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GAMES INSIDE! Devil May Cry ° Dark Cloud = ЕР Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons/of Liberty Halo • Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee „ Super Mario’Advance
Š / Super Street Fighter Il F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Shenmuejil ¢ Crazy Taxi 2 Sonic Adventure 2
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Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen 2 C9 Medal of Honor: Allied[Assault
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NINTENDO mi 5" F Tony Hawk’s / Skater 2 С А) x
Unreal 2 ° Tribes 2 ДУ Battle Realms + A
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www.989sports.com NBA ShootOut is a trademark of NBA Properties, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks ighted designs tights reserved, 989 Sports and the 989 Sports logo are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. PlayStation version de: and developed by Killer Game.
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PlayStation
2 5 = w = > © = © Ld Ё o E
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RATING PENDING |
MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX - Game and Software © 2000 THQ Inc. "MTV Sports" names, trademarks, and logos and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. "MTV: Music Television" and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. Licensed by Sony Computer Entertainment of America for use with the PlayStation game console. PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association. Nintendo and the Official Seal are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. Game Boy and Game Boy Color are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. (c) 1989, 1998 Nintendo of America Inc Developed by Blue Shift, Inc. MTV Sports exclusively licensed to THQ Inc. T.J. Lavin name and likeness exclusively licensed to THQ Inc. mate BMX, the THQ logo and THQ are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. All other trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners. Al rights reserved.
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PRODUCTS RANGE FROM RATING PENDING ro T EEN} `
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Electronic Arts is hoping Harry Potter will work his magic for the PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and PC platforms this year (and more systems for 2002). If you haven’t bought into Harry yet, here's your Potter primer.
42 Back in Black Ride shotgun on this Twisted Metal: Black test drive. Sony turns to | the original Twisted Metal | lesign team to
Sneak previews of the Xbox, i
PS2, PlayStation, GameCube, r
Game Boy Advance, Game
Boy Color, Dreamcast, and 1
PC game lineups fill this ultra- * comprehensive look at
20015 games.
ë STRATEGY `
be
(PlayStation 2) P3 This coaching clinic shows you how to turn
=% on some big-league heat with High Heat MLB 2002.
(PlayStation) к Okay, you finished Lunar 2 and you're bummed zs that Hiro didn't get the girl...but wait! Heres how to play through the Epilogue to really “complete” this game.
Star Wars Starfighter, Kengo: Master of Bushido, and Knockout Kings 2001 are among the games that will never be the same once you use these codes.
Cover art courtesy of Electronic Arts
XBOX
PLAYSTATION 2
PLAYSTATION
GAMECUBE/NINTENDO 64
GAME BOY ADVANCE
GAME BOY COLOR
aS 3
It's a hassle at the castle as you compete for
the title of "Ultimate Champion" in Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown ! Play one of nine characters from the feature film "Shrek"
and make your fairy tale opponents run, run, run
all the way home!
Shrek, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown™ & © 2001 DreamWorks L.L.C. Game Boy, Game Boy Color and the official seal are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. GAME BOY ©1989, 1998 Nintendo of America Inc. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association | COLOR WWW.TDK-MEDIACTIVE.COM www.shrekgame.com
EVERYONE
‘CONTENT RATED BY | ESRB
JUNE 2001
¿ É DREAMCAST It's the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo blowout! 8 Wheeler: Ame
ProReviews 1 ProReviews © ProReviews
SPORTS PAGES
Believe it or not, the arcades are still alive! Check out these First Look previews of to-be-quarter-crunchers, Vampire Night and Smashing Drive.
ROLE-PLAYER’S REALM PC games are pouring it on at ЕЗ with Battle Realms, Unreal 2, Tribes 2, š P 8
Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and Emperor: Battle for Dune. But don't miss our reviews of Black & White, Serious Sam, and more!
Ë
After you examine F-Zero: Maximum Velocity (GBA) and The Legend $ of Zelda: Oracles of Seasons/Ages (both for the GBC) in the E? pre- Ф ^ 4 views, check out Mickey's Speedway USA, Toki Tori, and more!
The sports year looks huge with NBA Street (PS2), Madden NFL 2002 i (PS2), and NFL Fever 2002 (Xbox) leading the way in our E? special. ae o š For now, take a cut at All-Star Baseball 2002 or High Heat MLB 2002. BZ 3 سے
RoLE-PLAYER'S REALM
ЕЗ will reveal Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (PS2), Dark Cloud (PS2), Final Fantasy X (PS2), and Dragon Warrior VII (PlayStation). Until they reach stores, Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete should tide you over.
| PRONews
Can Harry Potter cut it as a franchise character? Sega bids farewell to a humanitarian. HEAD2HEAD 8” Why the arcades may be shutting down. Take a cruise with Motor City Online. r c< Cutting edge You call it "art" Find out what we call it. Motorola cell phones dial up Sega games. COBBEwARE
What to do when DVDs stall in your PS2. GamePro's guide to Mature and Teen rated games.
U.S.ARMY
OST WANTED
#1 MOST WANTED PLAYSTATION GAME - OFFICIAL PLAYSTATION MAGAZINE'S TOP 10 CHARTS (MARCH 2001]
The most wanted man in BMX teams up with seven of the most
famous riders on the planet to bring you the most wanted
Аи PlayStation® game available. Enter Mat Hoffman's world of
E eec realistic vert ramps, street courses, dirt tracks and the infamous HEN Hoffman be Most You can use = custom course editor to
trick combos and та) pror moves. the most wanted man in BMX. What more cou
Ride like the king of BMX hee
Pull off hundreds of trick combos ER in 8 levels. E^ ` bP rece Pu T3 off Е
tow SINGL Š - 2
FEATURING BMX'S TOP PROS:
ESCAMILLA //HOFFMAN / KOWALSKI MCCOY / NASTAZIO / ROBINSON TABRON / THORNE
SOUNDTRACK FEATURING:
PENNYWISE AGENT: ORANGE BAD BRAINS OUTKAST,
SJURASSIC'5 &IMORE Ride head-to-head in 2-player mode. —
© 2001 Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved. Published and Distributed by Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. Developed by Runecraft, Ltd Developed by HotGen Studios Limited. Activision is a registered trademark and Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX and Pro BMX are trademarks of Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. Mat Hoffman is a trademark of Mat Hoffman. The ratings icon is a trademarkof the Interactive Digital Software Association. Licensed by Sony Computer Entertainment America for use with the PlayStation game console. PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are. registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Game Boy and Game Boy Color are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. © 1989, 1998 Nintendo of America Inc. Licensed by Nintendo. Nintendo of America Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Айзек з
EVERYONE
Animated Blood Mild Animated Violence
PlayStation
ACTIVISION.
What was
once lost
must now be `
Deep beneath the surface lies the secret to the greatest ». mystery known to mankind — the Lost Umpire of Atlantis. < Embark on a dangerous journey from the shores of Iceland “to the center of the arth. In multiplayer mode, navigate through a series of challenges far beneath the
ocean floor to find and save the ancient empire...
d 873 x E eae EI db S TIE MiP I FO E
“In a single day and night of misfortune, the island of Atlantis disappeared into the depths of the sea.”
—Plato, 360 B.C.
et е Compelling storyedriven, first person = action/adventure game full of unexpected É twists and game play variations
е Battle monsters and characters developed Be exclusively by Mike Mignola, lead concept artist for the movie
е Compete online with up to 12 people p — LEBER танаа in 10 different Capture the Flag = EL Ë rS #3 and Tournament maps ССС
Es . Incredible real-time 2-D graphics rendered by LithTech™ game engine
e “ngage your foes in-relentless multiplayer’ ship=to=ship combat „апі combat racing. from the cockpit
x 7 ОҒ exotic Atlantean vehicles
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БО www.trialbyfiregame.com
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ACTIVE In stores May 15th.
Visuals, release dates and/or product names shown are of products in development and may be subject to change. ©Disney LithTech is a trademark of Lith Tech, Inc.
Star Power 2001
The stars are coming out—and we're not talking about the Academy Awards. With the PS2, Game Boy Advance, Xbox, and GameCube shaking up the video game world this year, every com- pany is looking for a big star to help their games (and systems) stand out from the crowd.
How about Harry Potter on the cover of GamePro?
When Electronic Arts offered exclu- sive coverage of its new Harry Potter lineup, the idea that Harry was hot just didn't occur to us—at first. But then Air Hendrix, Miss Spell, Dan Elektro, and Jake the Snake all copped to some heavy Potter politics. The rest of the GamePros went with it (even Major Mike didn’t say, “No,” though he did try poking me in the eye). More importantly, this video game series has potential. If you haven't read a Potter book, check out the official Web site at www.harrypotter.com, or—better still—read our cover feature, “Off To Be a Wizard,” which has the lowdown on the games, books, and the Harry Potter world.
Harry is not the only “big name” with a game. Take a look at our Elec- tronic Entertainment Expo sneaks: Sweet Tooth is roaring back in Twisted Metal: Black; Crash Bandicoot is mov- ing in on the PS2 in Wrath of Cortex; and everyone's waiting for Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Meanwhile, the Dreamcast may be dying, but Sonic the Hedgehog lives in Sonic Adventure 2, and he’s even preparing for a stint on the Game Boy Advance. Of course, Mario is booked for a return engagement in Super Mario Advance for the GBA, and it's certain that he'll show up for the GameCube. Joanna Dark and Link are also on the GameCube's most wanted list, but no Nintendo charac- ter is generating as much buzz as Samus Aran in Metroid.
It looks like 2001 will be a great year for games and gamers...it's in
P
4
>
the stars.
The GamePros San Francisco, CA letters @gamepro.com
I have some questions about the arcade business that | hope you can answer. What does an arcade business pay for a new game? Of that, how much is net profit for the manufacturer? What is the aver- age number of units a company will usually sell in the U.S.? How many machines have to be sold be- fore a game is deemed “popular”? And how do | contact the AAMA and AMOA?
> Misfit-Ontario, OR
New upright arcade games like The Grid generally go for around $5000; deluxe games with larger screens, seats, or special controllers often go into five figures (Top Skater sells for about $17,000). Coin-op companies usually make about a third of the machine's price as gross profit and consider anything over 5000 units sold
a success (plus, over 5000 means the game becomes a billboard for the now-ubiquitous home version). If you're asking about how much profit the arcade operator makes, that varies wildly: about $100 a week is con- sidered average. By comparison, NBA
Jam and MK II used
to earn literally 10 times that in their heyday. The arcade makes its money back a quarter at a time: So, if they pay $5000 for a machine and make only $100 a week, that's one whole year before the machine has paid for it- self (and what's worse, as games age, they generally earn less). You can find out more about the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) at www.amoa.com, and the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) at www.coin-op.org, but both sites are a bit dry. Then again, so is business—the coin-op game industry is in the doldrums simply because people aren't spending money in arcades any more. No money means no new games means no money means... a downward spiral.
Piracy does not equal theft. First off, let me state that | am not condoning piracy. We all know that it is unjustified in that it fails to give developers and publishers their just rewards. At the same time, I wish to show that it is equally unjustified to call gamers who do play copied games-whether off the Internet or otherwise—“thieves:’ Sega shut down а pirate Internet site by sending the authors a letter containing (among other things) this statement:
“...[Sega] cannot stand by idly while sites like
yours openly promote theft of its products? This phrase meant that those playing copied Dreamcast games without paying for the originals were thieves. I propose that they are not. Let us first revisit that which constitutes stealing. In order to perform a theft, the thief must meet two criteria which are not mutually exclusive:
1. The thief must fail to give you the monetary
worth of the item in question.
2. The thief must take from your possession some item to which you subsequently have no personal access.
I say again that both these conditions must be met in order for any act to be labeled a theft. That said, it becomes clear to me that Sega's accusations are unwarranted. Sega is not being paid for its products and is consequently quick to pronounce-however falsely-that it is the victim of mass “theft” E caused by those who are playing copied games. Let Sega not confuse what is “unfair” with what is “stealing” If | am to be a thief for copy- ing a game and then failing to buy the | original, by what | reasoning would 1 not be a thief for either renting, borrowing, or | trading games with my next door neigh- bor and thereafter failing to purchase the title? Stealing? No. Unfair to the game devel- , oper and publisher? Abso- p ` lutely. Sega may be losing revenue from the monetary exclusion of those who play duplicated titles, but it is by no means an act of stealing. Indeed, calling gamers who play pirated games “thieves” is no more than Sega's natural response to either its fear or mental convictions of gamers debarring themselves as potential cus- tomers at the retail counter. ! hope, then, that by this 1 have displayed to you that labeling certain people with this term is an explicit misnomer, and should rightfully be omitted in future testimonies concern- ing gamers as they pertain to the piracy issue. » Mike Poku-Sacramento, CA
Okay, first—you're just plain wrong. Second, you like using big words, but it's a shame you don't know what they mean. Plus, we had to edit your five-page diatribe down or risk putting our readers to sleep.
Piracy is theft. Theft is the unlawful taking of property (so says Webster’s—and we trust its definition more than yours). When you download or otherwise claim ownership of a copyrighted game for which you do not own an official version, you're stealing. There is no gray area —you're a thief, and it doesn't matter whether or not the original game's owner retains their original disc
WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Worms are an essential part of a gamer's diet
The perfect side dish for Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance
888-444-Nyko IMAGINE NO LIMITS: www.nyko.com
NYKO's Worm Light is protected by US utility patent 6,186,636, and US design patent 435, 679. Other worldwide patents are pending. Worm Light™ and NYKO® are trademarks of NYKO Technologies, inc. ©2001 NYKO Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
HEAD2HEAD
(your loophole for criteria #2). This “delete the ROM after 24 hours” rule that some sites suggest is nonsense; it’s a courtesy imposed by the pirating community, and has no basis in law.
It all comes down to copyright. With Sega’s copyright comes a right of distribution, and distributing Sega’s games yourself—either by downloading the code or by creating your own CD to pass on to a friend as a "sample"— violates that copyright (see Section 106 of U.S. Code title 17). The reason you're not a thief for renting or borrowing a game is that you do not retain possession of the borrowed game, while, in a game trade, you are permanently transferring the possession (see section 109). While you're at it, check out Section 117, which pertains to computer software specifically — you'll find it all at www.loc.gov/copyright. As for the rest, you're splitting verbal hairs with flawed logic and manufactured definitions that no court in America would accept. In other words, you're wrong. But don't worry—you can still subscribe to GamePro from jail.
I have some friends who like all games except RPGs. But | love RPGs—how can І get my friends to like them? > Josh Keeley—Laporte City, IA
Well, that depends on what you've already tried. Did you lure them over to your house with some candy, kid-
four-eyed_dragon@gamepro.com brobuzz@gamepro.com uncle_dust@gamepro.com major_mike@gamepro.com danelektro@gamepro.com airhendrix@gamepro.com jakethesnake@gamepro.com star_dingo@gamepro.com tokyo_drifter@gamepro.com miss_spell@gamepro.com
This is your magazine, so tell us what уои like to see in it. Send your letters to:
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
nap them, strap them into chairs, clamp their eyelids open, and force them to watch you play Wild Arms 2 while constantly berating them for their lack of taste and refusing to recognize their right to express opinions that differ from your own (and utterly ignoring their pleas for mercy)? No? Then try that.
In your February issue, Jake the Snake gave Tomb Raider Chronicles for the PlayStation a 4.0 for Graphics, but only a 3.5 for Graphics on the Dream- cast. What was he thinking? Is he blind? Any dumb- ass can see that the Dreamcast graphics are better than the PlayStation graphics.
> Jeff Bello-Las Vegas, NV
Ah, but Jake the Snake is not just any dumb-ass! What he did was compare the graphics for each game based on other games on that particular platform: i.e., based on what the machine in question can do, how did the game perform? After comparing Chronicles to other Dream- cast games, Jake felt that TRC on the Dreamcast could've had better visuals —and that's the only fair way to judge games. Otherwise, every PS2, GameCube, and Xbox game would get a 5.0 for Graphics simply because their pro- cessors are ever more powerful than older systems'. Any dumb-ass can see that.
We cannot publish all letters and e-mail messages, and we cannot
send personal replies to all your letters or e-mail (though we try).
All art becomes the property of GamePro magazine. Sorry, we cannot return artwork.
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www. koeigames.com
E - ;The first blast wipe ' your Space Cent Athe hi
ОРО ода чац Association ї
pinibmark
31 explosive stages with 3 different endings 4-Player Deathmatch with 28 playable characters
Precision laser-sighting aiming mechanism land 2-Player "BOT" modes
PlayStation.e c
Гуе been seeing a lot of complaints in
your mag regarding DVD playback on the PS2. I've had some problems, too. When | played DVDs on my Р$2 in the vertical position, the DVD would start skipping at a certain nonrandom spot in the movie and wouldn’t play. | could even hear the reader eye in the PS2 clicking around when it played DVDs or games. | exchanged my PS2 for a new one, but found it had the same problems, so | returned it for yet another one. | checked the versions of the drivers on my new PS2 in the Ver- sion Information screen and discovered the drivers were Version 1.2 instead of 1.1, as on my first two PS2s. | checked this with a friend who owns a PS2, and his drivers were also Version 1.2. Neither of our Version 1.2 PS2s have had any problems play- ing DVDs when the system is vertical or hori- zontal; plus, | can't hear the reader eye in the machine going crazy clicking around whenever the PS2 is loading or playing a DVD or game. | think Sony rushed on launch day and released PS2s with a bunch of glitches, then it worked out the kinks and started shipping PS2s without the glitches. People having problems probably need to exchange their old PS2s for new ones from the latest shipments. | did (twice), and finally got one in good working order. JON GRANDSTAFF—VIA INTERNET
A Sony rep responds:
“The driver versions are just something to do with the different development teams that worked on them. The versions shouldn't affect how the PS2 or the DVD player works. As for certain DVDs stopping in mid-movie, that shouldn't be affected whether your PS2 is vertical or hori- zontal. Try turning on the Auto-Diagnose feature, which resets driver settings that may have been left by a previous DVD. If you get a black screen when the DVD stops playing and the red light on the front of the PS2 is flashing, your PS2 could be overheating, in which case it needs service. When you send your PS2 to the nearest Sony service center, include a letter with your name and ad- dress; the model number; serial number; and a
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
Spring is turning to summer, yet the Watch Dog is mired in the same problems he was this winter: DVDs having troubles on the PlayStation 2, confusion when using PlayStation peripherals with the PS2, and WWF No Mercy erasing saved data. Well, at least it's warmer outside.
description of the problem. For it to be repaired or replaced takes about 15 to 20 working days. Be sure to send it registered or insured mail, or by Federal Express or UPS.”
The Watch Dog adds: On Internet message boards, people with both sets of drivers have reported problems similar to Jon's, which seems to support what the Sony rep said: There is no real difference between the drivers. If you're having any problems with your PS2, call Sony immediately (800/345-7669), especially if your 90-day warranty is about to expire.
Will my PlayStation steering wheel work on the PlayStation 2? VANILLARICE2K9 —ViA INTERNET
The Watch Dog responds: We tested an
officially licensed PlayStation-compatible steering wheel (Pelican Accessories’ Sportster Racing Wheel) with every PS2 driving game avail- able at press time. Some games worked with the wheel, and some didn't. It seems PlayStation wheels are compatible with the PS2, but not every PS2 driving game is compatible with this or any wheel. The following games worked with the wheel: Ridge Racer V, Driving Emotion Type-S, Midnight Club Street Racing, and RC Revenge Pro. How- ever, NASCAR 2001, FI Championship Season 2000, Top Gear Daredevil, and Smuggler's Run didn't work. If you have a licensed PlayStation wheel (it will have a PlayStation logo on it), it should work with those games listed.
In March issue's Buyers Beware, a reader
complained of losing saved data on WWF No Mercy for the N64. At the time, THQ didn’t know what was causing the problem, which it said was occurring randomly to some—but not all—copies of the game. Consequently, THQ couldn’t guarantee that a replacement copy would work any better—hardly a satisfactory response. The Watch Dog has still been receiving piles of letters about this problem, so he checked back with THQ to see what had been done.
A THQ customer service rep said the problem was not with the software (written by THQ) but with the cartridge (made by Nintendo): “It appears to be a manufacturing problem,” the rep said. The good news is THQ is now ensuring the replace- ment copies won't have the same problem as the
broken copy. “We're working closely with Nin- tendo and taking extra time to make sure the replacement we send does work,” the rep said. The bad news is how long this takes: “Replacement time for this game is four to ten weeks,” the rep explained. Ten weeks! You might for- get having bought the game by the time you get a working copy.
Regardless of who is responsible for the problen—THQ or Nintendo—one thing is painfully clear, and there’s no nice way to say this: Gamers who bought WWF No Mercy were screwed. Despite THQ's implication that the fault lies with Nintendo, ultimately it is THQ— not its licensors, contractors, or vendors, including the big "IN"— that is responsible for the products it sells.
С. Correction The Watch Dog made a mistake in the March issue Buyers Beware [Editor's note: The Watch Dog is human after all...in a canine, barking sort of way). In answering Scott Kinkaid’s question about which PlayStation peripherals work on the PS2, the Watch Dog incorrectly said the PS2 multitap will work with original PlayStation games when played on the PS2. In fact, original Play- Station games will not work with the PS2 multi- tap, even if used on the PS2. Original PlayStation software must be used with the original PlayStation multitap, even on the PS2— strange but true. If you need him, the Watch Dog will be in the doghouse behind the GamePro offices, in the freezing cold rain, whimpering.
YOU MAKE THE CALL
Having problems with hardware or software from Sony, Nintendo, or Sega? Here are the customer service numbers to call: Sony: 800/345-7669 Nintendo: 800/255-3700 Sega: 800/872-7342
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Rayman's whole universe in your hands-60 levels of 32-bit graphic goodness, now on 4 Game Boy‘ Advance.
Available June 2001
/ 18
EVERYONE
Generous businessman suffers heart attack at 74
The video game world recently mourned the passing of Sega President
Isao Okawa, who died of heart failure in mid-March. He was 74. Okawa's contributions to both Sega and several charities were large
and legendary. Arguably Sega’s biggest cheerleader, Okawa supported the company financially as well as spiritually: When the company had trouble rebounding from the disappointments of the Saturn, Okawa stepped in as president; when Sega announced it would be discontinu-
ing the Dreamcast, nervous investors were calmed
when Okawa returned his per-
sonal shares in the company, ef-
ISAO OKAWA
fectively donating close to $700 T et и million of his own money to keep Isao Okawa will be remembered for his extreme Sega afloat. Additionally, Okawa generosity and commitment to charities.
| gave generously to the MIT Media Lab and established the Okawa Foundation, NEWS BITS f = a charitable organization for informational technology. The foundation's annual awards GBA Japan recognize scientific advancements with financial grants. Launch ° ^ : a cw] Okawa's death is yet another blow to struggling Sega's morale, but the company's Je | j ف business goes on. Sega named Chief Executive Officer Hideki Sato to the post of president a week after Okawa's passing. Sato is a 30-year Sega veteran and planned | Î Sega's software-only comeback strategy with Okawa last fall. Sega's plans to discon-
8 у БУ gas p
tinue the Dreamcast and create software for the PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance,
Xbox, and other consoles remain unchanged.
THE XB0X MEETS V-CHIP?
Sony's PlayStation 2 features a “parental lockout” feature in its DVD player so movies that exceed certain ratings (such as
a R-rated films) can't be viewed without a parent-set password. Microsoft, eager to top the PS2 with the Xbox, could take PS3 Chip in Development n V this concept one step further: Parents may be able to restrict what games are played on the Xbox through a similar
A te Gamasutra.com system. That means that even if you bring home a game your parents don’t want you to play, the Xbox won't play it. Naturally, adult owners of the machine would be able to turn off this feature.
Sound like a drag? Consider the upsides: For one, older gamers would be able to enjoy software tailored just for them, helping to establish the growing belief that video games are not toys but rather a valid form of entertainment for adults as well as kids. Developers actually like the concept because it means they won't have to water down their content or make alternate versions for the sake of a family rating. “Turning humans into robots or zombies is a pain in the ass,” said Epic’s Cliff Belszinski, lead designer of Unreal Tournament, in an interview with the Web site Inside.com.
More details about this feature will likely emerge at this year’s E? show.
Sony and Connectix Make Nice So says Sony,
MAO-2KI
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HEY KIDS! CAN YOU SEE THE THREE DEVIOUS,
DESTRUCTION-DRIVEN POX CREATURES IN THE PICTURE BELOW?
AND YOU NEVER WILL.
me BE PREPARED. BECAUSE YOU WON'T SEE IT COMING. POX. POWERFUL SECRET ATTACKS BY VIRTUAL WARRIORS THAT YOU BUILD AND TRAIN FOR WAR. BE ON YOUR GUARD OR THIS IS GONNA HURT.
CHICAGO'S BEEN HIT. AND YOUR CITY'S NEXT.
оу. А = Кыгын — maaa —
ND РКО GAMEPAO LABS
Charge ’n Go
Rating: 5.0 = TITLE PLATFORM PUBLISHEF
STATIC
.New Leg- ends...New Legends...Sucking
ў ) Up to the Boss Dept.: Did any- Bad batteries, be gone! Pelican's г 0 I Paper Mario Nintendo 64 Nintendo
Charge "n Go works like a Palm ыш: ап ИИИ шы шо tease сисин сЕ | 2 The Sims РС Electronic Arts for U.S. President" sign snuck into
каксы ен e eee СЕК КОЛЫ ЕКА ЫЕ IE T S Ire E eres High Heat Baseball 2002 for the PS2?
body else catch the "Trip Hawkins
Pilot cradle: Pop in the included
rechargeable AA batteries, swap
ké Sil Game Boy Col Nintend the battery plate on the back d осо ee EU Check it out in Pacific Bell Park. * Speak- of your Game Boy Color for i 4 Pokémon Gold Game Boy Color Nintendo ing of which, if any game was going to give he included one, leave your МЕУ au vv Virta Tennis а run: for is money. кане E ineasg RIR 5 The Sims: Livin’ Large PC Electronic Arts RE aE GBC resting in the base ЭННИ Ju) АЛЛ КККК office, it's High Heat. Much smack is being overnight, and eight hours 6 Mario Tennis Game Boy Color Nintendo talked. * If you're not a subscriber, you're later, ta da! You're good to ЧИЛ колл eui ie oe Meal e val dic Dan А 7 NBA Live 2001 PlayStation 2 EA Sports
go for another 10 hours of — "uA OOO body else. Don't blame us! * What was a col-
gaming. It's cheap, it works like a charm, and 8 Madden NFL 2001 PlayStation 2 EA Sports lage of Hannibal Lecter photos doing among
it’s environmentally conscious too—Bad Hare — ыы Ше Twisted Меш Blask cone ut act ac Sony’ Price: $14.99. Contact: Pelican Accessories, — Ш su Ту ss 5 Santa Monica studio? Fitting right in, of 323/234-99ll, www.pelicanacc.com
10 Frogger PC Infogrames course —the team is drawing on some disturb-
ing inspiration for the game's mood. Check this
issue's feature to see for yourself. * If Dr. Zom-
MGS2 ACTION FIGURES 2 Àea=—— lost in the first round of the GamePro Cup
tournament? Don't worry—it's double elimi-
"Snake...use the dollar bills to buy the cool toys..." Indeed,
nation, so he'll have a chance to redeem him-
McFarlane Toys is readying a new line of Metal Gear self. A chance, anyway... * Speaking of con-
j Solid action figures based on the upcoming Š . wh di а Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of tests, when GamePro editors creamed the
Liberty game, and the prototypes that competition in EA’s Rumble Racing contest,
were debuted at this year’s Toy Fair trade it could mean only one thing: Not too show looked spectacular. In addition to Solid Snake, many other people showed up. * Oh, wait, Revolver Ocelot, and take back that stuff about High Heat— Olga, there will be | Virtua Tennis is already back on top three as-yet-secret я S again. * In case you're wondering, characters in the line—and, Е 4 remote-control racing games have
best of all, accessories from all six figs will now officially replaced snowboard-
combine to form a seventh: Metal Gear ing games as the Overdone
Ray. And Ray won't be available any Concept of the Moment. * NBA Street... NBA Street
NBA Street...
other way! Watch for the line to roll
out this fall.
I can't wait for you to meet my | found me a NEW dragon! friend, Hagrid. But | - Isn't he the cutest?! have to warn you: He's big, but very friendly. Hello Hagrid. What have you got there?
Babble: Auch 'n Amrich Doodles: Mao
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—ÑEFPRU-—— ~ W i LO OA » T D Ir's ABOUT TIME SOMEONE PUT
SOME KICKASS CARS ON THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.
GET READY FOR THE INTERNET'S FIRST RACING RPG. s sra Dineo
N AME CHANGES AND concept re-inventions, engine overhauls and near-death experiences —it's been a long and bumpy road for Motor City Online, but EA’s ambitious racing game is finally emerging as one of the most promising titles in the persistent-online-universe onslaught.
THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
The best way to describe Motor City Online (www.motorcityonline.com) is as an “online retro-racing RPG.” Log on, create a persona (complete with his or her own bankroll, garage, and community loyalties), then head into Sim World: a persistent, ever-evolving retro-America-themed locale where you can swap vehicles, make ill-advised bets, earn a salary, and race your vehicles on 24 tracks against opponents from around the world.
Players can trade cars either on the fly, or using an eBay-like auction system, then race their new tweaked- out Impalas against their enemy's T-Birds. If you lose, you just might lose your car—and а wad of cash. Motor City Online features nearly 60 vintage vehicles, from the '30s through the '70s, while even more will become Find opponents, swap cars with other available to download in the future. players, and tune up your vehicle at
Motor City's central hub. GREASE [s THE Worp
An intricate club system will bring turf wars, rankings, and leader boards into the mix, with players taking on specialized mechanic, buyer, and racer roles within their team. If the pressure in Sim World is too much, you can always head on over to Arcade mode, where the only thing at stake is your pride. The graphics in the preview build were powered by an enhanced version of the Need for Speed engine —and they looked great, complete with detailed
car models and spiffy environmental effects. A new four-point physics engine is
'4 models of actual vehicles wen pm being developed for Motor City, and the controls in the preview were already
scanned for authenticity. solid, with a nice blend of realism and arcade-style handling. And if your car ss ii = Cue duse
mental effects you'll encounter.
isn't riding right, a selection of over 1000 auto parts means you can fiddle with it for an eternity.
TEN Мш том MILES FROM BRITANNIA
With Motor City Online, EA is looking to bring something com- pletely different to the online gaming mix this summer: a persistent
global racing world steeped in the classic culture of muscle cars, malt shops, motor oil—and pure, uncompromising horsepower. g3
Classics from Ford, Chrysler, and Chev- rolet will hang out in Motor City. Look close, and you can see the Ford Mus- tang emblem on the grille of this...
well, Ford Mustang.
Nearly 60 classic autos will be available, and EA-sponsored special auctions will
offer rare and exclusive custom vehicles Weather and road conditions drastically affect car performance. Clubs can engage in turf wars and lay claim to one of the
for true collectors. Tweak your vehicle accordingly. game's 24 tracks. Now you, too, can have your own bustling hub of international transportation!
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` Keen’s on the Case} Making Outer Spat
— ive urs
To the kids at school, you're Billy Blaze. To alien enemies in the galaxy, you're super hero Commander Keen"! Your mission: Face off against intergalactic creatures, find the lost From the
Plasma Crystals and save humanity—it's all in a day's work. game masterminds at Id Software '"
| Visit www.esrb.org Cox > or call 1-800-771-3772 'e "4 < ‚ zeae for more info. —— Pe PRODUCTIONS icem Ac i ISION.
idsoftware.com
© 1993-2001 Id Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Published and distributed by Activision, Inc. and its affiliates under license. Developed by David A. Palmer Productions. The Id’ logo is a registered activision com trademark of Id Software, Inc. COMMANDER KEEN™ and the Id Software!" name are trademarks of Id Software, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. Licensed by Ç Nintendo of America Inc. for use on the Game Boy Color handheld game platform. © 1989, 1998-2001 Nintendo of America Inc. Nintendo, Game Boy and Game Boy Color are trademarks of Nintendo of
America Inc. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
The next voice you hear when uou fire up yaur cell phone just might be that of Sonic the Hedgehog. » me whiz
бз EGA HAS HUNG ир its plans for the Dreamcast, but Sega games may soon Бе just a phone call away. That's because late last year Sega and Motorola inked plans to develop games for Motorola's iDEN handsets, the company's next-generation, multiple communica- tions cell phones.
iDEN-tifying Games
Motorola's iDEN handsets represent one of the evolutionary pathways technology compa- nies are exploring in their quest to create the “do-it-all” handheld device. The iDEN units combine four distinct services into a single Internet-ready digital device: mobile telephone, two-way radio, alphanumeric messaging, and data/fax transmission. You can even connect some iDEN phones to a notebook computer or a PDA (personal digital assistant) for use as wireless modems.
Motorola has set up iDEN wireless communications systems all around the world. According to the company, several million people currently use iDEN portable phones, which enable users to instantly communicate with one or hundreds of people with just a single button press.
Java Flows Alright, so iDENs sound like a pretty cool way to stay connected, but, for gamers, all you have to know is that they are cell phones with LCD screens. Behind the screen is a CPU that supports the Java programming language, which was developed by Sun Microsystems. Java is similar to the C++ language that game developers use, but it's smaller and not tied to any specific computer platform. That's part of the reason why Java is so prevalent in Web applications since people access the Web from so many different types of computers. Java games are spread all over the Web; just run a search for “Java games." In fact, connect to the GamePro Web site (www.gamepro.com) to take on GPS very own Java-powered challenge. However, the iDEN cell phones use the Java 2 Platform Micro Edition, or J2ME, form of Java. J2ME enables game developers to use something called the K virtual machine (KVM), a highly optimized Java code designed to work with consumer devices with limited memory, processing power, and display capabilities—can you say, "cell phone"? The KVM is as snug as a bug in a rug in a teeny, tiny 128 kilobytes of memory, and, apparently, it will make it easier for Sega game designers to custom fit games into the phones or reuse existing games as wireless content.
Sonic Goes Cellular The first Sega game to be featured in iDEN phones will be a puzzle game called Borkov that, according to Sega, will be similar to Tetris and Columns. The current plan calls for the game to be preloaded into new iDEN handsets, and users will be able to play only against the computer. In the future, Motorola and Sega plan to enable gamers to download new games across the Inter- net. In development are Columns, Sonic Bomb Squad, Sonic Head On, Sonic Logic, and Sonic J. Hardcore gamers have been mourning the loss of Sega game systems this year, but, as iDEN handsets, they may be easier to find than ever. @
Motorola's iDEN cellular phones will be- come the latest platform for Sega games.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
PlayStation e E
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Also available on PlayStation®
www.989sports.com Face Off Against NHL® Heroes
Authentic NHL® Commentary
All 30 NHL® Teams & Players
РА Ж 1 a 2 = am g 8 B3
EVERYONE
*
Animated Violence CONTENT RATED BY
ESRB
Intense NHL® Action & Realism
Your decisions during combat affect the outcome of the story.
анана анаа $i š + = ontrol. system ison easy to use in mU
DEEN : n mechanized, ‘prototype robot are in your mL. <S
Immersive story follows characters d
they examine the meaning of life and death. a
Combat system allows both close-quarter weapon attacks and long-range laser attacks.
Lomputer Al reacts to and MEC өш your actions, helping you minimize civilian casualties.
LJ ZONE OF THE ENDERS™, METAL GEAR®, METAL GEAR SOLID® and SONS OF LIBERTY™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. & Konami® is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. ©1987 2001 KONAMI CORPORATION. All Rights Reserved. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association
cornes LCE P| шш е CONSEQUENCES.
Bos ge Ga INCLUDED
— = “Certainly one of the most exciting games we've ever seen, € d and it plays like an absolute dream." d Official PlayStation Magazine
Versus Mode for heated, 2-player battles. b]
— Missions — ш re-played. cone <=— TR ZONE п Uu: ави
Fast-paced battle sequences with multiple enemies in full 30 environments.
Produced by Hideo Kojima |
PlayStation.
CONTENT RATED BY ESRB
EE ARN I N'G"
© 2001 Lucas Learning Ltd. © 2001 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM or ® where indicated. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Lucas Learning, the Lucas Learning logo, LucasArts and the LucasArts logo are registered trademarks or trademarks or Lucasfilm Ltd. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association. Manufactured and printed in the U.S.A.
Ac OVER FEATURE GAMEPRO | EXCLUSIVE
OFF TO ВЕ A IZARD!
HARRY POTTER HAS CHARMED READERS YOUNG AND OLD IN J.K. ROWLING’S ENCHANTING TALES OF A WIZARD-IN- TRAINING, BUT CAN HE REPEAT THAT
by MAGIC IN THE GAMING REALM? Г (N GAMEPRO BRINGS YOU THE ЖА lh) EXCLUSIVE FIRST 1ООК AT THE
| HARRY GAMES DUE THIS OCTOBER.
i 9 9 BY AIR HENDRIX
SORCERER'S V iunc DD 5 ` STONE $ Rt. i 1 à
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мА ч. NL
VEN IF YOU'D been living in a dank, distant
cave for the past few years, word of Harry Potter would’ve reached you by now. His novels, penned by J.K. Rowling, have dominated the bestseller charts in the U.S. and in countries from Australia to Chile to Israel. The first Harry Potter movie will lure hordes to theaters on November 16, and the first wave of video games will lead the charge this October. GamePro takes you inside the pages of the development team’s Harry Potter spellbook for an exclusive glimpse at what could become an exciting new series of action/
adventure games.
If you're unfamiliar with the Harry Potter books, here's the basic gist: In a world where wizards move unnoticed among normal folk, or Muggles (words in green are defined in the “Potter Primer” sidebar), a young boy escapes his tyrannical foster parents to be trained as a wizard. Rowling's whimsical writing style keeps the captivating stories light but engrossing as Harry heads off to school, encountering all sorts of magical wonders and challenges.
Electronic Arts is the wizard behind the curtain for Harry’s games, planning four titles for the PlayStation, Game Boy Ad- vance, Game Boy Color, and PC. Although all four games will be named "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” (after the first book; for more book info, see sidebar, "Spell Books"), they're not identical: They will explore similar themes and environments, but each will offer its own gameplay experience. In fall 2002, Harry will return with four new games for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and Game Boy Advance.
Obviously, EA bagged a dragon's hoard of gold when it scored the Potter license, but— considering that licensed games often aren't worth the CDs they're printed on—will these titles live up to the ороном of Lors fans? More importantly, what's Harry got tht ———— > will interest your average gamer?
“J.K. Rowling wrote her fiction in a way that game mechanics flow out of it,” says Bruce McMillan, senior vice president and group studio general manager at EA.
3C
Crystal Ball
The following is a crib sheet of notable dates for Harry Potter fanatics (but remember, as Profes-
O
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HARRY POTTER GAMES
| The first book, he explains, is packed with moments that seem almost designed | to appear in a game: the gauntlet of puzzles that Harry faces to rescue the Sorcerer’s Stone, the character- | building that takes place as Harry learns | to be a wizard, and much more. With
Î such a rich environment to work in,
| McMillan continues, "we're developing layered gaming where hardcore gamers will find all sorts of cool things that casual players won't need to do.”
If all this talk of Harry Potter is gobbledygook to you, Chris Gray, executive producer at EA, explains that you still have some- thing to look forward to: “If you haven't read the books, you'll enjoy the games just as much—they’re fun regardless of your knowledge of the Potter world. The games will have lots of twists
ak tc a
Í I | I i
and turns, and many unexpected surprises. We definitely want to reach Harry's fans, but everyone will enjoy these games.”
TT
Of course, the games will feel familiar to Harry's fans. "We're tak- ing pivotal plot lines and characters,” explains McMillan. “If you ask
them in the games. We're not meticu- lously following the book or the film— | there are elements of both that don't work in games— but we'll have the best | of both worlds, like positioning a camera | in places that the movie couldn't"
What sort of familiar elements will gamers encounter? "A mysterious, hooded figure is often the cause of trouble in the b games. If something goes wrong and Harry’s not sure why, it’s always Volde- more€,’ says Gray. Rowling herself has a strong interest in the games and checks in regularly with the development teams— more to ensure that nothing in the games will contradict her highly detailed seven-book plan for Harry than to actively steer the games' creation.
To help the games stand on their own, EA has also developed its own look and style for Harry that differs from his appearance in the movie or the books' ( illustrations. “It’s the right Harry for video games; other ideas from other medi- ums were not so applicable,” says Gray. “Also, you'll recognize him next year in the video game sequels—his virtual appearance will build up the concept in people’s minds.”
)UIT2 ч с JURSTION:
One thing that should send Harry's fans flying after the games is the chance to play Quidditch, the wizard's sport. But a full-bore 3D Quidditch simulation is beyond the capabilities of most of the platforms that this year’s titles are be- ing released on—and besides, as Gray says, “with a world so rich, a game that’s just Quidditch would be an injustice.”
Instead, in one level of the PlayStation, PC, and GBA games (GBC players get no Quidditch), gamers will play a virtual version of the wizard's game, taking on the role of Seeker and dodging BluOgers until they see the Sni€ch. | Then the games will go into a dive mode in full 3D where it’s “up to you to stay on your broomstick and in the game,” Gray says.
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Although all four games are intentionally designed to be unique, they began with the common goal of delivering what Gray calls a “be Harry Potter experience.” All four will feature the familiar cast of char- acters, from Ron Weasley to Hermione Granger to Professor Dumbledore, who will provide help and hints as Harry works through his first year at Hogwarts, the school for wizards. Chocolate Frog W izard Cards will play a leading role in all the titles, acting as
continued after next page >
CAMEPRO JUNE 2001 Щ WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERSOCAMEPRO.COM
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
x
Potter Primer
A glossary of Harry Potter lingo and locales.
Chocolate Frog Wizard Cards: Think baseball cards, but for famous wizards. Included chocolate frog makes them popular with students.
Diagon Alley: A hidden London street where wizards do their shopping
Draco Malfoy: A rich, snotty student at Hogwarts who hates Harry—and whom Harry hates.
Dursleys: The Muggle relatives with whom Harry lives on Privet Drive after his parents’ death. They despise him and treat him poorly.
Forbidden Forest: The woods near Hogwarts, filled with un- known terrors and magical creatures
Ghosts: Many ghosts inhabit Hog- warts: one for each house, a ghost teacher Professor Binns, and Peeves, a poltergeist.
Gringotts: The wizard bank, run by goblins—it's the safest place in the
world. Wizards have their own money: gold galleons, silver sickles, and bronze knuts.
Hagrid: Hogwarts’ giant but friendly groundskeeper
Hermione ( Her-MY-oh-nee) Granger: Bossy and book-smart, a good friend to Harry and Ron, and one of the best students at Hogwarts
Hogwarts: English boarding school for witches and wizards. It takes seven years to graduate.
Hogwarts Express: Train that takes students to and from Hog- warts. You must pass through an in- visible wall to get to its secret stop at Platform 9% in King’s Cross Station.
Lightning scar: Voldemort's curse left a lightning-shaped scar on Harry’s forehead.
Muggles: Nonwizarding folk who are often unaware that magic even exists
Owls: Wizards communicate by sending messages with owls. Harry has his own snowy owl, Hedwig.
Professor Dumbledore: Wise headmaster of Hogwarts who often saves Наггу butt on the sly
Professor Snape: Dour Potions teacher at Hogwarts who
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By Miss Spell
dislikes most students but absolutely hates Harry
=
Quidditch: Wizarding sport played on broomsticks. Teams of seven take to the skies over a court with three towering, circular goals on each end. Three Chasers try to score with the large red Quarre ball, while the Keeper tends goal. Two other balls, called BluOgers, zoom around the court, trying to knock players off their brooms. Each team has two Beaters who pro-
. tect their team from Bludgers and
also re-direct the Bludgers toward the opposition. The final player, the. Seeker, must catch the tiny, golden winged Sni€ch, thus usually winning the game.
Ron Weasley: Harry’s best š friend, he has five older brothers and a younger sister
School houses: All students are lodged in a dormitory-style houses, named for each of the four founders of Hogwarts. They eat, sleep, and go to classes with the members of their house. Their achievements and of- fenses earn and lose points for their house. At the end of the year, the House Cup is awarded to the house with the most points.
Gryffindor: Courageous
and brave, this is Harry’s house.
Slytherin: Ambitious and proud, all of the truly evil wizards have been in this house, including Voldemort.
Hug flepuf f: Where they are 2 just and loyal Š
Ravenclaw: Where those of wit and learning will always find their kind z
Sorcerer’s Stone: Extremely rare stone that gives its owners immor-
tality and riches *
Voldemort (a.k.a. He Who Must Not Be Name, a.k.a. You Know Who): А nasty wiz- | ard whose reign of evil is put to an ` end by baby Harry Potter. After killing Harry's parents, Voldemort is defeated ` by his own curse, which rebounds off of Harry. Still a source of great fear, most wizards won't speak his name aloud.
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HARRY POTTER GAMES
power-ups, collectible items, the keys to puzzles, and more. Owls will also help the player by delivering messages and useful items.
The PlayStation game will mix platform gameplay with adventuring in six 3D environments in and around Hogwarts—all filled with interactive scenery, like moving stairways and secret passages. One level will involve a 3D broomstick chase over the Forbidden Forest as Harry pursues Draco Malfoy (who just robbed a fellow student), while another will take you on a bone- jarring roller-coaster ride through Gringotts, a goblin-owned bank that's packed with mazelike tunnels. Harry will also have to rescue Hermione from a
PLEIER] rampaging troll and venture to Diagon Alley to collect items that Hagrid ГОР мазы: zu >.<} needs to hatch a baby dragon.
Players will acquire new spells and other magic by playing PaRappa-style M mini-games that mimic the lessons in the book. Once you've earned a spell, ы) you'll be able to use it whenever you like. “The polish on the spells’ special effects will really impress people,” says McMillan.
Over on the PC, Harry’s exploits will fall more in the vein of adventuring, involving much less platform gameplay. Visually, this version will offer the richest á 1 world of the four titles, but EA is also being careful not to max out the mini- N mum system specs, so you won't have to have a hot-rod PC to play. The con- $ trols will also be much less complex than your average PC game's, probably j j requiring just the mouse and a couple keys on the keyboard. Ae Along with traditional puzzles and confrontations, players will also face 4 A stealth-based objectives where the player must sneak around Hogwarts, 72 o avoiding the meddling ghosts. Some dynamic environments that change MUS | over time—classrooms mysteriously relocate, staircases move, that sort of thing—will keep players on their toes. A level unique to the PC game will | take the player to Privet Drive, where Harry must get past the Dursleys and collect his letter of admission 3 to Hogwarts. di
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
www.redfaction.com
١ MINERS UNITE
To: All Miners From: EOS RE: Miners Unite
How much longer will you put up with the abuses of Ultor? Look at the bath-
rooms, bunks and living quarters. Think about the food they serve and the way the guards treat you. Who but animals would put up with this type of abuse? And what about the Plague? After all these years and empty promises from Ultor, why is there no cure? How many more must die before you take a stand?
PlayStation.c
and fight! We must fight for our rights, for our freedom, for our very lives! We've
| - | It's time to realize that conditions on Mars will not improve. It's time to stand up got the weapons, the vehicles and the technology. Now all we need is you!
Be ready to strike with us. Wait for my signal. When it comes, strike hard and strike fast. We must free Mars!
BETTER RED THAN DEAD
FIGHT BACK
We've taken out control towers with our new Geo-Mod" technology, hijacked Ultor's vehicles by ambushing supply lines, and raided bunkers to amass a huge arsenal of weapons. Check out this surveillance footage from our most recent assault.
LL : Ch; A |
WINDOWS:95/98. a -
CD Е
Мас Р.
Red Faction—Game and Software © 2001 THQ Inc. Developed by Volition, Inc. Red Faction, Volition, Geo-Mod, THQ and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. All Rights Reserved. “PlayStation” and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
GEO-MOD TECHNOLOGY
Utilize Geo-Mod technology, the most sophisticated form of realtime geometry modification, which enables complete environmental destruction. Flank enemies by creating new pathways through the environment. Blow holes in the floor to stop oncoming foes. In layman's terms, DESTROY EVERYTHING IN SIGHT to achieve the goal. There are no boundaries to constrain your fury.
_ ы b ЕА 22 ССА There’s по need to spend large amounts of ammo eliminating this highly armed convoy. With Geo-Mod technology, just two strategically placed blasts to the bridge from the Rocket Launcher will send them all tumbling into the abyss.
> x
No time to pick off enemies in a guard tower one by one? Blow out the base of the tower and bring the whole thing crashing down.
YOUR ARSENAL
Gear up with over 15 different weapons to destroy Ultor’s guards and mercenaries. All the weapons have secondary firing capabilities, making them some of the most sophisticated in the solar system. Here's a sample:
m Gh а
Heavy Suppression Machine Gun Remote Mining Charge Sniper Rifle
Flame Thrower Magnetic Rail Driver Rocket Launcher Riot Stick & Body Shield
(with infra-red scope)
We have land, sea, and air vehicles, each with a unique arsenal of weapons and capabilities.
Driller Submarine Aesir Fighter
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Drill through walls! Fire homing torpedoes to eliminate subs Wield the flying Aesir’s mighty weapons and other underwater foes! to wipe out enemies below! APG
Handle the Martian landscape with Bomb, strafe, and crush foes in the this rugged all-terrain vehicle. Utilize awesome Armored Personnel Carrier! the mounted machine gun to wipe
out enemies!
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Join the Faction and receive the official newsletter, get the most up to date information on our next ambush, and check out our progress against Ultor. Miners unite. Better red than dead.
volition
e.
The Game Boy Advance title plans to put the emphasis more on action than adventure as the gameplay will unfold in a topdown isometric view.
The game's 29-plus quests will involve tasks like collecting ingredients and mixing potions for Professor Snape, helping Hagrid find a lost pet, battling trolls, and playing Quidditch, of course.
With all the hype surrounding the Harry Potter books over the
The Game Boy Color title will bear more than a slight resemblance to Pokémon, presenting a topdown RPG adventure. Players will tackle turn-based magical encounters and trade Wizard cards (including two- player trades with a link cable). Suc- cessful encounters and quests will increase Harry's powers, allowing him to learn new spells and take on more powerful creatures.
past few years, many gamers may automatically react unfavorably
to the upcoming games. Yet the sheer power of Potter means that this series will likely be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years, so let's hope EA makes games worth play- ing. Fortunately, the early sneak peeks seem very promising, while Gray and EA's development team are ready to meet
Harry's world. We know expectations are high, and we
he challenge: "We're incredibly excited about capturing want to live up to them.” 3 Р isa / E 4
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If you haven’t yet * read the immensely „7 popular Potter
books by J.K. а Rowling, E these brief I ra, ER Е summaries will get W Anan.
you up to speed. By Miss Spell ад d © =
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: This first book in what will eventually be a seven-book series in- 4$ troduces the world to Harry Potter. Harry's parents are killed by Voldemort (see sidebar, "Potter Primer") when Harry is an infant. Voldemort attempts d to kill Harry, too, but harms himself instead and goes into hiding.
Harry is raised by his magic-hating aunt and uncle, who treat him badly and keep his past a secret. On Harry’s IIth birthday, he finds out that he is а š wizard and is accepted to Hogwarts School for Wizardry. Harry soon makes ` friends and enemies, and finds that he’s the only one who can stop the theft x of the priceless Sorcerer's Stone. |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Harry’s sec- 5^ > ond year at school presents new challenges: The unknown Heir of Slytherin . has opened the Chamber of Secrets, and the monster that dwells within is ES attacking students.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner or Azkaban: An escaped ` homicidal wizard is on the loose and wants to kill Harry. H
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Harry finds himself ae entered in a dangerous competition: the Tri- Wizard Tournament. And he's having dreams that foretell Voldemort's return to power.
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' _ A Twisted Metal: Black—and the creative team - = from the series’ glory days is once again 225 چ F , behind the wheel—so GamePro got A)" behind the wheel for a Hands-On i if J) test drive, too. ву Dan Elektro
rtunity to revisit the franchise’s core car-combat concepts—resulting in a Twisted trip back to the future at 120 mph and 60 frames per second.
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> 3 М == س a SE “With the capacity of the PS2, we can tell a bigger comm =s er Story,” says Incognito’s Scott Campbell. “We've got o real estate to do that.” — w nm
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LOONEY BINGE — —
This time, all the contestants for the TM competition are being culled from Blackfield Asylum. While old favorites such as Outlaw, Spectre, Roadkill, and Sweet Tooth are returning to the arena, some of the old vehicles will contain new drivers: No Face, the horribly
; All players will be able to execute a scarred driver of the lethal coupe, jump move to avoid incoming attacks. Crazy 8; Sad Sally, the Goth girl who
manently attached t to afer ace b S e fatl personifies the phrase, “always a bridesmaid, never a bride—and occasionally a mass murderer?” Some fan faves from TM's early days will appear as secret e ii characters, for a total of at least 15 playable psychos. — Twisted Metal: Black is taking the car-combat champ back to its roots, with classic-
DRIVING FORCES | |
Tournament creator Calypso will be returning, too, once again offering the ultimate prize: whatever the winner desires, no matter how depraved. “It’s still the genie in the bottle,” says Dave Jaffe, Twisted Metal: Black's director and lead designer. “Only it's a much darker genie in a much darker bottle.”
ç um In the preview version, that genie manifested itself in down- right scary cinemas which illustrated — quite graphically— just what motivates the participants. Brief prerendered sequences will explain each character's backstory and ultimate fate in the single- - player campaigns. The individual stories are secret, but a sneak abusi арлы eg зел biu preview of the tales of Mr. Grimm and Sweet Tooth revealed exploding gas cans, and special attacks high production values and creepy dialogue from specific to each character. comic writer Paul Jenkins (Witchblade,
Inhumans, Hellblazer).
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concentrated steam toward one opponent-end it Along with deeper character develop- ` does massive damage if it hits. ment, Twisted Metal: Black will reward
skilled players with richer gameplay and multifaceted weapons. Newbies will still enjoy blowing up anything that moves, but the game will also deliver a complex combo system; alternate firing methods for most weapons; and plenty of advanced techniques for vets to „ıı | Master, with a return to secret moves similar to those | found in fighting games. In fact, Jaffe describes the game- E. play as “deathmatch meets Street Fighter II іп cars.” *| Mr. Grimm will be back on his bike— CONTINUED > e
and this time, players will learn whose ri skull he uses as a helmet....
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Mr. Grimm's penne will do battle with a tow truck, апо ihi MEE three-on-one rounds Black will feature about 20 deathmatch levels, some sports car, SUV, hearse, and other heavily armored as well as co-op and team play-will zip by at 60 of which will be revisions of single-player arenas, but opponents. frames per second. many of which will be new.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 Í 43 | »RO.COM LETTERS@
@ TWISTED METAL: BLACK
command. Metal will also have energy based. a U like freezing and invisibility, plus skill weapons that do more damage if you keep a player in your sights manually. Arcade physics are returning to emphasize fun over driving realism—or, as Jaffe puts it, “It ain't
Smoke, particle, lighting, and weather effects will
д ere ir » Black's levels are enormous-some had to be re- highlight the 128-bit carnage. Gran Tura and it ain't supposed to bs, duced because players couldn't find each other!
HELL ON WHEELS
Drivers will duke it out in a prison, a junkyard, on rooftops, through suburbs, and in the heart of ominously named Rumble City. Already absolutely huge, some levels will expand even further—for example, walls will fall down to
reveal more terrain, power-ups, and enemies as the fight progresses. In addition to living environments full of traffic and pedestrians, pretty much everything in the level will be gleefully destructible, А Í from houses to blimps to the fairgrounds inspired by : x Something Wicked This Way Comes. And, yes, pedestrians ү k aa will be fair game. | | е j Visually, Twisted Metal: Black will be anything but bleak. Sweet Tooth's giant rooftop head obstructed the Impressive real-time lighting and weather effects like rain and sun- Player's view in previous games, so Incognito is sets have already been implemented. Battles featured some of the VIEN M сонро in Twisted Mamat piso. most vibrant, intense explosions seen on the PS2 yet. Even in the preview version, the game was running at 60 fps in four-player split-screen matches. One of the coolest options was the single-player split screen mode, which
exhibited a rear view on the top half of the screen ane the standard forward view on the botto
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of farming collisions rocked.
Clearly, the pieces are coming together; from here, it's a matter of polish and balance before the game’s June release. Oh, and there's one other hurdle: all those disenfranchised fans who loved the first two games but lost interest in Twisted Мега! third and fourth sequels (which were created by 989 Studios). Besides the lure of the PS2's power, how do you win back those old-school players? The trick, says Incognito founder, Scott 5-A-
Campbell, is simply to stress the original team's desire to return to what it arguably did ~ , better than anybody. “I think we've picked up where we left off with Twisted Metal 2, and NES IU pulled in our original vision from way Баск — "What's the ultimate car combat game?” һе * .. says. "We've turned up all the knobs in all the areas, we've given the fans what they want — ы" and we've taken it to that next level” (2
Players were going to be able to leave their cars “We spent a lot of time making the world come to in Twisted Metal: Black, players wil be and take off on foot with a pistol, but it killed the life,” says director Dave Jaffe, and it shows both in
exploding gas cans in several pace of the gameplay. The concept was refined into character development and environmental touches which will be flinging it forward and detonating it Sad Sally's ejector seat attack. like pedestrians and traffic patterns. command.
О JUNE 200! ( 44 | WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
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p С a e V u б Ш С Ñ BY MAJOR MIKE
sm hing Drive P7 | «Developed and published by Namco @ as 8 Target release date: May ARCADE
FIRST LOOK
TAKING A PAGE from the Crazy Taxi play manual is
Smashing Drive, an arcade driver with a similar theme but a different approach. You'll play as a New York City cab driver who must take passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible and beat the computer-controlled driver. Instead of relying entirely on shortcuts to shave seconds off your time, you'll also rely on your cab, which, after col- lecting certain power-ups, can transform into different
vehicles—a battering ram to smash obstructions, ^; -
glider wings to soar over pile-ups, and “Bigfoot” tires | S A S HI NG |
to power over obstacles. Two arcade units can be DR IVE
linked together for fierce head-to-head competition, NYC-IIxM. 7 emer TWIN
where drivers not only race against each other for
the fastest times, but also earn bonus points for 7
smashing each other up. You can also qualify to race — e DRE on a bonus track by ranking several high scores while top drivers will be - able to input their results into a Web site that compiles all the top world- wide rankings. (2
а . Vampire Night ] m Developed by Namco, Sega, and Wow Entertainment
m Published by Namco WHILE THE APPEARANCE of another arcade "gun-game" may not be 2 = Target release date: May
terribly significant, the hardware powering Vampire Night is. Co-developed by three companies, Night is the first arcade game developed on System 246 hardware, which is based on the PlayStation 2 graphic engine. As for the game itself, Night will feature one- or two-player shooting against an army of dark-
ARCADE
FIRST LOOK
ness. You'll blast through six nonlinear stages—including Snow, Stone, Fire, m Darkness, and Moon— but the monsters that populate them require sharp | shooting skills to defeat, as they are vulnerable only in various “weak spots” +
that are called-out onscreen. Another key factor will be innocent civilians, who can be bitten and transformed into vampires. If a human is bitten, a
š “Flesh Bud” appears onscreen; shooting the Bud can save the human, but if you miss, the infected person joins the ranks J! of the undead and thus becomes your enemy. Night will also be loaded with random elements—such as bosses that can appear at any time during a stage — and secret items hidden in ordinary back- ground objects. (2
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
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where all the latest Nintendo games and accessories are available at Every Day Low Prices. Hey, this is your world. Get ready to rule.
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Available in-store June 13, 2001
ESRB Rating System ]
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Prices valid in U.S. only. TM
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^
Dive into 40+ pages of E sneak peeks, including games for the next-gen gang: the PS2, Xbox, and Game Boy Advance. But don't count out the rest of the systems (not even the Dreamcast), whose games are sizzling!
Developed and published by THQ Target release date: Fall 2001
Wrestling fans are already pumped for WWF Raw Is War, the federation's debut on Microsoft’s new machine. And while THQ doesn’t want to give away too much too early, the company is definitely ramping up for a super-sized entry into the Xbox ring. Visually, the Xbox's chipset has power to burn, so it’s fair to expect a game with as much photo-realism as possible. As these character renders show—just a handful of - a the planned 30 or so superstars— the level of detail will be truly incredible; plus, faces ) will be articulated with expressions in the final game. “As far as superstars and arenas are concerned, we will make every Í effort to have them look exactly the way the show is pre- “ЭЖИМ sented,” said Yasutaka Asakura, the game's assistant producer. 1 > “And we feel the Xbox will allow us to do this like never 4: 4 ` before.” More wrestlers will appear on the screen at / once, so get ready for some truly rowdy Royal
E Rumbles, running at 60 frames per second.
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1 One thing that should be improved this & f time around is commentary. Many fans QB missed the play-by-play announcers in SmackDown, and Asakura assures fans E! non Ё this will be rectified. "Entrance and victory announcements ч 1 by ring announcers are currently being planned,” he reveals. A “Also, announcers will be at the announcer desk, and they A 9" will move along with the events both in and out of the ring.” m w^ ё a Whether or not we'll hear the wrestlers talk € 3 80 NNN smack remains to be seen...um, heard. „д x ~
LA Right now, THQ is not planning any on- £, et
line elements—the developer is "focusing on core wrestling gameplay" and creating i smooth character animations. Most fans " hv would agree that getting the basics right is
more important than loading the game up Lor 1 with extras. There's still plenty of work to Р Ре 1 be done on Raw Is War, so check out post-E? Ga * А < x EE! reports for more details. O 4 B 2 M ` * GAMEPRO JUNE 200! ( 50) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Bizarre Creations/Published by Microsoft
Target release date: Fall 2001
F THE BEAUTIFUL Screen shots of this driver don’t look familiar to you, then maybe the previous game by the developer of Project Gotham will: Bizarre Creations is the same master- mind behind Metropolis Street Racer for the Dreamcast. And the similarities don't stop there. As in MSR, Project Gotham's gameplay will center around the Kudos reward system: Players will be awarded for driving skills and success. You'll also drive 20 hot rods (specific models haven’t been announced yet) through the streets of London, Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York City, while realistic weather conditions for each locale will affect driving. Up to three players will be able to race against each other, too. Look for this sharp-looking racer at Xbox's launch. @
Developed by Adrenium Games/Published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
s AZURIK, YOU'LL be sworn to protect the sacred elements—fire, water, earth, and air—in the world of Perathia. But an apocalyptic prophecy that's already in motion forces you to travel to the six realms of the planet so you can, hopefully, stop the progress of this devastating revelation. To help your battle, you'll be armed with the powers of the elements, and, with intuitive controls, you'll be able to use your attack powers and shields in a fraction of a second. But this game won't be all about brawn: This adventure plans to challenge your wits with smart creatures, who can be defeated only when you've found and exploited their particular weakness. @
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Bungie Software/Published by Microsoft
Target release date: Fall 2001
RIGINALLY PLANNED for a PC and Mac release, Halo will now be making its first mark on the Xbox, and already this sci-fi shooter has been inundated with hype and anticipation. The hype may be justified, though, if these early screens are an indication of how
sharp the game will look.
z In Halo, you'll hunt a mysterious alien race—the Covenant — through missions that range from attacking enemy outposts, raiding labs for advanced technology, and rescuing fallen allies. The high- light of Halo, however, will be how you tackle these missions. You'll
be able to choose to fight on foot or in
a variety of vehicles, including alien hover-
crafts, buggies, tanks, and more. Addi-
tionally, in multiplayer games, you'll be able to form a team, choose a role, and then fight cooperatively, deathmatch style, or cooperatively with a friend in the single-player missions. O
Developed by Warthog/Published by Crave Target release date: Fall 2001
OU'LL PLAY AS Ranger, a bounty hunter living 800 years in the future when humans and alien races live together on Earth and in other solar systems. Your goal: To fulfill contracts, which will usually be for the heads of criminals and sometimes an innocent civilian who witnessed too much. But your occupation will also lead you back to your muddled past, answering questions that have disillusioned your life.
The gameplay in Bounty Hunter will be a combination of first- person combat and space-flight action. When on foot, you'll interact with a variety of races that respond depending on your ; reputation with that group. During combat, enemies will adjust ` their fighting style based on their numbers, types of weapons, S available cover, and so forth. As a pilot, you'll need to manage your armory and flight controls while flying a number of vehicles
and riding a host of exotic crea- tures. You should expect an en- ў _ grossing story and plenty of action
in this futuristic adventure. @
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by VR-1 Entertainment/ Published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
N THIS THIRD-PERSON action/adventure, you'll take on the role of Arran, a novice wizard who is attempting to rid the world of eternal night. Unique to this game will be controls where, by using both Sees analog pads, you'll ma-
s nipulate Arran's move- ments separately from
his magical orb, which you'll use as a targeting system to attack ene- mies. Even better, Arran will age during the game, growing from novice to
old mage. 6 m z р? Developed by 2015 & EA LA/Published by Electronic Arts t â ó Target release date: February 2002 LONG WITH A pair of PS2 games, EA’s superb Medal of Honor series is also ^ `
making the jump to the Xbox next year with Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (an iden- tical PC version is scheduled for November). Following the exploits of Lt. Mike Powell
s ae 77] of the renowned Ist Ranger Battalion, Allied Assault's 20 missions will challenge you to sur- Е vive the landing at Omaha Beach, help hold " еных. the bridge ас Remagen, penetrate Nazi bases in Norway, and much more. If Allied Assault
comes close to living up to its predecessors, Xbox gamers can expect an outstanding action/ combat experience. 0
Note: These screens are from the PC version.
Developed by Oddworld Inhabitants/Published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
N THIS THIRD adventure in the Oddworld series, you'll control both Abe and Munch on a mission to rescue Abe's captured mom. To complete the game, you'll have to use Abe and Munch cooperatively; Abe can climb to distant areas and take control of an enemy’s soul, while Munch can swim and has the Sonar Plug to at- tack the mean Sloggies. In keeping with tradition, you can expect Odd- world: Munch's Oddysee to feature hilarious voice-overs and plenty of off-the-wall action. @
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GAMEPRO JUNE 200! WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Infinite Machine/ Published by THQ
Target release date: Fall 2001
м New LEGENDS, you'll battle evil in future China where technology and mysticism have blended together, and demons and gods roam freely. As the hero Soo, you'll use an armament of magic, martial arts, and wicked weaponry to defeat the evil Xao Gon whose wrath has taken over most of the country. You'll be able to wield two weapons at once, plus unleash humongous special moves on a variety of fantastic creatures when this action/adventure erupts on the
scene. G
Developed and published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
HAT'S A VIDEO game system without a killer snowboarding game? Well, Microsoft's answer is Amped, where the goal will be to achieve superstar status by per- forming insane tricks in front of spectators and magazine photogra- phers. You'll ride wherever you want on the open-mountain runs in real locations that include Utah's Brighton, Vermont's Stratton, and California's Snow Summit. With its lofty ambitions, Amped: Free- style Snowboarding sounds like it could become the next snow- boarding champ. O
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
` Developed by Angel Studios/Published by Infogrames Target release date: Fall 2001
OU'LL GET TO drive 15 licensed off-road vehicles like the Hummer and Chevy Avalanche in the badlands of Moab, Utah; Yosemite, California; the Big Island, Hawaii; and other locales exclusive to the Xbox in this extreme adventure. Additionally, you'll find four types of races to master: Circuit,
у e ا Blitz, point-to-point ss v k race, а checkpoint b : charge. You should
۱ get ready to tear up ©З the countryside and drive anywhere you'd like when the Xbox launches. O
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Developed by Blitz Games/Published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
ROMISED TO BE а non-stop party game, Fuzion Frenzy will consist of a futuristic street sport combined with more than 45 mini-games that up to four people can play at once. Everything will be in real-time and take place in six arenas, where the ever-changing envi- ronments will be inter- active. Fuzion Frenzy will offer fast-paced, head-to-head competi- tion, whether you're playing with friends or by yourself. O
[ 54) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
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Extravaganza!
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty BY HAJOR HIKE
Developed by KCEJ/Published by Konami Target release date: Fall 2001
The Box Is Back
One of last years’ biggest E? titles was Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty — although the game wasn’t playable, a cinema of game- play created crowds at the Konami booth. Now a playable demo of the game is slated for release with Zone of the Enders. 7 Although the demo isn’t very long, 1 ARDANE it's a good training ground to polish
up on Solid Snake's skills —including several new abilities —and to ac-
quire a feel for the enemy A.I. | | = , =
In the demo, all the action takes place on an oil tanker just off the George Washington Bridge in New York City. Your brief mission is to infiltrate the ship while drawing as little attention to yourself as possible. Dead-on controls aid you in your task, and even staunch vets of the PlayStation Metal Gear will find several new techniques to master: dangling from rail- ings, picking up and moving downed enemies, using weapons via first- person view, hiding in closets, and rolling on the ground. You can even “rob” some enemies of items. A helpful built-in tutorial does an excellent job of illustrating Snake's various moves and advanced techniques.
We've shared everything == all the bad and all the good.
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Medal of Honor: Medal of Honor: Front Line Legion: Legend of Excalibur Monster Rancher 3 ighter Command Target release date: February 2002 Target release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: June Target release date: 2002
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 (55)
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Solid Snake is returning to active duty in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty-the first PlayStation 2 installment of Konami's popular franchise.
Meeting Expectations
| Visually, MGS2 is a stunner, so far, with
detailed graphics and awesome special
| effects. The lighting is particularly arrest- | ing, as it affects game play: For example, | you can spot approaching enemies by the
shadows they cast or by the illumination of flashlights mounted on their guns. The sound rocks, too, thanks to a wide vari- ety of explosions, well-cast character
| voices, and a pounding score. Although | MGS2 has almost six months left in de-
=] velopment, it should easily surpass its
lofty expectations when released.
Off-Road Thunder
Target release date: Summer 2001
Viper Heat Target release date: May
Road Rash
Target release date: 2002
Shadow Man 2
Target release date: To be determined
WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
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Extravaganza!
Red Faction BY UNCLE DUST
Developed by Volition/Published by THQ
Target release date: May
Release the Hounds
Red Faction, THQ's first-person shooter, continues to impress. With the expanded preview version fea- turing more than a dozen levels and including the entire arsenal of wea- ponry, Faction is shaping up to be a must-get PS2 game. The biggest attraction to this title will be the Geo-Mod environments, which enable you to blow up pretty much everything in your path—from locked doors and guard towers to boulders that your enemies are using for cover. But as the story w/ ofthe game slowly comes together, it looks as though it 3 may steal the show from Red Faction's advanced-gaming
It's not just a shoot-em-up-Red Faction's single-player game will contain a dynamic technology. story and tons of difficult missions and interesting characters.
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PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYS
Excellent!
The game begins as a revolution breaks out on Mars between the Ultor
Corporation and the miners it employs. Bloodshed and mayhem quickly
ensue, so it will be up to you (along with some help from friends on the inside) to move your way through mine shafts
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and Ultor Corporate buildings, trying desperately to help the underdog miners, who are seriously out-gunned.
The sights and sounds of Red Faction are al- ready sharp, from splashy lighting and weapon effects to solid voice-overs and ear-blowing explo- sions. With an awesome arsenal, solid controls, interesting (and very long) levels, Red Faction is set to make some noise. It's time to ready yourself for the coming revolution.
No One Lives Forever Silent Hill 2 Star Trek: Voyager—Elite Force Armada 2: Exodus Dragon Wars of Might & Magic Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001 Target release date: October Target release date: September Target release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: Fall 2001
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YSTATION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYSTAT
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 ( 56 | WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Extravaganza!
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Developed by Traveller's Tales/Published by Konami
Target release date: November
WITH AN ALMOST three-year stint since his last adventure (not including his slick kart racer and wacky party
game), Crash Bandicoot and his sister, Coco, are back, as they once again try to thwart the sinister plans of evil Dr. Cortex. This time, Cortex is building a new weapon that requires the four elements: air, earth, water, and fire. To stop him, Crash and sis will need to venture through 30 levels and battle five bosses in as many worlds to prevent their nemesis from succeeding.
Although a new developer is creating Crash, Universal Interactive (the producer) promises the game-
play will be familiar without any big changes. In a 3D world, you'll still be able to slam, spin, and slide as you collect apples and gems. Crash, however, will now be able to tiptoe and drive cool new vehicles like a jeep, glider, and mech robot. Coco will also have more variety in her moves, though she'll be playable only in a couple of levels. If this new Crash is anything like previous Bandicoot games, then you may have to get cerebral with this Cortex. @
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Aliens: Colonial Marines BY FOUR-EVED DRAGON
Developed by Check Six Studios/Published by Fox Interactive
Target release date: To be determined
ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES will be a squad-based first-
person shooter. The story takes place immediately after the events
in the series’ second film, Aliens, so you'll take on the role of a gung- ho marine assigned to an elite search-and-rescue team that’s out to hunt the dangerous extraterrestrials. At the start, you'll choose from a number of roughnecks—each with his own survival skills, weapons, and other inventory items—then you'll fight within a squad, giving and taking orders in over 10 missions of alien hunting. Screens? Good. Gameplay? Wait and see. @
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Half-Life MTV Music Generator Test Drive Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder Supercar Street эси Target release date: Summer 2001 Target release date: May Target release date: Third Quarter 2001 Target release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: Summer 2001
YSTATION 2 - PLA
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Devil May Cry ИНЕМ TT
Developed and published by Capcom Target release date: Fall 2001
THE NAMES JiLL Valentine and Regina conjure up images of tough, gun-toting video-game characters fighting impossible odds. Given that Devil May Cry, Capcoms latest survival/horror title, takes place in 5 йи, = a nightmarish setting, it’s prob- l= mca doi. ably safe to add a third name to that roster: Dante, a white- haired devil hunter with a 2000-year-old grudge. In addition to his trusty pistols, sword, and arsenal of collect- able weapons to thwart the army of darkness arrayed against him, Dante can also transform into various demons. Yet Devil plans to go beyond the usual formula of "he with the biggest gun wins,” as proven by Dante's diverse attacks: Not only will he be able to blast and slash enemies to
smithereens, but he'll also command several advanced fighting techniques, including combo attacks. A demo of Devil May Cry will be packaged with Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, which hits this fall. O
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Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory BY MAJOR MIKE
Developed by Angel Studios/Published by Rockstar Games
Target release date: October
SEQUEL TO THE PlayStation 2 driving/action hit of last year, Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile Territory looks to do everything bigger and better than its predecessor. Foremost will be the visuals, | which should run at a solid 60 frames-per-second and be loaded with interactive action, including avalanches, crossfire, and even minefields. The game's 30-plus missions will take place in two "hot" locales—Afghanistan and Vietnam—and your cargo will be more valuable, as you'll transport everything from nuclear materials to volatile explosives that detonate if not handled with caution. In other words, drive carefully! Additional Hostile Territory features will in- clude new vehicles—such as military tanks and quad bikes—which lose parts as they take dam- age, and night missions undertaken through a pair of night-vision goggles. Diverse weather conditions will also play more of a role this time around, as they will affect your missions and vehicle handling. With all these enhancements and cool features, Smuggler’s Run 2 should be anything but Hostile Territory to racing fans. O
The Mummy Returns Target release date: Fall 2001
Max Payne Target release date: Fall 2001
Spy Hunter 2
Target release date: July
Kinetica Target release date: Fall 2001
7 Blades Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil Giants Kessen 2 Torget release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: July Target release date: Second Quarter 2001 Target release date: Fall 2001
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E*xtravaganza! ©
Legacy of Kain: Blood Ümen 2 BY JAKE THE SNAKE
Developed by Crystal Dynamics/Published by Eidos Target release date: Fall 2001
SOMETIMES IT'S MORE fun being bad than good, and no one is worse than Kain—the master vampire from Blood Omen, released in '97— who chose to rule the world of Nosgoth through terror rather than die for its salvation. It’s 100 years later in this action/adventure sequel to Omen (Legacy of E Kain was an offshoot, not a sequel), and a mysterious force has stripped Kain of his powers and killed his vampires. Playing as Kain in the third-person, you'll have to stay in the shadows of the gothic landscape as you rebuild your supernatural powers to reclaim your dark rule.
Blood Omen 2 promises a deep world with smart characters and fast yet precise fighting controls. Kain will be able to sneak up behind hapless humans and ravage them for their blood or dispatch them with a sword, but you must be careful —if the human prey sees the gruesome vampire coming, they'll run away shrieking for help. The plasma will flow again when this game rises from the dead. @
Dead to Rights
Developed and published by Namco
Target release date: First Quarter 2002
IN THIS THIRD-PERSON action/adventure game, you'll follow the ex- ploits of Jack Slate, a vengeful cop seeking the hoodlums who framed him for murder and killed his father. An early demo of the game showed what а to expect: a combination of John Woo cinematography, WinBack’s fast gunplay, and Oni's hand-to-hand battles—resulting in a high- octane thriller with plenty of firearms, fists, and furious action. Highlighting Dead to Rights will be a sharp locale known as | Granite City, which you'll explore; plenty of puzzles and mini- | games; and the ability to target specific body parts on enemies
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while moving. Even in its infant stages, Namco’s product seems to be on the right track to create a supercharged adventure. @
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Tomb Raider Next Generation (working title) Target release date: 2002
007 Racing Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
SSX: DVD Target release date: Fall 2001
Dynasty Warriors 3
Commandos 2 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 Project Eden Resident Evil Code: Veronica X Target release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: May Target release date: Summer 2001 Target release date: May Target release date: September
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© Extravaganza! ©
Grand Theft Auto 3 BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Developed by DMA Design/Published by Rockstar Games
Target release date: October
THE SERIES THAT glamorizes thug life is back, this time in full 3D. For those new to the street, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has players nonchalantly jacking both people and vehicles in a humongous city, while pulling off unlawful jobs for the criminal underground (hence this game's probable Mature rating). In this
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newest take, you'll seek revenge against your ex-partner in crime
and your girlfriend, both of whom set you up to take the fall
for a foiled bank robbery. The game will be more linear, as play-
ing through the story — earning respect and rising through the
gang hierarchies — will be the only way to win. However, you'll
undertake tons of side-jobs for extra cash, and, of course, you
can still steal any vehicle —even boats, helicopters, and airplanes.
Besides visual and story line en-
hancements, GTA3 will also pack other slick features: For example, the time of day will affect your mission. Streets will be populated with workers during the day, while clubbers and seedy types will be around during the night. It will also be harder to go through certain parts of the city during daytime due to rush hour. Plus, rainy weather will affect visibility and a car's handling. O
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The Lost BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Developed by Irrational Games/ Published by Crave Entertainment
Target release date: Third Quarter 2001
INSPIRED BY DANTE’S Inferno, The Lost promises to take you on a ride
through modern-day hell, literally. The story revolves around Amanda —a
medical student, young mother, and waitress by day, who comes into contact with a mysterious character from an- А } = other world who offers an alternative to her depressing life. In this 3D horror/survival adventure, you'll traverse the nine circles of Hell, fighting ungodly creatures (which should make your spine tingle with fear), while using over 70 agnostic items and weapons to vanquish them. You'll also be able to play as four inter- changeable characters: Amanda, Corruption, Shadow, and Light. Abandon all hope, ye with little courage. O
Gundam (working title) Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
Dragonball Z
Target release date: To be determined E
Tenchu 3
Target release date: To be determined
Escape From Monkey Island Target release date: Spring 2001 -
p» 0.
Cops Simpsons Racing Guitaroo Man Frogger: The Great Quest Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001 Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001 Target release date: October Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
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€» Extravaganza! ©
Sled Storm 2 BY AIR HENDRIX
Developed and published by EA Sports Big Target release date: Fall 2001
THE FANTASTICALLY EXCITING snowmobile racing in the original Sled Storm easily makes it the PlayStation’s most under- appreciated game. Fortunately, EA Sports Big is hoping to remedy that with this PS2 sequel. Wide-open environments loaded with shortcuts and hidden areas should make players feel like they can z race anywhere, while
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collisions should keep the thrills coming. Sled Storm 2 graphics will also deliver a sleek up- grade even though these
screens don’t yet show the final snow effects. If EA Sports Big lives up to Sled Storm 25 potential, it could take over your PS2 this fall. (2
State of Emer gency BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Developed by VIS/Published by Rockstar Games Target release date: Fall 2001
Have you EVER had a fantasy about what itd be like to be in the middle of a riot like those you've seen on TV?
In true Rockstar fashion, you'll be able to do just that with State of Emergency. Your animosity toward the American Trade Organization will have you starting violent riots in four cities, complete with mass brawls and total destruction of build- ings, vehicles, and whatever else is in your path. In fact, smashing up your surroundings will be the key to having a successful riot. Is there something wrong with this picture? @
Rune—Viking Warlord BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Developed by Humanhead Studios/Published by Take 2 Interactive
Target release date: July
IN RUNE, You’LL play as the mighty Viking warrior, Ragnar, who must save humanity from the dark masters of the netherworld. Already a hit on the PC, Rune won't be just another port—it will have new levels and differ- ent creatures to battle. In fights, you'll be able to choose from 15 unique weapons like axes, hammers, and swords to do away with your opponents, plus you'll be able to fully interact with the 40-plus environments. If
you want to find out about Viking mythology, Rune should give you a lesson on how the legendary
Nordic gods hacked their way to victory. O
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Batman (working title) BY AIR HENDRIX
Developed and published by Ubi Soft
Target release date: September
THe Dark Кміснт has had a rough ride in video games over the past few years, but Ubi Soft is hoping to give him the royal treatment with this title based on the New Batman Adventures cartoon. Equipped with cool toys сыл like the Batmobile, Bat- jet, Batgrapple, and more,
players will face off against villains en as <The "um Mr. TERN
Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. The action will traverse 22 levels à of third-person platform/ adventure gameplay, and you'll also play as Bruce Wayne in some levels, re- | connoitering locations for ë ra later visits as Batman. (2
Ace Combat 4 BY AIR HENDRIX Developed and published by Namco
Target release date: November
RIGHT FROM THE early days of the PlayStation, the Ace Combat
series has reigned supreme as the platform's leading flight-combat
sim. Although details were scarce at press time, it's clear that Namco
is looking to throttle up the franchise to the next level with Ace
Combat 4. The game's 24 missions will involve real-life aircraft,
including the F-15 Strike Eagle ENES F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, F-14 Tomcat interceptor, and the prototype F-22 Rap- tor multirole strike fighter. The early graphics are already spec- tacular, and, if the gameplay follows suit, you can expect Ace 4 to rule the unfriendly
skies. G
Soldier of Fortune BY AIR HENDRIX
Developed by Pipe Dream Interactive/ Published by Majesco Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
CONTINUING ITS STRING of PC shooter ports, Majesco is bringing the ultra-violent Soldier of Fortune to the PS2. SOF will place players in the combat boots of John Mullins, a mercenary who's hired to hunt down and eliminate a crazed terrorist group. The gameplay will favor realism over the more frantic style of games like TimeSplitters as you tackle solo and шару missions across five continents. Hopefully, ` 2 Majesco's experience in
porting the wildly popu-
lar Rainbow Six series
to the Dreamcast will
help make Soldier of
Fortune for the PS2 as
exciting as it was for
the PC. @
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Run Like Hell
Developed by Digital Mayhem/Published by Interplay
Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
MAKING ITS SECOND appearance at E? will be Interplay's upcoming sci-fi
survival/horror game, Run Like Hell. Featuring Holly- wood voice talent (such as Lance Henriksen and Kate Mulgrew), this cinematic scare-fest will put you in the role of Nick as you try to survive on a deep-space mining station infested with super-intelligent, ultra-vi- olent aliens. All the game's action will take place during a single day, with the story divided into seven chapters. (2
World Destruction League: WarJetz
Developed and published by 300 Target release date: Spring 2001
WoRLD Destruction LEAGUE: WARJETZ will take televised vehicular combat to an entirely new arena—the sky. Like the previously released Thunder Tanks, this airborne version of the demolition-filled TV show should give flight enthusiasts thumb-numbing mayhem in 25 levels
spread through eight unique environments based on real-world locales. You'll have a huge arsenal of weapons to choose from, including homing missiles, nukes, cluster bombs, and more. This game may have you happily trashing the friendly skies. @
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Extravaganza!
Portal Runner
Developed and published by 300 Target release date: Spring 2001
BY UNCLE DUST
Vikki GRIMM or 3005 Portal Runner— with the help of her lion pal, Leo—is ready- ing her new platform adven- ture to jump-start a new era of the Army Men franchise. Playing as either woman or beast, you'll explore new, fascinating toy worlds as you attempt to rescue the toy realm from doom. In the preview ver- 9 sion of Portal Runner, both Vikki and : Leo moved fluidly through dramatic — s fantasy backdrops filled with colorful r : < characters. (2 Х ;
Prisoner of War
Developed by Wide Games/Published by Codemasters
BY UNCLE DUST
Target release date: Fall 2001
SET IN FOUR German PO.W. camps during World War ll, Codemasters’ Prisoner of War will put you in the skins of four Allied officers as they
make plans to escape. Each character will have a special- ization and will thus have to accomplish unique tasks. Using a fully 3D environment, Pris- oner of War intends to showcase many realistic details from the period so as to create a totally engrossing, suspenseful story line. Don't expect Hogan's Heroes-style “action” in this intriguing game —Prisoner of War will be taking no prisoners. @
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Extravaganza!
е e Extermination BY FOUR-EVED DRAGON ТЦ т А . == me
Developed by Deep Space/ Published by Sony
Target release date: Summer 2001
Dennis RILEY, MEMBER Of an elite special-forces unit in the Marines, is about to get a scare he won't forget. As Riley, you'll investigate a top-secret military station in Antarctica, where you learn that everyone has been infected with a mysterious virus—and turned into grotesque, deadly mutant crea- tures. Using a highly sophisticated weapon and military skills, you'll explore
every facet of the instal- lation in an attempt to destroy the core of this lethal infection.
Extermination will use a third-person view with the ability to go first-person for easier targeting. Your armory will consist of one huge, completely customizable firearm; its attachments will include a grenade launcher, sniper scope, flamethrower, and more.
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Of course, you'll run into some challenging puzzles, while grip- ping, on-the-fly life-or-death decision-making should make the gameplay intense. O
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Cool Boarders 2001 BY AIR HENDRIX
Developed by Idol Minds/Published by Sony/989 Sports
Target release date: May
WnuiLE THE Coot BOARDERS series never owned the slopes, it used to be the only solid choice for PlayStation snowboarders. But now that SSX has grabbed the spotlight, the PS2 de- but of Cool Boarders 2001 faces stiff competition. On its side of the run, CB will be sporting a new physics engine; 10 pro riders such as Todd Richards, Barrett Christy, and others; and 20 tracks on one big mountain, which will mean no reloading to move to another area. A Trickmaster mode will let you focus on busting tricks and bagging air with the help of some coaching from the game's pros, while Challenge mode will pit you against the pros in a series of one-on-one events. The game's other seven events will include Downhill Checkpoint, CBX, Downhill Gates, Board Park, Big Air, Half-Pipe, and the Vans Triple Crown. If Cool Boarders 2001 brings its “A” game to the slopes, it might stand a chance against SSX, but it sure is going to be a tough race. eG
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Accidents will happen -- and some of them are worth a lot of points. Climb into the burly high-powered semi of your choicé and barrel your way across the continent while being smack-talked by rival truckers over your CB radio. Barricades, cars, vans, and yes, even Smokey, are all yours for the smaghin’, But keep your eye on the clock, cuz there's always another trucker who'd like to, baat your tail to the loading dock.
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THERE АКЕ MANY QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED IN THE WAKE OF SEGA'S STUNNING ANNOUNCEMENTS, $0 HERES THE TRUTH BEHIND ALL THOSE RUMORS.
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15 17 TRUE THAT SEGA HAS STOPPED MAKING DREAMCASTO?
Sadly, yes. Sega ceased manufacturing the consoles in March, and will sell its existing stock at $99.99 each. When these Dreamcasts are all gone, no more will be available.
WHY?
Money. Sega spent a ton of dough to launch and establish the machine, and the system just wasn't selling well enough. Despite Sega being first to market with a 128-bit machine and having all that great software, consumers just didn’t go for the Dreamcast as much as Sega thought they would. Over the last two years, Sega has lost about $500 million—almost all due to the Dreamcast and its expenses. The company is worth only $4 to $5 billion, so that's a huge chunk of change for a company to part with in 24 months. Sega
needed to do something drastic to stop the financial bleeding. Discontinuing
the Dreamcast was the fiscal equivalent of radical, life-saving surgery.
BUT THE DREAMCAST 15 STILL A GOOD SYSTEM! IF EVERYBODY
WHO WANTS TO SAVE THE SYSTEM WRITES SEGA A LETTER, WONT
THE EXECUTIVES CHANGE THEIR MINDS? No. Unless all those people send in $500 million.
15 SEGA GOING OUT OF BUSINESS? No. Thanks to this decision, the opposite is true. Not having to worry about the hardware side of the business means Sega can focus on what most of its fans believe is its core strength anyway: making games. Sega is changing into a software-only company, much like Electronic Arts or Capcom. It will pick and choose what games it wants to create for the current systems on the market. Sega has already pledged support for the Play- Station 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Game Boy Advance;
plus, it has a few dozen Dreamcast games still coming out this year.
WILL SEGA STOP MAKING DREAMCAST GAMES?
Not this year, anyway. Sega has announced plans for about 100 games worldwide; at least 30 of those are slated for release in the US. After this holiday season, however, the appearance of new games—from Sega or from third-party companies—will all de- pend on how well the 200! games sold.
WHAT ABOUT SONIC ADVENTURE 2? SHENMUE 11? WHAT ABOUT [INSERT GAME TITLE НЕКЕ?
Games like Sonic Adventure 2, Crazy Taxi 2, and Shenmue ll are all on deck for a 2001 release. Chances are if the game has been announced, it’s still coming out. Basically, it's
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a question of money. If the companies think they can make a profit by pub- lishing Dreamcast games, you'll see some. If they don’t, well, you won't.
WHAT ABOUT THE BROADBAND ADAPTER? THE ZIP DRIVE? THE DVD PLAYER? THE DIGITAL CAMERA? THE MP3 PLAYER? THAT “VOICE OVER IP” THING?
Sega's broadband network adapter is already available; you can purchase it from your local store or directly from Sega via the company's Web site. The Zip drive, digital camera, and MP3 player won't be coming out in America (though you might see photos of the Japanese versions), and plans for the DVD player were scrapped sometime late last year (see ProNews in the November 2000 issue of GamePro).
Mega Dredmeast Survivors Guide ®
3 GamePro Presents... =
That leaves the voice-over-IP technology, which lets you verbally chat with a friend while simultaneously playing a game with him. Because Sega.com is still kickin' and the voice-over project is really its deal, you may yet see this incorporated into Dreamcast games (and maybe a few other systems' games, too). Stay tuned.
WHEN COMPANIES STOP MAKING PKEAMCASTS, WILL THEY ALSO STOP MAKING VMUS AND PERIPHERALS?
Yep. Like the consoles, these types of items will be on sale in stores until the stock runs out. If you need a spare controller or memory card, now is the time to grab one. The 4X VMU is available now, if you can find it— they’re going fast as Phantasy Star Online players can gobble them up. Of course, third-party companies like InterAct and Mad Catz will probably continue to make replacement controllers.
15 NINTENDO GOING TO BUY SEGA?
No. The New York Times reported that Nintendo was buying Sega, but the news was false. Both Sega and Nintendo have flatly denied it. Hiroshi Yamauchi, the president of Nintendo of Japan, said, “There is absolutely no chance that Nintendo will buy Sega.” Can't get more definitive than that.
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1 HEARD THAT MICROSOFT WAS GOING TO MAKE THE XBOX PLAY DREAMCAST GAMES, TRUE?
Nope—both Sega and Microsoft deny it. It made some sense —after all, Windows CE is built into every Dreamcast, so the two companies do have a friendly business relationship— but the rumor turns out to be just the dreaming of fanboys.
| HEARD SOME COMPANY 15 MAKING DREAMCAST SET-TOP BOXES. TRUE?
Yes, indeed. Pace, a leading manufacturer of digital set-top boxes in Europe, is incorporating Dreamcast technology into its personal video recorder, which acts like a VCR— but instead of saving the program to tape, the Pace machine records it digitally to a hard drive. As digital TV services adopt the technology, Pace will be offering games like Shenmue for play on demand, as a download. There's no CD drive so you won't be able to insert your exist- ing games into the machine, but you can play stuff, sort of like a free rental. You'll find a full report in our May issue's Cutting Edge department.
| JUST SIGNED UP FOK A SEGANET ACCOUNT. WHAT HAPPENS TO ME? You can still use your SegaNet account for internet access as long as you like —Sega isn't getting rid of that, and new contests and content will still be yours to check out. Also, your SegaNet account works with the Dreamcast or with a PC. If you are using it on your console and want to use it with Windows, check out www.sega.net for all the info you need.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEGANET GAME SERVERS CONTINUE RUNNING
FOR THINGS LIKE PHANTASY STAR ONLINE AND QUAKE 11 ARENA?
As long as you keep playing PSO and Quake Ill, really. Sega will maintain the online game servers until people no longer log on to play.
WHAT ABOUT BLEEM FOR THE DREAMCAST?
Bleem for the Dreamcast—a.k.a. “Bleemcast”—is officially still in development. Bleem will let Dreamcast owners play PlayStation discs on their Sega system—and at a higher resolution. Keep in mind that Bleem is an independent company; Sega has nothing to do with Bleem. Check www.bleem.com for official updates.
$O WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO 15 THAT | PAID EITHER $200 OK $49 OK $99 FOR A POOKSTOP?
No. Just because a system isn’t being made any more doesn't mean it's not fun anymore —that's ludicrous!
Just ask any of the millions of people who still enjoy playing their NES, Genesis, SNES, Atari 2600, and so on. You and your Dreamcast can live a nice, long,
happy life together. All you have to do is play it. @
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IF YOU'RE TRYING TO BUILD THE DEFINITIVE DREAMCAST LIBRARY WHILE YOU STILL CAN, HERE ARE 21 GAMES ACROSS ALL GENRES THAT YOU SHOULDN'T BE WITHOUT. (FEEL FREE TO OWN MORE.)
CHU CHU ROCKET
It's not the same old game of cat and mouse! Sega's first online game is also a strange, addictive puzzler wherein players steer streams of rodents into colored bases, using only arrows on the floor to guide them. As a four-player game, Chu Chu Rocket is frantic fun.
"Where to, pal?" How about down- hill at 80 mph, catching air when- ever possible as you deliver terrified passengers to their San Francisco destinations? The Dreamcast port
of the arcade smash is practically
pixel-perfect, plus it includes some new console-only modes.
Tecmos beautiful brawler managed to upstage Sega's own Virtua Fighter 3tb in looks, style, and gameplay. Don't be fooled by the pretty faces—a tight combo system and smooth animations prove that sexy characters aren't Dead or Alive 2's main appeal.
ECCO THE VOLUPAE DEFENDER OF THE FUTURE
The aquatic mammal’s transition from Genesis to Dreamcast was triumphant, not to mention gor- geous. The controls might give you a little trouble at first, but it's worth learning to swim. Ecco’s challenging underwater adventure pretty much redefines “deep gameplay.”
Skate or die! Highly stylized JGR mixes roller-blading, street art, futurism, and funky tunes for a cool action game with a unique graffiti-come-to-life look. The import version (Jet Set Radio) is worth checking out, too, thanks to its different soundtrack.
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 2
€ ...Sega Dreamcast Surviver’s Guide Э
The culmination of Capcom's 2D super-hero fighters, MVC2 tops 'em all with a stunning 70-plus characters. You'll spot some obscure faces from the archives of both Capcom and Marvel, who make for nice alterna- tives to the usual Ken/Ryu/Wolverine/ Magneto suspects.
The EA Sports franchises never came to play in Sega's arena —but who cares? Instead, Sega followed its own muse and created excellent sports sims without worrying about “re- sponding” to anybody else. NBA 2К15 plentiful options, killer graphics, and online play makes it a must-own.
Both a fan and critic favorite, NFL 2КІ feeds football fanatics huge doses of pigskin action with a look that just won't quit. Moreover, NFL 2К1 more than holds it own when it comes to gameplay. Internet support means you can literally throw a pass from California to New York.
“First-person PC shooters don’t translate to consoles.” Oh yeah? Check out Sega's excellent conver- sion of id’s first-person fragfest, then think again. Mouse, keyboard, and broadband Internet support only sweeten the deal. There's a reason this game is legendary.
Capcom's 3D brawler succeeds in
being fun and funny, with cartoonish characters who hurl tables and chairs at each other, but who can also do
visually impressive powered-up at-
tacks. Don’t let the lighter tone fool you—this one has plenty of smack- down power, too.
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Let something vile be your Umbrella! Capcom's zombie-hunting franchise came to the Dreamcast with an all- new, exclusive chapter. The action/ adventure gameplay isn’t a major departure — not that that's a bad thing— but the Dreamcast's power offers hi-res thrills and chills.
Yu Suzuki's incredibly detailed adven-
ture masterpiece took years to com- plete, and the effort shows. The game's heavy puzzles and light action— not
to mention the controversial ending— elicits different responses from differ- ent players, but nobody doubts the
impressive scope.
The Dreamcast finally got a first- class, fun role-playing game in Skies of Arcadia. It's not without a few blemishes and you may have argu- ments with Grandia |! fans about which game is better, but Arcade's epic quest is worth playing to the very end.
While these games are sold sepa- rately, if you liked one, you'll want both. Heavy on action and low on sim, the two games give you just enough real-world detail to keep things moving. And, of course, they both use the special fishing-rod controller, which is a must-buy.
Nothing sells Sega like the big, blue
blur—and Sonic's appearance shortly after the Dreamcast launched made a lot of people sit up and take notice. Hi-res worlds and absolutely blinding frame rates make Sonic's 128-bit de- but his fastest game to date. The
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The Dreamcast may be seriously wounded, but the Soul still burns! Namco unveiled “the stage of history” with its first (and only) Dreamcast game, and pulled off a feat: a console port which looked even better than its arcade forebear. An absolute must for Dreamcast owners.
Mix one part retro '60s style, one part alien invasion, and one part pink- haired cyberhottie, and you get Space Channel 5, an oddball action/rhythm game. Pressing buttons to match on- screen patterns may not be for every- one, but SC5 comes through loud and clear for music fans.
Microsoft's space shooter shines, of- fering slick visuals and a decent story about warring factions in the depths of the universe. It’s more or less the same game as the Windows version, but the Dreamcast version is by far the best space shooter on Sega's console.
You know those Sony owners froth- ing over Tony Hawk games? Pick up this version and you'll understand what they’re drooling about. The arcade-friendly mix of stunts and secret areas make THPS2 the best skateboarding game ever—and one with unusually high replay value.
That's right, tennis—video tennis— ranks as not only one of the best games for the Dreamcast, but also, according to GamePro editors, one of the best games ever created. Super- smooth animation combined with re- wardingly deep gameplay makes this a surprise match that you'll, uh, love.
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DREAMCAST SOFTWARE HASN'T DISAPPEARED YET— THERE'S STILL AT LEAST A YEAR'S WORTH OF GOOD GAMES ON THE HORIZON. HERE ARE TEN TO WATCH,
If an arcade racer that puts you be- hind the wheel of a big rig sounds silly, well, it is—but the gameplay isn't! 18 Wheeler will challenge drivers with a cross-country trek peppered with rival truckers who aren't afraid to play dirty. The early versions looked and played great.
You'll control a fantasy civilization, ruling it as the supreme deity. Your presence will be felt in the form of an evolving spirit animal, and your attitudes will correlate with your civ's prosperity— but that doesn't mean it isn't fun being a vengeful, petty ruler. The learning A.l. already rocks.
The Saturn edition of Bomberman was one of the series' craziest en- tries, and this version will keep the flame alive. Bomberman plops players into a maze to blow each other up. The game will be equal parts action and strategy—and those four con- troller ports will be put to good use.
The success of Crazy Taxi took quite a few people by surprise. Whereas the first game went down in San Francisco, the second will move cross-country to New York. Look for more drivers, new vehicles, and a few mini-games to spice up the al- ready frantic beat-the-clock racing.
Remember your local arcade, circa '95? Chances are Fighting Vipers was there—a weapon-based, flashy take on the Virtua Fighter engine. The game came to the Saturn a year later, and a full coin-op sequel showed up in '98. A home version, is out in Japan— cross your fingers...
A thinking-man's first-person shooter, the tale of Gordon Freeman's escape from a monster-filled lab after an ex- periment goes horribly awry, will be joined on the Dreamcast disc by Blue Shift, a completely new adventure starring Barney the security guard.
The sequel to Virtua Tennis loses its prefix to join the rest of Sega Sports' offerings. While it probably won't be out until November, anybody who played the original knows 2K2 will have a lot to live up to. Details are sketchy, but Sega has announced that Venus and Serena Williams will star.
Shenmue ll picks up where the first left off, with Ryo Hazuki's investiga- tive journey taking him to Hong Kong. Expect to meet an important new character, Shenhua, and to learn more about Ryo's nemesis, Lan Di. Will Ryo find his father's murderer this time around? Stay tuned...
He's bluer than blue, badder than bad, and back to stir up more trouble! Along with his usual complement of running, jumping, and spinning moves, the sequel to Sonic Adventure will feature a new somersault maneuver and upgraded shoes that let Sonic grind on rails.
On the Saturn, World Series Baseball was a home run, so the series' 128- bit debut was something many sports fans couldn't wait to play. But Sega's first Dreamcast version was more of a strikeout than a power-packed hit. Look for Sega to learn from its mis- takes for the 2002 edition.
SS! GamePro Presents... =
sta D he a гав E ne N Je; GET THE GOODIES WHILE YOU STILL CAN! HERE'S WHAT EVERY DREAMCAST OWNER SHOULD HAVE FOR THE FUTURE.
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JUMP PACK * $24.95 Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Gotta have at least one feed- back accessory, so you can receive a proper rumbling jolt from games like Space Channel 5 and Power Stone 2.
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BROADBAND ADAPTER * $59.95
The future standard for Internet connections—and the Dreamcast can say it was here first. You'll need a cable modem or DSL account to go with it, but games like Pod Speedzone and Unreal Tournament totally rock with low latency.
— کک TWO VISUAL MEMORY UNITS (VMU) e $24.95
~ Sega's own memory card with the built-in
screen is already scarce in some areas. Ç ч And because they're a little tricky to ( € P. make, don't expect Sega to keep pro- X Dd QD *' . duction going. It's good to have a ` : spare—or a 4X VMU (less the
screen) for just $5 more.
DCX * $24.99 Easily the coolest third-
» Ac os EY ot 3 i party doodad, Blaze's disc | ETT | enables U.S. gamers to run l 3
Japanese software and vice versa —all without adding
any chips or cracking open your Dreamcast. An essen- tial for even casual fans of
import games.
S-VIDEO CABLE е $15.95 If you can’t do the VGA thing, at least obtain the best picture your TV can pro- vide. An S-video cable will work wonders for your image quality —just make sure your television sup- ports its special connector.
FOUR FIKST-PAKTY CONTROLLERS * $29.95 (EACH) Sega’s are the best out there—get enough now so you can play multiplayer games like Virtua Tennis and NFL2K I for a long, long time. Your choice of colors, too.
VGA BOX ° $49.95
With this little box, your Dreamcast can display its graphics on a computer monitor (you'll need computer speakers for the sound) at 640 x 480 resolution— which positively kicks the snot out of your
No self-respecting Web surfer—or hardcore Quake III/Unreal Tournament
average TV set. The game has to support it нй e, \ player—can possibly exist without a
(most do, even if it doesn’t say so on the back NET | 5 keyboard and mouse for enhanced con-
of the game's case), but once you play Soul Calibur trol. It's cool that you can navigate the
at hi-res, you'll never go back. ) Net with just the controller—but you а Р don’t have to.
€ ...Sega Dreamcast Surviver’s Guide ® i
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There are two Dance Dance Revolu- tion games made for the Dreamcast,
and neither one is available in America.
Konami's groovalicious dance title is worth playing in the privacy of your own home — but you gotta get the floor-mat controllers, too!
The Limited Edition of Tecmo's pop- ular 3D fighter is essentially the same as Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore for the PlayStation 2, though a few features from the Sony version are not included here. In other words, it's as complete a version as Dream- cast owners can get.
This excellent 2D fighting game may not break new ground, but it sure does deliver the goods to faithful fans of the genre. Guilty Gear X has a chance for domestic release, but if no American company picks it up, you'll definitely want to seek it out as an import.
Like Guilty Gear X, Last Blade 2: Final Edition is an excellent example of 2D fighters, this time from SNK. And like Guilty Gear X, Final Edition might be released stateside at some point, which would be a major coup for U.S. fans of weapon-based 2D brawlers.
If you're a fan of the Japanese anime series that features giant robots which convert into war machines, Macross M3 is worth finding. The 3D shooter features Max and Miria, two of the series' most popular char- acters. It's a bit uneven, but Macross M3 is the best Macross game yet.
AS THE U.S, MARKET SLOWLY FADES, CONSIDER IMPORTING SOME OF THESE JAPANESE GAMES TO EXTEND YOUR PKEAMCASTS LIFELINE.
Note:You can't play Japanese games on an American console! You need to buy a Japanese Dreamcast, or you need to pick up the DC-X disc (details can be found in the Gear section).
This mission-based adventure resur- rects the classic Mega Drive game. With a funny plot about the unwit- ting owner of a battery-powered suit—think The Greatest American, um, Japanese Hero—it’s a great off- beat experience. But this one is only for folks with Japanese language skills.
Similar to Beatmania, Konami's other music/rhythm arcade port is more light-hearted and colorful —but Pop N Music can also be more challeng- ing if you spring for the nine-button controller that mimics the original arcade panel. Music simulation has never been so cute.
A perfect conversion of Darkstalkers 3, with the added option of playing with the fighting engines of parts one and two. This game is hard to find because it was available only through Sega of Japan's online sales site, and was made in limited numbers (the rumor says a mere 5000).
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RIGHT CODES AT THE RIGHT TIME TO LEAD YOU TO SAFETY!
Change Starting Point and Fare Locations: At the character selection screen, press R, then press and hold R, press Left or Right to select a char- acter, and press A. If you entered the code cor- rectly, the bottom-left corner of the screen should read, “another day.”
Change Views: During a game, press Start on the third controller (controller C). Then, on the same controller, press Y for an alternate exterior view or press B for a first-person view. Press A to switch back to normal view.
Ride Bicycle Taxi: At the character selection screen, simultaneously press L, R as fast as you can (at least five times), then press A. When the game starts, you'll be riding a bicycle taxi.
DEAD OR ALIVE 2
Hidden Cinema: At the main menu, enter Option, then Game Setting, then Others. Highlight “Your Age” and change it to 21-years-old. Return to the main menu and start a game in Survival mode. Beat enough opponents to get ranked, then enter your name as REALDEMO. Return to the main menu and don't press any buttons. Allow the demo to play, and, during the fifth demo sequence, you'll see an extra cinema.
Hidden Images: Insert the game disc into the CD- ROM drive of your computer. When the disc icon appears on your desktop, choose it, and then open the folder entitled "Bonus" to find hidden images of the girls of Dead or Alive 2.
Taunt Opponent: During gameplay, press Left, Right, Left, R to taunt your opponent.
Unlock Superstars Feature: At the main menu, choose Options, then choose Codes. Enter vc as the password (case-sensitive). If you entered the code correctly, the screen will read, "Superstars Feature Unlocked.” Sega Sports team, Team SegaNet, and Mo Cap team will be unlocked.
At the main menu, select Options, then select Codes. Enter any of the following passwords to activate these cheats.
€ ...Sega Dreamcast Survivor
Alternate Text: SCRAWL
Fat Players: LARD High-Pitched Commentary: SQUEEKY Play as the Sega Sports Team: SUPERSTAR
Slow-Motion Mode: DEDMAN READY 2 RUMBLE BOXING: ROUND 2
Unlock Outfits: Put the CD in the Dreamcast, leav- ing the CD lid open, and turn on the Dreamcast. At the Dreamcast menu, choose Settings, then set the date to any of the following to unlock these outfits. Close the CD lid and start a normal game. If you entered the date correctly, the character will be wearing that outfit when you start a match.
Joey T as Baby New Year: 01/01/2001
J.R. Flurry in Skeleton Costume: 10/31/2001 Referee as Leprechaun: 03/17/2001 Selene Strike as Christmas Elf. 12/25/2001
SAN FRANCISCO RUSH 2049
At the Start Game screen, highlight “Options,” then simultaneously press L, В, X, Y. You must press all four buttons at exactly the same time— it may take a few tries. If you did it cor- rectly, a Cheats option will appear at the bottom of the screen. Enter Cheats, highlight any of the following cheats on the Cheats Menu, and then press the appropriate button combinations as quickly as possible to unlock that cheat. If you entered the cheat correctly, you will now be able to toggle it on and off.
Note: If a cheat doesn’t work, you probably need to press the buttons faster.
Brakes: Press Y, Y, Y, then simultaneously press L, R, A, X.
Demolition Battle: Simultaneously press and hold L and A, then press Y, X. Release the buttons, simultaneously press and hold R and A, then press Y, X.
Invisible Track: Tap R, L, Y, X, A, A, X, Y, simultaneously press and hold L and R, then press A.
Mass: Press and hold A, then press X, X, Y. Release A, then press L, R.
4
Random Weapons (in Battle Моде): Simultane- ously press and hold L and A, then press X, Y. Release the buttons, simultaneously press and hold R and A, then press X, Y.
Super Tires: Press and hold R, then press X, X, X. Release R, press and hold L, then press A, A, Y.
Track Orientation: Simultaneously press and hold L and R, then press X. Release the buttons, then press A, X, Y. Simultaneously press and hold L and R, then press X.
TONY HAWK’S PRO SKATER 2
Big Cheat: Start a normal game. Pause the game, press and hold L, and then press A, A, A, X, Y, Up, Down, Left, Up, X, Y, A, Y, B, A, Y, B. If you entered the code correctly, the onscreen text will shake. Resume the game, pause it, and choose End Run. The game will now list all the cheats, modes, characters, and levels you have unlocked. At the main menu, choose Options. At the Op- tions menu, choose Cheats to toggle on and off the now-unlocked cheats and modes.
Blood Mode: Pause the game, press and hold L, then press Right, Up, X, Y. If you entered the code correctly, the text will shake. When you resume the game, blood will be toggled off; repeat the code to turn it back on.
Full Stats: Pause the game, press and hold L, then press A, Y, B, X, Y, Up, Down. If you entered the code correctly, the text will shake. When you resume the game, you'll have full stats.
Turbo Mode: Pause the game, press and hold L, then press Down, X, Y, Right, Up, B, Down, X, Y, Right, Up, В. If you entered the code cor- rectly, the text will shake. When you resume the game, it will play faster.
(VIRTUA TENNIS aO Underhand Serve: Start a normal game. When you are serving from the bottom half of the court, simultaneously press Down, A, X. If you're serving from the top half of the court, simultane- ously press Up, A, X. If you pressed the three buttons at exactly the same time, you will serve the ball under- handed. It may take a few tries, and you should use the digital pad.
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Hit the mean streets of the Big Apple as one of 4 new "cabbies" in low-rider Í taxis that can now leap over traffic.
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E*xtravaganza! ©
Herdy Gerdy BY JAKE THE SNAKE
Developed by Core/Published by Eidos Target release date: Fall 2001
JUDGING FROM THE extended demo, this melodically named title could become the pretti- est 3D adventure game to date —on any plat- form. Herdy Gerdy's expansive, hand-painted 3D scenery was simply jaw-dropping; the experience was almost like being in a Disney cartoon. You'll play as Herdy, a spunky boy who lives on a whimsical island full of real and make-believe
creatures. In your quest to awaken your father from a spell, you'll have to herd many of those creatures, using different techniques on each group. Herdy Gerdy looks like a game you'll definitely want to round up. O
La Femme Nikita BY JAKE THE SNAKE
Developed and published by Infogrames
Target release date: Third Quarter 2001
IN rHis 3D action/adventure
game based on the popular USA Network show of the same
name, you'll assume the role of female operative Nikita —a.k.a. Josephine — as you track a global ter- rorist group through six nonlinear missions. In La Femme Nikita, you can also play as Nikita's fellow op- erative, Michael Samuelle, or you can play coopera-
tively—a much too rare feature in console games— with one gamer as Nikita and the other playing as Michael. Besides fast-action skills, you'll also need pa-
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tience and cunning to infiltrate hostile areas in this story-based title. O
Future Play for the PS2
Check future issues of GamePro for more info on these upcoming PlayStation 2 games (if no release date
is indicated, it's to be determined): a new James Bond game...a new WCW wrestling game... The Mummy Returns (Fall 2001)...Duke Nukem: D-Day (Fall 2001)...Lego Racers (Fourth Quarter 2001)...Championship Surfer...Rayman M...Tarzan...Ghost Manor...Starsky and Hutch... World Sports Cars... Tetris World (Fourth Quarter 2001)...Exo (Second Quarter 2002)...Barbarians (2002)...Stunt GP (Fourth Quarter 2001)... Viper Heat (Fourth Quarter 2001)...Ride X (Fourth Quarter 2001)...Stuntman (Second Quarter 2002)... Superman (Fourth Quarter 2002)...H2Overdrive (Fourth Im Quarter 2001)...Jurassic Park...Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer ' (Fall 2001)...Star Trek...U.S. Navy S.E.A.L.s (Fourth Quar- ter 2001)...Star Wars Episode |: Pod Racer 2...Star Wars Starfighter 2...Sakura Wars...Space Channel 5...Virtua Fighter 4...Draken...Getaway...lco...PaRappa the
ION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYSTATION 2 - PLAYS
Rapper 3...Sky Gunner... Wipeout Fusion... Thunderstrike (Winter 2001)...and there's
bound to be even more! O г е EY RO JUNE 2001 4
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© Extravaganza! ©
Spider-Man 2 BY MAJOR MIKE
Developed by Vicarious Visions/Published by Activision Target release date: Fall 2001
“SPIDER-MAN, SPIDER-MAN...” you know the rest.
Spider-Man is swinging back to console systems for more three-
dimensional web-slinging adventures. Spider-Man 2 will build on
1 the play engine of the
| original game, but the ^
web-head will have new moves, advanced fighting techniques,
more powerful and diverse web attacks, and high-hitting combos.
The game also promises to have brand-new levels, training mis-
sions, perplexing puzzles, and a different lineup of villains from the Spider-Man universe. Based on these early screen shots of the game, it looks like fans of the first Spidey game will immediately take to this second adventure. (2
Spider-Man ™ & ©2001 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
| | | | | |
X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 BY HAJOR HIKE | pst mum n vs a d — === м =ч v
Developed by Paradox/Published by Activision Target release date: Fall 2001
X-Men: Mutant ACADEMY 2 will be the sequel (duh) to
last year's one-on-one fighting game that featured the famed mutants
from the Marvel universe. In Mutant Academy 2, the fighter lineup is being expanded to 16 total
sty тету тшш г x4 fighters, including six new : = I ! ! X-Men combatants, and as many new m E fighting backgrounds. The fighting i M m Baa
engine is being changed, too, and will
e z & feature a new aerial combat system ` E MAGNE Tq KA o NIE BEAST à ee " JL eee yy ae along with distinct combos for each x
character. Mutant Academy reopens
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CC Oa OTO SERO 9-| Al rights reserved
Mega Man XŠ Target release date: Fall 2001
Lego Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge Target release date: Available now
Lego Stunt Rally
Target release date: Available now
Men in Black Monster Force Specüps: Ranger Elite Alone in the Dark: Kiss Pinball Target release date: Third Quarter 2001 Target release date: Fall 2001 Torget release date: June The New Nightmare Torget release date: Available now Target release date: Fall 2001
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 ( 66) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
O Extravaganza! ©
Looney Tunes: Sheep Raider BY MAJOR MIKE
Developed by Lyon House/ Published by Infogrames
Target release date: June
COMBINE THE STEALTH play mechanics of Metal Gear Solid with Looney Tunes characters, and you'll get something on the order of Sheep Raider. In this action/adventure title, you'll play as Ralph Wolf—a dead ringer for Wylie Coyote — whose sole objective is to poach sheep from Sam Sheep- dog. You'll sneak, creep, fly, swim, catapult, and puzzle your way into sheep camp with help from an arsenal of ACME products in order to catch your prey. All of Sheep Каїйег 15 levels will have a cartoony look, with accompanying audio effects straight from the Tunes sound vault. O
One Piece Mansion BY MAJOR MIKE
Developed and published by Capcom Target release date: Fall 2001
One Piece WILL be
something of a departure
for the company that made
its name from such titles
as Street Fighter and Resi-
dent Evil. The objective of his Piece will be simple: As the manager of a gigantic mansion, you'll increase your cash flow by adding new rooms. Construction is one thing, but successful management is another, as you'll also strive to keep each unique tenant happy—depending on his or her needs. Just remember, fewer tenants means fewer rooms, and fewer rooms mean less cash—you get the idea. We'll find out how One Piece Mansion's unique premise plays out in an upcoming issue. С
LJ Motocross Mania BY MOTOCROSS MIKE Developed by Deibus/Published by Take 2 Interactive
Target release date: June
A 32-BIT VERSION of the popular PC title, Motocross Mania will feature off-road trick busting and dirt racing in three modes of play—Supercross, Motocross, and Freestyle—and on an array of terrain, such as sand, dirt, mud, and even ice. Yet the action won't always take йа on the п ied tracks: There will be shortcuts, hidden areas, —
and concealed ramps to discover, along with
several secret bikes, tracks, and additional
tricks that can be unlocked depending on
how you progress in the game. Motocross
Mania will be part of Take 2 Interactive's
"Got Game" lineup, meaning it will cost
only around 10 bucks. (2
Men in Black Target release date: To be determined
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix Target release date: June
New Twisted Metal Game Target release date: Fall 2001 ^ d: C-12 Power Rangers: Time Force The Simpsons Wrestling Batman: Gotham City Racer Time Crisis: Project Titan Target release date: Fall 2001 Target release date: Summer 2001 Target release date: Summer 2001 Target release date: Summer 2001 Target release date: June
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Extravaganza!
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 BY DAN ELEKTRO Developed by Edge of Reality/Published by Activision
Target release date: Summer 2001
He HAS PUMPED up the PlayStation and dominated the Dreamcast; now skateboarding god Tony Hawk looks ready to bring his acrobatic antics to the Nintendo 64. Developed by Edge of Reality, the folks who brought the first THPS to the N64, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 will offer richer gameplay than its predecessor', giving sk8 wannabes the chance to bust incredible stunts while playing as pros such as Chad Muska, Steve Caballero, and, of course, Tony. Better still, players will be able to create their own customized skaters and take on courses in New York City, Venice Beach, France, Mexico, and else- where. Still not enough? Then you'll have to use the skate park creator, whip up the course of your dreams, save it to a Memory Pak, and train on your own terrain. If it lives up to its own legacy, THPS2 could be the last great third- party game for the N64. @
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Nintendo GameCube Roundup BY TOKYO RITE
NEW INFORMATION REGARDING Nintendo's GameCube is harder to come by than puppets in Major Mike's office. While many elements such as price and exact launch lineup are still unknown, what follows is all that is known about the elusive Cube:
The GameCube is set to be released this October in the U.S. with a system price between $150 and $200; odds are that Nintendo will offer five to 10 titles at launch. Many franchise games are expected to receive face-lifts for the new super-powered console, including updates for Mario, Wave Race, Zelda, Metroid, Pokémon, and Perfect Dark. Completely new experiences could include an adventure title for the oft forgotten plumber, Luigi. Most third-party developer/ publishers have ex- pressed support—like the new "software only" Sega — but few have gone on record regarding confirmed titles. Among the com- panies that have hinted are LucasArts, with Rogue Squadron 2, and THQ, with Tetris World, as well as untitled games starring the Rugrats апа W WF licenses. Rumor has it that Capcom's Biohazard Zero (a.k.a. Resi- dent Evil in the U.S.) and Rare’s Dinosaur 5 Planet are headed for the GameCube, leav- “ ing their N64 versions scrapped. No other ! game information was available at press time—so E? should be very educational
this May! O Expect GameCube games to continue Nintendo's biggest fran- chises, including The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mario, and his brother, Luigi.
GAMECUBE - GAMECUBE - GAMECUBE - GAMECUBE - NINTENDO 64 - NINTENDO 64 - NINTENDO 64 - NINTE
GAMEPRO JUNE 200! WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed and published by Nintendo
Target release date: June
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Target release date: June
HIS SUMMER'S LAUNCH of the Game Boy Advance just wouldn't be the same without an appearance by everyone's favorite plumber, Mario. In Super Mario Advance,
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Luigi, Peach, and Toad, as they go on another fantastic journey. Each character will have unique traits—Peach can float in the air and Luigi * can jump the highest—and players can decide which character they want before each stage.
Instead of jumping on your opponents to defeat them, in Super Mario Advance you'll knock them out by toss-
ET 25 YEARS after the breakthrough Super NES title, F-Zero: Maximum Velocity will feature descendents of the original game's racers, such as Captain Falcon. Using the blistering speed of the Game Boy Advance’s 32-bit processor, Maximum Velocity will deliver the incredibly high speed racing that fans of the F-Zero series have come to expect.
Featuring never-before-seen tracks and vehicles, Maximum Velocity will sport visuals reminiscent of the | 6-bit version. And though this is a handheld game that will fit into the palm of your hand, the Game Boy Advance’s big, bright LCD screen will enable you to see all of the action, from crashes on
hairpin turns to final stretch sprints. Hardcore racers will be able to challenge up to three friends using the GBA link cable. You should polish up your space- ship and get ready for takeoff, because F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is set to
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ing items and even other enemies at them. But probably the best part of Mario Advance will be a mini-game that's a variation of the Mario Bros. arcade title, where up to four players will be able to battle it out in classic, old-school
style. Offering both single-player and multiplayer action, Super Mario Advance will give gamers everything that made Mario Nintendo's premier character— that is, before Link and Pikachu appeared. (2
Бері aad
HAST HES:
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Developed and published by Capcom
Target release date: August
F THE AMAZING SNES version of Street Fighter II is any indication, this new portable version, dubbed Super Street Fighter Il, could be handheld ass kickin’ at its very best. Containing all of the clas- sic fighters and gameplay that launched the fighting genre, you'll also be able to link up two Game Boy Advances and duke it out with a friend. @
Developed and published by Capcom
Target release date: September
NE OF THE most beloved Role Playing Games for the Super Nintendo is making its way to the Game Boy Advance with what appears to be a picture-perfect translation. The nar- rative revolves around Ryu, a lone adventurer who can trans- form into several powerful dragons. In addition to an epic quest, Breath of Fire will feature up to eight characters to rotate into your four-person party; a traditional turn-based combat sys- tem; and— literally —fishing for rare
D «oe GOW 90 ОГ
items. Role-playing gamers will be
Developed and published by Capcom
Target release date: July
AGGAR AND THE gang will return in the classic 2D side-scrolling beat-em-up, Final Fight One. Featuring all of the awesome attacks, holds, and combo moves from the arcade, this new handheld r version will also include the Rolento stage that was left out of the SNES version. Plus you'll also be able f-
to play cooperatively with a friend thanks to the Game Boy Advance link cable. O
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Developed by and published by Capcom
Target release date: July
APCOM's MEGA MAN franchise is branching out in a new direction with the upcoming Mega Man Battle Network for the Game Boy Advance. In this adventure, gamers will take on the role of ] Netto, a boy living in a network society of the | ` | future where the biggest threat is crimes com- ' * mitted using computer viruses. Along with Mega 4 E Man, you'll help fight the techno-terrorists in e 1 hopes of making the world safe again. ыар.
Mega Man Battle Network's gameplay will veer away from the usual intense, combat-oriented jumping and shooting that fans of the series are accustomed to, and will involve more RPG-style elements, including a deep story and character building. So get ready for a brand-new Mega Man experience when the Battle Network boots up. O
PETOPCUS КТЕЙ, SATAN. PETAL CLIC 2320150
Developed and published by Nintendo
Target release date: Summer 2001
NE OF THE most highly anticipated titles for the Game Boy Advance, Mario Kart Advance had very little official information available at press time. The game will not be a launch title for either the Japanese release in March or the U.S. release on June 11. But since the system was announced and shown at last fall's Spaceworld show in Tokyo, gamers have been eagerly awaiting the newest version of one of the best kart racing games ever created.
All the familiar faces will be present—including Mario, Luigi, Wario, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, and Bowser—and the game will utilize the link cable for multi-
eme player action; however, it hasn't been decided if that will include TRB © o 0 9 both racing and battle modes. If these screen shots are any in- dication, Mario Kart
Dis LAP 2/9 S | 22, i = T AN а Advance for the Game A ч d ; y; - A Tu j "fe: | € Boy Advance will burn EE — е 8 š rubber and fly past the
=| competition when it finally starts its engines
later this year. (2
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Developed and published by Sega
Target release date: June
EGA'S MANIC CAT-AND-MOUSE puzzle game was the first online title for the Dreamcast, and now the game is getting ready for another first. Chu Chu Rocket will be Sega's first game published for non-Sega hardware when it debuts іп time for the Game Boy Advance launch this June. Chu Chu will put up to four players in competition to fill their rocket ae with the most mice, but tons of dangerous obstacles—such as cats—will hinder your progress. If Sega
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properly ports this addictive game to the handheld ver- sion, it should fly off the shelves like mice in a rocket ship. O
Developed by Digital Eclipse/Published by Ubi Soft
Target release date: June
F YOU THOUGHT you'd only get ports of Super NES games on the Game Boy Advance, think again. Ubi Soft is readying Rayman, a souped-up, RT FZ handheld version of
de Y 924 the PlayStation mega-
1 J| hit, for launch day. Featuring 60 gata designed levels and tons of fiendish challenging bosses—like Skops, Mr. Sax, and Space Mama —Rayman should really raise the bar for handheld 2D platformers. Ubi Soft's faithful translation should hook Ray- man fans and expand the range of available software on the Game Boy Advance. You better get your limbless body moving if you want to catch this опе. @
Developed and published by Tecmo
Target release date: To be determined
HE THIRD EDITION of Tecmos popular Monster Rancher series will be hitting the PlayStation 2 and the Game Boy Advance. Featuring all the unique monster-breeding gameplay of the series, plus some new innovations, Monster Rancher 3 on the GBA will enable you to take your creations with you wherever you go. While details about the game were scarce at press time, the screens looked impressive indeed. Get ready to grow and battle when this Monster hits
shelves sometime after the GBA’s June launch. (Э EFR 12; 7126 p E |
83783 | 1 124/124 | |
126 7126
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© Extravaganza! ©
Earthworm Jim BY JAKE THE SHAKE
Developed by Pipe Dream Interactive/Published by Majesco
9 ° JONVAGY A08 3HV3 ° JONVAGY AOS INV] ° JONVAGY A08 ЗИҮЗ ° JINVAGY ЛОЯ 3HV3 ° JONVAGY ЛОЯ 3
Target release date: June
EARTHWORM JIM—THE classic, zany Super NES action-platformer about an ordinary worm who becomes a super hero with the help of a magical cyber-suit—will soon fit into the palm of your hand. In your fight to save a princess from the evil Psy-Crow, you'll explore seven bizarre levels, including New Junk City, Andy Asteroids, Intestinal Distress, and Snot a Problem. You'll also do battle with such wacky characters as Professor Monkey-for-a-Head and the evil Queen Pulsating. ..Slug-for-a-Butt. A demo of the GBA version sported graphics and gameplay identical to those of the SNES original. @
CERNI ea EP ТУЧЕ
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Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure
Developed by Pipe Dream Interactive/Published by Majesco
Target release date: June
No CONSOLE GAME is more old-school than Pitfall, the Atari 2600 classic from '82 that features Pitfall Harry hurdling crocodiles, cobras, and nasty pits. Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure will be a port of the Super NES sequel, featuring Harry Jr. as he explores the South American rainforest in search of adventure and loot. Ten worlds, each with multiple levels, plus bonus worlds exclusively for the GBA version, will give Harry plenty of chances T to meet his demise. The GBA visuals in the pre- view version looked every bit as detailed and color- ful as those of the SNES original, so you can look forward to a handsome handheld adventure. (2
F-14 Tomcat BY JAKE THE SNAKE
Developed by Pipe Dream Interactive/ Published by Majesco Target release date: July
BASED ON THE '9З Super NES game Turn and Burn: No-Fly Zone, F-14 Tomcat may be the first flight simu- lator on any handheld system—and an indication of the Game Boy Advance's power. Actually, this game will be more of an action shooter and less of a flight sim than the original game, though you'll still need to land on an Е aircraft carrier after each mission. Your view will be first- person from inside the cockpit; you'll use realistic weapons and radar; and you'll be able to look over your shoulder to the left and right. @
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Vicarious Visions/Published by Activision
Target release date: June
LREADY A HIT title on just about every gaming platform known to mankind, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 promises to bring all the challenge and SCORE Ew skateboarding skill
ала n to Nintendo's 32-bit handheld peripheral. THPS2 will retain all 12 "boarders — including Tony himself — from the PlayStation version, but this Game Boy Advance edition is no simple
SPECIAL SPECIAL C
MA port as it will have brand-new courses,
gameplay techniques, and, of course, hun- dreds of executable tricks and stunts. @
FS NOSEGRINO + FS NOSEGRIND + FS TA!
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Developed by Vicarious Visions/Published by Activision
Target release date: Fall 2001
VERYONE'S FAVORITE WALL-CRAWLING and web-slinging superhero will make his Game Boy Advance debut with Mysterio's Menace, a side-scrolling action-platform adventure. As Spidey, you'll defeat enemies, crawl up buildings, and use webs for travel and to net crooks—all the while using “Spider Sense” to detect danger. Other game features will include familiar comic-book locales and an
elaborate narrative where you try and foil arch-villain, Mysterio. Spidey swings into action this fall. O Spider-Man" & ©2001 Marvel Characters. Inc. All rights reserved.
Developed by Digital Eclipse/Published by Activision Target release date: Fall 2001
ANS OF OLD-SCHOOL side-scrolling beat-em-ups will want to seek out Reign of Apocalypse, a title that not only promises to deliver action, but a ton of play options as well. In addition to a story mode — where you guide various X-Men through an alternate universe — there will be a mutiplayer versus mode, where up to "um four mutants can do battle via a link cable. Over 40 X-Men will be featured in the game along with an
assortment of trademark villains. LJ x-men" & ©2001 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
IE BOY COLOR - GAME BOY COLOR - GAME BOY COLOR - GAME BOY COLOR - GAME BOY COLOR - GAME BOY CO
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages ТҮ У 4
E*xtravaganza!
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons BY UNCLE nus ууруу с —À rM À— ^а 065999009.
Developed by Capcom/Nintendo/Published by Nintendo
Target release date: May
NINTENDO 15 RELEASING two brand new Zelda adventures on the Game Boy Color to keep Link fans very happy. In The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, you'll embark on a quest to find the Rod of Seasons to help you recover the Essences of Nature. Using the Rod, you'll be able to change into the four different seasons, revealing hidden areas and
passages along the way. You'll also have at your dis- posal all of Link's weapons, including his sword, sling- shot, shovel, Bombachu, and Roc's Feather. There will also be tons of new items, with more than 60 magical rings that you'll collect to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
But one of the coolest features about these two Zelda games will be that after you solve one, you'll receive a password which, when you play the other, will let you find more magic items and even
change story lines, expanding the epic adventure even further. Characters will even be able to travel between the games, making А «у
АП RES vo these new Zelda adven- m ت 22224 tures truly unique. @
ge
Developed by Capcom/Nintendo/Published by Nintendo
Target release date: May
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: ORACLE OF AGES is ап entirely separate adventure
from Oracle of Seasons, where players must go on a journey to find the Harp of Ages, which will let you travel through time and space. In classic Zelda style, you will learn melodies on the harp, which will be how you control your time travel. Players will have to voyage through time to solve some puzzles using inter- esting cause and effect relationships.
New characters will join Link in both games, including Ricky the kangaroo, Moosh the winged bear, and Dimitri the dodongo. And there will be even more magical items and special weapons. The special relation-
Ты (mE:
274000 ship between these two new Zelda ad- i
ventures will no doubt create another impressive chapter in the life of Link (see preview above). Prepare yourself for twice the mystery and twice the P 2 4
excitement іп the new Legend of - A J Zelda adventures. O 4
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
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Spider-Man: The Sinister Six
Developed by Torus Games/Published by Activision
BY BAD HARE
Target release date: Fall 2001
THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN is back in action on the Game Boy
Color after last year’s surprisingly strong action/adventure. The Sinister Six of
petro the title refers to Spidey's arch-enemies: Electro,
=| Mysterio, Sandman, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, and Kraven (or Hobgoblin, depending on which lineup the game chooses to present). Look for more jumping, swinging, and punching as Peter Parker battles a half-dozen of the bad- dest baddies ever to hit New York City. O
Spider-Man" & ©2001 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
Commander Keen
Developed by David A. Palmer Productions/Published by Activision
BY BAD HARE
Target release date: Spring 2001
LONG BEFORE THE groundbreaking first-person shooters Quake and Doom, id Software made a name for itself with a side- scrolling platform adventure starring an eight- year-old boy in a space helmet. Yes, really. Commander Keen will be resurrected as a Game Boy Color hero this spring as players help him navigate slime pits, magical plat- forms, teleporters, and more as he battles 35 different cartoony aliens. The fate of Earth lies in the palm of your hand.... G
Shrek
Dragon Warrior Ill Target release date: June
Target release date: July
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
Alone in the Dark Target release date: To һе determined
Mega Man Xtreme 2
Developed and published by Activision
BY BAD HARE
Target release date: September
MEGA MAN FANS, your armored hero lives on! In his latest adventure,
Mega Man finds himself allied with Zero when all the reploid researchers stop functioning after a mysterious inci- dent. This “Erase” phenomenon reveals a bunch of new Mavericks (which you'll have to stop, of course) as well as a new dangerous kind of DNA chip called the DNA Soul. Can you recover the chip and stop the Mavericks once
again? (2
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X-Men: Wolverine’s Rage
Developed by Digital Eclipse/Published by Activision
BY BAD HARE
Target release date: Fall 2001
IF THE GAME Boy Color X-Men adventures Mutant Wars and Mutant Academy weren't enough to satisfy your desire for portable Marvel mayhem, you'll want to see what Activision has in store for the team’s scrappiest sur- vivor, Wolverine. Developed by Digital Eclipse, veterans of dozens of Game Boy games, Wolverine's Rage will offer tradi-
tional platform-style action/adventure with
nice comic-book touches like “SNIKT!” on
screen whenever Wolvie pops out his pure
adamantium claws. Let's go, bub! (2
Wolverine, X-Men™ & ©2001 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wee STATION
ПОИ ГОГ
Pokémon Crystal Target release date: Fall 2001
Xena Target release date: May
AL Dragon Warrior Monsters II: Terra's Journe | па ан. TTT | Target release date: То be determined Lego Island 2
Target release date: To be determined
Dragon Warrior Monsters Il: Kobe's Adventure Target release date: To be determined
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Developed by Sonic Team/Published by Sega
Target release date: June
Sonic is returning in what could be his last appearance on a Sega con- sole. For the famed mascot's lOth ¥ anniversary, Sonic Team is pulling out all the stops with Sonic Adventure 2,
complete with six playable characters a as
5 [э]
and several two-player modes. Judging from an Vois early playable version of
the game, SA2 should
satisfy seasoned series
vets and newcomers alike
with its easy-to-pick-up, responsive controls and diverse gameplay.
5А25 six playable characters will be divided into two "teams": Heroes and Dark Side. In addition to Sonic, the Hero team will be rounded out by Tails and Knuckles. On the Dark Side will be Sonic's arch-nemesis Dr. Robotnik; Shadow; a black-furred hedgehog on roller-skates; and Rouge, a female bat who possesses abilities similar to Knuckles’. Yet every adventure is unique to each character. For example, Tails will pilot a heavily armed mech through a prison and will use his weapons to free his caged friends; Rouge will collect valuable gems in several gigantic 3D environments; and Sonic sequences will have the traditional run-and-collect-the-rings play mechanics In addition to ¢ one- player games will be several two-player
modes that range from racing to mech combat.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
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PE E. x м; RS * To be or not to be: Although Sega has halted production on the mete
the company’s mascot, Sonic, is having one last fling on the system with Sonic Adventure 2.
In the preview version, Sonic Adven- [555 ture 25 biggest grabber was the visuals, o. | which flew by at unfaltering—and blinding—speeds. Even the two-player split-screen games never suffered from
slowdown or other distortion. The
graphics were also loaded with color and splashy effects, although some characters sported bulky polygons that became a nagging ; distraction— especially Oc» during close-ups in the | various cinematic cut- scenes. Not as note- worthy was the audio track, which was com-
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posed of average music selections and kiddy character voices. Let's hope that the minor rough spots in the pre- view are smoothed out before the КЕССЕ game hits shelves creating one of OES Sonic's finest adventures.
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Developed by AM2/Published by Sega Target release date: Holiday 2001
ITH ITS BROAD scope and lush imagery, Shenmue is to many Dreamcast owners the game that defines the system. Expectations are naturally high to see how Yu Suzuki will follow his incredible first act with this falls sequel. Hero Ryo Hazaki is still searching | for the man who murdered his father, and in Shenmue II his quest ИШ ШШЕ END E takes him to Hong Kong. Some gamers were disappointed with the first game's ending; there's no telling how its sequel will address some of those loose ends. But Hong Kong itself should be a little easier to navigate, now that Ryo can buy and consult maps!
Shenmue II will incorporate a new interface. As Ryo walks around Hong Kong, on-screen icons that correspond to controller buttons
will change; for instance, if you approach a person for a purchase, one button on the interface will turn into a money icon. The new
system also incorporates more detailed sub-menus for more com- plex interaction, depending on the character and the situation. Sega will reveal more about this crucial title in May. O
Developed by Hitmaker/Published by Sega
Target release date: Summer 2001
TART SPREADIN' THE news! Crazy Taxi is coming back to the Dreamcast, and this time, the psycho cabbies are taking on the city that never sleeps— the Big Apple itself, New York City. And if you can make it as a taxi driver there, well, you can make it anywhere.
Besides its famous new locale and the expected roster of old characters joined by new drivers, not too much is known about Crazy Taxi 2— but what is there to know? As fans of the first game can attest, its appeal is fairly straightforward: Pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations as fast as humanly possible (or maybe a little faster). Shortcuts, ramps, and un- orthodox means of shaving time off the clock are all fair game. The big question, then, is whether or not CT2 will support online multi- player gaming through SegaNet. So far, Sega's not talking— but we'll see what the company has to say when Crazy Taxi 2 rolls out on the E? show floor. С
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Developed by Hitmaker/Published by Sega
Target release date: May
HE LACK OF a pistol peripheral hasn't stopped Sega from releasing Dreamcast games that were designed for light guns. The latest is Confidential Mission, a silly spy-themed shooter that enjoyed a brief run in arcades. The bloodless graphics shine, and the gameplay offers neat diver- sions like firing grappling hooks and foiling traps. CM proves quite playable even in its incomplete state; you can fumble through with
| i | | j
the controller, but you Д won't want to accept this ^ mission without a mouse. E You' I. never gê neo! — 5
s: ma aeons g PRESS START BUTTON
| | | | | | |
Developed by Ubi Soft UK/Published by Red Storm
Target release date: May
ow ANNE McCarrREY's beloved Pern fantasy novels made it this far without being turned into a video game is any- к У . E a Wrenn body's guess. Dragonriders: Chronicles of Pern will finally bring Se кн on
the world of magical dragons to the Dreamcast in a quest to find a new weyrwoman that will span | four chapters and three continents. The traditional wander-around gameplay was working in the beta u p 7 version, but the camera angles were
s. a bit disorienting and the facial ani- mations weren't yet synced up with
"1 | the audio. Fortunately, Red Storm has
< ‘ ; L ; time to fix it before the dragons fly
in May. @
Developed by In Utero/Published by Ubi Soft Target release date: Fall 2001
YPRIEN IS A young orphan obsessed with superheroes who stumbles upon an alternate and en- tirely sinister universe. There he finds old friends from the orphanage, now transformed into horrible monsters. What is this place, and how can he stop this evil? That's the setup for Evil Twin, which was Originally, conceived a as a cartoon series. Lis lush actionadventure seed on old horror films and con-
= B 7 ] temporary comic strips for inspiration, and so far it looks intriguing. You — — should look for PS2,
PC, and Dreamcast am E: versions this fall. @ | j a D | H а, Sw | Note: All screens shown are | # = s | : from the PC version.
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GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Hudson Soft/Published by Sega
Target release date: To be determined
THe DREAMCAST IS definitely going out with a bang! Like the Saturn before it, the Dreamcast is due for a version of the ultimate party game, Bomberman. Watch for Sega to put those four controller ports to very good use as you and three friends toss cartoonish bombs at each other while navigating through
the hazards of a maze. A sim- 4. ple concept, but it works bril- tí liantly—ask any Bomberman
fan about the addictive game-
TESTES d dre VETE IC Ee ML
play (if you can get them to put down the controller and
talk). Boom! @
Developed by AM2/Published by Sega
Target release date: June
EGA's DREAMCAST: THE ultimate weapon against international terrorists? Maybe so, thanks to Outtrigger. As a member of Interforce, a private organization battling organized crime and worldwide terrorism, you'll jump into combat areas filled with flamethrowers, rocket launchers, machine guns, and more implements of destruction. A pre- view version felt a bit like Mid- way's arcade game, The Grid, but with first- and third-person camera views and mouse sup-
POWER UP š . C d e ву ЖӨН a port. Frame rate was nice and
high, plus the action was quick; better still, online play should
be ready by the game's release.
Developed and published by Capcom
Target release date: May
ASED ON THE al- most quarter-century- old mature fantasy comic, Heavy Metal, Capcom's Heavy Metal: Geomatrix will feature deathmatch-style fighting action based on the engine from Spawn: In The Demon’s Hand. One to four players will choose from four teams of three characters: The 911 Elite team, for example, will consist of Sarge, Kassey, and Stab. Heavy Metal artist Simon Bisley is designing all 12 characters. The game's short- and long-range weapons will include swords, firearms, bazookas, and booby traps. (2
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Developed by NuFX & EA/Published by EA Sports Big š Target release date: June e
The EA Sports Big line of games set high standards when it launched snow- boarding phenom SSX, and it seems primed to continue that streak with NBA Street. This sizzling two-player streetball game could do for fantasy hoops what SSX did for snowboard- ing—yup, an early preview was al- ready that good.
Why? Because NBA Street is anything but the latest take on NBA Jam. Street puts NBA players on the asphalt for three-on-three action that packs
in plenty of wild slams and jukes without venturing into the absurd, as do
Midway's games. The controls were immediately comfortable and the game- play instantly addictive as you battled to be the first team to score 21 points.
Street hits its stride with a creative lineup of modes, beginning with the City Circuit. As with a fighting-game ladder tournament, you'll begin by tackling the lowest of the NBA's low (Vancouver and Toronto), battling up through the ranks past “bosses” known as Streetball Legends, finally taking on Michael Jordan himself. Busting "tricks"—off-the-backboard passes, crossover dribbles, dunks, alley-oops, and more — will earn you special moves (like a game-breaker shot that takes two points from your opponent and gives them to you) as well as credit toward new shoes, custom-player improvement, and so on.
The Showoff mode will be all about razzle-dazzle as you `< focus on pulling off tricks, and there will even be a Street School that tutors newbies. Lastly, the Hold the Court mode
br] ç -
x3 will challenge you to go on a winning streak as you strut your = stuff by beating down wave after wave of NBA squads. Street 2 H " " H — " will round it all out with an authentic streetball atmosphere 5А
IL and some seriously slick visuals. If EA Sports Big delivers on 6 — the promise of Street, you'll be playing it all summer long. Ж: m £ * : E.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 ( 81 | WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed and published by Microsoft Target release date: Fall 2001
icRosoFT’s NFL Fever series began on the PC, where it performed favorably but not as
well as perennial favorite Madden. Fever faces that same challenge on the Xbox, where it will square off against Madden later this year. On Fever's side of the gridiron will be truly impressive graphics (check out
s the players’ facial detail!) and an intriguing player- development system that Microsoft has modestly dubbed the “dynamic player performance model.” In English, that means
your players will actually become stronger, faster, better as their stats improve — so if you feed a receiver tons of touchdown passes, he could actu- ally grow into the next Jerry Rice.
Naturally, Fever will provide all the pro players and teams, along with a Dynasty mode that lets you play GM over multiple seasons. You'll be able to negotiate contracts, make trades, run drafts, and
even massage the salary cap. An All-Time Challenge Tournament will also let you face off against the past seven Super Bowl champs and walk away with bragging rights. NFL Fever 20025 initial roster is certainly promising, but the true test will come when it meets Madden. @
Developed and published by Konami
Target release date: August
ONAMI'S ESPN Games haven't all been star performers, but the early screens of X Games Skateboardings foray into Tony Hawk's house sure are eye-catching. Skateboarding will deliver the street and vert half-pipe courses from San Francisco's 2000 X Games, along with six fantasy-style street courses
Г АЎ in locations from L.A. “Енш: ر с e RE коко, rw # 4 to NYC. Gamers can
>
choose from eight pro boarders and 64 decks, then tune up tricks in
practice mode, or go against a friend in two- player split-screen competition. X Games hits the streets this August. LJ
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GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
PRO FORM - POST CORNR i : =| nere TOKENS 0
Developed and published Бу EA Sports [i b ru Target release date: September eO. Р ~ 2 : " А: 4 p T Fas m i A Sports is pulling out all the stops in its upcoming š Bem ЫК, ж 3
version of Madden NFL 2002 for the PlayStation and Play- Station 2. First, in the PlayStation 2 version, the player models
are receiving a complete makeover with more precise body SS shapes and new animations. Widescreen TV support will Mann ® also give the graphics a boost on high-end TVs. On the field, Madden 2002 will have some gameplay improve- ments, too: Better blocking and pass coverage will head up the list of these tweaks.
On the PlayStation side, Madden will have a few new tricks as well. Veteran Madden fans will appreciate Classic mode that enables you to play the original Mad- den '93, while rookies will like the "do-over" feature that enables you to replay any down. The kick meter is also being reworked to augment the challenge on special-teams play. In addition, both the PlayStation and PS2 versions will have a Coach's Corner
mode where John Madden himself gives gamers an in-depth lesson on football strategy. Madden NFL 2002 kicks off this fall, just in time for foot- ball season. (Э
Developed and published Бу 989 Sports | Target release date: May
ASEBALL SEASON IS just underway, and 989 Sports is = om т үст тү, sliding home this season with MLB 2002. Vin Scully and ESPN : s color analyst Dave Campbell will be back in the broadcast — booth to deliver the commentary, while Padres slugger Tony багт Gwynn and relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman will be providing r eS par T advice for greater batting and pitching realism. Plus, the batting interface will now have an eight-zone * = SUDER ® | location selector to boost the control (and guesswork) when you're at the plate. Е E на : Gamers will be able to pick from a variety of game modes, including Season, Playoffs, Home Run
Derby, and Franchise, which enables you to build a team of champions over multiple seasons. On the
31 denis — field, you'll be able to take on the role of player, sit in the dugout and call shots as manager, or head puit HiT PwR 9 to the front office as a GM, tracking stats, making trades, and scouting the minor leagues. O
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E*xtravaganza! NCAA Football 2002 BY THE HUMAN TORNADO
Developed and published by EA Sports Target release date: Fall 2001
EA Sports is going to give football the ol’ college try on the PlayStation 2 with NCAA Football 2002. Featuring ex- clusive rights to the Rose, Sugar, Orange, and Fiesta Bowls, the game will also enable armchair quarterbacks to pick from 144 Division 1-A and I-AA teams, with new team-specific playbooks to back up their diabolical strategies. In ad- dition to season and
dynasty modes, gamers will try to beat specific game challenges, simi- lar to those in Mad- den, to unlock hidden features, such as All- American teams. @
ESPN NFL Primetime BY THE HUMAN TORNADO
Developed and published by Konami l Target release date: Summer 2001 (СӘ š ; De 2-7] KONAMI AND ESPN аге joining | forces to bring ESPN football flavor to the PS2. ESPN analysts Chris Berman and Tom Jackson will dish out the play-by-play ' and color commentary, while stats from the ESPN records will supply the game's details. You'll choose from regular quick game, season, GM mode, or tournament mode to test your skills. You'll also be able to hit the practice mode to work on specific plays, or go into create-a-player to build a cyber Steve Young clone. ESPN TV graphics and camera angles should spice up the presentation of NFL Prime- time when it airs. G
CART Fury BY THE HUMAN TORNADO
Developed and published by Midway Home Entertainment
Target release date: June
THE GREEN FLAG is out for CART Fury, the first CART- licensed game for the PlayStation 2. Ten CART drivers—including Juan Montoya, Michael Andretti, Mark Blundell, and Bryan Herta— will be featured. Gamers will get to race high-speed Indy cars on seven official CART tracks, such as Chicago Motor Speedway, Long Beach, and Rio de Janeiro, Exclusive to the PlayStation 2 version will 7 be 11 fantasy courses, in- cluding downtown Chicago and Frankfurt. Players will choose from simulation, arcade, season, driving 101, and various mini-games to exhibit their driving smarts. O
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E-PLAYER S REALM - ROLE-PLAYER'S REALM - ROLE-PLAYER'S REALM - ROLE-PLAYER'S REALM - ROLE-PLAYE
Target release date: September
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance LU cmm Ln р ~~
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Dark Cloud
Developed by Level Five/Published by Sony Target release date: May | = |
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
E*xtravaganza!
0>"
It’s BEEN А long time coming, but the respected PC role-playing series Baldur's Gate is finally on its way to console. Dark Alliance, however, will not be a port; instead, it will have a unique story and will be more action-oriented than the PC titles. The graphics should be some of the most impressive yet on the PS2, creating a more realistic version of the Forgotten Realms. While being familiar with the PC series ® and the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons universe will certainly help you in your quest, it won't be a prerequisite for playing Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. Players will be able to choose from three character types, then they'll develop them during an adventure that takes place over 30 levels of intense combat and tricky puzzles. Players will also be able to conduct the quest with a friend in the game's two-player cooperative mode. (2
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BY UNCLE DUST
SONY IS LOOKING to beef up its thin lineup of RPGs on the new system with Dark Cloud, a highly anticipated and unique first-party game. Though it will mix genres, offering the usual RPG elements in real-time action- oriented battles, Dark Cloud will also enable sim fans to do some world building, as you'll have to re-create your town to exorcise the evil from it. This unusual combination could prove to be truly innovative by adding another dimension to standard RPG gameplay.
While the visuals should be stunning, with an amazing array of monsters and five playable characters, everyone knows that the story is what carries an RPG. If Sony wants this game to compete with Nintendo's beloved Zelda series, Dark Cloud's main character, Toan, will have to connect with audiences as well as Link does. RPG fans should take heart—new adventures are on the way that may take full advantage of the PS2's untested power. 6
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BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Dragon Warrior VII
Developed and published by Enix
Target release date: To be determined
ALREADY A MONSTER hit in Japan, Dragon Warrior VII is inspiring great desire among RPG gamers for a stateside release. As the son of a fisherman, you and two companions embark on a quest to find objects that
form ancient tablets when assembled.
After creating the tablets, you'll be transported to mysterious islands— where the real action begins. You'll then have to master particular skills and techniques in a certain profes- sion, while battling baddies out to get you. Hopefully, Dragon Warrior VII will be stateside before the year
BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth
Developed by MaxFive/Published by Atlus Target release date: Fall 2001
SET IN A fantasy world, you'll guide Faz, a young warrior who must overcome the evil that is plaguing his homeland of Mardias. Hoshigami will be a 3D tactical-simulation RPG, which plans on over 40 nonlinear missions replete with magic and intrigue. You'll have various battle systems at your fingertips to select and manage — with the right timing, some of them will un- A M ЛШ. leash serious damage. If you're into Sain T p— strategy, then Hoshigami: Ruining Blue | Earth could be for you—especially when you consider it’s being published by the same folks who brought us the involving Ogre Battle series. O it e
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Final Fantasy X (PS2) Target release date: Fall 2001
Sire...
z š Vag 2 Arc the Lad Collection (PlayStation)
(PlayStation) Target release date: Second Quarter 2001
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
Saiyuki: The Journey West
Target release date: July
BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
S
characters, then set out on an epic quest filled with tons of side-quests and challenges. Different from the standard RPG fare will be the ability to strike at opponents with a weapon and some
Legend of Alon D’ar
Developed by Stormfront Studios/Published by GAME Studios
Target release date: November
IN THE LEGEND OF ALON D'AR, you'll choose from four
by
Pe =
magic— simultaneously. Consequently, battles will be in real-time, so you'll issue continuous commands to your characters as they fight. With a unique fighting system and a deep story, Alon D'ar may become a legend. С
Untitled Atlus RPG
Developed by Racdym/Published by Atlus
BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
Target release date: Winter 2001
Evit HAS STRUCK your land and the Queen has disappeared, so it
falls to you, and other comrades in your party, to find her. Your only lead is that she’s hidden somewhere in the maze of caverns beneath the cas- tle, which is also said to contain а т great treasures. As you adventure | in the labyrinths, you'll fight ene- mies with an assortment of magic spells and weapons, plus you'll be able to customize every aspect of your search party. O
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Gunslinger (PS2)
Target release date: To be determined
King’s Field IV (PS2)
Target release date: To be determined
Lux Vallum (PS2)
Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
Morrowind (Xbox) Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
Ephemeral Fantasia (PS2) Target release date: Fall 2001
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Developed by Liquid Entertainment/Published by Crave Entertainment
Target release date: Fall 2001
THIS AMBITIOUS GAME hopes to create a living world that breaks the usual RTS pattern of building dozens of units then throwing them at your enemy. Leading either the honorable Dragon clan or evil Serpent clan, you'll have to transform peasants into soldiers (at dojos, temples, and elsewhere). The birth rate
of your peasants is limited, so
you must protect and develop your people wisely. Every choice will have good and bad effects: For example, sending an archer to the fireworks factory will give him flaming arrows to burn buildings, but which are weak against troops. Every action will also affect your Yin and Yang (kill- ing peasants is bad for the Dragon clan but good for the Serpent clan), which can make your clan’s seven unique Zen Masters more or less powerful. All units will be mounted on horses, and all will possess secondary skills, such as healing, as well as melee attacks, such as kicking. 6
Developed by Pop Top Software/Published by Gathering of Developers
Target release date: April
IN THE STRATEGY/SIM game Tropico, you rule—literally. As the leader/dictator of a remote Carib-
bean island, it will be your job to make sure that your island community thrives and, you know, doesn’t rebel and remove you from office by force. That's always a possibility, because the population isn’t anonymous: you'll be able to follow them as they go about their daily lives to find out whom they know and how they feel. If someone doesn’t like your form of government, he might take off into the jungles and come back as a resistance fighter some 20 years later.
In an early PC build, Trop- ico’s point-and-click interface was straightforward enough. There were a lot of things to control, from local edicts to foreign policy. You could build air- ports and turn your island paradise into a tourist trap, but do Americans Ww» want to see your slums? And will the locals resent the foreigners? Excellent stem Latin music and hi-res isometric graphics gave Tropico a unique sound and look. Watch for the Mac version in May. С
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Developed by Legend Entertainment/Published by Infogrames Target release date: First Quarter 2002
HILE THE ORIGINAL Unreal (released in `98) raised the bar for graphics in first-person shooters, and Unreal Tournament (99) did the same
for multiplayer action, Unreal 2 hopes : - to set a new standard for both traits. As the sci-fi equivalent of a sheriff in the Wild West, you'll patrol
a remote colony in your aging starship, protecting colonists from five alien races, including the Skaarj, who are fighting for ancient artifacts. The game's expansive environments on 25 single-player and 20 multiplayer levels promise 10 times the detail of the first two games’.
Developed by Dynamix/Published by Sierra
Target release date: April
HERE'S NO “|” in team, but there is one in Tribes 2, the much-anticipated sequel to team-based sci-fi shooter Starsiege Tribes. Fans of the original will recognize some weapons and vehicles in this strategy- oriented title, but there
will be plenty of new ones, too, such as the Shock Lance, a missile launcher, Thundersword bomber, Wildcat grav cycle, and Beowulf assault vehicle. Plus, the expansive maps already look much better, with smoothly rolling hills and weather effects, including damaging lightning. With up to 50 players per side, the online assault should be wild. (2
Developed by Verant Interactive/Published by Sony Online Entertainment Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001
ITH AS MANY as 3500 players per game,
the multiplayer mayhem ا фу in PlanetSide will be truly | Fe „ХЭ w ! massive. The action will ? М f PES e | be mostly first-person shooting, but you'll also be able to drive vehicles or man gun positions. As you fight for one x of three opposing empires, you can join and lead teams а z (or clans), using hand signals to communicate in battle, E ENT ge DI oS or you can fight as a lone wolf. Implants will give your "T k w ad t character artificial powers, or you can develop such abili- & ~~ : ties as healing. @ йт is
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
— Developed by Gray Matter Interactive Studios/id Software/Published by Activision
Target release date: Fourth Quarter 2001 q TUA | =] Mita ee ааа реа сар aL a Re T 1 ” ч. š - ë ACK IN | 992—before Doom and Duke Nukem—Wolfenstein 3D stunned gamers with its inau- таа x 8 j Š O EE ural first-person shooting. Soon, you'll again step into the Nazi-whooping boots of B.J. Blaskowitz, TUN £ | ӯ ' - an Army Ranger working for the Office of Secret Actions during World War Il. As B.J., you'll infiltrate b ne = = zum the dark world of the : i | š LÀ Third Reich and battle Y ° == the horrific creations Z =, Nn of Hitler's number two, 4 Reichsfurher Heinrich 8 Himmler, head of the S.S. Besides run-of-the-mill r] — S.S. goons, Himmler's evil minions will include I super-soldiers, zombies, and mutants. @ =
: AKE THE SNAKE FE "AG Wi 4 Developed by Monolith Productions/Published by Fox Interactive 3 ` e D £ Target release date: To be determined я е < = 4 NER EVELOPED BY THE team that made the excellent No One Lives i і ý ў р | Forever, this sequel to the amped-up '99 original promises more blast- Á Д г} к Fs Т ing action than a mere s j E SAE М p 4 human can handle. Again А єч < " | you can play as either j 1 е zi “ы i : Alien, Predator, or human : £ MA ES * ii 5 x= 1 قا Colonial Marine in three separate seven-level story LN + lf ^3 Ы c. modes—one for each character—that unfold around | tA eo | è | : = <ë a single "event" on planet LV1211. Or you can play 12 | А - | z4 4 multiplayer maps as one of 10 characters with new | E T l A
weapons that include а net gun and two-handed spear | | 7 AN d " | 4
for the Predator and a blowtorch for the Marine. (2
Developed and published by Microsoft
Target release date: July ah
ORTY-FOOT-TALL BattleMechs zapping each other— perhaps
2А the perfect subject for a fully 3D real-time strategy game. In this sequel to the '98 release, you'll command up to 12 mechs at once as a mercenary MechCommander. You'll be able to knock down
trees, blow through walls, and jump-jet off cliffs in the 3D environ- ment. You'll also raid enemy warehouses
and bases to salvage weapons, and you'll
call in air strikes and reinforcements — E AN | 9 = um |
including a recovery team that can repair 7 | -
destroyed enemy mechs so you can turn Ac Be
them against their former masters. @
| | l
— r 4
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 ( 89) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Westwood Studios/Published by EA Games
Target release date: June
PICE IS THE most powerful substance in this game's universe, and the planet Arrakis—a.k.a. Dune —is its only source. In this fully 3D sequel to Dune ll, the breakthrough real-time strategy game of '93, you'll take command of one of the three very different Houses that vie for control of the harsh desert planet. Plus, you can ally with or fight against five other groups, including the Guild, in this non- linear epic. A demo revealed some of the
| best-looking units and € terrain in an RTS yet. @ Sy
Developed by Massive Development/Published by Fishtank Interactive Target release date: Fall 2001
ESIDES BEING ONE of the first games opti- mized for the powerful new GeForce3 video card, AquaNox plans to take gamers to a rarely used virtual venue: underwater. After a nuclear
war, the survivors colonize the ocean floor, but from the ocean depths comes a new threat to mankind—horrifying monsters and ancient gods freed from underwater caves. Playing as mercenary Emerald "Dead Eye" Flint, you'll fight this threat by piloting your heavily armed underwater ship. O
Developed by Gas-Powered Games/Published by Microsoft
Target release date: Fall 2001
OME PEOPLE LIKE RPGs, and some people don't. Gas-Powered Games hopes to make everyone like Dungeon Siege, thanks to its fully 3D world and what GPG promises will be fast, action-packed— yet deep—gameplay. Some inspired additions to the norm will include squires and pack mules to help
| carry your loot. You'll also be able to hire,
rescue, or recruit up to eight characters of any
combination of fighters, sorcerers, and more; or you can go it alone. Plus, you'll be able to build your own worlds and char- acters for online play with up to 10 players. O
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 [ 90 | WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Developed by Bohemia Interactive/Published by Codemasters
Target release date: April
ERHAPS BEST DESCRIBED asa broad simulation of a fictional war between the United States and the Soviet Union, Operation Flashpoint will enable you to carry a rifle in the infantry, don a ski mask in a spec ops unit, fly helicopters, and drive tanks, trucks, jeeps, and more. Gameplay in the preview ver-
sion was an intense mix of first-person shooting, tank and helicopter sim- ulator, and squad-based strategy, with events hap-
pening outside of your control on the virtual = battlefield. Though the controls were clunky
and the graphics only functional, serious war
PA sk gamers will want to target this title. @
Developed by Mythic Entertainment and Abandon Entertainment/Published by Mythic Entertainment
Target release date: Summer 2001
ING ARTHUR IS dead and his kingdom of Albion (England) is
r under siege by the Celts of Hibernia (Ireland) and the Norse of
Osric i Midgard. Based on the history and legends from England’s Dark = у] Ages, this massively multiplayer RPG will enable you to play as
either an English, Celt, or Norse char- ру
D =
acter, each with their own character classes, including fighters, clerics, magi- cians, and rogues. Fighting alongside of Mg personages from the same region, “a you'll raid your enemy's land in search
of their sacred relic, while protecting your own realm’s relics. (Э
Developed by Cornered Rat Software/Published by Strategy First
Target release date: June
HIS FIRST "THEATER" of the World War Il Online series will put you in the shoes of French,
British, or German fighting men as you re-enact the Battle of France with or against thousands of other online gamers in a huge multiplayer environment. From a first-person view, you'll drive tanks, fly planes, fire rifles, and man gun positions on ships. All weapons and ve- hicles will be historically accu- rate, such as the Spitfire, Panzer IV, British Bren gun, and more; plus, you'll gain rank and responsibility by completing missions on this perpetual battlefield. @
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 91) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Maximize your video gaming fun by making the right purchasing choices based on knowing exactly what kind of content is inside each game.
Half-Life MATURE By Sierra
Blade of Darkness MATURE
The interactive electronic enter- By Codemasters
ЕЕ ае aeRO laa A fair amount of realistic gore, Ее ТЕ Це еге е Ше Н violence, and dismemberment
This adventure is like being in an action movie for
CONTENT RATED 6Y ESRB
an independent organization— the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)—so consumers know what to expect before buy- ing a video or PC game. The fol- lowing is a quick key to the most common ratings; for a complete description, check out the ESRB's Web site at www.esrb.org or call 800/771-3772 for more information.
mute Titles rated Early Child- hood (EC) have content suitable for children ages esfe three and older and do not contain any material that par- ents would find inappropriate.
EVERYONE Titles rated Everyone (E) have content suitable for persons ages six and
esre Older. These titles will
appeal to people of many ages and tastes. They may contain minimal violence, comic mischief, or crude language.
TEEN Games rated Teen (T) are suitable for ages 13 and up. These games
оттто Could have violent con-
tent, strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
MATURE Games rated Mature (M) are appropriate for older gamers, generally 17 and
esae up. Mature-rated games
may contain more intense depic- tions of violence, stronger lan- guage, and, on rare occasions, sexual themes.
миш онт Titles rated Adults Only (AO) have content suit- able only for adults. These esre products may include graphic depictions of sex and/or violence. Adults Only products are not intended to be sold or rented to persons under the age of 18.
мрик The Rating Pending (RP) icon may appear in early RE reviews of soon-to-be- esre released products. Look for the actual ESRB rating icon on the game’s package, check the
ESRB's Web site or call its toll-free -
phone number for updated rating information. :
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
make this hack-and-slash ad- venture game more than worthy of its Mature rating. Lig However, Blade of Darkness = does come with a parental
lock option that can be used
to disable the game's blood.
Quake III Arena MATURE By Sega
Scary monsters abound in this conversion of the PC hit. Rocket launchers and plasma rifles are used to shoot other players. The in-your-face, hunt-and-kill gameplay can be intense, and, though the action takes place in a sci-fi realm, the game will be unsettling to young gamers.
Resident Evil Code: MATURE Veronica By Capcom
Resident Evil Code: Veronica has a substantial amount of blood and gore. Most of the plasma that is spilled, though, is that of your adversaries, who consist of monsters, zombies, and other unreal creatures. However, once again, this one would be scary for the young folk.
Twisted Metal: Black MATURE By Sony
While the previous Twisted Metal car-combat games have been rated Teen for their slapstick/action-movie style chaos, the series’ PS2 debut goes much further into dark terri- tory. In addition to some gruesome, nightmare-worthy characters, cine- mas, and imagery, TMB features pe- destrians that players can run over. Definitely preview this one first.
CONTENT RATED BY ESRB
BLADE DARKNESS
CONTENT RATED BY ESRB
p CODE: Veronica
er ved `
adults—but is the stuff of nightmares for younger gamers. Realistic weaponry and shooting human and alien characters (both of whom bleed) from a first- person perspective, make it the equivalent of an R- rated flick.
Quake III Revolution By EA Games
As in Quake Ill Arena, scary monsters abound in this PC conversion. You use rocket launchers—nailguns —and plasma rifles to shoot other players. And again, the hunt-and-kill gameplay can be very intense, and, although the action takes place in a sci-fi realm, the game is dark and violent, and may be unsettling to younger gamers.
Serious Sam By Gathering of Developers
Serious Sam has strong lifelike violence, consisting mostly of realistic-looking blood spouting from characters when they're wounded or killed, along with indistinguishable body parts flying through the air when a character is blown up. The blood and body parts can be turned off, though, and re- placed with gushing flowers.
Zone of the Enders By Konami
Zone of the Enders is filled with mech- anized mayhem during which buildings and other structures are trashed with almost no blood or gore. The included demo of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, however, features splashing blood, gunplay, and hand-to-hand fighting, and is probably the reason that the overall package received a Mature rating.
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Army Men: Air Attack 2 By 3D0
Army Men: Air Attack 2 is replete with animated violence (as are most of the games in this Army Men series). The carnage, nevertheless, occurs within a fantasy plastic toy world among toy soldiers, structures, and vehicles. Army Men: Air Attack 2 contains no blood or gore, and the only casualties in the game are made of virtual plastic.
tation.c <P ARMY MEN №
Dead of Alive 2
By Tecmo
In Dead or Alive 2, in addition to the typical furious hand- to-hand fighting of your standard fighter, purchasers will find overt sexuality por- trayed by the female brawlers. This is true in regards to some racy, revealing clothing and other attire that may not be appropriate for minors.
Lunar 2: Eternal Blue
Complete By Working Designs
In Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete, there's not really a lot of violence to speak of, save the entirely bloodless turn-based bat- tles of your standard role- playing game. Some of the title's trash-talk, adult jokes, and risque dialogue be- tween virtual characters may not be appropriate for gamers of all ages.
Note: Some box art does not display the final ESRB rating.
Black & White
By EA Games
Although the violence isn’t bloody, it may be disturbing to kids be- cause of the lifelike presentation. You can pick up villagers and throw them to their deaths. When your creature misbehaves, you punish him with vicious slaps. Also, your cartoonlike creature
will relieve himself onscreen.
Evil Islands: Curse of the teen Lost Soul By Fishtank Interactive
In Evil Islands, characters’ arms, legs, and torsos turn red when hit, but blood doesn’t spray or flow. Dead bodies are left in pools of blood, but such scenes aren’t overly graphic because the game's virtual characters are small and your point-of-view is from relatively far away.
MDK2 Armageddon
By Interplay
The Teen rating is due to cartoonish carnage and violence in the game. About the worst you encounter in MDK2 Armageddon is a six-legged dog with four Uzis taking out hordes of aliens who explode into green blood and chunks of exoskeleton. Also, every now and then, the bizarre humor tends toward farting and bath- room jokes.
ESRB RATINGS FOR ALL GAMES REVIEWED IN THIS ISSUE
Bhide GED APRS ANG Ча неа га тесен Жы ыраа» Quake III Revolution ..................................
Serious SAIR Sse eb 4
Army Men: Air Attack 2............................. Black & White... iue eere шынды,
Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete................
MDK2 Armageddon ....................................
АХА EVOIUECION cscs oa
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
Dr. Mario 64... е High Heat Major League Baseball 2002.... Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble ................................... Mario Pap И Е : Mickey’s Speedway USA ............................. Razor Freestyle Scooter............................. Rumble Racing SNL SNOOPY Tennis аан Sa a sS Star Wars Super Bombad Racing.............. : ым ен e УНН Зо ез E ЧИНЕ ЕЧ E E ЧҮКӨНҮ" Return of the Міпја................................... MORI ТОН НВА рне stes reta Cher КОД
САМЕРКО EXPLAINED
Our Rating System
GamePro evaluates every game in four categories: Graphics, Sound, Control, and Fun Fac- tor. Ratings range from 5.0 (the ultimate) to 0.5 (the worst) in half-point increments. Games with a Fun Factor of 3.0 are average; those with a Fun Factor of 4.0 or higher are recommended.
AMRA!
0.5
Lo Ls 2.0 © ) E >) © 3.0 4.0 45 5.0
35
Graphics: Judges the overall artistic quality of the animation, cine-
mas, and scenery.
Sound:
Critiques the music and sound effects.
Control:
Rates how the inter- face and control-pad commands affect the action and fun.
Fun Factor: Are you going to have a good time playing
this game?
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ZA
Windows 95/98/ ME/2000
Pentium 11 600 MHz 128 MB RAM
B Y CREATING A beautiful living world in which you can do almost anything —good, bad, ог in-between—Black & White miraculously pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've sacrificed
many hours of your life.
Fire and Brimstone or Loaves and Fishes? After you rescue a child, a village begins to worship you as a god— but not the God. Their adoration gives you the power to cast miracles and influence events around their village. The heart of the game is expanding your influence by con- verting nearby villages with miracles—fireballs, lightning, rain, food, and more. Though the villagers go about their business, you can interfére as much as you want. Want to see how far you can throw a villager? Go for it. IM your struggle with an evil god, Nemesis, you decide how quickly to proceed (by clicking on floating scrolls), so you
can tinker with your villages as much as you like.
600 MB on HD
8 MB 3D accelerator card with Direct3D
DirectX 7.0a and DirectX-7.0a- compliant sound card
PROTIP: Build civic buildings and wonders to extend your radius of influence from a village.
ы
Loa
PROTIP: Once your creature has learned things, attach him to a nonaligned village with the Compassion Leash. He will do good things
for the people.
PROTIP: You can go beyond your boundaries for a few seconds, so re- plant forests within your area of influ- ence, then transfer the trees to your village.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
Teach an Old Gorilla New Tricks
As if all this weren't enough, you have a giant creature —at first, a gorilla, cow, or tiger— whom you teach to be your physical surrogate. Thanks to impressive A.l., your creature grows incredibly smart and powerful depending on how you respond to his actions (by slapping or stroking), and it does some surprising things without your prompting.
Welcome to Paradise
BY JAKE THE SNAKE
Developed by Lionhead Studios
Published by EA Games $39.95 Available now
Real-time strategy/RPG
FUN GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL — FACTOR
8 players (online)
What makes Black & White so impressive is the feeling it gives of tinkering
with a real world. The islands have forests of individual trees; oceans filled
with fish; fields of cows and sheep; changing weather and daylight; while sleek graphics means you can view it all from almost
TM
some
Г.
Cas °
PROTIP: Exploit whatever material advantage you have. If it's wood, build fields for food. If it's food, use it for worshippers so you can create miracle wood or forests.
any angle. You can zoom in to see the face of a villager, then zoom out to see the whole m world at once.
The sounds are equally good. Your
inner devil advises you in a tough Bronx accent, while your conscience chides you
in an angelic lilt. If you toss a fireball on a village, the burning villagers scream, "I'm on fire,’ while appro- priately soulful background music keeps you in a saintly mood. Intu- itive controls make doing your godly work miraculously easy. Absolutely everything can be done with the mouse, including casting mira- E cles by moving the mouse
d ` in one of many shapes. uu So clear your calen- dar and dust off your dormant megalomania. It's time to show the people who's boss (Э x ex q Wa
ж... mt
PROTIP: A mean way to convert a town is to ignite it with fireballs, then put out the fires with rain, impressing the villagers with your wrath and mercy.
PROTIP: To convert a town, you may have to create a need. Steal their food and wood (or just burn their village store), then replace their loss.
PROTIP: In Skirmish mode, if you can't use a forest before an opponent does, burn it with a fireball.
Black & White is the best-looking RTS—if not PC game —yet. In seconds, you can zoom in to see the roots of an upturned tree or a villager kissing his girlfriend, then zoom out to see the whole mist-shrouded island at once.
SOUND 5.0
When you zoom in on a cow, you hear it тоо. Cast a water miracle, and you hear a harp playing as water patters to the ground. Your inner-voices are al- ways speaking to you, too—Evil with a tough Bronx accent and Good with an angelic lilt.
CONTROL 5.0
The control scheme is masterful. You can do everything from making villagers
breed to slapping your creature, all with the mouse (not to mention panning and zooming the camera anywhere). The coolest touch is casting miracles by moving your mouse in a specific shape.
Black & White is a huge, wonderful game that defies comparison to any- thing other than an incredibly complex Tamagotchi or a virtual ant farm popu- lated with people. Even after many hours (which go by like minutes), you'll be amazed by the things you and your
creature can do.
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Ө 5 BY THE HUMAN TORNADO PRO A 9 V @ Gus i m Developed by Rebel Act GRAPHICS — SOUND — CONTROL FACTOR ! m Published by Codemasters x S | ra
m $29.99 m Action
BLADE COMBINES THIRD-PERSON action and RPG elements into a W Available nów m4 players
potent mix that will satisfy your lust for adventure on the PC. Set in a fan- — À е tasy realm gripped by ап evil power, Blade 25 i i : asks you to recover the Sacred Sword = fees Lo бен c. а Recommended and...save the world. You pick a hero from i Z 8E four characters: Sargon the knight, Naglfar “ew the dwarf, Zoe the adventurer, or the ES - : < Pentium III 500 MHz -Conan-like warrior, Tukaram. Each has their own ) = а. 128 MB RAM _ weapon specialties, and you need them all as you ° | battle rogue knights, huge orcs, the undead, and ue many other creatures. e у > DirectX-8.0-compatible Ша : СУ 3D graphics card with То the Hilt шы <n OP ы] eme | 32 MB RAM
Blade's basic combat controls are simple, but the ресур Run-of-the-mill en emies are easy to 16-bit DirectX-
Windows 95/98/ME/2000
750 MB on HD
complexities of fighting with sword and shield beat. Raise your shield (if you have one), walt compatible sound make them tough to master. Likewise, bow and for the attack, then counter quickly. "card.
PROTIP: Trip this spike trap Indiana arrow and throwing weapons, while fun, are hard to use effectively. A helpful
Jones style! Hurl anything down the lock-on system enables you to circle individual opponents easily, yet against
corridor, апа ран by ва it адь, multiple opponents, chaos reigns and melees often break down into button- mashing hack-fests. Moreover, the erratic game camera makes fighting in close quarters almost impossible. Still, Blade is enjoyable. The puzzle solving isn’t complicated, as what you need to do is usually fairly logical.
The Look of Strength
The visuals show off impressively realistic lighting and topnotch texture maps | des
that create intricate designs and seemingly authentic wood, stone, metal, and pROTIP: Forget уой uqi water. The audio effects, on the other hand, are sparse, while the music is weapons unless you have the weak. Despite the so-so sounds and demanding controls, Blade of Darkness is Strength to wield them properly. an entertaining action/adventure game where it pays to keep your wits honed
and your sword sharpened. 3
— E PROTIP: Be sure to drink the special energy potion before going up against this mysterious knight.
É kaa BY JAKE THE SNAKE i k ft FUN NLIKE THEIR CONSOLE-BASED brethren, computer role-playing WI = Developed by Nival Interactive GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL _ FACTOR
games tend to take themselves too seriously. Not Evil Islands. But even with |} m Published by Fishtank Interactive ad p p DX DX à А | 305343 a ARE UI 539.99 = RPG P NPN PON УРТА its amusing tongue-in-cheek style, Islands tells an intriguing, convincing story M WAV SNC UE de н | | Fr
45| 45] 45 | 4.5
with beautiful graphics and an original gameplay style that other RPGs would (online) do well to imitate. 23
he chosen one 21 Ууу у 8H — —— I= JUS 0, 17 J n і 3 NC ` Pd IE System Specs You're a goofy guy named Zak who wakes up 1 Š P J x P | Windows 95/98/ME/2000
on a primitive island to find he doesn't know ë Ў his own identity. Using a point-and-click inter- CURSE OF THE LC face similar to that of 3D real-time strategy :
games, you wander the island, initially armed with only a bronze knife. You find a Stone Age village whose animal-skin-clad populace thinks you are the Chosen One. Afraid to correct the villagers, you set off on many quests for them, battling goblins, orcs, ogres, wolves, trolls, drag- ons, and more as you get closer to discovering your identity.
Pentium II 400 MHz
64 MB RAM
500 MB on HD
3D AGP accelerator card with 8 MB RAM
DirectX 7.0
" a | BEAU FU ае EVIL ISLAPO DirectX-compatible
Handsome 3D landscapes—viewable from nearly any an- —— i sound card
Ë gle and filled with rolling hills and nicely detailed objects—give Evil Islands a ТЕЛЛЕ ПШ ЫЕ ЫЫ ж. | A unique look and feel. Moving Zak and up to two comrades is simple “i "ad d 2 | A and easy: Point and click. The combat system is equally simple —just em 7 ر
click on the enemy you want to attack. What's more, you can sneak, run, or crawl to move past enemies, giving Evil Islands a level of — | , A control and realism that most RPGs lack. Enjoyable if e. . somewhat silly dialogue and voice-acting keep you `. closely tuned to the story, which . € "€ unfolds with many twists and turns | 19 ы ә.
ї 4 ` and memorable characters. For a re- + C | freshing RPG that will satisfy all but . uw NIC the most blowhard dungeon hacks, take
А é. > £ a trip to Evil Islands. O
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 `3 ж + A [ 95 | WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM , ”
Recommended System Specs
Windows 95/98/2000
H
Pentium 111 500 MHz
128 MB RAM
300 MB on HD
OpenGL-compliant 3D accelerator with 32 MB RAM
Windows 95/98/NT4/ W2K-compatible sound card
PC GAMEPHO PROReVLeEl/S
SERIOUS SAM
ORDES OF GREAT first-person shooters have thrilled gamers since Doom, but few have recaptured the frantic in-your-face mayhem of that groundbreaking game—until now. So put a bandage on your trigger-finger, boys, ‘cuz Serious Sam has some of the most exciting and addictive blasting action in years.
DUKE Wor
In the year 2104, mankind is under attack from monsters
spawned from another dimension. In a last-ditch effort,
Sam “Serious” Stone, Earth’s greatest warrior, is sent back in time to Egypt, 3000 B.C., where lies an ancient tech- nology. Yes, the story is canned cheese in a tongue-in-cheek way, but this game makes isn’t trying to be high art and borrows unashamedly from classic shooters such as Doom and Duke Nukem (Sam Stone is a Duke knockoff, complete with hilarious one-
liners and tank-top undershirt).
SPACE INVADERS: THE FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER What makes Sam so fun is its cool arsenal and its ingenious mix of monsters, which requires different weapons and tactics: While you can easily fend off waves of screaming, bomb-carrying Beheaded Kamikazes (if you have enough shotgun ammo), throw in a few Bio-Mechanoids, which can hit you
PROTIP: Fs they’ re MOM by Krell Skeletons, use the single-barrel— not the double-barrel-shotgun against masses of Beheaded Kamikazes. It fires faster.
PROTIP: When stampeded by Krell Skeletons on the Metropolis level, use the grenade launcher to thin their ranks—always dodge left or right as they jump at you.
GRAPHICS 4.0
The visuals are handsome and func- tional, but not mind-blowing. The an- cient Egyptian courtyards and corridors are a fun setting for blasting madness, although cubic and generic. The coolest things are the imaginative monsters that swarm the screen and the deadly effects of your arsenal.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
PROTIP: Don't try to evade enemies by running past them. That just spawns more enemies, and you'll usually have to get rid of them all to open a door.
against handfuls of them.
Sam's one-liners will make you chuckle, even if they're “inspired” by Duke Nukem. The weapon effects keep the action intense, i.e., the whirring of the minigun, the shrill blast of the double- barrel shotgun, and the zap of the laser cannon. You'll hear the screaming of the Beheaded Kamikazes in your sleep.
PROTIP: The minigun works great against flocks of harpies, and the double-barrel shotgun works great
BY JAKE THE SNAKE
FUN GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL _ FACTOR
Developed by Croteam Published by Gathering of Developers
$19.99 W
First-person
Available now shooter
16 players
AHS
ТЫЙ Za PROTIP: When you get across the pit PROTIP: First focus your fire on ene- on the Metropolis level, stand in front mies that can hit you from afar, such as of it and dodge the Sirian Werebulls Bio Mechanoids, but don't forget about to make them fall in. the ones that hit when near.
at long range, and you're in for major trouble. It’s actually funny to see what crazy situations you get into, such as facing down a deafening stampede of Kleer Skeletons (Sam boasts more on-
screen enemies than any other FPS yet). Though you'll often think, “How the H-E-double-hockey-sticks am | going to get out of this one?” Serious Sam never becomes frustrating, which is a major credit to its control scheme and overall design.
HAPPINESS 7S A WARM MIN:ZUN
The graphics, sound, and controls also make playing Sam a joy. While the ancient Egyptian corridors and courtyards are generic and cubic, they're nicely detailed with wall paintings and ornaments, and are a cool environment for blasting madness. And the imaginative monsters move smoothly, even when dozens are onscreen. The weapon effects are the coolest, though: Blast a flying harpy with a double-barrel, and red-stained feathers float to the ground (note the games Mature rating). The weapons sound great, too, as do the heavy guitar riffs. The shotgun rings your eardrums, the minigun whirrs, and the laser cannon sounds right out of Star Wars. The controls are dead-on as well, and the game is always a entertaining, even when you're being mauled.
Sam is a target you shouldn't miss, considering it costs only 20 bucks. Unless you're some Poindexter who wants a story with his shooter, get serious with Serious Sam.
CONTROL 5.0 FUN FACTOR 4.5
The dead-on controls make the game а јоу to play—even when you're being
mauled. You rarely need to jump, duck,
walk, or do anything other than run and fire.
Serious Sam has some of the most ex- citing and addictive shooting action in years. Sam is always challenging — you'll need totally different weapons and tac- tics to deal with different combinations of monsters—but the gameplay is never frustrating and always fun.
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[e| (lal y] laln £ (mia t| f |o|n|
MY ANTI-DRUG.
Office of National Drug Control Policy/Partnership for a Drug-Free America”
BY UNCLE DUST
MICKEY AND FRIENDS are back in a portable form of Mickey's Speedway USA for the Game Boy Color. You race across the
country as Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and others, picking ир power-ups and tearing through breakneck curves in this kart racer that first appeared on the Nintendo 64.
The sharp, colorful graphics and responsive controls should remind gamers of the classic RC Pro-Am on the NES, which is definitely a good thing. The camera angle requires a little extra thought at the beginning but soon feels natural. Soundwise, there's nothing really to applaud or complain about. While the
Nintendo m $34.99
PROTIP: Avoid contact with other cars, unless you can cut completely in front of them.
plenty of fun and replay value in a tried-and-true formula. (9
CAPCOM' S Токі Toni isa throw- back to old-school arcade platformers like Burger Time, but this new game adds
by Capcom pis] 2329.99 strategy and unique special abilities to give it a fresh feel.
You play as a cute little bird trying to recuperate your eggs, which are strewn over 60 levels separated into four worlds. And while Toki Tori looks simple, the wide variety (and limited quantity) of your various special abilities quickly make the puzzles difficult to solve. Both sound and graphics are simple but cute, and the con-
EM trols take a little time to grasp, but quickly become natural. PROTIP: The eyeglasses let you Toki Tori does a really good job of blending simplicity in.design see all challenges on the board, ; IR рол but you'll used SP Oo чыма and gameplay with enough challenge and brain-teasing puzzles to
error to get past most levels. make it enjoyable. £2
AT THE VERY least, Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble offers something unique. Fun, now that's a different matter. “Т £3] By tilting the entire Game Boy, play- ers roll the titular puffball around a series of airborne platforms in their quest to restore all the stars to Dreamland. In addition to navigating obstacle courses (think a digital version of marble mazes), you'll also play bonus mini-games like Kirby's Roll-o-Rama and Do the Kirby. The tilting control works great, but due a to the reflective nature of the Game Boy Color's screen, = = moving the whole unit means your light source sometimes disappears. The tilt control is responsive, but even with clean graphics and decent sounds, Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble comes off as a disposable novelty and not much more. (2
=$29.99
346600000. в оов4
THE DEVELOPERS ОЕ AMF Xtreme Bowling play to the.Game Boy’s strengths and even push the envelope a little with- out ruining an enjoyable visit to the portable lanes. AMF offers eight characters (each
bowling done right on the Game Boy. @
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
= Developed by Rareware = Published by Disney Interactive/
т Available now
game itself is not unique or original on either platform, it delivers
BY UNCLE DUST
п Available April
BY BAD HARE
= Developed and published by Nintendo
@ "Available May
BY BAD HARE
= Developed by Vicarious Visions/ Engine Software = Published by Vatical Entertainment
в Available Spring
of whom speak!) who bowl in practice, tournament, or two- player matches. Control is similar to that of golf games— position your bowler, aim your shot, then tap the power and accuracy meters at the appropriate time. The flip side to that simplicity is that the gameplay isn't too challenging— but then again, if you'd rather bowl on a Game Boy than risk it in real life, maybe a challenge isn't what you're looking for. With crisp graphics, efficient use of screen space, and a fast pace, this is
FUN GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL _ FACTOR
п Kart racing cm
m2 players (link cable)
ramps and hills changes your steering slightly, re- member to straighten out to avoid the walls.
= Developed and published
m Puzzle/ strategy
= | player
I] <q PROTIP: fe) When you see Н these little blocks,
to use your crate-
И to create a stair- R] way up to the j next level.
FUN GRAPHICS. SOUND CONTROL — FACTOR
B Action
п | player
9000 YOUR GAME BOY FLAT. TUEN PRESS@
FUN FACTOR
GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL
m Bowling =2 player
4 PROTIP: Heavier require
power
can crea
action upon impact.
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GAMEPRO MAY 200!
BY UNCLE DUST
FUN GRAPHICS SOUND _ CONTROL FACTOR
= Developed and published by Natsume
=$19.99 в Action/ adventure
= | player
m Available now
BY UNCLE DUST
FUN GRAPHICS — SOUND _ CONTROL _ FACTOR
m Developed and published by Capcom
=$24.99 m Puzzle/ strategy
п | player
п Available now
D B
BY AIR HENDRIX
FUN . ; GRAPHICS SOUNI CONTRO! F. m Developed by Mermaid Studios 2 ا
m Published by Infogrames m $29.99 m Tennis
m Available now m2 players (wilink cable)
BY BROTHER BUZZ
FUN { = Developed by Crawfish Interactive CRATHICS SOUND „CONTROL „FACTOR
m Published by Crave Entertainment [rm m $29.99 m Skating m Available now п | player
ТАП WHIP.
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BY MAJOR MIKE Developed by KCEJ West Published by Konami $49.99 Available now
A
Action/
2 players
ONE OF THE ENDERS is the finest mech-fighting game
for the PlayStation 2 yet— which isn't saying much, consider- ing its only competition is Armored Core 2. However, thanks to its simple controls, ZOE delivers on two fronts: as a mech sim, and an action/adventure game.
Young Man and a Mech
In ZOE, you're Leo, a youth who accidentally becomes the pilot of a giant mech—called a Jehuty—for a very long adventure. Instead of a mission-based approach, ZOE has you covering a large geographical area. Plus, you must revisit the same areas to obtain key items, defeat enemies, or collect pass codes
= PROTIP: Before collecting an item, throw out a Geyser orb, as enemies could be waiting to attack as soon as you go for it.
that are, in turn, required to unlock items located in new areas or previously visited ones. At times, the game is more of a scavenger hunt.
ZOE 's biggest hook is its emphasis on action instead of on mech maintenance and play techniques—and this is where the controls really shine. The interface is very user friendly, as various Jehuty functions are kept firmly in check...almost. The biggest blemish is sub-weapon maintenance that requires you to cycle through your inventory until you find the desired weapon, something which can be a real finger-taxing pain in tight situations.
По Shrinking Dolet
Yet, when fighting is required, ZOE kicks into overdrive with intense battles loaded with colorful special effects.and arresting audio. You can engage the enemy in a variety of ways, with | 4 everything from a long-distance sniper rifle to close-in hand-
Zone of the Enders is loaded with in- game cut-scenes, which isn't always a good thing.
Taking back seat to the action sequences is an elaborate narrative that develops via frequent cut-scenes and dialogue between the youthful pilot and ADA, the Jehuty's on-board computer. Although ZOE's anti- violence theme is a welcome one, the message feels forced as it's hammered home to the point of annoyance. Excellent voice talent helps flesh out the various characters, but the repetitive techno-pop music score quickly wears thin.
2.0.6. 15 0000 To Ga
Despite its flaws, ZOE is well worth playing for action and mech fans alike. Once you get past the preachy themes, you'll quickly be immersed in this Zone of intense combat and hi-tech weapons...while the included Metal Gear Solid 2 demo doesn’t hurt the overall package. @
Note: As said, Zone of the Enders is packaged with a playable demo of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. For more on MGS2, please see the E? PlayStation 2 section in this issue. t
ci. joing well.
in We
PROTIP: Against the boss at Park 1, drop a decoy whenever it fires a lock-on blast, then get near its head and repeatedly blast it.
PROTIP: To minimize structural dam- age when fighting in populated areas, grab enemies and pull them away from buildings.
PROTIP: When fighting a Raptor with a protective shield, fire at it from a dis- tance, then inflict punishing physical blows when in close.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
adventure
FUN FACTOR
GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL
PROTIP: When defusing bombs in the later stages, clear nearby enemies first. If you try to deactivate a bomb while under attack, your enemies will shoot it, and cause significant damage.
PROTIP: During the battle with Neb- ula, circle it while firing lock-ons. When auto-targeting switches from head to abdomen, lob Gauntlets at it.
to-hand tactics. Almost as challenging as the fights is damage control: Most areas are heavily populated cities and suburbs—albeit mostly shrouded in darkness—and you're penalized for building damage and lost civilian lives.
GRAPHICS
Zone of the Enders delivers sli tailed visuals and flashy specia Its only drawbacks are an abur jagged edges, draw-in, and fog.
SOUND 4.0
Excellent sound effects highlight the au- dio track, and the various character voices are backed by well-cast talent. The effects combine with a repetitive techno-pop score.
CONTROL 4.0
Moving your Jehuty around is mostly a breeze. The most demanding—and, at times, frustrating—aspect is the cum- bersome sub-weapon selection process where it's impossible to choose imme- diately the weapon you want.
FUN FACTOR 4.0
Zone of the Enders is an enjoyable ac- tion title that’s easy to pick up and play. If you can get past the preachy narrative and dialogue, you'll be immersed in in-
4.0
tense combat and cool weapons.
` YW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM C
ASCAR RuMBLE ON the PlayStation was a woefully under-
appreciated game; the arcade gameplay rocked, but its jacked-up, light- hearted take on stock car racing never really found its audience. Revenge, it seems, is sweet: Rumble Racing loses the license, adds the power of the PS2, and floors the formula all the way to hot-rod heaven.
Tony Hawk With a Turbocharger
Rumble Racing combines the high-flying fantasy tracks of San Francisco Rush with the kind of midair stunts you might find in a skateboarding game: Barrel rolls, backflips, and corkscrew twists can yield massive speed boosts. From stunts to obstacles, there’s always something
active to do in this racer.
The games 35 vehicles range from sporty coupes and rally compacts to Hot Wheels-style jet cars and a pickup that has spaceship engines in the flatbed. And they all get workouts on 12 circuit tracks chock full of shortcuts, jumps, and secret paths—plus three special stunt courses designed purely for
PROTIP: If a hazard pops you up in the air, hit R2 and quickly turn it into a stunt opportunity. You're airborne any- way, right?
PROTIP: At the very start of Passing Through, head to the left for a dirt road while the pack sticks to the asphalt. It leads to a high-flying alternate route that ends
through a waterfall!
PROTIP: Move to the right lane at the start of True Grits. Watch for the Rumble signs on the grass and crash through them for a shortcut straight to the truck stop.
GRAPHICS 45
Richly detailed tracks and cool-looking fantasy cars give Rumble Racing the gaming equivalent of a flame paint job—flashy, clean, and fun. The smoke and fire effects kick butt, too.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
ON LeWS
BY DAN ELEKTRO
Developed and published by Electronic Arts
$49.99 Available May
Racing
maniacal moves. After you strut your stuff in enough races and challenges, you get to stuff your struts with cool car upgrades.
Trunk Full o’ Goodies
Rumble’s high frame rate affords an awesome sense of speed, while its clean and colorful textures give the cars a gorgeous sheen. The upbeat rock/country/ light techno music never gets in the way, while announcer Jess Harnell's (Anima- niac’s Wakko) funny and unusual quips sound appropriately fresh (though not everyone will appreciate them). Smooth analog response aids the simple, straightforward controls— it's a pick-up-and-play dream.
The computer A.l. forces you to fight for the lead without resorting to cheesy tactics—and if opponents see you take a shortcut, they'll attempt to follow it on the next lap. Cool power-ups like high-traction flaming tires, a glowing ramming shield, and the almighty twister keep the game surprising. The two-player split-screen mode — which doesn't suffer from any slowdown whatsoever— includes a co-op mode, so you and a friend can drive on the same team against the pack.
A New Lease Rather than NASCAR Rumble's second coming, Rumble Racing represents its second chance. Whereas last year's model got lost in the shuffle, the sequel powers to the front of the pack with killer
looks and addictive, inviting game-
play. Sim freaks need not apply—
Rumble Racing is pure, unapolo-
A getic arcade goodness. (2
2 players
PROTIP: Backward flips always score higher stunt points and more turbo than forward ones.
FUN FACTOR
GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL
-00.6 The Bange!
E
PROTIP: If you take the train short- cut on So Refined, keep your wheels between the two tracks for maximum speed and minimum obstacles.
Lap: 00:38.63 Total; 00:38.63
;8 Mantee
OTIP: Shortcuts are usually marke with billboards. But you may want to save them for your last lap, because the computer will try to take the short- cuts after you reveal them.
Lap: 00:26.18 Total: 02:58.41
PROTIP: The closer you can stay to a tornado after
you launch it, the longer it will wreak havoc.
SOUND 4.5
High-octane music, from country to rock, keeps the audio revving. Jess Har- nell's off-the-beaten-path commentary will either thrill you or annoy you— there's no in-between. At least it's dif- ferent.
CONTROL
Power-ups are easy to launch; combin-
ing rear-fire weapons with rear view works surprisingly well. Analog steering is there for technicians, but drivers who prefer to tap around corners with the directional pad will be happy, too.
FUN FACTOR 5.0
No NASCAR? No problem! Rumble Racing works better as a hot-rod game anyway, and the best gameplay bits of the first title are well represented in the second. This is arcade racing at its finest.
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» А ñ = - SUALLY WHEN A game is kept under wraps until right before it's
U ga Ñ P ° P gnt b Available now released, you can bet that it blows...so it's really strange that EA First-person shooter
Games didn't hype Quake III Revolution at all. This fine port of the classic
PC shooter can stand proudly alongside TimeSplitters as one of the Play- Station 2% top guns.
Gladiators U A K t ; | | |
ОҒ the Future - Quake Ill Revolution's story— EIE. V (IU 8 ION you play as a gladiator/slave fighting for freedom—is utterly irrelevant to the classic first-person-shooter carnage that drove the PC original to stardom. The frantic combat is wicked fast and packed with addictive, exciting action that heavily favors quick reflexes and itchy trigger fingers over deep strategies. Quake III Revolution definitely isn’t for kids, earning a Mature rat- ing for its sizable servings of blood and gore. ! q The one-player game is structured like a tournament as you battle through 36 levels, tackling objec- PROTIP: Е Plats of Many Deaths, get the flag = qes s: tives—frag limits, capturing flags, etc.—in battles against bots. The multiplayer side sizzles with two- to back into a corner where you have a good view, а š four-player split-screen action, a speedy frame rate, and a hefty then camp until your minute's up. selection of modes that range from Team Deathmatch to 7 \ Capture-the-Flag. The eternal load times really
e Ш 5 mee BY AIR HENDRIX ee Y Developed by Bullfrog/id Software se 24 "
Published by EA Games
$49.99 4 players (with multitap)
drag down the action, though. Quake 11 Revolution's controls are well
tuned for console players, despite suffering from two inexcusable sins: There's no USB keyboard/ mouse support, and you can't custom-configure the
controls, though the game does have a good variety of preset controller layouts. Still, the dual-analog sticks perform admirably, and EA supplied some nice aiming aids for newbies.
We Who Are About To Frag... Visually, EA went with fast over flash as Quake III Revolution’s action blasts past you at blurring speeds. The workmanlike environments and player models won't dazzle you—especially if you've seen the PC version shine on a high-end machine — but they're no eyesore, either. As for sound, Quake Ill Revolution’s thunderous weapon effects, particularly the deafening rattle of the new chaingun, really intensify the combat. Ferocious techno and an announcer (a shameless clone of Mortal Kombat's commentator) keep the gladiator atmosphere alive.
PROTIP: If a level seems curi- ously empty in the one-player game, check your six because the А.І. loves to sneak up
behind you.
PROTIP: To improve your ır kill rate with the rocket launcher, aim at the ground just in front of your target.
Blood Sport и, PROTIP: No matter how hard 1 If you've had your fill of Quake Ill on another platform, you can safely # ” you're concentrating on aim- T 4 pass on Quake Ill Revolution without missing anything revolu- ж. . ing, never stand still-it's the tionary or new. But if you're looking for a pulse-pounding Play- С тж
best way to get yourself fragged.
Station 2 fragfest, Quake Ill Revolution's fray is well worth entering. (3
T LIE
^
PROTIP: The most important tactic is circle-strafing. Strafe in a circular pat- à E 2
tern centered on your target to un- PROTIP: In the Temple of Pain map, use the jump PROTIP: The railgun is the perfect load on the opposition while minimiz- pads next to the railgun pick-up to find a perfect sniper weapon. Find а protected perch,
ing your damage. sniper roost with a view of the main arena. zoom in, and fire away.
GRAPHICS 40 ѕоочо „5 J. CONTROL 4.0 lÍ FUN FACTOR
One word: fast. Even the four-player ac- Quake Ill Revolutions awesome Grrr...no mouse/keyboard support,no An excellent port of the PC classic,
tion streaks across the screen, but the weapon effects steal the audio show—- customizable controls, and, fortunately, Quake Ill Revolution delivers thrilling
decent levels and player models won't which is welcome news in a combat no problem. The dual-analog controller first-person combat and enough excit-
exactly make your jaw drop. game. Driving music and a melodra- handles the action smoothly and re- ing multiplayer mayhem to stand next matic announcer set the perfect mood. sponsively. to TimeSplitters in the PS2 hall of fame.
GAMEPRO JUNE 200! 102 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
A A
Овеу
BY DAN ELEKTRO
PR
FUN = Developed by Terminal Reality GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL — FACTOR
өйү Leus A m Published by Gathering of
ITH АТУ Orr-RoaAD POENG рен 1 m $49.99 m Racing
m Available now =2 players
Fury, Smuggler’s Run, and Wild Wild Racing already out for the PS2, you'd have to have a really impressive off-road racer revving up to compete, right? That said, the PS2 port of 4x4 Evolution is impressive. ..just not really impressive.
DOIN’ IT IN THE DIRT
1 4x4 Evolution features real-world trucks and sport-utility PROTIP: Use the right kind of tires vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Nissan, GMC, and many more for each track. Break out the studs for ice and snow!
AXA ЕМРЕ ФРУ РЕР?
manufacturers, all spit-polished, shiny, and ready for you to get them messy on snow, mud, sand, and gravel tracks. As you win races, you earn cash to upgrade E your vehicle —and these upgrades are real parts that real off-road racers really use. Luckily, if you don't know what a lightweight axle girdle is or why you'd want it on your Xterra, the game informs you before you install it. Similarly, as you tweak your truck for each race, the game can advise you as to why and how you would want to choose new tires or adjust steering response. It's these kind of details that help 4x4 Evo strike a satisfying bal- ance between simulation racing game and arcade speedfest. !
PROTIP: Swing wide to the right be-
fore passing through Checkpoint 2 on When it comes to gameplay, however, the PS2 version is Arizona for a better exit line. essentially the same game as the Dreamcast version, minus the Internet racing. The graphics have been given a boost—the trucks are a bit more detailed now— but
horizon draw-in and noticeable texture popping take a little luster from the game's look. Besides, it's downright distracting to see those rolling hills actually roll in during two-player split-screen games. Sonically, the game features good engine noises and some cool gravel sound effects, but the generic rock-loops come off as weak. You'll have no trouble with the controls, however, which
respond admirably on the tough terrain.
TO H/LL AND BACK
It's a minor drag that the replay doesn't record the whole race,
PROTIP: Track-specific environmental
PROTIP: On Salvage Wasteland, make a hard left — either—just a portion of the last lap driven. Still, real-world car hazards abound, but some are scripted after Checkpoint 4 and dodge the junkers in the $ š hills for a crucial shortcut. Miss it, and you lose.
details, challenging A.l., and a nice upgrade system make 4x4 Learn to avoid or use them to your Evolution worth checking out, especially if you're an SUV fanatic advantage.
in real life. z 9 vom war GRAPHICS 4.0 3 “ү Some minor texture troubles mar an otherwise beautiful game. The super-
accurate trucks and SUVs look like they just rolled off the assembly line.
SOUND 4.0
5 "азн Hard rock and big-beat loops аге а bit
4 4172777)! ic generic and disposable, but they don't PROTIP: If you fall too far behind, it's clutter things. More interesting is the often better to restart the race rather çogund of gravel smacking against the
than fight the A.I. " š 5 car's undercarriage — nice touch.
CONTROL 4.0
The game's analog control feels smooth and responsive. Being able to tweak technical things like oversteer makes the controls all the sweeter for sim fans.
FUN FACTOR 4.0
i a = " a For better or worse, 4x4 won't show PROTIP: Block out opponents behind PROTIP: The key to Farm Road 109 PROTIP: Horsepower is key for your цир on some peoples radar. It's a bal- you when possible. It often results in a is cutting across the train bridge. If you first vehicle: e.g., the Toyota Tundra SR5 beneficial nudge from the rear. can't sneak by an oncoming train, ditch Access Cab. Upgrade the flywheel for right and go through the water. even better performance.
anced game with good execution, yet isn’t spectacular enough to cause a big splash. 4x4 is worth at least a rent.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 (103) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
А e k
- V L e у 5 iw m Developed by Bioware f; VS ied m Published by Interplay HE BIGGEST HURDLES that A \ . п Action/ ТР 29 ګر f 4.5 4.5 4.0 4.5
BY STAR DINGO FUN GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL _ FACTOR
faced Dreamcast MDK2 play- Ц = Available now oda
d > ers were frustrating controls and the occasional S ridiculously hard level. The PlayStation 2 version changes all that by offering tnr tl four difficulty levels and a whole slew of new control schemes to fool around
ml player
with. Other than that, the virtual song remains the same.
— While the game's frame rate tends to i clunk and enemies aren't particularly | polygonous, its graphics are highly | i stylized. MDK2 is loaded with beauti- LÀ fully animated, whacked-out charac- А RMA (з EDPONS
ters; organic level designs; and vast chambers that seem to stretch out for miles. The soundtrack is solid, too, with a steady dose of speed-techno and great sound effects, along with funny, well-
acted voices.
MDK2’s biggest strength lies in its diversity. While playing, you switch be- tween three characters, with each offering a unique gameplay experience. Main über-hero Kurt's levels play out like a sleek platform shooter; Max's (the six-legged dog) sections are insanely fun, quadruple-Uzi-wielding fragfests; and as Doc, you shift your mind into puzzle mode, finding and combining items in strange ways.
The funky controls take some getting used to, but once your mind finally clicks with them, you'll
be pulling off amazing aerial acrobatics (and wondering why more games don't follow in MDK2's footsteps). Doc is the only weak link in the chain: His inventory system is confusing, and the not- particularly-agile old man is required to make an awful
lot of frustrating platform leaps.
x NU MDK2 Juvageddón isn't going to bring on the end times. If - P5 ç Р AN 1 »*
you've played it through on
Ae cT
<: i ' the Dreamcast, there's no — dh need to revisit it оп the PS2. [ E A
„ша as e DN If you've never given the game a d " D
1 w J ` go, this is your chance to check | _ š d 1 B out a bizarre, great adventure | x š 4 : ! 3
without all the frustrating =
` ergonomic baggage. O
BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON THE DANCE FLOOR has never m Developed and published by Tecmo GRAPHICS — SOUND CONTROL FACTOR looked so dismal. It's 200 years in the c m $49.99 = Dancing future and the ruling dictator has = Available now 83 players banned all forms of dancing. To prove that doing the jig is good for the soul, three spunky girls form a group named “Unison” and hijack the airwaves to show the world that moving your feet to the beat isn't half bad.
Don't expect Unison to be anything like other dance games. Its most distin- guishable feature, which is also the game's low point, is the control. Using both analog sticks, you must move in particular directions to make your character dance. With no cues, this “dancing” is more memorization than following a
beat, which makes Unison frustrating. The cutesy visuals, however, may put a smile on your face, while decent music pays homage to tunes from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. ET $i That's not enough to swing to PROTIP: Practice building Въ O this awful routine, though—youll those combos before going p on live-you'll receive more points and a better grade.
never be in sync with Unison. 6G
7 43 ig >n J h GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 104) Qi г _ = LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
BY UNCLE DUST
m Developed and published by GRAPHICS SOUND. CONTROL _ FACTOR
Lucas Learning y =%49.99 84 players (with
multitap)
m Available now
= Kart racing
ч JU, ER GOMEAD, THE STAR WARS universe gets cute eR gees ПОРТР
j RACING. with the big-headed, power-up-filled flying- а ZA زرل
kart racer, Star Wars Super Bombad Racing. It’s a silly, enjoyable ride...unless you're one of those fanatics who take the Star Wars films a little too seriously.
MEESA TINKIN' DIS GAME BOMBAD
In this Star Wars take on the kart-racing genre, you find the usual suspects—Jar Jar, Yoda, Anakin, and Queen Amidala — plus some quite menacing-looking, big-headed racers, such as Darth Maul, PROTIP: Jump when stuck in traffic. Boss Nass, and Sebulba. While Bombad Racing is replete with You'll land on your opponent and conventional power-ups and a battle mode, it definitely has some slow him down.
special aspects: In Race mode, contestants glide across nine crazy tracks— each based on Episode | locations — using their jumping abilities to explore new levels and find shortcuts. The controls make this game both unique and a little frustrating as you some- times bounce and float out of control just when you need to
PROTIP: Master the timing of your jumps so you can à gather tons of power-ups and find extra shortcuts. make a big move. ZY] 4PROTIP: The game uses its Star Wars license well, creating hilarious
You'll need ^ character designs and several graphically impressive levels (like to memorize me оа Control Ship and Oep Gunga) The soundtrack offers N ur uds RUN cae OPE a hilariously super-deformed version of Episode | tunes, accompa- Wan bieakdante after а Win. there are nied by silly sound effects and ridiculous taunts. You go, Padawan!
Pind tums, ТНЕ FORCE 15 SILLY WITH THIS ONE Those who study Episode | for the meaning of life, may find this take on Star Wars a little grating, but Super Bombad Racing offers enough challenge and replay value to be a good party game for younger Star Wars fans. A
BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
WHILE THE OTHER Army Men: Air Attack games for the PlayStation and F m Developed and published by 3DO GRAPHICS SOUND — CONTROL “FACTOR Nintendo 64 barely took off, the much-improved PlayStation 2 version flies Z | as49.99 = Action à mighty high with spectacular visuals and improved gameplay. _| "Available now m2 players
More Sweat in Training... In Air Attack 2, you fly five fully loaded gunships,
including a Chinook and Apache, to complete ARMY M ME LO) ЖЕ 0nd \ /
missions that, hopefully, will break the Tan army’s ۱ front once and for all. You seek and destroy enemy A i T ATTACH K 2 factories, and rescue captured comrades in eye-
popping environments like a flower bed and a Halloween theme-world. Even the helicopters shine with great details, while fiery explosions and enemy strongholds add colorful dazzle to each level. The only downer is the game's sluggish frame rate when the onscreen action gets hectic.
PROTIP: Find bonus plastic by destroy- Gameplay has been greatly refined since previous Air Attack 2 versions. You'll use the ing objects like this ghost statue. winch utility more often to pick up power-ups, attack enemies with tethered objects, or
" throw items at foes. There are also bonus levels and hidden copter capabilities, plus smooth cut-scenes recount a deeper story line, e g
...Less Suffering in Combat The controls are the same as in other Air Attack games: simple and easy to learn. The intuitive analog steering keeps flying stable through heavy fire- fights, so, with your powerful artillery's auto-targeting, you decimate ground and air Tan forces at will. Add in boom- > PROTIP: ing sound effects and a star-spangled Don't collect orchestra, and this Green army wings the power-up its way to victory.
If you're looking for action-packed which tempo- Instead, push him with your helicopter to the area корон; Mine des du үл жола.
: А 2 your controls. where the switch is located, then fly away. He'll stay Style—sign up for a tour of duty with Air there, so you can complete your objectives without Attack 2. You won't be disappointed. / 7 being hassled.
PROTIP: In Mission 19, you can't destroy Von Belge.
2 КР 2 BY FOUR-EYED DRAGON
2. т Developed by Hudson Soft GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL FACTOR 5 = 2 m Published by Nintendo ROME VCCWS— Er. ccm EL š ы a a $ 4.0 4.0 | 5.0 5.0
g "Available May m4 players
мМ“ AND COMPANY once again
turn the doomed N64 into the star of the party with this third installment of the plumber’s fantastic board game.
DID SOMEONE SAY, "TENNIS"?
Mario Party 3 continues in the vein of its predecessors, as four Mario World char- acters duke it out on a virtual board, collecting coins and stars, and, of course, playing tons of mini-games. In fact, the game has 70 new and hilarious minis, which consist of four-on-four, three-on-one, two-on-two,
and one-on-one challenges. Plus, this Party comes with eight characters to choose from, including Mario Tennis veterans, Waluigi and Daisy. While you can play the game in single-player mode, you're better off with three friends— especially when the mini-games have you defying each other. The easy con- trols demand perfect timing with button presses and analog steering.
PARTY HEARTY
The simple visuals and cutesy sounds haven't changed. Five playing boards are painted according to colorful themes, with plenty of ground to cover while searching for hidden stars. The characters and mini-games are well-crafted though a little sparse. Surprisingly, aside from the annoyingly repetitious char- acter voices, the music on each level is soothing and fits the game’s themes perfectly. Don't throw out your N64 yet— Mario Party 3 is one of the last and best games you can play on the system.
It will definitely get PROTIP: To avoid falling оед
PROTIP: If you lose sight of ы > things started at watch the shadows for advarize the chicken in Fowl Play, just any party! I warning of where they'll land follow the footsteps. ,
è OTIP: In Eatsa Pizza, eat the pizza PROTIP: When it's every Mario char-
PROTIP: In Hand, Line, and Sinker, in a zigzag manner from end to end- acter for himself, as in Ice Rink Risk,
hold down the stick for precise casting. you're guaranteed to eat more without jump on the heads of your opponents leaving any crumbs. to slow them down.
GAMING ADDICTS WILL get more than their puzzle fix with Dr. Mario ] i i SOUND _ CONTROL FACTOR 64, a highly addictive 64-bit upgrade of the SNES title. Dr. Mario requires я š m Puzzle 3 more skill and patience than the usual Tetris knockoff, as you must form one- 84 players or two-tone tablets into similar-colored patterns to obliterate onscreen viruses. Sure it sounds simple, but you have very little room for error—one false move may need several pill drops to rectify, or may quickly NR, ШЫ ina рер Час ШШЕ ine = game. y ТЕ | A P As in most puzzle titles, Dr. M ~ L | Mario's gameplay is key, which is Xe -= , | a good thing because no one is likely to be | overwhelmed by the game's sights and sounds. Flat visuals do a | passable job, but innocuous sound effects are coupled with ob- | noxious music that's best silenced. Fortunately, the simple yet * 4& dead-on controls react perfectly and never | Š 24 make the game unintentionally frustrat- -d ing. N64 puzzle players who have Aa > "xS | x. ? played Pokémon Puzzle League to their wits’ end will find Dr. Mario to be great CPR for their waning system. O
=
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í
-— JUNE 2001 "i (106) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
BY DAN ELEKTRO
FUN FACTOR
GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL
Developed by Valve/Gearbox/Captivation Published by Sierra $49.99
Available now
First-person action
PRORE VC WS
HALF-LIFE
Ó VERHAULED, OVER-ACHIEVING, and way over its deadline, Half-Life has finally arrived on the Dream- cast. Was the console port of a first-person PC masterpiece worth the wait? Absolutely—in fact, doubly so.
| player
EXTRA LIFE
Half-Life on the Dreamcast is actually two games in one: the original PC adventure, wherein scientist Gordon Freeman tries to escape from an alien-infested, half-destroyed underground lab; and Blue Shift, in which lowly security guard Barney Calhoun finds himself trapped in the same situation elsewhere in the facility, facing his own set of headaches. Тһеге no multiplayer mode, but with two lengthy single-player scenarios, you’re looking
at many hours of intense gameplay.
FEAR THIS
Oh yes, it’s intense. All the creeping paranoia of the PC original has been perfectly preserved. Make no mistake: You will jump when a crab- like face-hugger leaps out at you from the darkness of a ventilation shaft. You will yelp like a schoolgirl when a slimy alien suddenly materializes and shoots green electricity at your head. You'll truly be sucked in from the opening credits on, and it's a gory,
slimy, bloody, M-rated journey most of the way.
The believable hi-res surroundings offer logical puzzles that are always in context. Thanks to the revamped player models, the game actually looks better than the PC version, especially through a VGA box. A foreboding musical score, very sparingly used, keeps you in the horror-movie atmosphere. The excellent voice-acting conveys believable emotions, from terror to sarcasm. Little touches like functional world objects and idle chatter between | computer characters give Half-Life more sheer personality i than most games, let alone other first-person shóoters. i
ONE HALF-LIFE TO LIVE.
Only the controls represent a compromise. They're com-
+1001 2 g0 y 25012501
PROTIP: Inspect all rooms for the sticky-tongue ceiling monsters, espe- cially areas that contain lookalike poles or bridge cables.
+851 ik, 70 iw MI
PROTIP: Always reload manually when you're in safe areas. Don't wait for your gun to auto-reload or you'll find yourself in a jam fast.
controller buttons. In truth, the game really does make the | best of a messy situation—don't let it deter you from your I one and only chance to play this fantastic port and the all- /
new Blue Shift on the Dreamcast. G
PROTIP: Near the beginning of Ca tive Freight in Blue Shift, pop the SU К for some hidden shotgun shell a health pack.
PROTIP: Never underestimate the power of a crowbar. Not only is it the best thing for busting crates, but it's a
PROTIP: Whenever you're traveling with a security guard, let him shoot as many enemies as possible. Guards have good aim and unlimited ammo—but
you'll still need to protect them.
darned good melee weapon.
GRAPHICS 5.0 SOUND 5.0
Who knew concrete could look so attractive? The whole game has been tailored to take advantage of the Dreamcast's visual strengths, down to rebuilt player models. The wasted lab (and what lies beyond) looks incredible.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
Not to take away from the sporadic, tense music stings and excellent voice acting, but it's often the skillful absence of music and human voices that makes Half-Life so damned scary. The dull thud of footsteps in an air duct can give you goosebumps.
ill be happy to hear that mouse control is as wide- open as they’ 'expect— but the over- dard controller, despite its comfort excellent response, will take some wrangling. It’s not bad, just complex.
107
+»
the most jaded first-person- —and the Dreamcast- ve Blue Shift lives up to the Life legacy. Own this!
.cPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
BY JAKE THE SNAKE
FUN GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL FACTOR
Developed and published by Acclaim Sports
$49.99 Baseball Available now 4 players
a Welcome to the Big Leagues = v | ARI O
HOU о PLATFORM W ITH AMAZING GRAPHICS and an obsessive attention to detail, All-Star ر Baseball 2002 comes closer to re-creating America’s favorite pastime than any other console game ever has—and it's darn fun to play, too,
Take Me Out to the Ballgame All-Star Baseball Was one of the best console base- ball series, but it's amazing how much Acclaim Sports’ two years of development on the PS2 has added to the series. Perhaps only Madden 2001 more faithfully represents its sport. PROTIP: With a flaming-fastball pitcher like Randy
; ; ; ; throw heat in the strike zone, If he's fast PROTIP: Sliders that break low апа While you get professional-quality, TV-style JOS н 4 enough, they'll miss-you can't hit what you can't catch. ric [s prp good for at least one presentation, including some of the most varied » H r Ç
SPORT
and insightful commentary in any game, you also get the intimate feel of really being in the A LL ST A R B A S E B Д ËL 30 superbly rendered ballparks. Each one has working scoreboards, waving flags, organ Rd Ñ music, and photo-realistic 2D crowds which murmur, cheer, boo, and clap. In Yankee
Stadium, you can see stragglers watching the game from the mezzanine behind left field.
Virtual Slugger m S LS = |. Even more impressive are the excellent player models and faces—with 130 unique batting stances, you often know ©) МЫТ whos at the plate without even hearing their name announced. Each pitcher has his own delivery style, and fielders
move with amazing realism and variety, including sliding shoestring catches and GRAPHICS 5.0
" dramatic throws while lying on the ground. Alternate and throwback jerseys ^ yng 8 Ç fee Baseball has never looked so good оп а
pad som grear visual variety. console. The parks and crowds are su- To Cursor or Not To Cursor perbly detailed; the player builds and faces look real; batters have signature Stances- and : swings; pitchers have unique deliveries; and fielders move and throw with amazing realism.
The cursor-style pitching/batting interfaces work well, creating precise control. Luckily for gamers who hate it, the cursor can be turned off, but you'll enjoy the dedicated noncursor gameplay of High Heat Major League Baseball 2002
PROTIP: When you hit a liner into the gap in the outfield, you have to tell your runner whether to turn the corner to
second base before he arrives at first more. All-Star’s gameplay is realistic even on the Rookie level, so expect pitch-
base or he'll overrun the bag. ing duels rather than high-scoring slugfests. On defense, most of your focus ; rr (у
is on pitching; the fielding controls do their job, though The murmuring crowd hushes at key fielders sometimes miss easy grounders. On offense, you moments and reacts to big plays with can choose the tilt and direction of your swing to put the cheers or boos, while the organ cranks ball in a gap, but baserunning is a little tricky, and your ` them up between irinings. The superbly runners will sometimes be tagged when they should have 7 professional play-by-play | and - color advanced safely. commentary by Bob Brenly and Thom
All-Star also has many cool extras sure to please Баѕе- ` ` Brennaman is rarely redundant, always ball fans, including а Cooperstown Legends team, in-depth interesting, апа: often surprisingly téam management, and multiple awards for season play, insightful.
including Who's Hot and Who's Not. If you like cursor- CONTROL 4.0
style controls and pretty graphics, avoid an error by snag- Р ^ gp AAT ging All-Star Baseball 2002. Otherwise, you may have mid c pitching a love the easy-to-use yet precise con-
more fun with High Heat. (9 trols, plus the cursor can be turned: off
for a faster, simpler game. The fielding controls are good, though they're slug- gish and sometimes ‘cause you to miss balls. The-tricky baserunning will often get you tagged out.
FUN FACTOR 4.5
Obviously, attention: to detail and ten- der loving care weht into making All- Star Baseball, 2002. It “has everything casual and’. serious’ baseball fans could want, and you'll have no trouble devot- ing many hours to playing your favorite
E E
PROTIP Once you have two strikes on PROTIP: When your opponent has PROTIP: If anyone is on base with less the batter and not a full count, throw a runners on base and less than two outs, than two outs, pitchers should bunt to breaking pitch where it can't be hit The throw low pitches so the batter grounds - advance the runner info scoring position batter may chase it for an easy K. into a double play. for the top of the lineup. team through à season.
GAMEPRO JUNE 200! (108) WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
x = Ф Ф ° 9 LJ o = Š 5 Э ° Res о.
Derek Jeter caught reading.
SPORTS PAGES
Hitting Fundamentals
There are no rules to follow that can make you a good hitter—-it's a matter of timing and good pitch selection— but here are a few things to remember to help you develop these skills.
This age-old baseball strategy has never been more effectively depicted than in High Heat MLB 2002 for the PlayStation 2. When facing a.right- handed pitcher, you want to have as many left-handed batters — or switch hitters—as possible; and when you're facing a left-handed pitcher, you want to fill your lineup with righties. Why? Its simple: Batting while standing on the opposite side of the pitcher's re- leasé arm enables you to follow the break of the pitch more easily. Other- wise, a slider or curveball will be par- tially obstructed by your batter and thus the pitch will be harder to judge. Of course, you never want to sit down your best hitters just because of the lefty/righty rule, but, late in a game, this is especially useful for pinch hitters. Another flaw is if you feel more comfortable batting fromi “ one side or the other; if so, this may reduce the benefit of switching between lefties and righties.
Britt Reames wis PITCHES 1
junk—and because there's no cursor to follow— you need to be able to tell what kind of pitch is coming and have a general idea of its speed. Check "The Art of Pitching" sec- tion (see next page), which reveals
all of the pitches and how they move.
The hardest pitches to differentiate between are the fastball and the change up, since they move similarly but at very different speeds. Once you're able to read what kind of pitch is coming, you should know how it's going to break and whether it's a strike or not. This is key for the next few hints.
By Uncle Dust
< то
Nona
The best way to identify pitches is to
watch them without taking a swing. lt may not be the most exciting thing to do while playing a video game, but it's what the pros do in real life and it pays off in High Heat MLB 2002. In the first inning—or whenever a new pitcher comes in—take the first couple of pitches to see the pitcher's delivery, how fast he throws, and what kind of break his pitches have. Each pitcher throws slightly differently, You may want to swing at everything— like you probably did in all previous baseball video games—but patience is really rewarded in this game.
BATTING & BASE RUNNING CONTROLLER LEGEND
EVERYONE
©
3 Booey Roncu на 25
In addition to taking pitches, уои should swing at only strikes. Al- though this may sound stupid and obvious, the best way to force this habit is to not use the directional pad to alter your swing early in the count. With this method, you swing at only strikes instead of reaching all over the plate for wild pitches out- side of the strike zone. This kind of discipline, along with being able to identify pitches in the strike zone, is rewarded by getting you ahead in the count. This, in turn, forces the pitcher to throw strikes, which en- ables you to hit hard line drives in- stead of weak grounders or pop flies.
= Hold to guess pitch, when option is tuned on
= Advance lead for base runner
= Retreat lead for Base runner
= Swing the bat
= Bunt Send all base runners to next base
= Return all base runners to previous base
Note: Use the directional pad to alter the swing or to choose a single base for base running.
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The Art of Pitching
Just like in the majors, good pitching beats good hitting—ask the Yankees and Braves about that. Pitching strategy is very deep in High Heat, so read on, starting with the basics.
The Pitches
You need to know how each pitch moves before you can pitch strategically. Although this varies between pitchers, here are the basics. All speeds for pitches are given in a range, so ifa pitcher throws hard, his pitches will all be in the high part of the range; slower-throwing pitchers will work in the bottom of the range.
The fastball is the most common pitch, and everyone throws it. It's the fastest, varying from 85 to100 mph. The pitch breaks very little, but some pitchers'
fastballs have a downward movement. All good pitching strategy starts with
knowing how to use the fastball, and
some closers use it exclusively to get hitters out.
The slider is a wicked pitch that comes in faster than а curveball and: has some serious break, which is almost com- pletely horizontal. Some of the most unhittable pitchers use these fast, sharp breaking pitches to embarrass hitters: The slider comes in at the low- to high-80s.on the radar gun.
| PITCHING CONTROLLER LEGEND = |
| Note:You must first select a bitch using x, O, controls.
yt
l 2
x Ш
ing area of the strike zone
area outside the strike zone 1 = Pitchout
Note:You must remember that your pitcher doesn’t always hit the location in or out of the strike zone that you request. Note:You can also move your infielders by pressing the directional pad and tapping Ll, and move the out-
| fielders by pressing the directional pad and tapping L2.
break, which is diagonal across the plate. It’s a dangerous pitch for hitters because it can fool them when kept in precise locations—but when it hangs over the plate; it becomes a sitting duck. This pitch is generally much slower than the fastball, clocking in at the mid-70s to mid-80s in mph.
The split-finger fastball has a sharp breakdown and is almost as fast as a fastball. This pitch is most deceptive when thrown low and out of the strike zone; it looks good and then breaks into the dirt. Like a slider, the splitter is generally low- to high-80s in mph.
‚ A, or RI before you activate these |
Hold to activate pick-off throw to base (select О, A, ог О) | R2 Hold with the directional pad to move pitcher on the mound Tap along with ^,¥,3, or € to throw a pitch in the correspond-
О = Tap along with ^,¥,3, ог € to throw a pitch in the corresponding
The curveball is named for its large
This variation on the curveball also has a large break, but moves vertically, not diagonally. This requires different locations— on the left and right sides of the strike zone —to be effective and is.less deceiving to hitters. Its speed is generally the same as the curveball's.
The sinker is like a slider with vertical movement. If a pitcher has a good one, it breaks down sharply — similar to the way a slider moves across. But the sinker is slower than a splitter or slider, and a little easier to read be- fore it crosses the plate. On the radar gun, a sinker usually clocks in at the mid-70s in mph.
A forkball resembles a split-finger fastball; as it comes in fast and drops hard. It's a specialty of some pitchers, like Boston's Hideo Nomo and Ari- zona's Armando Reynoso, who use it as a strike-out pitch. The speed of a forkball is mid-80s mph.
This pitch's name comes from its change of pace when compared to the fastball. The two pitches look similar in delivery, but the changeup comes in ас 10 tol5 mph slower, fool- ing batters as they wave at the air expecting a fastball. The speed of a changeup depends on the pitcher's fastball, but a changeup clocks in usually between 70 and 80 mph.
This rare pitch comes in at amazingly slow speeds and is incredibly hard to get the timing for early on. But once hitters get the timing down, they can usually wait on the pitch and hit it
very hard. Knuckleball pitchers throw all pitches a little slower, and knuck-
leballs come in around 50 mph.
XB Wh RL Another rare pitch, which has the appearance of moving in a circle. Its break is deceiving, as it moves against the natural spin of a breaking pitch and is best used out of the strike zone— otherwise, it may hang over the plate. Screwballs are usually about 70 to 80 mph.
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PORTS PAGES
HIGH HEAT MLB 2002
PROSTRATEGY GUIDE
The Delivery
Another thing to take into account when pitching is your pitcher’s arm action, or how he throws the ball. This massively affects how the pitches break, which may change the locations you have to aim for.
This is the most over-the-top arm action, which gives pitches more break up and down—hence the overhand curveball. Generally, pitchers with this motion throw sinkers more often than sliders to go along with one or more of the changeup, curveball, and fastball.
The three-quarter is the standard re- lease for most pitchers in the majors. Pitchers who throw from this angle can have the widest assortment of pitches, and the break of these pitches is the norm from which the prior pitches were described,
Enough With the Basics, Here's the Strategy!
Here are a few tried and true pitching techniques that throw off computer A.l. and human opponents.
The key to good pitching is getting ahead in the count. However, this doesn't mean always throw a fastball down the middle for your first pitch; instead use your best pitches early in the count, and, when a hitter is swing- ing defensively, he should chase pitches out of the strike zone later.
To throw this deceiving pitch, tap (З О) for a right-handed pitcher, or (К О) for a lefty. A curveball K pitch breaks across the plate and out of the strike zone, making batters whiff. Even if a batter makes contact, it usually results in just a weak ground ball. A curveball K doesn't work with an overhand curve.
The harder the slider and the more it breaks, the better this pitch is to use. When facing a batter who hits from the side you pitch from (righty- righty or lefty-lefty), throw an inside slider, varying it from high to low in the strike zone. If thrown correctly, the pitch will be hidden behind the batter for a split second before it comes right over the plate.
They don't call the game High Heat for nothing—a pitcher with a strong fastball can get away with throwing high in the strike zone. When reach- ing high-90s to 100 mph, you can throw the ball right by an unsuspect- ing hitter or cause him to pop out. You can also throw the fastball low and out of the strike zone by tapping (A. О), which, depending on your pitcher's arm motion; can also be à deceiving strike-out pitch.
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This delivery puts more emphasis оп horizontal movement of the pitches, since the throwing arm goes directly out away from the pitcher's body at the time of release. Sliders can be deadly with this delivery—just see Arizona's Randy Johnson.
Don't be afraid to throw pitches out of the strike zone; it is always better to give up a walk than a home run. If you get behind in the count on a tough hitter, give him a free pass to first— then you'll face the next hitter with a clean slate.
Successful off-speed pitchers who win lots of games in the majors—like Tom Glavine and Charles Nagy —adhere to one golden rule: Keep the ball
; down. When throwing a. variety of
breaking pitches without a Strong fastball, you need to throw at the bottom of the strike zone, which doesn't allow hitters to drive.the ball. This leads to many groundouts, so you also need to have a solid. de- fense behind you.
The submarine is an extreme version of the sidearm in which the delivery comes from almost an underhand release. This is the most disorient- ing of all deliveries, so use this to your advantage. You have to aim pitches differently when throwing this way, as the break of pitches is altered dramatically.
L E soc uui ij This is one technique that usually works only against human opponents (and sometimes the computer on rookie difficulty). Don't feel obligated to-ever throw.a strike. If you face an anxious hitter, continually throw him pitches outside the strike zone. If he can't hold up, he'll strike out от, at ^ —— the worst, hit weak ground balls. n
There are two ways to fool hitters with the changeup. First is to throw the fastball; when the change comes, their'timing is off and they swing early. This can also be used when batters are guessing fastball on 2-0 and 3-0. counts. Second is to throw a high change. where your. curveball, slider, or sinker breaks. The ball trav- els the same initial path, but then won't break as much and should fool hitters.
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SPORTS PAGES
PROSTRATEGY GUIDE
Think Defensively
No matter how good your pitcher is, he'll need a solid defense behind him to win on a regular basis. So here's a run- down of common mistakes and approaches to defense that will help reduce errors and misplays.
The Right Man for the Joh
Lo ы LL]
A necessity for good defense is switch- ing players at the right time (by tapping A). The computer doesn't always give you the right infielder to play when the ball is hit. Or the ball may get past the pitcher, and you need to change players and react before the ball scoots through the infield, leav- ing you with another base runner.
Might as Well Jump
Don't overuse your defensive players' diving/jumping abilities. You can dive by pressing any direction on the direc- tional pad along with tapping X; to simply jump- straight up in the air, tap X. Each player has a fairly wide reach, however, and grabs whatever comes near him—as long as it isn't hit like a rocket. Use diving/jumping as a last resort and only when you know you can't make the play by simply running, because when you dive, it takes a while to recover. Also, you can acci- dentally dive past a ball.
DEFENSE CONTROLLER LEGEND
LI ~a
L2 —
= Throw to cut off man
Hold with the directional pad for defender to run to base Hold with the directional pad for defender to run to base runner
= Throw to first base = Throw to second base = Throw to third base
= Throw to home plate or jump/dive before you have the ball
Note:You can also tap any button to cut off a throw after it's in the air.
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Judging Fly Balls mr. ая
Being a good outfielder requires, that you be a good judge of fly balls. You're given a red circular icon that shows you where the ball is going, but you also need to look at the shadow of the ball and interpolate where the red icon will be when the ball lands. This way, you can get into position without making last-minute adjust- ments, which could cause you to drop the ball.
You also need to approach fly balls and liners into the outfield cautiously. The worst mistake you can make is to let the ball get by you and roll to the wall, enabling hitters to stretch dou- bles into triples, extra runs to score, and big innings to get prolonged. So when you see a deep drive that you aren't going to be able to catch, run back at an angle to cut off the ball after it bounces, but before it hits the wall. It’s better to get behind a ball and run toward it than to run directly at it, because nothing is more embar- rassing than a ball flying over your outfielder's head for an inside-the- park home run.
the Cutoff Man. `;
conve
Besides quickly getting to balls hit into the outfield, you need to know the best way to get them back into the infield—and this usually requires the cutoff man: Pressing Rl after you catch the ball tosses it to an infielder who is halfway onto the outfield — then you can decide which base to throw it to. This not only improves accuracy, but also increases the speed at which the ball gets to a base.
But it's not always the answer. Some short fly balls don't enable you to throw to a cutoff man, and sometimes it's quicker to throw directly to second base to try to stop a runner going for a double.
Follow these simple guidelines to help improve your chances of winning the World Series (and beat- ing your friends) in High Heat MLB 2002. Play ball! @
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OLE- PLAYER'S REALM
ISO TIRATE
That depressing ending for Lunar 2: e Eternal Blue Complete isn't the last ' ر word. In this ProStrategy Guide, we'll we dn walk you through the Epilogue adven- A ture, show you where to find rare NAL BLUE < items and weapons, and take you to
CCOMPI ^pa the real ending of the game.
EI By Mage-or Mike
Li p Seay tc» | ee
Luna’s Bromide
Mauri’s Bromide | and 2
You just finished playing Lunar 2: Eter- Before you leave Raculi, talk to Mauri. You can also find Luna’s Bromide in Time to get the last party member. nal Blue Complete, and the hero— She gives you Mauri’s Bromide |. a house that's located to the south- From the Carnival, go south and then or, in this case, Hiro— didn't get the You can find Mauri's Bromide 2 in west of the throne room. Talk to travel east until you reach the Mystic girl. After the first ending, load the the chest behind her house. The the woman inside the house, and Ruins.
data that you saved to a memor next party member you should find she gives it to you.
card—it should be called “Epilogue” is Pee 4 7 Е 2 Lucia’s Bromide 3
Now you can see the game's real Jean And Ghaleon' $ АДА
ending and explore some extra dun- Lemina AS s: я
geons. However, there’s a little task that must be completed first.
Putting the Band Back Together
You start back at Gwyn's House with Ruby. The first order of business is to re-form your battle group by finding
all four of your colleagues. The easiest From Vane, travel south and then Peor oaren gyne Rams a
way to collect all the party members From Dalton, head north until you east until you reach Nota. Pass un- one of the faeries in the garden and
is to use the city of Dalton as a refer- reach Vane. You can find Lemina in der the bridge at Nota, go east, and get Lucia’s Bromide 3. You can also
ence point. Dalton is west of Gwyn's the throne room at that city. then travel north until you reach the find Ghaleon's Bromide in the room
House. Although she's kidding, agree to Carnival. Jean is in the open area in With the teleporter that warps you pay her “fee.” Stop by the library— the back of the Carnival. to the roof.
Ronfar which is to the southeast of the | eek, throne room—examine the green book against the back wall, and then return to the throne room and talk back to Miria.
Jean’s Bromide 3 and 4
Borgan’s Bromide
Climb to the top of the Ruins and find Leo. Instead of making the long
The first party member that you Ce. - Р T : рау У You can also find two of Jean’s Bro- descent to the entrance of the Ruins,
a aie eS udi mides here. Jean's Bromide 4 is in a simply use a Dragonfly Wing to warp of Dalton. 35 can find ROWE (ñ chest pated in the northeast cor- there. Now the adventure can begin— one of the houses along the seashore. E aos Brom dee aE — "ORE purchase from the guy with blue hair Before you leave the throne room, in the southeast corner for 30005:
talk to Borgan and take Borgan's Bromide.
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Before you head off to the final battle, make some quick stops to collect rare items and missing Bromides.
Nota
Take the Dragonship Destiny to Nota and enter the east side of the city. Go inside the house that’s con- nected to the bridge and talk to the bride. Agree to do her a favor and take the message she gives you to Kyle. Kyle is in the bar on the west side of the city (across the bridge). Give the message to Kyle and en- courage him not to give up.
Rememberizer Crystal
You should ultimately get the Remem- berizer Crystal—a handy item that enables you to view any cinema in the game, but only after you return to the place where that cinema origi- nally occurred.
ds Aah, From Nota, go west and then north until you reach Taben's Peak— it's to the northwest of Vane.
Lucia’s Bromide 4
Talk to the man next to the gondola and take it to the second floor. Enter the room to the north and go through
GAMEPRO JUNE 200!
the door in the northwest corner. Enter the jail and take Lucia’s Bro- mide 4 from the chest in the north- east corner of the cell.
Lucia’s Bromide 2 ^ [E |
Return to the previous room and go through the doorway in the north- east corner. From there, go through the middle door that's against the north wall. Talk to the baby and take Lucia's Bromide 2.
Althena's Sword
sns et tl Return to the previous room and go through the west-most door against the north wall. Talk to Nall, and he gives you Althena's Sword. Equip Hiro with this new weapon.
Nall's Bromide
Exit the room, and, in the next area, repeatedly talk to the kid against the north wall in the room with the see- saw. He eventually gives you Nall's
Bromide. Time to leave Taben's Peak.
Meribia Eo pj Ё
From Taben’s Peak, head southwest until you find Meribia.
Enter the city and go to the Tunnels of Terror. You should find Lemina’s Bromide 4 in one of the treasure chests in the maze-like catacombs.
From Meribia, head west until you reach Horam.
Jean’s Bromide I
Enter the Drunken Fist Dojo on the west side of the city and talk to the old man. You should get Jean's Bro-
mide |.
Takkar
To the south of the Mystic Ruins is Takkar—your next destination.
Mystere’s Bromide
Talk to the man at the gates and take
Mystere's Bromide.
Dragon's Nest
Dragon's Nest. From Azado, go west and then turn north. You can obtain the following items on these floors. LeveL ВІ: Goddess Hairpin
LeveL B2: Goddess Bracelet
LeveL ВЗ: Nameless Sword
LeveL B4: Dragon Shield
LeveL B5: Sage Staff
LeveL B6: Nothing
Levet B7: Life Jewel
LeveL B8: Silver Light
Leve. B9: Chaos Armor
Leve. ВІ0: Gale Crest
After obtaining the Gale Crest on BIO, use the Dragonfly Wing to escape the dungeon.
Brave Lab
yrinth
b d EN Your next dungeon is the Brave Laby- rinth, which is located to the north of Horam. Before you go there, be sure to stop by a shop and replenish any supplies that you may need. Make sure Hiro has equipped the Althena Sword, Gale Crest, and Goddess Crest.
Section I: Unlock the Door
The first room has four sword sym- bols imbedded in the floor and a closed door against the north wall. In order to open the door, you must lure the monsters in the room over each sword symbol. If you kill all the monsters in this room before the switches are triggered, simply step on one of the two star symbols in the middle of the room to summon more creatures.
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OLE-PLAYER’S REALM
PROSTRATEGY GUIDE
LUNAR 2:
ETERNAL BLUE COMPLETE
Section 2: Switch Sequence
SOL ESSEC r:
BORIS ERIM ESO OES
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РАСЕЯ
The next five rooms have four statues
each. When you examine the correct
statue, the door opens that leads to
the next room; however, if you ex-
amine the wrong statue, you'll auto-
matically enter a battle.
* In the first room, examine the second statue from the left.
* In the second room, examine the third statue from the left.
* In the third room, examine the first statue from the left.
* In the fourth room, examine the fourth statue from the left.
* In the fifth room, examine the third statue from the left.
If you go into battle by examining the wrong statue, you'll face Lady Charme and other monsters. If this
happens, take out Lady Charme first— otherwise, she casts Charm, which can seriously mess up your party. If you lose track of which room you're in, you can backtrack to previous rooms.
Section 3: Long Corridor
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The next stretch is a long corridor
with spike traps in the floor. You have
a 50/50 chance of taking damage at
each floor trap. If you activate a spike
trap, the entire party takes damage.
* At the first set of spikes, pass on the right.
* At the second set of spikes, pass on the left.
* At the third set of spikes, pass on the left.
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* At the fourth set of spikes, pass on the left.
* At the fifth set of spikes, pass on the right.
* At the sixth set of spikes, pass on the right.
Section 4: Treasure?
Before you open the treasure chest, be sure everyone has the maximum HP and MP. Why? Because there's a boss inside the chest that must be defeated before you can grab the treasure.
Although there are three bosses to fight—Sword Arm, Fist Arm, and Hero’s Talisman—focus your attacks on Heros Talisman. If you destroy Fist or Sword Arm, Hero's Talisman will simply summon another one — yet, take out any Fist Arms that appear, otherwise they can cause a lot of trouble with the obnoxious electric orbs that they like to chuck at individual party members. Ronfar should cast Shining Litany, and the others should use high-level attacks, such as Jean's Blue Dragon Fist, Leo's Grizzle Blade, Lemina's Catastrophe — she learns this spell at Level 5 1—апа Hiro's Triple Sword. As for Ronfar, he should cast Tranquil Litany each round. After the battle, you're awarded with Hero's Talisman. Use a Dragonfly Wing to quickly exit the dungeon.
Lionhead
is located to the southeast of Zaback. Most of the monsters in this dun- geon are tougher than others you've faced so far.
There are basically four monsters that you must deal with here. Work- ing Stiffs like to inflict Silence with each hit, so be sure to equip Lemina or Jean with the Clear Ring or an- other non-status change item. Work- ing Stiffs are weak against physical attacks. However, if theres a Mummy Lord accompanying any Working Stiffs, all Working Stiffs will fall if the Lord is defeated. Hiro's Triple Sword works wonders on the Mummy Lord.
Mutant Turtles have a high defense and are susceptible to Lemina's Catastro- phe or Crematorium magic attacks. In addition to a nasty bite, Mutant Turtles can also unleash a devastating lightning storm. Whenever sparks emanate from a Mutant Turtle, move any nearby characters away from it — otherwise, they all take damage.
The last type of monster to con- tend with is the Dark Eye, which should be avoided.
When you reach Floor 5F, enter each room and press the left green button in the floor. You can find the following items in these rooms: Fantasy Ribbon, Miracle Bandana, Lunn's Armlet, and Holy Shield. If you keep repeating the pattern, you'll eventually end up on the top of the Lionhead temple — Lionhead Top 2.
Hiro's 8romide You can find Hiro's Bromide on Lion- head Top 2. Through the door to the
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Devil Eye is a tough customer. The 1 key to defeating him is to keep your party healed at all times and to hit him with a barrage of magic attacks. At the start of the fight, have Hiro cast Burning Rage on the entire party. Have Lemina cast Ice Arrows, Leo use Soul Blade, Jean hit Devil with Blue Dragon Palm, Hiro use Cross- Boomerang, and Ronfar cast Divine Litany.
Devil Eye has his own assortment of nasty attacks, including bubbles he blows at individual characters. But his most devastating offense is a holo- graphic prism that damages all party members. Be sure to heal all party members after each attack, and Devil Eye should eventually fall.
After the battle, take the Silver Light, Healing Ring, and Fierce Fist from the chests, and press the top green button. Instead of battling all the. way back to the bottom, use a Dragonfly Wing to quickly escape the dungeon.
е
Althena’s Spring
A МАХ IN Use Lucia's Pendant to warp to Takkar. Before you enter the next dungeon, heal all party members, and, if you're low on supplies, stop by some other towns and do a little shopping. When you're ready, leave Takkar through the south town entrance. In the next area, head south and then go west until you enter the forest. Once inside the for- est, head east and enter Althena's Spring. Go through the door against the north wall.
OLE-PLAYER’S REALM D LUNAR 2: ETERNAL BLUE COMPLETE PROSTRATEGY GUIDE
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In the next room, step on the teleporter pad. You are then confronted with a series of maze-like rooms. Here's the correct path through each room.
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Catastrophe, and Leo cast Grizzle Blade. Try to focus your attacks on the Guardian holding the scepter first, as he likes to heal the other two Guardians.
After the “healing” guardian is gone, focus your attacks on the small floating guardian, and then take out the tall one holding the sword.
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Alex’s Ocarina
The dungeons prize is in the treasure chest against the north wall—Alex’s Ocarina. With this instrument, you can listen to any music track in the game. Use a Dragonfly Wing to exit the dungeon.
The Two Dragon “Eyes”
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Water Ruins
Guardians After the fifth room, heal your party and then go north to confront the boss—three bosses, actually—Knight Guardian, Mage Guardian, and Angel Guardian.
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It's time to collect the two final items that unlock the end of the game. Take the Dragonship Destiny to Nota, and, from Nota, travel southwest until you reach the Water Ruins. Now that the water level has gone down, you can enter the Ruins.
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Start the battle with Hiro casting Enter Burning Rage and Ronfar casting Di- vine Litany. For offense, have Jean cast Blue Dragon Fist, Lemina use
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You can’t exit the room until you press the two dragon switches on the east and west sides of the room. When you press both switches, the water in the northeast and northwest pools drain. Enter each drained pool and press the red switch along the north wall. Before you leave the room, raid the treasure chests for the Saint Clothes and Goddess Armor. Exit the room through the door at the south end.
Water Ruins 5
You're now outside. Go west and then north up the stairs.
Water Ruins 2f
You must press four switches on this floor in order to drain the pool of water that leads to the next level. You can also find a Sage Robe, Dragon Helm, and Berserker Claw in treasure chests scattered around the room.
Water Ruins 3Ё
You don’t have to worry about any switches on this floor; just collect the Life Jewel and Silver Light. The door that leads to the next floor is in the northeast corner.
Water Ruins 4F
Here's a simple vertical stretch—the exit is in the southwest corner of the room.
Water Ruins 5Р1
Be sure all party members are fully healed and have the maximum MP, because there's a boss on this floor. To start the fight, head to the north end of this room. However, you can avoid the boss by taking a secret pas- sage. The passage is located to the east of the door that you entered this room through.
Water Ruins 5F2
Taking the shortcut in 5Р1 leads to this room. Exit this room through the door along the north wall.
Water Guardian
do ls HP 46 MP 107
If you decide to fight the boss, start the battle with the usual tactics — have Hiro cast Burning Rage and Ron- far cast Divine Litany. For offense, have Jean use Blue Dragon Fist, Lemina cast Catastrophe, and Leo use Buzz Blade. Have Hiro use Triple Sword when he starts his offensive attacks.
Water Guardian likes to use water and lightning attacks, but his nastiest maneuver is the launching of a single bubble that encases a single party member. That member is then im- prisoned until he faints.
Left Sapphire Jewel
T ш
No matter which route you took to arrive here, the prize is the same— the Left Sapphire Jewel. Use a Dragon- fly Wing to exit the dungeon.
Dragon Ruins
To the west of Gwyn's House is your next destination—the Dragon Ruins. You can find these treasures on the corresponding floors.
FLoon 4F: Justice Rod, Dragon Armor
FLOOR SF: Scarlet Wrap
FLooR 6F: Lion Helm, Archer Crest, Goddess Gauntlet
FLooR 8F: Silver Light
LUNAR 2:
Floor 9F
When you reach 9F, heal all party members and max out their MP, be- cause there's a very tough boss on this floor. You might also want to save your game.
Phantom Sentry
Start things out with the usual Burn- ing Rage/Divine Litany casting. Also, have Jean cast Slam Dance on herself, and then hammer away with Blue Dragon Fist. Hiro should use Triple Sword, Leo Soul Blade, and Lemina Catastrophe.
However, there’s one important thing to be on the lookout for when fighting Phantom: When he sucks all the party members into a small tight group, use the Defend command in the next round and move your party members away from Phantom Sentry and each other. If you don’t scatter your party after this tactic, Phantom will unleash an energy wave that will knock your party flat.
Right Opal Jewel
@ Right Opal Jewel * Itsparkles like a star. _
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After the battle, go through the east door along the north wall, and, in the next room, go through the east door along the north wall. You should end up at the dragon's head statue and the Right Opal Jewel. Use a Dragonfly Wing to quickly exit the dungeon.
Starlight Forest
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Again, you may want to visit some shops and stock up on supplies be- fore proceeding. From the Dragon Ruins, head northwest until you reach
ETERNAL BLUE COMPLETE
the Starlight Forest. Go through the forest until you reach the Star Dragon Tower.
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| А] iknow these stairs weren't here | before, Hiro...but why S J here now? When you reach the dragon head statue, put the jewels into the cor- rect eye sockets. Once inside, you have to survive six floors filled with tough monsters before the final bat- tle. Be sure to conserve as many Sil- ver and Star Lights as possible for the final battle on the seventh floor. Although most of the monsters you encounter during your ascent are challenging, beware of Bomb Angels. Whenever you encounter these cannon-carrying monsters, take them out immediately; other- wise, your party could get wiped out in a few turns.
Star Guardian
At the seventh floor, when you're confronted by Star Dragon, tell him "| must find Lucia!” to start the final battle against the Star Guardian.
You need to rely on only one attack during this battle — Triple Sword. Re- peatedly hack away at Star Guardian with this magic attack and use a Pas- sion Fruit to heal when your health drops to around 150 HP. Also, feed yourself a Silver Light when your MP drops below 30.
After the battle, the only thing left to do is travel to the Blue Star—and watch the real ending! (5
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PlayStation 2 | Nintendo 64 Star Wars Starfighter Excitebike 64 Christmas FMV Sequence, Invincibility, and More Debug Mode, Invincibility, and More
AE xTc'it'e bike, 64 = [aD CHLOCOGOG | n e r1A|C hea |
A sack 4 select Ó X ok
(ОСОО COG 1 Е,
Transparent Rider Enabled Press the A Button
| | |
Ocrase 4 P X select O ok
At the main menu, select Options. At the Options menu, select Code Setup. At the main menu, simultaneously press L, right-C, bottom-C, A to Enter any of the following passwords to unlock these cheats. If you entered open the Enter A Cheat Code menu. Input any of the following passwords to the code correctly, the name of the cheat will appear or you'll automatically activate these cheats. If you entered the code correctly, the name of the cheat go to the unlocked section. will appear onscreen.
Christmas FMV Sequence: woz Debug Mode: IMGOINGNOW
Default Screen: SHOTS Invincibility: MOWER
Director Mode: DIRECTOR Odd Color Mode: ROTCOLS
Disable Cockpit Display: NOHUD Transparent Rider Mode: XLURIDER
Joey Shofet—Encino, CA
Jar Jar Mode: JARJAR ча
Planet Gallery: PLANETS *
Ship Gallery: 20
Unlock Everything: OVERSEER
Unlock Special Player Craft: BLUENSF
Unlock Two-Player Missions: ANDREW View Cast and Ships: HEROES View Credits: CREDITS
View Development Team: TEAM
View Simon: SIMON
Michael Schoenneman—Oak Park, IL
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001 WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Knockout Kings 2001 Unlock Boxers in Career Mode
At the Game Modes screen, select Career, and then choose New. At the Create Boxer screen, enter any of the following names to unlock the corre- sponding boxer. If you entered the code correctly, the crowd will roar and you'll fight as the unlocked boxer.
Charles Hatcher: Chuck Zito: David Bostice: David Defiagbon: David DeMartini:
BOSTICE
Joe Mesi: BAILEY
Junior Seau:
GAME
PlayStation Spec Ops: Stealth Patrol
invulnerability
d GAME OPTIONS He
vidit
tx 3
E cs
His AUTE Шш NVANERABLE ON СО ROCKSTAR
mm
At the Sign In screen, enter ROCKSTAR as your name and start a normal game. Pause the game, and, at the Game Options menu, highlight “Invulnerability,” and then press X to activate the cheat.
Adam Town—Mallory, NY
Dreamcast Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes
All Characters, Snow Mission, and cU
SFFRMV
ar. 7 = Баш | PLAYERS 1
| PLAYMODE CAMPAIGN = =] INPUT CODE
| OPTIONS
Р?
Press) A Start Button
At the Main Menu, choose Input Code. Enter any of the following passwords to unlock these cheats and levels. If you entered the code correctly, Sarge will say something and the name of the cheat or level will appear onscreen.
TERSQGAMEPRO.COM
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PlayStation NBA Hoopz
Beach Court, Infinite Turbo, and More
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At the Tonight's Matchup screen, enter any of the following codes to unlock these cheats. If you entered the code correctly, the name of the cheat will appear onscreen.
Note: The No Fouls and No Hotspots cheats work only in a two-player game, and both players must enter the codes.
ABA Ball: Press O, A, O, Right. Away Uniform: Press A, A, O, O, O, O, Right. Beach Court: Press A, A, O, O, O, Left. Big Heads: Press D, O, 0, Right. Granny Shots: Press 0, A, A, O, Left. Home Uniform: Press ^, O, O, O, ight. Infinite Turbo: Press О, О. O, A, O, O, Up. No Fouls: Press Ll, O, A, A, O, O, Right. No Goaltending: Press Ll, О, O, O, A, A, A J, O, O, O Left. No Hotspots: Press O, O, O, О, Up. Show Hotspot: Press О, ^, Down. Show Shot Percentage: Press A, O, Down. Street Court: Press Ll, O, O, A, A, Left. Tiny Heads: Press D, О, О, A, A, A, Left. iny Players: Press Ll, 0, 0, O, O
4 m MASTER = - ME 2001 OF BUSHID(
PlayStation Gauntlet Legends
Unlock Levels and Power-Ups, And Maximize Experience Level
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PRESS STORT DUTTON
enter Dant “г Now YOU
are f bor cul TRULY @Lecend! ||
At the Select Hero screen, enter MESSIAH as your name. If you entered the code correctly, you'll hear a sound, all levels and power-ups will be unlocked, and your experience level will be maximized.
Magnolia Hidden Bloopers
color bars
At the main menu, select Set-Up, and then select Color Bars. After about 20 seconds, the color bars will disappear and eight minutes of bloopers will play.
Kengo: Master of Bushido
Play as Student
At the Select Character screen, simultaneously press and hold LI and RI, and then press X to make your selection. If you entered the code cor- rectly, you'll play as the student.
WWW.GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
Dreamcast NBA Hoopz Street Court, Tiny Players, and More
Dreamcast
NBA 2K1
Giant Heads, р Clothes, and More
ISHY'S MATCHUP à MEA маа,
e SEASON “TOURNAMENT MINIGAMES D EET „ OPTIONS a, CUSTOMIZE ME ——— „ LOAD/SAVE
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At the Tonight’s Matchup screen, enter any of the following codes to unlock At the main menu, choose Options, and then select Codes. Enter any of the these cheats. If you entered the code correctly, the name of the cheat will [| following cheat codes to unlock these cheats. If you entered the code cor-
appear onscreen.
rectly, a message will appear confirming the cheat was input correctly.
Note: The No Fouls and No Hotspots cheats work only in a two-player game, and both players Й Note: Passwords are case sensitive.
must enter the codes.
ABA Ball: Press X, A, B, Right.
Away Uniform: Press A, A, B, B, B, B, Right. Beach Court: Press A, A, B, B, B, Left.
Big Heads: Press B, B, B, Right.
Granny Shots: Press X, A, A, B, Left.
Home Uniform: Press A, B, B, B, B, Right. Infinite Turbo: Press X, X, X, A, B, B, Up. No Fouls: Press X, X, A, A, B, B, Right.
Cool Looks: radical
Giant Heads: heliumbrain
Infected Players:
Players Taunt After Scoring:
No Goaltending: Press X, X, X, X, A, A, A, A, B, B, B, B, Left. | PlayStation 2
No Hotspots: Press X, X, X, B, Up.
Show Hotspot: Press X, A, Down.
Show Shot Percentage: Press A, B, Down. Street Court: Press X, X, A, A, Left.
Tiny Heads: Press X, X, X, A, A, A, Left.
Maximize Skill Levels
options select
@ Ф e Dg Ë š * character
i Y g L3 A
Tiny Players: Press X, X, X, X, X, A, A, A, A, B, B, B, Left.
GAM UNE 2
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At the Options screen, simultaneously press and hold LI, L2, RI, R2, and then press O, O, O, O, O, x, A, Down. If you en- tered the code correctly, you'll hear a sound and every character will have maximum skill levels.
Bradfield Donaldson—Chicago, IL
"GAMEPRO.COM LETTERS@GAMEPRO.COM
SEW EAL DEO
PlayStation 2/DVD Player
Three Kings
Щ TV Spot and Web Site Passwords
COMMENTARY BY PRI 4 ү " CHARLES ROVEN т. ишн
ED MCODNNE 4 | Ў MY AD GAB
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TV Spot: At the main menu, select Special Features, then select Production Notes. At the Production Notes screen, select Origins, then press Up, and an orange grenade appears. Press X to go to the next screen, then press X again to start the hidden TV Spot.
Web Site Password 1: At the Special Features menu, select Cast & Crew. Press Up, and an orange grenade appears. Press X, and you are given a password to be used at the Three Kings Events Web site.
Web Site Password 2: At the Special Features menu, select Continue twice to get to the final menu. Press Down, Down, Down, and an orange grenade appears. Press X, and you are given another password to be used at the Three Kings Events Web site.
PlayStation 2 Oni Big-Head Mode, One-Hit Kills, and More
PAUSED
During a game, press Select, highlight “Help,” press L2, LI, L2, Down, О,
Down, and then enter any of the following codes to activate these cheats.
If you entered the codes correctly, you'll hear a sound. Note: To press R3 or L3, depress the Right or Left analog stick until you hear a click. Big-Head Mode: Press Start, Down, O, Start. j
Giant Mode: Press R3, Down, O, Start. Invisibility: Press L1, R3, L2, L3.
One-Hit Kills: Press L3, R3, O, Down.
Tiny Mode: Press L3, R3, Down, O. Unlimited Ammunition: Press L2, L2, LI, L3. Unlimited Health: Press R3, L3, R3, O.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001!
PlayStation 2/DVD Player
The Ninth Gate Hidden TV Spots
rH G ATE
« INDEX
TV Spot 1: At the Main Menu, select Special Features. At the Special Features menu, highlight “Trailers” and press Left so “TV Spot 1” appears with a key underneath. Press X to start a hidden TV Spot from the film.
TV Spot 2: At the Special Features menu, highlight the arrow to the right of Main Menu and press X to access the second page of Special Features. Select
| Gallery of Satanic Drawings. Go to the second drawing of the fourth gate
entitled “Chance is not the same for all,” and you should see the initials “AT” Press Up to highlight the initials and press X to start the hidden TV spot.
| TV Spot 3: At the second page of Special Features, select Production Notes.
At the Production Notes screen, highlight the right arrow and press X until the DVD credits appear (the last page). While the DVD credits are onscreen, press Up and the words “TV Spot” should appear at the
upper-left corner. Press X to start the hidden spot.
ography, and the initials “AT” will appear. Press Up, then press X to start the hidden TV Spot.
TV Spot 4: At the second page of Special Features, select Cast & Crew. At the Cast & Crew screen, highlight the arrow to the right of Main Menu and press X to access the second page of Cast
& Crew. Select Michael Cheyko, then select Film-
here are som or “SN” in the upp 14 or Super NES, respectively.
Super NES Rock n’ Roll Racing Unlock Warrior Levels
ENTER POSSHORD PIAVEN f CFVR Ovex SIJ:
To unlock these Warrior Levels, enter the following passwords.
СпетМ, В Class: — ChemVI, А Class: Drakonis, B Class: Drakonis, A Class: Bogmire, B Class: Bogmire, A Class: New Mojave, B Class: New Mojave, A Class: NHO, B Class:
NHO, A Class: INFERNO, B Class: INFERNO, A Class:
Super NES
DR8R QQTX RS6M OBD8 QORX SWJ! 7CB8 Q8T5 SWJ! ZCB8 Q8R5 SWJ!
!CB8 Q8TD SWJ! ——
KFBR Q8RD 927! SFBR Q8TN 92J! JFBR Q8RN 927: MFBR Q8SX 92J! CFYR Q8QX 5TJ! LFYR 0855 5TJ! BFYR 0805 5TJ!
TMNT Tournament Fighters
Fight at New Stages
TEENAGE MUTANT ATNUA
e. & + S Y Mw 2
© TOURNAMENT us Feartce
STURYRBATILE
iki
1333 KONAMI_ALUSRIGHTS RESERV
At the title screen, press L, R, R, L, R, L, В, A. Select Vs. Battle, and you'll be able to fight in the Metro Train Stage and the Studio 6 Stage.
GAMEPRO JUNE 2001
Dragon's Revenge
Unlock Stages
) 9 3 €
ENTER YOUR PASSWORD
“SUF (U2
To access these stages, enter the following passwords.
Stage |: Stage 2: Stage 3: Stage 4:
LSRCIE8 CSABMJM DSI36KR
ETTS8DL
Stage 6:
Micro Machines
Infinite Lives
Microb achines ыра
Wnnnrons
ИПІТТЕН BY CODEMASTERS
HV5395S
At the title screen, press B, Down, C, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right. Now you can drive with reckless abandon.
Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel
| Unlimited Hit Points, Lives, and Shurikens
Start a new game, pause it, and then enter any of the following codes. Unlimited Hit Points: Press B, Up, B, B, A.
Unlimited Lives: Press B, A, B, B, Y.
Unlimited Shurikens: Press Down, A, B.
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ЗОО E - Леа СИБ... A 8,9 Actision, Ines. «mener rere 14, 15, 29 Disney Interactive l. ...... 2... ç 16, 17 Electro/Source; LLC ............. 128, 3rd Cover Hasbro Interactive ...................... 4. 25 InterAct Accessories............... 2nd Cover, | OL E ENS es te 21 Копа steer eee SS P EE E a al 32, 33 Lucas Learning ее. eei 34, 35 КАПШЕ oS DUPLI а CU ED RR YT «re 27 Namco ses EE T E re E Vs 45
THE MAT HOFFMAN BMX CONTEST: OFFICIAL RULES AND CONDITIONS
1. To Enter: No purchase necessary. The Mat Hoffman BMX Contest starts May 8, 2001 and ends June 8, 2001. Enter online at www.gamepro.com or hand print on a plain piece of 4" x 6" paper your full name, complete mailing address (street, city, state, country, and Zip Code), age (as of May 1, 2001), gender, com- plete daytime phone number with area code, e-mail address (if applicable), and answers to entry questions, and send to: The Mat Hoffman BMX Contest, P.O. Box 193712, San Francisco, CA 94119-3712. Limit one entry per name per household. Electronic entries must be received by June 8, 2001. Mail-in entries must be postmarked no later than June 8, 2001. Entries become the property of 10б Games Media Group and will not be returned. IDG Games Media Group and Activision assume no responsibility for illegible, lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete entries, system errors and failures, faulty transmissions, or other telecommunications malfunctions. No photocopied or mechanically reproduced entries allowed. Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, or suspend the online promotion should any unauthorized interven- tion or other cause beyond the control of the sponsors affect the administration or proper play or conduct of the promotion.
2. Prizes: The following prizes (with corresponding estimated retail values) will be awarded: Three grand prize winners will each receive a Hoffman bike (ERV:$229.00) and a Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX video game (ERV:$39.99). Ten Second prize winners will each receive a Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX video game (ERV: $39.99), a Mat Hoffman Pro BMX finger bike (ERV:$5.99), and a Road Fools Europe Video (ERV:$26.95). Twenty-five runners-up will each receive a Mat Hoffman Pro BMX finger bike (ERV:$5.99). Total value of prizes is $1,686. Maximum one prize per entrant. Prizes are not exchangeable, transferable, or redeemable for cash. In the event of unavailability of stated prizes, sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable value. Winners must agree to abide by any restrictions in connection with the prizes.
3. Winners: Thirty-eight winners will be selected via a random drawing from all correct entries on or around June 20, 2001. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received. Winners will be notified by phone and/or mail, and
к деб АЧНА РИНЕ Ў: 19 ОМОР Senones hereon dide 97 Sega of America... tid iid ше... TE 4th Cover Sony Computer
Entertainment America, Inc. ............. 2:3, 31 Taype Stores snn... TOA EEE 7 POK Mediace йе asua l... ..... uu II THO Inc Yai С СЕ Од» ease c oe aces 4,5 Ubi Soft Entertainment ..................... 23 US AIV av CENE TUB u tnr 13 WalMart: SS E Leere res 48, 49
their names will be posted on the GamePro.com Winners page. Return of any prize or prize notification may result in forfeiture of the prize. In the event of non- compliance by the winner, an alternative winner may be awarded the prize. IDG Games Media has the right to revise dates and procedures mentioned in these rules.
4. Eligibility: Contest is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regula- tions, and is void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Contest is open to legal residents of the contiguous 48 United States, including the District of Columbia, except for Florida, New York, and Rhode Island. Employees of Activision and IDG Games Media Group, and their affiliates, subsidiaries, dis- tributors, retailers, and anyone involved with the design, production, execution, or distribution of Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX video game or related promotional materials and their families are not eligible.
5. General: All taxes and other assessments are the sole responsibility of the winner. By submitting an entry, winners grant their permission to have their name, city, photograph, and/or likeness used in any manner Activision and IDG Games Media Group deem appropriate for advertising, trade, and/or promotion- al purposes without additional compensation, including, without limitation, post- ing their names on this Web site, unless prohibited by law. Activision and IDG Games Media Group, contest co-sponsors and prize providers, and their sub- sidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, agents, representatives, and employees assume no responsibility or liability for damages, losses, misfortune, or injury, direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from the acceptance, possession, or use of the prizes. All decisions of Activision and IDG Games Media Group on all matters relating to this promotion are final. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded. If an individual winner does not claim their prize by July 20, 2001, the prize will be forfeited back to the supplier. Prizes cannot be claimed after the sweepstakes has been completed. Void in Florida, New York, Rhode Island, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and where prohibited by law.
6. Winners’ List: For a list of the winners, send a self-addressed, stamped enve- юре pie Mat Hoffman BMX Contest, P.O. Box 193712, San Francisco, CA
119-3712.
© 2001 Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved. Published and distributed by Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. Developed by Runecraft, Ltd. Developed by HotGen Studios Limited. Activision is a reg- istered trademark, and Mat Hoffman's Pro ВМХ and Pro ВМХ are trademarks of Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. Mat Hoffman is a trademark of Mat Hoffman. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Interactive Digital Software Association. Licensed by Sony Computer Entertainment America tor use with the PlayStation game console. PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Game Boy and Game Boy Color are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. © 1989, 1998 Nintendo of America Inc. Licensed by Nintendo. Nintendo of America Inc. All rights reserved. All other
trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Volume 13, #6; June Issue; GAMEPRO® (ISSN 1042-8658) is published monthly for $24.95 per year by IDG Communications, Inc. 501 Second St, Ste. 500, San Francisco, CA 94107; An IDG Company: The World's Leader In Information Services On Information Technology. Periodical postage paid at San Francisco, CA, and at addition- al mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GAMEPRO, Р.О. Box 37579, Boone, IA 50037-0579. Change of Address: Please send old label and new address to GAMEPRO, P.O. Box 37579, Boone, ІА 50037-0579. Foreign and Canadian orders must be prepaid in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank and must include $25/year additional postage.
Canadian GST# 131 304 347. Agreement number 302228 assigned by Canada Post.
BLOCKBUSTER HO
HOT RENTALS
BLOCKBUSTER HOT SHEET
HOT RENTALS
JUNE 2001
PlayStation 2 as you cams movar” 1. The Bouncer
2. Onimusha: Warlords
3. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy
4. ATV Offroad Fury
5. 4x4 Evolution
6. Quake III Revolution
7. WinBack: Covert Operations 8. Zone of the Enders
9. Star Wars Starfighter
10. Oni
PlayStation
|. Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX 2. Spec Ops: Ranger Elite 3. Driver 2
4. Rogue Spear
5. MTV Sports: Т.). Lavin's Ultimate BMX
6. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
7. WWE SmackDown 2: Know Your Role
8. Spider-Man 9. 007 Racing 10. Digimon World 2
Nintendo 64
1. Mario Party 3
2. Pokémon Stadium 2
3. Conker's Bad Fur Day 4. Paper Mario
5. Dr. Mario 64
6. The World Is Not Enough 7. Mario Tennis
8. WWF No Mercy
9. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 10. Mario Party 2
Dreamcast
1. 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker
2. Half-Life
3. Daytona USA
4. Spider-Man
5. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
COMING NEXT ISSUE...
e° Game Boy Advance Special Feature
• Readers’ Choice Awards
© Zone of The Enders
= الم ACCESSORIES
1840 East 27th Street Vernon, CA 90058 USA
www.pelicanacc.co
Pelican and its logo are registerei tra ips
Sony is a registered trademarks of Sony Corp. Pla
Computer Entertainment Inc. This productis |
by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Seg
Game Boy® Color and Game Boy® Advance are trademarks of Nintende GameShark" is a registered trademark of InterAct Accessories, Inc. š
Compatible with Game Shark™ codes eEasy to use, intuitive interface *Choose from hundreds of preloaded codes or create your own *Enhance your game with - unlimited ammo, hidden haracters — Pelicancodebreaker.cor- | ей со ted weekly |
PlayStations Dreamcast x | PSone~ Boye Color Wapa Ploy: Stotione2 Gems a Advance | — Accepts all Game Shark™ Codes
Hit the mean streets of the Big Apple as one of 4 new “cabbies” in low-rider / taxis that can now leap over traffic. /
Pick up multiple fares at one time while driving to the slamin’ sounds of Offspring and Methods of Mayhem.
CONTENT RATED BY ESRB p
Sega is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Sega, Dreamcast the Dreamcast Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc., 2000. All Rights Reserved. www.ssga.corn
arks or trademarks of SEGA Corp ation or Sega Of Ате
[à Dreamcast, Inc. € SEGA Corporation and
ECG NIN LOVE (97
(ӨЛДҮ CESO TR YS А75 ЕЭ А719) CEN MELENO SO mens they/ are) not lost/permanently:
Peopleinterestedlin helping LUG A ELAN capacity, please visit us at retromags.comi.
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