The
Abode
of
Laughter








Playstation 2

Here are some random thoughts on various PS2 games. I'm not trying to provide complete reviews. If you're looking for those, checkout ps2.ign.com. These are just some things that I liked or disliked about the games.

Ace Combat 4 - If you like flight combat games, you must get this! Very similar in structure to the other games in this series, but the graphics are simply phenomenal! During the replay sequences it at times looks like video of real aerial combat.

However, the best thing about the game was the introduction of a story line. It's told through voice-overs during anime still frames. But it's so well done that I found myself really getting pulled into the game emotionally. And that's a first for vehicular shooter type games!

Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing - If you like cart racing games, this one is great! The controls take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it's a blast. Basically, since you're controlling a "hovercraft" type vehicle, the controls seem a bit loose....but once you realize you have some control over your altitude when you become airborne, it becomes a hoot to try to keep your craft near the ground for maximum speed. At some points (like the underwater race), you have complete 3-D movement.

Personally, I think it's too hard of a game for little kids, but I won't know for sure until my nephews try it out. :)

The Bouncer - Despite what many of the print and internet reviewers say, I thought this was a fun game. I think the biggest fault is the relatively long load times. While many people complained about the short time to complete the game, if you realize that it's basically a fighting game (a la Ehrgeiz), then taking a half hour to finish the game (if you skip all the cinematics) is pretty standard.

Anyway, the true fun of the game is four person brawling after all the characters are at "S" level. Of course this means having to buy extra PS2 ("Dual Shock 2") controllers. But it makes for a great party game.

Star Wars: Starfighter - I think this game was a bit over rated by the aforementioned print & Net reviewers. While it's true that the game gives you the feeling of being in a huge battle (ground lasers blazing into the air, wingmen covering your tail, tanks covering the ground, starfighters filling the air), occasionally there are noticeable slowdowns which detract from the emersion of the game.

That being said, the game is loads of fun. After you've unlocked all the secrets (including Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator), it's quite a hoot!

DOA2: Hardcore - One of the things no one ever seems to mention about this game, is that while the moving camera makes for great spectator viewing, it often messes up your controller input. (What once was your front is now your side, etc.)

Another negative is that the "jaggies" (no anti-aliasing) is readily apparent if you're playing on a very large screen.

Overall, this games still rates as a "thumbs up" though.