BlueYoshi

Splinter Cell was an extremely stealth-wise game, you wouldn't survive without it. On the other hand you have Pandora Tomorrow, more of an action-focused entry to the franchise. Enter Splinter Cell 3, who knows what to expect. It was very hard to overcome getting spotted in SC, especially with the fact that you could only get spotted so many times before the mission was aborted, but it only encourages you to play in conext with the game to help you become more compatible with the overall style of it. On the other hand there's MGS2. The enemy AI was quite basic and outsmarting them would only require you to jump over ledge or to crawl under something - that's not what I call stealth. An environment that looks the part, as well as easy to adapt to is essential for a game of the kind game I think. MGS2 got extremely repetitive in the plant, all the blocks looked the same and the atmosphere was dull. There needs to be flexibility - which Snake Eater has managed to achieve, there is always a ledge or tree to hang from or wall or bush to hide within to surprise your enemy, as well as a vast complex to explore. It allows for a more tactical mind. [color=teal]It's been announced that the official title will be Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. I doubt that co-op stealth mode will have very much to do with the storyline because a second character hasn't been hyped up yet, but hopefully Ubisoft will put their heads together to come up with some pretty cool team-work features involving the stealthy attributes that SC is known for. I suppose you could relate this to what Desbreko said about FSA. Its simplicity is its charm, and if you take that away in place of something much more overly-extensive then you're more or less killing it, as you'd have to make room for split-screens and whatnot. SC is simple in its own way, so contradicting what CT has going for it would probably be the best move, especially regarding the "thrilling scenario" because to be honest, I don't really care about how that will turn out compared to its overall gameplay. Another thing, these "weapons of tomorrow"... what are Ubisoft playing at? Stealth orientated devices are all that will be needed as far as Sam Fisher is concerned. For Ubisoft to advertise totally unrelated items to SC's concept just raises the stakes for it to be classed as just another action game, and doesn't really self-promote what it's popular for as a whole. [/color][color=dimgray]Edit: I've just put your posts together, to avoid a double post. - James[/color]

[quote name='Anime_fangurl*247]See, if a title has the word GoldenEye in it, everyone's expecting some attempt at good Campaign and good multiplayer, because that's what GE is: stellar Campaign and stellar Multi. EA absolutely [i]cannot[/i'] just build a stellar Multi and throw in a Campaign mode as an afterthought. That will not fly with gamers, especially the GE vets.[/quote] I can see where you're coming from. So according to your argument, if Square-Enix stopped making Final Fantasy and another company took over to make the next FF game in the series, it would still be the same because it has FF in the title? You'd be surprised. As for the screens, yeah looking good. I particularly like the lighting effects surrounding the fires and explosions though. Cool.

Square-Enix have really taken an original approach with Brave Fencer Musashi by adding a more animated context to it, rather than the old traditional looking Samurai games where everyone sports different coloured kimonos and the same top-knots, heh. I'm not expecting anything too serious; I can only guess the return of such enemies as plants, typically followed up by the end of level boss. Hopefully, some difficulty will be added to the puzzles this time round. I'd anticipate this game to say the least, as BFM slightly appealed to me, but it's still too early to say anything yet.

I found KOTOR very enjoyable, not only as an RPG, but also for the action element added to it. I can only hope that the second release can remedy its flaws to bring something even better to the Xbox and PC. With new developers aboard the project, Obsidian now call the shots with KOTORII, promising 30 new force powers, along with 7 new areas, though not much seems to have changed about the control system so far, but for them to be focusing on animation instead is a rather large obligation, and brings up the question: are Obsidian really serious about this? My hopes are high for the series and I'd really hate to see them drop over idol ness. The Star Wars franchise in the gaming world come in many different genres, and have little to offer in terms of quality - just games to promote the movies more or less, but KOTOR does actually live up to the Star Wars name as opposed to other poor spin-offs like Pod Racing. Bleh.

I thought I'd just say that for those of you with access to British television broadcasts, Battle Royale will be aired tonight on Channel 4 at 11pm.

To tell the truth I never really saw Silent Hill as a survival horror, it's more of a thriller really, mainly due to the usual premises of the games. Monsters just happen to be in the way. Anyway, according to IGN SH4 is supposed to be more of an action-focused entry to the series, probably more like Dino Crisis 2 - not sure about the points system though. New additions include more weapons (what could possibly top the SMG?), enemies, and minor upgrades to the controls. Also, players can now toggle between a first and third person perspective, although there's no news on how it will be applied to the general game play. [quote name='Zidargh']To be honest, I never really anticipated the Silent Hill series. The first one was innovative, but the other two just seemed dragged on and stretched so far that the plotlines were quite thin, with no depth at all. It just didn't make sense to me.[/quote] I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'thin'. The Silent Hill series revolves around mystery, in which you solve puzzles to find clues that lead from one thing to another. Unlike Resident Evil, the goal of Silent Hill is to solve the mystery at hand, so in terms of depth it'll have to leave the player in a state, and the multiple ending sequences in the SH series helps this, how the story ends depends entirely upon you.

The whole new 'choosing-sides' concept for a Bond game is a new approach altogether, but I wouldn't call it the most original, look at SMT3 for example. I think that G:RA was generally intending to make its appeal through the single-player mode with its new plot and not focusing much on multi-player, though [I]you[/I] lucky PS2 owners will be able to play against each other online. As for multi-player mode, I don't care how much EA's Bond games degrade the original Goldeneye, it has been around too long and it still holds the crown at number one. However, I've heard that G:RA holds a wide galore of multi-player options as well as maps, I can only hope that its not just a lame excuse for yet some more poor game play. Anyway, don't you think it's about time Bond finally did get dismissed for reckless brutality? lol

[quote name='maladjusted][color=firebrick']I thought it would be immensely better if the maximum of characters was about seven and you actually got to know all of them and see what happened to them.[/color][/quote] I agree with your statement, it would be nice to get to know each character more than the main three, but what they tell you about them is all you need to know, no more no less. For example, you pretty much get the idea that the guy with glasses is the brainy kid, simply by the fact that he is always mumbling equations to himself, he doesn't do or say much either, but generally he wants off the island, just as everyone else does, whether they're getting off alone or with someone else. It's great how almost every character has a love interest too, some part together, where others are driven to a bitter end. It makes it all the more disturbing, especially when the checklist ticks off those who have died.

Both games promise new additions to their game play, and the graphics and artwork seem much more crisp. The new dungeon added to FFI is the "Soul of Chaos", which is home to new items, difficult bosses, and four Chaos Spirits. Though I can't say I'm more excited about one than the other, I'm really looking forward to the new chapter added to FFII. It's called "Soul of Rebirth", and will contain brand new events, items, and monsters - rather than re-introducing them. As for the release date, Japan will get theirs in July, though a US release hasn't been announced yet, it is still expected.

Understandable, and I see no reason not to believe it, [quote]UPDATE: 5/25/2003: CNN has reported that industry insiders anticipate the PSP to go on sale in the $125 - $200 range with games priced in the $15-$25 range.[/quote] [url]http://www.digitalbackspin.com/pspinfo.htm[/url] This was at last year's E3 though in its early stages, so things do seem unpredictable. Edit: January's issue of PSM magazine claim to have rumours of SOCOM Navy Seals and Everquest hitting the PSP this year. Nothing about this has been officially confirmed by Sony but things seem to "definitely point in a positive dierction", so says IGN.

When this movie had finished, I was shocked rather than stunned, simply because I've never seen anything like it before. For those of you who don't know, Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale is a Japaese made film that emphasises on violence, depression, and fear. The story hits off as Japan is in a state of near-collapse, both economically and socially, and youthful protest amongst school kids has become uncontrollable - therefore the lingering government decides to introduce a new radical law: The Battle Royale Act. From all the schools in the country, one class will be randomly selected and abducted to a deserted island where they will be forced to fight each other to the death followed by many harsh and unfair regulations - and only one can survive as the victor. Starring Kitano Takeshi (otherwise known as 'Beat' Takeshi) as a vengeful teacher hoping to get his own back at his former students, Battle Royale shocked the nation with its violent appeal and stunning plot. What did you think of it?

According to last year's E3 press conference the PSP's specifications are as follows: [b]Display:[/b] Wide screen (16:9) TFT LCD with backlight (480 x 272 dots) [b]Disc medium:[/b] ?UMD? 60mm optical secured ROM disc with cartridge (1.8GB) [b]Video CODEC:[/b] MPEG4 [b]Graphics:[/b] 3D Polygon/NURBS [b]Sound:[/b] PCM (built-in stereo speakers, stereo headphone output) [b]I/O:[/b] USB 2.0, Memory StickTM slot [b]Battery:[/b] Rechargeable (lithium-ion) Also, the PSP will enter the market within the $125-200 price range, with games costing around $15-25. It seems a bit too unrealistic for Sony to release a games system [i]and[/i] walkman at such a reasonable price heh, which has pretty much led me to believe that there must be some strings attached...

*Nods* The first in the series to be released outside of Japan, making its way on the PS2 around spring time over there, not too sure about the US though. The game looks great particularly with the new cel shaded graphics, a strange but interesting approach for a RPG. The religion factor makes a worthy plot too, as it tells about 'visions' linking to the end of the world in which you, as the player, determine its destiny by making choices that intertwine with each other. Atlus is still unsure of how the intervention between the two worlds will work however, but the battle system used will be somewhat similar to that of its predecessors on the Playstaion, moving away from the turn-base combat system. Apparently, as Semjaza already acclaimed, the follown-up of SMT3, or more of a director's cut, called SMT3: Nocturne Maniacs, will include new enemies, areas, and items. Although it's a Japan-only release, all of the new additions to it will be installed to the US release, so yes, we will be seeing Dante after all. :D

I've always enjoyed Pikmin, for both the tactical mind involved and the stunning game play, not to mention the originality of it too. It will be interesting to see how the new purple Pikmin would adapt to the worlds and how their roles would justify though, as each of the other Pikmin have different abilities in accordance to their colour, where the purple Pikmin has only its brute strength to rely on - not my first choice in an all out war. Anyway, I just thought I'd sum up the two player competitive mode a bit more with info from the IGN website: [QUOTE]The "2P Battle" mode lets two players compete against each other on 10 different battle maps, using a horizontally-split set-up. One gamer plays as Louie and gets blue Pikmin, the other one as Olimar and gets red Pikmin. Neither Pikmin have their special abilities. They're 100% equal. Each player has a color-coded marble in their camp. There are three different ways to defeat the opponent: Collect four yellow marbles that are littered about in the levels and bring them back to the camp (the Onion). Steal the enemy's marble and bring it back to the camp. Defeat the player or all enemy Pikmin. Each player starts off with 10 Pikmin by default (a handicap function makes it possible to select the number of starting Pikmin between five and 50) and, just like in single-player, is tasked to build up a mini-army by collecting Pikmin vitamins and defeating and retrieving bugs. The maximum number of Pikmin each player can have is 50. But if all you do is collect resources, you'll soon be out of the game. It's important to immediately set out and go hunting for marbles and cherries. The yellow marbles have to first be dug out of the ground as they're half submerged in the sand (or whatever material the level of choice is made up of) before they can be carried off and brought back to home base. There is only a set number of marbles in each level, and they're usually in spots that are equally far away from each team. Then there is the opponent's yellow or blue marble. The catch here is that blue Pikmin cannot carry their own marble -- only the opponent's. This of course leads to shifting points of power, where one player has to move closer to the enemy by the virtue of his marble being already half way there. Cherries are a different story altogether. These power-ups fall from the sky once in a while (or, presumably, some unseen tree above) and can be carried off by just a single Pikmin. The moment a Pikmin delivers a cherry to the base, a slots wheel will appear at the side of the screen and start spinning. The outcome is always positive -- and there are a variety of offensive and defensive power-ups that can appear. Here's what they are and what they do: Red Elixir: Gives the player one dose of yellow elixir. When used (press D-Pad down) it gives the Pikmin super speed and fighting power for a short time. Purple Elixir: Gives the player one dose of purple elixir. When used (press D-Pad up) in proximity to enemy Pikmin, it knocks them over and plants them in the ground. Spider: Places a spider in the enemy camp. Even worse, the spider has a time bomb on its back. Aokedattara: This blowfish-like creature will appear near the enemy to wreak havoc by blowing over Pikmin. Butadokkuri: These pig-like creatures will appear in the enemy base and spit fire or water at Pikmin Fly: The flying Saraimushi appears in the enemy camp and creates mayhem by grabbing Pikmin and throwing them into the ground. Return Marble: Returns the player's marble back to his camp. Ghost: Players is invisible on the opponent's screen. Flower: Makes all allied Pikmin flower (which allows them to run faster). Pikmin +10: Get 10 Pikmin instantly (or add them to the queue if there are 50 out). Pikmin +5: Get 10 Pikmin instantly (or add them to the queue if there are 50 out). Asteroids: Rocks fall from the sky in the opposing camp and flatten any unfortunate Pikmin that are out and about. Wait, there's still more! Pikmin can also attack each other and their leaders, Olimar and Louie. The rules are simple: strength is in numbers -- and Pikmin with flowers easily get the upper hand over "buddies" and "leafies." When attacking another leader, Pikmin will actually follow the unfortunate astronaut around, latch on to them and start clobbering until shaken off or defeated by another Pikmin or creature. The level designers at Nintendo put together 10 varied maps to support the clever battle dynamics. While some levels only feature a few small Chappies and maggots, others are home to traps and more dangerous (NPC) enemy creatures, such as rock spitters and an oversized walking fish tank of sorts. Graphically, the game still holds its own in multiplayer mode as well. The maps all look unique and include standard caves and mazes as well as a kid's playroom and even a tiled bathhouse, and the framerate is locked at 30fps the entire time.[/QUOTE] I believe the folks at IGN made a mistake with the special items, where Pikmin+5 would get you 5 extra Pikmin, and not 10. Also, you seem to be mistaken ScirosDarkblade, the order of the Pikmin encountered is red first, yellow second, blue third, and then purple and white.

[quote name='Semjaza Azazel']This game is the Virtua Fighter RPG that Yu Suzuki first mentioned so long ago. Obviously it's different than most people expect, but I suggest people read about it before they write it off. I've been given nothing but the impression from the posts here that no one knows anything about the game.[/quote] Yeah, I do know about the game. It [i]is[/i] the RPG style game Yu Suzuki announced much earlier, formerly know as Virtua Fighter Quest, to be released for the PS2 and GC. I doubt this game not for its name though, neither for the fact that it's Sega, but simply because I don't think that the concept of a beat 'em up merged with RPG style game play will work effectively, as proven by Square's over hyped The Bouncer. VF CG may be so much more, and may even re-introduce the genre once more, but it'll have to have some pretty surprising elements added in contrast to The Bouncer. ScirosDarkblade - believe me, Soul Calibur 2 is just as broke and simple as Tekken 4 is. Virtua Fighter 4 is [i]the[/i] superior in depth, but that doesn't necessarily mean I don't like T4 or SC2.

It seems that Sega are just developing random stuff in order to survive in the competitive market. Though the game is incredibly deep and much credited, it is getting old and gamers (not hardcore to say the least) want to see something new. With Namco having announced Tekken 5, along with the release of their latest addition, "Nina", where you take the role of Nina Williams in a fierce beat 'em up, just as in Tekken Force mode, Sega will suffer along the line. However, I find it highly unfair that of all the fighters around today, Soul Calibur 2 is the most popular amongst gaming fans, where brains and deepness lack compared to its rivals, but with the future in question it's hard to tell where Sega will end up with their line of games and ideas.

It is hard to believe what happened that day, but even harder not to believe, but you have to remember that this is the American government we're talking about, one of the most ruthless in the world. I for one do believe that the JFK assassination was a conspiracy, but politics is a rough game where the weak lose and the strong win. I'd guess that the secrets behind the assassination died with the people responsible, because after all, chances can't be taken with a red tape operation as such, no matter how long ago the case was. As for the death of JFK, he probably just wasn't needed anymore and displayed a bad role for the government. However, as much as I feel that random accusations are meaningless, it seems that the truth behind the conspiracy will never be unfolded.

Yeah, my sisters play video games and look for almost every opportunity they can get to have a go, but that's just the way they were brought up I guess. I happen to know a few males who wouldn't go anywhere near games and consoles, simply because to them it's a waste of time, and would much rather spread their wings in some other way... On the other hand games [i]have[/i] been released that are aimed at specific genders, such as Barbie and what-knot, but mostly yes, game are aimed at both males and females. If anything had to be categorized I'd have to say age difference. Though hanging and sessioning with a girl I think I can do, but with a girl[b]friend[/b] - no way, I'd much rather watch a movie or something. Hehe, imagine - playing Final Fantasy with your girlfriend. :p

Everybody Loves Raymond comes on Channel 4 over here in the UK. While the show lacks storyline and continuity, it doesn't disappoint in the comedy factor, which basically is what the ultimate aim of Everybody Loves Raymond is about - to make you laugh. The setting is extremely basic, as it mainly takes place in the family home where Raymond is joined by his mother, father, brother, and wife (?), and the plots are usually dumb witted and fairly predictable. In contrast to Raymond's parents, they are two very different people. Raymond's mother portrays the more sensible side to the family, looking out for her son's well being and overprotective, while on the other hand Raymond's father displays a more radical person who tends to sit in front of the TV with a beer in one hand and pulling a wise crack every now and then. Overall, to me, ELR tries to show how everyday life for a nuclear family is (minus the dog, plus the wife), just in a more humorous context.

It seems that Nintendo have taken yet another dive at reviving retro gaming, which in my opinion is a poor attempt. Nothing seems to have changed about the SP besides its appearance and if I remember correctly, each game listed to be released was available as a portable palm-size unit at a reasonable £10 at any hardware and software store. They may as well release the NES once again, because seriously, I know some people who?d kill for one, and it?s a fact that they won? be suckered into a SP that looks like one. To be fair though, I can see some reason into Nintendo?s retrospective approach, and it would be nice to see something new, but you have to consider that the SP is not their only priority, there are much bigger fish to fry ? namely the PS2, and only the Gamecube can accomplish that. On a side note though ? yeah, Zelda does look good, heh.

My favourite co-op game, or genre more like, would have to be the old-school beat 'em ups such as Final Fight or Rival Turf. I'd play forever with friends, just the two of us taking on hordes of thugs that all looked alike, to finally reach the end of level boss, who was just as tall or muscular as any other baddie, then start all over again. Though the ultimate goal was almost always to rescue the damsel in distress and was the biggest cliché back in the day. I can still remember the arguments we had over it, heh, they were just as fun as the game itself, they usually sounded like: "Why did you hit me?!" or "That was my power up!!!", lol. Another classic was Super Bomberman on the SNES where co-op mode consisted of up to four players. Sadly, I never had a multi-tap but the game owned and the laughs were legendary. The most enjoyable part, and not to mention most annoying, was when you had to find the portal at the end of each level by blowing up the blocks with bombs, where you would have blown up all the blocks and were down to the last one in a race against the clock, only to have your bomb not go off in time, leaving you to repeat the whole level again... but what can I say besides 'bitter-sweet memories'.