RELIVE THE 25 GREATEST MOMENTS IN VIDEO GAMES

a eR d N intendo Sells ‘Stake In d Legendary Developer pg 27

New: Titles

OVER

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AWORID Fr

*- GAMES n REVIEWED

XBOX • PS2 • GAMECUBE

mentem,

Introducing the Network Adaptor for PlayStation. 2. p

Reach out and smoke someone.

E S

Or cross-check, smash, tackle, leg-sweep or ollie over

them- even if they're in another time zone. With the `

Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation 2), just about anything is possible. Like downloading new rosters, stadiums and characters. Trash-talking opponents you've never met. Or, better yet, starting your very own East Coast-West Coast sports rivalry. All against live competition, so no two games are ever alike. The Network Adaptor for PlayStation 2 is here. Get your game online.

WHAT YOU GET:

• The Network Adaptor, which offers both dial-up and broadband connectivity

* Mail-in offer for a FREE copy of Twisted Metal:Black" ONLINE

* Start-Up Disc with playable demos of Madden NFL' 2003 and Frequency"

* Video demos of Tribes" Aerial Assault, ATV Offroad Fury” 2 and Tony Hawk Pro Skater" 4

* All this for just $39.99 (SRP)

WHAT YOU NEED TO CONNECT: *'PlayStation 2 (duh)

* Network Adaptor (obviously)

* Memory card (8MB for PlayStation 2) with at least 137K of space (that ain't much)

* Dial-up or broadband Internet connection (in English: such as cable modem, DSL, T1 or just a plain ol' phone line)

* Network Adaptor Start-Up Disc to create ISP settings (don't worry, it’s easy)

OTHER STUFF:

* The Network Adaptor works with just about any ISP subscriber, including AOL, AT&T Worldnet’ Service, EarthLink; SBC Yahoo! Dial and Sympatico. Check with your ISP for details.

LIVE IN YOUR WXRLD. PLAY IN OURS:

These are just a few of the games with online features available this year:

[PN TN. 4 Tony Hawk Pro Skater" 4

A

Twisted Metal:Black ` ONLINE

pt) mm

NFL GameDay” 2003 Tribes" Aerial Assault

Look for this icon indicating PS2 games with online capability

www.playstation.com “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Live In Your World, Play In Ours.” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. NFL GameDay 2003 ©2002 NFL Properties PRODUCTS RANGE FROM LLC. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other (NFL- RATING PENDING ro MATURE related) marks are trademarks of the National Football League. Officially licensed prod- uct of PLAYERS INC. The PLAYERS INC. logo is a registered trademark of NFL players. www.nflplayers.com. ©2002 PLAYERS INC. All other games featured herein are CONTENT RATED BY trademarked and copyrighted properties of their respective publishers and/or licensors.

SOUNDTRACK ALBUMS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON EPIC RECORDS WWW.VICECITYRADIO.COM

Visit www.esrb.org or call 1-800-771-3772 for more info.

-

= = INTENT RATED BY THAW курдел

/ 1 RATING PENDING | SN V ® JA | = EPIC =

PlayStation.

WWW.ROCKSTARGAMES.COM/VICECITY

“PlayStation” and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © 2002 Rockstar Games, Inc. Rockstar Games, the Rockstar Games logo,Rockstar North and the Rockstar North logo are trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Rockstar Games and Rockstar North are subsidiaries of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. Note: Rockstar will be following IDSA quidelines for M rated games in the marketing of this. game. This game contains violent language and behavior and may not be appropriate for persons under the age of 17. It is a comic interpretation of gangster activity and the story, names and incidents portrayed herein are fictitious. No identification or similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is intended or should be inferred. Any resemblance Is coincidental. The makers and publishers of this videogame do not in any way endorse, condone or encourage this kind of behavior.

EARTH'S GREATEST CITIES BECOME THE BATTLEFIELDS FOR LEGENDARY MONSTERS

Ө &

PEE PLAYER

B FIGHTING e MAYHEM e a OER RARE 22 ÊÊ A TETH EEE TEE BMBLHENU2ZX 228E 8552 Ж ICRI LKRK と の は 年 京 選 MO care ZOSO HAX'Hizün»-— 気 ラ が 人 争 昨 の カカ 京 爆 し つっ 子 そ の は 果 に ら 部 SiR BES se ` で の こ 出 "たよ 放 は КЕРБЕ ТУЫ Sac COR SER PERS ив BAR る で あて ラ “ORK CHOOSE FROM OVER 10 MONSTERS AND 5 MODES OF PLAY

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GD こと が あっ た 時 こそ 、 食 べ な きゃ だ めで =

Violence

anmo 風味

お いし い 。

9% © £

GAMECUBE.

No.03

週末 特 版 これ は 恐い ぞ !

~ ALL AMERICANS PLEDG ALLEGIANCE.

BAR i rye

You're one of the most highly-trained U.S. warfare experts on the planet. Put your skills to the test as you battle your way through fifteen levels of realistic tactical combat. When the brass wants a target secured, they send in a platoon. When they want a target erased, they send in your squad of four U.S. special forces. This is the part of the war that the media didn't cover. Welcome to Desert Storm.

WWW.GOTHAMGAMES.COM/CONFLICT

SONFLICT:

NO NEGOTIATION. NO SURRENDER.

NINTENDO

GAMECUBE. CONTENT RATED BY Е SRB

WAV A US THEO GRATES CON

Licensed by Nintendo. Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and the Official Seal are trademarks of Nintendo. ©2001 Nintendo. Eye of the Beholder ©2002 Infogrames, Inc. All rights reserved. Wizards of the Coast, D&D, the Dungeons and Dragons logo and the Wizards of the Coast logo are registered trademarks owned by Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, inc. and are used by permission. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Manufactured and marketed by Infogrames, Inc., N.Y., N.Y.

EVERYONE

Е MILD VIOLENCE У. Й

CONTENT RATED BY ESRB

INFOGRAMES

BLOOD AND GORE VIOLENCE

March 2002, Kain returns to video gaming's high-throne of bloodthirsty bad-asses.

To Behead ^

Or Not To Behead

T hat Is The Question - Kain '

ix AE

When ав =dx x and or ie dull, Kain turns to

Whether in pursuit of power or just for the thrill рш por of the kill, Kain's lust for blood is inspiring.

| боло NOVEMBER 2002 e

mature audiences NLY.

www.LegacyofKain.com

COVER STORY 38 STARCRAFT: GHOST

Blizzard's reentry into the console field is being spearheaded by a Ghost. What kind of Ghost? The kind that kills you in your sleep, then dispatches the rest of your family. This new StarCraft's unique presentation will give gamers something to

look forward to next year.

FEATURE STAR OCEAN Ш: TILL THE END OF TIME

Rabid for a refreshing RPG? Star Ocean, from Japanese powerhouse Enix, promises touching stories and engaging battles — all on a budget

that would make Hollywood blush.

12 GAMEINFORMER

EINFORMER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURE

THE 25 GREATEST MOMENTS IN VIDEO GAMES

Game Informer has done all the legwork for you. Just read our list of the 25 most revolutionary, repulsive, and goose-bump inducing moments in the history of digital entertainment. Then, revel in the glow

of fond memories.

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51902 1 йд) 8

GAME INDEX

GAME Age of Mythology ................ Barbarian .......... PS Batman: Dark Tomorrow . Battlefield 1942 . Big Air Freestyle Blade Il (PS2) Blade Il (Xbox). . Blinx: The Time Sweep г. BloodRayne ............. Burnout 2: Point of Impact . . Capcom Vs. SNK 2 EO .... Celtic Kings: Rage of War ...... Commandos 2: Men of Courage . Conflict: Desert Storm ......... Cubivore ............... Cultures 2: Gates of Asgard . Defender sc. b eke... Disaster Report . Driver 2 Advance . Dynasty Tactics .. Egg Mania ао EverQuest Online Adventures . Ferrari F355 Challenge Fighter Maker 2 Final Fantasy Tactics Advance . Getaway, The Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee . . Grandia Xtreme LE House of the Dead Ill, The . . Knockout Kings 2003 ...... Lego Bionicle ... Mafia....... Metroid Fusion Metroid Prime .. . Minority Report ........ NASCAR Thunder 2003 . .. NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona .. NBA RISO NBA Inside Drive 2003 .. NBA Live 2003 .... NBA ShootOut 2003 . Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (Gi Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (Koon -

EDITOR'S FORUM Adventures all have pretty, new screen- SECRET ACCCESS NHL 2003 (PS2) There's nothing wrong with being aver- — Shots to show off. Cheat like IBM's Deep Blue in a chess Р е age. Mr. McNamara points out the fact REVIEWS match - all with Game Informer's help. NHL hie 2003 (PS2) . . that without the average, there would ci Unlimited ammo? Check. Crazy free NHL Hitz 2003 (Xbox). . never be the great. And in this corner, we have Game of lives? Oh, yeah. Just don't tell anyone Pac-Man Fever ...... the Month, Sly Cooper and the when you're doing it. Prisoner ot at у, СІ SPY Thievius Raccoonus with PS2 backup Quantum Redshift .... The Game Informer paparazzi stalks from BloodRayne, Defender, and CLASSIC GI Rayman Arena (GC) .. the video game industry, bringing you © Summoner 2. GameCube throws down Тһе current rash of online peripherals е candid photos of all the action. with Knockout Kings 2003, Star Fox isn't anywhere near the first time the Robotech: Battlecry . . . Adventures, and Turok: Evolution. industry's tried to get "wired". Get the Run Like Hell. ..... DEAR GI Waiting in the wings, Xbox shows timeline of abysmal failures and near Бао ап Apparently, not everyone felt so keen House of the Dead III, Blinx, and successes, and learn what precedence about the gummy-in-a-Dorito-shell con- ToeJam & Earl Ill. The pint-sized GBA Sony and Microsoft (hopefully) plan to cept. Reiner is now on "sabbatical". offers up Yoshi's Island, the next in beat. puc Do ме let our giant, diamond-encrust- the Super Mario Advance series. Sonic Mega Collection . . . ia ed controllers get in the way of every- ETC Splinter Cell ...... Я day life? Kristian finally gets some CHARTS More than anyone needs to know сато вв Du E backup. What's hot? What's not? What's up? about Metal Gear Solid 2, but maybe Mar M n ` What's down? It's not NASDAQ, it's they should. Sony can make you Super Ghouls N'Ghosts . Ый NEWS the Retail Sales Data and the GI edi- dizzy. Ninjas kill people ALL the time. eS ae ШШЕ. Rare rumors finally come to fruition, tors' Top 10 Games. Heroes in a half shell...and they're Seni oe Dots i and Microsoft fills Nintendo's shoes PLAY TO PERFECTION not oysters. nM 82) ih XR j j ie Thing (ADOX)..... А with the developer. PlayStation З may Tiger NM d PES | 137

be just around the corner. And maybe, Star Fox leaps from his spaceship to just maybe, some more Turtle Power? run around like a crazed madman. Let us help you help yourself with a full

ToeJam & Earl Ill: Mission to Earth Top Gun: Combat Zones Tribes: Aerial Assault

h MOM Ostet ete ee ..98

PREVIEWS | у Л walk through of the shiny, new True Fantasy Live Online . . 94 What hyped-up game is coming out in Nintendo title. You're good enough, Turok: Evolution ......... fae the next few months that we didn't we think you're smart enough, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger (PS2) ..... . 128 cover? Not many, as Metroid Prime, and...really, we like you. VS emanan Toor (К) 3 И Shenmue Il, The Getaway, Splinter Wild Ams 3 ...................122

Cell, Tron 2.0, and EverQuest

14 GAMEINFORMER

“A brilliant game" - Nintendo Power | “Looks like one of the best FPS yet. We can't wait." - PSM | “the best-looking first-person shooter currently in development for PS2." - Gamespot.com

“а trug heir tn GoldenEye ...50 polished it shines.” - НЕОН Nation | | “TimeSplitters а is going to be awesome.” - IGN.com |

TYOUREREE LL RSCA жез»

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16 GAME INFORMER

AMEINFORM

NOVEMBER 2002 Volume XII • Number 11 • Issue 115

Cathy Preston

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andrew McNamara

EDITORS

Executive Editor Andrew Reiner Senior Associate Editor Matt Helgeson Associate Editors Kristian Brogger * Justin Leeper • Matthew Kato * Chet Barber Copy Editor/Contributing Writer Lisa Mason Mascot Arthur

PRODUCTION

Art Director Thomas Blustin Production Director Curtis Fung Production Assistant Rachel Nimerfroh

ADVERTISING SALES

Rob Borm Doug Faust (612) 486-6155 • Fax (612) 486-6101 (650) 728-5647 • Fax (650) 728-5648 rob@gameinformer.com doug@gameinformer.com

Advertising Account Executive Amy Arnold * (612) 486-6154 amy@gameinformer.com

CIRCULATION

CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT For change of address or subscription inquiry only: phone: (612) 486-6100 Fax: (612) 486-6101 email: customerservice@gameinformer.com or send correspondence to: 724 North First St., 4th Floor * Minneapolis, MN 55401 • Attn: CIS Dept

Circulation Manager Paul Anderson (612) 486-6104 paul@gameinformer.com

SUNRISE PUBLICATIONS, INC President John Woodson

Manufactured and printed in the United States of America The Editor welcomes company product information for all video games. Such materials should be addressed to: Editor, Game Informer Magazine, 724 North First St., 4th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned or acknowledged. Entire contents copyright 2002. Game Informer® Magazine. All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Game Informer is a trademark of GameStop, Inc. Products named in these pages are trade names, or trademarks, of their respective companies. PUBLISHER LIABILITY FOR ERROR The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher's

liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is limited to republication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

INDEMNIFICATION The advertiser and/or Advertising Agency agrees to defend and indemnify the publisher against any and all liability, loss, or expense arising from claims of libel, unfair competition, unfair trade practices, infringement of trademarks, copyrights, trade names, patents, or proprietary rights or violation of rights of privacy, resulting from the publication of the Advertiser's statement.

©

Member Audit Bureau of Circulations

220 ЇЙ OW THE MOS - \ E YOUR TAGE A MAN БА ME EVER!

EVERYONE QJ: , i Eapeom.com GAME BOY ADVANCE ^

К oP

© CAPCOM СОХ, LTD. 2002 © CAPCOM U.S.A., INC 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CAPCOM and the CAPCOM LOGO are registered tradematks bf CAPGOM СО LTD. MEGA MAN is a

rade fark of CAPCOM CO., LTD. The ratings icon 1s a registered trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association, Nintendo, Game, Boy, and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo.

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING AVERAGE

As the game industry swings into the fourth quarter and the all- important holiday buying season, a deluge of new titles rain down on us here at Game Informer and retailers across the country. While every company would like to believe that its titles are the greatest thing since sliced bread, that just isn't the case. There will always be average games. But that isn't a bad thing.

| think people sometimes forget that variety is the Spice of life, and that the video game industry needs to appeal to all types of gamers if it hopes to continue to grow. Take, for example, The Thing from Vivendi Universal. For fans of the movie this is an absolute must-have, but due to the limited fan base a license like this appeals to, the title just won't get the type of development dollars it would need to be the end-all, be- all game of the century.

OF THE

RANORMAL

Telekinesis

Should it be made? Of course. Will it score a perfect 10? Unlikely, but you never know. There will always be titles that come out from under the radar and are so unbelievably good that they are a hit regardless of the development costs.

So, next time you see a game that scores around a seven or an eight make sure you don't write it off because it's not the highest scoring game in the issue. If its subject matter interests you, | would bet you will be more than satisfied if you purchase it. When you play each and every title that hits the streets like we do, it's easy to say this game or that game is better than this, but that doesn't mean it's not an entertaining experience. Besides, as our readers let us know on a daily basis, we aren't perfect. There will always be games you think are the "best ever" f and receive a mediocre score.

That's why average is there – to be a standard that we can compare the Andy McNamara

great games to. Editor andy@gameinformer.com

Spontaneous Human Combustion

DEMONUM POTENTIA DUM MARIO TAXAT PER AGANTUR

Demonic Possession

Stigmata

Center Top: Reiner's demonic possession makes him speak in tongues. 1. Wearing his racing jacket, Kato levitates while playing NASCAR Thunder

2003. 2. Andy witnesses Kristian using his powers of telekinesis on a GameCube controller, a GBA, and to steal Lisa's lunch money. 3. The buttons stick

on Andy's controller from the blood of his stigmata. 4. After a full moon, PlayStation symbol crop circles mysteriously appear in Justin's scalp. 5. Chet stays in bed and commutes to work via astral projection. 6. Justin looks on as Matt's game is interrupted yet again by spontaneous human combustion.

18 GAME INFORMER

REINER, THE RAGING GAMER

reiner@gameinformer.com

Animal Crossing is ruining my life. Seriously people, my addiction with this game is to the point where I’m canceling dentist appointments, calling in sick to work, and ordering my girlfriend to hang out with friends. Alas, these are but temporary solutions that only buy me a few precious hours. Don't worry, | have a few strategies concocted that should lay me up for months! Right now, I'm standing outside with my body caked in blood all in hopes of contract West Nile Virus from a mosquito. If this doesn't work, l'Il just throw myself into oncoming traffic. If all goes as planned, you won't see me next month...or ever again!

MATT, THE ORIGINAL GAMER

matt@gameinformer.com

Grand Theft Auto Ill has been the story of the past year. I'm sure that every company in the business is coming up with a strategy to deal with the changes wrought by this monster hit, but 1, for one, hope they learn the right lessons from its success. If you think that you can replicate GTA's success by throwing a bunch of cusswords, blood, and criminal plotlines at gamers, | suspect you're going to be disappointed. The real reason the game has resonated so strongly with the audience is due to the way it combines different gameplay styles, exploration, and a sense of reaHife freedom. You don't necessarily have to have "adult content" to do that, or to be successful.

KRISTIAN, THE VIDEO VIKING

kristian@gameinformer.com

If elected to the presidency, | will abolish the House and the Senate, and crown myself Supreme Emperor of the United States. Under my rule, we will expand our borders in much the same way ancient Rome did — by conquering our neighbors, and annexing them. What are they gonna do about it? After absorbing Canada (which is basically filled with a bunch of US wannabes who talk funny anyway), I'll send our troops over to merry ol' England to set up some new colonies. Who wants to settle New Minneapolis (formerly London)? How about New Denver? Remember, those who donate $1 million or more to my campaign will be awarded Earldoms and estates in France.

JUSTIN, THE DIGITAL DEVIANT

justin@gameinformer.com

*BEEP* This is Blurb Generator XP-5, Game Informer editor «name here> is not in the office to write something <select: poignant/witty/stupid> this month. He is in <select: Japan/therapy/jail>, but have no fear. XP-5 is set up to duplicate his personality to a tee. *TING* Rollins and GWAR are cool. | like to wrestle halfnaked *ERROR* men. Mainstream things are bad. *BLIP* Even worse is <insert fellow editor here>. He <select: stinks/sucks/looks> like a «select: year-old meatloaf/highrend Hoover/skinned badger dipped in acid>. See you next month. *SELF-DESTRUCT ACTIVATED*

KATO, THE GAME KATANA

kato@gameinformer.com

When | was a kid and thought about being an adult, | didn't really think of it in terms of which job I'd have, but rather, what | could do. Being able to pick not one, but two kinds of pop was an adult responsibility | looked forward to. Getting mail every day (now known as bills) was going to be an exciting prospect. Am | living the dream? Pretty much. Although lately I've been wondering if | should have been born in North Carolina (heaven forbid) so | could race stock cars, or have been taller so | could play in the NFL. Some of you may be dreaming about having my job right now, and if you're either a NASCAR driver or a pro football player, please give me a call and | think we can work something out.

CHET, THE CHRONIC GAMER

chet@gameinformer.com

1 can't believe how much blabbing there is about GTA this month (and every month, for that matter). Is it me, or am | the only gamer in existence who didn't find GTA III that compelling? | mean, | can appreciate the gameplay for the things it does well, but sitting down for a session just does nothing for me. Executing a shock-combo in Unreal Tournament, and then watching my opponent burst into pieces; leveling my character up in Summoner 2 to reveal cool new skills and summons, which better allow me to off enemies; and putting together a 30-hit combo in Alpha 3 and seeing my competitor's face cringe are the experiences that keep me coming back for more. | suppose it has everything to do with the type of person and gamer that | am.

LISA, LA GAME NIKITA

lisa@gameinformer.com

In the last month, I've been completely sucked in by a massively multiplayer online...puzzle. Really. Some may not know, but | am a total puzzle geek. This one has evolved to the point that I'm reading books on quantum physics while trying to add IP addresses together with the correct binary interpretation to see if the first letters of each author's name makes a clue. What's all this for? Some may call it a marketing stunt for a new Myst online game. The cool thing is that no one working on the puzzle knows who's really running it, what the end is, or the "prize" will be. Maybe I'll suddenly be independently wealthy, living on a deserted island, and sleeping in a hammock like my fortune cookie that | got at lunch told me.

Death is my business and business is good.

MATURE 回

Blood Strong Sexual Content

à PC А рур Мойке CD PlayStationse 5 hitman2.com

62002 IO Interactive. HE man 2: Silent Assassin is a trademark of Eidos Interactive. Eidos, Eidos Interactive, and the Eidos Interactive logo are registered trademarks of Eidos Interactive, Inc. Al rights reserved. IO Interactive and the IO Interactive logo are trademarks of IO Interactive. “PlayStation” and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Co —эършег Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, and the Xbox Logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from Microsoft. The ratings icon is a registered trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association.

HOTOS FROM THE ' SEAMY UNDERBELLY OF THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY

1 Edelmen's Jenny "Naughty Librarian" Majalca and Xbox Live's Michael Mott take a breather from the action at the Tokyo Game Show. 2 The Blizzard/Nihilistic posse — Gil Shif, Lisa Bucek, Chris Millar, and Jacob Stevens - take a break from work on this month's cover game, StarCraft: Ghost. 3 Justin keeps it real with tri-Ace president Yoshiharu Gotanda and Enix producer Yoshinori Yamagishi. 4 Kato discuss- es whether Oasis' Be Here Now is an over- looked masterpiece, or just overblown crap with New Jersey Nets forward Kenyon Martin.

5 After being caught in the act with Pikachu and Charmander, Justin is now banned from Pokémon World for life. 6 Konami sound direc- tor Akira Yamaoka sold his soul for rock and roll, and he's got the same guitar as Steve Vai! Throw up the devil horns, people - he's earned it. 7 Bender/Helper Impact's Tammy Schachter hangs with Konami product manager Yokako Hamaguchi (left) and Contra: Shattered Soldier producer Nobuia Nakazato (right). 8 GI's Chronic Gamer and Capcom's Matt Atwood take the Tokyo drag scene by storm with this down and dirty rendition of Ike and Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." Shake a tail feather!

I

Chicks really

dig tlie trees..

and you'll love the scenery too because the babes from the million-selling fighting game, Dead or Alive®3 are back! This time, they're setting aside their fighting gear for some fun- in-the-sun swimwear and turning up the heat in Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball” This is no ordinary volleyball game - this is volleyball to the extreme with great gameplay and mind-blowing realism. You'll be able to feel the sand between your toes and the gentle ocean breeze as you compete in the most outrageous beach volleyball game yet! Points earned on the court allow you to customize your babe off of it, with over 100 different swimsuits and accessories to choose from But when the day is done, the fun has just

boasts a variety of different nightlife activities io choose from. Whatever your pleasure, Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball promises extreme action and a whole lotta satisfaction!

Tecmo, loc. PMB #5553 21213.B нам поте BN Torrance, CA 90503 p (310) 844-5005 /(310] 944-3344 Dead or Ave Xtreme Beach WoWeyBah" and Dead ox Арин Tecmo, LTD. 1996, 1897, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. Tecmo and the Тесто logo are

begun! This first ever "Sports Fantasy Simulation"

AD OR ALIN

XTREME BEACH VOLLEYBALL

100% GAMES

Visit www.esrb.org. or call 1-800-771-3772 for more info.

registered trademarks of Tecmo LTD. Team Ninja and Tam Mo logo are trademarks of Tecmo LTD. The ratings соп Б а trademark ol Me Interactive Dial Software Assocation. Microsoft, Xbox and the Xbox logos are ether перелете trademarks or Irademarks of Mcruson Corporation nthe US ando ome counties ало are used under ene fom Moo

My friend Mike and | are huge fans of your maga- zine. | was reading his Game Informer, and | came across your recipe for "The Gummi Crunch". The brave souls that we are, a few friends and I took it upon ourselves to try it out. We all took a Doritos 3D and a gummy bear, and assembled the Gummi Crunch as direct- ed. There was a three- count, at which point we popped them into our mouths. We stared. We stared some more. Then we chewed. Then we swallowed. Although | was indifferent to its unique flavor, the others were... well, not so pleased. How could you betray us, Game Informer? Next time you decide to put a recipe in your magazine, remember that you have great influence on our small, impressionable minds. As punishment for this betrayal, | demand a lifetime subscription to your magazine at no charge. Thank you. | await your reply. Brad Bordyn Via email

My name is Vince Foti, and | have a problem. | have been addicted to GTA Ill for some time now. Unfortunately, thanks to your August 2002 issue, | have not kicked the habit, but instead picked up yet another. Yes, I'm speaking of the Gummi Crunch. Try as | might, | cannot fight the cravings. But, rest assured, | do not hold you accountable. With Vice City set to launch in October and a Save-A-Lot just around the corner from my house, | see no hope for either of my ongoing struggles. Pray for me. Vince Foti Philadelphia, PA

While our "Sex, Lies, and Video Games" article got all the attention, the Gummi Crunch (featured on page 112 of issue 112), was equally, if not more, controver- sial. Like caviar and escargot, it appears that the gourmet appeal of a gummi bear wrapped in a tantaliz- ing nacho cheese crust was too refined for some of our subscribers. After receiving several death threats from disgusted readers, Reiner, the creator of the Gummi Crunch, has gone into hiding. He is now sending us his reviews from a top-secret bunker in the jungles of Thailand. To prove his commitment to the Gummi Crunch, he is now subsisting on a diet of only Doritos 3Ds and Gummi Bears. We at Game Informer fully sup- port Reiner's show of integrity, and look forward to his imminent return. We just hope he can lose the 200 pounds he's gained since beginning his new meal plan.

Send your comments to Game Informer. Snail Mail: Game Informer Magazine * Attn: Dear Gl

22 GAME INFORMER

DAMN MONKEY ارا ر‎ FARTS! Р к, E

Thank you for a great maga- zine! Yours is the first I've ever subscribed to, because it's more detailed and impartial than any other I've ever read. Now, on to business. With all the hype surrounding the release of the PS2 Network Adaptor, why have we not heard anything about the PS2 Hard Drive? | can't even find anything on the web about the plans for this elusive apparition of a device. Is Sony ever going to release one or am | going to have to wait like | waited for my Intellivision key- board? Please help; | know you guys can find out some- thing for me! B. Mulligan Via email

We contacted Sony in regards to their plans for the PS2 Hard Drive, and found the company unwilling to spill the beans on the highly publicized add-on. A repre- sentative for the company would only say that it is on track to be released sometime in the future, but would not venture a guess as to the eventual launch date. Apparently, Sony is waiting until there is a wealth of downloadable game content ready for use with the drive unit. Given that the holiday shopping season is nearly upon us, we assume that there is virtually no chance that the PS2 Hard Drive will be released in 2002. So, keep your fingers crossed that 2003 will be the Year of the Hard Drive for Sony fanatics. I'm a 13-year-old gamer and | have a problem. My grand- ma hates video games and computers. She won't let me play a game for long. If | play too long, she let's us play just so we can't play later. When we make mistakes, she thinks it's because we were playing games. | can't convince her to just let us play. Can you help me out? Nicholas Steffen Via earthlink.net

This is a tough one, Nicholas. On the one hand, we sympathize with your overwhelming addiction to video games. On the other, we respect that your grandma is trying to make sure that you don't neglect the other facets of your life. We also under- stand that, since she prob- ably didn't grow up with

video games, she may have some inaccurate precon- ceptions about the so-called "dangers" of the gaming lifestyle. So, here's our solution: Why don't you invite her to play games with you? Many older people out there enjoy video games, and, if given the chance, your grandma might become engrossed in them as well. A thoughtful, non-violent game like the Sims or Myst might be a good way to introduce her to the charms of gaming, and it could become a fun activity for you to enjoy together. Also, try to make time for some outside activities and doing your homework - especially your English homework. Seriously, you had a lot of spelling and grammatical errors in your email. We'll let you off with a C- this time, but we expect to see some improvement in your next letter. Class dismissed!

I'm an eleven-year-old video gamer and | have been a huge fan of the Metal Gear series. Although, | have been wondering how Solidus Snake is alive. In Metal Gear Solid, at the end of the game, Liquid Snake says that there were eight clones of Big Boss - but only Solid Snake and Liquid survived. Then, Solidus came; so is пе а robot or something?

Drew Russell

Via webtv.net

Drew, come closer and we'll whisper in your ear the secret to the serpentine plotline of the Metal Gear Solid games. Closer...closer...closer...are you ready? [whispering] Here's the secret: It doesn't make any sense at all. Kojima is a nutcase. Now, just relax and have fun sneaking around and killing guards, okay?

ONWARD, KRISTIAN SOLDIERS!

First of all, | would like to say thank you for making this kick-ass video game magazine. It is my favorite maga- zine, and everything | find out about video games | find out from you. And second, I'd like to thank Kristian for having that name. You see, my name is also Kristian, and being a guy with that name is hard, mainly when teachers mispronounce it as "Kristin". Plus, my friends sometimes made fun of me for spelling my name with a "K", instead of the conventional "Ch". When | first got your wonderful magazine about six months ago, | was shocked to see that there

p— | was somebody of actual

еа арра Bess importance with the same first name as me, spelling THEFT AUTO Ill AGAIN and all. | showed my

friends that, and | have yet to hear another joke about my name. Thank you, Kristian. Kristian Maiorano Via email

| finally found someone who shares the same abnormality as | do:

+ 724 North First St., 4th Floor * Minneapolis, MN 55401 Email: deargi@gameinformer.com

FRET MELL ECHT TEES

A Savage World So Real... Youll smell the smoke of war-torn cities and burning jungles. ШШШ TUROK CIM See the flaming battlefields below from the saddle of a fully armed, high flying Pterosaur- Rnd taste the white-hot stench of a detonated Baby Пике. Turok is back for the kill.

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Blood and Gore @

" GAME BOY ADVANCE NINTENDO JA Violence GAMECUBE. Xeox

PlayStation2? /A«lainy

TUROK™: EVOLUTION" TM & © 2002 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. TUROK: TM & © 2002, CLASSIC MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL OTHER CHARACTERS HEREIN AND THE DISTINCT LIKENESSES THEREOF ARE TRADEMARKS OF ACCLAIM COMICS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DEVELOPED BY ACCLAIM STUDIOS AUSTIN. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trade

arks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox and the Xbox Logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or in other countries and are used under license from Microsoft. TM, © and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo. Game Boy and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2001 Nintendo. Screens shown were taken from the Xbox version of the video game.

"Christian" spelled with a "К". Those dumb people that can't read think our names are Kristin. Ha, ignorant fools. I'm moving to Minnesota about a half-hour away from you guys. | think if we joined forces, we could take over the world that has treated us so cruelly. Think of it, we could force everyone to have the Cs in their names changed to K. It will be a much better place.

Kristian Marinello

Via email

We've done our share of teasing Kristian in the past, but these letters have caused us to rethink our callous mockery. Having a differently spelled name is not an easy row to hoe, and we are gratified to see that the now-Video Viking is an inspiration to so many disen- franchised youths out there. Kristians of the world - Unite and take over!! Viva la Kristian!

| would like to get into the video game industry (who wouldn't?), and was wondering: Do you guys at GI make a lot of money? Do you walk around the office with "bling bling" around your necks? Are your water jugs filled with Cristal? Do you rock Bentleys with PS2s in them? Do they feed you? Any hint of information of your lifestyles would be nice. Also, is there any room for a graphic artist at GI?

Kim Cuartero

BLIMEY! ANDY Magnolia, NJ

SAYS FOR CHRISTMAS WE GET ALL THE GRUEL WE CAN EAT!

It's often been said that the lifestyles of the Game Informer staff would make Robin Leach and Puff Daddy pee-pee their Prada, if that gives you any idea of just how high on the hog we're living. If by "bling bling" you mean "collectible Jar Jar Binks pendants”, then, yes, we do rock some audacious jewelry. If by "Cristal" you mean "Crystal Light Pink Lemonade", then you could say that we are connoisseurs of the finer things in life. If by "Bentley" you mean "1991 Ford Taurus" or "1988 Nissan Pathfinder", then you are correct in assuming that our parking lot is fit for the cover of The Robb Report. While we would never tell you exactly how big our money stacks are, let's just say that our annual salaries are slightly less than Bill Gates', and slightly more than that of a child laborer working in an Indonesian Nike sweatshop. Sadly, we are not looking to hire a graphic artist at the moment, but would pay a graffiti artist 50 bucks to spray paint "Me llamo es Senor Poopy-Pants" on the side of Andy's house. Any takers?

24 GAMEINFORMER

ENVELOPE ART

Charles Hall For once, we wouldn't mind being a teddy bear

Enter the Game Informer Envelope Art Contest. All you need to do is draw, paint, scratch, spit, or carve the best darn envelope art you can think of and send it to us. Please include your name, phone number, and return address on the back of the envelope. If you're the monthly winner, we'll feature your work in Gl and you'll receive a video game prize from the Game Informer vault.

Send to: Game Informer * Envelope Art Contest 724 North First St., 4th Floor * Mpls, MN 55401

Livia Stevens

If you crossed Dante with Ned Flanders, he would say

this picture is “Gun-didily-rific”

Brian Fisher Armpits and crotches oh my!

Ralf Contreras Jason Priestley finally walks away from an accident

NOVEMBER WINNER!

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