"Beyond Good and Evil"
*** 1/2
Ubi Soft Playstation 2, PC, Xbox and GameCube
"Beyond Good and Evil" goes beyond most video games. It is clever, fun and challenging. Its plot deals with government corruption, a reporter named Jade and her pig of an uncle. No, literally, the uncle is a pig.
After an alien attack on peaceful planet Hyllis is thwarted, a young reporter named Jade investigates the odd situations that follow the attempted assault. The game is very cinematic in nature and presented in widescreen format, which, combined with smooth animation and a very convincing world, makes for a very sweet-looking game.
It's a game that forces the player to use his brain, not fry it. The puzzles actually prompt thought and give a feeling of satisfaction after solving them. The fighting, while simple, works well. The progression of the game is great, from feet to hover craft to space ship. The story and real-time environment changes will make your eyes water.
The game also includes the coolest chase sequences around. Much of the game involves well-designed areas where stealth is needed and oh yeah, sometimes you have to take pictures. Sounds lame? So does ski ball, but who doesn't like that? The picture-taking aspect is a welcomed addition to the game. Take pictures of whale-like creatures as they breach the water's surface, manta rays that fly or even your pig uncle. When you get enough, send them in and receive a pearl.
The only real drawback is that the game is a bit short, and once you beat it, it is really over. No going back and flying around or extra collectables, just the credits. And the best thing is, the game is reasonably priced at $20, so there is no excuse to not check it out.
- WILL GORDON
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
***
EA Games Playstation 2, PC, Xbox and GameCube
"Send these foul creatures into the abyss," shouts Gandalf to the soldiers of Gondor in the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." Now with the latest video game version of Middle Earth, you can.
"Return of the King" is not only the video game adaptation of the film but also the sequel to the game "The Two Towers." "Return of the King" has many of the same qualities as "Two Towers." The film actors lend their voices to this game as well; however, "King" has noticeable improvements; the most obvious is the better graphics.
There are a total of nine playable characters in "King," compared to three in "Towers," and several more levels. There is a new mode that allows two people to play at once, stressing the theme of fellowship of the films.
These alterations mean that "King" has better gameplay than "Two Towers," although "King" isn't without drawbacks. There is a lack of footage from the actual film. Most is from "Two Towers" and "Fellowship," which can be explained by the fact that the "Return of the King" film was still in post-production when the game was being developed. Also, to include more action with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli (the man, elf and dwarf trio), their storyline is drastically altered from the film. This lack of continuity will disturb fans; however, the casual gamer will be too busy learning combos and demolishing green ghouls.
This is an excellent game for "Rings" nerds and gamers. The problems are overshadowed by the opportunity to take part in the siege of Minas Tirith, the battle of Pelennor Fields or the storming of the Black Gates of Mordor.
- DANIEL LONGINO
"SOCOM II: Navy Seals"
***
Zipper Interactive Playstation 2
The newest installment in this breakout series isn't too much of a departure from the original "SOCOM," a popular PS2 game, but it does have some new qualities.
Players assume the role of Kahuna, the commander of a Navy Seal team, and have three other teammates who can be given a number of orders by the controller, or verbally through a microphone hooked up to the Playstation 2 console. One of the coolest features in the series is online play; players with a Sony network adaptor can plug in and play with and against other users from around the world. Its online capability is one of the strongest aspects of "SOCOM II."
The single player aspect of "SOCOM II" has been improved in terms of story and effects. The graphics are updated but are not much of a step up from the older version. The game features many more cut scenes, giving you a bit more information and background about your enemy than in the previous game.
The Navy Seal Team also makes more comments during missions than before.
The enemy artificial intelligence has also been improved, making the game a lot more challenging.
Strategy is key to playing in SOCOM II and it is nearly impossible to win without it. In the original game, there were fewer obstacles and buildings. In "SOCOM II," the environments are filled with buildings, rubble, cars and other objects that give much of the game a more urban feel. The game encompasses 12 large levels that include operations in Albania, Algeria, Brazil and Russia. Military buffs and fans of the original "SOCOM" will love "SOCOM II" for its improvements on an already fantastic game.
- JORGE DEL PINAL
