Final Fantasy IX
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (17 November, 2000)
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (622)

Open Mind
Hey guys.I love this game, flat out.It has great characters, a good plot, a good system, and fantastic music.A lot of people think that the game is boring, or maybe they don't like the plot, but I think that those people need to just give it a chance.This was the 7th Final Fantasy I have beaten, and now I have finished 1-9, and this game is in my top four.

There are some problems with this game, but I don't think they are very critical.Most of them affect the first couple hours, but they are nothing toreally have too big a problem with.First of all, the begining is slow.There are about 4 battles in the first hour, and you finish only about 20-50 in the first few hours.Also it takes a little getting used to to get into the gameplay.Characters gain magic and abilities based on what equipment they have on.

Anyways, I put this in my top list of games, which are in order of which is most important to play

Final Fantasy VI
Chrono Trigger
Final Fantasy VII
Earthbound
Final Fantasy IX
Chrono Cross
Xenogears

Play those RPG's and you will have experienced the best games ever made.

This is to the people
Look, I realize you are entitled to your opinions, as am I.So, let me get my two cents in.This is to the people who do not like FF( because only mages can use magic(like cure, fire, etc.).Stop complaining!Not only can Garnet and Eiko cure, but Amarant uses Chakra to cure, Freya uses a skill to cure, and so can Quina.This game DOES return to the roots which has only certain characters use magic.It makes it harder.Now, to those who claim this game is childish because of certain things.I am twenty-four years old, and I like this game a lot.My friends like this game.Even my twenty-eight year old brother likes this game.None of us think it is too childish.
To those who complain about the storyline, claiming a thirteen year old could do better.I've read the fan fictions people of such age write about the Final Fantasies; trust me, they ARE NOT BETTER.If you think you could do better, try it.By the RPG Maker, and DO IT!Betcha can't, though.If thirteen year olds COULD do better plots, you would think that such companies as Square Enix would hire them.Duh.

Great Game, despite all other opinions
First of all, I'd like to point out that I haven't played many other Final Fantasy Games, so I'm not going to compare them.

On to my thoughts about FFIX. It was the first real RPG Playstation game that I ever bought and it's the one that got made me love the genre.
Plot: 4/5 Great plot, however they fail to really explain some crucial details (for example: why does Zidane sees Garnet's memory?). A little more explanations would be nice for my lack of brain cells.
Characters: 5/5 You really do get attached to Zidane and Garnet, you laugh at Amarant's oblivious and cynical nature, and just want to shoot Thorn and Zorn. The point is, the characters are interesting and have a personality.
Gameplay: 4/5 At first it's hard to understand how to train the characters and use different accessories to learn attacks. However, once that is settled, the gameplay is great. Also, it took me forever to realize that pressing Select on the world screen brings up a map: VERY USEFUL! You'll get lost if you don't use it. Other than that, good gameplay.
Graphics: 6/5 :) Gotta love the grahics. Squaresoft created different cultures/architectures for each different country. Gaia is absolutely gorgeous. The FMVs are amazing. Two thumbs way way up for the graphics.

Overall: Though it required a lot of time training to beat Kuja and the final bosses, the game is really fun. The minigames range from "fun-for-two-seconds" (Jumprope Vivi) and "takes-forever-but-gotta-love-it" (Chocobo Hot and Cold) and the game itself is great, long and never boring. Five stars out of five it is, then. Great way to get yourself in the world of Final Fantasy. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y57G
Sales Rank: 118
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)    5. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Deus Ex
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (23 June, 2000)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Deus Ex combines so many of the elements found in otheraction-adventure titles that it's almost like getting several games for the price ofone. You slip into the trench coat of J.C. Denton, an operative with the topsecret UNATCO antiterrorist organization. Denton's body and mind have beenaugmented with nanotech implants that help him fight, think, and sneak his waythrough a completely interactive world filled with intrigue, conspiracies, andencounters withother characters. The plot is ripped straight outof a bad X-Files episode, but the decent cutscenes and complex mission environmentskept us coming back for more.

Deus Ex's real achievement is that players are free to complete missionsas they see fit. As the game progresses you can upgrade your character with avariety of bioenhancements that dramatically impact gameplay. Focus on yourcombat skills and you'll be the Terminator by the end of the game. Upgrade yourcomputer know-how and you'll be the equivalent of Data from Star Trek:TNG, busting into computer and security networks with ease. We wereexpecting a game that let us role-play a little, opting for a brute-forceapproach or one that required a little more stealth, but we had no idea thedesigners would do such a fine job of pulling it off. The experiences of bothmethods are unusual enough that we found ourselves revisiting level to trydifferent tactics.

The individual components of Deus Ex--like the targeting system,inventory controls, and enemy viewing radiuses--are a little clunky when viewedindividually, but they converge into an overall game that is much greater thanthe sum of its parts. It's easy to compare the game to titles that obviouslyinfluenced it (Thief, System Shock, and RainbowSix immediately come to mind), but Deus Ex really stands on its own asa unique title that should appeal equally to action games, adventure lovers, androle-playing fanatics. It's just too bad players without a Voodoo card will havea hard time gettingplayable frame rates, since the game uses theDirect3D-unfriendly Unreal engine. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Several ways to complete each mission, and all are equally fun
• Game world is highly interactive, and exploration is rewarded
• Ability to tailor a character to match your gameplay style is a huge plus

Cons:

• Doesn't run well on non-Voodoo video cards since the game is optimized forGlide 3-D rendering
• Most of the voice acting is bad
• Enemies aren't very smart

... Read more

Reviews (184)

A Spellbinding Classic
There is nothing else quite like Deus Ex.

I have a long history with video games, but have never encountered such a detailed, immersive experience as this. The player is thrust into a palpable, decaying technological society of the near future. It's a dark world where secret conspiracies spin incredibly plausible schemes for world domination, where a plague is ravaging the populace, and where fear is cunningly manipulated to further terrifying power-grabs. Deus Ex is a classic for many reasons, but this latter point is as prophetic and well-executed as any warnings handed down to us from Orwell.

I won't recount the vast, epic storyline of this remarkable game. Suffice to say these are the points that make it a must-have, must-play, and rightly deem it a classic video game.

1. The amount of exploring that can be done throughout the awesomely-rendered settings of New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and other locales is amazing. Each is highly atmospheric and immersive... from the rotting catacombs below Paris to a futuristic Hong Kong district to an abandoned fortress once belonging to the Knights Templar.

2. Actions have consequences. This is a highly intelligent game, demanding that characters do more than shoot at everything that moves. You can play through many times and each will be different, depending on things you choose to do or say.

3. This is storytelling at its best. An ingenius hybrid of conspiracy theories, technological innovations, philosophy, political theory, and sheer imagination makes for the most rewarding video game experience I've ever encountered.

4. The sweeping cast of characters is memorable, well-acted, and unique.

5. The attention to detail is unsurpassed. Everywhere you go there are books, newspapers, datacubes, emails, and messages that can be snooped into. Sure, they can be ignored easily enough, but it is fascinating to pay attention to them because they each spin ongoing, miniature story-arcs. Again, this has little to do with the story-at-large, but as you proceed with the main tale you can keep abreast of the unfolding events of this futuristic universe, read succeeding chapters of in-game novels, learn relationship dynamics between minor (and sometimes unseen) characters.

6. A combination of many game genres is to be found here: stealth, exploration, FPS, roleplaying, etc.

My first time playing Deus Ex still burns vividly in my mind years after playing it, and it possesses an addictive quality for all the reasons listed above and many other ones that can't be articulated. I still play through it once a year, like returning to a favorite book or film.

Naysayers may point out that the game's graphics are dark and grainy. Graphics do not make a game, and I found them appropriate enough in the context of the future this game creates.

This is the kind of game that should be saved, and relished, by generations now and to come.

Four years on...and STILL at the top of it's game!
Combining aspects of both FPS and RPG (First Person Shooter and Role Playing Games), Deus Ex promises a genuine gaming experience like no other, but let's face it; the game is now outdated in practically ever technological aspect. The graphics are showing their age, the sounds don't have the quality compared to newer titles, and the engine is almost redundant. Now you might say, "Yeah, without a doubt!" - But there is something in the game that to masses changed their perspective of gaming when it was released. Some spark, some hint of ecstasy that brought the game out into the open, and inspired a generation.

No doubt many of you have played the latest and greatest of gaming technology. Titles that made you drool over the astonishing graphics, map design, physics systems...but as you sat down and glued yourself to the monitor, you began to realise that it lacked the ability to immerse you into its environment, storyline and overall game play. Very soon it became `just another game' that promised everything, but delivered nothing but poor results, and frankly, was just another mediocre game packaged into impressive visuals.

However what Deus Ex now lacks in visual `eye-candy' it more than makes up in game play. It has the undeniable ability to draw the player into its chaotic world and immerse them deep within the corruption. The fact that your actions reflected the outcome of a situation or even the entire, game allowed us to think long and hard about what we really desired to achieve; and also questioned our very own morals - AND for four years it has continuously captivated me personally.
Few games have ever had the capacity to bring about such empathy and judgment in casual and hardcore gamers alike - and is becoming clear that it's something we are lacking in the gaming industry; INSPIRATION. What Ion Storm created was nothing other than a masterpiece, pure and simple. Regretfully the studio has now collapsed, and so their work has become but cherished memories of a company striving to become something more than just `average'. They yearned for remarkable results, and hence in my opinion they have triumphed!

Deus Ex will forever be the landmark of gaming brilliance, and I so I only hope that the reader of this review not blindly take my word for it, but download the demos - experience the game for yourself! There are copies of both the original and GOTY Edition (Game Of The Year) still lingering about; I should know - I only just purchased a NEW copy the other day. So do yourself a favour; if you haven't yet experienced the genius that is Deus Ex, or are looking to rekindle the old flame, DO IT! You won't regret the decision!

Best.Game.Ever.
It all happened about an hour ago...

Liberty Island, New York City. The near future, 2055. A fatal wasting disease called the Gray Death is decimating the world. About an hour ago, terrorists highjacked a shipment of the only known treatment for the ailment, a substance known as Ambrosia. The terrorists are part of a group known as the National Secessionist Force, or simply NSF, a group who have long been rebelling against the U.S. government, a government that has begun to stray from the core of the U.S. Constitution, eliminating personal freedoms and reshaping society in the name of safety and security. Faced with a swelling tide of worldwide terror, American President Phillip Mead supported a charter to create a worldwide police force to combat terrorism, a force that knows no geographical boundaries, that answers to no one but itself, a force called the United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition, or UNATCO. UNATCO's worldwide central headquarters is located on Liberty Island, on ground donated by the United States, fittingly situated in the shadow of a shattered monument to freedom: the headless, crumbling Statue of Liberty, victim of a previous terror strike. It is a time of widening arcs between classes, a time of ambiguity and of teetering on the brink of societal collapse, where the gap between the haves and the have-nots is becoming unbreachable. Even as technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs make the wonders of far-flung science fiction a reality for the chosen few, the common man sinks lower and lower into poverty and obscurity as the middle classes are systematically eliminated. Six million American citizens are on an undesirable list and due to be rounded up and put into "reeducation" camps. Many more Americans are already there. Nonconformists and those who question the motives and actions of the government are summarily arrested and sometimes just disappear. Citizens are encouraged to spy on their neighbors and report any behavior that could possibly be deemed questionable or sympathetic to the terror cause, such as visiting national monuments, spending time on the internet, debating politics or speaking with a foreign accent. Big business-spearheaded by the likes of renown entrepreneur Bob Page and his Page Industries-has a stranglehold on the world, even inching its fingers onto the control pads of world government. There exists the worldwide mining and profiling of all communications. And behind it all, like omniscient, invisible puppetmasters pulling strings from dark alcoves, are the whispers of grandiose conspiracies and shadow organizations and ancient secret societies that are finally making a grab for world domination: Majestic 12, the Illuminati, the Templars. And combating these forces, aware or not of how deeply the strands run, is the NSF and its allies around the world, such as the Silhouette faction in France; dismissed as common terrorists by UNATCO, they see themselves as freedom fighters fighting governments grown corrupt and diseased on an incomprehensible scale.

You are a newly appointed, nano-augmented UNATCO agent named J.C. Denton. You arrive on the Liberty Island docks via a New York City Police boat, tasked with the removal of the NSF forces who have taken refuge inside the Statue of Liberty. Nano-augmentation is a new science-you are only the second augmented agent-and its implementation consists of the placement of microscopic machines inside the body that can enhance certain elements of an individual's natural senses-vision, strength, lung capacity, healing abilities-or create altogether unique, distinctively unnatural abilities far beyond what a non-augmented person could imagine. Nano-augmented individuals have a slightly altered appearance from regular people, with a telltale glowing of the eyes and strains of raised bluish-silver lines crosshatching parts of their skin. Previous UNATCO experiments with enhancing field agents before nano-augmentation evolved bore a more archaic signature: removing natural body parts-such as arms, legs, or even parts of the skull-and replacing them with purely mechanical, robotic, metallic pieces that enhanced abilities, yet sometimes were uncomfortable and rendered the subject something of an outcast by appearance.

Via InfoLink-a communications device implanted inside your head-your liaison inside UNATCO HQ, Alex Jacobson, informs you to hook up with your brother, Paul Denton, who happens to be the first UNATCO agent to have been nano-augmented. Paul is nearby on the dock. With him, you're able to ascertain the background and tactical situation of the terrorists at Liberty Island and the missing shipments of Ambrosia. You briefly sidestep into some detailed personal reminiscing about your parents and upbringing centering around the shared fact of the augmentations, then bid Paul a transient farewell as you begin to formulate a plan of action. The charcoal night sky is teeming with ominous, cold, grayish-white clouds in steady, unrelenting motion. The moon, the remote vault of stars, the wind, the fluttering seagulls-all are indifferent observers to the folly of men. Live or die, succeed or fail, it's all the same to them; the world will still roll on regardless of the outcome. Harbor waves lap at the dock moorings, a surprisingly delicate sound. Across the water, on either side, the distant brilliance of the New York City night skyline twinkles on the periphery. There are people there in those buildings, you know there are, real people going about real tasks in their real lives-working, eating, sleeping, loving, dying from the Gray Death, hoping for a better tomorrow-and even as they are unknowing of you and your current dilemma, you must carry on just the same. As a UNATCO agent, it's your job. To protect them from the forces of terror and evil in the world, to protect them from threats they don't even realize exist.

And really, after maybe 15 hours of playing, this is just the beginning. Deus Ex launches from here into its prolongation of winding, protracted, expansive gameplay, a springboard into theretofore uncharted realms of the interactive medium; a living and breathing gaming universe that mirrors our own in so many ways, so compelling and immersing that the experience can become ingrained in your very psyche. You spend the rest of the game unraveling a complex and multifaceted storyline woven together with a deft conspirator's touch, globetrotting repeatedly to various world locations-New York, France, Hong Kong, the American southwest-in an effort to bring down the machines trying to twist and mold the world to their own purposes. At the top, in the end, sits billionaire Bob Page, yet he is representative of only one of three distinct factions vying for world control by the end of the game. And you must choose amongst them.

The game itself is a hybrid of genres: part first-person shooter, part role playing game, part adventure game. To that end, gameplay itself reflects a given player's personal choice of progression, anything from dawning the guise of a pitiless killing machine to morphing into an invisible shade on the wall who employs surreptitiousness and cunning and eradicates nobody-or anything in between. Level designs are ingenious and inspired, offering the player the illusion of nearly limitless strategic and tactical options to approach the completion of each objective. And they're calculated in such a way that they make you feel clever for discovering some new way of doing something; no betraying neon arrows are in place pointing you in any particular direction. Worlds turn within worlds in this game, large orbiting story arcs-as great as the world itself with Tracer Tong, Bob Page, Morgan Everett, Nicolette DuClare and Helios, the construct AI revealed late in the proceedings-supporting smaller and smaller story arcs turning within, as exemplified by the reoccurring minor characters of Harley Filban, Joe Greene, Sandra Renton, Maggie Chow, Max Chen, Juan Lebedev, Jock and Smuggler. Conversation trees appear during key NPC interactions, and in the choosing you're able to directly affect NPC loyalties and sometimes the chronological order of unfolding events. I've played the game to completion at least six times over five years on two different platforms, and I've never gotten tired of the experience. Indeed, even today, I'm still discovering new things here and there I'd somehow missed all the times before. The graphics, state of the art in 2000, are understandably beginning to show their age now, five years later. But they're still darkly striking and engrossing at 1280x1024x32 and offer some of the longest view distances and largest wide open levels ever seen in gaming. Deus Ex continues to astonish and boggle me at every turn. I don't just play this game; I'm captivated by it.

Skill points are acquired at measured intervals as rewards for achieving certain objectives or discovering new areas. These skill points are used to enhance regions of a player's profile: a particular type of weapon (heavy weapons, melee weapons, rifles, explosives and so on), lockpicking skill, computer hacking skill, swimming ability, and much more. Each area of expertise can be upgraded through four tiers of enrichment. But there are only a limited amount of points distributed throughout the game, so the choosing of which area of performance to upgrade becomes a fundamental part of the experience, effectively conferring upon the player the ability to create their own strengths and weaknesses. Working hand-in-hand with these skill point upgrades are your nano-augmentations, physiologically altering enhancements to various portions of the body: Arms: Combat Strength or Microfibral Muscle, Legs: Speed Enhancement or Run Silent, Subdermal (1): EMP Shield or Ballistic Protection, Subdermal (2): Cloak or Radar Transparency, Torso (1): Aqualung or Environmental Resistance, Torso (2): Regeneration or Energy Resistance, Torso (3): Synthetic Heart or Power, Recirculator, Cranium: Aggressive Defense System or Spy Drone, Optics: Targeting or Vision Enhancement. Only one upgrade in each category can be chosen, and once upgraded the process is irreversible. Used in combination with skill point upgrading, you have complete control as to the nature of your character and-by extension-which particular pathways through the intricate webs of each mission scenario are best suited to your abilities. The audio potion is itself a further star; the ambient music behind the scenes alternatively bounces with irresistible futuristic techno rhythms or lays low and refracts the atmospheric surroundings. Sometimes, as in the main Hong Kong market theme, the music itself is worth just stopping and listening to it. During conversation cut-scenes, the background music alters to appropriately intriguing themes that underscore the mood and implications of the dialogue.

Deus Ex was released by developer Ion Storm in the summer of 2000 for PC and later ported to the PlayStation 2 under the revised title of Deus Ex: The Conspiracy. The world prophesized by this game, evidenced before you, on the monitor right in front of you, didn't exist in 2000. Yet after 9/11/2001, it has begun to exist: the terror, the paranoia, the American government that chooses to lead its people with hollow slogans and the perpetuation of fear, that implores you to give up personal freedoms-the cornerstones the country was founded on-in the name of security in this, the bravest of new worlds. Throughout the game, you see it time and again; what were futuristic science fiction dream concepts in 2000 are hard realities in 2005, are indeed torn from the headlines of tomorrow's newspapers. And the game plays out in real-world locations, places that exist today, places with their own inherent sense of reality. It makes Deus Ex more than a game world, it makes it a real world, three dimensional, tangible, a place you can step into and become lost inside of. There has never been a game like it before, and there may never be one like it again. Without question, my favorite game experience ever, a place where I can go time and again, year after year, and become something more than I am, a real character created within the realms of real world, a place capable of supplanting other realities. ... Read more

Asin: B00003OPES
Subjects:  1. Science fiction (scifi sci fi)    2. Desuex    3. First Person    4. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Final Fantasy Chronicles
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Showcasing enhanced versions of the Super Nintendo classics FinalFantasy IV and Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy Chronicles is amust-have "retro" bundle for the serious role-playing game fan.

Originallyreleased in the U.S. in 1991 as Final Fantasy II, the groundbreakingFinal Fantasy IV introduced the "Active Time Battle" combat system thathas since become a staple in the series. In addition to new computer animationsequences and minor gameplay enhancements, this reissue sports a new dialoguetranslation that is more faithful to the Japanese version and fleshes out thepreviously pared-down story of a conflicted knight and his quest forredemption.

Although not as well known as Final Fantasy IV--and noteven part of the Final Fantasy series, for that matter--1995's ChronoTrigger is a nonlinear adventure game where players must travel across timeto save a princess (and the world in the process). New Japanese cartooncutscenes from animator Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragonball Z) gracethe updated Chrono Trigger, and an extras mode (filled with game-relatedgoodies that must be unlocked) has been added, increasing the already highreplay value of this title with multiple endings.

Admittedly, the games'two-dimensional graphics and simplistic sounds are quite "lastgeneration," which may turn off some younger gamers and recent converts to thegenre, but their solid gameplay, deep storyline, and memorable characters arestill first-rate by today's standards. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Brings together two classic Super Nintendo role-playing games
• Retranslated text of Final Fantasy IV more faithful
• Extras mode increases Chrono Trigger's replay value
• New animated "movie" sequences

Cons:

• In-game graphics and sounds are quite dated

... Read more

Reviews (139)

The Best Role-Player AND How To Fix the Load Time Problem
I've noticed a couple people complain about the load times (especially during battles).There's a quick and easy fix for PS2 owners: In the main menu under the PS1 Driver, there's a setup option for "Fast Loading".When you turn that on, the game will load as fast as the original cartridge did.Problem solved.

.

And now for the game: Chrono Trigger is one of, perhaps even *the best*, role-playing game ever made.Final Fantasy 6 is my favorite in that series, but Chrono Trigger has a stronger appeal for me, personally, because of the time travel/sci-fi theme.You and your characters travel across several thousand years (from medieval times to a distant, robotic future), in your quest to beat back the bad guys.The battle system allows you to chain your characters together for extra-powerful attacks, which is a unique innovation.Finally, how the game ends is never the same.Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure, the ending varies depending upon how you play the game.Chrono Triggers offers lots of replayability, and is a true masterpiece.


As for FF4, the game is somewhat weak.Many call FF4 their favorite final fantasy, but I was not too impressed.I'd put it somewhere in the middle.It was originally designed to run on the 1980's 8-bit Nintendo, but at the last minute FF4 was upgraded to run on the just-released 16-bit Super Nintendo, and it comes across as primitive, both in graphics and story.Not as good as what came later (FF anthology).


Bottom Line: Buy Final Fantasy 4/Chrono Trigger right now... mainly for Chrono Trigger, but also to satisfy your curiosity about FF4.If you're like me, you'll cherish it forever.

2 for the price of 1. YEAH BABY! (Long, but worth reading)
Final Fantasy Chronicles is such a great game, I don't Know where to start.(!Attention!, If you have a Super Nintendo and have Final Fantasy 4 and Chrono Trigger you don't really have to bother buying this game, unless you want to check out the added features).FF4 is just like the SNES version only its been enhanced with new magic, monsters,items, and CG(computer generated)cinemas and more stuff. I might be wrong, but I heard somewhere that the Playstation version is much harder than the SNES version. This game is quite entertaining, and the storyline is was one of the best I've seen. In my opinion, I thought Final Fantasy 7 was better in every way. Even though FF7 is better than 4. 4 is still a pretty good game. that's about it for FF4.
If you liked Dragonball Z, then your gonna LOVE Chrono Trigger cause it's made by the "Great" Akira Toriyama (you know the guy who made the characters from DBZ).I thought Chrono Trigger was better than FF4 in terms of gamplay,and graphcs. In my opinion, it ties between FF7.(only FF7 has better graphics). Chrono Trigger is the prequel to Chrono Cross. I thought Chrono Trigger was better than Chrono Cross.(Chrono Cross's graphics were much better).Chrono Trigger has VERY little to do with Chrono Cross. Chrono Trigger is about a red haired boy named Crono(NOT CHRONO), that travels through time along with his friends to save the world.
The only thing bad about these two games is that the graphics are quite dated and that it takes a long time to load in Chrono Trigger when you pull out the menu sceen. I don't think Graphics that are a decade old shouldn't bother most gamers. If it does, then I'll beat you up. This game cost less right now than any of those two games did when they where brand new, especailly now in 2005. Chrono Trigger was a rare, hard to find game at that time that usually sold somewhere around $60. right now, it doesn't cost more than $20. To me, FF4 is like an added bonus to Chrono Trigger in the final fantasy chronicles package. It would take a lot more to fully describe this game. I hope this review was helpful to you

P.S. Get Final Fantast 7 while you're at it.

Final Fantasy Chronicles
Even though that most people will overlook this game because it's a PlayStation game that's a re-release of a 16-bit game during a time when we've already moved on to the 128-bit generation, if you're an RPG fan that has yet to play either of these classics, it's a must-have title. With the multiple endings and fantastical game design and lovable characters, Chrono Trigger alone is worth the full price of admission. Add in Final Fantasy IV and you have an astonishing deal that you simply shouldn't pass up. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LOXE
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Eternal Darkness
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (27 June, 2002)
-- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Platform: Nintendo GameCube
• ESRB Rating: Mature (17 and older)

Reviews (196)

Most under rated game in modern day history
Eternal Darkness for the gamecube is by far the most under rated game in the modern day.

When I first purchased the game, I thought it was a resident evil rip off. I was wrong! Eternal Darkness is by far more better than Resident Evil.

I gave eternal darkness a 5 star must buy game.

The storyline is just perfect and should make a movie out of it. The villian Pious Augustus is one bad cat. Great voice acting that grabs your attention.

Eternal Darkness ranks next to Metroid Prime as the best game on the Gamecube. ED actually gives Resident Evil a run for its money.

This game sometimes just gets plain weird, this is what makes it scary. Play this game 2 in the morning and turn off all the lights. Your in for a time of your life.

Flawless
I sold my gamecube to my cousin but for this game I'll buy GCube system again. I miss it to play a lot. It is the best of all.

A highly original concept executed brilliantly
Nintendo likes to stick to the tried and true methods for their games. There have been at least 30 games that involve Mario or Luigi, 10 that involve Link, 10 that involve Donkey Kong, and 7 or 8 that involve Samus. And, don't get me wrong, that's not necessarily a bad thing, each successive game has brought new innovations to those games' respective genres, but the characters themselves are starting to show their age. Eternal Darkness is a fresh look for Nintendo that they really needed. Before I start, I'd just like to say that Eternal Darkness is NOTHING like Resident Evil and is not technically of the survival-horror genre (Melee weapons are your best bet until you get real far in the game, so you don't need to worry about ammo).

Eternal Darkness starts in modern times in Rhode Island, but you'll spend most of your time as different characters during different time periods, everything from a Roman centurion over 2000 years ago to a Canadian fireman during the Gulf War. Although each character you play as live during different time periods, all the levels are set in one of 4 locations: A temple in the Middle East, a temple in Cambodia, a cathedral in France, or the Roivas mansion in Rhode Island. As you play through as each character, you'll be able to explore new areas that previous characters didn't have access to. Every character has the Tomb of Eternal Darkness, which enables him or her to cast spells. You'll find new items that allow you to cast new spells as you progress through the game. Your characters have physical properties to a certain extent. For example, if you swing a sword or run around for an extended period of time, your character will be panting for breath. They can't attack or run as fast until they can recover. Depending on your character, your speed and stamina will be affected. Max, a heavyset character, is quite slow and loses stamina easily. Ellia, a young girl, is very fast. Michael, a firefighter, is in great shape and can run and attack without losing much stamina.

Also I should warn some people that Eternal Darkness has lots of gore. So, if you don't like your kids playing violent games, you probably won't be too eager to let them play this one. Anyway, you'll get different weapons depending on the time period you're in, but for the most part melee weapons are the most effective thanks to Eternal Darkness's combat system. You can specify if you want to attack your enemies (namely hordes of zombies and the like) in the head, arms, or torso. If you use a melee weapon and cut off their limbs, they're basically harmless (unless they are the "singing" zombies who have a nasty habit of exploding all over you). Eternal Darkness does have some puzzles in it, but nothing too difficult; it mostly focuses on combat.

But, the most interesting gameplay element is the sanity meter. This is an awesome concept that as your character fights the baddies, they slowly go insane. The only way to recover lost sanity is to kill more enemies, use spells, or enter the trapper dimension. As your sanity drops, some crazy stuff will start to happen. I won't spoil any of the good effects, but they include: the walls bleeding, entering a room on the ceiling, and a statue head that turns to follow your movement. There are times that you might accidentally (or in some cases, purposefully) throw your controller because of the sanity effects. I know I did >_>.

Eternal Darkness looks great. The character models are nice, animation is smooth, and there are no slowdowns whatsoever. There are a few things in the background that don't look too good, but you'll be focussed on everything else around you. Eternal Darkness takes place in the dark, so there are plenty of lighting and shadows throughout the game. They all look great, but you'll have to play this game in the dark to reduce glare, otherwise you can't see a thing. If you were too scared to play Resident Evil or other games like it in the dark at night, get a friend over for when you play it.

Eternal Darkness doesn't have much music, but it doesn't need it. There are good sound effects for everything and great voice acting, but it's when you lose sanity that the sound really kicks into high gear. The ambiance is great when you start to go insane. Again, if you were too scared to play Resident Evil or other games like it with the sound up in the dark, get a friend over for when you play it.

Overall, Eternal Darkness is a highly original game that Gamecube owners can be proud of. Unfortunately, Nintendo didn't market the game well, so most people I know hadn't even heard of it until recently. Eternal Darkness is creepy, innovative, and, most importantly, fun. You'll have fond memories of some of the sanity effects for years. I believe that if you own a Gamecube you should own this game. Definitely in my top 5 Gamecube games. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q8M4
Sales Rank: 633
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    3. Action    4. Adventure   

Shenmue 2
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (01 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $17.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Platform: Xbox
• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Genre: Action/Adventure

Reviews (68)

Shenmue II is an instant CLASSIC..
One of the Greatest Dreamcast games ever made is finally making it's second appearance...ON THE MICROSOFT XBOX.Shenmue II not only out does the first one in every way but surprasses it even more, this game is unbelievable.It is handsdown, my favorite Xbox game ever...EVER.The story continues with Ryu Hazuki on the journey to find his fathers murderer and to meet a man who may know alot of things about his father then he'd imagine.Now the game takes place in Hong Kong, and Ryu is still on the hunt....get ready because not only are playing one of the best sequals to a game ever..but you'll be having one of the greatest video game experiences....ever..

Shenmues Graphics are just amazing, As you've already notice I'm not going to give it a negative on visuals since it's not fair because this is a DIRECT PORT from Dreamcast....Those idiots like IGN and gamemagazines should of known this is a direct port and that the visuals were going to be bumped up, hell it would take poor suzukie EVEN MORE YEARS to make the visuals amazing....but who cares cause this game is still AMAZING.The sound/music is just as beautiful as the original Shenmue, sometimes I'd just stand at one area and listen to the music..it's just so brilliant..The level desighn for Hong Kong/Kowloo is just incredible, especially one the final chapter of the game, which I won't spoil.Something I like Shenmue II more then Shenmue I is that Shenmue II is just one of those flat out "Sequals that didn't fail one bit" as I can see alot of people love this game but are dissapointed compared to the original...I'm not one bit, Something that Shenmue I had that made me fall in love with the game was the FREE BATTLES and QTE'S....Theres even WAY MORE of those in Shenmue II, and they've never looked so good on the Xbox.Other then the sequal having more action then it's predecessor, something that I loved about Shenmue is that it got you all pumped up all the way to the grand finale...THIS DOESN'T FAIL AT ALL.Especially the Yellow Head Building part, which is by far one of the greatest moments in Video game history..Everything about Shenmue II on Xbox is amazing....It's just so Brilliant!!!!!

Now for anyone who hated Shenmues Slow paced gameplay DO NOT GET THIS GAME, Shenmue II is just the same(but a lil better) as it's predecessor.It will take awhile to get to the action....More like when you're at the end of the first chapter which by the far longest in this game..Did I mention this has a very good Length..If you skip all the sidequests and just beat the story for the first thenmue, it would take about maybe...10 to 14 hours...It took me about 13 hours and 45 minutes.. Shenmue II takes about 20 to 30 hours of just playing the story mode of it and skipping some side quests....It's just bigger, better and longer...

The Good
-Superb Visuals and got a bit bumped up on the Xbox
-longer then the original
-the voice acting got a tad bit better but not by much
-Theres more character development and we finally know what SHENMUE means!!
-An amazing scenarion that has to do with the Yellow Head Building and LAN DI!!
-More FREE BATTLES and QTE'S
-More clues to find and people to ask, for me it was fun
-The Music is beautiful
-IT'S Just better then the original...that's all I can say about that....

The Bad
-The controls are TERRIBLE, I had to adjust em' before playing the game
-It got a lot of bad review on lots of sites about it's visuals...they should have known it's a straight port from the Dreamcast
-Just like the Dreamcast...Poor Sales for Shenmue II means NO Shenmue III in the future
-Some like myself were left wanting more after Shenmue II's Ending...amazing though..

Shenmue II on the Xbox is one of the best games ever made, and one of the most overlooked xbox title ever..period..Just like every other Sega Game on Xbox...Please if you liked the original you will LOVE Shenmue II, it's just better, longer, better looking, more action, MORE EVERYTHING!!Why the perfect score?..Because on like most of the idiots who gave it abad score cause of Visuals, I'm being mature about it, so what if it's a direct port from DC, The visuals are still amazing even if it's no Doom 3 or Ninja Gaiden....Other then that, Shenmue II is just a beautiful game and that is why I give it a.......

5 out of 5 stars...

Brilliant game....

I can't wait any more I going crazy
For you guys who haven't played Shenmue 2 yet it is a great game there are few games that will take you for a ride like this one. I'm sure everyone who has beaten this game knows the feeling I'm taking about. I could tell at the end that the game it was about to end and I hoped and prayed that this game would go on forever. I read on the internet that there are 16 chapters to Shenmue. The 1st one for DC was the first chapter, part two is chapters 3-5. chapter 2 took place on the boat ride to hong kong.

Grat game, overall.
Never played the first Shenmue. Bought this game because i finally beat Morrowind. This game is great. Many things to do, many interations, and a lot of freedom. The only negatives I found in this game were the vastly inferior graphics, and the lack of any sort of actual ending. Otherwise it's fun game. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IJIS
Sales Rank: 1744
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Xenosaga
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (28 February, 2003)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The ambitiously named Xenosaga: Episode 1--Der Wille zer Macht is an epic-sized space opera that opens in the outer reaches of the galaxy. The story follows several space-dwelling citizens as they aim to unlock the secrets of the universe. The specifics of those secrets presumably will be revealed over subsequent editions of the Xenosaga series (after all, this is only Episode 1)--but a vital clue is held in the elusive Zohar, a mysterious artifact that is aggressively sought by evil aliens. Without spoiling the plot's surprising twists, let's just say the game's German subtitle "Der Wille zur Macht" (translated as "The Will to Power") is a less-than-subtle ode to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is considered as one of the precursors of existentialism.

Like many conventional RPG titles, Xenosaga's gameplay balances between exploration and battle modes. The game designers have thankfully spared players from any ill-conceived random battle sequences. Instead, you can concentrate directly on your quest without the repetitious enemy battles.

The designers also did a good job balancing a traditional RPG structure with complex themes. However, the game seems to go out of its way to casually integrate controversial (and frankly creepy) religious imagery into the context of the game. Some may find the game offensive and disturbing; others will likely find it intellectually stimulating.

Namco promises about 80 hours of gaming--but a good portion of that is non-interactive full-motion video. While the stretched-out cutscenes do add considerable depth to the characters, they're often poorly paced and too long--one takes an alarming 30 minutes to unfold! The addition of more background music might have helped to pick up the pacing, since the obligatory soundtrack is strangely absent at some critical plot points.

With impressive animation and unexpected plot points, Xenosaga: Episode 1--Der Wille zer Macht is easily one of the more enjoyable RPG titles to hit the PS2. While this isn't for the happy-go-lucky gaming crowd (see Kingdom Hearts), adult-minded gamers will likely be consumed by the darkness and devious delights offered within this twisted title. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Complex characters and story themes
• No random battle sequences
• Impressive 3-D animation

Cons:

• Long, long, looooooooong cut scenes

... Read more

Features

• Platform: PlayStation 2
• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Genre: Role Play/Adventure
• For 1 player

Reviews (219)

FREAKING AWESOME!!!!
(im actually 14) dude this game is awesome!!! the grapghics are amazing and the plot is really well thought out!! When I first saw this game, my cuzzion was playing it and i LITERALLY sat there for 10 hours watching him play. It was really interesting then so I decided to buy the game. I'm so glad I did. Trust me, this game is worth the...what....20 bucks? If it was a 100 bucks I would still buy it!! thats how freaking awesome this game is!!!
Characters:
1. KOS-MOS= SO BAD***!!! She is a realian( like...a robot,but with feelings and everything...)and she is my favorite character in this game. She has VERY VERY powerful attacks and(for people who watch trigun)also play the song genoicide while shes kicking butt...it fits her very well.
2. Shion= she's pretty much the main character. If you train her alot she's almost good as KOS-MOS, and her attacks do alot of damage.
3. Jr= One of my favorite characters of all time!! Jr's attacks are way different from anyone else's. Jr has these awesome guns which can do ALOT of damage, if you train. There is one attack called "Storm Waltz" which he throws money(in coins) into the air near the opponent and shoots at the coins. The bullets reflect off the coins and hit the monster in a thousand different places. Jr has also the coolest hair(its red).
4. MOMO= A realian. She is the first of her series, so many people are out after her. Shes this adorable little girl that has these attacks with stars involved(sounds corny, but hey, they can do some damage!)
5. Chaos= To tell you the truth, I dont know alot about him. He's pretty mysterious, but hes very kind to people he even has to destroy. He has awesome attacks, they all mostly have to deal with angels.
6. Ziggy= my least favorite character. He has some pretty cool attacks, but he dosnt do anything special to catch my eye. His attacks are mostly with his legs and arms and fire.

Story: The story picks up when archeologists find a massive artifact somewhere in Africa. Many many years later it's discovered in space and a ship captures it with some casualties due unknown energy. Meanwhile, Shion Uzuki is developing KOS-MOS, a Realian(basically human-like robots) that could fight off the Gnosis, a ghost-like alien race that absorbs the energy of whatever it touches and crystallizes them and shatters them. They're like ghosts so you can't shoot the things, so that's where KOS-MOS comes in. Of course, the Gnosis attack and they have to escape the ship and that leads them on a quest on finding out what was that artifact and what the Gnosis are after. ( <-i stole this from another reviewer....im too tired to type that out...-.-)

Gameplay: Pretty much typical RPG-fare. Going into A.G.W.S(pronounced like eggs) take the replacing of gears and they're the same thing only different name. Unlike in Xenogears, enemies appear on screen and also there's damage effects where you can lead them somewhere, blow something up and the resulting explosion will provide a bonus for you in the fight.
You can also do some awesome attacks if you use ur tech points to level each technique up with damage,speed,etc.

Graphics: Really pretty. Its not as good as Final Fantasy X,X-2, but still, they are great.

Music: eh, it was really good at some parts, and ok at other parts.

Cutscenes: Really looooooong. But if you like long cutscenes, like I do, you'll enjoy it. Its exactly like you're watching a movie, but with a little gameplay thrown in.
Not to dicourage you with that, because this game is truely worth your money.

The legend continues!
Xenosaga the prelude to the Playstation game Xenogears is an excelent role playing game and sequel. If you have played Xenogears I highly recomend you get this game. This time its Shion playing the role of the main character in this incredible 3d adventure. Over 80 hours of amazing game play and hours of fun to watch FMV's. With detailed graphics and storyline and customizable characters makes this a fun and incredible game. For most RPGers out here this is far different from Final Fantasy. Some of the game tactics are the same but the fighting style is different and you can customize the characters to your own specifications. There are 6 differnt characters in the game along with things called A.G.W.S. there mobile fighting robot suits you get to contol. WOW! whats better than kicking the crap out of people with giant robots. The A.G.W.S are also customizable to your own specifications. So all in all its a well rounded game, you get a great story line, hours of fun game play, and best of all GIANT FIGHTING ROBOTS YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! So if your an RPG fan and your looking for something new i highly recomend Xenosaga Episode 1 Dur Wille Zur Macht.
I also highly recomend you play the whole series to fully understand the storyline, so also check out Xenogears for Playstation, and the recent release of Xenosaga Episode 2 Jenseits Von Gut Und Bose. I hope you found this review to be helpful.

Thank you and happy gameing.

eh
first of all i like cutscenes...i even like long cutscenes...i like storys and movies so i like cutscenes...and i liked the cutscenes in this game but the thing that annoyed the hell outta me was the characters and design....Chaos: the skinniest anerexic looking boy ud ever seen..and he looks like a chick...AND HIS NAMES CHAOS...momo:a little robot girl that sometimes makes me wonder if she has the brain of an adult and wants to screw ziggy....and all the other characters have their little annoyances and none of them would really match being lead character...the only good characters were the ones on ur ship...the captain, the geek, and the one who hits on people...they were cool but if forgot their names..rpgs are all about story, dialog and characters...dialog is...idont remember the dialong(its been awhile)...story was"wat the hell is going on? why the hell am i doing this? why the hell is a scientist wearing a tight mini skirt"...characters was "damn thats a mini mini skirt...maybe if i duck my head under i can see her panties...even though shes not hot because i dont find women with eyes bigger than their head sexy, but im just perverted"

forgettable...oh and gameplay sucked..i hated the battles...the thing that kept me intrested was the enviroment..but now star oceans out..so screw this game

oh and did i mention the character jr?...hes a little boy with a cult following of women that call him little master..GAHHH, i hated this character most of all...EVER WANT TO GOUGE OUT A NON-EXISTANT PERSONS BIG EYES OUT??? ... Read more

Asin: B00005BW7Q
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Role Playing Games (rpg, rpgs)    8. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Twisted Metal: Black
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (22 June, 2001)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

While the Twisted Metal line of vehicular combat games has had unevenepisodes, the developers at Incog have thankfully brought the series back inblack, and it has never been better. Twisted Metal: Black pushes theenvelope in terms of graphics, gameplay, and content. It's a tremendous game,but parents should keep in mind that it carries a Mature rating from ESRB andits content may be unsuitable for younger players. Gamers old enough to handleit will be treated to a must-have game for the PlayStation2.

Twisted Metal: Black is one of the best-looking games on the market. Thecharacter design, animations, particle effects, and lighting effects are alltopnotch, yet the game still runs at a speedy frame rate--even in multiplayermodes. The game isn't all about looks though, as gameplay is very deep andcontains several modes. You'll want to play single-player story mode severaltimes just to see how the game ends for its numerous compelling characters. Eachcharacter has a story line that's simple yet captivating. More importantly, eachof the characters' vehicles has meaningful differences, so players are bound tofind a rig that fits their playing styles.

With its slick gameplay, interesting characters, wide variety of modes, andbreathtaking graphics, Twisted Metal: Black is the best vehicular combatgame yet, and, so far, the best PlayStation2 game of the year. --Raymond M.Padilla

Pros:

• Incredible graphics
• Deep gameplay
• Strong replay value

Cons:

• Controls can be tricky at first
• Boss fights can be frustrating

... Read more

Reviews (264)

IM GOING CRAZY JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!!!!!!
WOW this game rocks I dont know what else to say It is without a doubt the darkest one in the series let me give you a small taste of some of the characters

Sweet Tooth a demented clown serial killer who has finally been caught but on his exacution night he get a curse put on him by another character named preacher

Mr Grimm (my personal favorite) a veteran from veietnam while there him and his buddy benny are captured and put into a hole soon his buddy dies there is only one way for mr. grimm to survive.....

Raven her and her friend were subjects to a high school hazing but it went wrong resulting in her friends death she wants revenge.....

John doe a man that was struck by some sort of amneiseia all he has from his past life is the tatoos that coveer his body but looking at them you would think he was one nasty piece of work.

these are just my favorite characters but there are tons more of them but the story line isnt all that makes up twisted metal black there is also a numerous amount of diferrent cars that you can choose from not to mention tons of weapons

here is a taste of the gameplay:

imagine you are a guy on a bike you been sitting and waiting... then out of no where a icecream truck comes bashing through the window while in mid air it takes on a transformation into a man with an icecream cone in his hand then he starts shooting at you!! about fifteen missles collide with your bike you drive around a wall to avoid the other fiveyou are in pretty bad shape. you then reach into you pouch on the side of your motorcycle and draw out a sickle soon the icecream truck comes around the corner you start letting it loose with your machine gun that is on the passenger side car while fireing you throw the sickle youve been holding it collides with the ice cream truck and exsplodes the car blows up and a man runs out on fire. victory... good job only six more cars to go

this game as you can see is non stop action all the way through and it will make a good game to add to your collection

Multi-player really saves this game
Twisted Metal: Black is part of a long line of vehicle combat games that began on the PSOne.This one is the most advanced and complex of them all (NOTE: there is a brand new version for the PSP that I have not played yet); however, the game plays pretty much just like every version that has been released since the old PSOne days.The game is fun, but it almost feels like it is becoming dated.The plus side is you can probably find it for pretty cheap nowadays.

The game moves FAST and can be a little difficult to play at first.Unless you've played a Twisted Metal game before you will probably need to switch to the Easy setting against the computer until you get used to the controls and the speed of the game.The graphics are decent even by today's standards, and the levels can get to be pretty large and intricate, but you are going to be moving so fast to avoid enemies that you don't get much time to enjoy them.The music and lighting gives the game an eerie sort of feel that reminds me of the old Quake games.

In single-player mode you get three options:Story, Challenge, and Endurance.The Challenge and Endurance modes are pretty much just a practice for the Story mode, where you will spend most of your time playing individually.The gist of story mode is you pick one of a group of cars/drivers who has some problem that can be solved by winning this car destruction tournament.Being that the story has nothing to do with gameplay, and each story is of some deranged lunatic that follows the same pattern, you may get bored with the story pretty easiliy and just skip the screens to get to the action.Additional cars and levels can be unlocked in the Story mode, so you will want to spend some time playing it even if the story gets a little boring.

The real fun of this game is the Multi-player mode.You can play a 2-player co-operative Story game but I find it more fun to go head-to-head against others.There is nothing like challenging a friend to some violent car-destruction action (Or up to three friends if you have a Multi-tap).The Story mode can get a little repetitive after a while, but it's always a lot fun to destroy your friend's cars!

The Dark Side of Fun
Twisted Metal Black is the pinnacle of the series. For those uninitiated, the game follows the tortured and demented stories of several combatants, selected from an asylum to participate in some vehicular mayhem in order to get a shot at personal redemption, usual with a "twist".

The game is of the older PS2 generation, but still holds up in graphics and gameplay. The levels, cinematics, and plotlines are all expectedly dark and brooding, and you can adjust the challenge and difficulty according to your skill level.

As with every other game in the series, you have a host of characters to choose from, and each bring their own variety of strengths and weaknesses to the table. Coupled with the unique story, this adds to the replay value in that you're given a new adventure with a new set of skills each time you play. It won't take long for you to pick your favorite antihero.

The music and sounds are pretty standard by today's fare. Not much to report there.

The multiplayer is simply okay, for both at home and online. I didn't bother too much with it. However, the sheer amount of levels in the game, couple with the unlockables really expands the multiplayer experience when the single player loses its luster. Fair warning, make sure you have a large screen, because there's a marked difference between the single and multi-player experience in terms of screen space. It's noticeably invasive.

For the bargain basement prices this game goes for now, it's definitely worth a look for those looking for games that depart from the norm. This really is the best in the series, the action is chaotic, the stories and settings are neurotic, and if you're just a little bit twisted, and want a quick and easy (cheap) fix, check this one out. You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00005J536
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Classics (Classic)    6. Retro    7. Racing    8. Flying    9. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (01 May, 2002)
list price: $24.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is an epic, open-ended single-player game where you create and play any kind of character you can imagine. Be the hero embarking on an epic quest or a thief rising to leadership of his guild. Be a sorcerer developing the ultimate spell of destruction or a healer searching for the cure to a plague. Your actions define your character, and your gameplay changes and evolves in response to your actions. Confront the assassins' guild, and they take out a contract on you; impress them, and they try to recruit you instead. No two sagas are the same in the world of Morrowind.

Players can choose to follow the intriguing main story line or set off to explore the province of Morrowind and the many interesting people and exotic locations it contains. Vast cities and remote villages dot the landscape, each with its own unique look and feel. Hundreds of quests and adventures await as you interact with characters and learn more. Regardless of whether you play a murdering assassin or a noble knight, the game holds endless possibilities and allows you to revisit the main story line at any time.

With Morrowind, the Elder Scrolls character system is coupled with an increase in the world's richness of detail. Utilizing advanced 3-D technology, Morrowind features hyperrealistic textures and polygon counts, real-time shadows, vast landscapes, skeletal-based animation, and a complete weather system. Gameplay is further extended with the inclusion of The Elder Scrolls Construction Set, which allows players to modify and add to Morrowind in any way they see fit. Change character or creature attributes and skills, introduce new weapons or dungeons into the game, or create entire new worlds to explore. ... Read more

Reviews (309)

Very Good Game
Okay, fellow Morrowind fans, remember bringing the game home, excited? ready to expreiance what is told to be one of the best RPGs ever? Well, after installing, you start, get mystified in the voice of Jiub? Then getting lead up to the census office to complete your files. Then the best part, you walk out into Pelgaid and then WOW! Biggness, you get a tinkling feeling down your spine, wow, you can tell this is gonna be good.

Just get this game, but make sure you have a respectable computer to run it.

For players who are bored, don't know what to do? Take a trip around the island, trust me, in no time you can raise levels and have fun doing it!

WOW!One of the most sophisticated games ever!
This game's so fun, but it's also so hard!There are too many things to do, but it's fun!You can do anything you want, you can be anyone you want, and WOW!

Wow
This is truely an amazing game! I will admit that I have the xbox version instead of the pc, but the basic gameplay is the same. When you first pop the game into your console you may be a little dissapointed with the graphics, (asuming that you have the pc edition, considering that the xbox versions graphics are presently unmatched) because it takes a super fast comp to get the most out of the landscape and character graphics, but even then the graphics arent so bad as to ruin the game. If you really dont mind graphics and care more about the gameplay and quests (you'll get more of these than you need) then this is the ultimate rpg for you. The game is entirely open-ended and once your release forms are signed you will be free to do as you please. Strait away you can pick up any weapon (stealing it of coarse) and get a price on your head. You can now either pay your fine, go to jail, or resist arrest. (this being one of my favorites;) Go ahead and slaughter the whole of Seyda neen if you want, no-one's stopping you, (accept the 18 gaurds that are now chasing you). The class selection is huge and very important as to how you complete the main quest, if you ever choose to do so. Your character becomes more intellegent as you go, and grows better at the things he/she practices more. Over 120 hours of gameplay here and never a dull moment. Enjoy!

P.S - I forgot to mention that with your order of morrowind you'll also recieve the TES construction set, which allows you to create, drag, and drop new characters, creatures, and items into any nook and crany of the HUGE world of morrowind. So if you want to add a crate with the best armor or weapons the game has to offer right outside the building where you start, go ahead! You can also create new quests that can be super hard with dismal rewards or the exact opposite with a few clicks of the mouse and a good idea. This is the best feature of the computer version in my opinion, and btw, it is ONLY for the comp version. So pick up a copy today and you won't be dissapointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00005RD71
Subjects:  1. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (02 July, 2002)
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Four different races to command including Orcs, Humans, Night Elves and Undead, each possessing unique units, magical abilities and weapons of war.
• Skeletal and skinning animation process allows infinite frames of animation resulting in true fluid movement of 3D models.
• Advanced world design tools allowing players to customize every aspect of the game including tile sets, character art, quests, mission objectives, and unit types, AI, attributes, special abilities and spells.
• Expanded multiplayer options over Battle.net including a larger number of players per game and multiple game types including team play and questing.

Reviews (437)

Warcraft 3; Upsides and downsides
I really liked Warcraft 3 alot and I would definately recommend it to anyone willing to give up about an hour of their timeevery day and have fun. You might not accomplish anything in particular but you will be awe-ispired by this game (and if you think this is cool, you should by World of warcraft). Once you buy the game you have to buy the expansion, because it makes it way cooler than it already is. The "World Editor" feature is sweet, because you get to create your own maps and dungeons (look for this feature in the annals of your comptor after installation). This game is altogether sweet and I seiriously recommend it. I also reccomend purchasing any other BLIZZARD titles that strike your fancy. Please excuse the poor typing, Sincerely, Nick

WarCraftIII + Apple + a buddy = where the time go...
Super fun - I took my powerbook over to a buddies - hooked up an ethernet cable and bam - we were having a blast.Must admit the little lady was a little bent because I lost all sense of time and was a bit late for dinner.I will say it was worth it - great maps - great connection - and Blizzard just makes the best games ever - they are all about making games fun.
I can't recomend them enough.

Good game, great fun
this game is really fun, especially the online action. join TONS of people on Battle.net and play online for hours, its addicting. the sigle player also kicks arse if i may say so. i bought this game when it first came out for 50 bucks and i still play it. its awesome. im pretty sure in a general sense that if you like ANY video games you will love this. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V9Q1
Sales Rank: 427
Subjects:  1. Historical (historic) Recreation (Recreations)    2. Military (Wargames    3. Macintosh (Machintosh)    4. Mac    5. Apple    6. Havas    7. Computer Games    8. Action    9. Adventure    10. Strategy (Strategic)    11. Fantasy   

Final Fantasy X
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (21 December, 2001)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Each installment of the Final Fantasy series has featured strongstorytelling, characterization, and strategic combat, fun minigames, and hoursupon hours of captivating gameplay. The 10th title in the series is noexception. This is the first time a Final Fantasy game has appeared on thePlayStation2, and it takes full advantage of the increased technicalcapabilities.

The story this time concerns Tidus, a blond-haired star of a sport calledBlitzball. While he is playing in a match, Tidus's city is attacked by an evilforce called Sin, and everything is destroyed save Tidus and his guardian Auran.The adventure begins as the pair are somehow transported to another world. Fromhere on, it's standard Final Fantasy gameplay: fight battles, manage experiencepoints, learn new powers, and recruit a motley crew of nonplayer characters tojoin your quest.

The graphics, however, take things to a new level. They are amazing not only fortheir realism, but also for their imaginative art design. The world these heroesinhabit is breathtakingly beautiful, flowing, and full of inventive surprises.You haven't lived until you've surfed cables high in the air, or ridden agraceful airship through the clouds. The stunning effects are on display whenyou use magic in combat, summon gigantic monsters, and use fire columns todevastate your foes.

One new element is voice acting. The innovation yields predictably mixedresults: it's wonderful to hear spoken dialogue rather than read subtitles, butas with most games translated from Japanese, the acting is mediocre andsometimes unintentionally hilarious.

Still, the game's new graphics engine and solid gameplay are sure to please fansof the series waiting to see what Square has in store for them. While FinalFantasy X doesn't offer much innovation, it also doesn't disappoint. Andfortunately, with Final Fantasy XI already in development, the title isstill a misnomer. --Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• Gorgeous graphics
• Epic story line
• Voice acting

Cons:

• Little innovation
• The voice acting is sometimes laughable

... Read more

Features

• ini-games, such as the underwater sport of blitzball and a monsterarena.
• DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 channel Surround EX compatible.

Reviews (1387)

Great Game (I'm not a kid, I wanted an anonymous review)
First of all I am a avid RPGer and have played many, many different titles. Although FFX was not the best it was certainly very good.

Graphics- Nine out of Ten. The FMVs were beutiful and lifelike. If you have ever see one you will agree. However, during gameplay some of the transitions werent as good as they could be. Also the characters could be choppy at times.

Story- Ten out of Ten. In the beginning the story can be kind of confusing and boring. Although once you get farther into the game it gets better and better. There are several good plot twists which keep you interested. Also, for the people who do nothave any kind of patience this game is not for you. The cutscenes can be "long" (they are not really that long, try Xenogears and Xenosaga if you want long, but if you don't have any patience they will be horrible).

Gameplay- Nine out of Ten. I thought the gameplay was good, although there were some problems with it. I personlly loved the Sphere Grid it was a fun and different way of leveling up. But, once you get most of the sphere grid done you are grossly overpowered and it gets very, very easy to win battles. The random encounters are a little bit too frequent in my opinion, but you need them to level up. I also liked how you could switch characters during battle.

Sound- Seven out of Ten. The music was okay, just okay, nothing really stuck in my head the way it did with some other games. The worst aspect of the sound was the voice acting ugh! Sometimes it was completely laughable. But, in my opinion it was not that big a deal.

Overall I thought this was a great game. If you don't have patience hovever this game will be like pulling teeth for you. It took me 50 hours to beat this game on my first playthrough. Which is fairly long for an RPG (I have played much longer). But I do recomend this game to people who have a patient bone in their body.

Wow!
I have this game and almost up to the final boss and this is the first Final Fantasy to have voices in it.It has a sphere grid to level up your characters.

No, no, no, no, no.....
I played this game for a long, long time (about 35 hours) and quit before beating it. Here's what I think:

First, the pros.

1. The game has good graphics for its time, definitely, although some animations are a little excessive. Backgrounds mix between 3D and pre-rendered, all usually unique and beautiful.

Okay, that about does it for the pros. Now, the cons.

1. The battling is, to put it simply, horrendous. Although the battle system is faster than previous FF games, it is inexcusable to have such a basic battle system in any RPG today. Seriously, its less advanced than many SNES RPG's. No time limits (as in FFVI, FFVII, or Chrono Trigger), no real-time implementation, nothing. Just plain, "select attack and watch" battling. Oh wait, there is one new aspect. During battle, you can switch characters in and out, which does lead to pretty handy healing or power-up situations. I'll admit, that aspect is interesting.

2. When you're not battling, the game is at its worst. It goes like this: first, there is a cutscene, then a long, painfully linear path full of random encounters every 10 seconds, and then a boss. That's it. For 35 hours or so, cutscene, linear path, boss, repeat. It starts out fun (which is why the game recieved such great reviews), but about 15-20 hours into it the fun is gone. At around 30 hours, it starts to get painful.

3. The plot is drab. I hear all these great things about the plot, but I can't agree. The plot, like the rest of the game, is basic and not innovative. It also goes from passable to just plain lame by the end of the game.

4. Audio is also drab. Music is good, but nothing sticks in my mind like Chrono Cross or the SNES RPG's of old. Voice acting starts strong, but all of the voices get very, very annoying later on.

5. Characters. Ugh. All of them are stereotypes. Tidus, the protaganist, is your typical hero with the "let's go get 'em!" attitude. Yuna is your female caster who is quiet and sensitive. Auron is your "cool" character, whose sole purpose is to be cool, and fails miserably. Rikku is the underage female who's your hyper-active and painfully annoying character, designed to test the young male gamer's Photoshopping skills. Lulu and Kimahri have no personality whatsoever. However, Wakka is a very interesting and fresh character, the only interesting one in the game. He has the best voice acting, also.

6. Blitzball. I expected a real time, soccer-like experience, but no. The developers got lazy and made it a simple turn-based borefest.

7. The Sphere Grid. What idiot thought of this idea? The old way of leveling up was fine, but the developers decided to change it for some reason. It's basically a new way of leveling up, but the thing is you level up at such small increments so often (it gets very annoying to go to the Grid after every few battles) that you never feel like you're getting more powerful. It's a perfect example of something that changes a game, but doesn't improve upon it. I definitely prefer the old style of leveling up.

Overall, the game is fun for a while (which is, as I stated before, why it got such good reviews). The whole game just gets worse and worse as time goes on. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
... Read more

Asin: B00005TNI6
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Fighting    6. Role Playing Games (rpg, rpgs)    7. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Sega Soccer Slam
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (23 August, 2002)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

In Sega Soccer Slam, you'll unleash merciless kicks, tackles, and steals against excitable, colorful characters from all over the world. Each character in this game wields special powers and moves that earn the big score. Get to the random spotlight that appears on the field and your character will shoot skyward with the ball and slam it toward the unsuspecting goalie. In quest mode, you can unlock secret stadiums and uncover hidden items to improve your already stellar performance. Watch the intensity rise as you utilize your new power moves in other game modes. If you're a little rusty on the field, practice mode will get you going again. When you're confident in your smash mouth hits and soccer tackles, throw in some bad weather and gather up a bunch of friends for a rowdy round-robin tournament. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Soccer Game for Those Who Do Not Like Soccer
When I first saw the game, I just laughed at the ridiculous cover and the weird characters. However, after Halo, I was bored with the standard first person shooter and so I opted to buy a funny looking game. To my suprise, it turned out to be a really fun game with great graphics and the gameplay is pretty fun and arcade like. In other words, a beautiful game with simplistic controls. There are lots to do with Sega Soccer Slam and there are a lot of stadiums and new characters to unlock. It will keep a person happy for quite a while with the single player mode, a good 30 hours. However, the main attraction of the game is the multiplayer mode where you play with friends. It is pretty easy to pick up the game and play, you can tell them the harder moves as you pummel them. However, after 30 minutes, we were all pros and had a blast. The game is not for everyone, if you're looking for a soccer simulation then you have the wrong game. If you're looking for an off-beat with various semi-hilarious commentary that is easy to pick up and play, well, this is the game for you. The single player warrants a buy but the multiplayer mode is the true selling point.

Alright game
interesting characters. If you're a real soccer fam stay away from this because they allow you to do everything that's illegal (there's no refs) a little too fast and gets boring after a while.

jeez this game [is bad]
man i turned this game off 2 minutes after i started playing it. its just a button masher, the graphics are horrible and what is up with those [happy]cartoon characters ah man. dont get this game.
i give this game negative 5 out of 5. it was terrible. i do not reccomend it. ... Read more

Asin: B00006C294
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Sports    5. Outdoors   

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (31 October, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

How big is this game? Even publicists for other games end up talking about Vice City when they call our office, babbling in the same helplessly intoxicated way that afflicts everyone who plays it. The achievement of Vice City (which, as everyone knows by now, is set in the 1980s and offers an all-new, Miami Vice-inspired story) is not only that it manages to live up to an absurd level of expectation, but that it takes the game places that fans of its predecessor Grand Theft Auto 3 never dreamed of, and that it achieves this astonishing level of innovation without losing anything that made GTA3 the bestselling PS2 game of all time.

After a brilliant homage to the era of the Commodore 64 in the opening credits, the first thing you'll notice is the improved graphics, which are smoother and more detailed, and--with effects like neon lights reflected on rain-slick streets, and intense Florida sunlight--have a lush, tropical look that immediately gives you a strong sense of place. The architecture is more fabulous by tenfold, with art deco buildings, high-rise hotels, and believably seedy back alleys. The control scheme is essentially the same as in GTA3, but the cars handle much better, and in pedestrian mode there is a new crouch move. You will have access to fast, great-handling cars right away, as opposed to GTA3 which made you unlock the second island before you could get your hands on any respectable wheels. This game has such riches to offer that there is no need to be chintzy with the vehicles.

Cops are more vigilant this time--minor offenses like whacking innocent bystanders will more often than not get you a two-star wanted level--and are harder to elude (though they still can't seem to climb stairs or negotiate sharp turns). So while free-roaming exploration is as fun as ever, there is more incentive to perform the missions instead of randomly raising hell. Not that that's a bad thing: even lazy criminals like myself (in GTA3, I would rather toss hand grenades into traffic than follow orders from some rude Mafia boss) will be quickly caught up in the vivid characters and hilarious, fascinating story, in which you play an acid-washed-jeans-wearing thug named Tommy Vercetti. Where in GTA3 missions were blocky, schematic affairs only nominally connected to the story, this time tasks move the story briskly along and deftly blend cinematics and game action. For example, there is a scene of a character throwing Tommy a gun, at which point you are suddenly thrown back into the action and must make an instant decision about whom to trust and what to do.

There are more, and more detailed, indoor environments, including a hotel, police station, and mall (a slight downside to this is that some of the more elaborate indoor environments require load times). The layout of the city, with tons of backyards, narrow alleys, and fire escapes, encourages creativity when eluding pursuit, as does greater access to rooftops. Get your motorcycle up the fire escape and a whole new world of action is possible, including... well, use your imagination.

This overview barely scratches the surface of the Vice City experience, its colorful explosion of music, clothes, combat, and brilliant voice acting, not to mention the plot twist midway through the game that changes the very nature of the game itself. Though it was the outrageous, amoral violence that got all the press, the essential genius of GTA3 was its intoxicating blend of script and open-ended action. In Vice City this is--to use a cliché that is for once apropos--taken to a whole new level. --David Stoesz

Pros:

• Astonishing, innovative gameplay
• Godlike attention to detail
• Opportunity to drive on the beach at midnight listening to the Human League's "Fascination"

Con:

• More load times

... Read more

Features

• Unparalleled depth - bigger and better depth of gameplay than Grand Theft Auto 3.
• Non linear gameplay combined with challenging missions and compelling story, providing well over 100 hours of addictive entertainment like no other.
• Huge, open environments with hundreds of interior and exterior locations and incredible details, full of inhabitants who interact with you and with one another.
• 100% more style than Grand Theft Auto 3. with film-like art direction. Unprecedented production value as seen by the incredible voice talent and an authentic 80's hit soundtrack that is three times longer than the Grand Theft Auto 3 soundtrack.

Reviews (1352)

TOO MUCH VIOLENCE ON THIS!
I think this game is too violent for kids man I mean I see and her many little kids play this I mean why are the parents letting their Kids play this? I mean I was watching the news 3 years ago when GTA Vice City came out and many Parents have been complaining that this game is too violent. and Besides I also think this game is a Rip off of Scarface because it almost has the same story as the Movie. So if you are buying a game for a young one or for an audlt to play, Please Don't Buy this!

GTA 3 OR GTA VICE CITY??!!
The fact is, after playing GTA3, I didn't want any other game because it was so brilliant!!! Now when I heard about the release of the next Grant Theft Auto, I did anything i could've done to get, and then finally in the end i got it!! Then i was shocked after playing the game until i could work with the third contact, that it was so boring and dull, and so what if it had good graphics, and so what if you could change your clothes and buy companys and different savehouses!! I was actually getting excited about being able to buy different savehouses and companys and clothes, it just wasn't what i expected. Even though i found that the game sucked so bad, i still carried on playing (since it was so easy) to see if it would get any better, but it didn't, so it was a total waste of my time!!! I was even more shocked at when you kick and hit the people when they're on the ground, that noise is so unrealistic, unlike the one in GTA3!!! The amount of money you get from missions is absolutley shocking, I meen, in GTA3 the first mission is about $1000, but in vice city the highest you mostly get is about $5000, when in GTA3 the highest I have ever got so far is $500000000!!! There are only 2 islands (the big, main ones) and then there's 3 small ones with just about 1 road in each , and even the 2 big mainlands (islands) are so small, and there's too much area with too much water in it, and so Rockstar could've even have been thoughtful enough to let the character be able to swim!! So i got really pissed off when i got that game!!! So what i think you should be going for is GTA3 NOT!!!! GTA : VICE CITY!! Thank you!!

good concept, very poor execution!
the controls are horrible (especially the first person targeting), ugly graphics, missions are stupidly difficult (could be ok if not for the frustrating controls), and some of them have insane time limit. this game probably never went through quality control. cross-stitching is more fun than this stupid game!
... Read more

Asin: B0000696CZ
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Fighting    8. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (15 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell grants players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. The player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive black-ops NSA subagency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data, and neutralize the enemy--all without leaving a trace. ... Read more

Reviews (324)

Outstanding
Tom Clancy you give people living in the US something to think about.AWESOME game. Take Your Time An Enjoy...

Splinter cell
This game is great if you're a person who likes stealth.It is very realistic and even if you make a sound you'd better hide!

Splinter cell
This game is great if you're a person who likes stealth.It is very realistic and even if you make a sound you'd better hide!So if you like stealth, adventure, and action, this is the game for you. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JZQZ
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Ratchet & Clank
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (07 November, 2002)
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Forget about Super Mario Sunshine--this is the real superstar platform action game of the season. Featuring a pair of wacky robots in a quest to save the universe, Ratchet and Clank may offer the same old basic platform scenario--run around, elude or destroy enemies, jump, and negotiate treacherously dynamic environments--but it has a number of things going for it that place it among the best titles ever in this genre.

The feature that will strike you first is the terrific art direction. Set in a science fiction future, the game has a beautifully executed retro cartoon look (think old Warner Bros.). The attention lavished on every detail, from architecture to character design, makes for a world that feels complete and real. This extends to the cutscenes, which feature a variety of colorful characters given vivid life with excellent voice acting. Then there is the sheer size and level of interactivity of the environments. For me, a particularly stunning moment was when my character was knocked off a skyscraper, but instead of perishing, landed on a ledge and was able to seamlessly navigate to a whole separate section of the game. Another moment of truth came when I aimed my blaster at one of the vehicles whizzing by in the sky. These vehicles were just pretty wallpaper, I thought, but no, the thing blew up. In fact, nearly everything you see is destructible or responsive in some way: you can jump up trees, scuttle over walkways, smash boxes, and climb up ledges. And the control scheme is just complex enough to keep things interesting with multiple weapons and the like, without being bogged down by too many features.

While the routine of finding and destroying enemy robots may get tedious after a while, Ratchet and Clank keeps things interesting with the many metamorphoses of Clank (who takes on forms that surprise even himself), cool weapons like the Glove of Doom (which unleashes armies of tiny Clanks), and shifting first-robot, third-robot points of view.

If this game doesn't become the bestselling platform action game of the year, it will prove that nostalgia for old characters, marketing hype, and brand loyalty really are more important than quality. --David Stoesz ... Read more

Reviews (201)

This game is good, but easy.
Pros
All of the weapons are creative and fun to use.
It has a good story line.
They have clever obticals to go through.
The monsters are cool looking.
They infobot videos are funny so you won't get too bored playing the game.

Cons
Everything is very easy to do.
When clank commands the little robots you can't call them from very far away, so if one of them dies you have to go all the way back to the beginning to find them.
It is hard to get bolts because there are no arena battles for money, you have to destroy boxes and kill enemies and that takes a while.
Hover boarding is a little tedious,annoying and hard to win.
Overall this game is very good, but sometime gets frustrating and
I would say this game is about as good as the next Rachet and Clank game.

Kickin' butt one planet at a time!
This game is perfect, it has good graphics and really good weapons and a large amount of enimies to blow up. This game has racing to mindless action and the story is great! A must but for Action adventure fans!

game crazy
Is one of the best games I ever played!! every single level is different and unique in its own way. For some games you beat a level and boom its done with. But in this game your going back and forth in between level and different paths. the graphics are amazing through there are some glitches. The bigest problem is that you press a certian butten(triangle)to switch weapons but it doesnt pause the game so you enemies are still running around trying to kill you while your switching out weapons! Also the weapons are cool but most of them stink. overall I would give it a four and a half because of the weapon thing. I recomend you buy this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00006GSNX
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Classics (Classic)    8. Retro    9. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (13 November, 2001)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $14.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Abe, the strange Mudokon, is back with his powers to possess enemies andlead other Mudokons. This time he's joined by a Gabbit named Munch, anamphibious creature that can communicate with Fuzzles and shoot electric beams.They are definitely two of the weirdest characters in gaming, but they oozepersonality, partially because of their design and mainly because of theoutstanding voice acting provided by Lorne Lanning, president of OddworldInhabitants. Although the characters are cute, in a peculiar way, the game'sdark humor gives them an edge.

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is primarily a puzzle game, with some actionand adventure thrown in. The puzzles are great brainteasers that require playersto use the special abilities of the two characters, know when to switch betweenthem, and know when to guzzle performance-enhancing SoBe beverages. Several ofthe game's best puzzles get the player so caught up in their conventions thatthey overlook much simpler solutions.

This curious world seems totally believable through the power of Xbox. Themountains, water, caves, and factories in this foreign world are extremelydetailed and lifelike. The in-game cutscenes are comparable to Pixar movies.Although the Oddworld games for the PlayStation had spot-on personality andgameplay, the Xbox has truly brought the developers' visions to life.

Oddworld Inhabitants has crafted a captivating experience that's imaginative,clever, and beautiful. Simply put, this is a must-have Xbox title. --RaymondM. Padilla

Pros:

• Unmatched uniqueness and personality
• Awe-striking cutscenes
• Addictive brainteasers

Cons:

• Might not have enough action for impatient gamers
• Quite possibly, too strange for some

... Read more

Features

• Play as a team - players use Munch and Abe cooperatively to make their way through the trials of Oddworld. Leverage both characters' unique strengths.
• Abe- Abe can climb and jump to reach new areas, and then run to escape from dangerous enemies. When all else fails, chant to take control of the enemy's soul, and use their guns to clear a path to safety.
• Munch - Munch can swim around the new realms of Oddworld. When on the ground, zip along with a wheelchair power up. Need to move some yapping Slogs out of the way? Just use Munch's nifty remote control head port to fire up the crane and drop those Sloggies in their pen.
• Special psychic powers - Munch and Abe's psychic powers can extend their reach and get others to do the dirty work:
• As Abe - Let Abe's chant roar to take possession of a gun-toting Big Bro Slig and clear almost anything out of the way. Abe can use spooce or spiritual power gained by harvesting SpooceShrubs to posses other creatures as welFuzzles) to carry out tricky tasks or just beat the crap out of enemies.

Reviews (123)

Very Cool. Terrific Graphics.
This is a weird game and whether you like it or not all depends on your taste in video games, but I thought this game was very fun and the graphics were terrific. It's strange and there are times during gameplay where it begins to get rather boring. However, the game is a game of strategy. Virtually a string of puzzles which must be solved and the game actually causes you to think. You play simoultaneously as Munch and Abe. Two creatures in Oddworld who both have different skills and both which are needed to pass certain levels in the game. I do think that there were times when the game should have ended and it didn't. And do to bad Quarma, it tried to make me repeat the game. For all I know it might make you do this if your Quarma is good, but I think that technically I beat the game. There are times when it is a little bit annoying but overall it is truly a terrific game. A-

Offbeat and Fun !
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is a great game.I have not completed it yet, but have enjoyed it very much thus far.The Graphics are great and the controls work well. Highly Recommended.

Awesome!
This game is not just awesome, but this game also has exellent humor!

Pros:
Great Humor: Munch burping etc...
Awesome game play: interesting level designs, etc...
Challlange: Pretty much a challange, it toke me 4 hours to complete on of the levels on the game.


Cons:
Can't think of any!

Overall: 5/5

I will highly reccommend this game to anyone who like adventure games, or likes the other oddworlds. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NZ1K
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Devil May Cry
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (20 November, 2001)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Shinji Mikami, the creator and producer of the Resident Evilgames, and Hideki Kamiya, the director of Resident Evil 2, have teamed uponce again. This time, the duo has created a fast-paced game that's one of thebest translations of classic 2-D action in a 3-D world. Two thousand years agothe Devil Emperor threatened to conquer humanity, but was stopped by a benigndevil knight. The emperor was imprisoned, but now threatens to escape. It's upto the knight's half-breed son, Dante, to follow in his father's footsteps anddefeat the Devil Emperor once again.

In addition to being a fine swordsman, Dante is equally adept with guns. In thefirst half of the game, players slash and shoot their way through. Afteracquiring a different weapon, the focus changes to close combat. Weapons can beupgraded and new attacks can be learned, adding to the game's variety. As awhole, the action is immense and flows smoothly. A few things impede it,however. During fights with bosses and multiple enemies, the fixed camera anglescan get frustrating. The in-game text also scrolls painfully slow.

Graphically, this is one of the best-looking games Capcom has ever published,and that's saying something considering its impressive visuals in ResidentEvil. The hard-rock-style music is nothing to write home about, though. Thevoice acting is strong, but there's not much of it, which is a shame, as theinteresting setting would have made for some great storytelling. However, thefocus here is fast and furious action, and this game elevates it to an art form.Parents should note that this game is gratuitously violent and is notrecommended for anyone under 18. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Outstanding controls
• Topnotch graphics
• One of the best menu systems ever

Cons:

• Camera angles get troublesome
• Fantastic setting not fully exploited
• Only 7 to 12 hours of gameplay

... Read more

Features

• A terrifying action thriller from the creators of Resident Evil 2.
• Mesmerizing graphics and bone-chilling special effects.
• Battle an onslaught of demonic marionettes, unearthly phantoms, grim reapers, and other wretched souls.
• Build up power to transform into a demon state, to inflict devastating attacks on enemies.

Reviews (407)

NnyCW on Devil May Cry
I first played this game when it was an included demo along with Resident Evil: Code Veronica X for the Playstation 2 way back when. Ever since then, I've been addicted to this game. Instead of the slow pace one would have originally expected from the game (seeing as it was originally intended to be a Resident Evil title) the game is fast, furious, and full of incredibly enjoyable action gameplay. From the first moment of getting a key off a marionette to flying an airplane out of a collapsing mountain, the game never ceases to be one of the most enjoyable gameplay experiences not only on the PS2, but of any game ever released. It is a true classic and is something that should be played by everyone. And for those who enjoy difficulty in their games, once you beat normal, there is hard, and the incredibly hard (I seriously broke my controller playing this mode) DMD (Dante Must Die). Considering this is now availible for quite cheap here on Amazon.com along with everywhere else, there is almost no excuse not to pick up this game if you for some reason haven't yet.

Great game
The grapics are superb , the game is excellent, and easy to control.

All Around PS2 Classic
I know I am waaaay late to the game on this one, but I've never been a big RPG gamer.On the surface, I thought DMC might have been an RPG-like game.I was very wrong.I only wish I had bought this one sooner.

Pros:Very difficult, you genuinely feel like you've accomplished something when you beat a boss or clear a level that you've been working on countless times until you clear it.

Great graphics, the world is not as interactive as say the Grand Theft Auto Series, but it sure looks great!

Decent Storyline:Half man, half demon, I know, sounds ridiculous, but video games are like hollywood, and this one has some solid production value and the story line works.

CONS:

Camera angles:The game changes views frequently as you progress through the game and there are only a few screens where Dante can actually control the camera angle.There should have been more, perhaps this is corrected in 2 or 3 when they come out.

Too many tools/options:I was about half way through the game before I realized you could 'un-lock' other abilities and 'buy' other 'stars' that give Dante special abilities.Stupid me, but the amount of weapons, specials, and different attacks seemed a bit much to manage.The Ifrit is clearly the best weapon of choice!

Level of difficulty:This is as much of a pro as it is a con.Sometimes you wanted to pour cold water into the CD-ROM of the PS2 just to get even with the pesky monster on the other side.

BOTTOM LINE:Great story line, tough challenge, pretty environment, great production value, very worthwhile.Can't wait to move on to 2 and 3. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NCCR
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Lunar Silver Star Story: Collectors Edition
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Return to the world of Lunar, in the completely reworked 32-bit version of the classic game
• Journey back to a place where dragons yet live, and magic is valued above all else
• Join young adventurer Alex as he tries to save the land from the crushing advance of the Magic Emperor
• Explore dungeons, fight terrifying monsters, and gather information from the locals
• For 1 player

Reviews (108)

A Lost Classic
*Please note I am reviewing Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, they are basically the same games, but just with a few new additions.Thank you*

Every once in a while the classics return updated.Working Designs has done a phenomenal job restoring the classic Lunar: Silver Star onto the Playstation as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete.The game is very enjoyable and while the game is considerably short compared to other RPGs, it works well.The dungeons test the level of your characters but never exhaust them into a need to train excruciatingly to move from place to place which is the type of flow that is much needed to enjoy an RPG rather than just play it.Also the inclusion of ability to use the joy pads makes moving easier than pressing down on the control pad.
The artwork and cut scenes are done beautifully, however the majority of the time the game characters are sprites.The gameplay is enjoyable but if you don't have the patience or want to strategize you will find yourself throwing down your controller, dying, or asleep.The game itself never is frustrating if you take the time to train your team and not just run from every threat.Each boss has strengths and weaknesses and if you take the time to observe them you can defeat them without much of a problem, but not to say they are easy.Though no one boss will kill off your entire party with just one blow.
The writing is some of the best I've ever seen in a game.The sharp wit of the characters and comedic dialogue is balanced so well that it never gets stale or reused.The game can also be very serious to the point you can relate your own emotion to the characters to laugh and even cry with them while playing this game.The cut scenes are something you will look forward to rather than just wish you can skip from the rich opening to the enjoyable ending.
However this game was made back in 1999.While it can be pretty to look at, if you are a fan of rich cell shaded 3-D environments and characters... well lets just say the game never looks better than the animé on Saturday mornings.It also can get tedious, as some dungeons seem to go on and on and on...
Even with some of its shortcomings, RPG veterans and those new to the series should pick up this title for a good time.Lunar: Silver Star Story is the lost classic and sleeper hit of the end of the millennium.I proudly give a game that has become my favorite a perfect score.

A lost classic
*Please note I am reviewing Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, they are basically the same games, but just with a few new additions.Thank you*

Every once in a while the classics return updated.Working Designs has done a phenomenal job restoring the classic Lunar: Silver Star onto the Playstation as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete.The game is very enjoyable and while the game is considerably short compared to other RPGs, it works well.The dungeons test the level of your characters but never exhaust them into a need to train excruciatingly to move from place to place which is the type of flow that is much needed to enjoy an RPG rather than just play it.Also the inclusion of ability to use the joy pads makes moving easier than pressing down on the control pad.
The artwork and cut scenes are done beautifully, however the majority of the time the game characters are sprites.The gameplay is enjoyable but if you don't have the patience or want to strategize you will find yourself throwing down your controller, dying, or asleep.The game itself never is frustrating if you take the time to train your team and not just run from every threat.Each boss has strengths and weaknesses and if you take the time to observe them you can defeat them without much of a problem, but not to say they are easy.Though no one boss will kill off your entire party with just one blow.
The writing is some of the best I've ever seen in a game.The sharp wit of the characters and comedic dialogue is balanced so well that it never gets stale or reused.The game can also be very serious to the point you can relate your own emotion to the characters to laugh and even cry with them while playing this game.The cut scenes are something you will look forward to rather than just wish you can skip from the rich opening to the enjoyable ending.
However this game was made back in 1999.While it can be pretty to look at, if you are a fan of rich cell shaded 3-D environments and characters... well lets just say the game never looks better than the animé on Saturday mornings.It also can get tedious, as some dungeons seem to go on and on and on...
Even with some of its shortcomings, RPG veterans and those new to the series should pick up this title for a good time.Lunar: Silver Star Story is the lost classic and sleeper hit of the end of the millennium.I proudly give a game that has become my favorite a perfect score.

This game is a labor of love!
This game has what I fear RPGs are losing: a true sense of adventure. A true adventure not only changes the world in the game but the characters themselves (one of the greatest examples being Final Fantasy VI). Some games have tried to portray love in a passionate sense, but they really fail to grasp the way people are drawn together and instead the love seems rushed. But not with this game! This game really brings home the point of how powerful a love for someone can be without being too over-dramatic. The charaters are great. They all are more charming and fun than the average RPG. In conclusion if you love RPGs that offer more than just great graphics and complicated features than I really really recommend this to you. Out of the many RPGs I've played including all of the Final Fantasy games, this one is definitely one of my top three, with only Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII being higher. Old-School gamers or gamers who love a good plot should definitely check this out! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JIUG
Sales Rank: 1215
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (20 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance brings the Mortal Kombat series a new 3-D fighting engine, adds tons of features and extras, and still offers up classic gameplay.

This installment features a 3-D battle system that still manages to maintain a 2-D feel. For example, pushing up on your controller makes you sidestep your opponent’s attacks, yet also allows you to jump in the air by tapping up plus a direction. A revamped fighting system offers up three different styles for each fighter (one includes a weapon technique). The multiple styles provide countless varieties of attacks for any given fighter. Different combinations of punches and kicks can be combined for very lengthy and powerful chain attacks similar to those in the Mortal Kombat of old. Fatalities are also back and rich in graphic representation.

New fighters join the cast of old favorites such as Sonya, Kano, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Scorpion, Johnny Cage, Jax, Cyrax, Kung Lao, Kitana, Quan Chi, Reptile, and Shang Tsung. The lavish environments surround your fighters with animated backgrounds and rich skylines. On some levels there are even breakable objects and hazards that you can interact with, such as pools of acid--the perfect landing place for a thrown opponent.

In addition to regular modes of gameplay (arcade, versus, etc.), there is an option called Konquest mode. This mode allows you to learn more about fighting styles, read up on each character’s personal history, and gain Koins. The koins can then be spent in the Krypt, allowing you to unlock a host of new characters, costumes, and early concept drawings. The plentiful additional content offered with this title includes special movies of The Making of Deadly Alliance and The History of Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance successfully reinvents the series by offering up a unique mix of improved graphics and stylized gameplay without compromising any of the features that made the MK series popular over the years. --Carlos Rodela

Pros

• Complex gameplay
• Realistic 3-D graphics
• Hundreds of unlockable features

Cons

• Weak storyline
• Unbalanced combo system

... Read more

Reviews (135)

Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance Should Be Reincarnated
This version of Mortal Kombat is truly disheartening.I bought this game and have played it MAYBE 10 times since I have had it in a year.The graphics and audio are awesome.The story line is trash, and the movements are slightly choppy.I wish this game would have lived up to the previous MK's.

One of The Greats
This game is one of my personal favorites. Contains old charactors such as Sonya, Johnny Cage, and Raiden, as well as some new ones. The characters look beautiful and beleveable.you can play as the two main bad guys, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, right from the beginning, and you still have a hard boss. The fatalities look very cool this time. The story line is Quan Chi escaped from the Netherrealm, with the help of Drahmin, into Outworld. He and Shang Tsung form an alliance to resurrect the lost mythological Army of the Dragon King. Raiden then enlists the help of Earthrealms mightiest heros.

There are some baad points. For one, Sub Zero looks totally horrible. It also takes very long to get to Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. Also, If you want to unlock the secret charactors, you need to get over 3000 koins for 1 charactor, except for Frost who only costs about 2-300 koins. Some Koffins are empty. The Fatalities are very hard to do. Other than that it is awsome. This is the only reason it's a 4 star instead of 5 star game.

A Mortal Milestone
The Mortal Kombat video game series is an institution among members of Generation X and Y; for over 10 years this game has pushed the limits of not only what is possible with video game systems, but the limits of good taste, as it has been in constant surveilance among this country's moral watchdogs. However MK keeps going strong; and on the 10 year anniversary of the first one, the guys at Midway released the fifth instalment, Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance. This release is hugely groundbreaking, not only to the series itself, but to the whole genre of fighting games. It turned Mortal Kombat from a game with basic kicks and punches and some special moves to an ACTUAL fighting game, where all 18 fighters have a three martial arts fighting styles at their disposal; two grounded and one with a weapon. The gameplay is incredible; expanding of MK4's addition of 3-D graphics with fabulously detaliled drawings of the characters as well as the background fighting stages. And speaking of the characters, six of MK 's seven original characters are back(minus Liu Kang; check the storylink) plus some from the prevoius games(Kitana,Jax,Shang Tsung,Kung Lao, Reptile,Cyrax,Quan Chi). My only real problems its that it doesn't mirror the greatness of Mortal Komabt Trilogy; that game had options and variety galore, which this doesn't. ... Read more

Asin: B000069BD9
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Fighting    6. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Super Mario Sunshine
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (27 August, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Six years. Six long years we’ve had to wait for a new Mario game, and finally it’s here. And even considering the ridiculously unfair expectations, Super Mario Sunshine is almost entirely as good as you’d hope and expect.

The premise of the game is that Mario’s tropical holiday is ruined when he’s stitched up by an evil look-alike for daubing graffiti all over the island. Rather conveniently, there’s a water pump waiting for him to use, which not only washes away the mess but also doubles as a handy jet pack. The jet pack aspect means that whenever you fall off something you have the chance to immediately recover. This built-in safety net means the game can afford to be far more ambitious in its level design than ever before, with massive levels filled with trampolines, tightropes, water-powered windmills, huge coral reefs, and mountains and mountains of platforms.

The whole thing looks amazing, too, with the most realistic water ever seen in a video game, and a near-infinite draw distance. On top of all this are rideable, fruit-juice-spewing Yoshis, extra water nozzles, super-hardcore platform levels where Shadow Mario nicks your jet pack, and goop-generating bosses who seem to live to make Princess Peach’s laundry a nightmare.

After the sweet but rather short pleasures of Luigi’s Mansion and Pikmin, you need have no fear that Mario Sunshine is of a similarly brief nature. There are a total of 120 shines to collect--the same number of stars as in Super Mario 64--and the game world is at least as large and far more interactive. This is without question the best game on the GameCube yet. That may be no more than you'd expect from a Mario game, but it's certainly more than most of us mere mortals deserve. --David Jenkins ... Read more

Features

• Discover the first Mario title for NINTENDO GAMECUBE, developed by a team under the supervision of Mario's celebrated creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
• Explore the game's colorful 3-D world, filled with expansive environments.
• Restore the power of Shine to keep the island clean.
• Wash away island mess to restore the community to its pristine condition using Mario's new water pump device.

Reviews (558)

Nintendo drops a rank
a flop in my opinion. Paper mario was better, a sad follow up to the unforgettable mario 64.

good! but my rear is sore...
ah this game is FUN! mario gets a water pack called fludd and it is COOL! go buy this game now!

Good,and bad
This is a great game. I loved how they made an odd story. Mario and Peach going on vacation and then Bowser and his son take over The island. It is really odd and ridiculous to have a plot like that. This game reminds me of Super Mario 64. But in another way,it's totally different. You see,it's the same because the plot is identical to SM 64. But it's different because you are collecting Sun's,not stars. Just to make a long story short, the story and everything just dos'nt seem the same. You have to play both opf the versions to now what I mean. It's still a great game,just not the same. ... Read more

Asin: B000066JRN
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    3. Action    4. Adventure   

Grandia 2
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (11 December, 2000)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

See if this sounds familiar: You're from an outcast mercenary class thatupstanding folk don't want around until there's trouble. You're sent on amission with an innocent, idealistic woman with whom you don't immediately getalong. Forces of darkness, safely contained until recently, have escaped and arethreatening a world-ending clash with the forces of light, unless yousuccessfully intercede. This is one of the safest templates for consolerole-playing games, as well as the story in Grandia II.

Thankfully, however, everything else in the game is fresh and provides hoursupon hours of fun. The backdrops and character designs are colorful withoutbeing flashy, the game has a great pace (for an RPG), and players never have tostand around too long for the next thing to do. Even the writing, within itscookie-cutter plot, is smart, well translated, and occasionally funny.

The game's strongest element, though, is its battle system. Taking the best ofturn-based and real-time battle engines, Grandia II forces you to chooseyour moves carefully with respect to timing and position. The battles are verysimple in the beginning, but grow increasingly complex as you fight largernumbers of monsters with a growing party of allies. How you meet yourencounters--whether you initiate the fight, are ambushed, or meet headon--affects both the timing of the blows and the positions of the contestants.Battles emphasize counterattacks and combination blows, but you'll soon findthat movement and defense keep you alive against the tougher enemies. Elementalmagic, items, and skill books are just icing on the cake. Even if the battles dogrow old, the random fights are fairly easy to avoid, and a versatile AI optionlets you cruise-control through the rest.

Grandia II may just be the traditional role-playing game that Dreamcastowners have been waiting for. The question of whether or not it is tootraditional doesn't matter, since it offers a better experience than most thathave come before. --Porter B. Hall

Pros:

• Battle system creates interesting, complex fights
• Solid, traditional role-playing game for a system with few others in thegenre

Cons:

• Predictable plot and characters

... Read more

Reviews (81)

Come on buddy, give the poor game a break
I don't know what kind of personal vendetta the above reviewer has against Grandia 2.Whether the game beat him up, or peed in his shoes is beyond my knowledge, I have to step up and defend this aweseom Dreamcast game.
As one of few stellar and eagerly awaited RPG's for the system, and for it's time.Grandia 2 shines.Whether it is the deeply constructed battle system, or the better than ever voice acting, Grandia 2 was a game that I couldn't stop playing.

The story, while it was not up there with the giants like Chrono Trigger, Panzer Dragoon Saga, or Phantasy Star, it had it's moments to be remembered.Despite being typical RPG character cliches, (The female healer, the angsty young buck that'll save the world once he confronts his feelings, the huge axe wielding silent guy) they do an above average job of fulfilling these requirements.

Get this game, especially since its cheap now.

Like an RPG buffet...
...mostly pretty good, more than you could possibly eat, and just a bit overcooked.
Probably the most noteworthy observation of Grandia II is that it fits on one disc! It's an incredibly expansive game, with voice-overs, some cinematic FMVs, and a stunning level of graphic detail that makes every doorknob, crate, or street lamp pop off the screen. Not an RPG enthusiast myself, I was hooked after a few hours and couldn't turn it off. I killed almost three days, playing for around 15 hours straight at one point (lucky I didn't burn up my Dreamcast), and finished in about 35 game hours, enjoying nearly every second.
Exploration is the main gameplay mechanic: each world is large and complete with an immeasurable number of NPCs, all of which will lend a wealth of conversation. The amount of text in this game alone could fill a short novel, and most of it is coherent and well-organized, no small feat for a Japanese-English translation. I regret rushing through the game so quickly, it's best played in short intervals over a few weeks, so that the intricacies of each new world can be explored and appreciated.
The combat system is a mixed blessing: the extreme complexity gives a player something to sink his teeth into as the game progresses, but requires a lot of manual study and hits pretty hard initially with its steep curve. Attack animations and just the sheer variety of maneuvers are pleasantly overwhelming, but be prepared to wait through some pretty long boss battles. Leveling-up against common enemies and sub-bosses is a breeze: it nearly becomes a tiresome annoyance after half the game. But boss battles are often unnecessarily difficult due to the radical variation of individual attacking appendages from one boss to another. Creatures with six or seven attack points will be awarded with almost twice as many turns as the player's party, while many super-bosses are relatively easy with only one or two offensive points. Otherwise, a great battle system.
Interaction with characters really builds a strong empathy for the NPCs, and that's the strongest hook an RPG can offer. The story is fairly typical Japanese RPG: a bizarre and often nonsensical tale of apocalyptic destruction, undercut by a budding love story, camaraderie, and good spot of well-aimed humor. The rant on religion (which apparently ends up as some sort of endorsement of atheism?) is excessively preachy and rather illogical, eventually deteriorating into an intellectual train wreck endorsing, as best I understand it, the truth and falsehood of both everyone's beliefs and no one's. I wouldn't spend time criticizing it if I hadn't been forced to A-button through every inane bit of text that all added up to a whole lot of nothing. Fortunately, the bonds between characters are the main focus of conversation, and the friendships you build are the true foundation of the game's theme.
This is one of the really great adventure games of this era. I can't imagine a gamer whom I couldn't recommend this to; well, maybe someone without a lot of time on their hands.

Diamond in the rough
I must say, when I found this game buried in the used rack, I wasn't expecting all that much (having no previous experience with the original).But being a fan of RPG's (and searching for cheap Dreamcast games to add to my collection), I thought "why not"?And thank god I did.
After 5 minutes, I got the sense that this game was something unique.After 15, I was beginning to like it. And after 30, I was completely and utterly hooked.I recently finished the game, and I think it is a testament to how great the game is when I say that I nearly shed a tear at the game's close.
My only issue with the game was it's rather predictable and often-times cheesy plot.I found myself repeatedly guessing (correctly)not only what was about to happen, but what was to happen several plot points down the line.But this was dwarfed by all the things I adored about the game.
First and foremost, the writing. More specifically, the dialogue writing.This game sports some of the best writing I have ever seen period.Not just in a game.The dialogue worked fantastically with the plot and characters to greatly enhance the experience.On a similar note, the voice acting was first-rate.The interspersing of voice-acting and text-based dialogue was quite well-done and did much to draw me into the game.But I think the thing I liked most of all about the writing was that it had a great sense of humor.From Ryudo's constant sarcasm, to Millenia's innuendoes (see her Heel Crush attack for my favorite line), and everything in between, the writers are the unsung heroes of this title.I mean come on!How can you not love a character that yells out "Deep-fried goodness!" when casting a lightning spell?Hell, that still cracks me up.
The battle system was another element that rapidly drew me into the experience.The hybrid turn-based/real-time system is at the same time like and not like several other RPG battle systems I've seen.The 3-D battlefield that forces the characters to run around to hit their opponents is intriguing, especially the often-useful technique of Cancelling an opponents attack.If you choose the right attacks at the right time (and if you're lucky), it's possible to defeat some of the bosses without them getting a single attack off.Also, the special attacks and magic spells looked gorgeous.The graphic artists on this game should be commended as well.From anime-style cut-scenes to the battle animations to the characters and environments themselves, this game is a joy to look at.
I know I sort of covered this already with the voice acting, but this game not only looks great, it sounds great too.The music is downright incredible for a video game (especially for one that's 3+ years old).They give you an Audio CD with the game with all the music on it, which is really cool so you can revisit all the excellent tunes anytime you want (it's still in my car's CD player in fact).
Finally, the game is very accessible to gamers of all skill levels although it is on the slightly easy side for more-skilled ones.This is not a hindrance, I have found, as I can say, without any reservations whatsoever, that Grandia II is my favorite game of all time and will remain so for a very long time to come. ... Read more

Asin: B00004UDVL
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sega Dreamcast    3. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)