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Iskandar's Top Five Games of 2002


1) Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (PC) - Satisfying both Quake deathmatch and Star Wars fans alike, JKII is the cinema-inspired game that others aspire to be. Of course, it's not Jesus - no automap, imperfect mob clipping, imbalances between lightsaber fighting stances - but the sheer joy one gains from igniting a lightsaber in a cantina full of unsavory aliens is enough to coax even the most stolid Lucas hater to the Dark Side. Also, JKII's voice acting is far better than its predecessor, albeit a bit grandiose at times, and countless mods abound to tailor the gameplay to your wishes.

2) Metroid Prime (GCN) - What can I say? Samus delivers with style and substance once more. If you like playing video games, please buy Metroid Prime. The quirky controls will only be a banality after but a few hours - the rich ambience and attention to detail are simply gorgeous.

3) EverQuest: The Planes of Power (PC) - Yeah, yeah, I know; EQ is Satan. Still, PoP is surely the most entertaining, most complete expansion for EQ ever. That's saying something after three prior expansions and close to 4 years in release. EQ would not exist without bugs, but most gamers enjoy collecting player keys in the Planes, fighting gods that heretofore were only legend. Besides, after the atrociously rushed Shadows of Luclin, the expansion immediately preceeding PoP, even a saltine would be gourmet.

4) Steel Battalion (Xbox) - If you've ever wanted to play an arcade game in your house, this is it. The very appeal of some coin-ups is in the joysticks, steering wheels, and foot pedals that provide realism and environment. Not only is Steel Battalion one of the first home games to feature a unique control yoke that has more doodads than the cockpit of an F-14, the game itself is fun enough to nearly justify the $200 price tag. This is one of those games that you pool your money with your friends to buy, taking turns on whose house it occupies.

5) Grand Theft Auto 3: Vice City (PS2) - Don't call Vice City an expansion. It's not. Imagine playing GTA3 again for the first time, only polyester and butt rock are chic. Everything that GTA3 does, Vice does better. The lack of media attention in comparison to the feeding frenzy generated by GTA3 was almost disappointing, but it's good for us gamers. The minute games like GTA are censored is a sad day for all.

Honorable mentions -

-Kingdom Hearts (PS2) - The partnership of Square and Disney alone is worth reflection. The game isn't too bad, either!

-Shinobi (PS2) - Visual ambrosia, it's almost a great game. Almost.

-Onimusha II (PS2) - Hello, game devs? More samurai games like Oni II, please, thanks.

-Rez (PS2) - Even better with the Trance Vibrator and a girlfriend.

-Morrowind (PC) - It's big. Like the Pacific Ocean is big.

-Metal Gear II: Solid Substance (Xbox) - Not quite Vice, this is what the original should have been.