Video games
Constantine PS2, Xbox, PC
Movie companies nowadays seem to be compelled to release games based on their movie property. This would be all well and good if their purpose was to present gamers with a unique experience and not just trying to cash in on their movie rights. Constantine is much like an alien probe: unnecessary and generally unpleasant.
Photos courtesy of www.IGN.com
The story driving this game is basically a skewed version of what happens in the movie; omitting characters and changing events. Some parts are taken directly from the movie, however, and they seem to work the best, especially the opening exorcism scene.
Aside from the story, most of the things seen in the movie make an appearance in the game. Keanu Reeves becomes equipped with his gold knuckles, holy shotgun, and the ability to go to hell. The game has additional weapons such as The Crucifier, a rapid firing nail gun. A spell system has been added as well, granting players the power to smite foes with holy lightning and to turn enemies to stone.
There just isn't really enough here to keep someone entertained, unless of course that person is a huge fan of the movie. Nothing besides the story is new here, and that alone can't make up for the rest of the game. Constantine goes the way of most movie spin-offs and does a rather poor job of capturing the essence of the movie, which in this case wasn't incredibly great itself.
Champions:
Return to Arms
PS2
— Nick Finnegan
Grade: D+
For some, this game will be a testosterone-fueled trip of continuous hacking and slashing. Those gamers, myself included, will be perfectly happy being a barbarian. For those who want to cast spells and use that silly mana stuff, this game will be about customizing a character's moves and armor until your fighting style is in sync.
Before reviewing Champions, I had never played any other Norath games, but I was never lost in the story. Actually, I feel the complete lack of story may have been a strong point.
Champions allows you to play with up to four people. This way, as a barbarian, you can team up with your mana-hugging buddies, the wizards, and use some strategy. This is hours of fun, but it needs some work. Only two players can have their equipment screens visible at one time. Not one of the 14 buttons on the controller allows you to hand an item to another player. This means that for every hour you spend killing, you spend 10 minutes dropping items on the ground for someone else to pick up and equip. This created a serious lull in my continuous barbarian-killing-monsters-with-sword/ax time.
Although I never had enough time to play the game both as a good and bad guy, I'm aware of the choices you get to make that affect which levels you play. I also never experienced online play. But according to Electronic Gaming Monthly, you benefit by playing the online mode after you have beaten the game offline.
All flaws aside, this game is worth your time if you're a fan of hack and slashes or Diablo-esque games.
Grade: B+
—Dan Hoyt
Star Fox Assault Gamecube
Fox McCloud and his team return once again to save the galaxy from evil. This is yet another title where Fox can leave the comfort of his Arwing and hit the surface. Star Fox Assault is another good title in the Star Fox Family. The game combines great graphics, good gameplay and the old-school feeling.
The game starts with Fox being called out to finish off the last of Andross' army, now lead by Andrew Oinkinny, Andross' nephew, and an old member of Star Wolf. After you defeat him, you discover the coming of a new enemy called Apareoids. Now the Star Fox team has been called in for the mission of saving everything in existence from this alien menace.
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The game still has your wingmen around to help you out and lend colorful commentary to missions. And yes, they still ask for help when they have enemies on their tail. However, now when you help them out they will be more grateful and will give you items to help you along in the mission, such as extra health, or extra supplies.
this game is a step up from the previous Star Fox Adventure. This game goes back to its original roots and most of the gameplay is in the cockpit of the Arwing. However, now there are levels that require Fox to go on foot with his blaster in hand and blast the Aparoids like a lone soldier from *Starship Troopers*. While on land, he still has the option of getting in the Landmaster tank and crushing the enemies beneath its treads. These options gives the game a more fun feel, allowing for players to create different strategies to complete missions.
The only real problem I had with this game was that this game ended too quickly for me. When things started to get real good, the game ended with some questions left unanswered.
Also, the multiplayer function is back where up to four people can engage in dogfights. They still incorporate the option of switching vehicles in certain stages.
Star Fox Assault is a good title. It deserves a rental at least, but if you want to unlock everything and get all the medals in the game, you may have to buy it.
Jayplay 03.03.05
Grade: B
—Chris Moore