sequel to the events in FF7 but they only remand rumours at this point but I wouldn't mind playing another and if you haven't played this game yet then you'll be missing one of the biggest gaming events that even eclipses most big movies (including that stupid Final Fantasy that had little to do with the games). Can Cloud fight the battle in his mind to become strong enough to save the world or will he lose himself to the chaos in his head? That's up to you.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9

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66 FINAL FANTASY VIII (Square, 1999)
Although the game comes packed with some better and more realistic graphics, now is now much the game play is much slower overall because of the changes to the limit breaks and the Summon effects just seem to drag on and on now. Those are not the only problems because the new Junction system stinks as well and I also didn't like the level up system either. This is still a good role playing adventure with a interesting flipping story but it was just so different. FF8 was a slight disappointment after playing the last game because of all the new changes.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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88 FINAL FANTASY IX (SquareSoft, 2000)
It's nice to see the Final Fantasy series return to its roots............ at least in looks anyway. This game still plays a lot like Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation but at least now you can have four of your characters on screen at once and it's not anything like the confusing Final Fantasy 8. Nothing too different when compared to past the Final Fantasies in terms of game play but still buy it for the awesome and long story alone.
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9........ I don't like the funny looking characters but the cinemas were absolutely spectacular!
sound: 8
gameplay: 9

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84 FINAL FANTASY ANTHOLOGY (Square, October 1999)

Final Fantasy 5 and Final Fantasy 6 together..... cool! The load times are a little annoying because they happen after every battle but you get use to it after a few hours of playing and Square should be applauded for finally bringing a once Japanese only game (Final Fantasy V) to the US.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 8
gameplay: 10
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81 FINAL FANTASY CHRONICLES (SquareSoft, 2001)
Square does it again! This awesome package includes the classic games: Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger in a two disc set. Both are not only great RPG's but they are also very rare games for their past game systems, so SquareSoft is giving more people a chance to play these classic Role Playing Games and see what all the fuss is about. Final Fantasy IV is not only challenging but it has a great story too. Chrono Trigger is packed with original locations and stunning visuals, even though it's not a real Final Fantasy game technically. Although both games now have longer delays before a fight scene then there Super Nintendo counterparts, after a few plays you get use to the wait and you don't even think about it. I would have liked a bit more history or background information on the two games like Working Designs did with their Lunar series but that doesn't take away how great these games are.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 9
gameplay: 7
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79 FINAL FANTASY ORIGINS (Squaresoft, 2003)

This may be Square's last ever game for the Playsation one but at least you get a cool collection of the first two Final Fantasies in one big set. This is also the first time we got to play the real Final Fantasy II and both games have updated 16-bit graphics and options. Be warned that these games are around 15 years old and not everyone will go for the older type RPGs. The only one we are missing now is the real Final Fantasy III.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

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32 FOX HUNT (Capcom, 1997)

This rare 3 disc set is all about a guy who loves B movies and then finds himself in one as the game processes. Fox Hunt is a very weird Full Motion video game that even has big names like Rob Lowe in it. Sadly, you really have to like stupid stories, confusing game play, and bad acting to really enjoy this one and I bet there are not too many gamers out there who are actually like that so needless to say the game wasn't a big hit.
*Rare Playstation game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 4

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78 G DARIUS (THQ/Taito, 1999)
Alright! The arcade and Sega Genesis legend returns with a huge graphical upgrade. If you don't know the series it's a intense series of shooters where you blast away at robotic fish. G Darius is a very short-lived shooter with only a hand full of levels but it still has loads of action, tons of weapons and techniques, plus this game has some of the best looking bosses in a video game. G Darius is a great pick shooter fans and people who hate fish.
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

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18 GALAGA (Hasbro/Namco, 1999)
People are really starting to get retro fever and Hasbro is ready to cash in on the craze. Namco's original Galaga was a huge hit in 1981 thanks to its fast space shooting action and innovative power up system. It would only seem natural that gamers would want to play a updated remake, eh? Hasbro's Galaga has the same basic mechanics like the original but the new 3D graphics are extremely messy and it makes the game really difficult to play. Another annoying thing about Galaga is the continuious looping techno music. Stick with the original!
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 3

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75 GEKIOH: Shooting King (Natsume, 2002)
One of the few Playstation One games of 2002/2003 era that's actually fairly playable. Fans of old school shoot em ups like Raiden and Twin Cobra will feel right at home with this intense two player game where you simple blast away at anything that moves while you collect power ups. This game also has several cool bonus features that let you play the Pocket Station version of Gekioh on the TV or you can just try out the main game in many new and altered ways. Gekioh would have rated even higher if the game supported the use of a memory card so I could save my scores but the game is still very fun to play anyways and it should be only a few bucks as well.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
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65 GEX (Crystal Dramatics, 1995)
The cool 3DO gecko character comes to the Playstation in this standard but fun 2D action platformer. In the game you play as a Television watching gecko that gets sucked to a unusaul parallel universe that based on old TV shows. It's a great concept, eh? Sadly, the 3DO version was even better than this because the graphics don't look as good for some odd reason.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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78 GEX: Enter The Gecko (Edios, 1997)
This adventure plays a lot like Nintendo's Super Mario 64, but the camera is a little loose sometimes causing for some annoying views and some headaches too. In the game you play has a little gecko on a mission to find remotes in various TV related stages. This game is good for a few laughs and the controls are fine too but be prepared for some glitches in the graphics.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

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67 GEX 3: Deep Cover Gecko (Edios, 1998)
Gex 3 plays just like the last one but there are some different levels and some new side kicks to add something different at least. Despite some funny moments now and again and it still plays fine for a 3D platformer, you're better off just to forget about it if you didn't like Enter the Gecko.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

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84 GRAN TURISMO (Sony, 1998)
Here is the king of racing GT games! Gran Turismo is a slick looking racing simulation that's bound to have one of your favourite cars in it has long, well as it is originally from Japan. The whole game is absolutely amazing thanks to the cool reflective effects, large list of licensed cars, and real rock tracks. Although some of the load times are somewhat long and the speed could have been faster as well, the original Gran Turismo is a amazing and well crafted racing game that surpasses any other racing simulation on the Playstation.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
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77 GRAN TURISMO 2 (Sony, December, 1999)
Part 2 even has more cars, more modes and more diverse tracks then the original mega hit but it still lacks real excitement compared to other Playstation racers like R4. It always feels like you are only going 60 miles per hour instead of 180 and it's not really too fun anymore despite the huge 500 car count and the impressive graphics. Another problem with the game is that the game is basically incomplete so it's impossible to get 100 percent and bugs can even erase cars from your memory card too. If you love realistic racers then you'll love this big sequel but arcade fans should try it first.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
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80 GUILTY GEAR (Atlus/Arc System Works Co., 1998)

Usually playing 2D fighting games on the Playstation is hit or miss because of the system's low Ram space (or whatever it's called) could cause some limited animation in the character models. Guilty Gear is a exception to the rule because this game not only has 10 of most wildly designed fighters I think I ever seen but this game also has some fairly decent animation too. Although the game play has nothing really new for fight fans, Guilty Gear is filled with loads of moves, killer graphics, and tons of personality.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

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28 HOOTERS ROAD TRIP (UBIsoft, 2002)

What's the price of looking at a bunch of scantily clad restaurant sluts with big knockers in a video game? A substandard racing game with some of the ugliest 3D graphics ever seen that's what! Hooters Road Trip should only to purchased if you want to look at the females because you won't find a very impressive 'game' here.
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 3
gameplay: 2

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82 HOT SHOTS GOLF (Camelot, 1999)
OK, this was a fun game of golf, I'll admit it, very fun actually. Hot Shots Golf is a great game that not only comes with some realistic multi-hole games, but you also get and some cool mini golf options too. This game has great controls, solid graphics, lots of options is great value for the money.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 9

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77 HOT SHOTS GOLF 2 (Camelot, 2000)
Hot Shots 2 is still a very good and relaxing time killer just like the first one but now it comes with some updated graphics featuring more realistic character models and more detailed landscapes. Sadly the Mini golf was removed which definitely upset one of my friends. The controls are easy to figure out, the different characters are cool, and if you loved the first one you'll like this one too.
For 1 to 4 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

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70 HYDRO THUNDER (Midway, 2000)

The popular arcade and Dreamcast game also arrives on the Playstation. Hydro Thunder lets you speed race across the dangerous waters around the world to win the big event in several different countries. Although the graphics take a bit of a hit compared to the arcade of course, it's still a fun racing arcade-like experience.
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

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79 INTELLIGENT QUBE (Sony, 1997)

If there is one game that got lost in Sony's eyes, Intelligent Qube would be it. That's too bad though because this unique puzzle/survival game is very playable. The idea is simple, help you human character elinimate falling grey and green cubes before they off the edge of the playing field but you have to be careful of getting flatten in the process and you have to be cautious of the black blocks too. The only issue I have with the game is that some of the highlighted floor squares can be hard to see while the blocks are falling down but it is a fairly minor problem. Intelligent Qube is a rare title that's well worth searching for.
*Uncommon Playstation
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (K-A) for Kids to Adults
graphics: 6
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

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40 INTELLIVISION CLASSICS (Activision, 1999)

The 30 games are still much slower than there actual Intellivision counterparts and that doesn't look good for this all powerful 32-bit machine but at least you get a few bonus interviews this time unlike in the Activision PS collection.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 2
sound: 3
gameplay: 7

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55 JET MOTO (Mountain Dew, 1996)
I know there are a few people out there that like this game but Jet Moto has choppy looking graphics and it can be really hard to control hover skis. This series gets three games and Wave Race 64 not one sequel on N64! Why God, WHY!?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

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68 JUMPING FLASH (Sony, 1995)
Jumping Flash is a very original first person shooter where you, a robotic rabbit, jump around in several fantasy worlds and shoot anything that moves and collect carrots. Jumping Flash may have some cool 3D effects for its time and its interesting how weird the game is all at the same time but the lack a lot of action so it can get boring quick.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 7

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71 KENSAI (Konami, 1999)

In this somewhat generic fighter you get to pick from a wide range of young fighters and you of course battle it out one on one. Although it is not as smooth or fun as Tekken 3, this game still has some awesome looking moves in it. I would recommend checking it out if you love fighting games but don't expect any deep story lines here.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
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73 KING of FIGHTERS '95 (Sony/SNK, 1996)

In this popular Neo Geo beat em up you get a huge selection of 24 fighters and then you can do 3 on 3 tag teams fights. It was a year behind when it was released in 1996 though but be thankful we even got this rare 2D fighter on the Playstation to begin with since Sony usually hates these type of games on their systems.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
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68 KING of FIGHTERS '99 (Agetec/SNK, 2000)
We finally get another KOF game on Playstation after all these years! The load times are somewhat annoying compared to the Dreamcast version but it's still a fully loaded 2D fighter with new power ups to increase offensive and defensive strengths. With it's huge cast of characters and lots of modes there is at least a good variety of options.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
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74 KLONOA: Door to Plantomile (Namco, 1998)

You're a young dog with long ears that finds a powerful magic ring after a huge crash. It's up to you to rescue a princess from a powerful new enemy. Klonoa is a fun action game in a 2D slash 3D perspective. Sadly, the game wasn't too wide spread so it's a very rare game that's very hard to find now of days.
*Rare Playstation
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

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65 KONAMI ARCADE CLASSICS (Konami, 2000)

This collection includes the 10 old 80's Konami games Super Cobra, Yie Ar Kung Fu, Circus Charlie, Roc N' Rope, Pooyan, Shoa-Lins's Road, Road Fighter, Time Pilot, Scramble, and Gyruss. Games like Time Pilot and Gyruss play a little funny on the Playstation controller and the controls are not editable either unfortunately. There is no history here as well so don't expect any special features.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 1
sound: 2
gameplay: 8

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20 LOADED (Interplay, 1995)
I remember all the attention this game got when it was about to be released. Unfortunately, the game was about as fun as watching paint dry. The game has no story, no bosses, and just mindless shooting action that goes on forever and ever. The graphics are pretty good but despite the hype surrounding this game, the run and gun game play absolutely blows so much that it makes you wish that you were loaded instead.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 3

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75 LUNAR: The SILVER STAR Complete (Working Designs/Game Arts, 1999)

Here is a kiddy-like 2 disc RPG that's not for everyone but the impressive storyline and cool looking visuals help to bring a cult fan base to this series. I did like the unique bonuses the game came with like the making of the game disc, hardcover instructions, cloth map, and even a impressive soundtrack CD too. Why don't most games come like this?
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 8
gameplay: 8

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83 LUNAR 2: ETERNAL BLUE Complete (Working Designs/Game Arts, December 2000)
Lunar 2 is a great role playing adventure that comes with a very special 5 disc package. If the game sounds familiar, it is because this was originally on the Sega CD. This may sound like a repeat performance but this game has been reworked from top to bottom exclusively for the Playstation. This amazing package also comes with cool bonuses like a free life size Pendent, character stands, a world map, making of the game CD, and lots more! "Working Designs rules!"
*Uncommon Playstation game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
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69 MEGA MAN 8 (Capcom, 1997)
You know the routine if you are a Mega Man fan: fight 8 robots, take their weapons, than fight Dr. Wily at the end. Sure, Mega Man 8 has no major improvements to the action series at all even though it made the jump to the Playstation but it's still good for Mega Man fans despite the outrageous high difficulty of the final levels.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

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79 MEGA MAN X4 (Capcom, 1998)
Fight 8 robots and take their weapons than fight Sigma......plus you can play as Zero. This is a great improvement over the previous Mega Man X3 because both Mega Man and Zero can earn new abilities throughout the course of the game and they are even fairly different from one another too. Another cool thing about Mega Man X4 is the more adult anime themes which includes Zero's fight to control some issues in his troubled past. One of the best Mega Man games in a while!
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 6

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60 MEGA MAN X5 (Capcom, March 2001)
Fight 8 robots and take their weapons than fight Sigma......plus you can play as Zero..................... AGAIN! COME ON! To be fair it's still a good game like part 4 was plus it even has that cool one eyed clay monster from the original making a return but it is also, well, another Mega Man game.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

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70 MEGA MAN X6 (Capcom, 2002)

The final Mega Man game for the Playstation one plays very similar to last game but there are several new things going on here as well. First off Mega Man can finally DUCK! Something you could usually never do in the series plus Mega Man is all alone this time after his friend; Zero's program was lost in Mega Man X5. Is Zero the leader of a evil robots or is somebody or something else at work here? I like the new ideas here and the story line has a nice progression to it as well. This is a good action game to pick up for fans, others won't think it's so xcellent.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

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77 MEGA MAN LEGENDS (Capcom, 1998)
It finally happened, a fully 3D Mega Man game! This action game here is definitely fun once you mastered the awkward new controls plus the game is also packed with all new RPG-like elements as well to heighten the experience too. The graphics are not too bad either with a cool cast of characters and even some decent voice acting. The game can a bit on the easy and short side but Legends is definitely worth a look.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

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75 MEGA MAN LEGENDS 2 (Capcom, 2000)

The series returns again and Roll may find her parents just yet as the world faces another terrible crisis. It's a good action game with a lot of character development and stat tracking but I would love to see this on the PS2 instead because the graphics are looking a little rough around the edges. Sadly that never happened.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

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88 METAL GEAR SOLID (Konami, October 1998)
Metal Gear Solid is a cool looking sequel to the old 8-bit NES stealth game that I didn't even like all that much to begin with. Anyway, this game is an intelligent stealth based adventure where your hero Solid Snake must quickly infiltrate a area believed to have nuclear weapons. The game has great movie-like storyline, sharp graphics, and smooth game play that highlight this dangerous mission to stop a bunch of wacky looking yet very serious terrorists. MGS is an excellent action game like no other but just be prepared for one far-fetched story.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 8

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75 METAL SLUG X (Agetec/SNK, 2000)

This is SNK answer to Konami's Contra and the Neo Geo cult favorite finally comes home to the Playstation. The game lets you select from 2 guys or 2 gals and then they get to fight in massive war that may look very cartoon-like but there is tons of carnage still here. If it wasn't for the unlimited continues then this title would have got a better score but the replay is still there because you can challenge different modes for points.
*Uncommon Playstation Game
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

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36 MOBILE LIGHT FORCE (XS/Psysko, 2003)
Light Force is a rather unremarkable shoot em up that comes over here (the series is known as Gunbird in Japan) and now goes under some weird new name. It even has some weirder cover art that has little to with the game itself. Although this is only 15 bucks, it's still a very limited and silly shooter that would not even save my high scores to a memory card.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

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41 MORTAL KOMBAT 3 (Sony/Midway, October 1, 1995)
This once popular one on one fighting game was once a big deal when it arrived first on the Sony Playstation, it's too bad MK3 looks too goofy when compared to the mega hit Mortal Kombat 2. In the game you control one of 14 different fighters ranging from everything like robotic ninjas to a giant women with four arms. Although this game has a lot of fast action here, with its 2D graphics, unbalanced difficulty, and bad character designs just make MK3 look really out dated now.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

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60 MORTAL KOMBAT 4 (Midway, 1999)
This is better then part 3 but even though it's 3D now it's just not Tekken or Virtua Fighter league. Most of the infamous blood and violence the series is known for is still here as 15 different fighters duke it out in one on one battles but wait till you see some of the lousy animations and the stupid endings in this stardard fighting game for example. It's so bad that it makes me wonder if Midway ran out of money or something?
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

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75 MORTAL KOMBAT TRILOGY (Midway, 1996)
Imagine having Mortal Kombat I, II, and III in one big game? In this beat them up game you get to pick from over 30 different fighters from the original three games of the vicious series. This is much better than the limited N64 version of MK Trilogy because you get mostly every one from the last three Mortal Kombat games (including the four different boss characters) right in this title. The only thing that is holding this arcade beat em up back is that the load times are a killer and the game overall isn't too innovative either.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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75 MOTOR TOON Grand Prix (Sony, 1996)
Motor Toon is a unique cartoon like racer with inventive graphics and sounds that are above average. Sure the game is short and kind of easy but the characters are wacky, the tracks are wild, and the game runs pretty fast too. This game was also done by the same people who did Gran Turismo believe it or not. This is fun racing game that did not get the respect it deserved.
*Link compatible
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

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