PhixedDice
02-01-2003, 03:28 AM
Following up with last months edition.. is of course edition #2. Imagine that.
To start off, we have NHL 2003, which is available on all platforms. NHL 2003 has an arcade style feel to it, a change not welcomed by hockey simulation fans. If you're looking for a simulation-style hockey game, grab NHL 2K3, also available across all systems. The main faults with NHl 2003 is the spotty goltending at times. Sometimes you can't get a pea past him, then he'll let 3 straight in, on what should be easy saves. Injuries seems to be in abundance, even when the injury sliders are turned way down. I've have games with friends, where 5 plays have been injured during the game. (10 min periods in case you're wondering). The game also has odd glitches and bugs where one teams goalie will make the save and cover up, and then on a replay, it was show the other teams goalie doing the exact same thing. I actually like the commentary, although many won't, maybe it's because I'm so used to hearing Jim Hughson and Don Taylor on CTV Sportsnet. There are many jokes, and at times, you wish they could be a little more serious. (Don mostly). Overall, this was the year Sega overtook EA in the hockey department, IMO. I've liked EA's NHL series for a long time, but I won't give NHL 2004 another chance unless it becomes more true to form, and less arcade style.
Next up is 007: Nightfire, which is also multiplatform. Having never liked EA's Bond single player experience, this time the multiplayer is fine. The addition of the helicopters and tanks in the multiplayer modes, and good fun with friends. Worthy of a rental.
------
2 Dreamcast Picks of the month
Jet Grind Radio- JGR is able to boast being the first cel-shaded game ever, and even after seeing Zelda: WW in motion (albeit on a monitor), and sequel Jet Set Radio Future, compared to other cel-shaded games it still looks beautiful as ever running on the DC hardware. Spanning more than 15 levels, JGR can be a fairly long game if you're obsessed enough to jet all the "Jet" rankings on each level, doing so will unlock a funny character. While not a fan of the type of music JGR has, it fits in with the game perfectly. So well in fact that I've burned a CD full of songs from Jet Grind Radio.
Street Fighter Alpha 3- I picked this game up for a mere $10 CDN used, and while not the best Street Fighter out there, it's still fairly decent. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot better fighters on the Dreamcast, but SF Alpha 3 is still a good game for fans of the fighting genre. The game also boasts a whole slew of characters.
------
Old school pick of the month:
Final Fantasy Chronicals- PSX - Having all but given up on finding a Chrono Trigger cart, I did the next best thing (forget emulation) and picked up FF Chronicals. I haven't started on FF IV yet, and probably won't for a while, since I got this for Chrono Trigger but so far I'm enjoying every second of CT, just like before. The anime cutscenes are a nice touch, but the loading times are quite annoying when you want to level it. A definate pick up for Final Fantasy fanboys, and/or Chrono Trigger fans or those who want to play a solid game(s).
To start off, we have NHL 2003, which is available on all platforms. NHL 2003 has an arcade style feel to it, a change not welcomed by hockey simulation fans. If you're looking for a simulation-style hockey game, grab NHL 2K3, also available across all systems. The main faults with NHl 2003 is the spotty goltending at times. Sometimes you can't get a pea past him, then he'll let 3 straight in, on what should be easy saves. Injuries seems to be in abundance, even when the injury sliders are turned way down. I've have games with friends, where 5 plays have been injured during the game. (10 min periods in case you're wondering). The game also has odd glitches and bugs where one teams goalie will make the save and cover up, and then on a replay, it was show the other teams goalie doing the exact same thing. I actually like the commentary, although many won't, maybe it's because I'm so used to hearing Jim Hughson and Don Taylor on CTV Sportsnet. There are many jokes, and at times, you wish they could be a little more serious. (Don mostly). Overall, this was the year Sega overtook EA in the hockey department, IMO. I've liked EA's NHL series for a long time, but I won't give NHL 2004 another chance unless it becomes more true to form, and less arcade style.
Next up is 007: Nightfire, which is also multiplatform. Having never liked EA's Bond single player experience, this time the multiplayer is fine. The addition of the helicopters and tanks in the multiplayer modes, and good fun with friends. Worthy of a rental.
------
2 Dreamcast Picks of the month
Jet Grind Radio- JGR is able to boast being the first cel-shaded game ever, and even after seeing Zelda: WW in motion (albeit on a monitor), and sequel Jet Set Radio Future, compared to other cel-shaded games it still looks beautiful as ever running on the DC hardware. Spanning more than 15 levels, JGR can be a fairly long game if you're obsessed enough to jet all the "Jet" rankings on each level, doing so will unlock a funny character. While not a fan of the type of music JGR has, it fits in with the game perfectly. So well in fact that I've burned a CD full of songs from Jet Grind Radio.
Street Fighter Alpha 3- I picked this game up for a mere $10 CDN used, and while not the best Street Fighter out there, it's still fairly decent. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot better fighters on the Dreamcast, but SF Alpha 3 is still a good game for fans of the fighting genre. The game also boasts a whole slew of characters.
------
Old school pick of the month:
Final Fantasy Chronicals- PSX - Having all but given up on finding a Chrono Trigger cart, I did the next best thing (forget emulation) and picked up FF Chronicals. I haven't started on FF IV yet, and probably won't for a while, since I got this for Chrono Trigger but so far I'm enjoying every second of CT, just like before. The anime cutscenes are a nice touch, but the loading times are quite annoying when you want to level it. A definate pick up for Final Fantasy fanboys, and/or Chrono Trigger fans or those who want to play a solid game(s).