Editorial Review

Mario Kart 64, one of the first games released for the Nintendo 64platform, is an updated translation of the very popular Super Mario Kart for theSuper NES (SNES). And while the game clearly takes full advantage of the graphicspower and speed of the N64, a few components that made the original so compellinghave been left out of this release.

Still, Nintendo's expertise at sucking players into the game world is strongly evident, andMario Kart 64 offers enough challenges to keep players (especially casualgamers) entertained. Placing a familiar Nintendo personality behind the wheel of asputtering kart powered by a 50, 100, or 150-cc engine, the game lets players racecomputerized opponents or up to four other players on a variety of well-designed tracks.Because karts lack the power and speed of race cars, drivers must focus on collectingpower-ups and nonlethal weapons rather than negotiating hairpin turns on two wheels.Grabbing and using on-track items is the heart of the game's fun: a strategically-placedbanana peel sends the unlucky victim into a spin, nailing an opponent with a turtle shelllaunches their vehicle skyward, and a rocket provides a quick boost to near-breakneckspeeds, if only for a moment.

The multiplayer mode provides enormously chaotic fun for up to four players--flip it onat a party and watch the guests congregate around the screen. --Eric Twelker

Pros:

• Well-designed tracks
• Simple controls
• Strong multiplayer appeal

• Computerized opponents sometimes pull off questionable feats

Editorial Review

In 2001, Sega and developers Visual Concepts--the same people who brought you the NFL 2Kx series and other sports games--turned out a solid console baseball game that was a major improvement on the previous version and the first with head-to-head Internet play. This version for the Xbox marks a similar leap in quality, combining some of the best features of its competitors into one well-considered whole. Alas, the only thing missing is Internet play.

Going beyond motion-capturing batting stances (there are 89 distinct ones in here by my count), they've done a great job of animating pretty much every aspect of the game in pitch delivery, fielding, and base-running. The instant replay system, which borrows from and improves upon the one seen in the High Heat series, allows you to move the camera anywhere on the field to see the realistic movements at any speed. You can also use the feature to see the game's sophisticated artificial intelligence--for example, there's a brief, realistic delay when a player tags up from third on an outfield fly.

There's also a solid pitching game that lets a starter like Tim Hudson get off without a shelling when pitching heat down the middle, but try it with a pitcher like Byung-Hyun Kim and you're bound to see different results. And the TV-style zone chart shows which locations each batter is best at connecting to and where your sequence of pitches has landed.

A number of the new features are so obvious that you may wonder why you've never seen them before. One is a controller map in the pause menu that quickly shows you exactly which buttons perform the task you want. An option is also included that sets the relative speed of pitches to the plate. This really comes in handy when coming from another baseball game like All-Star Baseball 2003 where pitches seem to blur to the plate.

To put it bluntly, the game has almost no downside. There are some very powerful GM and manager functions--including a fantasy draft and exhaustive franchise tools--though using them is somewhat counterintuitive. Stealing is kind of tough to pull off; in one game, Ichiro got caught twice out of three attempts. And, as stated above, there's no Internet play--but that gives us something to look forward to for next year. --Porter B. Hall

Pros:

• Realistic player movement
• Smart AI
• TV-style zone chart marks hot and cold areas for each batter
• Variable pitch-appearance speeds

Cons:

• No head-to-head play over the Internet

Editorial Review

Asin: B000035XV7
Sales Rank: 12561
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sony Playstation (Play station)    3. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    4. Sports Baseball   

Editorial Review

Visual Concepts created a huge stir with the original NFL 2K--thefirst football video game that actually looked like you were watching a game onTV. NFL 2K2, the third game in the series, still features themind-boggling graphics, stunning player animations, and great play modes of theoriginal. And, despite an often frustrating passing engine, it's still one ofthe best sports simulations around.

You can play as any NFL team in a variety of modes: practice, tourney,exhibition, season, playoffs, franchise, fantasy, tutorial, and network (againstup to seven other players nationwide). The franchise mode is again one of thegame's strengths, as it offers a variety of scouting and free agency options,letting you customize your roster as a general manager based on the statisticsand financial demands of actual players. Now you can learn what the WashingtonRedskins already know--the salary cap is a cruel mistress.

The player animations are again the star of the show. There are literally dozensof potential endings to any collision in NFL 2K2, from stumbling fiveyards after a shoestring tackle to spinning dizzily between two linebackers tosomersaulting through the air after stretching for a catch over the middle. Andalthough the tackles can be spectacular, the game doesn't betray its simulationroots by making them too extreme. These aren't torn from the comics pages, as insome games.

Sega Sports has talked up its new passing system quite a bit, and it is bothchallenging and intriguing--perfect for the hard-core simulation expert.Unfortunately, the rest of us are left struggling to complete 5 to 10 passes agame. Essentially, the game asks players to expertly anticipate routes and timethe receiver's catch. This is no easy task in a fast-moving game such as this,as receivers routinely drop wide-open passes on the rare occasions they do getopen, and you'll find your primary receiver blanketed by two or more defensivebacks on most plays. The passing engine isn't overwhelmingly flawed, but averagegamers will need some serious time to overcome the Ravens-like pass defensethey'll face early on.

The running game was the original NFL 2K's main weakness, and it remainsthe single biggest improvement over the evolution of the series. Sometimesrunning between the tackles in NFL 2K2 can be a tad too easy and runningoutside can be too challenging, but the game rewards players who see holesdevelop and are adept at cutbacks.

It's the small details, though, that make NFL 2K2 the sports simulationtriumph that it is. The commentary--although still prone to calling turnoversincorrectly--is first rate, the on-field player dialogue is highly entertaining,and even the stadium music and crowd chants add to the atmosphere rather thanannoy.

The game isn't necessarily worth an upgrade for people who already own NFL2K1, as the improvements aren't dramatic (unless updated rosters are yourmain concern). But for football fans who want one of the best-looking sportssimulations ever made--and who don't mind the initial frustration of lousyquarterback ratings--NFL 2K2 is a Hail Mary come true. --RiversJanssen

Pros:

• Unbelievable graphics, yet again
• Extremely responsive gameplay

• Gamers must have genuine football skills to complete a pass
• Improvements from NFL 2K1 are minimal

Editorial Review

After several years in video game retirement, Sonic the Hedgehog returns as the star of a graphically stunning 3-D adventure game that blows away every other game in the genre. Sonic is joined by five of his friends in a massive quest that spans over 50 game levels filled with remarkable visuals and a pulsating soundtrack. Taking full advantage of the unprecedented processing power of the Dreamcast, Sega's development crew, Sonic Team, has designed several gravity-defying game levels that will keep gamers hooked.

Our favorite level is Windy Valley, which requires you to survive the stormy perils of a tremendous tornado. This tyrant of nature chases you relentlessly before ultimately sucking you into the air and up through its eye. During the chase, the tornado manages to tear up just about everything on the screen. This dizzying visual spectacle moves so fast that you will literally hold on to the game controller for dear life.

Assuming you survive the tornado, there are several more challenging areas to conquer, including a level that requires you to snowboard directly in the path of a fast-approaching avalanche. During the Emerald Coast level, you will race across a precarious dock as a killer whale attacks from below, destroying the wood planks underneath your feet while you attempt to outrun the crazed creature.

We also liked the numerous mini-games scattered throughout this title. When you least expect it, Sonic Adventure tosses in some old-fashioned arcade action, such as pinball or bumper car racing. In between, you can raise virtual pets, known in the game as "Chao." These characters, which are saved using the optional Visual Memory Unit (VMU), can be combined with other Chao characters exchanged between friends or downloaded via the Internet.

Gamers looking to show off the strong processing power of the 128-bit Dreamcast will definitely want to pick up this title. Simply put, Sonic Adventure's graphics surpass those of any other game currently available on any home video game system. Let the Sonic assault begin. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Strong replay value
• Stunning graphics
• Bonus virtual pet game
• Six different game characters

Cons:

• May be too fast-moving for some players
• Awkward camera angles can inhibit gameplay in some areas

Editorial Review

NBA Street is the best arcade basketball title available. Period.Why? No refs, no clocks, and no fouls. Players will knock you over, and theypractically live for blatant goaltending throughout the game. Realistic? No, butit's always fun--even if you hate basketball.

Street has two game modes--City Circuit and Hold the Court--yet thedifferences are minimal. Both feature three-on-three games of 21, in which youmust assemble a squad composed of (initially) NBA players. Soon you'll playagainst street legends (read: bosses) that, once defeated, can be added to yourteam. Your ultimate goal is to defeat the biggest legend ever--Michael Jordan.

To survive the streets, you must learn which buttons to mash as you masterspecific stunts. This will add special points to your score and give you accessto news ways to score. Though similar to the NBA Jam games, Streetis deeper and sports a surprisingly developed finesse game.

Street does commit some fouls, however, with its over-the-top, repetitivecommentary and lack of play modes. But even if you hate arcade-style basketball,you'll find Street is different from the pack and a solid MVP contender.--Mark Brooks

This review refers to thePlayStation2 version of thegame.

Pros:

• Good controls and gameplay
• Pleasantly cartoonish graphics
• Arcade approach makes it fun for those turned off by very technicalbasketball simulations

• Horrific commentary
• Only 2 gameplay modes, and they're very similar
• No 4-player support

Editorial Review

Infogrames has improved upon an already excellent franchise with Backyard Baseball 2003. We hope this software doesn't become a victim of its own success: the Backyard Kids are getting so good, it's only a matter of time before they start demanding astronomical salaries and brand-new stadiums.

The pace, strategy, and statistics involved in baseball make it a sport that translates easily to the computer screen. In Backyard Baseball, players can play pickup games, launch a tournament, have batting practice, or just watch the computer play its own game. Options are initially overwhelming, but add longevity to the game as well. Twelve different game fields each exert their own unique influence over play--balls bounce crazily on the gravel lot, while homers are rare in the fenceless field. Games can be tweaked to add errors or include a visible strike zone; even field chatter can be added or eliminated. A wide selection of hits, pitches, and stance possibilities at the plate keep players strategizing, while the occasional power-up or wild pitch serves as a reminder of baseball's unpredictability.

The creative team outdid themselves with character development in this software. The Backyard Kids are quirky and three-dimensional--the research done on the real players was exemplary as well. For example, did you know Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks listens to Rush in his spare time? Go figure.

Editorial Review

The original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was so close toperfection that the idea of dramatic improvements in the sequel seemedpretty far-fetched, but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 offers so muchmore that it almost puts its predecessor to shame. The graphics arevastly improved, there are tons of new tricks to pull off, and the gamehas more secrets than the CIA. Even if you played the original todeath, there's enough new stuff here to keep you occupied for months tocome.

Pro Skater 2 is all about customization. You can still play asone of the real-world skaters represented in the game, such as SteveCaballero, Elissa Steamer, and Mr. Hawk himself, but the real fun comesfrom creating your own skater and rising up through the ranks. As youconquer the massive skate parks included in this release, you rack upcash to be spent on pumping up your stats or adding new tricks to yourrepertoire. You can specialize in verts, concentrate on your streetskills, or take a more balanced approach, and the addition of manualswill let you string together tricks from either category to rack upsome amazing scores. The custom options extend to a complete skate-parkeditor that is easy enough to use that we were creating basic arenas inless than 15 minutes. It's a thoughtful addition to one of the mostpurely entertaining games ever released. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Create-a-Skater option lets you decide on everything from thetricks you use to the shoes you wear
• Easy-to-use park editor allows for complex creations
• Beautiful graphics and smooth animation make this one of thebest-looking sports games on any platform

• Getting the hang of manuals takes some time, but once you do, watchout

Asin: B00002STA1
Sales Rank: 7442
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sega Genesis    3. Sports (Sport)    4. Outdoors (Out Doors)   

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

• Little innovation
• The voice acting is sometimes laughable

Editorial Review

Features

• Go-kart action with Super Mario characters
• Play as one of many different characters
• Race against friends in Battle Mode
• Slow down your opponents with banana peels and more
• For 1 or 2 players

Reviews (24)

one of the most addictive wrestling games ive ever played
you are just the mario characters in a wild world of the most awesome go-kart tracks in the universe!you can get all sorts of power ups that can be used as weopons or traps on the other players.it NEVER gets old,so play on and on and on and .....

fun as a 2-player game
BOY was Super Mario Kart talked about by just about everyone when it first hit the shelves."Mario is now racing!Along with all his friends!"

Let's move forward to the year 2004.Is it still good?Yes, but on 2-player mode only.I think the 2-player battle mode (where you defeat your opponent by hitting them with turtle shells) is still quite fun.But, I don't see any of my high school friends anymore, so I'm all alone now.And as a 1-player game, Super Mario Kart doesn't give me much satisfaction anymore.Too many awesome racing games have come out since Super Mario Kart, including the newer Super Mario Kart on the Gamecube.

However, this game was pretty fun when I was younger.And it's still probably a total blast on 2-player.But if you have no one to play this game with... you better not get it.

A classic
Super Mario Kart (Super Nintendo, 1992.) The first game in the Mario Kart series.

Ever since 1980, Mario had been the big star of the video game world. From his origin in Donkey Kong to his own wildly successful platformer series spanning three consoles, the artist formerly known as Jumpman has become a living legend in a mere decade. But come 1992, and Nintendo would put Mario in a place he had never been before - a racing game. Was this a good idea on Nintendo's part? Read on for my review of Super Mario Kart.

THE GOOD:
-You can choose from eight different characters - Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Koopa Troopa, Bowser, Toad, Donkey Kong Jr., and Yoshi.
-This was the first Mario game EVER to let you control Bowser!
-Every character is unique in his or her own driving style. For example, Donkey Kong Jr. doesn't turn well and accelerates slowly, but his top speed is astonishingly high. On the other hand, Koopa Troopa has a slow top speed but good turning and acceleration. They say variety is the spice of life - and this game proves it!
-There are two one-player modes - the Grand Prix and the Time Trials, where you can set personal records.
-There are three two-player modes- the Grand Prix, a Match Race (a race between just the two players), and the Battle Mode, where you must pop your enemies balloons with weapons and items before he or she does the same to you.
-There are three difficulty racing classes in the Grand Prix (you must unlock the third one), meaning gamers of all skill levels can play.
-In single-player modes, you can toggle between a course map and a rear view mirror. If an enemy fires a weapon at you, you'll switch to the rear view automatically. This is a huge convenience.

THE BAD:
-The control isn't quite up to the standards of later Mario Kart games.
-Computerized opponents pull off questionable feats rather often. Sometimes opponents even JUMP YOUR WEAPONS! So you can hop a few inches off the ground, but your enemies can leap into the air? I don't think so, Also, computerized opponents have weapons you don't.
-The "coins" system (you have to get coins to go faster) just doesn't work very well (I'm GLAD they ditched it after this game.)
-The game will probably disappoint you if you've played any other Mario Kart game.
-All of the tracks from this game can be found in the Game Boy Advance game Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Since the tracks are all there, why bother with this one?

Reviews (13)

tHIS GAME IS OK.
The first time I played this game it was ok. But after playing it for awhile it got boring. It was way too easy.

Good but not great
They game is sort of fun. This game was fun the first time I played it but now its boring. For one thing it's too easy. Another thing there's not that many people to choos from Back Yard baseball is way better.

O.K. but the computer games are much better.......
This is an okay game but there are a few problems...

PROBLEMS
1. it's pretty darn easy even on the HARD level.

2. you can get a touchdown just about every drive

3. you can intercept just about every pass

4. gameplay is too slow

5. The graphics are not too great

GOOD STUFF

1. You can create your own player

2. You can create your own team

3. It has some pro players and still the backyard kids

4. There are different stadiums

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Want to build an empire without all the usual bloodshed? Try RollerCoaster Tycoon, which puts you in total control of a theme park, managing every detail from ride development to rescuing lost guests.

A simulator in the style of SimCity, this game has a simple enough concept: build a park attractive enough to draw in hoards of tourists and then separate them from their hard-earned money. This is accomplished by researching and building rides, along with amenities, gardens and decorations. Once you have your infrastructure, and the staff to maintain it, it's time to sit back and watch the funds roll in...all in hopes of building an even bigger rollercoaster somewhere else!

The big draws in a theme park, the coasters are expensive and flashy. They lure in thrill-seeking guests prepared to pay top dollar for a wild ride. RollerCoaster Tycoon even allows you to design the coasters yourself, a finicky but ultimately rewarding operation.

Despite a clunky interface and the usual simulator drawbacks--such as long waits while you acquire funds for the next ride--RollerCoaster Tycoon is an utter gem of a game. Its soundtrack, a mix of calliope music and ride machinery, is mixed with the sound of guests squealing with delight and terror as the coasters hurl them around. The sound mix is joyfully evocative, and you can almost smell the cotton candy and the popcorn.

Reviews (25)

Ended up selling it
Do not get this game it sucks.Try San Francisco Rush or California Speed.

crusin the world
I did'nt really like this game. Boring! You can use your steering wheel but the peddles did not work on this game!

Editorial Review

If you think it's hard to flag down a cab in a big city, try driving one in Sega's zany straight-from-the-arcade port of Crazy Taxi. If you're one of the teeming fans who eagerly played CrazyTaxi in the arcade at a buck a pop, then this game is a must-buy, if only from a purely economicstandpoint. Even those who don't know the difference between Crazy Taxi and the long-runningTV series Taxi will immediately recognize the appeal of this game. In fact, this game is soimpressive and addictive that it should easily convince a whole new wave of buyers to purchase a SegaDreamcast.

What's so hot about Crazy Taxi? For starters, the graphics sport the most impressive re-creation ofa living city ever seen in a video game. The level of detail is astounding and never ceases to surprise theplayer as block after unique block speeds by. The city is a distilled version of San Francisco with somelandmarks and neighborhoods left intact. Making it seem all the more real are apparent product placementsof real-world retail locations such as KFC, Tower Records, and Pizza Hut. And just about everything yousee on the screen is interactive: boxes, phone booths, and mailboxes topple when bumped or smashed,pedestrians leap and tumble out of your path, and the myriad of traffic attempts to avoid your erratichigh-speed antics. While some driving games brag about a lack of boundaries, this one delivers--playersdrive on the ocean floor, off the second floor of a parking garage, through parks, and down stairs. A helpfulhovering arrow points drivers in the correct direction, but you can truly drive wherever you want at anytime, making for tons of replay value.

While the game is a direct port from the arcade game of the same name, there's plenty more depth in thehome version. In addition to the city that appears in the coin-op version, the Dreamcast version alsoincludes an entirely new city. Crazy Taxi includes a trunk-load of mini-games that help to teachdrivers how to perform the special speed boosts and maneuvers in the game.

Though this game would be plenty exciting without any sounds at all, it has an adrenaline-pumpingsoundtrack supplied by punk crossover bands the Offspring and Bad Religion, as well as some good, ifsometimes monotonous, dialogue between the driver and the passengers. --Jeff Young

Pros:

• Wonderful, realistic graphics
• Easy to get into, and full of many long hours of addictive play
• Even more to offer than the fantastic arcade game upon which this is based

• On very few occasions players will encounter some graphic slowdown

Features

• Arcade-style NFL football action
• Extreme football format includes no penalties, 7-player teams, and 30 yards for a first down
• 9 defensive plays, 18 offensive plays, and fake plays for special teams
• Use CPU assist to help you develop skills against high-powered opponents
• For 1 to 8 players

Reviews (13)

Football for everyone
This game is a game for people who don't like football games.And if you do like regular style football games, you will enjoy the change.Give it a try, you can't beat the price!

best blitz
Blitz is a really good game it gives you a good amount of plays to do and the new ones are to complicated this has good graphics you can jump on people after the play is over thats fun you can use turbo when you press R1 all the peopl,e i've talked to that have owned the game say it's the best game that is in football if your purchasing it on amazon.com it's a really good price of only [amt].