Seaman with Microphone
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (11 August, 2000)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Seaman is quite possibly the weirdest video game to everbe released. It's also one of the most incredibly original titles in avery long time. And if you don't believe me, just ask the frisky Seaman,a fish/reptile with a human face--it isn't shy.

According to legend, this strange creature is the discovery of scientistJean Paul Gasse. The weird-looking beast was documented to have analmost grotesque look about it, as it had the body of a reptile and theface of a man. Yet it was able to talk and reason with the doctor aswell as your average human. And while the good doctor was laughed intoobscurity after trying to explain his discovery, you have theopportunity to raise a Seaman from egg to its fishlike state and beyond.

Not only must you keep Seaman well fed and warm, you'll find thatconversation (via the included microphone) with Seaman is a must. Thescaly inquisitor will probe into your personal life by asking about yourage, marital status, and favorite music, among other things. Also, iftreated well this creature will spew its (usually sarcastic) rantings onpop culture, the Internet, and even reality itself. There's even a touchof sexual innuendo that may raise a few eyebrows. I doubt your goldfishever did that.

The speech recognition is far from perfect, but there's no doubt thatthe gimmick almost always causes a smile when you realize how longyou've been conversing with a fish and just how many words it doesrespond to. The simplistic graphics often make Seaman look like he'sswimming in space rather than in a huge tank, but this game makes noclaim to break new ground in graphics--it's the speech recognition thatis most noteworthy. Star Trek veteran Leonard Nimoy acts asnarrator, bringing all of the emotion of Spock (read: none) to hisperformance--yet somehow it works.

Since the Seaman can starve or freeze if not tended to regularly(raising this thing will take weeks), it might be a good idea to investin another Visual Memory Unit to store the status of Seaman's habitatand your performance.

It's hard to say just how much "game" is actually in this title. Rather,Seaman offers an interesting life journey through birth, growth,death, rebirth, and change. Seaman offers a unique Dreamcastexperience that is both disturbing and fascinating. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• A very ugly fish that talks--how cool is that?
• Seaman can recognize quite a surprising number of words with theincluded microphone, and he talks back
• Easy to play
• Sarcastic wit (read: very American) and humor can be good for a fewlaughs

Cons:

• Speech recognition is inconsistent (often words are completelymisunderstood)
• Graphics are suitably simplistic but never really deliver thefeeling that Seaman is swimming in water
• Probably doesn't taste good with chips

... Read more

Reviews (34)

I love you Seaman
Like others here have already said- this game isn't for everyone. In fact, it's only for a select few gamers- the kind that are looking for new and strange things. It's cool that Sega never cares about money, and is always the one company we can count on for innovation. It's just too bad that they never get the credit they deserve. Sega's always been ahead of their time, as we saw with the Dreamcast.

Anyway, I love this "game". When I first got it when it came out, I wasn't really sure what to expect. You actually do take on the role of a scientist, creating life before your very eyes. You start out with an empty tank, and an egg + some food pellets in your inventory. Place the egg in the tank, and set the heat to 19.9 (under 20 at least), and the oxygen all the way up. After a few minutes, the egg hatches, and you get mushroomers. Soon after, the natilus starts moving, and eats your mushroomers. Make sure that it leaves at least one alive. Try tapping on the glass away from the natilus to draw the mushroomer(s) closer to you. After a few minutes, the natilus comes out of its shell and dies. Now, you have Seamen.

Yeah, I bet that sounds boring to you. For the first 2-3 days, you teach Seaman small words (like "hello", "afternoon", "seaman", etc.), but the baby Seamen start killing eachother, and you're left with two. As they grow up, their voices become very deep and cool. Seaman is quite the scholar. He'll ask you questions about your life and what you like whenever you talk to him. Of course, you can only put in 15 hours of gameplay a day, and you'll be doing just fine...as your talk sessions don't last that long. They're more of a Q&A. But that's ok, I enjoyed the responses Seaman gave me. When I told him my birthday, he told me that I share it with Elizabeth Hurley and a few other cool celebrities. Thanks Seaman!

The voice recognition isn't as bad as people say. As long as you speak clearly and not too fast, Seaman should be able to understand most of the things you say to him. Please give Seaman a chance, he's a good guy. And you'll be sad to let him go in the end.

seaman is great!
this game is really fun. it's kinda like a sim mixed with a giga pet. you feed it , raise it, take care of it, and of course, talk to it. yes, some of the time the words are missunderstood, but if you talk loud and clearly enough, it's just fine.

It's Great the First Few Times......... (3.5 stars)
....but after you've beat it and played it a couple times, it gets really old very quickly.But, this game is %100 original!A very unique and cool concept.I just think more could've been done to keep the replay value up a bit.

The graphics:Amazing
The sound:Very good
Concept:Out of this world!
Replay Value: Gets boring after you play it enough

So the only reason why I'm giving this 3.5 stars instead of 4 is because, let's face it, it can get old very quickly.Plus, you have to have A LOT of free time to keep him alive!!!I used to have that time in high school, but now starting my second semester at college, well.....time isn't as free any more.

It's a game that should be checked out, though.Just be warned, you might get bored with it real quick.I thought it was the greatest game at first, but then it seemed like nothing new happens.Once you beat it, that's it.Replay value is the only major flaw with the game. ... Read more

Asin: B0000488VT
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sega Dreamcast   

Rocky Interactive Horror Show
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (30 October, 2000)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (4)

Stay Away!
Being an ardent RH fan, I was curious how this would be done. The old RH game (on my C-64 years ago) was interesting for it's time. This game has graphics that aren't much better than in that version from 1985. The only real difference is the inserted 3 second video clips, having Richard O'Brien say inane things like 'How did that happen?'. The music (except for the 3 added CD tracks), and characters, are horrendous and very unlike the movie. As a game, definitely worthless, even as a fan.As nostalgia, worth only showing that you own another piece of the RH history.

Remember when life was fun
The Rocky Horror Picture Show DVD is everything and more.To us hardcore fans who have sat and watched this flick in the theatre 100's of times you will not be disappointed with the quality of this picture and the many extra's included on each of the 2 disc's. The energy and high drama are just like you remember from the 70's when you first found yourself drawn to this film.A joy to own and a must for all who remember when life was fun and exciting and interesting.

Only if you're a Rocky Devotee. . .
When I found this title on Amazon I thought I just had to get it.Now I have it, and I'm glad I bought it. Bottom line:This game isn't for everybody. It's has ok gameplay.The rotoscoped characters are pretty cool but you can totally tell this game isn't licenced by Fox.You play as Brad or janet and your goal is to rescue your counterpart before the castle blasts off the planet of Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania(30 mins.) Don't worry there are plenty of bouncing red lips to boost your time back up.Basically it is a role playing game in which one thing leads to another.You'll find lots of item's to help you along your way: from the totally mundane keys to the eyebrow raising KY Jelly. . .And, of course the game soundtrack is that marvelous rock and roll repitoire from Richard O'Brian.There are even three CD audio tracks on the disc. All in all, it is a rather interesting addition to any Rocky Horror collection. Pros: It's Rocky Horror, Nice soundtrack, rotoscoped characters, "help" from Richard O'Brian himself, handy walkthrough in case you get stuck Cons: Keyboard control, sometimes annoying sound effects (Janet screaming),It's not your regular Rocky Horror ... Read more

Asin: B00004U8KA
Sales Rank: 10576
Subjects:  1. Adventure    2. Computer Games    3. Action   

Sheep
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (06 December, 2000)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Sheep came to Earth as advanced beings to observe developing life, but removed from their culture, they have become the mindless creatures we know today. It is up to you to guide them to Mt. Mouflon for a rendezvous with their celestial ancestors. Herd your sheep through a plethora of puzzles without getting them bashed, boiled, blown up, or blow-dried.

Sheep features advanced Artificial Stupidity programming and a charming visual style. There are four levels in each of the seven worlds, plus six bonus levels, four herders, and four increasingly stupid breeds of sheep. Lighthearted and addictive, Sheep promises more fun for fans of games like Lemmings. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

too difficult
bought it for my gf, as I saw from the reviews girls love it.
at first she did like it, the cute sheep and so on.
but she gave up after a couple hours.
it's just too difficult for those girls who's not a gaming fan but looking for cute cartoon figures moving under their finger tips.

Bah Bah BAD SHEEP!
You may find yourself cursing at the sheep in this game, because they are so stupid and at times, very difficult to control. There are four different sheep herders (you must choose one) and 4 different varieties of sheep. Your purpose is to herd the sheep through the increasingly difficult levels so that eventually they get to the mother-ship. (see product info)

For those who enjoy an adventure game (as opposed to games similar to Civilizations or Age of Empires), this product is great. The different aspects of each "maze" do have their quirks... some levels it would seem nearly impossible to beat and some obstacles impossible to get past...but I assure you it is possible.

The basic concept of the game is easy to grasp: get at least 10 sheep to the end of the level in the time limit, and try to get the "golden sheep" statue thats hidden in the maze.

The main problems that the player might encounter are:
1) Having selected the "wrong" herder. Make sure you pick the right herder for you, as some people are more comfortable with the different styles of herding. (my personal favorite is Adam)

2) Becoming frustrated with a particular level. I recommend this game for those who are bored, easily amused, seldomly frustrated, or have been told by their friends that they are insane. This game is probably not meant for the faint of heart or weak of spirit.

3) Not knowing what sheep to play with in each level. Read the instruction booklet that comes with the game. Also make sure you try out the Training parts, as you will see which sheep are the hardest for your herder to manage. Use those sheep on the EASIEST and usually 1st of the 4 games. Use your easiest for the harder levels.

All in all, this game is one of my favorite adventure games, simply because its easy to understand, and fun to play. I highly recommend it.

Sheep is Cool
Sheep is a really fun game. You get to journey through different worlds.It is so exciting.It can sometimes be difficult because the sheep are so dumb but that can make the challenge a bit more interesting.I highly suggest that you look into purchasing this game.It is a blast! ... Read more

Asin: B00004VWUC
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Puzzle (Puzzles)   

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (04 July, 2000)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (33)

one of the rarest games out there and musical
it really good game and it cute. music is too good and it funny i would recommend this for rpg for novice it too easy but it fun it worth the money. it charming rpg.

Most musical game ever...
Rhapsody is one of the best games Iplayed EVER!!There might have been some minor flaws, but thats it.The background music might not be so good, but who CARES? Once you get playing the game, that shouldn't bother you too much.
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure doesn't take long to complete.Despite that, it totally rocks!There are some really interesting puppets to befriend.When you do, they'll have mini-tasks for you to complete.You have the choice to do that or not.
The illustrations are really great.Personally, my favorite parts of the game are the illustrations and the songs.. ^_^

WONDERFUL!
This is one of the most wonderful games made for the psone.
The gameplay is so simple everyone can do it, and of course, the music is really really great! If you are a girl gamer who loves rpgs get this now! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S2XF
Sales Rank: 8254
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. Adventure   

D2
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (25 August, 2000)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The long-delayed cinematic adventure game D2 has finally surfaced on the Dreamcast.Despite several years in development by innovative Japanese game design team Warp, D2 seems tosuffer from a lack of solid gameplay. Fortunately, the gaming environment is stunning to look at.

D2 offers gamers a curious combination of adventurous exploration and first-person shooting.Gamers assume the role of airplane crash survivor Laura (not to be confused with game icon Lara Croft ofTomb Raider infamy). The game begins with Laura embarking on an airplane flight that soon goeshorribly wrong. The plane is hijacked by a handful of terrorists--but that effort is foiled when a meteorcrashes into the plane. Laura emerges as one of the few survivors of the plane wreck, which has occurredsomewhere in the mountains of Canada. Laura must try to survive the icy elements by routinely killing andcooking cute bunnies for food as she travels through the snowy terrain. Animal activists might object to thecasual nature of these deaths, which are essential to winning the game.

Several tentacle-wielding creatures attack Laura frequently during her travels. When this occurs, the gameimmediately shifts from third-person to first-person perspective. While these point-and-shoot segments arechallenging at first, they soon become tedious. It is impossible to travel more than a few feet without beingattacked--and Laura must travel quite a bit to advance the game. Despite the presence of impressivegraphics, these action segments amount to little more than a glorified version of the mass-market PC gameDeer Hunter.

Still, the ambitious world of D2 is worth a look and a listen. This game is highly stylized in design,including several artistic cinema sequences that will keep you riveted. A stunning new age-meets-operasoundtrack accompanies the title screen, while creepy instrumental music adds tension in all the rightplaces.

With an awkward balance of both adventure and action elements, D2 ultimately succeeds more as acuriosity than a remarkable gaming coup. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Art-house appeal for eclectic gamers
• High-quality animation

Cons:

• Awkward gameplay
• Tedious and repetitious action sequences

... Read more

Reviews (23)

Contains nudity
As the editor mentions, it is very tedious and repitious. You will find a monster in the exact same spot where you had previously killed another one. And you can not bypass any of the monsters, you have to fight all of them.

One good thing, you'll get to fight a topless woman who has alien tenticles protrouding from her stomach. I guess that's a good enough reason to buy a video game, right ?!

The Complete Trilogy
Alright...
You have "Enemy Zero", "D", and "D2"
all three are great games, but not for everyone..
"Enemy Zero" (which is a little hard to get hold of) Is a little weird compared to the rest but a great game.
"D" is one of the best.. But slow slow slooooooowwwww moving and puzzle solving game. Very frustrating and you have to sit there and play it all in one shot.No saving... you have two hours to beat it. But otherwise graphics are great the creepiness vibe is awesome and it's just damn cool.
"D2" is a little different.. Really it doesn't have anything t do with "D" other than the main character.But still fun and a unque twist on the "D" thing...
It comes down to this..
You know how three's though "Arthouse" movies? and thse "Underground" bands? the types of media that do not get worldwide recognition and is only known by a few? well, these three games are it for the video game world.. Definetly not for everyone... but for some... check them out...

D2 - a different kind of survival horror
I have to give credit where credit is due - Kenji Eno's artistic vision have given birth to a brilliant game world that touches on the pristine beauty of the Canadian countryside, the graphics convey the landscape wonderfully from the blowing snowflakes, the endless valleys of snow, the bouncing bunnies that run away once your presence is discerned -- the environments are breathtaking, the shadows draping down with the sunset, the flocks of birds that can be seen flying overhead, it is all psuedo-realistic in its execution.the inside environments are wonderful too - every little detail is wonderfully rendered down to the grainy wooden boards making up the cabinets to the hinges on the cabinets to the frosted window panes, Warp has outdone themselves in graphical presentations.The character models are equally impressive with a wide range of facial expressions and moving lips (which are not in senc some of the time but still impressive) to the details in the clothing and assessories.Even years after its release, the swaying trees, the figure of Laura moving through the snowy landscape is still breathtaking, even long after the Dreamcast has become defunct.
The same loving care can be said about the characters, they are given more than enough emotional depth from the poetic yearnings of Kimberly to the childish innocent and desire to see her grandfather that characterizes Jeannie.The voice acting does a lot to add emotional depth, it is excellent in most respects save for a few laughable lines and some volume problems (Kimberly seems to be speaking in a whisper for the 1st half of the game) -- but the characters do a lot to add to the story which despite a slow, deliberate pacing keeps you hooked after a few cinematic set pieces put the mystery in motion.
The gameplay is interesting, mainly consisting of random encounters with mutated creatures that is handled in an on-rails 1st person shooter engine -- it is difficult at first, the encounter rate is somewhat high, but the experience points and leveling up more than help add incentive.Also an interesting gameplay mechanic is hunting for food using a rifle, shooting rabbits, birds, and caribu -- it is quite immersive and fun to crest a snow bank and see caribu feeding, taking a quick aim and letting off a shot.The idea of getting food and using it for health is also innovative (though there is a plethora of healing items around like first aid sprays).
There are some rough spots about D2, the random battles get monotonous, the environments are stunning to look at but also get quite repetitive after some time since the majority of movement is back and forth from one place to another and then back to the original.The plot points are interesting though some people might be turned off by the infrequency of them as well as the length.And the pacing is slow, things that happen take a long time to build and there is a lot of down time between major scenes (though there is a lot of random battles between there, they get old too).I can understand the mixed reaction this game got when it was released, it does have some flaws, but the overall immersive atmosphere of the game hooked me, it is a different kind of game, like all of Warp's games.It might not be for everyone, but for the certain type of gamer, it will be a masterpiece. ... Read more

Asin: B0000488VR
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Action and Adventure    3. Horror    4. Sega Dreamcast    5. Action    6. Adventure   

Samba de Amigo
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (20 October, 2000)
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Even those of us who have tin ears can make music with Latin America's musical rattle, the maraca. The idea in Samba de Amigo is to use visual cues to shake your maracas in time with the music's rhythm. Although that might sound easy, it's not. The visual cues prompt you more than just to shake them, but where to shake them, and in three levels between your head and your knees. In other words, think of Samba de Amigo as a cross between Dance Dance Revolution and semaphore. The game requires quick reflexes, great timing, and powerful concentration. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Near the top of the music genre
I loves me some music games and I've got no problem with fessing up to that fact, although you'd better believe I'll always close the blinds before I lay down the dance pads and embark on a game of DDRMax in my living room. Pa Rappa the Rappa and Um Jammer Lammy (Lammy in particular) hooked me on the genre, and each installation / revision of the Dance Dance Revolution series has all but confirmed it. Along the way, I've become something of a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the genre, very similar to the way I'm sure a wino in a dirty alley somewhere considers himself an expert on the many varieties of Mad Dog 20/20. I've played some musically-themed games that I've really enjoyed, (Space Channel Five and Beatmania spring to mind) some I've despised (stay away from Pa Rappa 2 and Donkey Konga if you know what's good for you) and some I've had trouble forming the first opinion about, (Para Para Paradise and Cool Cool Toon... both released only in Japan, go figure!) but one thing they've all got in common is an almost desperate need to innovate. Whether it's a bizarre new controller, a different on-screen display, a new style of music or something totally out of left field, almost every game in the genre is trying to stand out from the pack by introducing a bizarre new method of gameplay. On one hand, it's refreshing to see such a drive for innovation, but on the other... well, let's just say it's incredibly difficult to jump from one game to another. There's a reason platformers are typically very easy to play, right out of the box, and it's because nearly every one of them functions exactly the same as its peers. One button jumps, the other attacks. Got it. The music gaming genre isn't known for allowing such luxuries.

Samba de Amigo is no different. Not only does it introduce a completely different type of controller to the market, (a ridiculous set of maracas that couldn't possibly be used effectively with any other game on the system) but the on-screen functions are entirely original and the gameplay itself features some unique, maraca-based actions. Like most of its peers, Samba borrows some ideas from the competition, but on the whole it's among the more unique titles in the genre.

Fortunately enough, one can enjoy this game without first investing close to a hundred bucks on a set of specially-designed controllers. Actually, from the way the controls have been optimized for the Dreamcast's regular game pad and the availability of the standalone disc sans maracas, it would seem like the developers never really expected anybody to buy them in the first place. I'm sure using those bizarre, brightly-colored, electronicized musical instruments adds a whole new dimension to the game, (just like the dance pads in DDR or the movement detectors in Para Para Paradise) but Samba remains completely enjoyable in their absence. Truth be told, I've never even tried the maracas and this isn't just one of my favorite music games... it's one of my favorite games, period.

The gameplay takes a little getting used to, because it's so different than anything else out there and requires nearly exact precision at all times, not to mention a better-than-average sense of rhythm. Like other games in the genre, your ultimate goal is to press specific buttons in time with the music, earning points as your string of unblemished beats grows longer and longer. Samba's interface is simple in action, but somewhat difficult to describe. Basically, the on-screen display is meant to reflect six different zones of the human body, (thigh-level, midsection-level and head-level for both the right and left hands) and players are meant to shake their maracas in those specific areas in time with the music when indicated. It's not quite as easy as "When the 'up' arrow hits the top of the screen, step forward," but it's simple enough to grasp all the same. And, since the directional indicators are shot from the center of the play area, rather than slowly dragged from the bottom of the screen to the top, the experience is a little more frenzied and exciting than that of Konami's DDR titles. It's incredibly easy to completely zone out and let your subconscious take over for you with this control scheme, which is when I've found I'm most successful at rhythm-based games anyway. Once mastered, a session with Amigo can become a bizzarrely soothing experience, something that totally mellows you out. And, if you're already mellow coming in, more power to ya. Samba is one of my first choices when I'm drunk out of my mind and want to play a game, not to mention one of the few I can play decently in such a state.

Where the Dance Dance Revolution games use both the D-Pad and the four main buttons as mirrors of one another for gamers lacking a dance pad, (up and the triangle button perform the same function, as do right and O, etc.) Amigo puts the D-Pad and buttons to work as six completely independent inputs, matching the three available positions with both your right and left arm. The right and yellow (X) buttons are never used, and the remaining inputs are relatively self-explanatory. Is the screen telling you to hit the upper region with your right arm and the middle region with your left? Hit left on the D-Pad and the green (Y) button. Both arms need to be pointed down? Press down on the D-Pad and the blue (A) button. The three leftmost directions on the D-Pad correspond with each of the three left arm positions and the three rightmost buttons correspond with, you guessed it, the same positions with your right hand. I know it sounds a little complicated, but trust me, after you've suffered through your first couple of games you'll have it mastered. There's also an alternate control scheme, but it went completely over my head and never made nearly as much sense as this one. Anyway... as your score grows, you move your way up to different scholastic "grades," starting at a C and either working up to a B or A, or dropping down to a D or F. Naturally, if you hit the "F" level, the game's over and your life is hell. Like its musical peers, Samba makes it much easier to lose levels than it does to gain them, and it's not uncommon to get through two thirds of a song without missing a beat, screw up once and ultimately lose the rhythm, resulting in a quick nose-dive to defeat.

The single-player mode is a little deeper than you'd think, offering a few mini games and a difficult goal-based challenge mode to accompany the standard, mindless "play whatever song you feel like and shoot for a high score" mode that seems to be standard issue with entries to the musical genre. The mini games are, admittedly, really weak and feel more like a digital translation of the token chomping physical challenge-style games you'll see all over the place at Chuck-E-Cheese, but the challenge mode is a hidden gold mine, a great opportunity to refine your skills. It's basically twenty two challenges of increasing difficulty and variety, ranging from the simple (complete "La Bamba" with a score of B or better on the Super Easy difficulty setting) to the confidence-crushing (Complete "Take on Me" with a perfect score on the Super Hard difficulty setting) with a little variety thrown in to keep things interesting. As you polish off each challenge, you'll also unlock hidden songs for use in the traditional and multiplayer modes.

Yep, you read that correctly. There's a multiplayer mode. But, before you find yourself joyously overwhelmed by the thought of two goons standing side by side with a pair of maracas in their hands, gyrating like a toddler in front of the epileptic episode of Pokemon, I've gotta warn you... it's extremely limited. There's no real point based head-to-head mode, and no four-player support, although I have a hard time believing anybody would be willing to drop nearly half a grand on four sets of maracas anyway. The entire multiplayer experience is limited to three options; couples mode, battle mode and a translation of the mini-games from the single player game. Couples mode works like a twisted version of those standalone love detector machines you'll find within every mall in the history of modern civilization. The two players work their way through an entire song, and when they both hit a beat at precisely the same time, a fruity "WOOOP" blasts across the speakers and their "love rating" goes up a notch. At the end of the song, you're informed just how compatible you are romantically with the other player. No, I'm serious. Battle mode is similar, in that both players work their way through a song at the same time, but the goal here is to develop the highest possible combo. As your score ascends, a bomb on your side of the screen slowly fills with power. Naturally, when your bomb is full, it's heaved over onto the opponent and they lose a little bit of life. The victory goes to the last monkey standing. While it's cool to see some ingenuity in this aspect of the game, it's really strange that there's no gimmickless heads-up multiplayer function.

Like most other titles in the musical genre, there's no real underlying story to Samba, and what little character interaction you get is abstract at best. Amigo, a sombrero-adorned, maraca-bearing monkey, is the main character (who's never named, and I've only dubbed 'Amigo' because I'm thinking the game was titled after him) and the closest thing you're gonna get to an on-screen representative of your actions, in that he's always there, dancing to the music and shakin' his fists. When you do well he's hailed as a maraca god, and when you suck he's abandoned and left alone in the street after dark. You'll also see some recurring figures from level to level, presumably Amigo's various Latin friends, since they're always dancing up a storm as well, but there's no rhyme or reason to their appearances and you're never given much motivation aside from "don't lose the rhythm or you'll make the monkey cry." The character designs are elaborate and cartoony, ranging from hepcat hyena bass players to scantily-clad showgirl birds to an obviously trans-gender, trumpet-playing brown cat in leopard print pants. These characters have, for lack of a better word, character. They go a long ways toward successfully establishing the light-hearted tone Sega was going for here, although their movements and dances are relatively stiff and repetitive.

The visuals are charmingly low-budget, which gives them a great comedic touch and an interesting credibility. The blindingly bright shades of red, yellow and green, along with the hilarious discount graphics give the impression that you're either watching an episode of Sabado Gigante or the last sequence of opening credits from Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. The sad little illustration and haphazard text that rolls onto the screen when you advance to the next song (or the "special stage" at the end of a cycle of songs) is simultaneously terrible and perfect. This game looks like it was broadcast directly from Mexico, which fits the lighthearted theme that sets this game apart from the pack. The in-game visuals aren't anything special, but fit the art direction and flavor of the promotional materials and box art. The characters look as you'd imagine they were meant to look, and that's good enough for me.

As is the case with just about any musically-themed game, Amigo lives and dies by its selection of tunes and their application within the game. If the title hadn't already given you any kind of previous inclination, nearly every song in use has a modern southwestern Latin vibe about it, and even the few tracks without a trace of Menudo, maraca or mariachi hardly seem out of place. I don't think there's ever been a collection of music in a game quite like this one, both in terms of the big names involved, and in the way Samba can take a song you've developed a deep, emotional, passionate distaste for and turn it into something you're not only contorting your body to, but singing along with. This may be the one and only forgiveable use remaining on this planet for "The Macarana" or "Tubthumping," both songs for which I've held years of contempt, and both songs with which I've fallen deeply in love while playing this game. The music of Ricky Martin makes more than one appearance on the soundtrack, although it isn't the big man himself on vocals, and (god help me) I love hearing each one of them when that damned monkey is on my television. "Soul Bossa Nova," known a bit more commonly as the theme to Austin Powers is here, and provides one of the most difficult challenges in the game. Ska band Reel Big Fish makes an appearance with their cover of the A'ha classic "Take on Me," and Spanish dance troupe Bellini makes an impact with an unmistakably catchy tune dubbed "Samba de Janeiro," which is significantly sped up, remixed and renamed in later levels of the game as "Samba de Amigo." Once everything's been unlocked, you've got probably twenty or twenty five songs, and I don't think I could part with more than one or two of them. After playing through the hideous song selection of Donkey Konga, which featured children singing "Old McDonald Had a Farm" and studio musicians' covers of "We Will Rock You" that made me embarassed to be playing, it's refreshing to hear licensed, relatively recent music performed by the original artists. Ricky Martin's the sole exception to this rule, as apparently Sony (who owns the right's to Martin's music) had a problem with his hits being used to aid the competition, (at the time, the Dreamcast was battling the PlayStation head-on) so a soundalike was brought in to perform "Livin' La Vida Loca," among others, and I honestly didn't notice the difference. It's far from an original soundtrack, obviously, since every last one of these tunes is available commercially elsewhere, but it's an amazing compilation of sound nonetheless. You wouldn't believe how easily you can be coerced into enjoying "Love Lease."

I can't even put into words why this game is such a success, why it's one of my all-time favorites. It's truly something you must experience for yourself, either with maracas or without. It's a fresh gameplay experience, alone or with friends, and one of your few chances to fess up to listening to Chumbawumba and Los Del Rio without instantly sacrificing every shred of self-respect you've accumulated through the years. Samba de Amigo is more than a game, it's an experience. It's really unfortunate that this game didn't take off, since it was released right around the time DDR was gaining a foothold and Amigo stands up very well with Konami's banner-wielding music games of the day. In the end, the Dreamcast's ultimate fate capped the potential of this one, similar to console brethren Shenmue, Jet Grind Radio and Crazy Taxi, although those three DC success stories have since been granted next-gen sequels. I'm itchin' for a modern dose of Samba even today, years after the original's release, which should speak to its incredible lasting appeal. If you have even a passing interest in the musical genre, it don't get much better than this.

Not worth the price, only 3 levels of play
This game is nice, but it is extremely short. There are only 3 stage arenas.

Stage 1 you are in a street parade.
Stage 2 you are in a movie studio.
Stage 3 you are at a concert in a park. Then that's it, the game ends!!!

There are also 7 songs, but not all of those songs sound great.

Another complaint is that the characters do not react to your button inputs. They dance automatically, you do not have any control over their movements.

I also own SPACE CHANNEL 5. That is a much better game (5 stars). You have complete control over the character's movements, and there is a long storyline to follow in order to beat the game.

Samba, Samba, Samba!!!!!!!!
This is a very fun game, it is unique and there aren't much games out there like this, it is fun, very nice latino music from South America, unlock different songs, play with your friends, and it's even better when you have a set of maracas. The maracas may be hard to find but don't stop looking, this game has interesting characters, it is worth the play, definately, if you can afford more than one set of maracas, even better, get your friends to come over and face you! ... Read more

Asin: B00004WKKC
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sega Dreamcast   

Austin Powers: Operation Trivia
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When the original Austin Powers movie became a runaway cult hit, there was nary a product in sight for fans to buy. The movie's makers wouldn't miss their second chance, though, and so the sequel came with an unstoppable merchandising force behind it. Austin Powers: Operation Trivia is part of that bandwagon, a thinly veiled rehashing of You Don't Know Jack.

The best part of the game is Dr. Evil's introduction and explanation of the game as a "pointlessly intricate scheme" to determine when to kill Austin Powers. The graphics, too, have the same spark as the movie, but the relentlessly slow pace of the game makes the graphics and content an uneven match. Disappointing, too, are the voiceovers--the voices of the "hostbot," Austin, and Dr. Evil are all read by the same person, robbing the game of Mike Myers's spark.

Clearly intended as a quick cash-in, Operation Trivia will hold appeal for the diehard Austin Powers fan, but not for a PC gamer. As Dr. Evil himself would say: "Go capitalism." --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Truly a hidden treasure!
How did this game go under the radar?I never heard about it until recently, and since it was so cheap I thought 'What can I lose?'Well, I lost nothing and gained a great game!The questions are hilarious, the art is astounding, and even though it's not Mike Myers, the voice guy rocks!This will be a collectors item, no doubt about it.

Any possibility of a sequel?
The title of my review says it all. Leave responses on this board and I'll check it every couple of weeks. Thanks!

It's Shagariffic Baby!
"People of Earth, or whoever's listening anyway, Dr. Evil here" your computer has been taken over.Austin Powers is "in a bit of a pickle", it seems Dr. Evil has him imprisoned in the ElectricPsychadelic Pussycat Swingers Club while he hatches his evil plot for worlddomination.The trivia match - Win Lose or Die is Groovy Baby - totallyentertaining graphics and sound -even for adults.Highly recommend it. Too bad there aren't more questions - upgrade perhaps?Buy this one NOW!Oh, Behave! ... Read more

Asin: B00001KWS2
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Trivia (Quiz)    3. Havas   

Um Jammer Lammy
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (27 March, 2000)
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Rock out with this innovative sequel to the hip-hop rhythm game Parappa the Rapper. This time the action centers around Lammy, a grunge guitar-playing lamb with her own rock band. Lammy is late for her latest performance with Milkcan, the band she fronts with kooky sidekicks Katy Kat and Masan. To get to the gig, Lammy must successfully strum her guitar through seven cartoon levels. Each level contains a unique music video that requires superior guitar-playing skills. Lammy must master multiple styles of music, including heavy metal, pop, and punk. Superior musicians will be rewarded with a special remix mode, which adds a special rap by well-known game character Parappa.

With unique animation from acclaimed cartoonist Rodney Alan Greenblatt and catchy tunes from Masaya Matsuura, Um Jammer Lammy is one of the most innovative games to ever appear on the PlayStation. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Kid-friendly game theme
• Catchy music
• High repeat play value

Cons:

• May appeal to only a narrow segment of gamers

... Read more

Features

• Wacky sequel to Parappa the Rapper features Grunge rocker Lammy
• Rock out over seven levels to get to the gig
• Cool music and cartoony graphics
• High replay value
• For 1 player

Reviews (16)

Hard(...)
This was the worst game ever I give it a thump down unlast you what to send your money Don't buy this game!!(...)

Fun, great game!
Great semi-sequel to Parappa.It developed on it.I loved the fact that you could play different versions of the songs as parappa, and that you could change the sounds of the guitar.The music in this one is great, I find myself humming it all the time.Out of all the Parappa series games, it has the greatest variety, and therefore the greatest replayability.Definately worth a look!

Excellent! But a note to PS2 Owners...
This game was beyond excellent, I'm 32 and I love playing this.I've pulled it out at family gatherings and my cousins (ages 10-32) have a blast!Definately more challenging than Parappa, but also more fun in a lot of ways.
NOTE: For PS2 owners, buy a PS1 memory card, your PS2 will take it and you can only save PS1 games on a PS1 memory card.I usually keep one of each in the PS2 ports, since it doesn't matter where the card is to use it. ... Read more

Asin: B00001OHC1
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Irritating Stick
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $19.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (2)

Irritating Stick
This game is awesome!I own the demo of it and I play it almost every day for hours at a time!(It's annoying because in the demo from 1998, you have to reset the Playstation after each game over)

Irritating is right
This game is AWFUL!I mean, the announcer is irritating enough.The game's inane object of guiding a dot through a little track with some obstacles in it is enough to make you curious, and you might have a couple minutes of fun trying something different, but it gets old FAST.I got tolevel 3 and just turned it off.[Bad] graphics don't make it easy on theeyes either. ... Read more

Asin: B00002STJ2
Sales Rank: 13442
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)   

Mr. Chins Gourmet
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (1)

Takes time to get used to, but a great game.
At first I thought this game was really hard because I didn't know how to do it.But once I figured out that you have to pick up the green "blobs" to kill the Mo's, I liked it a lot.Beware, though, it is a hard game if you aren't patient, but once you get the hang of it, you should start zipping through the levels!
(no passwords or saves, once you die your dead, which is a slight disadvatage) ... Read more

Asin: B000035XGS
Sales Rank: 16570
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy (Gameboy)    3. Action    4. Fantasy