FHE UK'S BESTSELUNG PlAYSrATI0N«2 MAGAZINE
ISSUE 030/FEBRUARY 2003 £5^9 WITH DISC
IPLAYSTATION.COM
or goth's sake! T UPERS1AR DJS, lERE WE GO! ow Music 3 will turn )u into the next Oakenfold
OTE VERCETTI ante, Snake or Tommy V? )ur chance to elect the
layStation 2 president
tflRED FOR SOUND 52-friendly surround sound ^stems reviewed and rated
E S SOS: THE HNAL ESC.
■ CONTI
layStation 2
This is the Getaway. Over 28 square miles of London's streets, motors, drug dens, ' strip clubs, criminals and guns, captured in perfect detail. Ready to see the sights?
Sstm!^
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# DFFICIRL mRBF)2INE-l
edibor s lebber Issue# 30/February 20(
PlayStafeg
In your magazine... /I /7 No, the tattoo's not permanent, although Studio
A \ \ Cambridge did forward me a photo of the Editor of Offic/a/ PlayStation 2 Magazine In Benelux who'd had the Primal symbol Indelibly etched onto his back. This may have been an attempt to persuade me to follow suit, but I thought It was a bit beyond the call of duty. Yes, Pnmats a good game, but good enough to leave Its mark on you forever? You'll have to read our review and play our demo to make up your own mind. Anyway, I'm not sure it would go with the tattoo of Ratchet & Cianl< on my ars.. Many people are talking about Primal as a potential
, spoiler to Tomb Raider, and Jen's certainly going to beat Lara to the stores. However, if you were almost ready to give up on ever being able to piay The Angei Of Darkness at all, we've got good news for you on page 34. Okay, so we didn't get much of a chance to see Lara taking on enemies In full flow, but the action still looks spectacular, while Ms Croft herself Is sleeker than ever. As The Getaway proved. Just because a
[ game is subject to delays doesn't mean we should expect
the worst, it's conceivable that Core Is taking the extra time
' to make the game even better Let's hope so.
S i y S i
READ THIS!
c:^034
Lara lives! Core Design opens Its doors exclusively
to
0PS2.
Ty ^ h v Vi
I
a, mMs goriest ^
C^082
How one deluded 0PS2 staffer convinced himself that he was bunking up
with Holly Valance, Shaklra and Sophie Ellis Bextor. The Sims can do that to a
man...
C^060 Who should be the official
PlayStation 2 mascot? Cast your vote In this hotly contended election.
..J^nd on
your DVD We've done it again - another astounding line-up of playable demos clamour for your attention this month. There's
Primal, of course, in which you can see for yourself if demonic rock chick Jen Tate has what it takes to step to Lara
Croft. Then, if you wondered why we were getting so excited about camplydressed psychopaths with sharp swords last month, you can find out by playing Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. You also need to check out the
sumptuous cartoon visuals of Sly Raccoon and luxuriate in the leafy links of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 -
unarguably the best golf game ever. Plus we've got another spectacular exclusive for you: Space Channel 5 Part 2 is now
not being released in Europe at all, but for fans of the original cult kitsch dance'em-up, you can at least play one level of the even more psychedelic sequel right here. Enjoy.
T U R N T H E PA G E FOR FULL ISSUE COriTErfTS OR
SKIP TO PAGE 130 FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE DEMO DISC UNE-UP
□FFICIBL mRGRZINE-UK PiayStationZ 0
■ Turn to poge 130 for cfetOf/s on 08 our ptayobfe demos, plus
t/ps oftd chaflenoe$(
ON THE DVD PlayStation d
MORTAL KDMIEAT D t A D L * h r m ^ l i TA
Pk»t}^mfi(r$QO(ieAgam^tx]0r'M ¥4^
NBA UVE 2003 * SLY ^CCOON * CRASHED SPACE CHANNa 5 V2 * TtGER WOOOS'PGA TOUR i(»3 TOM ClANCrS GHOST RECQN * Arv2. 0V TOWER RACWG
m
^
playable demos
M O R TA L K O M B AT: D E A D LY A L L I A N C E
Claret soaked beat-'em-up action. WWE
SMACKDOWN!
SHUT YOUR MOUTH Bombastic brawling In tights. PRIMAL
Rock chick goes to hell and back S LY R A C C O O N
Thieving mammal, ace platformer TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 2003
Watch the birdie, bogey,eagle... SPACE CHANNEL 5 PA RT 2 NBA LIVE 2003
ATV2 QUAD POWER RACING CRASHED TOM CLANCY'S GHOST RECON
Video
demos
Sr
ZOE: THE 2ND RUNNER ALPINE RACER 2 APE ESCAPE 2
WAR OF THE MONSTERS G TA : V I C E C I T Y THE MARK OF KRI LMA MANAGER
2003
JUDGE DREDD V S J U D G E D E AT H
)04 PlayStation.^ QFFICIRL
PlayStation.
/ OFFICIFIL mRERZII
ISSUE#30/FEBRUARY 20
■ CAR WARS Rockstar's
Midnight Club II is going online. Wliat does this mean for tile next GTA?
s p y 010 NAMCO'S BACK!
Namco attempts
m o n i b a i 033
034 TOMB RAIDER: ANGEL OF DARKNESS
to seize 2003.
013 THE X-f=ILES
Top secret Info from Sierra. 026
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCERS Yo u r c o m m e n t s
put Into play. 028 imiERVIEW Chris Sorrell's Primal Instincts,
029 EVERQUEST ONUNE
ADVENTURES
INTRO
054 BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL
0PS2 gets the skinny on illegal street racing
0 3 6 M E TA L G E A R SOUD 2: S U B S TA N C E
online in Rockstar's
038 TRUE CRIME
060 WE NEED A HERO
040
FINAL FA N TA S Y X - 2
042 DIE HARD VENDETIA 044 046
THE MARK OFKRI SPUNTER CEU.
Beta testing the
048 PRIDE FC
online waters.
0 5 0 U P D AT E
The latest info
on the games ou're busting 1 play.
sgulai-s
peabur-es
Midnight Club 2 Who should be the face of PS2?
Help us find a mascot today. 064 THE SOUND OF SCIENCE
Where we check out Jester Interactive's
awesome sequel to MTV Music Generator 2.
068 SOUND AFFECTS
We road test the best surround
sound systems for your PS2. Sounds good? Just you wat..
The most authoritative reviews
003 EDnOR'S
section in magazine history!
LETTER
052 NEXT MONTH 11 0
WORLD EXCLUSIVE!
076
HARDCORE
Do The Getaway knowledge here. 120
adventures of one rock chick and
her gargoyle sidekick.
SHORTLIST
Every PS2
game, listed and tested.
128 BUYERS GUIDE
Sports games.
ON THE COVER PRIMAL (REVIEW, PG 0761
130 ON THE DVD
MIDNIGHT CLUB II (FEATURE, PG 054]
138
N E W TO P S 2
P O S TA L
140 SURGERY Paracetamol for
your gaming brain-aches. 142 BACK ISSUES
144 COMPOS
Win with Tony Hawk and 24
Hour Party People. 146 WHAT IF?
PRIMAL
The achlngly beautiful gothic
(SPY, STARTS PG 010) SUPERSTAR DJS,
082 THE SIMS Now you can play God with the little people. Mwahahal 086 SOS: THE HNAL ESCAPE 0 8 8 S TA R W A R S : THE CLONE WARS
090 SILENT SCOPE 3
HERE WE GO! liTATURE, PG 0641
092
VOTE VERCETTI!
094 WILD ARMS 3
(FEATURE, PG 060) WIRED FOR SOUND
(FEATURE, PG 068) LARA'S ALIVE!
(MONITOR, PG 034)
CONTRA:
SHATTERED SOLDIER 095 4X4 EVO 2 095 HOT WHEELS VELOCriY X 096 LEGENDS OF WRESTUNG 2 097 GRAND PRDC CHALLENGE 098 DISNEY'S DONALD DUCKPK 098
MASTER
R A L LY E
100 THE SIMPSONS: S K AT E B O A R D I N G 101 GO GO GOLF 101 TOKYO ROAD RACE
d v d c e v i e u j s 104 NEW RELEASES Men In Black II, 24
Hour Party People and much more. 106 1969 ON DVD
A great year for films 107 HIDEO KOJIMA This month: how Planet Of The Apes
monkeyed with Kojima'smind...
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1THEUKS ' BESTSEUJNGPA IYSTATO IN
PlayStation.?
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2 magazine
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_ _ ®1—
WRrTE; Official PS2 Mag, Future Publishing Ltd, 30 Monmouth St, Bath BAl 2BW TELEPHONE; 01225 442244 FAX; 01225 732275
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Future Publishing Ltd, FREEPOST BS4900, Somerton, Somerset TAll 7BR Tel: 0870 444 8656 |UK) +44 1458 271100 (Overseas) Distributed through the UK Newstrade by Seymour Distribution, 86 Newman Street, LDHdon, WIP 3LD. Tel: 020 7907 6000
Overseas Distribution by Future Publishing Ltd. Tel: 01225 442244 If you had any problems finding this Issue of 0PS2, please call Regina Erak, the Marketing Circulation Manager, on 01225 442244 Printed in the UK by ET Heron © Future Publishing Ltd 2002 A
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I A member of the Audited Bureau of Circulations Future Publishing Ltd Is part ofThe Future Network pic. Tfie Future Networ1< produces catefuiiy targeted speciaiist magazines and web sites for groups of people wtio share a passion. We aim to satisfy their passion by creating titles that offer superb vaiue for money, trustworthy
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GCSEs
BLIND ALLEy
Your'e probabyl not thn i kn i g ▼beyond your GCSEs at the moment, but the choci es you make now can afect the paths you take later on. There are loads of ways to get on in life but, wherever you want to be, going to college or university wil help you get there. For a free magazine that wil tell you how to get to uni, what goes on there and how it will help you get a great job, call 0800 587 8500 or visit www.aimhigher.gov.uk TM
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SHOT
This month's greatest gaming moment:
Falling digitally in love for the first time in THE SIMS.
j!e Westerburg saya , 'N ©"Peop school lw loliothatkaand self th te destructed, showesthere' not ofs a
because society didn't care, but because the school was society!' Now that's
deep." JD [Heathers, 1989) Just like your own school, or office, The Sims is a perfect microcosm, a miniaturised version of society at large. And just like real life, at times The Sims can be repetitive to the point of banality. But just like real life, when something truly magical happens it makes all the boring bits seem worthwhile. We could tell you that
picking out the standout moment was tough but,
truth is, it wasn't. What makes The Sims so
special is seeing polygonal people interact with each other, form relationships and fall in love.
The Sims is a digital Rorschach Test. The more you play it, the more it reveals about your own personality. And of course you never forget your first kiss. These things can't be rushed, though you need to woo the object of your digital affections with gifts, compliments and backrubs. But when the big moment finally comes, they look deep into each other's eyes and the music
swells as they lean together... well, it's enough to melt the coldest heart. So, even if it's only for a short while, forget about finding ancient
artefacts, trimming seconds off lap times and saving the universe. Tonight, we dance, *Reod about 0PS2's blossoming relationships in The Sims review on page 82. □f=FICIRL mHGRZINE-UK PiayStation.E 00
iPU^^
JNCOVERING THE LATEST ^52 NEWS EVERY MONTH Y CONTRIBUTORS; RYAN BUTT, TIM CLARK, DAN DAWKINS, ALERIC UNDEN, DAVID MCCARTHY, KEfTH STUART, GEORGE WAUER, AMOS WONG
■ GUNNING FOR THE TOP
Tough cop Jack Slate fronts the Namco battle for PS2
gaming supremacy.
NAMCO^-GO-GO! Namco's back with a vengeance in 2003! 0PS2 gets liands-on witin wiiat's in store.
TEKKEN, UIDGE RACER, Time Crisis, Moto GP... all PlayStation classics, some almost synonymous with most gamers' earliest PSone memories Few could forget the sheer excitement of playing the original Ridge Racer ("It's like having the arcade game In your own home!"! And who didnt gasp In awe at the 3D
® 9 a P M T I M fn 0 hurry? Here's the cortdensed version...
Namco Is planning to take the PS2 by storm in 2003. With tities lll
Dead To Rights, Soul Calibur II and Xenosaga Episode 1,
the company's going to make a kiiling
camera pans In Tekken, or
enjoy the novelty of playing Time Crisis with a llghtgun? Namco Is now set to do the same
again with a set of PS2 titles that breal<
new ground for the esteemed developer: Namco Hometek's cop thriller Dead To Rights, Monolith Soft's effervescent space opera
Dead To Rights
What's the story here? Hart-ass cop Jack Slate (that's you) attends a routine call to a shootout at a building site In the crime-rldden Grant City, bit It's no ortlnaiy gun battle. After dispatching a set of
fight Action Is varied - you'll shoot enemies from a helicopter, blow up vehicles with gas canisters, break out of prison and. In one memorable sequence, escape from a burning hotel while fire rises by the second.
gang members he finds his father dead In a
pool of blood having been brutally murdered. So begins a tale of revenge and macho gunsllnging on a scale rarely seen outside Hong Kong action movies. Tell us about the action... Slate has a number of trademark moves. The
first Is his special dive (a bit like Max Payne's 'bullet time'l which allows him to jump In slow motion and pick off hapless victims at double speed. Second is his array of 'disarms' where our cop hero removes an enemy's gun from his person then executes
him with a nasty squelch. Jack can call upon his dog Shadow to sniff out bombs, explore tunnels and lend a pair of sharp teeth in a
Any favourite moments? Tfie distressingly gory animation that accompanies Shadow removing a man's larynx with a shower of lurid claret.
Anything eise we should know? It's not Just shooting There are contextspecific puzzles (lock picking, bomb defusing! some brilliant mini-games like weightlifting, arm wrestling and our favourite, the lap dancing Bemanl. You gotta beiie\e,, Ukeiy release date? It's out in the States already with a UK publisher to be confirmed, but we're
thinking Spring for this one.
RPG Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wilie Zur Macht and the PS2 debut of one of the most acclaimed 3D arcade
fighters of all time, Soul Calibur II. We give you OPS^s introduction to three of the most exciting titles to watch In 2003. □ GW
010 PlayStation.? DFFICIRL fTlHBRZINE-UK
■ DOG GONE Keep an eye on your
canine partner. ■ TABLE FOR ONE it was
hard to get reservations at this restaurant, !
Bpoaas/oaasi' 1 3 / 2 3
i ^ p Q •a n 15/15. g /oaoa
CONTENTS
Ep/UH The news stories in the >v biggest PlayStation 2 universe.
v \
• 1 sw
"Using the F-word
more than an angry I
m
UGHTNING
docker, dirtying white
ROD
vests and giving terrorists a bad day"
; ^ No need for a welder
■ ! & when this guy's about.
THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS, P22
i
!^T!EMl5n/aiao
"We wanted to have a female
lead who was a strong character not just a sex kitten, bimbo stereotype" PRIMAL BIAKE, P28
Hi
"Before dwan/es,
gnomes and elves Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht and a special attack, triggered when a what's the story here?
Well, to be precise, there are about ten, Xencsaga is the first In a six-part RPG epic conceived by Writer/Director Tetsuya [}3Q3 /naos
is/is
vy
/
as
^ aSTAD We
nr / her
S TA R A P P E A L l3i klike e the look of cr l club. ul
TakahashI, It's set in the future when space
colonisation Is rife and follows a myriad of Intenwoven story lines In a way that only Japanese RPGs can muster Space Is ruled by the Galactic Federation, but equally powerful is the Vector Corporation for whom the game's heroine, the delightful Shion UzukI, works She's developing a new kind of weapon known as KOS-MOS, to deal with the mysterious alien Gnosis who have the ability to shift through space and time.
character has enough Action Points. It might sound baffling but some of the effects used In the battles are astounding, with particle effects and full-screen explosions galore. Any favourite moments?
We particularly like the way the game artists have given the anime characters a 3D twist, Xenosogo's visuals, effects and animations are all highly polished. Anything else we should know? The game features giant robots or, as they're called here, Antl-Gnosls Weapon Systems
■ FLOWER POWER The rose
petal/rainbow move seemed to be most effective.
had migrated"
EVERQUESr ONUNE, P29 "You'd be forgiven for thinking the screens were Metal Gear Solid 3 mock-ups" ICE NINE, PI!
'Two beflared police dudes, a red car and tlie badass Huggy Bear" STARSKY AND HUTCH, P24
lAGWS), And they're all fully customisable Tell us about the action...
For tbe flrst few hours there's a barrage of cut-scenes in which players are Introduced to characters and their motivations before
the turn-based action begins. Players have ) or three basic attacks, a magic attack
Likely release date? Already out in Japan and partially localised for a US release on 25 February, It can't be too long before we see this leviathan RPG sci-fl game in the UK, possibly through SCEE
■ GOT A NEW VOLDO
Soul Calibur II
What's the story here? You thought this was all about fighting, eh? Think again. Soul Calibur II returns to the Far East where Nightmare, owner of the evil Soul Edge sword, has arisen. Elsewhere, heroes who have vanquished the wicked Soul Edge in past encounters are being drawn together Sounds like we've got a fight on our hands...
Blind, and with a disturbing S&M fetish. But good at fighting.
"Must not mention the breasts. Must not mention the breasts. Oh what the hell" LARA VS INDIANA JONES, P16
"The biggest news for RPG fans since Aeris popped her clogs"
Tell us about the action-
Sou/ Calibur II relies on a good grasp of 3D movement and the ability to pull off fast combo attacks. It's predominantly weaponsbased, but also has deep variation In throws. Despite sticking closely to the original
SQUARE AND ENIX MERGE, PU
costumes and larger fighting arenas. Given
"Ozzy Osborne, sat astride a dragon, raining liell down on
the PS2 sheen, this beat-'em-up classic looks set to reign supreme again.
the fantasy land below"
formula, Namco promises new move sets,
SAVAGE SKIES, PZl Any favourite moments? We're looking forward to testing out the new characters - Cassandra Alexandra Islster of Sophltial, Tarim, Hon Yun Tsun and Rafael, Anything else we should know? It's already out in the arcades Namco is currently porting it to PS2, undoubtedly improving it graphically In the process. It's handy that the game was built using System 246, an arcade chipset very similar to PS2's Likely release date? We thought It'd be out by now, but It's looking more like it will be out late Spring A UK publisher is still to be confirmed.
'There's a masked behemoth swinging a mallet and a character covered in tattoos"
SPY IN JAPAN, PI)
Looking further ahead...
Judging by the length of the majority of Namco's series, It seems entirely ikely that a new Ridge Racer Isn't far off being announced - a brief, behind-closed-doors teaser trailer was
shown at last year's E3. Of the first 30 online titles announced at Tokyo's Third PlayStation Meeting last February, five were promised form Namco including RPG Venus And Bnaves, an action adventure game (possibly K/onoa On/lne), a sports title and a 3D flight shooting game that we're almost certain is Ace Combat Online. Then there's Moto GP3 (covered in last issue's Spy section) plus the Inevitable Tekken 5 and Time Crisis 3.
Plus... A Sound Of Thunder from the makers of The
Thing (pl3) and early details of Pro Evolution
Soccer 3 (p26).
□FFICIRL fTlHGRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 01
g
r ''KONAMI'S ULTIMATE GOAL IS FOR 2 2 - P L AY E R O N U N E
FOOTBALL MATCHES. SERIOUSLV' PRO EVO 3, PAGE 26 ■ SnVRRY EYED The
□□ m i N n T O N !
future Is looking rosy for RPG fans with the
Square/Enix merger
FROM ZERO
SQUARE DEAL
Joponese uber-developers merge to become 'biggest in the worid'.
^ TO HERO
This month, The Getaway's
HNAL FMVmSY DEVELOPER
no intention to combine the Dragon
Square has announced a merger with Enix, creator of the hugely
Quest and Final Fantasy series, although it doesn't take an RPG buff to realise that this would be a
When he's not a criminal mastermind and
popular Japanese RPG series Dragon Quest (see page 30|. The amalgamation of the two RPG gaming giants puts all the creativity
barrel-necked, psychotic bigot,
titles under one roof with the
more successful with over 30 million
potential to co-develop original games for PlayStation 2. The companies will begin
copies sold to date, mainly in Asia. The newly formed company has an impressive line-up for the first
operating as a single entity fn3m 1 April renamed Square Enix and led
announced a brand new instalment
Charlie Jolson stars in: THE GREAT PIE 'N' MASH CAPER.
'uncle' Charlie Joison likes to
relax by running the local meals on wheels service
for retired pearly kings and queens. But strike a light! Some tea leafs
only gone and Kenny Lynched the transit with
the old dears' pie 'n' mash inside!
behind some of Japan's bestselling
by Square's current President, Yoichi Wada. Speaking about the deal, Wada-san said, "We are going on the offensive with this merger This will make our strengths complement
The codgers will be in a right two and eight if you dont get their
each other"
nosh back
power a rag and
although Square cites the increased cost of developing networked games and competition from overseas
bone cart around London. Follow the trail of onion
developers as motivating factors behind the deal, the losses incurred
gravy and get that van back naaah,
by the box office failure of its animated film Final Fantasy: The
sharpish. Hilarity ensues as you
y o u
The deal Is worth a whopping ¥89 billion (£460 million) and
Spirits Within also contributed.
In their official statement, Square and Enix mentioned that they had
potential goldmine - Final Fantasy games are legendary throughout the gaming world in both the East and West, and Dragon Quest is even
part of the year: Enix recently of Dragon Quest (number eight in the series) for PS2 and its forthcoming RPG Star Ocean 3: Till The End Of Time has projected sales of over two million. Square will release FFX-2 in February and then FFX-3, while their top development team is working on FFXil. The Japanese developer is also in negotiation with Disney over a sequel to Kingdom Hearts. PRESIDEhTT YOICHI WADA, SQUARE
'"WE ARE ON THE OFFENSIVE WITH THIS MERGER. IT WILL COMPLEMENT OUR STRENGTHS"
Much speculation is still brewing as to what the first official Square Enix title will be. A recent rumour
has suggested that Parasite Eve: Rebirth, a remake of the PSone survival horror RPG could be
released. Either way, it's safe to say that any title devised by such high calibre developers will undoubtedly be the biggest news for RPG fans since Aeris popped her clogs. This pairing truly is a match made In gaming heaven. □ GW/TC
■ JOim- ACCOUm- star Ocean 3 is one
of the first post-merger titles.
MAKING PS2
GAMES EVEN BETTER New PS2 programming technology helps build higher quality games. WHILE PS2'S COMPETITORS ARE already talking about the next
generation despite not really making an impression on tlie current one, Sony Computer Entertainment is instead committed to working with what it already has. Witness the recent distribution of the Performance Analyser, a high-tech programming tool that allows game makers to produce higher quality games using the existing PS2 processor
It works by highlighting inefficiency between three core components of the PS2's chip set - the Emotion Engine, Vector Units and Graphic Synthesizer Game software is run through the Analyser, a kind of soupedup 'development kit' of the kind used to produce PS2 games so the programmer can identify problem areas in the code. When a similar
system was utilised in PSone development there was a noticeable positive shift in games that used the technology, the first Gran Turismo being the most prominent example. First-party SCEE titles that have already benefited from the PA2 include Primal and The Getaway. Expect to see it used in a game near you very soon. □ GW
012 Play5t£ition.E aFFICIRL fTIRGRZINE-UK
Prod the old grey matter with a cotton bud me call 0PS2's trivia quiz. QUiZQUESnONS 1. What's the name of
Donald Duck's girlfriend? 2. What is the name of the
latest marque of LambonghinI? 3. What was the real name of the favourite Eighties wrestler Big Daddy? 4. In Attack Of The Clones,
6. What's the highest magnitude of earthquake on the Richter Scale? 7. Which company makes Hot Wheels cars?
8. What make of car do Starsky and Hutch drive? 9. In Die Hard 1 and 3 what is the surname of the
which hand does Anakin
German brothers who cause
Skywalker lose?
John McClane trouble?
5. Sam Rsher Is the hero of
ID. Who played the role of Tony Wilson In the film 24 Hour Parly People?
which forthcoming terrorist
bashing Ubi Soft game?
''STEADILY LJOSING HER
SANITY TO THE SOUND OF MELODRAMATIC SOFT ROCK BALLADS" THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS, PAGE 22
■ URBAN JUNGLE Believe ■ GEIGER COUNTER
AT FIRST, THIS MIGHT SEEM like a pretty stupid question. You're a gamer and you're not a i^id, right? But in November,
it or not this place is The beasties are
.^pposed to be Chicago. heavily Alien-inspired,
several major US retailers threatened not to stock BMX XXX because it contained nudity. Yet the game has a 'mature' certificate, and in any case, these shops also stock PG-13
and R-rated DVDs. Unfortunately games are perceived by the majority as being 'just for kids'. As Murray Perkins, an Examiner at the BBFC puts it, "People seem to accept that
violence in games is make believe, and therefore okay for children, like playing cowboys and Indians. Sex, on the other hand, is the domain of adults so people feel It doesn't
belong in products perceived to be for children." You can see why: the biggest videogame icons (i^ra excepted) are cartoon characters: Sonic, Mario, Crash
STEP BACK IN TIME
Bandicoot. But times are changing and a lot of that Is down
to Sony In fact, the original PlayStation was marketed to over 18s. The intention was to make it cool - to ensure that
Defying the laws of physics In Computer
it became an essential piece of kit, like the video recorder or
y
Artworks' A Sound Of Thunder.
■ DIE OXIDE
Time Bandits, The Terminator, Back
twist on 'bullet time' - the pleasingly named Time Freeze Disruptor - and a series of deadly weapons, from the
T I M E T K AV E L H A S I N S P I R E D
many a writer and film director
The lethal Oxi iodine Laser in full effect.
Walkman. Games such as Cool
Boarders and Tony Hawk's bought into youth trends, while
BRENDAN MCNAMARA, THE (XWHAY
' T H E A D U LT A U D I E N C E HAS BEEN GROWING FOR YEARS. MANY GAMERS ARE NOW OVER 30''
To The Future and Bill & Ted all
hack-and-slash Machete to the
toyed with the subject and showed the possible consequences of
high-tech 0x1 Iodine Laser You'll have to be selective In what you kill,
playing with time. In A Sound Of Thunder you're a soldier of fortune fighting your way across Chicago to reach a time
preserving natural life forms while destroying mutant hybrids. With Computer Artworks' heritage assured in The Thing, this
McNamara, Director of The Getaway. "If you consider
portal, travelling backwards and
could be one to look out for □ GW
PlayStation owners: the majority of them were between 18 and 25 when they purchased their machine - they are now at least five years older There is a substantial market of 30- and 40-something gamers." The huge success of GTA: Vice City (500,000 UK sales and counting) and the money ploughed into The Getaway prove that games now address a huge adult audience, not just children. As the people who make and buy games grow older and widen their influences, projects will resemble real-life
Resident Evil and
Silent Hill began to explore dark adult themes. 'The adult audience has been growing for years, it just
hasn't been adequately addressed," confirms Brendan
forwards In time to curb the 'Global < PORTAL RUNNER
Entropy' and their fiendish plans. To ensure this isn't just a bog standard,
We're guessing this is a time portal.
third-person shooter, Computer Artworks has invented some unique gameplay devices. Players will have to engage In time-affected action puzzles and witness the Butterfly Effect where events that occur in the past change things In the future. There's a new
TOi-* FROM Sierra
dramas, rather than puzzlers and platformers - prepare
yourself for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake's Messy DivorceThen we'll lose that 'kids' tag once and for all. □ KS
:
Studios
ha.s
l
unoff
ic
i
. 11
j I,y
i.rmed
the
existence
of
a new X-Files game for PS2, Lo b;- . el Hritied in the Spring of
this
yei'ir.
Still
Jn
devolopmotit
and
as
yet
without
a
proper title, it will be a n i rigU;-pl.ayer survival horror title the
with voice
The
Gillian
X-Files
fi r s t
an
interacti.ve
be
a
bit
And^r.-ion
and
David
-overs For characters; Fc;?
ol
a
responsibility
appt-'.'ired movie
vidoogamtj
adveutiite
shocker. has
in
Thj
btion
f;
Duchovny
Muldf^r and
aiKi
time
picifcsd
was
form
up
by
on
widely
around
providing Dana
S c u l l y.
PSone declared
in to
development
the
reputable
Black
O p s ( K n o c k o u t : K i n g s ) . H o p i i t n J l _ y, 9 I v u t i t h e s u r v i v a l h o r r o r s p i n , t h i s X - F i l c a e t f o - i ! - . w i l l d o m r, , - e j u s t i c e t o t h e lucrative
licence
and
bi'irig
c(;uie
of
the TV
.^how'.s
trademark dark con.spir.ato;; ui I aiimosphere to the PS2. The truth
might
just
be
out:
thor;;,
GW
OFFICIRL mHBHZINE-UK PlayStation.2 013
lyStation
2
i
J
■^ -
■- ' i
Kneepads and a helmet wouldn't be much use to you now. But at least you've got a laser pistol to protect yourself against evil John Silver,
-i remember: in your living room, they can hear you scream.
^ ♦ g PlayStation www.playstation.disneyeurope.com
PlayStation,?
THE FEiR PLRCE THE EXHILRRRTIDN PLRCE THE THIRD PLRCE
''KINDLY JUMP OFF A BUILDING INTO A SPIKY PIT OF YOUR OWN POMPOSITY AND TAKE ANY UKE-MINDED IDIOTS WITH YOU'
Plav5tation®2
■ nFROBL mRGHZINE-UK
ICE SPY Original steaith action in Torus's Ice Nine. WHEN A PRESS RELEASE for a
game comes dressed up as a 'confidential' spy document with some of the text blocked out for
'security purposes', alarm bells start ringing. Clever bumph doesn't disguise a poor idea for a game. However, Bam! Entertainment's
You can make the lives of the
terrorist organisation (the Chinese Xu) very difficult through the use o counter-sun/eillance (bugs and tap and heavy weaponry (remote mint rocket launchers and a taser gun|. Some of your time will be spent undercover to gain information an
forthcoming stealth espionage action effort Ice Nine actually looks very
you also have the option to defect
Impressive, if a little derivative. You'd be forgiven for thinking the
personal gain. It's all a question of your own personal morality.
from the CIA and work for the Xu
ice Nine's screens are
screens were Metal Gear Solid 3
mock-ups, but unlike its inspiration. Ice Nine takes place in the first
M A K E I T
B&AKn7
U LT I M AT E CHALLENGE
COMMENTS
It sounds like Ryan wants an online FPS but
PITCHED BY: RYAN HAYER (VIA EMAIL) So, what is the 'ultimate challenge' then? To get a belt from a mountain top. Not exactly the ultimate prize then? A poxy belt? No. This is a pretty standard firstperson shooter Designer Ryan explains himseif. 'You form a team
has forgotten to
also be a Race mode where you can race around the map." Sounds familiar so far... There are a few new ideas. You can
create your own team and design a uniform. Ambitiously, every building in the game can be entered and you can climb structures like mountains
person. Starring as a CIA operative you're tasked with a mission to thwart the theft and deployment of the 'Ice Nine Virus' by a group of terrorists. A super-powerful computer
particularly impressive but we're y to see the game up and running Furthermore, we'd be a little wary naming this as the new Splinter C or Metal Gear Solid especially as comes from a relatively unknown Australian developer - Torus -
virus, it has the ability to spread destruction via powerlines with the
whose past games have been ma
potential to cause devastation on targeted cities.
However, we'll await a first look of
for handheld consoles and PC. Ice Nine with covert interest. □ G
mention tlie online element.
i.Unk's an option, but it's unlikely you'd ever have the resources to
set up ten PS2s and TVs in one
place. As an offline singleplayer game, it needs more
XS ALL AREAS Gamers are to get their own
videogame show later this year UNUKE JAPAN the UK doesn't have it's own independe
of soldiers. There will be one map but it would be a huge environment
and trees. Although Ryan points out, "You'll need to work as a team
consumer game show. While SCEE's successful PiayStati
that ranges from forests to snowy
with one person covering while
mountains to ruined towns and a
the other climbs." Clever idea.
desert. The idea is to destroy a team
If you feel the need to climb
Experience redressed the balance last September by allowing gamers to test the wares of leading PS2 titles, tl
of opposing soldiers. To win, you
a tree, that is.
have to be the first team to capture
So how many people can 1 have in my team? A maximum of ten. Apparently there will be up to 40 Ai bots
a belt on top of a huge mountain. So it's a bit like that online PS2
game THbes: Aerial Assault, then? But without the online element. There's a bit of Xbox's Halo in there, too. 'You can enter vehicles such as
cars with machine guns, motorbikes, boats or tanks," Ryan says. 'There'll
1
making up the enemy. Although Ryan doesn't actually mention how ten human players are able to play at the same time, unless he's
invented a special MuitlTap. □
WRITE TD... Designer Genes, Official PlayStation 2 Magazine, Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth
K
Street, Bath BAl 2BW. Or email
[email protected]< (remember to put 'Desl^er Genes' as the subject}. Send us a description of your idea and try to accompany It with a few sl
structure.
REAK i n
regular shows like ECTS (London) and E3 (Los Angeles) remain resolutely trade only
The XS Gameshow, scheduled to take place at the
Birmingham NEC this July (25-27) comes as the first rea attempt to organise a gamers only event. XS's organisers hope to, "Reflect the alternative reality of videogames... a
give visitors the chance to try the latest game offerings." It's a long way off yet and XS was unable to tell us whict publishers had signed up for the show but you can keep
track of developments at www.xsgameshow.com. □ GW
□FFICIRL mRBRZINE-UK PlayStatlon.E (
DAY OF THE DEAD Oapcom delivers another Resi-based shooter \1UCH AS WE ENJOYED wasting velociraptors in Dino
iviust not mention the breasts. iMust not mention the breasts.
Stalker, it was oniy a matter of time before tiie Gun
Oh, what the hell, l^t's face it,
Survivor series returned to its fetid roots, Lool< at tiie
Lara was hewn from a block of
jfficiai Web site (www.capcom.co.jp/gunsurvivor4) that's dedicated to the fourth game in the series and you'ii see
pure geek boy fantasy. Impossibly proportioned, hard as nails. Ugly, she ain't
hat reptiies are out, and rancid cadavers are in. Gun
;vents in Code Veronica X| and invoives shooting wave
It was a stroke of genius
ifter stinking wave of undead scum. Due out in Japan in February, Gun Survivor 4 features
casting Angelina Jolie as Lara but sadly the nest of the film
hree piayabie characters: Bruce McGivem, a US Army )fficer; Fon Lin, a Chinese agent; and iviorphis Dyubam, vhc we think is a renegade member of the Umbreiia
lagged behind Its leading lady. Still, Jan De Bent is shooting the second Tomb Ro/derflick...
)rganisation. in a break from previous instaiments you'ii
>to/ker. With Resident Evii Network aiso due to out in
lapan iater this year, it iooks iike Capcom has deciared ipen season on zombies. Gotta kiii 'em aiii □ TC
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Harrison Ford's
finest alter ego Is still in the ru^ed prime
beaten with the ugly
of his life In the worl d
stick
of games...
BIG SCREEN ADVENTURES No contest When it comes to classic
movie adventures,
Indy IbulDwhips Lara's butt.
1 - 2
)e abie to view the action fnsm both first and third-
)erson perspectives, presumabiy using the D-pad on the )ack of the GunCon 2 to move around, as in Dino
the real worid,
1 - 1
Survivor 4 tai^es the series bacl< into Biohazard/Resident
Evil territory (Gun Survivor 2 was based arciund the
Although getting on a bit
LOOKS it really depends on what floats your boat. Nelthei; it has to be said, has been
Where do we begin? Lara Croft's brilliant adventures
pretty much made the PSone her own fusing a kick-ass
heroine, devious puzzles and superb level design again and again.
GAMING H E R I TA G E Lara gets her own b a c k w i t h fi v e excellent adventures on PSone alone.
Next up, Angel Of Darkness on PS2...
Are you kidding? For many,
Indiana Jones Is the original action hero. Raiders is a
classic, The Last Crusade Is cracking fun and even the weaker Temple Of Doom knocks the Tomb Raider movia Into a cocked fedora.
There's been no shortage of Indiana Jones games over the years (1996's Indiana Jones And His Desktop Adventures,
anyone?) but even the good
ones haven't exactly notched up classic status.
2 - 2
Although enlivened by the occasional abominable snowman and animated terracotta warrior, Lara's adventures do tend to fall back on faceless
goon after faceless goon.
ENEMIES
At the risk of
Time after time, Indy
trivlalising WWII,
keeps playing the Nazi trump card -
Nazis
just make
and It still works.
i the best, evil
Lara, take note.
\ baddies. No
contest really.
2 - 3 dk-
'oponese action figures, the Cy Giris, come to iife on PS2. HE CY GIRLS ARE action figures made by toy company Tal^ara,
md KonamI TYO (PES2 and Silent H/7/) has signed a deal to mal
ivolving the aftermath of an Internet-related apocalypse. The Cy lirls come to the rescue, eradicating criminal activity, leaving no 'ace they were there. The few screens released look glossy, with n air of Metal Gear in the radar and colour schemes. A game to
)ok forward to? Maybe, considering the tag line, "Nothing can top girls with attitude." Rock on. □ GW
16 PlayStation.^ OFFICIRL mHBR2INE-UK
Well, there was that
annoying Bryce character In the film.
And as for Angel Of Darkness, Lara gets Kurt:is Trent who
looks suspiciously like a reject from 0 - To w n .
SIDEKICKS Even taking the Irritating Short Round Into account, Indy gets a couple of great sidekicks and therefore wins the round.
Let's face It, Marion from Raiders was great. Willie Scott and Short: Round were a low
point admittedly, but bringing in Sean Connery as Dr Jones' father was Inspired. And now, with The Emperor's Tomb we
have the feisty Mei YIng. t ^ 4
THE WINNER: INDIANA JONES The daddy of action archaeologists takes the crown. Dr Jones is as iconic as ever and Emperor's Tomb looks to be a cool old-fashioned
swashbuckler. Lara needs to strike back, and soon!
a
K V h
Ih
i'!>(
f
r'^
I p M w
j
PlayStation THE
THIRD
PLR
EDITED BY AMOS WONG
tomHBirananlin.'
iBfen iTO^s all
markeyfi&^f^o.
f/^'nANOP C TIALMOUSE
designed by famed manga artist Masamune Shirow goes on sale today. Of course, I rush out to the shops and buy one. Asymmetrically sleek and sci-fl looking, it looks like it could fly off the desk it's ergonomlcaily perfect.
HS C O R EA NA D V A N C EC O P Y of my J-pop favourite Pufly AmIYumi's forthcoming CD it rocks! Tokyo Nights Is a standout, super catchy foot tapper that amazingly manages to blend
Video Killed The Radio Star and Seventies
kitsch disco. Are you into J-pop? Get Puffy's current English releases An Illustrated History and Spike now! SOURCE DENGEK}/09-13 DEC
a multimedia exhibition.
RokugakI in Colors requires participants to 'play' various musical Instruments, to interact with the graffltl-style computer graphics projected onto a screen. A shaker rotates the environment, while the tambourine places elements inside it - cool. Short CG films are also screened, including the abstract and arty works of Namco's Yasuo
QAME OF DEATH lattle Royale Director Kinji Fukasaku helms Clock Tower 3 movies. Studio for the production. Fukasaku had
ipanese release, Capcom Issued a DVD
the actors wear costumes resembling their digital characters during rehearsal,
Dcumentaty of Clock Tower 3 for hire iroughout video rental chains. The title lade headlines in April 2001, when It as announced that veteran Director njl Fukasaku was involved In the -oductlon. With over 50 films to his ledlt - Including the controversial hit attle Royale - Fukasaku-san stated
to help Immerse themselves in their
roles More Importantly he Incorporated video shooting and sound staff; the entire team comprised of 300 people. As with his filmmaking reputation, Fukasaku was uncompromising
hours to get right, with more than 20 takes. Attention was paid to every nuance of the performance, down to posture, eye movement and expression. In other Instances, wooden frame sets
MINORTTV REPORT OPENS
finally in Japan, several months after coming and going elsewhere. It soon slides into
motion capture was Impossible. Game footage shows the heroine,
orking In the CG field. However, from
took four hours of rehearsal and seven
itial demonstrations of the technology ;ed, the process of directing actors for
WHO'S GONNA CLEAN THAT UP7
some spirits and a particularly swift and
' ' F O O TA G E S H O W S THE HEROINE IN SHOCK AS A DEAD GIRL SPURTING BLOOD FALLS IN FRONT OF HER''
deadly character covered In tattoos wielding two axes Clock Tower 3 is described as 'hide and seek that
wed vastly different to filmmaking for e Director - with no cameras, lighting Id a comparatively small environment r performances A soundstage at Toei Aim studios as converted Into a motion capture
Just in time for Christmas.
were used extensively to the point that
lat he w/anted to challenge himself by
e CG movie's motion capture data
HEY, HEY, HEY, get hold of an English PS2, so I can finally mall order all those text-heavy games 1 can't play In Japanese.
and props resembling the final scene
Capturing the opening scene (where the lead female character reads a letter)
lEVIEWS
Ohba and Nobuo Takahash.
Hollywood mode. Shame RIOR TO THE PS2 horror game's
JVIOS'S HAIKU
MWM VlSrr GLOBAL MEDIA 2002,
AlviOS WONG
Aiyssa, in shock as a dead girl spurting blood falls In front of her, and fleeing in terror from a variety of pursuers. There's a masked behemoth swinging a mallet
children cannot pia/ and not one weapon seems available for the player to ward off certain death. Now that's
survival horror for you. □ AW
f a
■
eiv Joponese releases ecome poignant 17-syllable aetic nuggets.
CAR CELS MAN Auto Modellista Bit Char-G model cars! CLEARED THE GAME and Itching for some real racing
^B^R IS
SILENT LINE ARMOURED CORE 3
TWLES OF DESTINY 2 What is this? Toddlers
with a daft title.
Battling robots. Like homicidal Lego
Amied with swords and magic spells? Help! Social worker!
Anime spin-off. Stylish kicking of asses
18 PlayStation-^ aFFICIRL mRERZINE-UK
S®'2-^Ls^
on a massive scale.
action? Tomy Toys' popular remote controlled miniatures (no
bigger than Matchbox cars! now come In a fetching Auto Modellista set. For Just under ¥4,000 (£21) you get a chassis and RX-7 Supra, Skyline GT-R R34 and R32 bodies decked out in the same colours as their game counterparts
' Not just an ordinary girl... - Jennifer Tate is the 'Chosen One' caught in an epic conflict between the forces of Order and Chaos.
.1;^ Welcome to Oblivion.
PlayStation.^ Jj^
^ uk.playstation.com www.primalgame.com THE □EITlONIC PLRCE THE IfTimORTAL PLRCE THE THIRD PLRCE
iL Pla\"H0l!0{i.cum
og P S 2 WA r n S Y O U ! Fancy being the first to play networked games?
ONUNE GAMING IS GO! And you can be one of the first people in the
when you will be notified about your
country to experience it If you're one of the thousands of gamers selected to take part in Sony's initial trial
will be given the chance to buy a
phase, which goes live in early spring How can you get involved? Well, as revealed in .login, OPS2#28, you need to head over to ultplaystation.com and hit the register button located In the top right-hand corner Once you've submitted the
WANT? Online gaming as soon as humanly possible, please...
■ HELUO CAU£R IVIy name is Tim. Online gaming? I'll just put you on hold...
broadband kit from the site's online
shop (shop.ukplaystation.com) a couple of weeks before the trial phase begins. See? The good things in life are free, but the truly great things aien't But although the exact price ha ;nt been confirmed, we understand the kit wont cost more than a norn'al
registration form, Just click on the 'My
10 WHAT DO YOU
application. Successful candidates
game. Our spies have also infonied
PtDfile' tab and look for the "Network
us that it will contain a Network
Trial' section. Here you wlli be asked for some extra info (contact details,
Adaptor and a Utility Disc (whicl" lets you configure your ISP and InclLdes
delivery address, inside leg measurements) and to confirm that you have broadband access and a
game demos). You'll also get a c jpy of SOCOM: US Navy SEALS with i
PS2. You should then receive an
headset and be able to start pleylng online before anyone else.
automated response with a date for
[email protected].
■ READY, AIM, FIRE SOCOM and have
a go, If you think you're hard enough.
■ HARD WIRED SCE UK is aiming ft r user-friendly, plug 'n' play connecti\ rty.
Tim Clark, Online Editor
cool
sibes
Check out this month's triple bHI of prime online real estate.
SOUL CAUBUR II Official site for
the sequel to the greatest fighting game of all time.
I^^www.soulcaliburcom U S . P t AY S TAT 1 0 N . C O M Check out
BOOK MARKED R AT H E R GOOD Regular Interweb travellers may have come across this one before - In which
case, go and make a cup of tea (we'll have two sugars
please). Anyway, once you're tired of watching poorly animated kittens perform popular hits by The White Stripes and Destiny's Child then, frankly, you're
what our
tired of life. No
warmongering
watt, that's
transatlantic chums are
London. w w w. r a t h e r
up to.
good.com
head-fco-nesd
IVhot's the score then? Find out how you've been voting online... REVIEWING GAMES, EH? Easiest job in tfie wortd. A new feature added to the site is a chance for readers to give their own scores in the Game Info section. Tlie number in brackets shows tiie number of votes so far.
IXI www.us.playstation.com
R E S I D E N T E V I L FA N
FOOTBALL FEVER
Pitch invasion! Readers rush to have a say...
Handy resource for
WHEN WE ASKED THE SHE'S reader? how Konami
zombie-loving psychos everywhere. Yes, that
deluged with emails. What did you want? Online play, five-a-side, and, urn, streakers. We've passed them all
could improve its Pro Evo Soccer series, we were on to Konami, so thanks for such an amazing effort.
means you.
piUS you wont more sites? Ybu cant handle more sites!
PES FAN www.pesfanxom SPONG www.spong.com ...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY TTIE TRAIL OF DEAD www.trailofdead.com
020 PlayStation.E DFFICIRL mHEHZINE-UK
FROM THE FORUM
What you're saying on uk.playstation.coni Topic; Ttie game you are most looking forarand to in 2003, INTEGRAL GEAR: "Substance wiii be ripe and fnjtty. Devil May Cry 2 and ZOE The 2nd Runner are lodging pretty sweet. And I suppose Tomb Raider... althou# its been knocked off my buying list by all of ttie above."
NEXT MONTH ON U K . P l AY S TAT I O N . C O M Sisters are doing it next montti as we put the ladies from Prima/ and Tomb Ro/der through their paces. We'll also have stacks more online gaming info, and a special feature about why stealth games suck. Oh yes they do.
WIZARD WAT C H , Total ro/e-p/aying game heaven!
COMPOUNDING VIEWS Escape-
proof, or so the German's thought.
Whispers are
■7 being circulated / about the p possibility of a few major 7 Japanese RPGs
i making the leap
7 to Western PS2s
^ In the not-to-
/Udistant future...Of course, after the ' recent Square/
y Enix merger this / seems more
y possible than
^ ever How's about 7 Star Ocean 3, L Dragon Quest VIII f and Dragon
y/ Dragoon for starters? Nothing's > confirmed, but
stay tuned to the man in the pointy hat for updates.
ONUNE AT LAST WE'RE STARTING TO HEAR ABOUT ONUNE ELEMENTS IN GAMES.
11
BREAKOUT
Summoning up some great British pluck in SCi's The Great Escape. THE GREAT ESCAPE, that film your Dad always insists on watching every
complemented by more frenetic combat and chase sequences. Each
Boxing Day, despite already owning It on video and DVD, Is to be given the
character has a different skill to lend
videogame makeover. Being such a classic, well-known story It'll be difficult for publisher SCI to get away with a sub-standard offering So far
though, the title seems to be headed In the right direction as it's sticking to the original plot. The game mirrors the film's pacing, with stealthy sections
to the success of the escape. Hilts, The Cooler King (Steve McQueen's character) Is an expert lock-picker G A M E P I AY G O O D I E S
rrs BORROWED ELEMENTS FROM PRISONER OF WAR AND TEAM-BASED PROJECT EDEN
CHNSTMAS P R E S E I ^ T H AT KEEP ON GIVING WE'RE STILL SUCKING OUR WAY THROUGH THE MALICE CHUPA CHUP LOLUES.
while his compatriots can pick SHINGO 'SEABASS' TAKATSUKA THE PES MAN DID A aiNKY UTTLE DANCE MOVE WHEN INTRODUCED TO 0PS2. WE UKED PT.
pockets or speak German. It's difficult to envisage exactly how the gameplay will pan out given the scarcity of screenshots, but it looks to have borrowed elements from Prisoner Of War and team-
based adventure Project Eden. Of course. It wouldn't be true to the movie without McQueen's motorbike finale - and we're assured it's been
Included. Expect more screens In Monitor very soon. □ GW
2 7
THE SIMS HELPING TIM GET MORE LADY ACTION THAN HES HAD IN YEARS, NOW WALKS AROUND THE OFRCE WITH TOE 'SIMS SWAGGER', CHRIS FROM ROCKSmRNEW YORK FOR SHOWING SAM TOE BEST DWE BARS OF TOE LOWER EAST SIDE
MUSK 3 THAT VOICETO-MUSIC FUNCTION,
LIKE, TOTALLY ROCKS. EIGHTIES MUSIC WEVE GONE FROM
HATING IT, TO LOVING IT TO HATING IT AGAIN IN A SINGLE MONTO. DAME EDNA EVERAGE HOSTING TOE INDIN VIDEOGAMES TOP NOBS DINNER EVENT WHY? WHATS S/HE EVER HAD TO DO WITO VIDEOGAMES? OCCASIONAL OPS2 C O N T R I B U TO R PA U L ROSE LEAVING DIGfnSBl MR BIFFO WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
SLACK SABBATH Ozzy bites off more than he can chew.
■ FLYING HIGH Dragons cause mass ~
destruction, now minus • the Prince Of Darkness.-
WHEN SAVAGE SKIES, Big Ben's forthcoming mythical combat game developed by IRocK was unveiled in 2001, its main premise was to feature shambling rocker Ozzy Osboume sat astride a dragon, raining hell down on the fantasy land below. Fast forward 18 months and the game Is finally set for a UK release but sadly minus the Prince Of Darkness.
In Savage Skies, players will command one of 24 different winged beasts as three factions go to war in a battle for sovereignty. Each creature has a
unique flight model comprised of over 50 variables and unique characteristics that determine how they handle, how much damage they sustain and their primary and secondary weapon make-ups.
There are 30 campaigns Included I for each faction) all based around air-ti air and air-to-ground combat as your
dragon can swoop, barrel-roll and ever
take cover behind clouds. Savage Skle will be hoping to eclipse the current definitive dragon caper Reign Of Fire ai become more then just a fire-breathinj flight combat clone. □ RB
□FFICIBL mRGBZINE-UK PlayStation.2 (
4'08"
4'00"
3'08"
3'00"
'r
INTRODUCING: Jack Slate and Shadow YOU'LL BE SEEING A LOT OF HIM IN;
INTRODUCING: Lucia YOU'LL BE SEEING A LOT OF HER IN:
INTRODUCING: Ivy
Dead To Rights (Namco)
Devil May Cry 2 (Capcom) MOSTLY SHPLL BE: Occupying the second disc of the DMC2 package with her own interweaving story line. She has nimble speedy attacks and a set of eviliooking curved knives. Sexy and hard? HERO OR VILLAIN? Whatever you want...
Soul Calibur II (Namco) MOSTLY SHE-a BE: Carving up all comers with her whip-meets-sword weapon and revealing acres of flesh in an outfit so saucy it would make Christina Aguilera blush.
S/tent Hill 3 (Konami) MOSTLY SHE'LL BE: Running around
HERO OR VILLAIN? A bit of both,
HERO OR VILLAIN? A veritable goody
MOSTLY HE'LL BE: Jack's forte is his
slow-motion dive that allows him to pick off enemies before they even know what hit them. He's accompanied by Shadow who loves to chew on criminals.
HERO OR VILUIN? He's a good cop.
022 PlayStation,? DFFICIRL mRGHZINE-UK
YOU'LL BE SEEING A LOT OF HER IN:
INTRODUCING: Heather YOU'LL BE SEEING A LOT OF HER IN:
absolutely petrified, crying like a newborn baby and steadily losing her fragile grasp on sanity. All to the sounds of melodramatic soft rock ballads.
Introducing the leading
lights in some of the biggest PS2 games coming your way in 2003.
I N T R O D U C I N G : Yu n a
INTRODUCING: Kurtis Trent YOU'a BE SEEING A UOT OF HIM IN:
YOU'a BE SEEING A LOT OF HER IN;
Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness (Eidos)
Final Fantasy X-2 (Square)
MOSTLY HFU. BE: Assisting our buoyant
MOSTLY SHE'LL BE: Packing a new set
lieroine with his own special weapon -
of guns first, then changing into
the glaive, a razor-sharp frisbee that can be controlled by telekinesis. Will also be
something more 'comfortable' before slipping off to investigate the reappearance of Tidus, HERO OR VILLAIN? Almost angelic.
cultivating facial hair HERO OR VILIAIN? Lara needs a hero.
INTRODUCING: John McClane YOU'U. BE SEEING A UK OF HIM IN:
INTRODUCING: Nico Collard
Die Hard Vendetta (Universal Interactive) MOSTLY HE'U BE; Using the 'F word more than an angry docker, dirtying his white vests and generally giving terrorists a bad day. Oh, and did we mention the the plentiful wisecracks?
Broken Swont/ 3 [Revolution) MOSTLY SHE'LL BE: Solving the
HERO OR VIUAIN? All-round bad-ass.
HERO OR VILLAIN? Wait and see ,.
YOU'LL BE SEEING A LOT OF HER IN:
mysteries of the extinction of the Eart that occurred some 10,000 years ago,
alongside her awfully dashing young manfriend George Stobbart.
□FFICIHL mHEBZINE-UK PlayStation.^
This month: Our angry charcutier slices open the swollen belly of retro gamimi.
'WRE DEVELOPING THIS CHIP FOR THE TIME WHEN EVERY COMPUTER IS UNKED TO THE INTERNET'
CHCit
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF reminiscing about the good old days? Vknow, tiie time before cel-shading, lens flare and topographically-modelled terrain? When Sabrewulf set
IjONG and winding road Rage Is squeezing some incredibly long draw distances out of tiie PS2 cliipset.
ITAUIAN STALLIONS DPS2 gets first Countach with Rage's Lamborghinl.
Getaway won't let you see around corners. Back in the
IWE ONLY WAY these cars could ook more beautiful would be If
Monica BelluccI was sitting In the )assenger seat. Naked. With so many Jrlving games on the market, we ion't want to play anything that's ess than lip-smackingly gorgeous, .ucky for Rage then, that Its ^mborghlni-based racer Is already ;howing model looks. The In-game graphics look every )lt as impressive as the screens ;u^est. The game features ten ocations. Including Sydney Harbour ind the Black Forest, and although his is a multi-format development, iage Is tailoring each version to Its ;onsole's strengths - hence the 'S2's panoramic vistas. Weather
iffects are also noteworthy. Switch in the rain, flick to First-person node and droplets streak up the vindscreen as you speed up. Set for a September/October i003 release, Lamborghim's car nodels are also coming together
nicely, with those Instantly recognisable Lamborghinl lines in place and bodywork looking suitably buffed. All the classics are present: Murcielago, Mlura, Countach and, of course, Diablo. Also included - and exclusive to PS2 - is next
year's model, which Is being released specially to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, costs around £140 grand and currently answers to the name 'Baby Lambo'. Every car features a complete damage model. Let's hope someone at Polyphony is taking notes. At present. Rage Is keeping quiet on whether or not It will Implement any online features, but If It Isn't network
compatible, be warned that only the inclusion of Miss BelluccI will keep us quiet. □ TC
DO IT WITH HUGGY
new rules for graphical excellence? You do? Then kindly jump off a building into a spiky pit of your own misguiced pomposity and take any like-minded idiots with you. Truth is, 99.99% of old games were dreadful. Would you really rather play Sensible Soccer on the Amiga thc'in PES2? Do you still dig out your Amiga for a quick blast an Speedball 2? Attention hippy, wake up and smell the 128-bit coffee. Nowadays, people grizzle when The
SIU/ER MACHINE
To o
cramped? Stick the kids in the
glovebox. Sorted.
day, Ghosts'N' Goblins used to collapse platforms underneath you, just for a laugh, sending you back to the start of the level with no weapons. Just a pair of pants. In the days of the Sinclair Spectrum, games were all either hideously repetitive, fundamentally flawed or just broken. R-Type was released In the shops with the last level missing! Nowadays, people are thrown into apople
i^b
Aw
••
•
?etfD TV show Starsky & Hutch makes a comeback for PS2.
'OU CANT HELP BUT FEEL Seventies cop drama Stors/g^ & Hutch suffers -om 'classic theme tune syndrome'; great music, shame about the TV show. A juick straw poll of our office proved that no-one could remember much about he series other than it featured two beflared police dudes, a red car (Fond Gran
aurinol and the bad-ass Huggy Bear This hasn't stopped Empire snapping up the licence, presumably to tie-ln /ith the film remake out later this year starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and, resll Snoop Dogg. In Its videogame form, playing either as Starsky or lutch you drive around a city, chasing criminals and hanging out of ie window firing at targets with your gun. Interestingly, you can ilay a multiplayer version where one person shoots a llghtgun /hlle the other drives. As this Is supposed to replicate the TV show, ou'll be awarded speed boosts for driving through cardboard boxes, over amps and Into fire hydrants. This increases your audience rating - the ;ss stunts you pull, the more people switch over to watch the other
Ide. It has some novel ideas but our guess is that Starsky & Hutch /111 go the same way as the TV show and be remembered purely for s theme tune rather than its gameplay □ GW
124 Play5tation,E DFFICIHL mREHZINE-UK
N(^OUS NOSIAIjGIA
AITENTION HIPPY, WA K E U P A N D S M E I i .
THE 128-BIT COFFEE
Coming Soon On PlayStation*^.... it*'
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Soft
Meet Sam Fisher at: www.splintercell.comwww.ubi.com/uk ©2002 Ubi So(t Entertainmant. All Rights Reserved, Ubi Solt Enlertainment and Ihe Ubi SoH logo are registered (rademarks o» Ubi SoH Entertainment. Splinter Cell is a Irademark ol Ubi SofI Entertainmenl. All other Irademarks are the property of their respective owners. Microsoft. XBox and Ihe XBoi Logos are either regislered irademarks or trademarks ol Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or in other counlries. and "PlayStation" are registered Irademarks of Sony Computer Entertainmenl Inc. All Rights Reserved. TM. ® Am THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.© 2002 NINTENDO.
IKONAMPS A K AT S U K A
eabass, how 'm can you go?
hort but sweet
$2 snippets
eard by the or Of Ttuth.
CHARACTER, NOT
JUST A SEX KITTEN STEREOTYPE" PRIMALS CHRIS SORRELU PAGE 28
EVOLUTION ASSURED Talking football with the men behind Pro Evolution Soccer. THE SNOWY PEAKS of Switzerland's Grindelwald
ski resort seem an uniil^ely piace to meet the minds behind the 'Best Footbaii Game in The Worid Ever,.But for some reason it's where 0PS2 found
itseif, tucked up in a snug bar taiking to Pro Evolution Soccer's Producer, the enigmatic Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka and his immediate superior,
something In the future, but there's still much research to be done." It's worth noting here that Seabass had previously mentioned to 0PS2 that Konami's ultimate goal is for 22-player online football matches. Seriously So no onilne - what can we expect for PES3 then? "1 want to deepen the one-on-one battle
Shinji inamoto. They were there to witness the European Pro Evolution Soccer Media Cup but what we reaily wanted to taik about was PES3 -
between defender and attacker as much as
specificaliy wiii it support onilne piay? inamoto replies, "i'm sorty to say we can't guarantee the oniine option for PES3. It's to do with the infrastructure of Eunjpe, which Is a iittie
especially individual skills like Beckham's free kick" It's good to hear the team are fully aware of the criticism aimed at the poor commentary and lack of proper licensing "We have a disadvantage being a Japanese developer," Seabass admits. "But in next year's version we'll use native English speakers
complicated when compared with Japan and the US. if the network Is there, we'll definitely do
Lara Croft has debuted on Sky's Gamestar channel. The platform
^ame will come in three
instalments and costs 75p a game.
possible," Seabass explains. "I also want to redo all the motion capture and implement new moves,
to help the team. In terms of licensing, we need to obtain one other than Just FIFPro, and I've raised awareness in Konaml that we should aggressively pursue one. If we don't improve in these areas, I'm aware our sales will drop." With a proper commentary, fully licensed players, a new game engine, further evolved gameplay and all new animations can we expect '3' to be the magic number - the perfect football game? "When the game gets closer to the goal we have In our minds, the goal stretches out so we never get close," muses Seabass. "From the next game, we're visualising the whole concept of football rather than Just individual moves, which will takes us back to page one again. So I'll probably never be satisfied!" □ GW
Take 2 have announced that GTA
developer Rockstar North is currently working on a new title for PS2 codenamed Project Manhunt
In
c
o
m
The most accurate release schedule in the biz. February ATi/2: Quad Power Racing
Genre
Publisher
Racing
Acclaim
Barbarian
Beat-'em-up
Virgin interactive
Contra: Shattered Soldier
Action
Konami
Dark Angel
Action
Universal Interactive
RADAR Vvcking the progress of game-shaped projectiles.
[Return To Castie' R i s e To H o n o r
The Great Escape
Genre
Publisher
RPG
Capcom
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Beat-'em-up
Ubi
Enter The Matrix
Actlon/adventure
Infogrames
Midway
Glo Glo's Bizarre Adventure
Actlon/adventure
Capcom
Jester Interactive
Soul Callbur II
Beat-'em-up
TBC
True Crime: Streets Of LA
Driving/action
Activislon
\
TBC 2003
Genre
Publisher
1
Alter Echo
Adventure
THQ
Area 51
Adventure
Midway
Batman 2
Action
Ubi Soft
Blow Out
Shoot-'em-up
Majesco
IJuly
Lara Craft Tomb Ralden The Angel Of Datliness Actlon/adventure
Eidos
Breath Of Fire V
Legends Of Wrestling 2 Midnight Club ii Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Wrestling
Acclaim
Driving
Rockstar
Beat-'em-up
Music 3
Music creation
RoboCop
Action
Titus interactive
Shawn Murray's Pro Wakeboarding
Extreme sports
Activislon
SOS: The Final Escape
Actlon/adventure
Agetec
The Mark Of KrI
Action
SCEE
] Vexx W h i r l To u r
Platformer
Acclaim
Racing
Universal Interactive
1
Soft
1
TMESIMS
Watch your own virtual family make a mess of their lives and
pants in this original PS2 version of Will
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon Adventure
TBC
Celebrity Deathmatch
Beat-'em-up
Ta k e 2
Codemasters
Curse
Adventure
Wanadoo
Action
Capcom
Cy Girls
Action
Konami
Dr Muto
Adventure
Midway
Destruction Derby 4
Driving
SCEE
Gaierians: Ash
RPG
Agetec
Action
Encore
Gremlins
Action
LSP
Driver 3
Driving/action
Indiana Jones And Ttie Emperor's Tomb
Actlon/adventure
Activislon
Ecks Vs Sever
FPS
Infogrames Bam! Entertainment [
Indy Racing League
Racing
Codemasters
Enclave
Adventure
Swing!
Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis
Strategy
Universal Interactive
jEverQuest Online Adventures
~jHhiRPG
TBC
Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter
FPS
Universal Interactive
Platformer
Sierra
Beat-'em-up
THQ
March
Genre
Publisher
Action
Kemco
Club Football
Football Sim
Devil May Cty 2
j Batman; Dark Tomorrow
1 Malice Pride FC
Wright's PC b e s t s e l l e r.
iDragon's Lair 3D
Evil Dead: A Fistful Of Boomstick
The online
(EXO
option of
Falcone: into The Maelstrom
FPS
Virgin Interactive
Far Ciy
Action
Ubi Soft
Fear Effect: Inferno
Adventure
Eidos
Actlon/adventure
THQ
"Mech action
Infbgri^ms
Platformer
Ubi Soft
Rockstar's fast and furious
Extreme sports
Rage
street racer is
Savage Skies Splinter Cell
Action
BamI Entertainment
reason enough
Final Fantasy X-2
RPG
SCEE
Action
Ubi Soft
to make a
Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse
Action
3 D 0
Tenchu: Wrath Of Heaven
Actlon/adventure
Activislon
Freaky Flyers
Flight action
Midway
The Lost
Adventure
Ubi Soft
Frequency 2
Rhythm action
SCEE
Action
SCEE
Zapper
Platformer
infogrames
Futurama
Adventure
SCi
ZOE: The 2nd Runner
Mech action
Konami
Ghost Hunter
Adventure
SCEE
Gladiator
Beat-'em-up
Midway
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Adventure
TBC
Gun Survivor 4
Light-gun game
Capcom
1 War Of The Monsters
purchase.
Genre
Publisher
Blood Rayne
Actlon/adventure
Universal Interactive
Dark Chronicle
RPG
SCEE
CY GIRLS
Dead To Rights
Action
TBC
Not officially
Def Jam Vendetta
Wrestling
EA
Die Hard: Vendetta
FPS
Universal Interactive
Football Sim
Konami
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Action
Konami
Moto GP3
Racing
SCEE
RTX Red Rock
Actlon/adventure
Activislon
Action
SCEE
Action
1 ShInobI Starcraft: Ghost
i Wolverine's Revenge WWE Crush Hour
T W
'Fugitive Hunter
April
PSS 3
[
MIDNIGHT CLUB li
Roiling
i Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
[
c o n fi r m e d f o r a
UK release yet (but trust us, It'll come soon) Konami TYO's
; Judge jWWVs Death King Of Route 66
'Lamfe^W
,
;
M a fi a
■Mission Impossible: Operation Surnia
_
Action
Universal Interactive
Driving
TBC
Racing
Rage Ta k e 2
i
Party game
SCEE
NBA Bailers
Basketball sim
Midway
NBA Starting Five
Basketball sim
Konami
NBA Street 2
Basketbalt stm
EA Sports
Universal Interactive
Pac-Man World 2
Platformer
SCEE
Actlon/adventure
Activislon
RPG
TBC
Driving/action
THQ
pmage Project BG&E ^toject IMiint
Platformer
Ubi Soft
TBC
Rockstar
1 May i A Sound Of Thunder
Genre
Publisher
Pterosaur
Adventure
TBC
Action
Bam! Entertainment
jRaging Blades
RPG
Wanadoo
Black And Bruised
Boxing
Universal Interactive
Resident Evil Network
Online adventure
Capcom
Camera game
SCEE
RyganThe Legendary Adventure
Actlon/adventure
Te c m o
FPS
THQ
Seven Samurai
Action
Sammy
Strategy
Activislon
FPS
Codemasters
Online action
SCEE
jShoot To Kill Starsky & Hutch
Driving/action
Empire
Sun/lval horror
Konami
Jto' Wars: Galaxies
Onine 1^
Activislon
Combat sIm
SCEE
Sulkoden III
RPG
Konami
Driving
Acclaim
Football Sim
SCff
Action
Ubi Soft
i Eye Toy Fire Warrior
1 Gladlus Hardware
1 Silent Hill 3 SOCOM: US Navy SEALs 1 Speed Kings Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six; Raven Shield
The X-Flles
■i l i ' « i i r A s s a " u t f Fjune 1 Freedom: Battle For Liberty island Ice Nine
i Red Dead Revolver
\
Action
My Street
action figureInspired stealth game is looking very hot.
[
Infogrames
Actlon/adventure
1
Survival horror
"FPS Extreme sports
Genre
Publisher
Urban Freestyle
Actlon/adventure
EA
Wortet Ra% Ctw^itailtl^ Online
Onine racing
Action/adventure
BamI Entertainment
Xenosaga
RPG
Action
Capcom
'
|
\ 1
Universal Interactive
Sierrai
Acclaim SCEE
'tbc
KEY: FPS = First-person shooter RPG - Role-playing game. Mech - Japanese robots
□FFICIRL nriRERZINE-UK PlayStation.E O;
Play5titign.g INTERVIEIU W O R D S : G E O R G E W A LT E R / P H O T O G R A P H Y: M A R T I N B U R T O N
PRimRL BLOKE!
CHRIS SORRELL
studio Cambridge's Creative Director reveals some Df his Primol instincts. How did you come to be Creative Director on Primal?
How much time was spent on making her breasts wobble perfectiy?
After finishing MedlEvil for PSone I was tasked with developing new game
Longer than you might expect And they still need tweaking We were going for
concepts. Primal wasn't originaiiy going to
realism rather than the titillation factor It
be our first next-gen titie. Our initial idea
doesn't help that in one of the game trailers we had her running past the
was a game along the lines of Starship Troopers, but it didnt seem to be breal
any new ground, which is when we came^
PRIMAL DREAM
Chris spent a lot of time fiddling around with Jen's breasts. It's his job!
camera in slow motion. It was all a bit
Baywatch. Oh well.
up with Primal. Primal is loolcing to be one of the most technically adept PS2 titles yet. What do you consider to be its standout achievements?
I think it's the game as a whole really the sum of the parts. In particular I think the dynamic loading lends the game continuity and consistency. It adds to the scope of the game.
Is it possible to become emotionally attached to game characters? Will you miss worldng with Jen and Scree? Yes, I think we will. After all this time I'm
still not sick of them. And even though we've read the script hundreds of times it still raises a smile among the team every now and then. They're characters that we've enjoyed working with. Hopefully if Primofs a success, we haven't seen the last of them.
' " W E WA N T E D A STRONG FEMALE
How's the beard coming along? There aren't many beards here at Studio
LEAD, NOT JUST
formidable. He's famed for his beard as
A SEX KITTEN''
Cambridge. But the one we do have is much as his programming talent. □ GW
VbuVe blended typical adventure elements with traditional beat-'em-up elements. How difficult was it to
integrate the two styles? It wasn't something we consciously thought about - It Just seemed like an interesting mix. We were making an adventure game but wanted to give Jen :ombat abilities in more than Just a hammer a single attack button' style. How many stages of development did /ou go through before you decided ^ou'd got Jen and Scree's characters ust right? scree's first design has remained to this day but Jen was more complex. We A/anted to have a female lead who was a
Srong character, not Just a sex kitten, Dimbo stereotype. Her character also leeded to work when she turned into her
CURRICULUM VnAE
temon form. In the end, we did this by
Name: Chris Sorrell
Job title; Creative Director. Studio Cambridge
making her slightly alternative-looking and 3y giving her leather trousers. Her looks are loosely based on Eliza Dushku from
Nationality: English ■ -
3uffy The Vampire Slayer
)2« Play5tation.E DFFICIRL fTlRGRZINE-UK
Date of birth: 21/04/72
■ Drop by the VM site to reed a timeextended version of this chk-chat.
Gameogtaphy:
1994 James Pond 3
Hobbies: More work
(PC/Amiga) 1998 MediEvil (PSone)
Favourite ditector: Ti m B u t t o n
2000 MediEvil 2 (PSone)
Favourite authors:
2003 Primal (PS2)
Glenn David Gold, JK Rowling Favourite band: Nine Inch Nails
FA S T A C T I O N
Turn-based fighting becorties mot« exciting, with sped-up battles.
^
»
a
.
i
■ U N D E R N O R R AT I -
SKIES Go back 500 y
before the PC version
The latest on
Sony's underwmps wunderkit. Although we don't want to start any premature rumours, Toshiba
has just announced it's
going into commerciai
production of the CELl processor,
B E TA T H A N E V E R ?
the fruit of a coilaboration with
Sony and iBM to produce smaller, faster, and more
Everquest Online Adventures hits PS2 In the US. 0PS2 tests the field
e f fi c i e n t microprocessors.
ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIHCANT
our hands-on play of the title, here's
■ EQOA is all about 'questing'. You
The thinking is,
online titles slated for UK release is
what we know:
begin with delivery type missions which involve you taking x to y in
■ EQOA is set 500 years before EQ
return for z.
this CELL
technology will eventually be incorporated into Sony's nextgeneration entertainment
system, "CELL would obviously be the central chip for our next
Everquest Online Adventures. Tiie massive multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG) has caused sleep deprivation among PC gamers since its iauncli in 1999 as tfiey traverse tiie terrain of Norratli, forming guilds to battle trolls and barbarians. Now,
Sony Online Is to bring tiie experience to PS2 - but not before extensive consumer 'beta testing'. This allows developers to find
generation products," confirms SCEI
spokesman Kenichi Fukunaga, "We're developing
potential problems with the code before the game is released.
CELL in
preparation for the time when every computer is linked
Japanese gamers went through a similar beta test for Final Fantasy XI.
to the Internet."
Currently, SCEA is undergoing the third stage of beta testing for the US version of Everquest Online and we've been getting involved. From
PC on the same varied terrains. But
before dwarves, gnomes and elves had made mass migrations.
■ You need to group with other players to be collectively powerful. That's where the element of
■ EQOA is designed for the Dual Shock 2, not mouse and keyboard.
■ GIANT LEAP Beta
community comes into play.
testing will ensure a smooth launch of
■ PS2 Everquest will have a far
Everquest on PS2.
■ Combat is turn-based, but the
smoother launch than the PC
turns are sped up by repeatedly
version, after lessons learned on PC
hitting attack, while in the PC version you click once and watch.
(many gamers couldn't connect to the servers at launch).
■ The first run-fetch-carry missions involve people not far from your
■ Some good game mechanic
starting location and this generates
improvements have been added that make it less painful to die, and
enough experience points (XP| to
combat is more user-active and
push you through the first few levels.
action-focused. □ GW
P'ay5taypnj2 cr-assujond Complete the puzzle then take the letters from the shaded squares and unscramble them to form a prize word. Once you've got it, send it in to us to win a prize. Details on the right. A C R O S S
D O W N
7 Football 2003, soccer sequel. (4,2)
l_OfLA, the setting for 12 across. (7) 2 The PlayStation 2's superb 'Fusion' racer (7)
8 A Smash Court Tennis shot or a Pro Evolution
Soccer 2 strike, perhaps. (6) 10 'Fifth' Bruce Willis movie on which the PS2's NY Race Is based. (7)
ANSWERS WILL APPEAR IN OPS2#31
OP$2#29
Answers
4 _ One 2002, motorsport sIm. (7)
11 _ Machines, tiny little racer! (5) 12 _ Crime: detective Nick Kang's crim sIm. (4) 13 _ Rally Championship 2 Extreme, V-Raily 3 and Colin McRae Rally 3 rival (5) 17 Britney's _ Beat, queen of pop's game. (5)
5 Road _, one way the cops will try to stop
18 See 23 across.
driving non-production models. (2,7)
22 Conflict: Desert _, squad-based third-
14 Shaun _ Pro Snowboarder (7)
person Gulf War action (5)
15 _ Of Wrestling 2, featuring Hulk Hogan. (7) 16 Soldier Of _: Gold Edition, FPS shooter (7)
23 & 18 across Novel horror game In which Mlku's only weapon against the ghosts Is a camera! (7,4) 24 Zone Of The mech adventure. (6) 25 _ NFL 2003, latest in a long long line of American Football sims. (6)
Across
ANSWERS 7. Police 8. Hunter 9. Mapmaker 10. Lost 11. Jonny 12, Courage 15. Edition 17 Tidus 20. Platinum 22. Pete 23. Maximo 24, Soccer
3 & 20 down Big golf star who endorses PGA Tour 2002 and 2003. (5,5)
you In Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. (5) 6 Which Mike put his name to Heavyweight
Boxing on the PS2? (5) 9 Game that takes you from Tokyo to Geneva
£250 WORTH INFOGRAMES ATA R I G A M E S When you've four the hidden word, write it on a
postcard and sen to Crossword 30, 0PS2 Magazine,:
ivionmouth Street
Bath BAl 2BW or email to PS2com
@futu renet.co.uk,
with Crossword 3
as the subject. Fc rules and closing date see page 14
19 Gran Turismo 3: 'the real driving simulator' available on Platinum. (1-4) 20 See 3 down.
21 Sven _ Eriksson's Wor/d Manager, footy
management sim. (5) Hidden words: THE SIMS
Answers Down
1. Polorvid 2. Hftman 3. Jerl^ 4. Chariot 5. Angler 6. Wets 13. Gauntlet 14. Point Of 16, Tetris 18, /mpoct 19. Smash 21. Lxiad
ATA R
□FFICIRL mREHZINE-UK PlayStation.E
STOP PRESS •••
irT^Tprent trading declaration, Take 2
annoysSRocksa trsi worh tnigon5new tiles - one of which is a new GTAgame. FIERU!
WHAT THE HELL IS
•
••
DRAGON QUEST?
SWEAT BOX JURY DRAGON QUEST VMI The first and
0PS2 gets to grips with bestselling
only screen of the latest DQ offering, i
Japanese RPG Dragon Quest. IMAGINE TONY BLAIR DECLARING
role-playing games developed in
that Grand Theft Auto was so
America, such as Ultima and
popular that new games in the series
Wizardry, the original Dragon Quest predated Final Fantasy and Nintendo's Legend OfZelda and laid down the ground rules that have
would only be allowed to launch on public holidays. Inconceivable, surely? But that's pretty much what happened in Japan after the launch of successive Dragon Quest titles caused the nation to come to a
standstill. Western gamers might be more familiar with the likes of
Square's F/na/ fbntasy series, but the release of a new Dragon Quest episode is a national event in Japan. Taking its inspiration from the A NAnON THROWS A SICKIE
''EACH DRAGON
QUEST LAUNCH
B R I N G S J A PA N T D A S TA N D S n u : '
shaped every Japanese role-playing game ever since. Created by Artist Akira Toriyama, Composer Koichi Sugiyama and Writer Yuji Hori, it featured the sort of emphasis on characterisation, upgradeable weapons, sub-quests and interesting NPCs that Westem gamers will more readily associate with games produced by the likes of Square. Having started life in 1986, the
series has encompassed several
I hardware platfonns, starting with Nintendo's NES before
Konami will bring Hudsonsoft's racer Bomberman Kart to PS2.
It's out next month. We're expecting Bombemian Online to follow soon...
)30 PlayStation^ QFFICIRL fTlRSHZINE-UK
graduating to PSone. PlayStation 2 is now about to receive its eighth chapter in Japan - not including various spin-off titles that have appeared over the years. Unfortunately, details of what to expect from the latest title won't be released until the end of
December at Jump Festa 2003 - after this issue of 0PS2 goes to press.
But, even though the series hasn't been released outside of
Japan since the first four titles were released in the US as the
Dragon Warrior series, hopes are relatively high that this latest instalment might be due for a Western release. As ever, we'll keep you updated. □ DM
Uncensored bile and vitriol from the 0PS2
gaming room. This month: The Sims It's 7am In The Sims house and character Tim has wet himself twice
already. George: Come on Hm. You need to
use the loo. [Tim falls asleep on the floor In the
puddle of wee.] George: How ane you going to get a job in this state!? [Tim's mum refuses to clean
up a festering plate of food.) George; Christ alive, this is lil(e a sodding loony bin! [Tim starts dancing in fnant of the fish tank.) George: [Has left the rxjom in
despair.]
Infogrames has sold the theatrical rights to horror game Alone In The Dark to German film company Boll Kino. Filming begins in the spring.
rff
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I MONITOR CONTRIBUTORS; RYAN BinT, TIM CLARK. PAUL RTZPATT^ICK DAN GRIFFTmS, JON JORDAN, MARK WVATT
I
Previewing the new games you voted to read about! WELCOME TO MONITOR! SO WHATS ALL THIS THEN? It's our brand new previews section. Our pledge is to keep all the big games under
constant surveillance, as directed by you! Whenever a cool new game bleeps loud on your radar, write to us we'll dig up exclusive new screens, information and
interviews with the creators, or bring you first impressions from playable code. HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? To vote in our Most Wanted
charts and make sure Monitor covers the games you
M O S T WA M f E D Which upcoming games do you want to see more of? Email or write to us and we'll uncover the latest details on your future favourites! POSITION
1 ▲
more infomiation online.
I
,fr
w
-
^'
LexcLu|j||* TOMB RAIDER: THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS At last. Lara Invites us Into her home (oka(^, the Core Design studios) to see what she's been up to all this time. What does fever pitch sound like? Li!
site at uk.playstation.com. Get voting now! ■ INFO BURSTS Keep an eye out for these blobs, where we'll drop in facts, rants, quotations, devil's advocate opinions and anything extra you should know.
W H AT ? O N L O C AT I O N PAGE 34
want, email us on
[email protected] or visit our Web
■ INFO BOX It's hers you'll find out who makes a game, how complete it is, when it's due to hit the stores and if there's any
GAME
2 ▶
3 ▼
4
NEW!
U P D AT E PAGE 50
DEVIL MAY CRY 2 Obviously our monthly teasing has got you lot a bit hot under
rexcLUBivEi!
the collar as far as DMC2 is
concerned. More screens,then...
METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SUBSTANCE
Jexclusive!]!
Our first prolonged piaytest of Snake's special adventure.
FINAL FANTASY X-2 Ttie elegant Vlina as a plstolpacklng Lara-a-IIke? What's that all about, then? We investigate Square's new direction.
THE MARK OF KRI A DIsneyesque free-roaming combat game with an eco-friendly theme? That's got to be worth an hour of anyone's time.
> ALSO IN manibof- this month TRUE CRIME; STREETS OF LA..
...PAGE 38
DIE HARD VENDETIA
...PAGE 42
SPLINTER CELL
...PAGE 46
^ PRIDE FC JURASSIC PARK: OPERATION GENESIS..PAGE50 SILENT HILL 3. ■ OPINION BOX What do we think of it so far? We
reveal our thoughts and also Include what you'd like to see in the game - visit the forums at ukplaystation.com to get Involved.
■ GO TO Monitor is stuffed with
Info on all the latest PS2 games, ; but there's only so much we can i■fitToInboxes the mag. Lxioktrack out for Go to keep of extra info we've posted online.
...PAGE 51
Which forthcoming games would you like to see In Monitor next month? Visit the forums at ukplaystation.com, email us at
[email protected] (remember to put 'Monitor' in the subject line) or write by post to Monitor, Official PlayStation 2 Magazine, Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, BAl 2BW. Vote now!
□FFICIRL rriRGHZINE-UK PlayStatlon.2 033
vt LARA CROF TOMB RA DER THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS Missing: Presumed Unfinished We unearth Lxira Croft's latest. BEEN A U>NG TIME COMING HASNT IT? Yes, but it
will be worth the wait. At our recent sojourn to Core Design's HQ we witnessed a game with practically all the environments complete and a fully functioning Lara running. Jumping and climbing around in them. And picking up a pad and playing the game is like being reunited with a long tost relative, THAT NEW BLOKE. WHATS HIS CAPER? Kurtis is the
product of a plot as tortuous and complex as the M5-M6 intersection. Suffice to say that he's the descendant of the Knights Templar who imprisoned the evil Eckhardt (voiced by Joss Ackland) hundreds of years earlier Now Eckhardt is free and trying to re-energise the ancient Nephilim and ultimately take
Raider world was pretty much built from one-metre square cubes. This has meant a real rethink about the way the game works. It's now impossible to clearly see scalable rockslldes, or to know if Lara can make a jump or not. Most sections aren't so much 'corridors of scenery as a section of Paris with all the streets, houses, rooftops and alleyways you'd expect. There are now countless ways of getting from one end to another - it really opens up the game. □ DG
PlayStation®^ /
OFFOM.
fl l R B H Z I N E H J K
over the world. Kurtis and Lara want Eckhardt dead
and you get to play as Kurtis in a couple of lengthy sections, using his magic powers (an ability to see
what's coming up) and his Chirugai, a kind of sharp frisbee which he can lock onto multiple targets and then release.
SO WHArS IT REALLY UKE THEN? imagine a really detailed, pin sharp, super high-resolution Tomb Raider and you've 80% nailed it. The major plus is the complete absence of blocks - the old Tomb
034 PlayStation E QFFICIRL mRBH2INE-UK
s ■ Ws'// be posting more screenshots on the site soon,
Ke^ checking.
■ KNIGHT CLUB The old
ADRIAN SMITH HEADBURST
Knights Of The Templar provide Lara with a little target practice.
A few Ibmb Raider facts (et slip by Core's Operations Director. M Did Lara really munjer her . m e n t o r a t t h e s t a r t ? Yo u ' l l h a v e t
; . waltandsee... ■ There ate going to be tliree Tomb Raiders. The Angel Of Darkness Is the first part of a
huge, three-game story. ■ TheyVe started wor1< on the second game already and it
should be out in November 200;
^fes, Iwo Tomb Raiders In one yei
■ There's a high degree of sexue fnsson between Lara and new
boy Kurtls.
■ The Angel Of Darkness Is not as big as the old Tomb Raider ■ There were to be four locations
games but this Is deliberate. The
In the game but the sheer size of the story has meant cutting this down to two for this first game.
policy here is quality over sheer quantity. That said ifil still offer 2
to 35 hours of gameplay, though
I ARCH ENEMY Be m
S T E A LT H Y
OPTION
There's as much
sneaking as there is gunplay this time around.
enemy operatives.
■ LX>CK STOCK The new game uses the same auto-lock system as the old Raiders. Just hold 'aim' and press fire'.
WALL FLOWER Yes
0
*
^
A TA L E O F T W O C m E S The game takes place in Paris and Prague. So just two locations then, but the action in each is impressivefy diverse.
THE STRAHOV CO^HHEX
PA R I S U N D E R W O R L D
THE LOUVRE
KRIEGLER CASTLE
THE
Yes, it's not ali raiding tombs. The baddies'
As well as action taking place on city
Not an exact recreation (because use of ail
The place where ultra-villain Eckhardt was
This chamber beneath Kriegler Castle is
TRANaNG
ROOM
HQ provides Lara with plenty of laser-
streets there are huge subterranean areas
the paintings Is a legal nightmare] but it
to negotiate.
feaUires much of the intemal architecture.
Imprisoned Even to this day It Is patrolled by the ancient Templar Knights.
used by the bad guys for summoning up
based traps and alarm systems to dodge.
ancient evils. Enter at your own risk...
□FFICIHL mRGRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 0
MGS2: Substance
Konami Europe Konami JPN
METALSEAR SOLID 2
www.konamijpn.com/ praducts/mgs2 sub 0 P S 2 m
METAL G SOLD 2: SUBSTANCE First impressions of Snake's meatier magnum opus. YOU LOAD IT UP, WHATS THE DEAL? Disappointingly, the Intro movie Is identical to Sons Of Liberty, but get past that and the differences soon become apparent. From the main menu, you've got a choice of 'New Game', 'Load Game', 'Options' and 'Specials' w/hlch all apply to SOL - here In Its entirety with the only difference being the availability of a level select from the start - plus three new ones called, 'iviissions', 'Snake Tales' and 'Skateboarding', WHAT DO THEY CONSIST OR For 'Missions', you can choose either Ralden or Snake and then pick from three categories - 'Sneaking', 'Weapons' and 'FirstPerson View mode'. All of them are set In VR
surrounds with the sole aim being to get to the exit In the shortest time, but the key is In how you do It sneaking, via vents, lure tactics and rail hanging, or
all-out blasting with SOL's full arsenal Including, If you're Ralden, the HF Blade. Things are slightly different for 'First-Person' mode as you must learn
new controls and get to grips with riiianoeuvring your character In this previously stationary-only perspective - which at first feels completely wrong. 'Snake Tales' consists of five new scenarios for
Snake set in the locales of SOL WItti private-eye-style text intros setting the scene, snippets of Info and mini-quests are divulged as you go along - so you never know how things are going to pan out when you undertake the initial missions. Very intriguing. AND THE SKATEBOARDING? This separate section is a daft but entertaining bonus. Borrowing the game engine and the specially-modified Big Shell level from Evolution Skoteboord/ng, Snake and Ralden have a series of goals to complete within the time which involve racking up high scores and collecting
objects. To be honest, the skating engine Is no Tony Hawk's, but we must doff our caps to the excellent rock rendition of the MGS theme tune that
accompanies the kick-flipping action.^ RB
j^pinion
PlayStation®^ /
OFFictHL
MGS2: SUBS1ANCE is the definitive
version of an exceptional game. The new missions and modes add welcome
bulk to an experience that was previously a bit short-lived. W H AT W E W A N T
More jugular-
W H AT Y O U W A N T Tribonel53 wants
W H AT T H E Y W A N T
For you to
severing carnage
to play as Snake in
approach Substonce
with Raiden's
the Plant with his
as a whole new
fantastic HF Blade.
cool M4, from start
game, even if you already own MGS2.
t o fi n i s h .
HOT FRiGID
m TEPID
WARM
|MEIJIX)WN
036 PiayStatlon.E OFFICIRL mHERZINE-UK
CAN HE KICK-FUP? Ves he con. It's definitely not a joke, then - Snake-boanling expJoinedr
One of your goals is to score over 10,000 points. For this, you link-up your ramp tricks and land them Into manual rolls to rack up those bIg-scorIng combos. Yo u c a n a l s o c o l l e c t c o i n s .
You also have to grind 150 metres worth of rails - so oilie up and slide every rail you see to meet your quota. Thankfully, some ate exceedingly long although you must ensure you remain balanced if you want the points to count
Roll through the skater-friendly modified Plant to search for five missing dog tags and a secret Item. The tags are spread out and tricky to spot, but we
There are three security drolds that need neutralising and once you have triggered four concealed
can reveal that the secret item is perched above
mighty complex plunging Into the Icy waters.
an out-of-reach ramp.
detonation devices, you can send one section of this
■ 'FIRSTY WORK Playing the first-person missions takes some getting used to...
It
■ HOLD AU. The
missions all require familiar Snake skills, like holding up guards.
□FFICIRL mRERZINE-UK PlayStation.E o:
m a n i b o r NEW SCREENS True Crime.-Streets Of LA r :
Activision L u x o fl u x w w w. a c t i v i s i o n . c o m OPS2#29
5 0 %
. JULY
■ SINKrlN FEaJNG
They're not dancing. Jiiey're fighting, ■ HI-YA! Martial
i£i
m
I arts elements add
\
rn
^
t
.-B-
ifdepth to gameplay and atmosphere.
■ HGHT CLUB
Taking down thugs is a snap with l
■
JUMP
\
SHOT
Acrobatic dual guns just one of many nods to Hong Kong cinema.
TRUE CRIME: STREETS OF LA Latest screens of the game putting the Woo into woohoo! IS nr A FIGHTING GAME OR A DRIVING GAME? It's
HOW DOES THE CLOSE COMBAT WORK? From what
both. If technical shootouts and accurately mapped
we can see , it looks as though a lock-on facility will
driving action sounds good to you (and you're getting boned of driving around London in The Getawayl then listen up. As the screens on this page show, your time
play a part in tying the hand-to-hand and shooting
will be pretty evenly divided between high-speed chase missions and shootout/beat-'em-up action. As
Getoways eye for detail. If it can perform as well as it looks, we'll be in for a treat next year □ MW
action together It looks pretty impressive at this point, a hybrid of Wee City's targeting system and The
you can see, the lead character, rogue cop Nick Kang is a bit handy at all of the elements. Shooting at gangland thugs is one thing but taking them apart with a well-placed roundhouse is another level of satisfaction entirely
Well, you play a detective with a grudge, dishing out his own sense of Justice in LA's seedy underworld. The whole game has been heavily infused with a Hong Kong cinema feel. Remember John Woo's classic movie Hard Boiled? All of that cathartic action
opinior
impres^e so far.
PlayStation®^ /
OFFCWL
ff«6HZ»«-UK
J
Si.1
ss
year. But coming after several similar games, its Hong Kong influence should make it stand out from the crowd. W H AT W E W A N T
A game that adds to the multi-
is here Including the trademark 'Jumping with two guns' moves seen on this page. If Luxoflux can manage to combine that intense style with some real gaming substance It'll have a sure-fire winner on
The Getaway in lA
experience, not just
FRIGID
B38 PlayStation.E aFFICIRL mRBRZINE-UK
action looks
TRUE CRIME: STREETS OF LA would
discipline gaming
its hands.
driving and shooting
PURSUE SUSPECT!
have been revolutionary this time last rrs UKE A JACKIE CHAN RLM. WHATS THE STORY?
■ ROAD RAGE The
TEPID
W H AT Y O U W A N T
W H AT J » E Y W A N T
Omega X reckons that, "True Crime
original game by
To c r e a t e a n
looks great for a game that's only 50%
adding a different
complete."
the action.
sense of style to
I HOT ijUBOIUNG
■ BOX CLEVER The seedier side of LA is M E LT D O W N
Nick's hunting ground.
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through your door on day of release
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PlayStation.E | LATEST RELEASES ' Lara Croft
Tomb Raider ■
The Angel of ■ Darkness
I for
Ij
---
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CodeiPT0388 >1 Code:PT0458
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Release Radar: Scan our online UK release lists. Then set e-mail alerts that keep you notified of any change of dates. We can't make the games come any quicker but we can at least let you know any date changes as soon as we do. Visit www.gameplay.co.uk to be kept informed.
PlayStation.2|BACK CATALOGUE
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^ gameplay THE
G AT E WAY
TO
GAMES
m o n i b a r NEW SCREENS NAME Final Fantasy X-2 PUBLISHER SCEE
^finfniTi».X-2
DEVELOPER Square Wffi StTE www.playonline.com/ffx2 LAST SEEN OPS2#28
10%
autumn
- V
E RISE OF THE i MACHINES The >
people of Spira have started to use Al *
Bhed technokWir.' ^ JfcL 1!
m
VHIAGE
PEOPLE
Could this be Kilika
fromfFX? The viBagj was destroyed but has it been rebuiK?
FINAL FANTASY X-2
Ylina goes all Lam in the first true FF sequel. 0PS2 gets new screenshots. so THIS IS BASICAUY HNAL FANTASY XII, RIGHT? Wrong. Until now, Square has set each new Final Fantasy game in a unique universe, but with FFX-2 it's had a change of heart - gamers will be returning to the world and characters of FFX, two years after the events of that game. And it appears a lot more has changed than Just Yuna's taste in threads.
■ SUMMONING
in these screenshots, she will have a couple of travelling companions to watch her back Look closely at the FFX-2 logo. That's Yuna at the bottom of the image. On the left you'll see RIkku, Al Bhed mechanic and a familiar face from FFX. And then there's the
blade-wielding figure on the right Say hello to Paine, the moody, leather-clad new girl in FFX-2. We'll have more on the further adventures of Yuna soon. □ PF
: STRENGTH With her new action pants and twin hand guns, Yljna is every bit a FF Lara Croft.
SO WHATS THE STORY? Having defeated Sin, the demonic whale and uber baddie in FFX, spirit summoner Yuna is revered by the people of Spira. But all is not well. For one thing with the fall of the Yevon ■
SIANO
OFF
In
a post Sin world. running high
PlayStation 2
i
/
OPFicwL
religion there has been upheaval as different factions
HNAL FANTASY X-2 introduces Yuna
emerge, each hoping for reluctant Yuna's patronage. For another; blue buddy Kimahri has discovered a
to guns and back-filps. Has the FF universe gone crazy? We dont think so. It's about time Square revisited
sphere containing a vision of Tldus, the lost hero of FFX, trapped and desperate to escape. And so, with the help of Rikku who gives her that hotpants 'disguise' and a pair of guns (after FFXs climax YLina can no longer summon spirits to fight for herl she heads out on an adventure to find and rescue Tldus, discovering a new and brooding menace along the way... SO IS YUNA ALL ON HER LONESOME THIS TIME? Oh
no. As ass-klcking and action happy as Yuna appears
040 PlayStation E aFFICIRL mRBH2INE-UK
o p i n i or
mRenzit«-UK
familiar faces and locations. W H AT
WE
WANT
W H AT
YOU
WANT
Depth, beauty, | a Penance would brains and action in prefer a sequel to equal amounts. Final Rintasy Wl.
W H AT T M E Y W A N T
l«To remind people that this Is a full
sequel and not just an add-on.
^CST OR rr -
FRIGID "TEPID
IWARM
BOIUNG
MaTDOWN
DRESSED
1? leafood disagrees m o d t t
'utBnd isn't afraid to
le th at length.
I
■ BRAVE NEW WORLD FFX-2 is ttie first true FF
sequei. Wiii we see sequels to other games in the series after this?
ONLOCATlbN III' HIHO
i K J i M E D i e H a r d Ve n d e t t a I PUBUSHER Universal Interactive
I DEVELOPER Bits Studios W E B S I T E w w w. d i e h a r d vendetta.5ierra,com LAST SEEN OPS2#27
-g5I7T ' SPRWG .
' 1/ «
"»
*p
DIE HARD VENDETTA
McClane's back, and tiiis time he's mixing shooting witii sneaking. MORE CRICKLEWOOD THAN CENTURY CITY? An
anonymous office in North London is the innocuous ground-zero for the latest game featuring America's unluckiest cop, John McClane. Nothing like The Fox
includes the grab comnnanci, allowing enemy soldiers to be taken hostage. If you get hold of a squad leader for example, the rest of his tnaops will disarm and surrender Alternatively, you could Just sneak around,
Plaza, the towering location for the original film. It is, however, the headquarters of Bits Studios, the veteran UK coders bringing the million-selling Die Hard franchise onto PlayStation 2. Of course, McClane Is up to his usual tricks, thisJime saving LA and his rookie
dragging the guards into the shadows and taking them out with your silenced pistol. Another neat touch Is 'hero time', although this take on Max Payne's 'bullet time' is only instigated when you've done something truly heroic. □ JJ
cop daughter from the evil schemes of the sons of Hans Gruber the terrorist he killed in the first film.
HAVEN'T I SEEN THIS GAME ALREADY? Possibly Die Hard Vendetta was released on GameCube but, as you'd expect, the PS2 version packs a much bigger punch. While enemies are better balanced and frame
rate Issues have been sorted, the major addition is a four-way Multiplayer mode. It features deathmatch (in which Bits Is hoping to have a staggering 14 different
levels], team deathmatch, capture the badge, tag-team and king of the hill options, as well as a boxingtastic royal rumble free-for-all.
ippinian
gameplay mode is the Stealth mode. As well as
enabling players to move without being heard, it
042 PlayStation E □FFICIRL tTlHBRZINE-UK
/
OFFCtnL
mnenziNEHJK
DIE HARD VENDETIA has a highly Structured plot but, in a similar way to ; Deus Ex, gives players the freedom to make their own way through levels so you get to think as well as shoot. W H AT W E W A N T A viiell-balanced
W H AT Y O U W A N T
I ■ Genocide will be
Single-player game witli great cut-
pleased that the PS2 • version of DHV has
scenes, and frantic
; "a completely new
Multiplayer mode.
SO WHAT IS THERE FOR THE LONE GAMER? The key
PlayStation®^
HOT
auto-aim system."
W H AT T J t f Y WA m -
|«Tlie shooting
action of GoldenEye, the cinematics of Half-Life and better
. sales than both.
or::i~
I FRIGID TEPtD
IBOIUNG MELTDOWN
■ Keep an eye out for an interview w i t h t fi e development team.
■ GOTCHA! Taking I
enemies hostage in ^
^Stealtfjfmode |ls cruc al. i
■ UKE IN -THE MOVIES
Taking out the final enemy in a section triggeis a sio-mo cinematic.
■ Dua( And cover iviissions
provide plenty of shadows which
help you to avoid aierting guards.
5!2wuknow?
^tvro hours Of (n^game taeip of Re^td VeBohnson
^Cawho donutSng ptan i ApllaPyed oweH )„ the)l%t '
THE MORE THE MERRIER Bhw your mates away with Die Hard's MuHipktyer mode.
THREE'S NO CROWD
Instead of splitting the screen into quarters winen three are playing, player one gete half the space so nothing is wasted - except the opposition!
COHTROL OPTIONS
COMPLETISr DIE HARD
EASY SHOT
P E R F E C T LY F O R M E D
Bits has provided plenty of flexibiiity in terms of player controls - both speed of response and turn rate can be tweaked.
All the character models in the single-
It's not just frags that matter Taking someone out witii your bare hands in
Some of the smaller levels are designed
player game are available In multlpiayer TTiey can be unlocked by completing the game on the hardest setting
to be played with two players.
Stealth mode will award more points than a gun kill.
□FFICIRL mRERZINE-UK PlayStation.?
m o n i b o r 60 MINUTES WitH
-
n
The Mark Of Kri :
icr.
SCEE
t'€l-jp£R SCEA (San Diego Studio) :r sr— uk.playstation.com lASr
STT-
N/A
P£RCent;.L 'I COMPUETc
FEB
I GLADE FOR A LAUGH It ioolts pretty peaceful now, but give it fve minutes and it'll be a bandit-filled bloodbath.
iWHATSTHESTORYTj
I CUTE? Aah, look at
Millennia ago, ancient evil forces wete defeated when the incantation ttiat
gave them povKer, the Mark Of Kfi was dvided between six families. Hie dark
powers are now stirring again. Rau, a headstrong young fighter, must track down the symbols to revive the legend.
THE MARK OF KRI Meet the ancient forces of evil. Then skewer them with a large sword. 00:30 Cut-scene starts in darkness with voiceover. The
46:15 Our Rau is now a big hero and is attracting more
narrator sounds like Mr Miyagi from The Karate Kid,
missions. A guy called Amku's home has been infested by graverobbers. He'll give us a bow for the Job. Sounds good.
which is very cool. He talks of incantations that will unleash "denizens of darkness."
01:02 Not sure if they've sent a Disney film by mistake. The restless young hero, Rau, is a Polynesian-looking
54:05 Sneaking up unarmed and performing grisly stealth kills with ®. Nailing a bandit to wall with the
swordsman.
sword is an instant favourite. Cute looks and
03:46 Finally Into the action, with beautifully-rendered characters and scenery. Master the unique fighting system of highlighting enemies and attacking with
charmingly brutal finishes. 60:00 Getting into the style and depth with enemies
increasing In number and ferocity. Stealth, swordplay,
deceptively simple button taps.
scenery and birds. What more do you want? □ MW
06:30 Meet Kuzo, a Raven that travels with Rau. He
scouts ahead to marked perches and helpfully distracts enemies.
i n i o n
10:23 Learn about bandits who are destined to meet the
he employs impressive combos and stabs some
by its unique balance of story, gameplay and style. It's gentle yet brutal. We hope the rest of the game is as engrossing.
weedy-looking bandits.
W H AT W E W A N T
32:00 Kuzo's Just landed on a lever and opened a
adventure ttiat keeps you hooked with innovative touches all
the way through.
perfecting blocking and parrying four enemies with the swond. All bandits are efficiently and bloodily
FRIGID
TERD
M YOU BIG SNEAK The little fella won't know what hit him.
^ tj iL
..
m
mnSnZINESJK
; WHAT WU WANT
IM In my opinion, it's going to be much
better than MGS2; says DigltalFusion on the forums.
A
.WHAT THEY WANT
" ■ For the game to change piayers'
expectations in the same w/ay Ico did.
I^HOTORMCr^-
dispatched in no time.
f"eave ARK aOoh, scarthat'll
044 PlayStatlon.E DFFICIRL fTlRGRZINE-UK
An engrossing
massive door for us. He's also unleashed a bunch of fat blokes with massive swords. Nice one Kuzo! 42:34 Battling away in more leafy glades and ruins,
■ A STAB IN THE
OFFICIRL
THE MARK OF KRI looks deceptively simple iple but after a brief try you'll be mesmerised
23:20 In sumptuous ruins we enjoy the gloriously gofy beat-'em-up action. Rau shouts strange words when
■ PICTURE PERFECT Believe it or not tliis picture dissolves directly into gameplay. Pretty, isnt it?
PlayStation®^ /
nasty end of our sword. Another lovely cut-scene neatly takes us to them.
WARM
HOT
■ MOCAS-SIN Rau's
a big man, but quiet on his deadly feet.
;
^
I MELTDOWN
w. b e c k s . c o . u k
m o n i b o r RRST SHOTS K V, : - S p / Z n t e r C e l l PUBUSh^jc ubi Soft OEVELOPir^ Ubi Soft
vVfiB SITE www.splintercell.co.uk LAST SEEN OPS2#29
175%
march
lU
-
- \ i ' ^
■ MONKEY BOY
Sam has a huge repertoire of moves, all of which are
beautifully animated. Access
Feironq's
data
in
the
basement
Sam fisher's
that bloke's head explode in Scanners, s
SPLINTER CELL Just like a splinter, Sam is hard to spot and causes unnecessary pain. IS THIS REALLY AN MGS-BEATER? Tough to call Splinter Cell's emphasis on sticking to the shadows and staying completely silent really is stealth in
excelsis. The plot is classic Clancy, with the Georgian president unleashing a wave of cyber terrorism against the US - which certainly sparks our interest more than Kojima's techno-fear nonsense. Sam Fisher's gruff attitude and salt 'n' pepper hair mean he definitely looks the part. But is gaming's own Clint
called The Powerplant. We're also chuffed to learn
that Ubi Soft is tweaking some of the game's niggling flaws, in the Xbox version the take-a-hostage move is worse than useless, and on certain levels the
checkpoint-based save system leads to leg-crossing
Eastwood cooler than Solid Snake?
YOU'VE PLAYED THE OTHER' VERSION THEN? Yes, and vety good it is, too. Standout moments include
infiltrating the CIA's headquarters at Langiey and trailing a target around a tangerine-coloured oil rig Wonder where they got that from? The lighting effects are genuinely gobsmacking and. crucially these
screens suggest that they've been recreated perfectly for PS2. The best gadget has to be the sticky shocker - a taser-style device which delivers an incapacitating jolt of electricity. Preferably to the plums, WHATS NEW IN THE PS2 GAME, THEN? We re promised new cinematics and special DVD features, but the big news Is the inclusion of an extra level
046 PlayStation,E aFFICIRL fTlRBRZINE-UK
SPLINTER CELL had us worried about
how those fancy lighting effects and snazzy vision filters would look on PS2, but these first shots are very promising indeed. W H AT W E W A N T Hide-and-seel(
gameplay, but without the brainscouring frustration and cut-scenes, •^ilTORNi
W H AT Y O U WA t ^ Evil Overlord
caused a stink when
he said, Tfiis game
I beats MGS in terms
of stoty and playing."
W H AT T H E Y WA h J T
Ttie first AAA Tom
Clancy game, and for Sam Hsher to
replace Snaiie as the
daddy of stealth.
.
miGID TCPiO
WARt^
HOT
I (MELTDOWN
PRIDE FC The game of the most violent sport in the world'. Ulp. PRIDE Fa THATS A FUNNY TITLE. Pride isnt tunny in the slightest. In fact It's veiy serious. The sport Is absoiuteiy huge in Japan (as big as WWE) and the Toi^o Dome is regularly packed with over 70,000 fans baying for blood. After aii, there are only two rules in Pride fighting: no eye gouging and no biows to the private parts. Ouch. Each of
the fighters Is an expert in a specific fighting genre so this Is the oniy piace you're going to see karate versus boxing and wrestling versus judo. BIG SHOW The
game land real-life event) are as OTT as any WWE bout.
go for a painful hold, which will diminish their biue
stamina bar if the pair shrink away to nothing you're a winner While there are token blood splashes (including a great blood-on-the-lens trick] it's a shame that there's no facial damage on the characters, a feature that's so
brutally evident in the real sport. The new WWE, then? Dont bet against it. □ DG
SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED. HOW DO THE
FIGHTERS DIFFER? The PS2 game alms to capture ail of the violent action, featuring ali the moves and fighters. Unlike some fighting games, your choice of character reaiiy does make a difference A judo fighter wiii come into his own If you can get your opponent on the mat via a grapple move. From there you can try for ail kinds of pins and hoids. However; a kickboxer will want to keep his distance and stay on his feet - before kicking you in the
REALITY TV The game characters are lased on real Pride fighters. It's just a hame you havent heard of them. Yet.
reversals and holds. From there you can either beat them into submission, giving their red health bar a battering or
face with them.
i n i o n
; PRIDE FC is looking great a fight sim that I blends wrestling and conventional fighting I to create something new. It's only the
i sport's low profile that could handicap its success over here. W H AT W E W A N T
I To feel a real * difference between
i the fighters and not SO rrs BASICALLY TEKKEN CROSSED WTTH WWE?
Precisely in fact, the buttons (two punches, two kicks] are exactly the same as Tekken but simultaneous button
pushes wiii allow you to grab your opponent for pins.
"EoaaiBiiB
rely on button
J mashing to win.
W H AT Y O U W A N T
W H AT T H E Y W A N T
I To make a great \ m C'mon, we know youVe got opinions of' game of a great
your own. Dont be sport If only It was shy Get on the i forums now!
as popular over here ^ as It Is in Japan...
1 HOT OR NOT? FRIGID tEPID
%ARM HOT ;,^BOIUNG gtLTOGWIM
FIGHTERS STYLE RLE
Just OS in WWE all these figtters are genuine exact recreations of the real thing. Unlike WWE tficy really do try to kill each other...
DON FRYE: WRESTUNG
WANDERLEI SILVA: MUAY THAI
ANTONIO NOGUEIRA: JIU JITSU
S E M M Y S C H I LT: K I C K B O X I N G
HEATH HERRING: WRESTUNG
A heavyweight fighter whose prime skill Is face-smashing punches. The key to defeating this man mountain Is to get
The champ, nicknamed The Axe Muttierer. While prtmarily a Muay Ttial kickboxer, his punch power and Judo skills make him a great all-tounder.
Another all-iounder who matches any Pride fighter for power but who's an expert on the mat and usually wins via
A kickboxer, v»ho at six foot ten, has been known to finish grapple-hungry opponents by kicking them In the head every time they ty to get near him.
This WWE-style showman has a different haircut for every bout He currently Isn't looking too pretty thanks to having his face punched off recently.
him on the mat Then break his arms.
48 PlayStation,? aFFIdHL fHRGHZINE-UK
an excruciating submission hold
w w. b e c k s . c o . u k
iAtryv/er+
m o n i b a n U P D AT E Your one stop shop for progress on the games you'll be buying next. GAME
DEVIL MAY CRY 2
RETURN TO CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN
PARK: OPERATION GENESIS
BATMAN: DARK TOMORROW
BATTLE BOTS
PUBLISHER: CAPCOM
PUBUSHER; ACTIVISION DEVEUDPER: ID SOFTWARE
PUBUSHER; UNIVERSAL DEVEUDPER; BLUE TONGUE
PUBUSHER: KEMCO DEVELOPER: KEMCO
PUBUSHER: THQ
Previously featuring in Spy, we also treated you to some screens in OPS2#25's Update.
Despite the title, It's not about cloning Phil Collins, You'd know that if you'd read our news piece back in Spy, OPS2#29.
In OPS2#27 we displayed the first screens of the caped crusader's game.
We've just gone hands-on with
After a few hours with the
Here are some new screens
the Nazi-demon FPS and it
"Lookit maw, I done made me a dinosauri" sIm we're quietly pleased. Keeping punters and dinos happy land separate) is
for you to peruse. As you can see, there will be plenty of different areas to explore In Gotham City.
DEVElflPER: CAPCOM
LAST SEEN?
A regular denizen of these pages, Devil May Cry 2 featured in last month's monitor when we took a
lingering lool< at Dante's new partner Lucia,
WHAT'S NEW?
We recently went hands-on with the lovely lass and, as expected, her attacks are based on martial arts, throwing daggers and slashing away
looks to be every bit the fast, smooth and stylish shooter we were hoping for.
with her swords.
ANYTHING ELSE?
In her Devil state, Lucia transforms into what can only be described as a big white, angry kestrel. Gameplay is laigely as expected but there's genuine divergence between the two characters' adventures.
This one's looking cooler than a liquid nitrogen bed bath. You can expect an in-depth report
harder than it looks.
Sadly, because they want to concentrate their efforts on the
main game, there will be no popular multiplayer options here. Id Is considering a new game for online, though.
We'll be going back In with more detailed impressions next issue.
next month.
Clips of Dante and Lucia In
For a full briefing and some screens attempt to Infiltrate
vTOW.capcom.co.jp/devil2
www.actlvlslon.com.
Kemco are bat-tling away, trying to get us hands-on with this adventure from the
There's not a great deal out there just yet, but uk.playstatlon.com has a brief
Check out the summary and fabulous artwork over at
www.kemcogamescom.
preview.
move - it's poetry in motion. The number of the beast Is 28... of March,
We'll be trying to do a better job than John Hammond in the veiy next Monitor
Nothing playable yet, but with Kenji Terada [Final Fantasy l-lllj on board, we're looking forward to faithful plot characters and immersive gameplay
dari
action can be found at Check out his Rain Storm
If your party's not going too well, one good way to let off some steam Is to pilot the ranger helicopter and use the sniper rifle on your attractions. Sedatives only, of course.
DEVELOPER: WARIHOG
It's a hearty first hello to the American version of the UK's
poindexter festival Robot Wors,
We've had a chance to get our spanners out and build our own $500 pedal-bin terminator Ladles and
gentlemen, behold! Sir Rtzalot!
Let's face It, American nerds seem a bit mote exotic than
their UK counterparts, and this does feel more polished than Robot Wars. That said, does anyone really, honestly care? We'll see soon enough.
We'll be bringing you a iwlew of Battle Bats just as soon as THQ finishes tinkering with it in the backstage arena
Tighten your nuts and log on to wv™;,battlebots,com, the Web site for the US show. You'll also find Information
on the game there. Invading shops everywhere in the middle of next year
50 PlayStation,E DFFICIRL nflHGRZINE-UK
Munching tourists this March,
Prepare yourself for moody crime fighting on 4 March,
Prepare to 'activate' on 21 February,
WE'VE HAD A CHANCE TO
.s , GET OUR SPANNERS OUT
AND BUILD TERMINATOR OUR OWN $500 ' PEDAL-BIN SEE BATTLE BOTS
G A M E
D A R K A N G E L S I L E N T H I L L 3 D R M U TO
DEVELOPER; RADICAL ENT
PUBLISHER; KONAMI DEVELOPER; KONAMI TCO
P U B U S H E R ; M I D WAY DEVELOPER: MIDWAY
We first laid eyes on this
We've been keeping an eye
futuristic adventure back In
on this from behind the sofa.
Spy, OPS2#27,
Last time we dared to peek
Planet Midway's bizarre boffin was first spotted back In last issue's Spy
PUBLISHER; UNMRSAL
LAST SEEN?
EVOLUTION
SKATEBOARDING PUBUSHER; KONAMI
DEVELOPER; KONAMI OSA
We roll out Konami's very own skating game for the first time.
out was for last Issue's 2003
preview feature.
W H AT S NEW?
Here are some nev» screens for you. WeVe had a quick play and the group combat sections are really coming together weii.
Here are some screens you
might not have seen yet. It's all pretty dark and foreboding still. Not a fluffy bunny in sight.
Getting to grips with Muto is an Interesting affair Morphing between forms and collecting DNA Is colourful piatfonn fun. There are a few minor Issues
A first play of this Hawk-a-like reveals good looks that hide a problematic control system and levels that could benefit
ftxim a little more imagination.
with lively camera angles.
ANYTHING ELSE?
The character of Max looks
Look closely and you'll see
pretty faithful to actress Jessica Alba, Which Is a good thing. She also has a Stealth mode for some really nice
that Heather has a torch attached to her as she moves
silent kills.
no doubt.
around in the gloom. Great for fear-enhancing running about,
Once he's got enough DNA, Muto is able to morph Into any of five creatures from a spider to a gorilla. Each have special abilities to help him get the Job done.
The 'evolution' part comes through the use of unique goals for each skater as well
THINGS WE D I D N T H AV E TIME FOR Buying proper Valentine's Day
gifts (not just chocolates! and... SOCOM. We're still getting to grips with the big online title but we're neariy ready to take you all back behind enemy lines again. Talking of stealthy killing we're hearing nothing but good things about Tenchu: Wrath Of Heaven. Guess what? We
should be able to bring you the first proper look very soon. We actually did have time for Devil May Cry 2 this issue as you'll see here. But brace yourself for a proper hands-on - and maybe even a review very soon.
as certain boss characters that
must be defeated. Oh, and Solid Snake is one of many unlockable characters.
Plus, expect more on Enter The Matrix, Rayman 3, Whirl Tour and anything else that was pushed off the desk in a dranken moment of mad
SCREENS
passion Dont ask... OUT ON A UMB Next
month we'll tell you about Rayman's latest adventure.
t;
W H AT S N E X n
We're a little way off getting
With a little bit of luck, we'll
our hands on this. But rest
be able to review this manic
assured we'll be at the front of the queue.
caper next time.
Plenty on the TV show at www,darkangeltheserles,com. Keep checking uk.playstatlon.com for game updates.
There's some new information
vww.midwaygames.com will help you get your head around this quirky little number.
This is rumoured to be
You'd be utter fools to miss
unleashed later this Spring.
this In May,
Hopefully, we'll have a more in-depth look at this dark beat'em-up adventure In the next issue of 0PS2.
A N Y m i N G ON THE NET?
RELEASE D AT E
at vsrww.konami.co.jp right now.
We'll keep an eye on this one to see if it can toe the line with THPS4. Wouldn't hold your breath though.
For all the release dates of
the latest games, head back to page 27 now!
Check it out at www.konaml.
com/evolutionskate along with their other fort:hcoming extreme sports game,
Evolution Snowboarding. The doctor will be ready to see you this Spring.
Ripping marvellous? See for. yourself In February.
□FFICIRL mRERZINE-UK Play5tation.E 0;
WORD il ^X i CtOSWEUNV^NC^ij
,
jmjNNELSr
•resident
r
:\zj- ■
evili
networ']
I
Zombies take over the earth in the
most terrifying online game yet! The full horror revealed, only in 0PS2!
I TEAMWORK!
■
TORTURE!
^ li N
' i f ONUNE AMBUSH!
' i i \ ■' Won<'s-on p/oy with SOCOM, Everquest, Tribes and Midnight N \ x f ' i i ' C l u b I I - p l u s t Club h e BII r-oplus a d b the a n dBroadband P a c k l aPack u n c hlaunch d a t edate r e revealed. vealed.
GHOST WITH THE MOST
Legendary PC developer Blizzard opens its doors exclusively to
0PS2 for the unveiling of tactical action thriller Starcraft: Ghost.
PLUS: TOP SECRET INFO!
Could it be that we've scooped classified details on the game of
M ' m
the biggest film of 2003? The answer is out there..
- r
,r.'5cjL 5 ^ (i TENDRILS!
ALSO REVIEWED
THE MARK OF KRI + BATMAN: DARK TOMORROW + PRIDE FC + ROBOCOP + DR MUTO + LOADS MORE
'Issue contents are subject to change
PlayStation^ March issue oti sale 21.02.03 [)52 PlayStation B DFFICIRL mRGHZINE-UK
Vii!^
ON THE DVD SUPERB PLAYABLE DEMOS OF: ZOE: THE 2ND RUNNER + THE MARK OF KRI + ROBOCOP + DR MUTO AND LOADS MORE! NO OTHER PS2 MAGAZINE OFFERS SO MUCH VALUE
■ Z O M B I E N AT I O N Our love affair with t undead is back on ir Resident Evil: Netwo,
A L S O AVA I L A B L E OFHCIAL
PLAYSTATION 2 TIPS MAGAZINE Crucial tips for tiie top
OFFICIAL P L AY S TAT I O N 2 MAGAZINE:
SPECIAL EDITION
ten games of 2002, pius
Tal
brand new essentiai
gaming highlights of
wall
2002 and find out what's in store for 2003 in our
collector's yearbook
T
i
/ r /
WORDS: SAM RICHARDS
BURNtvEJTHE mCMGHTOL Riding in the slipstream of tlie untouchable Vice City comes RockstaKs slick, illegal street racer Midnight Club II - complete with impressive online elements. So how long will it be before we see GTA Online?
054 PlayStation E OFFICIHL fTlRGRZINE-UK
■ STREETS OF RAGE
When the list of software publishers
impression that you're pushing a weighty metal machine
partnering with Sony for online gaming in
around its corners. Suffice to say that MCH is now-
Europe was first announced two months
unrecognisable from its predecessor in this respect. "The game definitely shies away from simulation handhng,"
ago and Take 2 was one of those mentioned, we all knew what it signified. Take 2 meant Rockstar, and Rockstar
meant GTA. GTA Online? The very idea makes us giddy
with excitement. But give those Rockstar guys a chance they've only just finished Vice City, and any game featuring online components could take years to develop properly. It's impressive then, that Rockstar already has an online-compatible game ready to unveil. Midnight Club // a sequel to Angel Studio's (now Rockstar San Diego's) underwhelming PS2 launch title inspired by the world of illegal street racing - may not at first seem like an earthshattering prospect. But the difference in quality between this game and the original is vast, and the online feature is totally compelling. When the Network Adaptor is released in May, Midnight Club //will already be on sale (it's currently slated for 21 February) and will therefore become
Challenge strangers to i Illegal 150 mph road rai online via your PS2.
admits MClts Senior Product Manager Corey Wade, "but this time we built the real physics in there first, then
exaggerated them to get the full excitement of pulling 180° turns without spinning off the road every time."
PR Director Jeff Castenada continues, "Every racing
game on PS2 was studied in depth. We looked at the motorbike racing games, for instance, and realised the devotion to realistic
handling in a lot of cases
just made the games really hard to get into,"
JEFF CASTENADA, ROCKSIAR
''FREEDOM IS NOW AN ATTITUI STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH ROCKSTAR. WE DIDNT WANT i RACER THAT JUST WENT AROUND IN CIRCLES"
Surely some of the best examples of approachable but satisfying vehicle handling are Rockstar's own GTA games' "Yeah, GTA and Midnight Club II share a lot of similar
the first onhne racing game on PS2 in Europe.
ideals, but there was no real crossover between the two
The disappointment with the original Midnight Club was the car handling. We didn't expect Gran Turismo, but
development studios," explains Castenada. "1 guess the major difference is that MCII is a pure racing game. The
even the arcadiest of arcade racers needs to give the
cities have been designed for full-on speed."
■ SPEEDING MOTORCYC
As In GTA bikes provide a extra dimension to the
petrol-guzzling action.
□FFICIHL mBGRZINE-UK PlayStation E 0
■ C A R RY O N C R A S H I N G
Street racing is only iilegai for reasons of your own safety, y'know.
PINK SUPS AND PROPS White you're playing MidnigM Club II online, real iilegai street races are burning up the streets worldwide.
street legal cars into nitra-fuelled, chrome-
fall by the wayside until the best two face-off in a final showdown. Naturally the police are always trying to stop these race meetings but the racers are organised, with look-outs positioned around the race 'strip'. A sighting of the cops is greeted with the call "popo popoi"
gleaming pocket rockets, and to race them
and within seconds, an area filled with scores
during the small hours on deserted city streets
of cars and hundreds of people can be cleared. If you've seen the VIn Diesel testosterone fest The Fast And The Furious you will already be aware of Hollywood's take on the street race phenomenon. It's Interesting to note that the film's producers approached Rockstar to see if the publisher/developer would be interested in making a game tie-in. Rockstar declined - it was already working on a little street racing
Midnight Club II may seem like the stuff of pure fiction, but from Auckland to Houston, and from
Tokyo to San Diego, communities of speedhungry petrol heads and hangers-on have emerged. Their driving ambition? To modify
for respect and kudos. The rules are simple. Pairs of drivers line up and bets are placed Sometimes a driver
m DIESEL POWER Midnight Club II was almost the
official game of The Fast And The Furious movie.
will wager their pink slips (ownership papers! on the outcome of the race. Once the signal is given, competitors accelerate to speeds of over 150 mph down a quarter-mile straight lined by spectators and other drivers. Most races last no
more than 15 seconds, and one by one, drivers
56 PlayStation,? OFFICIRL tTlRGRZINE-UK
franchise of its owi..
Perhaps a better comparison is with Criterion's Burnout
series. Both games require you to mix it up with ordinary road users, providing a similar sense of constant risk and panic. Both games eschew licensed car models in order to give you spectacular crashes. MCIls hyper-speed nitro bursts are very familiar. And while Burnout 2 remains arguably the more sophisticated racer, it doesn't have short cuts, or pedestrians, or motorbikes, or more than 75 races, or a Race Editor mode or an online option. "Our priority was to make a game with more freedom
than others in its genre, which is obviously now an attitude strongly associated with Rockstar," says Castenada. "We didn't want a game that just went around in circles."
MIDNIGHT RUNNERS Although MCIh main Career mode doesn't have a story as such attached, you're propelled from race to race by a series of unsavoury characters who challenge you to prove your racing muscle. Each driver has their own distinct
personality, fleshed out with the knowing humour of GTA. Action begins in LA and moves to the narrow and hilly streets of Paris before concluding on Tokyo's neon-soaked highways. The majority of the Career mode's races are based on completing checkpoints and beating opponents to the finish line, but the inventive race lavouts - jumps, bridges, tunnels, short cuts - always keep things interesting The number of opponents varies between one and
seven, and further spice is added to the challenge when you're forced to use specific vehicles - a motorbike has its
advantages when racing against cars, such as the abihty to take ultra-narrow short cuts, but your fragility means that you're always a target for the more aggressive driver. And believe us, the AI opponents don't pussyfoot around. The\often seem more intent on blocking your racing line or ramming you off the road than actually finishing first "We've implemented what we believe is unique 'rail branching' technology," explains Wade. Essentially ; this means that any AI driver, when faced with
a fork in the path, can take any route at any time. The aim is to deny you the option of following the fastest driver around the course
before overtaking on the final sttaight However, strong profiles for the .AI opponents will prevent their choices from being entirely randomised. "The cut-scenes introducing the
% W H AT N E X T F O R R O C K S TA R ? Beyond Vice CHy and
characters are really strong. We want players to feel like they are racing against drivers with a lot of personality." Another variation on the theme is demonstrated when
Wade calls up a race that requires you to hit a number of checkpoints - but in no particular order. Cue a furious scramble where accurate map-reading skills and discovery of short cuts are as important as nifty driving, and where
each of the game's three cities (not including short cuts), and when combined with all the additional modes, it
out some trash talk.
makes you reahse what a huge game this is shaping up to
It's an exhilarating experience, and when all opponents are equally matched, you can imagine that things could get very serious. Wade talks about the idea of generating reputations online, whereby players can post profiles and set up racing leagues to decide who is the "biggest badass" Exactly how this works is still all yet to be decided for
additional Hot Pursutf-style element to some challenges.
TALE OF THREE CITIES Rockstar estimates that there are about 80 miles of road in
be. A superb and simple-to-use Race Editor allows you to call up a map of each city and place checkpoints
These game screens are a little touched-up - we'll bring you our own grabs next issue.
you need to do is select an option from an in-game menu and choose the race that you'd like to join. In the case of 0PS2^s exclusive online playtest, we are connected via broadband to players in another part of Rockstar's New York office and to some at the development studio which is
three time zones away in San Diego. So although MCI/s AI is impressive, there are some traits you just can't program. Our human opponents mock our rookie driving and ignorance of the maps by riding in our slipstream and then overtaking on two wheels, inviting us to ram them before dodging out of the way, or even teaming up to form a roadblock on tricky corners. All that's missing is a 'flip the bird' option, although you can call up a keyboard and tap
opponents disorientate you by flying past in the opposite direction, prompting nerve-shredding collisions Inevitably, the cops get wind of your illegal gatherings, providing an
■ POUSHED CHROME
as it is in any other online PS2 game we've played; that is, very easy indeed. Once connected to the network, all
anywhere you choose. Rockstar fully expects committed players to be able to build courses that equal those in the Career mode for thrilling intensity, and you'll be able to race your creations against A1 opponents, in multiplayer, and hopefully against all-comers onhne. The split-screen multiplayer option supports two
MC/I, but Wade agrees that some form of communication
MidnigM Club II.
GTAIII and GTA: Mce City have turned Rockstar into one of th world's leading publishers, whi
the cutting-edge nature of its games and sassy mariieting campaigns have positioned th company at ttie forefront of th lifestyle gaming revolution. A new game from Rocltstar is nc more anticipated than David Seaman's international
retirement, particularly if it
contains the letters G, T and A News on an expansion to the GTA series Is guarded by annies of cracl< troops, but th; hasnt stopped the mmour mi
from spinning lil
at ttie moment is that the ne> GTA will be set in the cily of'S
Andreas', loosely based on Ljo; Angeles This logical conclusic Is based on the three cities In
the very first Grand Theft Autc for PSone being called Liberty City, Vice City and, yes, San Andreas. And as GTAIII was sei
in the present day and Vice C in the Eighties, GTA Son
beyond simply racing against other players is crucial to accentuating the advantage of online gaming "Online racing will catch on slowly, but as soon as word gets around about how easy it is and how much more fun
Andreas will be set In the
excitement is contained in Rockstar's decision to take MCII
it is, there's no stopping it," concludes Wade. "It's a
online. Not only are there very few racing games confirmed to go online as yet, but the proposed ability to play courses of your own creation across the Net, as well as additional goofy multiplayer modes such as Capture The Flag and Bomb Tag makes AlCIl one of the most complete online offerings on PS2 to date. The whole culture of illegal street racing is based around laying down the gauntlet; the idea of going online and squaring up to complete strangers perfectly replicates the real-hfe spontaneity of the scene. "Online is a natural progression," says Wade. "It's where all
no-brainer for game developers. It'll get to the point where if you can't get your racing game online, you're shooting yourself in the foot. If we can do it in an open city and you
However, Rockstar North has a non-GTA prolect on Its hands first, currently codenamed Project Manhunt And as well as releasing sequ
players, while i.Link will allow you to connect two consoles together, supporting up to four players. However, the real
COREY WADE, ROCKSTAR
''CTAin GAVE EVERY PLAYER A
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. NOW TAKE
THAT CONCEPT ONLINE... THE POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS"
can't do it on a track, it's like 'get your act together!'"
It seems that the whole possibility of online play has influenced Rockstar's view of game development, which is clearly going to make for some exciting times ahead. "Playing Midnight Club U online has affected how the single-player game has been tuned, as far as course design and Al is concerned." So, will having Midnight Club II
racing games are going to eventually. It's a very pure form of competition - you know the person you're
online influence future Rockstar titles? "Sure. We have
racing against is real." Starting an online game of MC// is as easy
game. The freedom inherent in GTAIII gave every player a unique experience. Now take that concept online,. the
Seventies, right? You can
imagine Rockstar going to tov in a world of afros, flares and
boogie, boogie nights.
to Max Payne Ifrom Remedy Entertainment) and State Of
Emergency (VIS), Rockstar is reportedly planning a videogame based on cult Ne\ York gang movie The Worrion
known to be a long-time favourite of the Houser broth;
and a crucial inspiration for GTAIII. You'll read news on all these titles in 0PS2 first
some pretty insane titles coming up over the next year or Uvo. All of our games are trying to give people more freedom, and there's so much more freedom in an online
possibilities are limitless." □
□FFICIRL rriRGRZINE-UK PlayStation,E 0
IT'S
NOT
PlayStation 2
ducing R gh an ep
JUST
THE
WEAPONS
T H AT
ARE
SCARY
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V I S I B O M B
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WHO
THEY
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PlayStation 2 THEm NICPLRCE THEE PLD5HJE PLRCE THE THIRO PLBCE
!
WORDS: JOEL SNAPE
NEED A HERO! Who should be the face of PlayStation 2, the mascot for a gaming generation? In the most exciting election since Blair swept to power, make sure your vote counts.
" Cigar smoke clouds the air. Brandy glasses clink. A nervous o u g h c otutting m e s f r o"A m Vimto-guzzling o n e e n d o f t h esuperhero r o o m , " U rfrog?'Yawns. n , a n i n j a a n"A t ? "4 / "cAudible
Wisecracking fox? A boy with magic trousers? A Spanish electrician? - f~ ~ ~ "
A rabbit playing a banjo?" A trapdoor beneath the boardroom table ^ ^ I clicks open. Ttiere's a howl, followed by a faint splash. It's all been done before. -4—1—
Deciding upon a mascot to represent a console Is tricky business. They've got to ^ — — be loveable, recognisable, represent your machine's attitude and aspirations, while at the same time appeal to as wide a range of people as possible. Slapping shades '
on a cute character and calling them 'cool' isn't enough - market-sawy gamers wil ^ZZ_ZZZZ~ tear them to shreds. But mascots can be essential to a console's-success - the great ' Z _ Z Z ZI MegaDrive/SNES war of the mid-Nineties would've been nothing without crude, felt-tip reader drawings of Sonic ripping Mario's head off adorning every mag's letters page. ^ Then Sony .came along and evetything changed. PSone didn't need a companydefined figurehead - it had edgy ads, cool games, the Chemical Brothers and the most T ~
recognisable'set of buttons ever produced. Even so, third-party candidates emerged from „ Z _ Z Z I the natural selection process. Crash Bandicoot charmed platform purists with his cheesy Z Z _ I grin and conventional crate-smashing, but the real star was Lara Croft. Not conventionally
■■■■■■■■■
cute', but she defined what was cool about PlayStation in a new style of game. That was then; but console wars are looming again. So what defines a good mascot? Tricky. Console loyalty goes without saying - Snake is undeniably the pinnacle of mullet- -
m m
sporting chic, but should his imminent appearance on other formats put him out of the ^ : I running? The instant recognition factor is also a big consideration - If you can work out who \
the character is supposed to be from a four-year-old's doodle, something's gone right. > - Equally importantly, this means the mascot's image gets everywhere, from shameless — merchandise to sweaty actors stuffed into foam costumes at the Tokyo Games Show. ~
m m m m " " ' S i l i c a
060 PlayStation,^ DFFICIFIL mRGHZINE-UK
Another factor to take into account is the character's cross-genre appeal. Can they excel t"
at different things? Mario looks as comfortable in a kart or on a golf course as he does , ricocheting off enemies' heads. Tommy 'GW Vercetd might swing a mean nine-iron, but not in a nice way Ultimately, though, the most important test of a mascot's character is the quality of
their game. You could have the hippest samurai marmoset ever created, but if he Jumps like a three-legged moose, you're finished.
So, now it's over you, the gaming public. Who do you think is fit to lead the PlayStation charge? Ty The Tasmanian Tiger? Frogger? Hmm. In the interests of voter turnout, we've decided to present the case for our top ten candidates - but If you really think the Army Men can cut it don't hesitate to use the form over the page and write in to let us know why
DAISTTE PlayStation 2 career summary; Devil May Cry I0PS2# 14, 9/101 Devil May Cry 2 (Release date: 7 March) Background: Of the PS2 death-maestro pretenders - Gungrave, Shinobi - Dante's the original and best S^iish Action, a genre Invented' by Res) supremo Shinji Miltami, is set to get even better in DMC2, with the demon Pi flinging out hoilow-tipped death from both hands like a John Woo-trained majorette. Japanese character design - front-sviept hair, huge leather jacket, svKord - doesn't get lost thanks to his, um, redness. The downside? The cheesiest one-liners ^ you'll hear outside a Schwarzenneger retrospective. "Flock off, feather face"? If he's going to be a serious candidate for PS2 mascot he's going
to have to get a decent scriptwriter
R AT C H E T A N D C L A N K PlayStation 2 career summary: Ratchet <6 C/onk (OPS2#26, 9/10) Background; It's difficult to pull off a genuinely funny platform game, but Clank's deadpan asides have provided more than one tea-through-the-nose moment in the 0PS2 office Ratchet's less intrinsically funny, but together they're the current holders of the PS2 platform crown, an honour that tends to be closely associated with automatic mascot status. They've also heralded a return to non-Lynchian offbeat Sony advertising - seen that Jackoss-styie Morpho-o-Ray ad? No doubt as to who the men upstairs are backing. The rough child doodle test proves trickier - what exactly is Ratchet? And apart from the big ears and ^ eoseles, what do vou recognise about him? Nope, if we're
LARA CROFT PlayStation 2 career summary: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel Of Darkness (Release date: February) Background; The campaign veteran, Those hotpants, those twin handguns and that tight-fitting vest give Ms Croft an advantage with the male demographic that her RSPCA-goadIng approach to endangered species leaves virtually undented. Several classic games, a book by Douglas Coupland, a terrible film (one more on the horizon) and a lucrative Lucozade sponsorship deal mean that she's one of the few gaming icons your mum might recognise. The only problem Is her longevity - Core has kept Interest up with a series of pretty, real-life Laras, a near-death experience and constant tweaks to those famous breasts (They're bigger! They're smaller! They're slightly less triangular!). But her sixth outing needs more than a second playable character to stop the game feeling over-familiar.
OFFICIHL mHERZINE-UK PlayStation.^ (
TOMMY VERCETTl PlayStation 2 career summary: GTA: Vice City (OPS2#27,10/10) Background; Superficially speaking, new boy Tommy is the anti-mascot - constant wardrobeswaps and a generlcaliy stubbly face could lose voter recognition. He's hardly a positive role model for the mainstream media, and it's difficult to see him flicking the Vs on a lunchbox. On the other hand, he also embodies most things PS2 - style, charm, that do-anything-and-sod-theconsequences attitude - and he's In one of Its best games ever. He's also riding the wave of the current Eighties revival, He's the gamer's equivalent of John Prescott - handy with his fists and keen on flash cars. Tlie only possible problem is the sequel factor; if Rockstar makes another GTA its likely to be set in a different era and city again. But since everyone In the world seems to have bought Vice City, that hardly matters. Hang on to Ray Liotta's number, Mr Kutaragi.
MARK HAMMOND PlayStation 2 career summary; The Getowpy (OPS2#28,9/10) Background: Geezah! China! Slaaag! Yes, it's the homicidal ~ yet somehow ru^edty appealing - anti-hero of The Getaway, as seen on TV, in Warner Village Leicester Square and in, um, a Loaded fashion shoot. There's no doubt that Sony is putting its full marketing clout behind Mark Hammond's bashed-up boat race and he's got the added clout of actually being a real-life bloke In what's sure to be a landmark game. A major problem, though: He kills about three hundred coppers/mates/
gangsters during the game, which wont endear him to your Mum. Mind you, all the London rendering Is now finally complete, so if Sony do want him as the long-term fizzog of PS2, it shouldn't take another three hundred years to complete a sequel.
JAK AND DAXTER PlayStation 2 career summary: Jok And Daxten The Precursor Legacy (0PS2# 15, 9/10} Jok & Daxter 2 (TBCj Background: Already gearing up for their second instalment, strong-but-silent ladles' man Jak and furjy wise guy Daxter nearly captured the mascot crown last Christmas. They'll have to pull off something special to beat their wrench-wielding opposition (Ratchet and Clank) but that shouldn't be too difficult, thanks to the engine-swapping alliance between developers Naughty Dog and Insomniac. Their next game is due out at the end
of 2003, and is already set to be the platforming must-have. And in case you were wondering, Daxter Is an Ottsel - a cross between a weasel and an otter - but there's no denying his classic Disneyesque design and
enemy-clouting appeal. i, ^
PA R A P PA T H E R A P P E R PlayStation 2 career summary: PaRappa The Rapper 2 \0PS2»n 7/101
Background: Kick! Punch! It's all In the mind! PaRappa's a pure PSone original, with trippy visuals, bizarre fairytale logic and inspired lyrics making the leap from repetitive BemanI game to cult classic, PaRappa Is Instantly recognisable and sparsely designed, putting him forward as the perfect candidate for all ages. Ttie ears say 'loveable' but the beanie says 'cool', making him a popular candidate for graffiti artists around London. All that, and he's got a supporting cast that Includes a karate-practising tracksult-wearing onion. Who sings love songs. Genius. Rnally, he's the embodiment of the can't-be-bothered generation - sod all that running, bouncing on things and collecting coins, let's lay dovjn some vocals and chat up a sunflower A strong contender
062 Play5tation.a DFRCinL fTlRGRZINE-UK
Exrr POLU We asked gamers on the uk.playstation.com forums who they thought should be the unofficial PS2 mascot. Here's an early indication of who the nation favours.. "Mascots
dont
mean
much any more in the business. The Nil(e ticit, the Ferrari horse thing, the Malboro logo all mean more than a
corporate mascot.*^ REVISED GENOCIDE
"I guess the logo's enough of a mascot already!" 87THS0UDSNAKE
"I think we've overlooked a certain
sleeper hit here. Yorda and Ico from the
only game that has come close to
showing us what the Third Place is." moby "PaRappa The Rapper! He's in an original game, celebrates all types of scenes (rapping,
skateboariling, basketball, breakdancin^, he's got his own TV series (in Japan) and he's Sony exclusive. What more could you w a n t ? " M AT T C H E T
"Doesn't Sony have some
"It should be the
AIBO dog that
appears on all the Sony adverts.' SiUCONX
weird mascot in Japan (Toro)?
"I think one mascot will dc
How about tfie TlmeSplltters 2 monltey?" agent47
The Rapper" knight
it all and that's PaRappa
"Forget this lot, Spyro is the best!"
'The mulleted wonder. Snake!" B O W M A N
PlayStation 2 career summary: TimeSplitters 2 (OPS2#25,10/10] Background: Flufly, tiny, but somehow not all that cute. The vacant eyes, fixed expressions and the fact that they're usually packing a plasma rifle means there's something scary about the TimeSplitters 2 monkeys. Still, they're the default mascots of one of the most consistently brilliant games on PS2, despite the fact that actually using them constitutes cheating and leaves you open to accusations of being 'spanked'. Eldos even went as far as creating the fictional Monkey Assist agency, sending (presumably! underpaid students in chimp suits to photo
''ft must surely be Crash or
"I think the Linux
penguin (from the PS2 Linux Kit) should be
"It w/ould be cool to have
Sony's new mascot."
Daxter as the mascot."
CHEECHSTYLER
LAZLOW
Spyro. They started on the PlayStation and have carried on to PS2 no matter what
"I think it could be tlie..
other platforms they've appeared on." GAMERSTU
er... PlayStation symbol."
GRANDMASrER2002
opportunities outside the House Of Commons, And, of course, the potential for spin-offs is absolutely huge - monkey tennis, anyone? Okay..
I CAST YOUR VOTE So, we've had our say Who do you think should be elected PS2 mascot?
Do you think Rayman has no place in the hustings? Maybe you think Solid Snake's cross-platform sneaking should deny him entry Into the fray Then again, you may have a soft spot for the waify charms of 'Vorda from Ico. Or perhaps the vety real Tony Hawk Is the fella who best represents the past, present and future of PS2. We want you to vote using the handy slip below, or by emailing
[email protected], marking your email '1 Vote For xxx' (replace xxx with your character of choice] giving the reason why you've backed your chosen character And if you support the eventual winning candidate, your name will be put into an upturned voting box and a winner, chosen at random, will receive a selection of PS2 games. So use your vote wisely The polls are now openl
THE PS2 MASCOT ELECTION
Please mark a single vote against the name of your preferred candidate. □ MR TOMMY VERCETTI
□ M R PA R A P PA T R A P P E R
□ M E S S R S R AT C H E T A N D C L A N K
□ MR A MONKEY
□ MR SOLID SNAKE
□ MESSRS JAK AND DAXTER
□ MS LARA CROFT
□ MR MARK HAMMOND
□ M R R AY M A N
□ MR DANTE DMC
Please tjive a reason for your choice:
SOUD SNAKE PlayStation 2 career summary: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty |OPS2#17.10/101 MGS2: Substance IReleased date: Apriij Background: Well, It was always going to happen. They tried to replace him with a blond-hained muppet, they cast all sorts of aspersions on what he does with posters in lockers, and they wont change that haircut, but Snake Is still one of the coolest characters In gaming history. After an all-too-brief appearance in Sons Of Liberty, Snake is set to take centre stage in Snake Tales, the newest part of MGS2: Substance. He chokes guattis, he hides in boxes, he flirts with the ladles via the magic of Codec - he's the rough 'n' tumble action hero we'd all like to be. Maybe this Is the reason why, despite his well documented moonlighting on other platforms, we can't bring ourselves to block Snake's nomination. Come what may. Snake's home Is PlayStation 2. What's more, there's even a parent-pleasing moral behind his gruff exterior - smoke, and your
Would you like to nominate a new candidate not listed above Instead? If so, please give their name and a reason for your nomination. Candidate: Reason:
Yo u r n a m e a n d a d d r e s s :
health goes down. Classic.
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V2M is Short for Voice 2 Music, it's a brand new feature for
Music 3 that should make this version the most user friendly
BhMeientl 3'\«sel6i»t2 ^
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V=l^ m SING m With V2IV1 you dont need to read or even play music to lay down a tune.
on 21 July last year you would have heard a cracking set from
a supporting home-grown rap trio called Motley. For an las yet) unsigned group supporting De La Soul Is a pretty impressive
itself Tim Wright explains, "We thought, "how about if you could Just sing la la la and the software knew which notes
So, how's life treating you at the moment?
I can't complain. After doing the tour with De La Soul - which was off tha heezy for sheezy! - I've been concentrating on recording new material and preparing for a trip to the US.
Click the red button on the sampling screen and, after a metronome counts you in, you can record up to eight bars of
Tell us how you started out making music.
melody. Music 3 instantly recognises the pitch and length of the notes you whistled, hummed, sang or played, allowing
especially hip-hop, so I knew the type of music I wanted to create inside out! Music was cooi but I grew bored of using
you to repeat them using any riff In the software's extensive
^ 9&»1d OMT 1 i ,
If you happened to see De La Soul at the Manchester Academy
kick off. Even more jaw dropping is that the majority of their cuts were forged using a PSone and a copy of Music 2000. We spoke with Motley about Music and making it happen.
So we've done that."
< > J,\ ^3-5 •
going to lead to fame and fortune, right? Wrong...
yet. It makes use of a plug-and-play USB sampler similar to the one available to buy with M7VMG2. The idea is simplicity
you had sung and could play it back to you as, say, a piano?'
■ WHISTLE m Turn your voice Into a stored meiody.
Playing Music 3 is all well and good, but it's not
I started putting tracks together early '99 using Music on PSone. I'd been a DJ for a few years, and loved music,
the same samples. So when Music 2000 arrived at the end
library. So even if you don't know a semibreve from a semi detached, tuming the tune In your head into a melody on the screen will be child's play And the USB sampler's uses
of '99 I started messing around with that The concept was similar to the original, but it had one major advance: you could import any sample from any audio CD! This meant that the 'game' was now a tool'. It took me from messing around to creating some of the heaviest, dopest beats.
don't end with V2ivt. it can also be used to sample more
People couldn't believe I had written the tracks on a
conventionally from any source with a line-out. Vinyl, MinlDIsc, CD - you name it, you can 'borrow' riffs from It. But using V2M will necessitate buying a separate sampler,
1 laced the vocals by running the track and recording my
right? Wrong, if Jester has anything to do with It. The developer is currently working with a trio of manufacturers to produce a bundled sampler that's small enough to fit into the game box's Memory Card slot! Now there's progress.
PlayStation, and thought the tracks must have been produced in a studio! Once I had these heavy tracks down, vocals live, straight to MinlDIsc. What do you like most about using the Music software? Music allows you to import, chop and shape any sample in seconds! Shucks, I could probably make me a whole track
from scratch In ten minutes! Don't hold me to that, though! How did you get from PSone to supporting De La Soul? It wasn't a simple step like that! I'd been playing Music
samples
anp
i n s Q - u m E n c :
E P i t z i n p
2000 for the best part of the New Year through to April when I saw an advert for the BBC's talent showcase I got through to the final five acts and got airplay on Galaxy 102, Keyl03, RadiolXtra, Radiol, performed live on air from the Trafford centre and was featured on Channel 4's 4Music All of which lead to getting the respect and profile needed to
support such an act as De La Soul! Gaspl
The Instrument Editor isn't something most people will need early on. Why? Well, the fact that Music 3 will contain 16,000 discrete instrument samples (compare that to MTVMG2's 9,000) spread over the genres of pop, trance, garage, rap, indie and nu metal, straight from the box, may give you a clue. Cutting edge synth riffs, brass, guitars, six categories of hi-hats, monkeys, bees (yes, really]... Chances are, if you want it in yourtracK Jester has put a microphone in front of it and pressed 'record'. Vocals, generally perceived as a rare weak point in MTVMG2, have also been totally revamped. Instead of recording random phrases. Jester wrote and recorded a handful of original songs for each of Music 3's styles and only then cut up the vocals Into separate samples. Let's suppose one of those 16,000 samples isn't quite
Is it true that you've had some interest from the States? We thought, we can either release the tracks independently, on a smaller scale - as So Solid started out - or we can go to America, where they know how to play the game! Hmm, hard
decision... Not! We pushed the product stateside and got a very good response One of the main responses was from a big New York hip-hop Producer, Lee Stone, whose credits include De La Soul, Pharoahe Monch, Scarface, Busta Rhymes to name a few.
Any last message for the readers of 0PS2? Yeah! If you see a flyer for a gig come and check me out. All the music you'll hear started out in a PlayStation! Come see what you can do! Peacel www.sijpermotleyland.com
what you want. All you have to do is open up Music 3's
Instrument Editor Here you can tinker with an individual sample's length and volume, reverse It, add filters and echo, then adapt the source sound to your liking. AMPl£ SAMPLES Music 3
will contain 16,000 samples.
m YOU GOT1A HAVE SOUL Motley and crew hang out with the mighty De La Soul. Could this be you next?
□FFICIRL fTIHGRZINE-UK PlayStation.^ 06!
vicaen
mixina
When approaching Music 3, the developer noticed that there was a significant minority of emails and letters from people suggesting that it should dump the Video Mixer feature introduced in MTVMG2 altogether Tim Wright tell us, There were two camps. One said, 'It's all squares, spinning blocks. Really pass6 and early Nineties. Don't bother' The other camp were the Tm not even interested in videos. 1 just want to write music' types. Their logic was, if you get rid of the video, all that memory is freed up to do music. Which, sadly, is not the case because the way the PS2 is built means that you video and sound memory are separate." Jester's ingenious technology has answered this latter camp in style, allowing gamers to turn off Music 3's five video tract^s
.
entirely But the developer wasn't happy to leave things there. Jester wanted to create a new Video iviixer that would not only satisfy people who are fed up with ageing acid visuals but attract new converts, too.
So out go the real-time generated graphics of earlier Music installments and in come around 700 streaming DVD clips and
snippets of pre-rendered CGI. Using Music 3's Video Mixer you can edit individual clips before laying them down over four separate video channels and then tinker with the whole lot using an additional effects channel. Want to trigger an effect at a certain beat? You can. Want to overlay text? You can. Cant be bothered to make your own video? Music 3 will look at a track you've created, identify patterns such as choruses, intros and verses, and tailor make a video specifically for It
^ A N ^ M AT O N ^ g
/ abstract y *
TTi ■ RABBIT RABBIT Meet Boppin' Bunny, star of the new Video Mixing mode and potential new mascot for the Music series. Putting the mix into myxomatosis.
VIDEO EDIT
tzriE
sKin
unu'r-E
Fr«em»nl 3
remember, MJVMG2 featured a
combringl ^
variety of interchangeable, themed 'skins' to dress the screen interface.
/ combring2 ^
Aside from making things look
crrpt_blur ^ £ I
fragmentl
I
" m
As riff-happy PS2 owners may
chrome^e*
fl a s h d i s c
in
pretty, these purposely changed the layout of the controls with the idea that everyone could find a set-up that suited them best. However, feedback from users
fragments
su^ested that the look of the skins was all that mattered. So
s fragmer»t3
Music 3 features a single control
\greenether [ fo o 9 gridblur | g eenether { O
.
o
layout, but a wide selection of visual themes.
As Tim Wright confirms, "We've got Celtic skins, X-Ray skins,
I®
several selections of brushed
aluminium-style skins. There's a nice wood and metal affair, like a
■ LEAF IT OUT Designers have taken inspiration for the interface 'skins' from all kinds of sources. ■ PRESSING BITTTONS The
software has many 'skins' but just one, well-designed layout.
066 PlayStatlon.E OFFICIRL mRBHZINE-UK
teak dash. We've got one with natural leaves going up the side, and a glowing neon one. There's even a skin that's really plain. It's like black granite."
music:
=
REMIX CELEBRTTY TRACKS Ever since the original Music game hit the PSone back in 1998 there's been no shortage of professional artists i
a n c n m u s i i So what's next for Jester and the Music series? Without
doubt, the PS2 Network Adaptor and Hard Disc Drive hint at tantalising opportunities. Tim Wright tells us, "In the future, it would be great to be able to write your owr songs, save them to the hard drive and then, when
you're playing Gran Turismo 5 or whatever, you could have your own music in the background. A proper onlin( community would be great, too. Hints and tips, downloadable samples, uploadable samples, interviews with DJs or artists who've contributed tracks. And we
could have preferred content on there as well. You coulc
pay five pence for a sample that's been created by Orbital or The Chemical Brothers. You have Starry Eyed
Surprise on Music 3, so maybe you could go online and Paul Oakenfold has created another 30 riffs that you cat download. Special offers... anything that will encourage c Music community." □
□FFICIRL mnBRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 06
WORDS: STUART DREDGE/PHOTOGRAPHY; GAVIN ROBERTS
I Games are mostly a visual experience.
Getting the best out of your PlayStation 2 Is about hooking It up to a decent TV with the best AV cable you can. But what about
I sound? Many gamers are happy to put up with their TVs weedy, bullt-ln speaker Okay, so some people have hooked their PS2s up to a hl-fl using an optical cable for proper stereo and extra volume. But you can push your PS2's sound much further Remember the last time you went to the cinema and the sound rushed at you from all directions? V(/ell, you can get that from your PS2 If you connect It to a home cinema system. Welcome to the world of surnDund sound,
WIRED FOR SOUND A home cinema system basically consists of a receiver unit which takes the audio output of your console and processes It Into sumjund sound. This is funnelled out to
five speakers around your room (see Perfect Placement) and a subwoofer, which provides the bass. Traditionally, these kind of systems have been for serious home cinema buffs to watch their DVDs with, but they've recently come down In price. You can now get a decent home cinema system for around £200. The benefits are obvious. Not only do you get to enjoy surround sound while watching DVDs on your PS2, but - thanks to an ever Increasing number of developers optimising their titles to take advantage of the technology - you can experience surround sound gaming, too. See System Playtest for OPS^s five of the best'. Besides cost, another thing that's put many PS2 owners off buying a surround sound system is the number of different technologies that are available. You'll be pleased to hear that they're not too confusing after all - there are only three that you need to know about Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II (see Glossary). With many home cinema systems supporting all three fonmats. It's not as Intimidating as it used to be. You need the same five-speaker setup for each, regardless. An Increasing number of big PS2 games have some form of surround sound support. Including the likes of Burnout 2, GTA: Vice City, WRC II Extreme, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 and SSX Tricky. Once upon a time, developers simply weren't given the budget to put surround sound In their games. That's changing. "Dolby Pro Logic II should now be standard across all AAA titles," reckons Stephen Root, Criterion's Head Of Audio. Criterion's software division is doing Its bit by including Dolby technology In Its Renderware development tools, making It easier for developers to include surround sound In their games.
068 Play5tation.E DFFICIHL mRGRZINE-UK
A U D I O S L AV E
The three surround sound technologies explained. D O L B Y D I G I TA L
Surround sound format that produces five separate audio channels: right, left, centre, left surround and right surround, plus an extra bass-only channel for your subwoofer. Full surround sound, in other words. However, using it takes loads of processor power that would otherwise be assigned to other parts of a game engine. For this reason, its use on PS2 Is generally restricted to non-interactive cut-scenes. A rival technology to Dolby Digital, with similar roots in the cinema world, DTS can be used for in-game sound without taking lots of processing power away from other parts of a game engine. Although it's featured in fewer games than Dolby Pro Logic II, it's recently been utilised In big titles such as 6TA- Vice City and SSX Tricky. DOLBY PRO LOGIC II
A much more processor-friendly version of Dolby Digital, which is why it's used for in-game surround sound on PS2. It allows developers to encode five audio channels into a regular stereo signal. A Pro Logic II software decoder then extracts this Into five channels again, giving you simulated surround sound. This ,,
is the most popular surround sound format for PS2. ';A
Enough about the technology. What does surround sound add to your gaming? For most titles it's pureiy an atmosphere thing. Deveiopers are constantly striving to create more immersive games, and surround sound is a
major new string to their bow/s. it can be as simple as hearing a car you've Just overtal^en recede into the distance behind you, or being engulfed by the roar of the crowd in a virtual football stadium.
Surround sound sucks you into a game, enveloping
you in sound and making you forget the outside world. Close your eyes and you're In Vice City, not sitting in your
living room playing a game. "It enables you to capture the ears of the player by enveloping them with 350" sound," says Root, who is backed up by Dolby's games guru Jack Buser "It really delivers a cinematic experience, which is what a lot of games are going for these days. It can be a very powerful thing emotionally, drawing players inside a game." Sometimes, surround sound has an impact on the
gameplay itself. Think first-person shooters, for example. "Ideally, when you play the likes of Unreal Tournament
RIK EDE, DTS CONSUUANT
UNREAL TOURNAMENT YOU COULD HEAR SOMEONE
COMING UP BEHIND YOU, SPIN
you walk around the room, there's a big thud coming from the subwoofer at a particular point in the floor I trap door, and there's your way out, yet you can't acti see it. Developers are already playing around with the
AROUND AND SHOOT THEM"
kinds of ideas."
you'd be able to hear someone coming up behind you, and you could then spin around and shoot them," says audio expert and DTS Consultant Rik Ede. It's going to be even more of an advantage once online PS2 gaming kicks off. Imagine playing TimeSplitters 3 with surround sound. If your opponents don't have it, you'll be able to track them by listening to the direction their gunfire is coming from, but no-one will be able to creep up on you. Your foes will be toast, and they probably won't even know why Rik Ede also hopes developers will make more use of
don't want to fork out for a five-speaker home cinem
surround sound in solo games in the future. "When you
two normal stereo hi-fi speakers. This might not mak
start to get audio cues in the game, it'll get really exciting," he says. "Imagine you're playing a game and you're stuck in a room with no obvious way out, but as
any difference to PS2 gaming, but could be a built-in
It sounds great, but not much fun for gamers whc system. Don't worry - Dolby has a couple of new technologies up its sleeve that could help. The first is
Dolby Headphone, which provides surround sound in set of ear-cans. The first of these headphones will be
later this year 'You buy this little headphone unit, plu the optical cable from your PS2 into it and away you says Buser
Meanwhile, Dolby is also working on a technologj called Virtual Speakers, which uses fiendishly comple audio bouncing technology to get surround sound oi
feature on the next generation of consoles. Watch listen to - this space.
DFFICIRL mHERZINE-UK PlayStation.E
SYSTEM PLAYTEST
0PS2 recommends five home cinema systems that will give you perfect PS2 surround sound.
*
1
4 G A M E R S 5 . 1 D O L B Y D I G I TA L
SPEAKER SYSTEM (£150)
A Dolby-only system, designed specifically for PS2 gamers wanting to get surround sound. Although It won't compete with true home cinema systems, It's more than adequate for your gaming needs, producing a full sound that swiris around your ears In stunning fashion.
You can tweak its settings to match your room (few people have the perfect environment for surround sound, so this Is useful) and fashion hounds will appreciate the choice between grey and black speaker grilis. Cool stuff, w w w. 4 g a m e r s . n e t
SPECTRAV1DE0 SOUNDSTATION 5.1 (£200) Besides home cinema systems from companies lilie Sony and JVC, a few games hardware companies have started offering surround sound systems for PS2. Spectravideo's is certainiy impressive, aithough It can oniy handie Doiby Digitai and Doiby Pro Logic. The speai^ers are a manageabie size and provide a decent sound for games, and ail the cables have been colour-coded, making It simple to set up too. And like the Sony system, you get a bunch of wail fittings so you can position the speakers exactly where you want them in your living room. w w w. s p e c t r a v i d e o . c o . u k
SONY HTBEl HOME CINEMA SYSTEM (£280) SCEE might not sell an official surround-sound setup, but why not go for a system from the consumer electronics
arm of the company? Sony Is one of the most trusted home cinema brands around, and its HTBEl system shows why. its five speakers are absolutely tiny, yet manage to produce a hefty sound nonetheless. We would say they're the Bonnie Langford of the home cinema world, If that didn't sound like an Insult The system can handie Doiby Digitai, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic 11, so will cope with whatever games you throw at it And you even get adjustable wail, ceiling and shelf mounts. Bargain. w w w. s o n y. c o . u k
J. JVC TH-A5R DIGITAL CINEMA SYSTEM (£350)
'n / This home cinema system costs a bit more, but you're ^ - getting an ail-in system with a DVD player for your money
We like the mirrored front and slinky electric blue lighting. Happily, it sounds as good as it looks, and even works well when you turn the volume down.
Besides handling Dolby Digital and DTS, the receiver is also something of an all-rounder It's able to play DVDs and CDs, as well as CD-Rs and CD-RWs, if you've, ahem, burned some of your favourite l«IP3s onto a disc. Oh, and it's an FM/AM tuner, too. www.jvc.co.uk
^r-l denon avr-1603 receiver/elac cinema 1 speaker SYSTEM (£700, in total)
^ Yousurround dont' jussound. t needPay to loaoklittleat amore l-in-ontoemix systeand msmatch for PS 2 and you could get something like this. The receiver is Denon's AVR-1603, which provides high-end home cinema for £300, including support for DTS, Doiby Digitai and Doiby Pro Logic 11. Denon's more expensive kit Is what real hi-fi and home cinema buffs swear by so you're in good company
Meanwhile, the speakers are from German firm Eiac. The five
surround speakers are tiny sliver things that stiii pack a great sonic punch, while the subwoofer is teeth-rattllngiy good for bass. Ifeu might baulk at the Idea of paying £400 for a set of speakers, but believe us, you're getting plenty of value for your money. www.denon.co.uk
*3
PERFECT PLACEMEtSTT How to set up your speakers for great
CENTRE SPEAKER
surround sound. CENTRE SPEAKER Place this above or directly below your TV set -
this speaker Is often used for character speech and sound effects, which need to sound iike
they're coming out of your TV. RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT SPEAKERS Place these as far apart as possible, to create a
truly cinematic surround effect. LEFT SURROUND AND RIGHT SURROUND SPEAKERS
These need to go behind you, to the right and left, ideaily, they should be the same distance apart as the right and left front speakers, to create an accurate surround effect. SUBWOOFER
Can go anywhere In the room, so try a few places to see how it sounds. You'li know It's right when your teeth start rattling..
LEFT SURROUND SPEAKER
LOOK HEAR!
LISTEN AND LEARN
So which titles will allow you to get the most out of
What else can your PS2 do with surround sound?
Dolby surround sound gaming?
Hook your PS2 up to a home cinema system and you can play DVDs as God Intended. Practically every DVD release comes with a Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack. It's also great for live music DVDs - we've recently been blistering
The games you can buy now that support Dolby surround
our ears to the 5.1 mix of Iron Maiden's Rock In Rio.
releasing albums mixed for surround sound. You need a dedicated DVD-Audio disc player to get the full monty, but
Airblade Armored Blood Burnout Defender
some DVD-Audio albums Include additional surround
Dynasty
sound mixes that can be played using your PS2, You'll need to visit a sizeable record stone to find them, though.
Extreme-G F1 RFA
Talking of music, record labels are getting interested In a new album format called DVD-Audio, which Involves
sound gaming...
IPLIi: Dolby Pro tjogic 2, S: Dolby Surround) Core
2; Omen Point
2:
Another Age 2 Of Impact
Warriors
3
S S S
2002 2001
Klonoa
2:
Cup
Surfer Veil
Kings
S
2001 2003 BMX 2 Frontline Of Uberly
Report Hot Pursuit
Speed;
NBA NHL
S
2001
Madden NFL Madden NFL Matt Hoffman's Pro Medal of Honor Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons
Minority Need for
S PLII PLii PLii
X
Lunatea's
Knockout
Live
The
Legend
Primal Ratchet
Of
&
Rayman RC
S S
Black
Kat
Uke
S S
Holl
PUi S
Storm
Sly Spider-Man
Raccoon
Soul
PLii PUI
Reaver
Star Star Street
Wars: Wars:
Te r m i n a t o r : The
Hawk's Hawk's
1\irok Twisted
2
Bounty Jedi Hoops Dawn
Fate
Skater Skater
Evolution Metal:
Wipeout
S
Hunter S t a r fi g h t e r
Of Bouncer
Pro Pro
S "Ill PLII
Clank
Revolution Revenge Pro
Run Sled
S S S S S
PLII PLii
2
2001 2001
Pirates:
To n y To n y
S
3
RFA 2002 Worid Final Fantasy FreekStyie Kelly Slater's Pro
J l i i t
S S S PLII PLII
PLII S PLII PLII S
3 4
Black
Fusion
S PLII PLII S
PLII
Vexx
PLII
And a taste of 2003 releases featuring Dolby surround sound... Armored Dr
Evolution Final Jurassic SOCOM: Tribes:
Core Muto
3
Snowboarding Fantasy XI Parit: Project Genesis US Navy SEALs Aerial
Assault
PLII PLII
PLII PLII PLII PLii PLii
□FFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 07]
-0.
PlayStation,2
Then get out of the madhouse! Living with
your nasgins mum isn't easy. So it's time to spread your winss as a Sim on PlayStation 2. You'll need to find a job and a new place to live, so why not make it a bachelor pad and
find your soul-mate while you're at it?
I
Arm yourself with the arsenal you'll need to succeed: a strip poker table, a nice stereo, and if you make it to - level five, the all-powerful 'Love Tub'. " Play head-to-head or go solo in the level based mission and unlock new
items and other goodies. And look out for the Monkey Butler who'll pander to your every whim. Create and control your ist of characters in The Sims^"*" on
PlayStation 2. It's what your thumbs are for.
PlayStation 2
PlayStation®^
/ aFFICIRL tTlREnZINE-UK
GAME OF THE MONTH
REVIEWS CHARTER
Fact: Official PlayStation 2 Magazine's reviews are the best in the business.
Our cracl< squad of experienced reviewers piay the games longer, harder and better than anyone eise - tai
proof. Rather than a few images from the first two ieveis or some
replay footage, our review pages show we've played the games to bursting point. And then some... We l^now how important games are to you, which is why you can trust us to differentiate the godlii
So If you're thinking of heading down to a game store to spend your hard-earned cash, mal
GFimE REVIELU5 mEOIR REUIELUS
PRIMAL
A sinister but beautifully ethereal gothic action adventure featuring a sassy rock chick who morphs
DVD RELEASES Men In Block II, Dog Soldiers, 24 Hour Party
into a demon, and her gargoyle mate You know, that old chestnut..
THE
SIMS
Peopl e and mote besides for your
082
viewing pleasure,
See the people? The little people? They're everywhere! Get 'em off! For pity's sake, get 'em off! Play God and cause untold mischief in EA's absorbing life
THE SPINE COLLECTDR'S GUIDE TO: 1986 06
management sIm. People power for your PS2!
All the cinema that matters from 1986 and now available on DVD,
SOS: THE HNAL ESCAPE 086 Enjoy the lighter side of catastrophic earthquakes as you negotiate your way out of a city devastated by mother earth's gut rumblings.
AT T H E M O V I E S WITH HIDEO KGJIMA 107 The creator of Metal Gear writes about the
STAR WARS: THE CLONE
WARS
films that have inspired
088
his work. This month:
Plonet Of The Apes
It's Episode 2.1 as The Clone Wars kick off and you're slap bang In the middle of the fireworks. Coming, Jedl or not. SILEISTT
SCOPE
3
MUSIC
108
New CDs from Massive
AttacK Asian Dub Foundation and Johnny
090
Man- And The Healers.
C O N T R A : S H AT T E R E D S O L D I E R 0 9 2 REVIEW RAHNGS Here's whot our review
scores stand fyn
WILD
ARMS
4X4
EVO
(Ousta tndnigni everydepam rt ent
HOT
I An essential purclnase
LEGENDS
I Highly recommended I Impressive and enjoyable I Ideal for fans of the genre
GRAND
\t)ur life Is pootier wIthOLrt this game
WHEELS OF
I Average
I Extremely disappointing
095
VELOCITY
X
095
2
096
CHALLENGE
DONALD
MASTER
I Poor but still with the odd moment
094
WRESTUNG
PRIX
DISNEY'S
3 2
DUCK
PK
R A L LY E
097 098 098
T H E S I M P S O N S ; S K AT E B O A R D I N G 1 0 0
IA gaming travesty
GO
I You're joking right?
TOKYO
GO
GOLF
ROAD
RACE
101 101
VERDICT PlayStatiojra THE 0PS2 AWARDS
We dont hand out high scores for nothing, you know, so when you see one of these, you'll know it's a sign of quality. Look far them on game boxes.
S I LV E R B R O N Z E PlaySt^qtv5 PlayStation^E " Given to the
gsHrnes worthy erf a 10/10 score. A Gold Award vwiwer is as close to
flawless as you
cang^AlffeenHc^ng game.
A 9/10 score and a Silver Aivard is the mark of a
When a game earns 8/10 it n^ itself a Bronze
si4>reme g^ning experieftce and therefoiB essential purchase
A w a n LW g b l y reccHTimwKted, these games are guar^tteed
for aiy PS2 owner
to satisV-
THE MEN WITH THE PENS These are the men who slave over hot test stations and even hotter Macs to bring you the best review section in the world. See how this obsession becomes their art..
074 PlayStation.^ OFFICIRL mRBHZINE-UK
B AT J O Y U W E
■
K TA N
bUTT
This Valentine's Day. Andys object of affection is going to be ttie
Ryan will be wtiispering sweet
winsome Sophie Matceau. He wants to give lier an orchid and a
Valentine's day. He'll also be taking time out to give his -filthy mistress Pro Em 2 a ttiorougir going over,"
"big fat pearl necldace," Nice man.
nothings into his wife's ear on
■ TIM CLARK
Unbeknownst to his glrlfHend, Tim is sending Satah Whatmore a dozen red roses and a copy of Wee City in an attempt to corrupt the fragrant Geortie popstret.
GIAlVICECrTY OPS2«7 10/10
It's lucky a real life of crime isnt this much funlfit was,
we'd be hotwiring cars and you'd be reading a blank pagt
PRO EVOLUTION S0CCER2 Of>S2#27 9/20 A/most better than the real
thing. Definitely better if you support Plymouth Argyle.
S LY R A C C O O N OPS2#29 7/10 In the absence of any other
new ptatformers, this litUe vnmiint is taking up valuable space on our Memory Cords
T H E G E 1 AWAY 0F>S2#2« 9/10
We cant get enough of drivi around the streets of Londoi even if SCEE has taken out I Br van and overalls.
C A N T WAT T TOPIAY
Hurry up and release these gomes!
EVEROUEST ONUNE
adveMures SPY PAGE 29
It's beta testing in the US rii now and we've had a taste. There's o whole new worid there and we want in. s p u n t e r c e l l MONTOR PAGE 46
Competftion for Solid Snak( Maybe. Splinter Cell loolts li a class act all the may.
a DEAN EVANS TTils Valentine's Day pr^atic Romeo Dean is hedging his bets and sending cards to botfrof ORS?s Prod Eds, The/m botfi equally lovely," he winks saucily.
a GEORGE WALTER This war Gegtge will tw wining and dining hts (ovely^lrlMend-on 14 Feb. He also wants-to-giiierher a cop)«)f Rez with the trance vibraton of course.
■
C AT C H A N N O N
Cat will be saving all het-ioue and a btand-new bread making machine for her man, PC Gameri Matt Pierce, You can
insert your own bun/oven Joke,,
a M A R K W YAT T Tender hearted lottiario Mark
would dearly like to g*e live finger discount queen' Winona
Ryder a right royal pardon, "After all, she's stolen my heart too,"
D AV I D M c C a r t h y
TTie recipient of Dave's affections this Valentine's Is goinglo be tel Kiiin fwm Dead Or Alive 2. "Obvious^ todds, worrying^, yte need to ha«^)K Da\e,,
MUSICS FEATURE PAGE 64 Another Music tilfe and
another quantum leap in features, specs and options TJie/re playing our tune...
□FFICIRL mRGHZINE-UK PlayStation.E C
REUIEIU PRIMAL
PRIMAL
Sexy half-demon goth rock chick guns for the Lara vote. PUBLISHER: SCEE DEVELOPER: STUDIO CAMBRIDGE PRICE; £39.99 PLAYERS 1 O U T: 7 F E B R U A R Y
VV^p ' RM i AtG j AME.COM SURROUND SOUND: YES
the point-to-point action at the heart of an ever-
twenty-something orptian street-gal with a
prime catch of a boyfriend who's lead singer
unfolding plot with plenty of solid characters. After the fantastic opening cinematic, the new
In a Nine Inch Nails-style buzzsaw rock
ethereal Jen meets her story guide, a stunted gargoyle
band. Sadly, his name isn't Zak or Randy It's
60HZ MODE: YES
WIDESCREEN: YES
So, you're a no-nonsense, survivor-type,
Lewis Still... the gigs are sell-outs, the A&R men are
sniffing, and the future looks rosy After a gig one night, you're both pestered by a typical obsessive fan. What is a little unusual and
■ BACK STORY Conceived back In 1999, Primal
storted devetop/7)e/)t in early 2000. Primal is Studio
Combr/dge's flfst PS2 game, but its PSone credentials are pretty sharp - MedlEvil and C12: Rnal
disturbing, though, is how the autograph-jockey suddenly rises up into a flaming hulk and mutates into a gigantic lizard-monster with spikes on its back Next thing you know, you're standing over a hospital bed looking down at yourself And who's that small, funny-looking guy in
little more than talk.
The game progresses through four realms in the
parallel world of Oblivion. Each realm is ruled by either the forces of order or chaos, and something major is messing up the balance. The first, Solum, has an air of Scandinavian gloom - it's eternally night and the action
PRIMAL FEAR
revolves around a quest to find the son of a king who's railing against tradition and refusing to relinquish power
From the top, Primal is an unusual game because it wears its linear nature with pride. Most games that claim to be deep and fantastical can seem a little desperate to be as complex and open-ended as possible - go anywhere, do anything, anytime. But the Primal designers have devised their story line and they're sticking to it... or rather, you are. In a way it's refreshingly old-skool - hit an obstacle, figure out a way to get past it, move on to the next obstacle. It's not what you'd expect, but at least ■ Expect bumper coveruge on the site in the run up
explain everything while Jen attempts to take in all the craziness that's bestowed upon her ("I ain't ever been an astral projection before!"]. She's the reluctant messiah who does all the fighting, while Scree - at first - does
the corner?
Resistance. Next up is Ghost Hunter /n mid-2003.
called Scree - the straightman who does his best to
it's honest and, more importantly succeeds in staging
The puzzles are nice and basic at first (find the torch to
light the way see How To...] and most of the challenge is focused on deeper exploration.
Realm two, Aquis, is, mostly an Atlantis-style underwater zone. In this realm, an underwater race, the Undine, are facing pollution because their water filters
have stopped working As the pollution takes hold, they are mutating into an evil form which is vying for power.
In Aetha, the problem is more universal - greed. A | dandyish race of aristocrat vampires are, literally sucking
to Primal's rehase.
■ FINISH HIMI> Mortal Kombot-
style gore in PrimaL
' I t
076 PlayStatlon.E DFFICIRL fTlRBRZINE-UK
■ SWORD AND THE STONE When trouble nears its ugly head. Scree reverts to a stone gargoyle and Jen fights the good fight.
V
P i ON THE
"I AINT EVER
BEEN AN ASTRAL PROJECTION
m CHAOS ENGINE The ordet of the Primal Universe is under threat.
\«i
m VALUY GIRL Jen is
an unwitting heroine who goes from flal(y to kick-ass in no time.
□FFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 07
REUIEIU PRIMAL
MADE OF STONE Being of the animated concrete persuasion. Scree has a few tricks up his stony sleeve.
Climbing wate...
tl
Using the strategically
scattered (odestones for extra energf...
statues which open doors.
k the blood from the peasants by use of a grotesque machine. You have to destroy the machine, which isn't as easy as it sounds; the vampires' method of self-
sustenance renders them immortal, so they're understandably reluctant to give it up. By the time the
fourth and final realm, Voica, comes around, the story-fog begins to clear. Tfiis level is run by the most powerful of the chaos demons, who appear as amorphous,
JEN-ETIC MUTATION
Rings... Just name your 'unlikely Chosen One' plot). What separates Primal from similarly themed games is -
each realm. She can perform the usual necessaries like
'lady' Arella) to vanquish evil and restore all of the general pleasantness in the world. And, in the end, you might also find out what happened to i^wis, and what all that
business with the shapeshifting stalker was all about. Plot-wise, then, it's pick-and-mix stuff - a bumper bag of fantasy-by-numbers (bits of The Matrix, Lord Of The
the hospital consultant isnt quite what she'd expected.
'work-together' dynamic that sustains the entire game.
Although you can take control of either character. Scree is best for navigating a route through the levels while the action slightly favours you being in charge of Jen. At first, it's just a case of trotting around in a photogenic, Lara like fashion (only less of the wiggle and not quite so topheavy). The game is carefully designed to factor in extra abilities and power-ups, with timely pop-ups matching the techniques to the incoming situation. Mostly, this revolves around Jen, as she acquires separate 'demon' forms which are needed for the specific challenges of
Terminator 2-style liquid metal creatures. Jen must fight for the forces of the order boss (the
WING AND A SCARE Waking up from a coma, Jen finds that
grumpy, earnest old Scree and flighty, sceptical Jen, who's really quite hard, actually While some of the conversation is a bit forced and clunky (there's a bizarre moment when Scree gets angry and Jen goes into a little sulk) it's their
however kooky and off-key - the interplay between
hopping around the scenery, squeezing through gaps.
DEVIL WOMAN Sassy and streetwise she may be, but Jen soon has
J -
to find head space for some pretty ethereal advancements.
In standard fonii. Jen can hold
her own against the baser, more earthly beasties, but as she
absorbs energy from Scree, she takes on different forms and powers with each naahi...
078 PlayStation E OFFICIRL fTlHGHZINE-UK
Her gauntlets acquire flesbshteddlng claws, and she takes on the sblllly to leap up to
Once Sees has rtnmpnfi fon^through mil brought back the power. Jen
Jen gains a tIme-warp ability -
higher spots.
can satm underwater and
damned uteful In some of the
By this time, a muscular, golden, metallic Jen Is battling against
puzzle mechanics and in combat
her darker side. She has two
acqaltes te^«les - the closest
witli the more agile beasties. She also acquires a highly fighteous
thiiig to a long-range wapon.
eneigy whip.
eneigy-based swortjs with devastating combo attacks and finishing moves.
0
#
GET JEN THROUGH THE M A L K A I C AV E Jen and Scree must
work together in order to achieve certain tasks. They make a
good team.
The game's first real puzzle Is a rudimentary intno to Primafs main Ico-lnfluenced gamepiay theme - splitting up In order to get back together again.
Scree spots the Malkal lurking In a dark passage and, reassuringly, explains that their fetid stomachs are panging for sweet half-breed flesh lie, you).
Notbergl pcaltuiai^yMakla-piaala tbel,
Scree toddles on through the cave and out the other side. Further on, he finds a flaming torch.
Scree might be a bit squat and surly, but he has his uses. Walk straight up to a flat stone wall or a sheer drop,
There's nothing hugely ground-breaking about Primal, but the individual parts have been so well crafted that the game, as a whole, feels a little more special and compulsive when compared to Its distant game cousins
and he'll crawl onto the vertical surface, Spider-Man-style.
There's a lot of traipsing around, punctuated by
The point-of-view then switches giddily to make the
explosions of brutality, but the characters are less
vertical surface temporarily horizontal (better for camera
abstract and more likeable than those in games like
shuffling and shimmying aiong ledges and has the muscle to cope with most hostile creatures.
angles) and, at the end of the climb, he does a dinky little
Devil May Cry. And yes, Primal revolves around a lightly
forward somersault.
dressed lady, but there's none of Tomb Raldei's teenage
Scree's power-ups don't affect his physical form, but he's often the key to any geographical obstacles.
delight in the female form and, because of a well-
Scattered around the realms are life-giving lodestones, from which he can absorb energy. For some otherwise
impassable doors, he can convert the stones' energy into a force-field to inhabit a nearby statue which acts as a
Scree to skip around freely The first time you encounter
PRIMAL SCREE-M
a Rift Gate, though, you'll need both characters to be together; each must stand at opposite ends and crank up the power Firing up the gates can feel like a slightly
together, too - either directly (using dual brute-force to lift objects, open stubborn doors, etc] or more laterally with one using their individual talent to beat a path for the other Early on in the game, for example, there's a
unnecessary diversion, but
river which Scree can get ahead of by climbing down a
and-carry puzzles. The graphics are
steep well and going underground. Once on the other side, he can push over a weakened tree to act as a
makeshift bridge for Jen to join him. Most of the time, when the Primal going gets a little vague, Jen can often take advantage of the waypoint structure by asking Scree for a hint as to the nature of the next goal.
SCREE IF YOU WANNA GO FASTER There are times whei
being a stone gargoyle can be a distinct advantage.
NEED A RIFT?
have opened.
Jen and Scree work well Individually, but they work well
now go through without being chewted.
anonymous temples.
and trying to guess which distant passage it might
more interesting than using a key or pressing a button
centre and the Malkal back off. Jen can
conceived hub structure, gamepiay is sharper and more immersive than Lara's sluggish fumblings around
As any good game designer knows, the bigger the play area, the more crucial the issue of instantaneously hopping from point to point. Here, the solution Is 'Rift Gates' - warp points which, once activated, allow Jen and
key to open the door It's a fairly cumbersome process, but it doesn't happen that often and it's a damn sight
Back In the cave, Scnee lights a fire In the
WORLDS OF PAIN Primai's four kingdoms each have a distinctive population, climate and perils.
it's worth the hassle for the
YES, PRIMAL REVOLVES AROUND A
drudgery It takes out of some of the broader, fetch-
NONE OF TOMB RAIDEfTS TEENAGE
UGIVTLY DRESSED LADY, BUT THERE'S DEUGHT IN THE FEMALE FORM
astounding - lush textures, high-concept hybrid beasties and fantastically convincing natural details such as water torrents and swaying leaves. Both main characters look and move like a dream, and are modelled well around
their personalities; Scree lopes and shambles, while Jen
□FFICIRL mR6RZINE-UK PlayStation.E
REUIEliJ PRIMAL
■ FEEDING TIME „ Nice or nasly? Now, what do you think?
■ ARMY OF ONE Jen s
past reveals a disturbing family trait. Demonism.
SOOY MINinES Primal instincts. The first hour... 00:10 Big filling-loosening blast of ultrasound
accompanying the Dolby Pro Logic logo. 00:30 Intro credits, ;
Including reassuringly exotic names like Andreas Katsulls.
01:30 The opening movie soars over a suspension
bridge, MGS2-style. . Camera flies slap-bang Into a stone gargoyle on a high building which jumps down to a side
alley Camera polnt-ofvlew is some kind of
flying monster. 07^0 Inside a dingy rock club, the camera reveals
a tall golem thing with shiny eyes He stands in the crowd staring at the band's lead singer Back In the dressing-room, the
' f ■ ARM-OURED
CORE "Pretty groovy for a pair of metal
singer - Lewis - meets
his girlfriend. Jen.
doodads."
lOflO Outside, the tall
golem thing punches off the bouncer's head and
mutates Into a spiky flaming beastle. 12fl0 At the hospital, Jen's spirit steps out of her 'corporeal form' and
meets a kooky garjoyle guy named Scree
Together, they step out of the physical realm Into Oblivion. Scree explains about the two primal forces that rule the wortd
- the 'lady' Arella, and a demon called Abaddon
She Is good, he is bad. 2200 Seamlessly the cut-scene ends and the
game kicks In. Controlling Jen feels distinctly Lataesque. Not so much
emphasis on exaggerated posture or vital stats.
30:00 They meet Chronos, an overlord who sits on a
big machine, regulating the order/chaos balance. Jen notices that her
calmly saunters. But, as with most high-profile games, there are one or two efforts to make It appeal to all people which don't quite work as well as they could. In a probable nod to all-round accessibility, the combat system can feel a little shallow. As you move
customary end-of-realm battle with a big, ilber-
from safety to danger the standard-Issue hand-rawkin' music replaces the ethereal ambience, and Jen kicks
In the area.
Into Battle mode. You hold down m to tatiget your opponents and hack and slash away with combinations
of the other buttons. It's hardly an exact science, particularly during a multiple attack Most of the time, the bad guys politely attack one at a time, in the style of a martial arts movie, but some of the nastier monsters
think nothing of moving In two or three at a time. Maybe the point is to keep the combat unpredictable and
enhanced boss demands a
mix of all the fighting thrusts and feints honed previously
GRAPHICS ARE
ASTOUNDING - BOTH CHARACTERS LOOK AND MOVE UKE A DREAM
The scope of the combat broadens as Jen moves
through each realm and each respective demon form (see Devil Woman). Most of the standard grunt creatures can be easily dispatched without any extra powers, but It's pointless to try and take on the realm-specific
Why we'd buy it - Deep, dark and huge - Btoad, intuitive puzzles
Why we'd leave It
- Very nasty monsters
- Not a game triat gets along witti natural ligfit - WTiere's the mini-gun?
- Vague sense of being unfaithful to Ms Croft
Graphics Gotgeous. Slinky ctiaracters, near-edible textures All sparine and Doibv-dramatic Decent acting
undenwater mutants) without the extra boost of Jen's
Gatneplay
Simple fun Combat a teeny bit simplistic
Lifespan I Huge and linear The save-anvwhere option is ptioM^r^
Still, the monsters' Al gets trickier in each level and the
#80 PlayStation.^ DFFICIRL mRGHZINE-UK
wearing a fIgure-huggIng halter-neck top. SOKX) Back to the game, and the first puzzle
Realise the Importance of COME GET SOME Demonic Jen is deadlier than
teamwork as Scree helps Jen to get past the evil Malkal. Jen makes It unharmed. Let the forces
of chaos-battllng begin.
Sound
enhanced speed of movement Is more than a match.
restore order, while
her regular, human form.
demons (time-bending wraiths, multi-tentacled
enhanced form. In Aetha, the vampire creatures can bend time and seem to move far too quickly to surround you. But once the area's demon form Is absorbed, Jen's
perfom) the traditional
forces of chaos and
thoroughly absorbing Give Just a few hours to Primal
chaotic, but it could have been less abstract with the
help of a clearer, outline-targeting system.
the Oblivion dteor.
3500 In the kingdom of Solum. It's eternal night. The king Is refusing to self-sacrifice at the peak of his power. Somehow, Jen is to help fight the
This is epic stuff which takes itself seriously enough to be a turn-on for hardcore fantasy fans, but manages to be open and Intuitive enough for more casual gamers. It's hardly a pacey action-packed romp, but it's and watch the plot start to sizzle - you'll be surprised how hard it Is to walk away □ Andy Lowe
strange tattoo (designed by LewisI is a feature of
A finely crafted adventure which reveals
Its depths gradually, unfolding at a pace to suit even the most fantasy-challenged.
B
□FFlOOy VERDICT
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■
REUIEUJ
m
THE SIMS
■ POSH TOTTY It's always the same isnt it? "Dahling, you must call me some time." Then nothing.
082 PlayStation.E OFFICIHL mRBRZINi
n
2; 17PM
f ! I
TALKING TKASH Taking out the jbbish stops the house getting infested fith flies. Bear that in mind, students.
THE SIMS It's David Lynch's twisted vision of suburbia, but vt/lthout the sinister dwarves. ~ toij ocLcerl "jito
2003 Januaty
FndaylA
'Hottu VbJ
i M c o e < fi
ue&Wrcl cu.^ I rtvC- plACfi1^ dii-eacik^
crash course in simulated social climbing. In order to
pnDgress up the property ladder you'll need to perfonn
CGu^+ ccot , ccxk. . SftvOL
home improvements, get promoted and make new friends. Each level also involves completing certain tasks
fiqV^ a\i -tl\£^ dcwV lieoiVi
-k)0
Viseyv
o\
a
- such as throwing a wild party or getting married - with the ultimate goal being to retire in the kind of mansion that makes Becklngham Palace look like a Barratt home.
becfi, , \JalciAce, \ao& cd-^eccL^ b e a y ^ t U c . s J t r i p p o i C A r,
Wbto. ivrV-(-e
-Uwt
new mission-based mode, which has been created
specifically for the PS2 version, presumably because Maxis felt that completely freeform gameplay would fry our fragile little minds. So you start ofi'Jobless and living with Mum (worryingly, there's only one bed] with the aim being to learn how to cook and clean for yourself, and eventually move out and find work What follows is a
au\d Sc§5ULa SeK-foi" ? TW.
spa running. But first, you need to Get A Life. This is the
1^''"
PUBLISHER: EA DEVELOPER: EDGE OF REAinV/MAXIS PRICE; £39.99 PLAYERS 1-2
OUT: 21 FEBRUARY WEB SrrE: WWW.THESIMS.EACOM
60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO
SURROUND SOUND: NO
■ BACK STORY That would be the bestselling PC game of all time, then. The series has shifted almost 17
million cop/es since Its releasi In 2000 and Its Creator, Will
Wright, was Inducted Into the Academy of Interactive Arts ai Sciences Hall of fbme lastyei
The PC version recently went
Welcome to the Third Place, a hazily defined area that exists somewhere between work
and home. Here, the only thing that matters Is play. It's a world of white picket fences, rustling net curtains and Illicit romance. Contrary to what you've been led to believe, there aren't
any talking ducks in suits... just pert starlets and a hot tub bubbling with possibilities. Say hello to The Sims, best-selling PC series ever and a gaming phenomenon
that continues to defy lazy categorisation (the live-'emup, anyone?) It's cerebral without being particularly deep and there's action of a sort, but it certainly won't test
DUAL SHOCK DOMESTICITY
online In the US, but this Is th first time the franchise has
Swapping bullets for backrubs Is, initially at least, a
appeared an a console.
hugely refreshing experience. Our main concern was how the mouse/keyboard control scheme would translate to Dual Shock, and the answer Is; superbly
Everything is laid out in grid formation, and using the right analogue stick you can zoom with Steadicam smoothness and make the entire house pirouette
through 360°. Selecting objects and actions is easy enough, thanks to the pointer device (a glowing beam of light) which shows exactly what you're aiming at. Just click on an item and a pop-up menu lists the
interactions which your Sim can perform. The visuals look solid and remarkably sharp, and you can toggle the walls on or ofl' to see what's happening. Subtle use of
your reflexes. It's a strategy game for Peeping Toms. A digital popularity contest. Hell, at times it doesn't even
lighting also adds to the overall effect.
feel like a game at all.
Obviously, any right-thinking player will immediately want to design a harem of pop princesses and start the
b'a<'L.\. Tbimila^5Q cr'iSiS ckodccSI -fe-
oof uicv-li. (S. euri\ui^ (alij bochs. cja "tko. (i^iLiWu ,aa£ a|4ej a Cjlict gpeil Uas. a CurgJLr
C&,
O.
Is, uaart
OA . Sesl- (3? oiUl.; I ^(l«t u/v
Kar
u i i t t v,
bo^ 1 MOAac^ -b g&V uxiK , TlvfiSe l^cAino
■ UFFS A BLUR When a!
takes a bath or shower, a ; effect preserves their mod
(XfCA^ ^, dtM'' oLiusofty bu/vL'i^ c() bjeWa^r ■
SOCIAL
I^HI
SKILLS The
more Sims you !
II have, the harder they I are to control.
□FFICIRL mRBHZINE-UK PlayStatlon.E Oi
S TAT U S
SYMBOLS Hey, it's not about who you are, it's what you own. Display your new-found wealth
conspicuously with these luxury items. Some also have additional self-
improving qualities.
LIBRI Dl REGINA BOOKCASE
Boost your cooking or
mechanical skills with a good book, Remember books, kids? Papery things with words?
PERSPIRACTION EXECUTIVE
TREADMILL Check out those
buns. Working out Is the only way to get Into shape and boost your body points - crucial for the
more physical career paths.
O
i
-
CHARIS MASTER VANITY TABLE
You're so vain, you probably think this paragraph is about you. This PS2-exclusive item allows you to change a Sim's appearance mid-game. Practising speeches In front of normal mirrors also helps your charisma.
CHUCK MATEWEa CHESS SET
Playing chess is fun, sociable Irealiy) and Improves your Sim's logic ability. We suggest using the Luzhin defence.
▶ Making sure your Sims are happy at any given time involves an incredibly complex balancing act. Each character's mood is governed by eight different criteria: Hunger; Hygiene. Energy, Social, Comfort,
repetitive tasks is that it will become
mundane and repetitive. Once things start to go south, turning them around can prove tricky. At one point we even had to call Mum over to
Bladder Fun and Room. Let too many of the gauges
help out. Ultimately, imposing conditions on what's
slip into the red and your Sim w/ill become so
essentially a non-linear gameplay dynamic takes a lot of
depressed they won't be able to perform any of the
the fun out of it Sure, you can speed the passage of time
activities which boost their stat points (see Status
up by pressing gd, but each task seems to take an ice
Symbols). And if you really let things slide, the poor little blighters end up living in squalor, crying like
age to complete and frustration sets in quickly when it feels like you're Just treading water.
babies and regularly wetting themselves. Which brings us to our main gripe with the Get A Ufe mode:
there simply aren't enough hours in the day. Ttying to keep all the meters ticking over while
also completing the preset objectives is like spinning plates in a stiff breeze. It's aggravating and doesn't seem to be properly balanced, which is odd, given the supposedly casual target audience. Of course the danger with a game based on performing mundane.
jROLL CAUS I M S TA R S ; THE RIVALS The Create-A-Sim
option is quite thorough, if not as comprehensive as we hoped. Check out our fantasy threesome...
)84 Play5tation.E OFFICIRL fTlRBHZINE-UK
FAMILY FORTUNES That's the bad news out of the way Once you've trudged through the first Get A Ufe level the main Play The Sims mode opens up, and it's every bit as hypnotic as its PC parent. Here you can create an entire family of Sims (see Simstars: The Rivals) and either move them into an
existing home, or design and furnish your own from scratch. Even if you'd rather neck strychnine shooters
■ NOTHING BUT NET Playing basketball boosts your Body stats, even though the girls cant throw for toffee.
REUIEIU THE SIMS
Stan
KISS
P P
X
'I*
KISS
'0^
.
The Sims adopts a liberal attitude to
love: provided they
fi i - >
get on well enough, characters of the same
■ TIPPING THE VELVET
Sophie and Holly settle
down for the ni^t.
sex
can
even
be persuaded to snog - as long as you put in plenty of groundwork.
^
fD#
^
GIFT Now try a spot of bl^ery.
HUG Things are warming up. It's
Giving gifts will cost you money, but if life has taught us anything
time to start flirting in earnest.
sure to throw In a couple of
- and It hasnt - it's that women
Once the object of your affection seems Interested go for a good
compliments such as: That's a
are suckers for expensive
strong grope... sorry, hug
smashing blouse..."
presents, Just as well, really
TALK You cant expect to just go for the lunge straight away, try a
little smooth talking first. Make
than watch an episode of Changing Rooms, the house
essentially a polygonal goldfish bowl. The perfect example is when your Sim starts playing electric guitar At first she
building aspect of the game is strangely therapeutic. We spent hours trying to make histoty-defining decisions about decor, seating arrangements and whether we should splash out on a luxury bed or keep saving for the
can only noodle away atonally, but with a bit of practice she plays prciper riffe, graduating to some Satriani-style solos as her housemates dance their approval.
giant plasma TV. Again, The controls are satisfyingly
variety. The PC game supports a huge online community, where fans create new furniture and flooring for each
full-on tongues!
■ CRT MYSELF BUND Sophie weeps as romance blossoms.
I TAKE ME HOME Poor old Sophie gets left on the shelf.
simple to use, and you can drop into the buy/build menu at any point to create extensions or buy additional items. Our only real complaint about this area of the game is that despite the large number of items - several of which are exclusive to PS2 - you soon start craving even more
LOVE IT OR HATE IT.. Hopefully you're intrigued, but if not, you probably already know The Sims isn't for you. It's the gaming equivalent of Marmlte; people will adore and despise it for exactly the ■ AGE OF AQUARIUS Remember to feed the fish.
same reasons If you're an old romantic, or Just like the idea of controlling when people go to the loo, this is a
compatibility is an absolute must.
~
New to this PS2 m version are several
two-player Bonus modes. Again they're unlocked by playing Get A Life, and you have to compete to become more rich and popular than your friends. Just like in the real world.
2003 Febriiarv
~ . Satureiavl'i
2003 February
' C e u fl i J i c a t e ^
FrkLty~7
l a g l ' . S C u j e c fi e f \ c a A \
, J uMcA a uJiaeii.-HoUc^ •
the visitors than the other
player Again, playing against the clock just
tViuv?i cp uuh t.WJcu.'-a,
cd- Sii\A.ti,ra . TUC. bcJoecxe. ci
feels wrong.
< Of-^ncsi f-tust be. "tW
■ COOKING UP A bartie will
"'I
beccase I -^OLyvi
get the party started.
Po iL l t^ ■bMOCCu l utTD
TW Uscicjfi lW"
U,C4€ 'S SiiijeeV'. tiliS BexW
up Un OAdt oacx tkc ^ ^ ..
to blag more money out of
0^ to'li i^ciz--L'u?
SdpW a p:
d(toaler,-toc> . cccxidJ
Here you have ten minutes
Tdo Ccnol uje'oe bezA.
ViO'ie al-kr aje.r£ieefc^
tkoccH bencW lasxs.
THE MUSEUM
UWaLOijaj-ti Hi
KciS t)3!A Vju ^t,V
■cTvioltc- iwt cij2(ure
TWO'S C O M PA N Yi
must buy But if getting dressed in the morning already seems a big task, you should steer clear. □ Tim Clark
other to download. Next time around, network
Xiarn,
KISS By now the happy couple's rielatlonship meter should be approaching the hundred percent mark. Now It's just a matter of leaning In for the kill and - yes -
ueis. rcu) a«£ "tlvCjx
bo'l: , , rtjbodutp' per-faiV'.
-
T H E F R AT H O U S E
So what makes the Play The Sims mode so much better than Get A Life? After all, they essentially involve
repeating exactly the same tasks ad nauseam. Beyond the occasional fire or burglary, nothing that could be described as exciting happens... ever And yet with the mission-based restrictions removed, the game becomes
THESIMS Why we'd buy it - Original, hugely compulsive
, Why we'd leave it - Boring at times and v«ont suit all tastes
gamepiay
- A slick package loaded with extras
- Looks and feels very polished
You can scupper your mate's chances by
spreading vile rumours.
mistake, surely? - Hell Is other people
Clean design and genuinelv funny animations
Sound
Cute jingles, gibberish speech and annoying muz;
Gamepiay
Real love/hate stuff but we're definitely fans
sofa or a new fridge, and you realise Tyler Durden was
Life span
Potentially limitless, provided your interest holds u
right: eventually the things you own really do start owning
Some of you wont see what all the fuss M v is about. But TTie Sims is an innovative, ■
you. Contnalling several Sims at once means there's always something to do, and you learn to make them multi-task so one cooks dinner while the others clean. But it's still hard to nail the appeal of staring at what is
gets to jump In the hot tub.
- No gunplay whatsoevei: Some
Graphics
mesmerising and obsessional. Whole (real) days pass as you try to scrape together enough cash to buy a leather
First one to make three new friends at the party
engtx)ssing and life-affimiing game.
□FFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK PlayStation.? 08
REUIEIU
SOS: THERMAL ESCAPE
S CRAWL TO BE KIND Falling masonry isnt the only stuff you've got to avoid in tiie game... ■ HEADS UP Cut-scenes aren't great, but they do effectively introduce new objectives on your path to safety
■ M A K I N G A S P U S H Yo u d o n ' t
have to personalise your makeshift raft but we felt the snazzy flame motif helped. ■ BUSTED Broken vehicles litter
the streets, some of which supply essential paths through the debris.
Grtg: Nm m'r* li trtibU. Ita|rb« m ma't
kft
rtiatftd.
If
*•
Mk«
it
■piiUO Vbu'll often be alerted
th« C*atr«l
Wa rumble, but quakes can also occur without any warning at all.
SOS: THE FINAL ESCAPE Good vibrations with the first earthquaiie sun/ival sim. PUBUSHER: AGETEC DEVELOPER: IREM PRICE: £39.99 PLAYERS: 1 O U T: 7 F E B R U A R Y WEB SITE: WWWAGETEC.COM 60HZ MODE: NO SURROUND SOUND: NO WIDESCREEN: NO
For some time, videogame developers have drawn inspiration from the world of movies to come up with ideas to impress us. Quite apart from titles like Metal Gear Solid 2, which
actually seem to want to be movies, we've seen games based on everything from the zombie-infested B-movie
■ BACK STORY
(Res/dent Evil, etc] to the gadget-filled spy thriller (007 in... Agent Under Rns). Japanese gamers have even got their own videogame version of the high-school teen
Japonese developer Irem is best
romance genre thanks to Konami's Tokimeki Memorial.
Equally needless to say, the plot thickens, and before you know it, you're not Just saving your own skin, you're also helping others to safety and uncovering a web of deceit and treachery. In terms of gameplay, there are certain parallels that
can be drawn with survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. In order to get off the island alive you need to use objects (which can be found among the
debrisj to achieve a variety of challenging tasks ranging
R-Type. in recent years, its output has been rather less Impressive, but Zettai Zetsumel
staple of bank holiday TV schedules, the disaster movie.
from navigating treacherous flood waters to cracking safes. Consequently, your backpack quickly becomes full of apparently useless knick-knacks, and guessing which
U n t i l n o w.
ones will ultimately prove indispensable is an essential
Toshi (as It was called In Japan! proved attractive enough to arouse the Interest of several
Japanese developer, Irem, has finally seen sense and decided to place gamers in deadly peril from climatic
Western publishers. In the end,
catastrophe in the interests of entertainment. Set in the
Agetec won out
near future, SOS; The Final Escape casts you in the role of a fresh-faced young Journalist, Keith Miyamoto, eagerly travelling to the idyllic Capital Island to take up a new post Needless to say before you can reach your
feat of Judgement. In terms of the range and design of these tasks, the game outshines its survival horror rivals, offering a satisfyingly cerebral challenge. But it's not Just the quality of the puzzles that sets the game apart from the competition. Indeed, the most
destination, a series of earthquakes reduce the man-
rubble-strewn, post-quake
known for producing seminal side-scroiling shoot-'em-up,
But there still hasn't been a decent game based on that
made city to fragments of its former self, and you're charged with finding a way to reach a rescue party.
interesting thing about it is not that it takes place in a city setting, but rather the fact that there's no combat
WAV I N G N O T D R O W N I N G
Even in spite of his huge backpack our hero proves adept in watery situations.
IREM HAS niMALLY SEEN SENSE AND DECIDED TO PLACE GAMERS IN DEADLY PERIL FROM CUMATIC CATASTROPHE
TOP SECRET t SHOW ME T H E WAY
TOGO HOME It's not all doom and
gloom. SOS includes a collectible range of colourful compasses.
COMPASS
KING'S
R-9
This is your basic, common-or-
A gem-encrusted bad-boy of a compass. This Is the real bling
U M B R E U A
ANGEL
Inspired by Irem's best-known title, R-Type, R-9 adds a little
bling deal.
sci-fl chic to proceedings.
Appropriately enough, this compass also serees as a lucky
If you're in a collapsing city, you'll probably be wanting your
chami to ward off bad weather
own guardian angel...
garden variety, with a big red arrow pointing north.
086 Play5tation.2 OFFICIRL mHBRZINE-UK
C O M PA S S
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS You might be sttvnded on a quake-hit island, but that's no excuse not to look your best
GLOVES
SUNGLASSES
COOL GLASSES
These protect your hands from chafing if you're hanging from a ledge. We think you'll agree that they also complement any outfit
Ostensibly to protect your eyes from bright lights, these natty shades are a satisfactory fashion statement.
Combine these with the King's Compass
UMBRELLA
COWBOY
Not really an item of clothing, more a means of protecting your other fine
Another dubious offering from the hat
and you'll be turning heads wherever you go. Well, you would, if there were any to turn.,.
w
SEARCHING FOR CLUES Despite the threat of danger, Keith's
Journalistic instinct unearths a nefarious web of fraudulence. ■ mUJNG DOWN Keep your wits about you - buildings will often collapse without warning. HARD
H AT
More functional than fashionable, unless
you're going for the YMCA look Combined
threads from rain damage.
with Cool Glasses it makes a statement
■ VERTIGO >t)u1l find yourself suspended over several sheer drops throughout the game.
>
V, • ^ / ■ GROUND LEVEL Helping other stranded citizens is all in a day's work for your everyday hero.
to speak of. Like all the best disaster movies, the ultimate pleasure of playing SOS: The Final Escape Is not down to explicit violence but rather the threat of
and confusing conversations are the order of the day here - so unnecessary and so very frustrating. It's always admirable when a developer dares to do
calamity. It's a brave move by Irem, and one that works well. This results In a totally different gameplay tempo one that's more languorous and thoughtful than a lot of other PlayStation 2 titles. While death might not come at the hands of a bralnthlrsty zombie, it's still a possibility. Earthquakes are
something a little different, and Irem has clearly achieved its aim. It's a measure of the game's success that It still remains enjoyable despite its deficiencies - and there are a number of nice touches to compensate, even If a lot of them are a bit Incongruous for a disaster zone. At one point, for example, you need to construct a raft, but
preceded by a distant, growing rumble, but they can just
If you can find some paint nearby, you can also
or death - you need to be on your toes to avoid falling
customise It with your own floral or flame design. Slightly less frivolous perhaps Is that your character's clothes
debris and reach safe ground. Adding to the tension, you also need a constant supply of water Sources of drinking water, which also serve as save points In the game, are
gradually take on a more dishevelled appearance as you escape one quake after another A nice touch. Granted, this Is hardly groundbreaking, but allied to a
fairly generously positioned but It doesn't pay to take
wholly original concept It's satisfying stuff. SOS offers a gentler-paced alternative to high-octane thrills for the
as likely occur without warning, resulting in either Injury
anything for granted. The major drawback of the game Is a standard
problem among other survival (horror) games; namely
SOS: THE FINAL ESCAPE
though they require a degree of lateral thinking, they're
Why we'd buy it:
hardly unfair A more significant issue Is that the game lacks polish. Though the concept Is solid, the game's
shooting things - We've aiways wanted to be in a
rrs GETTING HOT IN HERE As any good survivalist knows,
keeping close to the ground helps avoid potentially lethal fumi
- The controis and menus are a bit untidy
disaster movie
- i^isuteiy pace proves relaxing
atmosphere of Capital Island's streets, but character models aren't very detailed at all, and cut-scenes are
Graphics
Hardly cutting edge, but get the job done ^
Sound
Tranquil siiences punctuated by distant rumbling
interface design. And the translation from the original
then, we suppose.
Why we'd leave it - it iaci
- A welcome change from
graphics leave a lot to be desired. They do a good job of conveying the sense of scale and the eerily deserted
is hard work thanks to unattractive fonts and unintuitive
■ SPLASHDOWN That'll be a dead end
more patient gamer, but has enough nerve-bltlng tension to keep everybody happy □ David McCarthy
that some players will Invariably get stuck on one or more of the game's tasks or puzzles. But, In general, the tasks In SOS; The Final Escape are well signposted, and
universally poor. Equally, the Interface is Incredibly untidy. Your character feels sluggish, and navigating through menus
H AT
wardrobe, but let's face it, in the wake of an earthquake, beggars can't be choosers.
UFE CYCLE It's not just about avoiding falling buildings, SOS also offers a brief cycling section to enliven proceedings.
Gameplay Lifespan
Despite the lack of polish, SOS still shines and shows that there's more to
videogames than just shooting stuff.
0 7
OFFlClBt A^EROICT
Japanese game Is laughably poor Histrionic voice-acting
□FFICIRL mBGRZINE-UK PlayStation.^ 01
■
lANKS
ALOT
Dominate an
opponent to win
^this match up.
SniRWARS: THE CLX>NE WARS A quality Star Wars gome, or Just onother Jedi mind trick? PUBUSHER: ACTIVISION
^D^EM^C/LUCASARTS PRICE; £39.99 PWYERS; 1-2 O U T: 7 F E B R U A R Y WEB SITE: WWW.LUCASARTS.COM 60HZ MODE: NO SURROUND SOUND: YES WIDESCREEN: YES
Think back to Attack Of The Clones and try to
You take control of either Mace Windu, Annakin
remember what it was that stood out most in
Skywalker or Obi Wan Kenobi (sorry, no Yodal and head the Republic army as it battles Count Dooku and the
your mind. The slushy, handy-hoidy romance bit? The giadiator-styie arena battle? No, it was scrotum-faced Yoda going all Bruce Lee wasn't it? Second place though, and much more suitable for
naughty 'Remnant' forces. Deftly subverted by the frenetic on-screen action, the plot concerns evil
■ BACK STORY
on where the last merchandise-doused Star Wars movie
Pandem/c Studios is a beach-
left off, lumbers a battlefield bruiser which takes a little
pensioner Dooku's search for an ancient Sith weapon with which he can destroy the Republic. It's up to the Jedi to sort it out, apparently by blowing up everything in sight. Your search for the Sith weapon will lead you to several planets including Rhen Var, an icy world where
licence with its licence.
most of the more interesting action takes place. The
based Californian developer that Is deeply rooted In futuristic warfare gaming, having created the Battlezone series. Pandemic has had to push Itself In the direction of
mech and flight sIm territory In order to bring the heavily armoured destruction of The Clone Wars to life.
C 2002 LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC. C 2002 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. LucasArts and the LucasArts logo are trademarks of
Lucasfilm Ltd. Star Wars Boun^ Hunter Is a trademark of Lucas Licensing Ltd.
gaming purposes, had to be some of the most satisfying sci-fi battle scenes ever So, rather predictably, carrying
Rather than the real-time strategy game The Clone Wars could so easily have become, this immediately struck us as a hovering version of Star Wars: Starfighter
snowy environment on this wintry planet is a fine
example of the game's potential for making large-scale warfare come to life.
m HAPPY VAL1£Y Stuck in a
large canyon, these troops
defensive missions. The usual array of weaponry, health
Clone Wors isn't Just a simple tank battler; though. You get to control Speeder Bikes, STAPs (flying robots]. Walkers, Gunships and even ride strange beasts in the
pick-ups and power-ups are all present, too. Your
Wookie levels. There are
Initially, the Campaign missions are a familiar series of aggressive attacks, escorting transports, timed levels and
mission objectives help to mop up what's left of the climactic Geonosis battle from the movie but the game moves the story forward and allows the real Clone Wars narrative to begin.
also on-foot missions and
while this adds variety to the Jedi gamepiay the third-person light saber
are vulnerable
THE VIDEOGAME MOVES THE STORY FORWARD AND ALLOWS THE REAL CLONE WARS NARRATIVE TO BEGIN
a VEHICULAR A c n v n Y Big tanks, droids and a few surprises, too.
S TA P
M A A R U
Seen these in the movies? Belt it through the forests on one of them to escape explosions.
Ride a dinosaur with massive guns on its back. Not the best vehicle, but quite cute.
M8 PlayStation.E aFFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK
WALKER
The prototype AT-ST is one of the best things In the game. A total powerhouse.
REUIELL
S1AR WARS: THE CLONE WARI
■■■ B S H i l H
g^BiE ^ I H R * *■ broken down into four ^ ^ MISSION Mission
'^''
j/r"
types
®
attack
can
be
defend
^
ESCORf
^
5
CHASE
Recreate the end of Attack Of The Clones In this snowy scene a ship's gone down Transports full of Jedl and turrets are Well, they had to have a speeder bike with this search and destroy flying and Remnant forces are rushing towards everywhere. Spilt time between clearing section In here. Race after droid patrols mission. Blow them to smithereens! you. Destroy them ail. the way ahead and partying tank attacks. before they can report back
fights leave much to be desired as there's no real beat-'em-up element - the engine that's used for tanks is the same one that's applied to people. In fact, one of the game's greatest flaws is Its lack of variety, leaving it
available options, comprising the usual mix of skills from deathmatch to defend-the-flag disciplines. Base building and defence in the Conquest mode is a particularly nice feature that sees you controlling outposts and building
feeling clumsy and surprisingly uninspired.
defensive turrets - it adds an extra element to the
The vehicular action is frenzied and fun, but we encountered minor slow-down when too much is
happening on-screen at once. Despite this, as everything explodes around you, you truly feel like you're in a massive ruck in a galaxy far, far away However, It's a shame that the developer hasn't really concentrated on
missions, but lacks the wow factor of the major battles. The co-op play in Academy mode has you and a friend defend against waves of enemies, but really only serves to make you think how much better it would have been
if you could play the whole game co-operatively What would be more fun than having a friend help out
distinguishing each element - rather than giving you several truly addictive styles of gameplay, your attention
defending the rear of a convoy rather than some terrible
is just shifted between the different vehicles
helping you at all? Jedl Starfighter allowed you to play all
Another problem with The Clone Wars is that, even though you can issue basic commands like 'Regroup' or
'Attack' to your units la maximum of two) there's no real sense of orchestrating a battle strategy. For all the lively
shooting action, there are still times when the game feels like 'a few clone scuffles' rather than a full-on war
Surprise boss battleships at the end of some levels help matters, but there's often no hope of deploying any tactic other than 'keep on dying until something works'. As the game progresses you'll notice battles becoming more drawn out and intense. While it's good that Pandemic ups the ante and keeps us on our toes, there's no real progression. Even when, later on, we have to battle fierce spirits which guard the tomb of a fallen Jedl, you simply shoot the ghosts' tombs to kill them. It's
merely a different flavour of the standard attack-anddodge gameplay that lurks beneath the Star Wars paint
job. With no explorative element we're left following direct orders rather than giving them. While there are undoubtedly real high points - the Geonosis and Thule battle missions, for example - there are also troughs like the obligatory speeder bike chase to swallow. Thank Lucas then for the Multiplayer modes. There's
NPC whining about how they're taking damage and not SNOW PROBLEMO Protect these transports at all costs. And for God's sake, try not to crash into them.
its story missions co-operatively This game looks great and plays in a satisfyingly destructive way but, unfortunately. It lacks the depth or sense of command that would give the player some sense of achievement amongst the carnage. While it is a brave battler, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is another in a long line of franchise games that impresses, but doesn't quite deliver on its promise. □ Mark Wyatt SmR WARS: THE Why we'd buy ib
- Fantastic Stor laser battles - Great looks, instinctive controls - Massive scale and multiple v/orlds to visit
Why we'd leave it - Only offers one style of play - Lack of command and strategy - We wanted to play as Yoda and slash kneecaps
Graphics
Rain, snow and heat effects, plus great explosions
Sound
Laser blasts and John Barry's rousing score
0
Gameplay Life span
Samey as hell, but immersive nonetheless Solid multiplayer, but the campaign's over too soon
0 G 0
7
6
One for the Star Wars collectors, and a
great batdefield game in its own right. Shallow, but still worth investigation.
a good variety of one-on-one combat in the variety of
OFFICIRL mHERZINE-UK PlayStatlon.E 01
REUIEIU SIL£NTSCOPE3
PUBLISHER: KONAMI
DEVELOPER; KONAMI 7Y0 PRICE: £39.99 PLAYERS: 1 O U T: N O W WEB SITE:
WWW.KONAMnYO.COM/SS3 60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO SURROUND SOUND: NO
■ BACK STORY
SILENT SCOPE 3
Warning: this game could get you a record at the FBI. Right, how do we put this sensitively in the light of recent events... The ability to pick off enemies in videogames from a safe distance - like you can in MGS2, Medal Of Honor, GTA:
First appearing as a
gimmick arcade unit back in 1999, the original Silent
Scope had a whopping great piastic gun attached
to It. 7)7/s lent the game a satisfying authenticity that the PS2 port sorely lacked. Silent Scope 2; Fatal
Judgement was re/eosed the following year with the
changes to the gameplay
of the remaining six sections to play through, each with
undeniably satisfying It's okay, you're not a psycho, it's perfectly normal. It's a videogame. As a flaxen-haired member of the Special Operations
its own difficulty rating Unsurprisingly the whole
in one section of the game, underwater. The SOG's missions are all motivated by terrorists who insist on
taking over important government buildings and trying to kill the President, but quite why the terrorists are so riled is unclear
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept, there's very little to grasp. You're presented with an m TOP SOGS Mission
briefings are provided by these guys.
on-rails system of movement (similar to that of a lightgun title] and, at various junctures, you're required to snipe targets that appear in your field of vision. Holding down m allows you to take aim, and letting it go brings up the crosshairs for pinpoint accuracy In this new, updated version, targets aren't restricted to human beings. In some sections of the game you'll be called upon to hit ammunition, barrels of flammable liquid or helicopter rotor blades, it's a vague attempt by the developer to widen the narrow scope of the series. Siient Scope 3 is actually two separate games in one.
The first is identical to the arcade game Siient Scope Ex and follows a branching story line. The player decides which route to take and this culminates in a final
showdown infiltrating the terrorists' base on an oil rig The showpiece for each stage is the 'boss' character
They're the most emban-assingly rubbish crims you'll ever meet Take the bare-chested Russian ivankov for
SURELY THEY^ JUST STUCK A [3 ' O N n ? New gameplay skews add 'depth' to SS3. You now have to actually think a little bit before firing your weapon.
090 PlayStation.^ OFFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK
but on completing the first mission you can chose which
Vice City and, of course, the Silent Scope series - is
Group (that's SOG for short) you have to do an awrful lot of shooting - mainly from the tops of buildings, hanging out of helicopters, from the back of moving boats and,
option of a two-player link up in arcade and console versions, but with minimal
example. "My muscles are as hard as steel," he rasps, looking for ail the worid like a fat Pat Roach. The second game - Silent Scope 3 proper - is similar,
experience feels rather familiar - aim, fire, cause premature death, move on to next target. The game looks unfinished, too - menu screens are basic and the game's introductory cut-scenes are part:iculariy low-rent with the SOG operatives uttering the same old military spiel before each mission, it'll wind you up no end. if we're to believe the insight Silent Scope 3 gives us of a sniper's lot, it's a cold, soulless existence devoid of any kind of reward bar a bloodied corpse viewed through a telescopic lens. This was once a sordid arcade blast, but with the sniper weapon now featuring in every other PS2 combat title - and being used a lot better than it is
here - we can't help but feel that one-weapon games are becoming outdated, □ George Walter siLBhrr Why we'd buy it
- To gorge on the sight of blood and shattered bone
- Its a tried and tested Ibnnula - We dent own eittier of the
Why we'd leave it - Shooting people Is cruel and barbaric
- Looking very dated - Repetitve and short-lived
ottier games In the series Graphics
Marginally better ttian the previous Instalment
Sound
Inappropriate synth pop and gun cracks
Lifespan
Vbu can complete it in a few hour^
Below standard. WeVe defended it for fer too long
When arcade games were better than
console games we were happy to have this. Now it's just substandard.
0 5 VERDICT
Finally, a cordless controller worthy of your attention. Every gamer has yearned for the freedom of a cordless controller. But there's never been one worthy of commitment...until now. The Logitech® Cordless Controller for PlayStation® or PlayStation®2 works flawlessly from up to 20 feet away, pointing in any direction. It's the only cordless controller licensed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. And it's the one controller you'll find impossible to put down. Lci ensed by Sony Computer Entertan i ment Europe. @0<8>0, ^ ,Ta i yStato i n- andTS one'are regsi tered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertan i ment Inc. © 2002 Logtiech,
Al rights reserved. Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and nfiay be registered.Al other trademail^s are the property of their respective owners.
i ■ BIKER GROVE Take to the air
on a bike in Konami's blistering, if somewhat erratic shooter.
?
M
m
conntA:
SHATTERED SOLDIER Elderly shoot-'em-up makes an exhausting journey to PS2. PUBUSHER; KONAMI DEVELOPER: KONAMI TYO PRICE; £39.99 P L AY E R S : 1 - 2 O U T: N O W W E B S I T E : W W W. K O N A M I . C O . U K 60HZ MODE: YES SURROUND SOUND: NO WIDESCREEN; NO
We V 1991. We V it because it was the golden
V age of home console games. The era when
formula of the 2D side-scrolling shooter - resulting in a
the SNES and MegaDrive ruled the living room and when every game was genre
game that feels both dated and shallow. Now, the first thing we have to get clear is that this isnt a tirade against 2D games. There have been some
defining and original. Bollocks. Our nostalgia-loving
decent 2D games on PS2 in the past (think Capcom Vs
generation forgets one thing about games from this
SNK 2 or Guilty Gear X) and that perspective can still
period: they were good because we played them through no better Sometimes it should stay that way Giving old
offer different gameplaying experiences. Yet, sadly, the balance in Contra: Shattered Soldier is poorly judged and there are too many annoyances that get in the way
■ BACK STORY
classics a makeover is akin to digital necrophilia. It's
of overall enjoyment.
Konam/'s Contra series began back in 1988 on the NES. Since then there have been over 20 iterations on every format fmm
certainly the case with Konami's attempt to resurrect its
The Contra games have always demanded lightningfast reflexes and quick thinking from the player, and this
the filter of youthful exuberance and because we knew
Game Boy to PSone. Although Contra 111: Alien Wars is often
cited as the best in the series, it hasn't stood the test of time all that well.
once respected Contra brand.
it's been ten long years since the last pnDper Contra game iContra III: The Alien Wars} was released on the
SNES and we were hoping that KonamI might have done
PS2 version is no different. However; the main flaw with
this kind of old-skool design is that you die, and die repeatedly It's impossible to get through a section of
something a bit special with the franchise for this
the game, never mind a level, on your first attempt
128-bit version. After all, Capcom successfully brought Ghosts'N Goblins kicking and screaming Into the 21st
without losing all your lives and going right back to the
Century with its excellent Maximo, so we thought it was safe enough to have hopes for Contra: Shattered Soldier
Unfortunately, the developer decided to stick to the rigid
.
-
1 P Z 0 1
beginning. Misguided retro-heads will try to convince you that this is what separates the hardcore from the
casual gamer But let's face it, memory test gaming isn't hardcore, it's just irritating
■ G O B A U J S n c Yo u c a n
even cling on to missiles to defeat the big bosses.
1 ^
RNISH HIM! Who's the daddy? The bigger they ate, the harter they fall. Each boss has an Achilles heel. Shoot this mechanical freak on its
central power crystals to drain Its energy.
092 PlayStation,E OFFICIRL mRliRZINE-UK
But watch out for fts fearsome appendages. Vtou will also need to concentrate Are on these side guns to ensure you get some time to shoot its weak spot
Jumping over bullets whiie firing is also a good tactic for success here. Keep plugging away and you'll eventually t>e greeted with the site of Its explosive destruction.
REUIEUU
C O I ^ T K A : S H AT T E R E D S O L D I E f
Hit Ratft TTre Contra weapon triumvirate.
Automatic Machine Gun
This Witt be the weapon you use most it Is vei^atile, fast and deals with most
enemies, Chatge up a shot
OLD FLAME Use the flame thrower on organic creatures.
and you will unleash a spray of bullets across the screen.
Flame Thrower
Great for attacldng flying creatures and enemies with
shields. Its range Is short so you'll find you use it least
out of all the weapons, ■■■
SLEDGING The snow levels may look picturesque but the enemies are unfair and unremitting.
FIRESIARTER If you keep plugging away at certain vehicles they will explode and take out your foes.
HALITOSIS Donl get too close to this dragon's breath, it hasnt used Usterine for thousands of years.
Grenade Launcher
l^werful but slower than
the automatic machine gun. Charge It up and you'll fire several missiles Into one
target Great for some of the boss battles.
T H O S E W H O W E R E G O O D AT REMEMBERING THEIR TIMES TA B L E S W I L L T H R I V E I N T H E S E B U L L E T- S T R E W N C O N D I T I O N S
Konami has relieved a little
frustration by giving the player the option to begin on any
continues. But play through on Easy and you get 99 continues! There's no midway point, no happy medium.
Fortress, City and Sea-bed. Unfortunately, all four levels must be completed before
Those who persevere will also find the experience short lived. Once you've memorised the attack patterns of the enemies on each level, you will get through the game in a long weekend. It's hardly much of a return for your
others are unlocked. Fact is, the Contra formula hasn't
£40 investment.
stood the test of time. Levels consist of shooting several kamikaze enemies before you encounter a mini boss.
On a more positive note. Contra: Shattered Soldier does have a two-player Co-operative mode that is a lot of fun. With double the firepower the game feels a lot
one of four levels: Train,
Find its Achilles heel, destroy it, then take on another set of kamikaze enemies before confronting another boss, and so on. It's fast and furious, but hardly enthralling. Some tactical nuance is added by allow/ing your warrior to swap between three types of weapon: an automatic machine gun, a grenade launcher and a flame thrower - ra can be used to lock your weapon into firing angles to concentrate your bullets on one area. You can also tap and hold the @ button to charge up a special attack which differs depending on the weapon you're using However, in the midst of the frantic battles, this often proves unworkable.
SOLDIER OF MISFORTUNE Such decision making could have made Shattered Soldier a bit special, but there are too many peripheral annoyances to spoil the action. Lasers will suddenly flair up into fireballs engulfing your hero, or a grenade will come out of nowhere to kill you without warning While the heart-pounding action can verge on the exciting, there are too many moments that insist on trial-anderror gaming. You simply can't play through the game relying on quick reflexes and intuition. Success depends on nothing more than good memory skills. Those who were good at remembering their times tables will probably thrive in these harsh bullet-strewn conditions. The balance is all wrong, too. Play through the game on the Normal setting and you get three lives and three
fairer and much more balanced. It's almost as if Konami
originally designed the game to be played by two people. Watching as the mighty bosses disappear into giant balls of flame can be very satisfying, and even more so when you achieve your goal with the assistance of a friend. As a budget release this would be recommended, especially for those of you who hanker after some oldskool shoot-'em-up action. But Contra: Shattered Soldier pales into insignificance next to the magnificence of more comprehensive titles like TimeSplitters 2 and GTA: Vice City. □ Mark Walbank CONTRA: SHATTBtED Why we'd buy it
- To keep misty-eyed retro-heads
Why we'd leave it
- Proves how tired old fomiats can be
happy
- Splendid Two-player mode
- Crushingly unfair in places
- Humungous bosses
- Not worth £40
Graphics Distinctive style. Excellent explosions Sound
Some good eifects but nothing inspiring
Gameptoy Lifespan
Incessant, repetitive gaming A long weekend for the dedicated
An ageing formula that was never going to compete with the big boys. Shattered Soldier is surviving on past glories.
0 5
OFFID^UEROICT □FFICIRL rriRERZINE-UK PlayStation.E 09;
REIJIEIU WILD ARMS 3
50:h-:? '37^ 61^
W I L D A R M S 3 The most unconvincing Western since Back To The Future Final Fantasy may be one of the most successful game brands in the history of RPGs, but with its success comes a curse.
You see, in attempting to better it, other RPGs have to emuiate it to an extent in order to seduce FFs
devoted subjects. And, for the most part, that cloning WEIRD WEST All
ff ^ hell breaks loose... ■ BACK STORY First released on PSone in 1998, Wild Arms was largely acclaimed by RPG fanatics
who Instantly took to its familiar battle system and
engaging puzzles having completed FFVII a few
PUBLISHER: UBt SOFT DEVELOPER: MEDIA VISION/SCEI PRICE: £39.99 PLAYERS: 1 O U T: N O W W E B S I T E : W W W. U B I . C O M / U K / GAMES/WILDARM53PS2/ 60H2 MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO SURROUND SOUND: NO
months earlier It never
enjoyed the global success of Square's all-conquering opus, but many fans saw It as a close second.
process extends to that bloody awrful turn-based combat system which shuns the use of lightning reflexes and spontaneous decision making in favour of 'polite' pummelling whereby you take it in turns with your enemy to dish out devastation. Wild Arms 3 is guilty of imposing such rage restrictions and plenty more crimes besides. In keeping with the 'drifter' theme of earlier games (nomad warriors who go about gathering treasure, helping or hindering others they encounter) WA3 sets it against a bizarre Wild West backdrop. The game begins on a train which is transporting a heavily guarded mystety object. Four very different warriors are suddenly brought together as they pounce on this object in unison (only to discover that it has already been stolen by a fifth party). Each of the four characters have very different backgrounds and the first part of the game involves playing through a prologue mission for each one. It's an effective means of learning their motives and testing their prowess on the turn-based battle fields before the game proper kicks off in lavish, Hollywood Western style as the party of four embark on a quest to retrieve the object. Sadly though, the story line - arguably the most important aspect of any RPG - is thinner than cigarette paper and never even remotely threatens to captivate. It simply plods along, forgets itself, goes off on a tangent and then returns, dazed and confused.
Aside from the rotten battle system, other naff features of the previous games make an unwelcome
you're out on the plains, roaming around for places to go, you dont just see a town and go there. No, instead you have to repeatedly press @ to emit search waves to cause previously invisible locations to suddenly grow out of the ground. Utterly pointless. Hijacking the current, eel-shaded wagon trail. Wild Arms 3's look is bold, bright and trendy although if you squint through the intentionally jagged lines and Dame Barbara Cartland colour palette, you'll notice little distinction between this and past Wild Arms games beyond the apparent panache. And sadly, the same goes for pretty much everything else. For its crimes though. Wild Amis 3 does get some elements right - like the ability to save at any time and the way in which you can opt to skip some of the mundane, randomly generated battles - but the whole experience is largely forgettable. This RPG requires the sacrifice of a lot of time and it's Just not worth the effort. Not wild, but 'armless enough. Ha... oh. □ Ryan Butt
A R M S 3 why we'd buy it - We ttiink dragons in the Wiid West is a great idea
Why we'd leave it
- Tum-based fighting is the work of the devil
- it's iBftestiingiy easy to get into
- Ttie story line is less believable
than Jeffrey Archer
- "Ocls all ttie RPG boxes
- Not fit to lick fFJfs Blltzballs
Graptics Pretty cel-stiades, but many locations are over-used Sound
Disappointing TTie tempo Is fine but it lacks quality
Gameplay
Fmstratngly repetitive battles and not much else
Life span I A long and winding road you wont want to tread Unless you enjoy really long films devoid of a plausible plot, we doubt you'll go wild over this one.
QFFia^gEROICT
return, like the pointless 'searching' for towns. When
B AT T L E S TAT I O N S Thm-bosed battle
systems tend to be complicated affairs that only speccy types with strange-shaped dice can understand. But
Wild Arms 3's system is refreshingly easy to get into. Once you're locked in combat, you have five options. Here's what they do.
FORCE ABIUTY Special powers
ITEMS You can quickly access
which are fuelled by Force Points
items, such as healing aids, that will help you out In the midst of battle. Using something constitutes your turn, though.
iFPsJ accumulated In the cun^nt
battle. These can bolster your attack power or summon Guardians to unleash magic.
094 PlayStatlon.P aFFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK
ARCANA This is' your magic. By invoking Mediums Ithey supposedly dwell in all living things) you can summon their skills at any time provided you
GUARD Used to reduce damage
SHOOT Simple really - fire your
from enemy attacks (if one of your party is close to death) and also as an opportunity to reload
weapon at the designated target
your weapon. Again, this have enough FPs to cover the bill! constitutes a turn.
When your bullets run out you will continue fighting with your fists, unless you opt to 'Guard'
REUIELU
HOT WHEELS VELOCTTY X/4X4 EVO 2
HOT WHEELS VELOCfTY X It may be hot, but it's not ready to trot. As popular as Hot Wheels may be in the
Velocity X is a moribund affair, as violently average as a
playground at the moment, Velocity X only offers lukewarm appeal. As predictable and
Va u x h a l l N o v a .
tepid as a Westlife ballad, you'll find no
people we know own Vauxhall Novas - but you're unlikely to see much action behind the wheel of one. If you're the kind of person who rates Ferraris above Fords, or Driver above Driven, you won't want to get into THQ's new set of wheels. Be they hot or not. □ Cat Channon
surprises here. The usual arcade-style quick-fix multiplayer rubs tyres with a solo Adventure mode which has you racing around a crude, futuristic metropolis in search of ever more garish pick-ups and unlockable cars. However in this demanding post-GTA world, simple
Of course, that's not always a bad thing - lots of
racing just isn't enough. Which is why Beyond Dreams has endeavoured to crank up the funometer with an arsenal of weaponry, a selection of stunts and a garage full of cars that wouldn't look that out of place on Southend sea front.
Success in the main game modes will earn you more cars, tracks and weapons, which can then be used in both the single-player game and the game's two
Graphics
Ve/oc(^X is worth a punt, but only if can pick It up cheap in the January sales.
Sound
Gameplay
Life span
QFFlDByUERDICT
multiplayer modes. Despite the interesting physics (driving up walls, etc) and aforementioned goodies.
m
CROSS
COUNTRY
4x4
Evo 2's tracks are huge and can feel a little long-winded.
^ ■ THE HILLS ARE AUVE...
jg. With the sound of, er, trucks.
■ THE GRATING WIDE OPEN
t■ f"i o
m,
VI '
Ironically, the game would be better for being less open.
) 4X4 EVO 2 Hold on to your mudflaps, we're going off-rood. PUBLISHER; BAM! EhfTERlAJNMENT DEVELOPER; TERMINAL REALITY PRICE: £19.99 P L AY E R S ; 1 - 2 O U T; N O W WEB SITE; WWW.4X4EV0LUT10N.COM 60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN; NO SURROUND SOUND: NO
Somewhere out there, in a place they call the country', people don't Just use bull bar reinforced 4x4 behemoths to take the kids to
school or to nip off to Waitrose for luxury bombay mix. In 'the country' they actually tear-arse over hills and through rivers in their monster vehicles. Yknow, actually go 'off-road'. 4x4 Evo 2 is a racing game for these types, and for anyone who thinks a track is only a suggested route to victory. The game features over 150 off-road vehicles from nine American and Japanese manufacturers including Dodge, Jeep, Toyota and Chevrolet. Cash won during races can be used to buy a bigger 4x4 or upgrade your chunky monster with a wealth of performance-enhancing parts. And once you've got your vehicle kitted out, there's no shortage of places to try out your off-road skills. Aside from Time AttacK Quick Race and Free Roam modes you'll find 56 separate championships to tackle on 40 courses worldwide. There is, to put it another way a hell of a lot of off-road action to steam through.
But will you want to bother? Alas, handling is surprisingly woolly and light. Narrow race checkpoints make off-road corner-cutting a frustrating gamble rather than a source of pleasure. And call us fickle but 4x4s Jus aren't very attractive, so the incentive to get the cash for a top-of-the-range GMC flatbed isn't really that great. There certainly are worse racing games out there, and at £20 you do get a lot of substance for your money, but ultimately, 4x4 Evo 2 is scuppered by a lack of spark in those gameplay plugs. □ Paul FItzpatrick
Why we'd buy it
- We're hardcore 4x4 car fans
Why we'd leave it
- We like more thrills with our racing games
Off-road racing that lacks va-va-voom. Pletity of features but thrills arent ■ li.'J-J.t'.M BE on the list
□FFICIHL mRBRZINE-UK PlayStation.E 091
R E V; i E L U
L£GENDS OF WRESTUNG II m HULK-A-HERO Lucozade>hued
Hulk puts the cod liver oil to use.
GRUrfT "You're supposed to... nngh... be... oww... pretending!"
PUBUSHER: ACCLAIM DEVELOPER: ACCWIM PRICE; £34.99 PLAYERS: 1-2 O U T: 7 F E B R U A R Y WEB SITE: WWW.L£GENDSOF WRESTUNG2.COM 60HZ MODE: YES WiDESCREEN: NO SURROUND SOUND: NO
m BACK STORY Released a year on from the original Legends Of Wrestling, Acclaim's new hall-of-iame wrestling game offers more oldtimers than ever to choose
from. But Is that enough to keep the fans cheering?
LEGENDS OF W RESTUNG II Time to see the Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks showdown again. Pick any wrestler you can remember who appeared on kiddies' luncliboxes in the
Nineties and chances are, they're in this game. Legends Of Wrestling It is buiit on the premise that you don't have to hark back to Giant Haystacks for a siice of wrestiing nostalgia. With 65 grappling greats like Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant and Legion Of Doom you'll be spoilt for choice. Choose wisely though, and consult somebody with wrestling knowledge - Acclaim hasn't just included the ones your Mum would recognise. Anybody who's been following wrestling since the days before its Sky One prime time slot will be familiar with featured Eighties stars like Bruno Sammartino and Superstar Billy Graham. There are so many antiques on the roster you half expect David Dickenson to appear in a sub-game. You won't find another box-'em-up so stuffed with vintage bruisers without dusting off your SNES. But this time, your choice of brawler shapes more than Just the colour of his trunks. The wrestlers in LOWII have been given more than a passing nod to their physical traits: Andre The Giant stomps realistically around the ring while Rowdy Roddy Piper hops from rope to rope. Each fighter has his own signature entrance, taunts and moves, while a
structured, story-led Career mode reflects wrestling's soap-opera grudges and feuds. The Career mode accurately reflects the way American Wrestling was divided up in the mid-
There's a wealth of wrestlers, but not a tremendous amount of moves. Most fighters share pretty similar grappling moves, twist-your-arm submission holds and finishers. Another gripe is frustrating load times - you have to wait between your grand entrance and the actual
A LEGEND F|
Legends Of Wrestling II uses a similar [[| grappling system to Acclaim's WWF
Warzone titles. 1 There's still no nipple
twisting though. |
like quality akin to the WWF figures of the early Nineties,
4/
4-V
but at least (unusually for a wrestling game] they bleed and take noticeable damage to the face. Another frustration lies in the inability to cue up your moves. You have to wait for the appropriate animation before your button bashes will have any effect, making it impossible for you to chain moves together in advance. There's also a noticeable delay between hitting a button and dishing out pain - the gameplay feels about as
During a struggle, the pace
slows down a little and your controls are hijacked by a
system of sliding meters. You must stop them at ttie right
place,
U
responsive as Yokozuna after a mug of Horiicks. If you're more RAW than Wrestlemania II, then Legends of Wrestling ii probably isnt for you. But if you reckon wrestling is due a retrospective tip of the hat, this is well worth considering □ Ian Harris
iE-n« You can reverse moves that are performed on you - a
trick that's almost entire^;
WRESfUNGH Why we'd leave it
- Dozens of prize fighters
- Better wrestling games available - Characters look plastic
- Wrestling nostalga - Big Daddy vs WW0
rather than skil. |
down to rudimentary timing
why we'd buy it
- Slows down wWi several players
2D crov»d and action-figure characters
Sound
Eighties. You can legdrop your way through the WWF (Northeast], AWA (Midwest] and Mid-Atlantic
Onginai entrance music and nu-skooi metal
Gameplay Lifespan
Cage, ladder and blood action Lots of wrestlets and plenty of places to take 'em
Wrestling (Southeast]. It's all very exciting but
Nostalgia aside, there are better wrestling
096 PlayStation.E DFFICIRL ITIRERZINE-UK
I
GRIPS WTTH
match while the characters themselves have a cartoon
Graphics
Legends Of Wrestling II takes it for granted that you actually care about these things. Yes, it is a great wrestling retrospective, but it's not the greatest game ever to step into the ring
GETTO
games out there, WWE SmackDown! Shut Ybur Mouth puts this firmly in its place.
VERDICT
GRAND PRIX CHALUENGE 3^22'-''
)iO /|Hk/m ^
GRAND PRIX CHALLENGE
In a saturated market this has got no chance of pole position. As Formula One declines into over-negulated
even managing to overshadow the wholly unsuitable
predictability, it seems that the only way you're likely to see a remotely interesting race is via your PS2. Long gone are the heydays of high
guitar soundtrack that accompanies races. Qualifying, warm-up and practice races are laudable inclusions, but are liable to be overlooked by the need for some instant action, and even then, the most famous courses (such as Monaco] are locked at first GPC isn't the pits, but anyone expecting the epitome of formula fun would be wise to exhaust other options first. Try
speed crashes, reckless overtaking and anything but a Ferrari finish. Thank God for consoles and the ability to turn a parade lap into a physics-defying, 20-car pile-up. This latest FIA-licensed offering, developed by Infogrames' Melbourne House (of Le Mans 24 Hours
fame), certainly looks as glamorous as the real thing,
LAP OF LUXURY Good-
looking arcade action, but there are better options out there.
looking elsewhere for your high-speed thrills (except TV on a Sunday afternoon). □ Cat Channon
with a gorgeously glossy graphical grid. There are enough set-up and race options to keep even the most ardent of
F1 fans happy too, all of which are easily accessible via interactive pit-stops which let you make last-minute twfeaks mid-race.
Grand Prix Challenge is certainly worthy of its licence, but sadly lets itself down with dodgy handling that veers between over-sensitivity and slu^ishness. Despite some superior Ai and an options grandstand packed to capacity with difficulty settings, car tweaks and game modes, the handling limits your interest -
Compatible with S O N Y P L AY S TAT I O N 2
CHAL1ENK3E Why we'd buy it
- Ifs far more interesting than the real thing
Why we'd leave it - inddiy handling and average action
^ GPC offers a huge variety
3 race and set-up options If 3 of in a nice-l ooki ng package, Pily about the handling.
OFFlORyUEROICT
RaceStatlon.
Can be used with all current and
This deluxe racing simulator is designed by a racing
upcoming PlayStation 2 racing titles
d r i v e r, a n d m a d e f r o m t h e
highest quality components, including FIA approved seat
and Logitech Force Feedback Steering Wheel.
RaceStation. £340*^ (Asl o avaa li be l wtihout wheel and pedasl ) | • Subject to VAT and £15 P+P (UK Only)
Order
Direct
on
01245 351003 Or Buy Online: W W W. R A C E S TAT I O N . N E T
THE RACE OF YOUR LIFE
RaceStation
®
SALA GAMING LTD • UNITS 46-47 • VIADUQ ROA| CHELMSFORD-ESSEX-CMI 1T1
,
REUIEUJ
DISNEVS DONALD DUCK PK/MASTER RALLYE CEL REPUCAnON Ttie
similarities to Sly Raccoon are uncanny.
0 .
1 %
DiSNETS DONALD DUCK PK Get the orange souce ready, this duck's ripe for plucking.
QUACKING UP Donald adds nothing new to the platform stable.
If Mickey is the Gary Lineker of the Disney bunch (dull, strange ears] Donald Is the Vinnie
PU8USHER: UBI SOFT
DEVELOi^R: Ua SOFT PRICE. £19.99 P L AY E R S : ! OUT NOW WEB SUE W W W . U B i S O F T. C O . U K 6C'H2 MODE: NO WIDESCREEN; NO
SURROUND SOUND NO
Jones (vicious streaK uncontrollable temper). And here In Donald Duck PK we see the
world's most famous webbed bird saving the world from a nefarious alien race called the Evnanians How? By leaping around a bunch of eel-shaded sci-fi platforms shooting aliens and rescuing the scientists they've taken hostage. He's guided by a supercomputer called One, who also supplies various gadgets to help you out.
pretty cool for Disney And although we're fast tiring of lazy eel-shaded graphics, PK does at least look the part. You could argue that this game is really aimed at younger kids, and is therefore supposed to demonstrate simple, forgiving gameplay, but this really is about as simple as it gets. Yet it's the tots who will be most upset by the game's other glaring fault - that Donald Duck sounds nothing like, well, Donald Duck. Not all it's quacked up to be? Cheers. □ Stuart Dredge
There are six scientists to rescue on each level. When
you find a room containing one, a countdown starts. If it reaches zero, they're whisked back to the Evronlan mothership, forcing you to retum. This won't happen much as the levels are way too easy. There are only a few different enemies in the game, and their attack patterns are far too predictable. You'll breeze through in no time
%
However, there are some nice stealthy touches as you creep around searchlights with the odd top-comer camera angle. It's hardly Metal Gear Solid 2, but still
RANGE ROVING 1
4x4s handle like they're sitting on air pockets. PLAYING CATCH-UP Make a minor error
J the opposition leave you standing.
M A S TO R A L LY E Far from a master of its art.
The real Master Rallye is a gruelling 5,000km
V Jaunt from Paris to Moscow but doomed to remain far less famous than the more
feUlH prestigious Paris-Dakar rally. Unfortunately this PS2 adaptation isn't likely to change anything There are better rally games everywhere, for fans of the sport. WRC looks much nicer; Colin McRae handles much better, and that's pretty much the end of the stoty as far as Master Rallye's chances go. Not that the game is all that bad. It's just that it's as
game is a good inclusion. There's also freedom to take short cuts, although in most areas this amounts to cutting corners rather than devising new routes. The tracks are wider than they need to be, so it's possible to weave about a bit and drive on the grass If you dare. However, intentionally or otherwise, leaving the track at certain points can result in your car becoming trapped behind a wall half a mile down the naad. Which probably wouldn't happen to a driver in the real race. □ Martin KItts
uninspiring as you'd expect any rally game with floaty physics and stop-dead collision detection to be. Wrap the car around a trackside object and you'll have to stick it In reverse, which would be realistic If it wasn't for the lack of
visible damage. Instead of deformable cars, the designers have gone for a set of indicators that turn red as the vehicle approaches its date with the scrapheap. Under the hood, the usual bunch of tweakable
settings await anyone prepared to mess with preset gear ratios and so on, while the split-screen two-player option
098 Play5tation.E QFFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK
Graphics Sound
Gameplay Life span
More rallying, with
^ nothing to make it stand
out from the massed ranks of the competition.
OFFlDRy VERDICT
PUBLISHER: MICROIDS DEVELOPER: STEEL MONKEYS PRICE: £29.99 PLAYERS: 1-2 O U T: N O W WEB SITE: W W W. M A S T E R - R A L LY E . C O M 60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO SURROUND SOUND: NO PERIPHERALS; STEERING WHEEL
D A M A G E U M I T K n O N Yo u ' d
think this would hurt your vehicle, but the paintwork stays intact.
9 P L AYA B L f D E M O S I DNLY ON OUR EXCLUSIVE DISC
STARTS HERE' "S'SS'.'SSJSi'S
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the
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REUIElil
TTIE SIMPSONS: SKATIBOARDING ■ GET TRICKY
OIlie off the ramp for combo tricks.
Olfie
To Late KickfKp Combo!
■ S K AT E R B O y
Krusty
the
Choose from Homer, Bart, Ktusty, Otto and
^
/ even Professor Frink
Clown
)wn|M I Grabt
Ml
Grinds H
Placer I
& Back Ac
PUBLISHER: EA DEVELOPER: FOX INTERACnVE PRICE: £29.99 P L AY E R S : 1 - 2 O U T: N O W W E B S f T E : W W W. E A . C O M 60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN; NO SURROUND SOUND: NO
■ BACK STORY The Simpsons Is a brand In
search of a game to do It justice So far, Fox Interactive has cranked out
a Crazy Taxi driving game frhe Simpsons: Road RageJ and a WWE-sty/e grappler [The Simpsons: WrestiingJ. We can only hope that there is no room for
Splinter Simpsons, Pro Evolution Simpsons or and God forbid, the Inevitable Simpsons platfonver...
THE SIMPSONS: S K AT E B O A R D I N G The Simpsons. Is there anything that they can't do? With a huge, global brand like The Simpsons, 20th Century Fox would be foolish not to turn It Into a videogame. But what kind of game? Think, Homer, think... "OK, brain. You don't like me, and I don't like you, but let's get through this thing and then I can continue killing you with beer." Come on
brain... Hang on a minute. It's obvious! Why not make every type of game? "I am so smart! S-M-R-T..."Later, somewhere in the Fox Interactive factory, Professor FrInk fires up the giant Gameblender 3000 and fishes around for an Ingredient. Ttie Simpsons and... and... Skateboarding It's an obvious brand extension. Bart Simpson Is synonymous with a skateboard after all.
So having whisked the Springfield five together with Crazy Taxi [The Simpsons: Road Roge] and with faked fighting (The Simpsons: WrestlingI, The Simpsons: SI
Into a series of challenges. In Timed Trick Contests you compete against the clock to pack In as many big pointscoring moves as possible. The main mode, however. Is
the Skatefest - ten sprawling levels of skating action ranging from Burns' Mansion to Itchy & Scratchy Land.
Boarding regulars will recognise the features. There are two main game modes: Tour and Multlplayer Initially, only Homer, Bart, Lisa and Marge are available as
spinning bonuses within a time limit, all while nosegrinding tall-grabbing and Seo'-fllpping Featuring digitised quips and thnswaway lines appropriate to the character you've chosen. The Simpsons: SI(ateboarding certainly punches all the right
fan buttons. But there Is some poor collision and lip detection, disappointing level design and none of the smooth feel of a dedicated boarding title. To Fox, we echo Homer's own words: 'You tried your best and you failed
areas. "Springfield, Springfield it's a helluva town, the schoolyard's up and the shopping mall's down..."
The game kicks off at
Springfield Elementary with sarcastic Ibut
grammatically cornectl commentaiy provided by Principal Seymour Skinner Catch the truant kids and test your tricking skills in
timed points tests.
SKAIEBOAraXNG Why we'd buy it
- We just cant ^ enough of the yellow devils -Captures the feel of the cartoon. Just
Why we'd leave it
- Poor quality, fmstratjng skating - Limited gameplay - Slu^sh controls and rather chunky 3D
of ttie bulbous visuals of Homer3
Reminiscent
Sound
Good Simps ons voice-overs, but a bit repetitive
rated in five skill categories: speed, turns, Jumps, grabs
Gameplay Life span
Simplistic Tc nv Hawk's boatding with poorer controls Ten huge ie\ els, hidden boards and skaters
and grinds. Pull off tricks, earn cash, then spend It In a virtual shop in order to improve these stats. In the Tour mode, there are several sub-options. A
A game that may lure in both Simpsons and skateboarding farIS with its cartoon- H WA coated ramp-jumpIng, Donl be fooled.
100 PlayStation.E OFFICIRL fllRGRZINE-UK
around ten different
miserably. The lesson Is, never try." □ Dean Evans
Graphics
Skillz School tutorial will help newcomers get to grips with the controls (easy-to-grasp, but sluggish) and Is spilt
mode offers the chance to skate
completed before you can advance. Veteran boarders will know the drill: collect letters to complete a word, grab
playable characters. Springfield residents (Chief Wiggum, Professor FrInk, Krusty The Clown, Nelson and Otto] become unlocked as you progress. Each character Is
The game's Tour
Each one plays host to various objectives which must be
llttered Springfield, all-too-slmpllstic gameplay and chunky graphics? Frankly, yes. The hook is the beloved Fox cartoon, not a decent skateboarding title.
EYE ON SPRINGRELO
□F F l C l B L j g E R D I C T
As your boarding improves, the ievels become harder.
The basic gameplay chase characters, coliect letters to fonn a word, find a certain number of
objects - remains constant, but the grinding jumping, flipping opportunities require more skiii.
GO GO GOLF/TOKYO ROAD RAG
n
WIU>
GO GO GOLF
■ HANDY MNTS
Press the ® to hit the ball. Really?
A double bogey for the worst golf sim on PS2. PUBUSHER: MIDAS DEVELOPER: MAGICAL C O M PA N Y LT D PRICE: £19.99 P L AY E R S : 1 - 4 O U T: N O W WEB SITE:
DECISION TIME
Slightly left, slightly right, or straight down the middle?
SWING
Whose bright ide< was this turl
60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO
SURROUND SOUND: NO
COOL? Just Ipok i
There's something to be said for making games as simple as possible to play. For evety nimble-thumbed Joypad Jock there must be hundreds of people who don't have the time or the patience to learn tricky controls and complicated rules. But Go Go Go/f takes simplicity to a ridiculous extreme, and is consequently less involving than the kind of thing you can play on a cheap digital watch. There really is nothing to it. Nothing at all. You can't select your club. You can't even aim with the one you're
given. You can't choose different types of shot, or control the power level when you hit the ball. All you can do is pick one of three preset paths for the ball to follow, then press ® twice when your golfer swings the club past a
couple of markers. If you timed it right, the ball will land
terrible golf sim, with all the features locked out, or something somebody knocked up in a few days using the PS2 Linux kit.
The graphics are fuzzy and indistinct. The muffled voice samples sound like they were recorded on a bad connection over a long distance phone line. With Tiger Woods 2003 offering everything from arcade ease of us to hardcore sim challenge, there's no way in the world Go Go Go/f can survive. □ Martin Kitts
GO GO GOLF Why we'd buy it - It's easy to play Stupidly easy
Why we'd leave ic
- ITS not a proper game
Graphics IJ Tliat
where it's supposed to, otherwise it might fall slightly
Sound
this game even exists shows how far
short or wide.
Gameplay
PS2 has penetrated the
Having spent the minute or two it takes to master this, we searched the menus for some sign of an actual
s a i l
non-gaming market.
131
OFFlOnyVEROICI
game, but to no avail. It's like a demo version of some
ILLUiiJLLi ftp
FASItSTJAP!
TOKYO ROAD RACE
ftmiliar motors,
fanta^lacetracks.
Low-rent Ridge Racer for losers.
PUBLISHER: MIDAS DEVELOPER: TAOO PRICE: £19.99
PLAYERS: 1 (I.UNK COMPATIBL£) OUT: NOW WEB SITE: WWW.GAMESARENA.COM
60HZ MODE: NO WIDESCREEN: NO SURROUND SOUND; NO
Making a racing game is easy. But making a good racing game? Now that's hard. As a conversion of the coin-op Battle Gear 2, Tokyo
But the appeal of Tokyo Road Race is short-lived. There are only two featured game modes (Arcade and Free
code. It looks and feels like an arcade port, with graphics reminiscent of Daytona and Ridge Rocer-style handling And while Tokyo Road Race's landscapes lack the fully-
Run), the gameplay doesn't stretch beyond simplistic checkpoint-based driving, and there's no careerorientated challenge beyond racing and re-racing courses to improve your times and scores. Don't let curiosity get the better of you. This Is
textured graphics of GTS: A-Spec, they are bright and
ultimately shallow and unrewarding At £19.99 it might
bold, and its production car models are perfectly shiny However, If the definition of a good racing game goes
sound like a bargain, but remember, you can pick up the
Road Race is more than faithful to its source
■ TIME EXTENDED! The 3D detail isn't bad, bu
we've come to expect bet
magnificent GTS for the same price. □ Dean Evans
beyond decent visuals and requires enough modes, depth and varied playability to keep gamers hooked, then this
YD ROAD RACE
bargain bin title fails on all counts. m NO FRILLS THRILLS? A world of shaiiow arcade
racing at your fingertips.
You could argue that there's plenty of room alongside the more technical racers for a more lightweight, fun
addition. Tokyo Road Race features over ten courses and
we'd buy it -why Arcade port of half-decent coin-op Graphics
a mix of circuit-based tracks and A-to-B sprints. You can
Sound
also pick a recognisable roadster from one of six
Gameplay
Japanese manufacturers: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Subaru - the cars, from the Mazda MX-5 to the Nissan Skyline, are all authentically recreated.
Ufe
Why we'd leave it - Simplistic racing and no real sense of speed
Find the arcade game. Play it once. Save yourself £18.99.
■ CHECKPOINT!
Like Ridge Racer, the racii Is restricted by checkpoin
OFFlDRLjgERDICT □FFICIRL mnGH2INE-UK PlayStation.^ 1
fxc(osVe behinc/t/^e-sceney foo+a^e of
Totv^t Rarc/er; The Arn^ei
DRIVEN TO CnON!
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^L^EXCLUSV IE!»POLC I ELN I E*DONOTCROSS!•WORLD EXI UNMISSABLE EMKTAINMENT
FROMTNEtUKERSOF:
PlayStatiorigS / DFFICIRL mRBRZINE-UK
^2;^AWESOMEFREEDVDi MOE I mrmnoH2THANmQTHMDS I C!bewamOFflvramwimpT*
NoIFOR PLAYSTAnow ? 4
O N LY
ts3jm fk. BEST PS2 MAG! Wf BEST PS2 DVD! B E S T VA L U E !
■&*i^ i r f""'"
psiv^ ■ VOL. 32 The HOTTE.'
WORLD EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK!
The king of crime games is bacl^ in town. Thinly Vice City's a den of filtli? Thinl< again..
POLC I ELN I E•DONOTCROSS!•WORLD^XCUS IV IE!>TOLC I ELN IE ■ much. MUCH MORE! , MASSf^ PfifMPWS. Kor NEWS,
^i-T fO tfOP ,V SO amCF O tfEM H IW R fS O OO M S f^tO UC GxIl
"~-9"?7147r QamesradancDm
DVD OF THE
MOMTH CELEBRITY BIG BROTHERS
Will and Tommy Lee are summoned to the diary room to be told today's task.
Men In Black Some planet. Same story. Same jokes. New scum.
M O R E I N V E S T I G AT I V E
RLM: After a five-year gap the suited-and-booted sci-fi investigators are bacl< in black. And such is the overfamlliarily of this belated sequel, it's like they've never
ACTION, COMEDY
AND QUIRKY EXTRA
M n B
TERRECTRIAtS
been away. Jay (Will Smith] Is now MIB's top dog but when alien menace Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle) threatens the existence of the planet, he needs the help of his retired partner agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) who must be deneuralysed and thrust back into action. From there on in it's business as usual. Director Barty Sonnenfeld clearly loath to tinker with a winning formula since the first film made $100 billion. Following exactly the same pattern as the original - a bit of investigation, some big action set-pieces, a healthy sprinkling of comedy, throw in some quirky ETs and a final encounter with the boss alien and Bob's yer uncle - it's almost as if the Hollywood blockbuster is regressing to the level of most videogame sequels; just improve the visuals, introduce the odd new character and hope nobody notices it's basically the same product. Fair enough. Men In Black II is never less than watchable and the double act of the exuberant Smith and
cynical Jones still provides plenty of odd couple laughs. But when the script is such a tired retread of the original, the duo are fighting a losing battle. 5/10 EXTRAS: Once you get past the tiresome menu
animations you're presented with a host of featurettes, the best of which focus on the work of make-up maestro Rick Baker and composer Danny Elfman. There's an infectious Blooper Reel with Will Smith corpsing frequently and even making old stone-face Tommy Lee Jones crack a smile. We also get an alternate ending Barry Sonnenfeld's commentary and a video for Will Smith's title song 6/10 VERDICT: Devotees of the original looking for more of the
same will be happy enough. Anyone hoping for something extra will be sorely disappointed. □ LH
104 Play5tation.E QFFICIRL fTlRGRZINE-UK
%
■ HOW DO I LOOK? Simon Cowell's dress sense starts to
make its presence felt within the alien community.
Director
Bany Sonnenfeld Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Lara Hynn Boyle, Rip Tom, Rosarlo Dawson, Johnny Knoxvllle, Tony Shalhoub Distributor
EXTRA! EXTRA!
The MIB TV'aining Video is one of the most bizarre DVD supplements we've ever encountered A spoof tutorial explaining how to spot celebrities who are aliens in disguise, which stars do you think the producers of this big budget US blockbuster chose to Mature? That's right, Vernon Kay, Caprice and dear old Richard Madeley. ft's almost like we imagined the entire thing...
C o l u m b i a Tr i S t a r
Out 27Januaiy Price £24.99
p.. (vi
Extras Director's
commentary. Alien Broadcast; MIB Training Video; Tal
Aiien Maker; Frank the Pug; Jeff the Worm; Serleena: Allen Esoterica: TTie Steiiar
Sounds Of MIB Ih, Cosmic Symphonies: Elfman In Space feoturettes. Blooper Reel; Serleena Animotic Sequence; Multi-Angle Scene Deconstructions;
Alternate Ending; Music Video. Tmllers.
Vernon Kay
Apparently, the big-toothed Bolton lad's love of octopuses
Caprice Is the multi-careered plastic
Yank a| A 'superniodel', b| An
hides the fact that he is
undercover l(itten-eating alien
actually an alien octopus.
monster, c| A truly desperate
Laugh? You must be squiddlng.
Z-list non-celebrity?
Richard Madeley The Partridge-alilie witters on a b o u t h i s d i s b e l i e f I n E Ts b e f o r e
being revealed as a hairy-faced alien beastie. Somebody stop him. Please.
■ H DVD AND MUSIC CONTRIBUTORS: LEE HART. HIDEO KOJIMA, SAM RICHARDS, MARK
dvdnevieujs
Recommended viewing for your PlayStation 2 cinema sysU i NISH, CUSH, BANC The fake Happy Mond. twist some melons, m
24 Hour Party People
Director Michael Wlntertottom/Stanlng Stere doogan, Lennle Jomes, Paddy ConsW/ne, Andy Serkis, Sean Honis, Danny Cunningham, John Sfmm/Distributor Path^/Out 21 January/Price £19.99 RLM: The rise and fall
the scene, the movie's second half
of iviadchester as seen
spirals hilariously out of control like a drug-fuelled Shaun Ryder As vibrant, tragic and funny as the era itself, 24 Hour Party People captures the spirit of Factory to startling effect. 8/10 EXTRAS: Some quality gear here. First up are two commentaries: a wry effort by Tony Wilson and a second
tiirough the eyes of Granada news reporter,
and professional pretentious twat, Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan). By day he reports on midgets washing elephants, by night he manages Factory Records and the Hacienda, and works with Joy Division, New
Order and the Happy Mondays. Despite the focus on Wilson, as the man himself says, "It's not about me, it's about the music." And it's the music that truly drives the film. Split Into two distinct halves, it begins with the story of Joy Division and reflects the drive and intensity of Ian Curtis. Then once the Happy Mondays enter
featuring Coogan with Producer Andrew Eaton. There's a profile of Director Michael Winterbottom,
interviews with key people from the era, and 24 mostly great deleted scenes. Finally, Wilson quizzes graphic artist Peter Saville about his innovative designs for Factory. 7/10 VERDICT: A great British film celebrating a golden period in British culture. Nice one. □ LH
EXTRA! EXTRA!
So you've matched the movie, now find out what really happened... From The fbctoiy Floor is a cracking video commentary witti fve Factory folk - including Peter Hock IJoy Division/New Order) and iviartin rvloscrop (A Certain Ratiol - plus journo Miranda Sawyer watching ttie film and discussing ttie tmtli betiind ttie events depicted As Hooky says; "iviost
of it's quite irreverent but wiien you were doing it, it was dead serious. It was your life, wasnt It?"
■ NUMBERS GAME
Something doesn't quite add up when two students plan the perfect murder.
DVDS YOU MUST OWN WfTHNAIL AND I
Dog Soldiers
Director Neil Marshaff/Starring Seon Pertwee, Kevin McKIdd, Darren Morfitt, L/am Cunn/nghom/Distributor Poth^/Out 17 FebruaryA^rice £17.99
Murder By Numbers Director Bartet Schroeder/Starrlng Sandra Bullocl<, Ben Chaplin, Michael Pitt, Ryan Gosling/Distributor Warner Home Video/Out Now/Prtce £15.99
VERDICT: A werewolf flick with teeth (plus yellow eyesl. it isnt
HLM: in a straight pinch from Hitchcock's Rope, two gifted high school students attempt to commit the perfect murder Just to see if they can get away with it. But with homicide detective Sandra Bullock on their trail (and doing her best Clarice Starling impression) they're playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. A passable thriller cobbled together with ideas taken from numerous superior Aims, this never rises above the distinctly average. 5/10 EXTRAS; There's a fairly interesting commentary by Director Barbet Schroeder and his Editor Ljee Percy but nowt else apart from the trailer Where's the input from the lovely Sandy? 3/10 VERDICT: is this the bit where we label It a Crime Thriller By
ground-breaking but It is good B-movie fun. □ 1J1
Numbers? Yes It Is. □ LH
FILM: When six squaddies go on a routine training mission to a remote Scottish woodland, they end up being hunted by a pack of vicious werewolves and trapped In an isolated farmhouse What follows is an entertaining Night Of The Living Dead meets Ginger Snaps British horror romp that, while hamstrung by budget restrictions and a
clumsy script, succeeds on the sheer gusto of the performances and its inventive approach to lycanthrope carnage. 7/10
EXTKAS: A great boozed-up commentary with Director Neil iviarshail and his cast. Pius a decent Making Of, deleted scenes,
storyboards and one of Marshall's early short films. 7/10
Richard E Grant and Paul McGann are out-of-work
actors escaping their druggy Sixties London
squalor by holidaying in a rundown Lake
District cottage with saucy Uncle Monty. A genuine comedy cult classic with
AUEN WHAT TREATS IN STORE? You'll find
log written by Ash the android to his superiors. Here he gives Information about the various lifecyles of the alier that the ship has come across, before they take one back to Earth. WHERE IS rr? in the Special Features menu, press until you come to a highlighted pool of acid. Press Enter t
extras galore, as
go to an info screen about the iifecyc
director Bruce Robinson reveals some of the real
SEND US YOUR EASTER EGGS
people who inspired the film.
of the infamous xenomorph.
Spotted a DVD bonus, have you? Then ( us a line at [email protected] and le
know where and how you found It.
"I WAS HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THE ANTI-NUKE MESSAGE OF PLANET OF THE APES' HIDEO KOJIMA AT THE MOVIES, PAGE 107
QFFICIRL rURGRZINE-UK PlayStatlon.E
d v d f e v i e u j
® DREAMWORKS
ARGENTINA STTICHED US UP In the World Cup, hairspray coupled with big red glasses was the fashion of the day and Chernobyl blew up. Luckily we could still bask in the safety of a truly great year for popular cinema. Flashy escapism made strange bedfellows with some dark and harsh reality Join us, won't yoi.. k PLATOON was one of the really big box office hits
^ in 1986. Oliver Stone's dark tale of lost innocence in
B war had some truly mesmerising scenes of
Singles
H destruction, as well as the line, "It's been a lovely
DltBctor Comemn Crowe/Stanlng Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Matt Dillon, Kyra Secfgw/c)(,/Diai1bijtor Warner Home Wdeo/Out Now/Price £12.99
M f *klng war" Not so lovely though was one of the first
=singles Before hitting the big time with Jerry Mogu/re,
W films to expose small town America's dark underbelly -
JfBm set around Seattie's grunge scene. Bridget Fonda
dmg-addled villainy as Frank Black will live on as the stuff of our nightmares.
ex-Rolling Stone writer Cameron Crowe speciaiised in iow-i^ey romantic comedies iii^e this 1992 offering
David Lynch's BLUE VELVET. Dennis Hopper's terrifying,
-/Ji Iot " apartment among biocl( sixtrying friends to sort out intheir themessy same iove
Talking of nightmares, who didn't have a tentative peek under their bed after watching ALIENS? The actionmeets-horror film was the year's big sci-fi spectacular and turned Its tense prequel into two hours of blood-soaked
— lives to a soundtraci^ of Peari Jam, Soundganden et ai. As always with Crowe, the characters are beiievabie and the dialogue strikes a successful balance between snappy and sappy, but Singles never tugs at the funny bone or heartstrings quite like the Director's best films. Almost Famous and Say Anything. 6/10 EXTRAS: Just two extremely pretentious deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer. 2/10 VERDICT; Likeable but unremarkable grunge-era comedy. □ LH
panic. If it was escapism you were after how about a Frenchman pretending to be Scottish? HIGHLANDER had strange accents and immortal people chopping each others' heads off with big swords. Great action and a Queen soundtrack - now surely it doesn't get more Eighties than that... Apart from perhaps Kurt Russell's mullet in BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. This tongue-in-cheek romp through Chinese myth coming to life in modern America spawned one of Russell's finest roles yet. Subsequent viewlngs prove that it's comedy gold. But if such goofy kung fu doesn't sway you, perhaps high-flying action in
SHOW ME THE MUMMY
Eastwood reminds people he's not really the forgive and forget' type...
PLATOON
BIG TTtOUBLE IN
A special edition,
LT T T L E C H I N A
Oliver Stone takes us back to his Vietnam
The marvellous
nightmare with
with Russell and
bunkers full of
extras including a documentary. BLUE
Special Edition takes us right back John Carpenter's commentary and tons of deleted
scenes. Buy it!
V E LV E T
Dennis Hopper's special interview on one of his best characters makes this a real must-
TOP
GUN
Sweaty men, fast pianes and no extra features.
have for Lynch or Hopper fans.
TOP GUN will. Macho as all hell, like it or loath It, it's
DVDS YOU MUST OWN THIS IS SPINAL 1AP Follow the ageing
Unforgiven: Special Edition
Director Clint Eostwood/Starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harrls/Distrlbutor Warner Home Wdeo/Dut Now/Price £19.99
FILM: Retired outlaw William Munny (Clint Eastwood) is lured away from his farm and his kids for one last pay day: a contract to kill a cowpoke who knifed a whore in Nebraska. Once there, Munny is confronted by evil sheriff Little Bill (Gene Hackman) and his own demons at the bottom of a whiskey bottle. At once a hymn to the mythic status of the gunflghter and a powerful examination of the price of killing Unforgiven is a classic of the genre and probably the last great Western we'll see. 9/10 EXTRAS: A dry but extremely informative commentary by Clint's biographer Richard Schickel, and the iatter's supert) documentary Eostwood On Eastwood. Plus three featurettes including new interviews with all the principals and on-set footage. 7/10 VERDICT: An elegaic, revisionist Western masterpiece. Buy it. □ LH
rockers on a final
tour as they turn it up to 11, build a tiny rubbish Stonehenge and end up playing a jazz Odyssey at a puppet show. It's not a real
documentary, of course - it's a
rockumentary. Loads of great 'lost' footage
Miami Wce-esque incarnation of Hannibal Lecter Watch it
before you see Red Dragon, please. Also spending time in the cells was Jim Jarmusch's black and white
breakthrough film DOWN BY LAW in which three very different souls are locked up together and strange
ALIENS
it's the remastered version, with 17 minutes of
restored footage. Plus it's bursting with behind-the-
scenes footage. HIGHLANDER
comedy ensues. □ iviw ■ CHINESE WHISPERS
There can be only one - only one
Eh, iuv, have you seen
extra feature that
Kurt Russell's bamet?
is. Well, okay then, two if you include the gallery and the trailers. Woah, steady on there.
DOWN
BY
LAW
Nothing extra on the DVD, but what do you expect? Down By Law was one of Jarmusch's first films. And
frankly it's worthy of Its place on the performance of Tom Waits alone.
includes a stoned chauffeur and the conclusion that
monkeys never swear Rock on.
ALSO RELEASED THIS MONTH... Kate & Leopold iBuena Vlsta/£17.99)/T1ie Crow; Special Edition (Entertainment In Vldeo/£19.991/Niiie Queens (0pdmum/E19.99|/Dinnef Rush (Path6/£ 19.99]/ Kung Pow: Enter The Fist |Fox/£1799|/A Fish Called Wanda: Special Edition (t^GM/E19.99)/WWE Unforgiven 2002 (Silver Vlsion/£17.99l
106 PlayStation.? OFFICIRL mRERZINE-UK
perhaps the most American film of them all. For more considered offerings why not try MANHUNTER? A small hit at the time, it was Michael Mann's superior
NEXT MOINTTH IQ^I VCRs had just been I invented, but who had any time for those car-sized bits of kit? We could still watch such great crime films as Shaft, The French Connection, Dirty Harry and Get Carter. More in the very next issue.
Last month, the Metal Gear guru looked at the influence of North By Northwest on his game's design. This time, he explains how he monkeyed around with messages from a 1968 sci-fi classic.
Planet Of The Apes MONKEY BUSINESS Humans soon discover that
swinging from branches isn't ail it's cracked up to be.
PHOTD: KOBAL COLLECnON/20TH CENTUF
the mystery of the missing link between humans and monkeys' this film dealt with themes critical of society, Including racial problems, alongside the anti-war and anti-nuke message. Trading the positions of the apes an humans well depicts today's society. While being
entertainment, It really makes you think a lot - Just wha sci-fi films are potentially capable of doing Warnings to
our society and the future can be caricatured easily In sci-fi. What If a world war starts? What if nukes are usee
What If apes rule the world? The imagination resulting from the exaggerating of the 'if gives us the opportunity to think about ourselves.
The most captivating aspect of Apes Is definitely th then-remarkable ape make-up. The film could have turned Into a B-movIe, but the creation of very fine
make-up ensured that the potential freak film was elevated to an 'A' entertainment masterpiece. The ape
make-up Is fine and flexible enough to allow the audience to notice and follow the facial expressions of the actors underneath - there were no masks. If It had been done with CG as now, attractive characters such ; ZIra and Cornelius would not have emerged.
The film makes great use of both the subjective camera (to make main character Taylor and the audlen
as one) and the objective camera. It shows us what gre filming is about: control of the camera and information quantity. For example, when the astronauts roll down a hill, after their spaceship crashes, the subjective camer
is used to make you feel like you are rolling down as w And then the objective camera films, from a distance, tl men walking the desert to show how minute they are ii contrast to nature. It Is this distance that creates a seni
of virtual presence and makes everything work effective Another element that plays a big role In this film Is
speech: the apes can speak, the humans cannot. This 'hierarchy of speech' not only shows the Inversion of power but also of Intelligence and civilization. I'm sure the creators did a lot of thinking about ho to continue the series. The same apes that escape Ean
Planet Of The Apes Director Fmnklin J Shaffner/Starring Charlton Hestoa Roddy McDowaH Kim Hunter, Jeff Burton/ Music Jerry Goldsmith/Extras Main Menu Audio and Animation, Stills gallery. Theatrical trailers/ Distributor Fax Home Entertainment/ Price £15.99 A S C m S P E C TA C U L A R
and one of the genre's most Influential flims, Ttie original film follows the fortunes of
astronaut George Taylor (the flawless Charlton Heston) when he crashes his
Planet Of The Apes became a global mega hit, a sci-fi milestone, and later a whole series. I'm sure you remember Tim Burton's
re-imagination of the film last year Although I was happy to see apes ^ la Rick Baker (the original's make-up artist) the film itself did not turn me on. The 1968 version was much more shocking.
Originally, Apes was a film about running away. The title of the third film Escape From The... speaks for itself. In the first film, Taylor (Charlton Heston] runs from the
apes. In Beneath The Planet Of The Apes, Brent (James
spacecraft on a strange planet, 2000 years in the future He's soon captured by the
Franclscus) does the same. However, in Escape apes
planet's dominant species -a society of Intelligent, talking apes who enslave dumb
the apes stop running and choose to fight humans.
humans for their own purposes. This role reversal Is striking and the movie examines society's ills, such as racial and generational conflict brilliantly before reaching its famously shocking conclusion. And hey - you'll never guess where the pianet is... Okay then, maybe you will.
Cornelius and ZIra run from humans. Then in Conquest
Finally In Battle, the apes fight to coexist with humans. The series transforms from 'run' to fight for liberation' to 'movement toward peace'. The anti-war and anti-nuke theme throughout converges perfectly. The switching of positions of humans and apes is
what make Apes great. However, the high evaluations of
To win a DVD of Planet Of the
Apes and a copy of Metal Gear
Solid 2 signed by Hideo Kojima, tell us the name of the book on which Planet Of
The Apes is based. Send your answers to:
Monkey Business Compo either by email or to the usual address.
Normal compo rules apply (see page 146|.
before the explosion are sent back to Earth and have t escape from a situation totally opposite. The talking ch ape Caesar grows up, lives through Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes and creates the foundation for a planet of the apes in the future. These are great ideas which I'm sure have Influenced series such as Star M/o and Terminator
After all I have said, sharp readers have probably noticed the similarities between Apes and MGS in terrr
of the creator's message. Many players of MGS2 say th the game is too preachy But as a citizen of the only country in the worid against which the atomic bomb w used, I was strongly Influenced by Apes' anti-nuke message. So now that we cannot expect movies from Hollywood to confront these issues any more, I would 1 to keep the anti-war and anti-nuke message alive, at least with MGS. The current entertainment Industry is
marketing-orientated, focusing on products that that w sell well but without a message. What is the future of children who use such products as their textbooks? Wl
this film are not limited to scl-fi fans - It encompasses
is there to come? □
deep themes that transcend the sci-fi realm, cleverly mixing historical and social Issues of the time Into an
*Metal Gear Solid 2; Sons Of Liberty and Planet Of The
entertainment film. In addition to sci-fi settings such as
Apes are available from game and DVD stores now.
□FFICIHL mHERZINE-UK PlayStation.E ]
coming
so
In John Woo's WWII drama
unbreakable radio codes...
WINDIAiKERS [10 Feb|, Nicolas Cage does pensive/whispering rather than manlc/shouty as a US Marine protecting Navajo Indians whose native tongue Is used for
Anyone who enjoys attractive ladles talking dirty will be Interested in the Cameron Diaz
gross-out comedy THE SWEETEST THING 110 Feb/...
It's entertaining B-movIe shocks and laughs all round as David Anquette and a bunch of equally cheap C-llst actors take on a toviin full of EIGKT l£GGEO FREAKS
|17 Feb|... Witness Halle Berry's
Oscar-wlnning perfonrtance ~
and Billy Bob Thornton's Oscarworthy performance - In
MONSTER'S BAH. (17 Febl, a powerful, moving examination of the death penally and racism In
Spider-Man
10 The Office-Complete First Series Charts courtesy of WHSmlth, week ending 13 December Wl-f Smith
handy for battiing Wiiiem Dafoe's mean Green Gobiin.
u
thrills as a truck driver terrorises F^ul Walker, Steve Zahn and
Leelee Sobleski w/hen they drive across country..
The Office - Complete First Series
Tobey Maguire is Peter Parker the school swot turned spandexed superhero after a nasty nip from a geneticaiiy modified arachnid. His web-spinning ways come in rather
m
Hicksville USA... Rnally, ROADKIU (24 Feb) offers tense Due/-style
s
Ricl^ Getvais's hiiariously accurate insight into the dmdgery of daiiy office iife is a wonderfui thing What mal
t Tlie Fsint Danse Macabre (City Slang) WHO? The Faint are
HIGHUGHTS: Cure
LOWUGKTS: Weaker
one of hundreds of
basslines, robot rhythms and a hint of eyeiiner combine to
tunes sound like eariy
VERDICT: Scarily fashionable, but the
Duran Duran b-sides
new wave hustle Is
being done better elsewhere. Hang tight for Hie Rapture's
US bands coming your way this year convinced that the/re British and its 1981
Career Melted a
or the work of goth chancers who've just discovered synths -
outside. No bad thing
spookiiy danceabie
probably close to the
album later this
in our book.
prospect.
actual truth.
Spring 7/10
make Your Retro
Johnny iviarr And The Healers BoomsiangiGuti
^■ AOF LBUTHE IM
1 Mormi
a
m
IT AINT DISCO. THINK MEZZANINES MOST PARANOID MOMENTSsEi^NAMEMCEN M U LT I P U E D B Y T E N
WHO? Legendary
HIGHUGHTS: Slim
LOWUGHTS: Pretty
V E R D I C T: I n c u r a b l e
guitarist with seminal Eighties flouncers Itie
pickings. Down On The Corner Is pleasant
much the whole
Smiths. But without his
enough, although it does sound exactly
in hell. Oh. its bad.
Smiths fan? Then you'll be salivating over Morrlssey's comeback, Booms/ang, on the other hand. Is a wretched soiling of a fine legacy 2/10
enigmatic frontman, Marr has foolishly decided to form the new Seahorses.
Ttilnk Kula Shaker
like "me Charlatans.
trading tired riffs with Ocean Colour Scene,
Apart from that, well, Its abject stuff.
Heii Is For Heroes The Neon Handshake [Chfysalls] WHO? Shaggy, stoutly
HIGHUGHTS: The
LOWUGHTS: All
V E R D I C T: F u l l m a r k s
unfashionable
breathless soul-baring
traces of style,
for effort, but man
Britrock five-piece. If you like Idlewlld and
of I Can Climb Mountains and
Hundred Reasons...
D/sconnector makes most so-called 'emo'
BLOOD BRANDS
rock bands sound like Bon Jovi.
Massive Attack lOOth Window (Virgin) WHO? Famously miserable Bristol sound originators, now down to the bare bones of Robert '3D' Del Naja,
LOWUGHTS: Sinead O'Connor's smug vocals are no substitute for Liz
Frazer or Tracey Thorn on the rather pompous Prayer For England.
innovation and
can't live on bread
transcendence have been traded in at the
alone. Hell Is For
temple of the 'real'. The result? Things can
fibre, but not enough
Heroes offer plenty of fl a v o u r 6 / 1 0
get really, really dull.
Asian Dub Foundation Enemy Of The Enemy (Virgin) WHO? Fourth album
HIGHUGHTS: Heavy
LX>WUGHTS: Rock
from staunchly polltical dub/rock/ Jungle/kitchen sink
on the fluid Asian
guitars combine with spacey dub bass and
collective. Produced
that less can be more
by legendary dub scientist, Adrian Sherwood.
MC has them licked.
presumably after other remaining member Daddy G smiled too much.
VERDICT: Massive Attack's most
HIGHUGHTS: Well, it ain't disco. Think
introspective album yet, a reflection of
Mezzanine's most paranoid moments
its undemocratic creation and the
ALSO RELEASED THIS MOr^
multiplied by ten, with added electronic harshness and Arabic
rejection of the usual hop-hip influences. But as long as you're not
mystique. Still hauntingly beautiful, despite its eagerness to confound.
expecting Unfinished Sympathy, 100th Window is an edgy classic. 8/10
Joy Zipper American Whip (13 AmpJ/Tom McRae Just Like Blood Idbl/Echoboy Giraffe iMutel/More Fire Crew More Fire Crew CV IGo Beatl/The Ort Back To Mine IDMCJ/
108 PlayStation ? QFFICIHL mRGRZINE-UK
album is a stinking retro muso sh*theap.
rtiythms, 19 Rebe/llons and Dhol Rinse prove
dated drum 'n' bass
V E R D I C T: Yo u c a n t fault the ethics or the
attitude, but an hour of ADFs hectoring
for ADF, but the funky
In an unappetising musical swamp. Plus
lyrics and worthy
simplicity of Punjabi
Sinead O'Connor's
you'll be screaming
Up, Bustle And Out Urban Evacuation (Unlquel 'r
here again. Great
musical fusion and for Girls Aloud. 5/10
ON THE OPS2 STEREO Hot Hot Heat Make Up The Breakdown (Sub
Popl/Peanut Butter Wolf Badmeanlnggood (Ultimate Dilemma)/Mouse On Mars Rost Pocks [Too Purel/Four Tet Pause (Output)/ Blue States Man Mountain (XL Recordingsl
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THIS ONES GOT THEIR MOBILE NUMBER TOO!
leave a space between each word.
2. Send the txt message to 8007 (Vodafone/Orange/02)
just txt DAILY WEATHER | e.g. DAILY WEATHER LONDON to 8007
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or to 87007 (T-Mobile).
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OTHER CLASSIC PRANKS: POIICE, DATE, OICK, RASH, SfXCHANGE, VIRUS
HHRDJ ,cheost aK i ldoinenejscoure tsyofofifcai-n l psMag Hps, tricks
LURLKTHRDUGH
G E TAWAY
The Bethnal Green lot giving you hassle? Cant shake the
filth? Look no further for some good honest advice, guv CARS i
A gangster really is only as good as his getaway car..
W
What's that thick smell
pervading the HardCore
section this month? It's pure testosterone. It's possibly the
blokiest month yet with crook and cop missions cracked in
our Getawoy walkthrough and more tips on Vice City. Plus
■ BUS STOP The bus Is
there are some suave
and come out unscathed.
NightFire tips and even Jango Fett gets a few pointers In Bounty Hunter.
slow but It'll take on any car
There are precisely 64 different makes and models of cars in The Getaway. Naif tfie fun of piaying the game is trying them all out. We
won't iist the faults and virtues of every car for fear of turning into Jeremy Ciarl
The tougher vehicies - buses, taxis, vans and Range Rovers - might take an awrfui lot of damage, but they also have terribie acceieration
and overall speed. You won't be able to easily shake off the police or gang members In them, so IN HARDCORE THIS MONTVI 11 0 . . . . . . T H E G E TAWAY .TIPS 111 T H E G E TAWAY . WA L K T H R O U G H 116 .....GTA- VICE CITY. WALKTHROUGH 118 JAMES BOND 007,- MGH7RRE .TIPS 11 8 H AV E N C A L L O F T H E K I N G . T I P S
11
8
G TA :
VICE
C U Y.
FAQS
11 9 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS ....TIPS 119 TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER 3 .TIPS 119 THE SIMPSONS: SKATEBOARDING...CHEAJS 119 JAMES BOND 007: NIGHTFIRE CHEATS
you're likely to end up taking twice as much damage anyway Small cars like the Citroen Saxo and Nissan
Micra are generally useless. They offer some acceieration but poor top speed and little resistance to
damage. Their only saving grace Is being able to get through tight gaps and drive on smaller pavements. Anything sporty is definitely worth nicking. The sports cars have top acceleration and
speed and are perfect for nipping through traffic and shaking off a police tail. The Saab 900 or Alfa Romeo 154
T T I E G H A W AY ■ P L AY E R S 1 ■ M E M O R Y C A R D S PA C E 50KB ■ D I F F I C U LT Y M E D I U M ■ COMPLETION TIME 30 HOURS ■ REVIEWED OPS2*29
UERDICT "A compelling trawl through London's criminal underworld. Certainly the most cinematic experience yet on PS2."
are definitely worth looking
Graphics
z a
Sound
a s
out for.
Gameplay 0g|i^I»l Ufesnan
110 PlayStatlon^E QFFICIHL mRGHZINE-UK
Overall
HRRDCOR DRIVING SKILLS They never taught you this at driving school... GETTING AWAY
Police and gangsters trying to stop your car aiways use the same metlnods. if a car is driving towards you on the other side of the road, it wiii swerve in front of you to stop your car Siam on the braises, then drive around them, or anticipate which way they're going to go, and drive the other way They'ii be left trying to straighten up. Put your foot down and you'll lose the tail no problem. When they're behind you, they will pull up alongside and nudge your car sideways, eventually stopping it. Slam on your brakes to make them sail past you. It will take them valuable seconds to get back on track. Weaving through traffic on the wrong side of
the road is risky, but try it and you'll soon hear the sound of knackered police sirens dying behind you.
out for stingers at police road blocks - it's far better to hit one of the police cars than drive over a stinger and lose most of your speed.
CAR DAMAGE
Watch out if smoke starts to come from the engine of your car You'll have a limited time to get out before the engine blows completely, bringing your car to a halt. The amount of time you've got depends on the type of car Worse still, if you have another accident in a smoking car, it might burst into flames. It is possible to escape from a burning car, but you need to get out very quickly. Driving over a police stinger will cause your car to slow down to a crawl or even stop completely. Look
U N WA N T E D AT T E N T I O N
If you want to avoid police attention, you'll have to stick to the highway code. So strangely enough, hitting other cars, driving on pavements and running over
pedestrians are big no-nos. Driving the wrong way down a one way street or on a roundabout, nicking a car or running around with your gun un-holstered will also send the sirens into a frenzy. Although points on your licence would be the least of your worries.
WEAPONS
STPEEIWISE
Forget blades, knuckle dusters and baseball bats, the gangsters terrorising London's streets today come tooled up with something a little bit more fatal.
You won't get far as a gangster in this seedy underworld without the right attitude.
GLOCK 17
The weapon that both characters always have tucked in their inside pockets. It might be basic, but it's very effective. The Glock is one of the best guns to use on enemies in the distance and it's deadly up close, too. It'll take about three bullets to put someone down, but it fires shots in quick succession. Clips last for ages and there's always
plenty of ammo lying around. With twin Clocks, there'll be no stopping you.
SHOTGUNS (SAWN OFF SHOTGUN AND COMBAT SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN) Creat for close combat - the Sawn-Off Shotgun in
particular will kill outright anyone nearby but if you're up against several baddies, they'll be all over you in the time it take to re-load this beast. Both the Sawn-Off and Semi-Automatic Shotguns are useless at a distance.
S T E A LT H
MODE
Always use stealtti to peer into rooms and around
corners. You'll get a head start on anyone who's lurking. Try taking a lucky shot if someone's In your line of fire. Otherwise, the best course of action is Jumping out and firing, then ducking back. If anyone runs at you, get ready with a pistol whip.
TA K I N G H O S TA G E S
ARRESTING PEOPLE
Gangsters aren't too bothered about hostages. Grab a civilian and they'll probably laugh then shoot you both. The police, however, back right off at the sight of a convicted criminal with a gun to some poor person's head. Keep the hostage between you and the police at all times or they will
When playing as DC Frank Carter, you have the pleasure of being able to arrest
waste you.
PA R T O N E : M A R K H A M M O N D
MISSION 01
R E G A I N I N G H E A LT H Don't underestimate how
criminals. You don't have to -
many times you can heal yourself Even In the thick of gun battle, run off and hide
no one wiii mind if you just
somewhere and there's a
shoot them all - but in the
good chance you'll get away with resting - the bad guys don't aiways follow. Standing
stealth levels, arresting is better To make an arrest you need to sneak up on your target - they'll shoot if they see you coming
still for 30 seconds is better
than playing the whole level through again.
Kill the two gangsters in the next room from the doorway then enter the room and kill one who appears near the exploding canisters. Go around the corner and
AK-47S ASSAULT RIFLE
THE FRIGHTENER
A great all round weapon. Perfect for spraying
■ The chase to the warehouse
lean around the next corner - there are two men to kill in the corridor Finally, enter the next room and you'll
Go after the red Rover 75. Don't lose sight of it
meet Charlie.
bullets around if you're up against loads of people. Also effective at a distance. Only problem is, it runs out of Ammo pretty quickly, so don't hold that
for any longer than 45 seconds consecutively or you'll lose the mission. Follow the car's indicators if
trigger down any longer than you have to.
you're not sure which way it has gone.
MISSION 02 BURNING BRIDGES
HECKLER & KOCH MP5-A5 SUB-MACHINE GUN
■ The shootout in the warehouse
The MPS is much like the Assault Rifle, only better
At the warehouse, get your gun at the ready Don't let the
r ■ Set the Republic restaurant alight Follow the car's indicators to the Republic restaurant. Kill the guy stood outside and
This weapon's quite difficult to come by - but you'll usually find it during riots. Being a sub-machine gun, it's rapid firing and more effective than anything else at killing loads of enemies up close,
first two men see you. Use stealth by the doorway and
anyone else who runs to help, then shoot anyone who 1
shoot them from here. Enter the yard and immediately
armed in the restaurant on your left. Go up the stairs.
walk right. Follow the fence around the perimeter of the yard until you reach two skips, and shoot the two gangsters by the door Collect the Assault Rifle from one
There are a couple of people on the way up to shoot. If you get injured, lean against the wall to recover before
but not so good at a distance. Get yourself twin MP5s and the world is yours! ■ M A S S A S S A U LT G e t
massacring with an Assault Rifle. Just mind the crates.
of them. Enter the warehouse and quickly go left. Lean out from behind the crates and pick off the gangsters stood around the warehouse. Watch out for a guy who runs from one of the rooms on the left. Go through the
doorway at the top of the steps to pick up another Assault Rifle.
Continue carefully around the warehouse until you reach the doorway that leads to the next part of the warehouse. Kill the gangster walking up and down from
continuing. Kill the people in the next restaurant area tc
your left and get the Shotgun. Continue up the stairs to an open door and stand to the left of it. Lean in and kll as many of the gangsters in this room as possible usinj the Shotgun. Enter the room and walk right. Lean around the nex wall to kill the remaining people. When you shoot them
your bullets will shatter the torches on the wall behind. Make sure they all blow up and the fire alarm sounds before you make your escape.
the safety of the doorway, then walk through the nearest gap in the crates until it ends. Walk right and lean
■ Lose the cops and get out of Soho
around the corner by the pillar to kill another gangster Check out the rest of the warehouse. There should be
down the stairs, shoot any police officers that are direc
By now, the police will have arrived outside. Leg it back
one more person to kill. Exit through the open door on
in the way, then get into one of the police cars and get
the far wall and walk up the stairs. There's one gangster
the hell out of there. Once you've lost the police tail, thi
to kill on the way up.
mission will end.
□FFICIRL mnGnZINE-UK Play5tation.E i:
m^RDCORe MISSION 03
part of the mission must be completed In the Lexus Jake can't go running around in search of a new car The
A R T A P P R E C I AT I O N
■ Find the drug-filled statue in the basement of the art gallety Follow the car's Indicators to the gallery. Your Journey won't be quite so easy now you've upset a few people. Keep your gun bolstered when you enter the art gallery, and walk left towards the stairs. As soon as you start to walk up them, the Triads stood around at the bottom will whip out their guns and start shooting, so be ready for them. Walk up the stairs and kill the Triads that are stood through the open doorway in front of you, then enter the next part of the gallery. Now, the Triads will start to come thick and fast. When entering each new section of the gallety, check all is clear first by leaning around the corner, then roll across the room, minimising the risk of being hit. You'll get opportunities to regain health, but be on your guard - it's likely you'll be interrupted while standing still. Go down the stairs. There are a couple of Triads at the bottom. Enter the doorway on your left, shoot the
police will be after you In a big way Just keep driving even if you make it to the warehouse with four blown
■ TAKE THAT Try to shoot the bad guys, not the customers. Oh, what the
lyres and three police cars behind you, you'll still complete the mission. It's one of the wonders of
videogaming that police forget so fast!
MISSION 05 TAXI FOR MR CHAI7 ■ Sneal( back into Charlie's office
Wait for the guy stood In front of you to move, then enter the next part of the warehouse. Walk right and follow the perimeter of the warehouse. Pistol whip the guy with his back to you who Is blocking the door that you need to go through. Run straight into the alcove on the far side of the next room to avoid detection by the gangster who walks down the stairs. Go up the stairs and stay next to the doorway until Charlie and his mates leave the room - you'll see two leave, then one more will walk through. Go through the open door, into the office then run
MISSION 07 H LT H Y B U S I N E S S
■ Find the telephone repair van in
B Grosvenor Place
guy stood on the stairs, then go down to the basement. Look around the right corner at the bottom of the stairs - there are two men hiding behind the boxes. Either
through the next doorway into the next office. Pistol whip and walk left and through the next door Walk right and
entice them out with a gunshot and kill them from here, or roll over to where they are. As you go to cross the basement, some Triads might run down the stairs behind you. Hug the wall before proceeding to the main part of the basement. There are around ten Triads ahead, some with Assault Rifles. Kill them from this position, then collect one of their rifles. Continue forwards, there should only be one or two Triads left to kill. The statue is on a crate around the corner to your right.
Grab one of the gangster's cars parked outside the yard and get moving - the police are on their way It's quite a long drive to the telephone repair van. so try to keep a low profile with the police. There will also be gangsters trying to gun you down along the
enter the open door in front of you. The other door in
way Get into the van once you reach It
■ Meet Charlie in the Spotted Dog pub
The Triads will be after you, but they're not too hard to shake off if you put the pedal to the metal. It's hard not
to break the law when you're fleeing angry Triads with guns, but try not to do anything illegal in front of the
police or they'll rather unfairly come after you as well.
the guy stood inside with his back to you. Exit this office
this room leads to Charlie's office.
■ Drive Johnny Chai to the Slu Fung in Chinatown Follow the car's indicators to Chinatown. Try to avoid
confrontation with gangs and the police, but it's likely that the Soho gang will be after you along the way Don't smash up the car with Johnny in it. At your destination, keep driving until the cut-scene kicks in.
MISSION 06 OUT OF THE FRYING PAN
■ Lure the TKads back to Holywell Street The Triads will chase you relentlessly Don't bother driving slowly to let them keep up. Every time one of their cars is destroyed,
another will join the chase. Drive as quickly as you can.
MISSION 04 AIDING AND ABETTING
Follow the car's indicators to Holywell Street and when you get there, your objective will change.
yWH ■ Drive Eyebrows to stop the prison van Get to the police station within the time limit.
■ Survive the gun battle between the THads and
Avoid a police tail on the way or the next part
the Yardies
of the mission will be much trickier You must
Go In the yard through the entrance marked Durrant
complete this mission In the Lexus that you start in, for
and Taylor Shoot the guy stood with his back to you and grab his Automatic Rifle. Enter the yard and
reasons that become clear later on, so don't smash the car up. Don't stop when your hazard lights flash - the
prison van will drive away and you must go after It. Your car automatically slows down while the ambush occurs. Once it's over, you can go after the prison van and get ramming Get alongside the van and drive into the side of it, rather than shunting it from behind. Once the van starts smoking, it slows down so finish it off. ■ Deliver Jake and Eyebrows to the warehouse
Once business has been taken care of, you need to drive Jake and Eyebrows back to the warehouse. Again, this
go right. Roll to avoid taking too much damage. Now hide behind the trailer with MAERSK written on it. From a safe
distance, shoot the exploding canister next to it. This wise precaution will make sure no one else shoots it later
and kills you. The Triads and Yardies will start to shoot each other
Lie low in this position and if anyone comes around the trailer and starts shooting you, press CD to auto aim
■ APPLES AND PEARS
Sort out anyone lurking at the top of stairs or else they'll sort you.
112 PlayStation,2 aFFICIRL fTlRGHZINE-UK
quickly and shoot them. Keep your head down for a while, then once the bullets stop flying lean around one side of the trailer, then the other, and take down anyone still standing from this safe position. Make sure you get all the gangsters stood in the windows of the building. Now run into the rubbish room and kill the Yardie stood in
there. To complete the mission, exit the yard the same way you came in.
■ Eliminate the real telephone repair van and get to Snowhill Police Station
Head to the police station. When Mark says, "Right then, you've had it," he's spotted the other BT van. Either ram the van until it stops, or force it to stop by blocking its path. The driver will get out Run him over and make sure he's dead. You have a time limit to take out the van, and to get to the police station. ■ Find a gun and kill Inspector McCormack Once inside the police station, follow the policeman to the room with the telephone wires and wait until he leaves. Follow the signs to the first floor, and the evidence room. Collect the Handgun from the floor, leave the room and turn right Inspector McCormack will be talking to a police officer with a gun. Wait for them to
_walk away then follow them - but make sure they ^ dont spot you. In the computer room, walk left and
\ follow the wall to the exit, avoiding being sighted by the police officer stood in here. The Inspector will enter the Serious Fraud Squad office. Don't follow him
in here - instead, waik past tlie door he entered through
! SMELL THE BACON
and go right. Wait for him to exit through the other door
The cops'll be after you for this, make no mistake.
Now foliow him down the stairs and through severai corridors. Don't shoot him untii he stops inside a room, outside of the interview room. He'ii tal
M I S S I O N 11 THE PRODIGAL SON
■ Escape from the basement with Yasmin Yasmin starts off with a gun but you don't ha' ®
and he's armed.
one of the people she kills. Make your way tc the stairs - there are loads of people to shoot but
■ Getaway with Yasmin from the Police Station in this section, you need to exit the poiice station. Head
Yasmin's help makes it easier Up In the warehouse, gangsters will come at you from behind the crates. Tty
grab an Assault Rifle to make things easier Head for th
for the bacl< door, foiiowing the exit signs. Ignore Yasmin
open door and get into a car outside with Yasmin. Again, the police will be desperate to catch up with you. Keep your foot down and smash through the centi
teiling you to be quicl< - you can take as much time as you need for this section. When you reach the Speciai Forces Officers, hang back untii the smoke from their smoke bombs has cieared. After shooting them, nick their Assauit Rifles to make things easier iviake sure you don't shoot Yasmin accidentaliy - the feisty cow wiii
shoot you back, so make sure you protect her If she dies, it's mission over
Rest if you need to aiong the way When you reach the yard at the rear of the poiice station, the gates wiii start to close. Shoot the yellow motor to stop them
closing, nick a car and drive out. If you fail to hit the motor, Yasmin will say that you'll have to take the front door. More police officers will appear and some new doors will be open. Follow the signs to reception and the front entrance if you dare.
of the road blocks to avoid the stingers. Keep weaving YanJie crackhouse is more tricky - it takes ages to get there and there are gangsters who will give chase at certain points along the way You need to drive as fast as you can - most of the route is one straight road. Change cars if your tyres are blown or the car starts smoking. The Yardie crackhouse is at the end of a terrace of houses. Walk around the side to get to the back door ■ Get the cash in the Yardie crackhouse
There are a couple of goons guarding the back door, so
through the traffic and try to make the police cars eras Jump out when you reach Charlie's plush mansion. ■ Avoid the electronic traps and find Alex
Take the only door from the living room and sidestep past the laser beams. Take the door on the left to the kitchen and kill the guy armed with a meat cleaver Go through the open door, kill the two men, then go throui the archways. Follow the rooms to some stairs that are guarded by laser beams. Sidestep past the beams. If they are broken, poisonous gas will leak from the walls You may be able to survive it if you can run away and rest somewhere.
■ Find Charlie's depot
take care of them. Rest now if you're injured at all. Enter the back door The kitchen should be clear Kill the two
Take a police van if you can - it's tougher than the car
people sat in the living room to your right, then go up
and you're going to have a lot of cops on your tail. You can change cars if you need to along the way Follow the
the stairs. Walt at the top of the stairs and use auto aim
be out there to your right. Leg it through either door, tt
to find a guy stood in one of the rooms. Then kill the girl
roll underneath the beams that block your way into th(
indicators to Charlie's depot.
who runs at you.
hallway Kill the gangsters who appear from the side
MISSION 08 A TOUCH OF CLASS
■ Get to the Touch Of Class nightclub ■ with Yasmin Follow the car's indicators to the nightclub. The streets are crawling with police cars, but
in your new car they won't recognise you. Try to keep it that way by not attracting any attention to yourself.
Go up the stairs and shoot anyone you can see outside on the patio. Walk outside - one more man wi
Go through the hole in the wall that leads to the
rooms. Go up the stairs and through the door on your
house next door and kill the guy stood at the bottom of the stairs and the girl who runs from one of the rooms. Go down the stairs and grab an Automatic Rifle from the
right. Laser beams will appear after you've gone throuj
kitchen. Take the stairs on this side to the second floor
There should be a few more people about to kill. At the
top is a hole to get back into the original house. Kill the guy stood at the top of the stairs and anyone else who comes out of the surrounding rooms. The money is in the room directly opposite you and there's only one
Go into the next room and roll underneath the first sel
beams to your left. Turn right and roll under the beam: by the blue vase. Sidestep past the last set of beams. Exit the room and go up the stairs. Enter the only
room that you can and sidestep past the beams on yc right. Roll under the next set. Walk around the snookei table, roll under these beams and leave the room. In tl next room, roll under the beam to your left, hug the w
■ Find Uyla the exotic dancer in the club Enter the club and get your gun at the ready. Walk down the stairs and kill the gangsters in the club from the
person guarding it.
by the door and side step to the door Roll under the beams blocking the door Exit the next room and kill tl
MISSION 10
men who walk down the stairs. Walk up the stairs and
doorway Yasmin will help you. When you enter the club more gangsters will walk out from the bar side of the
A C AT I N A B A G
■ Exchange the money with Charlie ■ Now everyone's after you. The depot isn't too ® police road blocks
don't try to get past the beams at the top. Walk aroum to the right and you'll see a corridor which has an ope door at the end.
club. Kill the guy stood in the room behind the bar to get an Assault Rifle. Take the only other open door in the club - to the ladies changing room - kill the gangsters inside and if all the bad guys have been shot down, a
road blocks to avoid the stingers that have been laid
cut-scene will kick in.
across the road.
MISSION 09
■ Escape from the Bethnal crew and go after Jake
THE COWGIRL AND THE CASH
As soon as the level starts, turn around and run behind the crates at the back of the room, then roll over to the
under the horizontal beams in front of you, turn left 9( and walk down the room. Roll under the laser again fr the other side. Exit the room and head up more stairs
section beneath the ladders. Roll across to the next
The rooms up here are safe - go into the one directly
section under the ladders, then run over to the Shamsung
front of you.
along the way Drive through the centre of the
Go through the door and stop immediately Roll underneath the beams that have appeared. Wait in thf bedroom until a man walks into the room through the other door and shoot him. Roll under the next set of
beams Exit through the bathroom. In this room, roll
■ Drop Yasmin at Charlie's house in Mayfair.
■ Find the Yardie crackhouse
1^2^ Dropping off Yasmin is quite straightforward.
Again, the police are unaware of the car you're
driving, so they won't give chase unless you do
something to draw attention to yourself Driving to the ■ ROAD RAGE Resist the
urge to hit pedestrians, as they'll slow you down.
crate. From this position, you'll be able to clear a path for yourself for most of the way Make sure you kill the gangsters up high on the platfonns. Keep leaning around
MISSION 12 ABOARD THE SOL VITA
the sides of the crates and killing whoever you can see.
■ Drive to the Sol Vita
Try shooting the ammunition dumps to take out several bad guys at once. You need to kill Sparky, who is the bald gang member He'll be walking around. He's tough to kill, but once you've wasted him, Jake will shout out that you've killed Sparky, then he'll run onto the
Quickly grab a car If you walk right, there ai usually a couple of decent cars driving dow miles away You should be able to avoid attention for first part of it, but once the gangsters spot you, you'll
balcony Roll between the crates so that if anyone is
have to be very careful.
lurking they're less likely to hit you. More people will come out of doors on the first floor
Once it's clear, go up the stairs to the balcony and through the open door There might still be a few people left on the floor who shoot at you. Keep rolling and you'll minimise the damage that you take. You can take a rest in one of these rooms. Walk down the stairs, through the door at the bod:om and through the door by the desk.
Keep walking through the rooms and you'll reach Jake.
the road. This is a tricky drive - the boat is
■ Shootout at the Cargo Ship
Use the gangplank to climb aboard the ship. Shoot yc way to the back of the ship, using crates for cover Ga entry into the boathouse and head down Into the eng room. Yasmin will guard the top. Go down the steep stairs and into the ship. Turn right out of the engine room. Shoot everyone in your path and head for the front of the ship. Before you reach the far set of stair;
OFFICIHL mRERZINE-UK PlayStation.?
HflR0CC3Re ^ turn left into a room full of crates. A crate will fall directly In front of you - Harry is controlling a crane and trying to
Your Pistol is the best distance weapon. The Assault
Rifle is also effective at a distance, but the Shotgun is next to useless for shooting criminals this far away Once this group is dead, head down the next ramp. Again, use the walls to hide behind and kill all of the gang members stood around the car further down the car park. Once they're dead, go down the stairs that are on your left. Go to the first exit you reach and start shooting the people
crush you with boxes. Watching out for the falling crates, head towards the balcony on your left. Go up the stairs and across the other side. Go down the steps and turn right back into the crate room. Watching out for the forklift, shoot Harry on the balcony. Once he's dead, Mark's Journey is over But the game's not finished yet now you get to play as Frank Carter
out in the car park. Uniformed officers will come down the stairs behind you to help.
Once all the bad guys are dead, go down the ramp
PART TWO: FRANK CARTER ■ PRIVATE DANCER The
MISSION 13
gi^s weren't banking on this kind of action.
THE BARGAIN BASEMENT ■ Arrest Jake in the brothel
Run into the brothel, then go straight and
follow the corridor left. Joe will run up the stairs to your right and they will collapse beneath him. Follow the corridor until you reach some
stairs. Several bad guys will shoot at you along the way Now head up the stairs and enter the doorv/ay on your left. Shoot the man in here, then leave the same way you came in.
Opposite the stairs is a hole in the floor Sidestep to get to the other side, then go left. Shoot the guys in the corridor Keep following the corridor - about halfway down, someone will shoot through the wall and start firing at you. Keep walking towards a string of red lights. Again, sidestep past the gap in the floor On the other side you'll meet up with Joe. Go up the stairs and turn right, then left. Some
armed officers will Join you. Polish off the group of
When you're in-between the crates, you're safe.
Always wait until the machinery has Just passed you before moving. Don't make any rash moves - the camera angle means you can't see if a bit of machinery is about to hit you. If you find yourself in a position where you're about to be run over, using stealth should ensure you don't get hit. There will be a few Yardies In between the
crates with you, so stay on your guard. When you reach the side of the yard with no machinery, you Just need to get across in one piece.
There are still quite a few Yardies hanging about. Check around each corner before proceeding, watch
side of the law with the police helping you! Get into one of the police cars and wait for Joe to climb in. Follow your indicators and the police that have stopped the traffic along the way for you. Make sure your sirens are on so other cars will get out of your way Drive flat out on the long, straight road and you should make the time limit without a problem. Don't crash the car - Joe won't
follow you Into another car Pull up outside the hospital entrance to finish the mission.
MISSION 14 SHOW SOME REMORSE
■ Arrest the Yardie ringleaders Take a drive over to the depot - very
straightforward. Use your siren to get through the traffic faster At the depot, shoot as many of the gang members as you can and take down the sniper stood on the crate. As you can see, you need to
cross the yard without being hit by any moving machinery. If you take it slowly this is quite easy
MISSION 15 DISTURBANCE IN SOHO
■ Quell the riot outside the restaurant
B Drive to the restaurant at top speed. You have quite a tight time limit to meet. The car that you start: off in is nice and fast, so try not to
crash it. Don't use your sirens now that you've upset a few people. As breaking the law attracted the police when you were Mark, being the law attracts the thugs and you'll be shot at and rammed. Use the pavements if the traffic is heavy. Once at the riot, head for the smoking police car
Help the uniformed officers kill the thugs shooting at you from further up the road. Keep moving forwards, returning to a shop doorway to rest if you need to. Make sure you grab the Assault Rifles and Shotguns that will start to litter the ground. Once these thugs are dead, some silver cars will turn up and a few more people will get out and start shooting Kill them, then walk up to
their cars and a police car, followed by more gangster cars, will arrive.
The last gangsters that get out of these cars are tough to kill and armed with powerful guns. Get into one
of the silver cars and drive as fast as you can into them As they'll be shooting at your car you'll only get two or three chances to drive back and forth. When your car
has gone up in flames, stamp on the accelerator and go after the black Range Rover Don't waste time with gentle bumps from behind - it'll Just
speed him up, slow you down and hardly cause him any
him, pull up alongside and try to shunt him into a wall. As soon as smoke starts coming out of his car, he'll start
to slow down. Then you can keep ramming until the car goes up in flames. ■ Rejoin the prison van convoy Just follow your car's indicators to the prison van convoy If you write off your car, you can grab another Drive quickly as there is a time limit. Once you get near to the van, the mission will end.
MISSION 18 THE VIGILANTE
■ Rescue the rookie cops from the Yardies
^^B Follow the car's indicators to the Yardie drug factory. The entrance to the building is down an alley, guarded by one of the gang members.
Shoot him and proceed down the alley shooting the other Yardies that are down here. Go up the stairs and be ready to take on four or five Yardies who come out of the room at the top. Rest if you need to, then enter the room and kill the remaining three or so who are hidden
behind loads of dodgy plants. Shoot the turnstiles if you fancy stopping the music. Exit the room and go up the next flight of stairs. Look around the corner into the next room. It looks a bit like a science lesson in there. Take out the Yardies
fram the safety of the doorway Retreat down the stairs to rest if you get hurt. Your bullets will start a fire. Finish off everyone in the room and wait for the fire to settle.
Walk through the doorway and you'll find the rookie cops.
starts smoking, it's time to jump out and finish off
MISSION 19
anyone still standing
S TA L K I N G M C C O R M A C K
and the Triads in the NCP car park Chinatown is Just around the corner Drive to
the street where the gangs are fighting Drive up it until your hazard lights start flashing. Get out, run towards the
114 PlayStation.? □FFICIRL mHGRZINE-UK
■ Protect the prison van convoy by taking
B out the gang member in the Range Rover iSSfl This is quite tricky. As soon as the police car
suspects are sat inside.
MISSION 16 yww PAINTING THE TOWN RED the Yardies B ■ stop the gang war between
■ VIOLENT? Too right. Next you'll have to drive the body to Chinatown.
ESCORT DUTY
hand brake for cornering Once you've caught up with
parked white van on the far side of the car park. The
limit. Try to get over how strange it is to be on the right
MISSION 17
lurking, before proceeding to the car park area, so no one can sneak up behind you. When you reach the car
corridor to another gap in the floor Inch your way
■ Rush Joe to the UL£ Hospital You have to drive Joe to the hospital within the time
on this level. Walk down the next ramp. There are loads more gangsters to shoot down. Once you're down to the final person, uniformed officers will come and arrest him.
damage at all. Keep the accelerator pressed down and use the
gangsters at the end of the corridor and follow the
the armed officers arrest him.
park level carefully as cars will screech past. Stick near
the wall. There should Just be a couple of gang members
your back and remember to rest if you get injured. It's best to check out the yard to make sure no one else is
park, uniformed officers will Join you. Help them take care of the remaining Yardies, then walk over to the
across it and go left. Jake is in a room down here. Let
and take out more gang members on the far side of the car park. Now, walk down the next ramp. Cross this car
NCP car park and shoot the gang members by the entrance. Walk down the ramp - there are loads of gang members in the car park at the bottom. Roll when out in the open and use cars and walls for cover
■ Tailing McCormack
B Exit the drug factory the way that you came in. Shoot the two Yardies blocking the exit, then pick off the remaining people fighting in the yard. When the police arrive, it should be safe to exit the yard. There will be a couple of people to shoot in the street. Find a car and head for the police station. Once your hazard lights flash, McCormack will drive out of the police station car park. If you don't see him. Just follow your indicators until you catch up. He's in a
red Vectra. Your hazards will flash if you get too close to him, then he'll spot you and the mission will end. Keep
following him. Try to keep him in sight - you'll fail the mission if you lose sight of him for 45 consecutive seconds. Once you reach the depot, wait for him to exit the car and walk inside before following him.
MISSION 21 THE
warehouse. Wait behind the crate to the right of IvicCormack and the other guy until they walk away. Follow behind them at a safe distance and when you reach a brick wall, walk around to the left and go around the crate. Walk around one side of the crates and peer around the corner
You should see two people talking When they walk away, you'll see McCormack and his mate through some crates. Leg it towards them and stop at the largest piece of cargo. Sidestep around this to the left, checking the coast is clear, then run underneath the left platform on the far side of the room. Creep up on the two guys with guns. Now you're in, start shooting. Take out the three guys in this area, then move back towards the entrance and go up the stairs to the balcony. There won't be many people left, so don't worry about checking everywhere.
niES
■ Sneak into the basement and find Charlie
H The warehouse is Just a short drive away When you get there, look around the corner to see two people talking. When one of them walks
■ Follow McCormack. Sneak into Charlie's Depot Take the door behind the desk, then the one to the
JOLSON
away, run behind the other, by his car, and either pistol whip or arrest him - depending on how generous you' feel. Enter the building and walk up the stairs behind the man stood with his back to you. Wait in Stealth mode by the next doorway for the three men talking to walk away - one will walk straight past you through this doonway Go down the steps and hide behind the nearest package. Wait for the two men to walk away, then go through the nearest door Two more are stood on the other side to
your right, facing away - wait for them to walk off. Follow the one in a blue top until you reach some lighter coloured boxes. Wait here and peer around the corner You should be able to see the man in the blue top stood at the top of the stairs to the basement facing
MISSION 20 I DO THE WORLD A FAVOUR
of the Bethnal gang Shoot them all and uniformed police officers will arrive. One will stay on guard outside Joe's room so you're safe to leave him. Go right down the corridor and walk around the hospital, shooting all the gangsters, including Big Walter Check the wards and all the corridors. Armed police officers will help you. Once all the gangsters are dead, your mission objective will change. ■ Go to the lock up in Scoresby Street Follow the car's indicators to the lock up. You'll notice a nice welcoming party of a few gangsters in cars as you approach it, so when you get out of the car, make sure you're ready for a gun battle. ■ Find the files in the lock up Peer around the corner before entering the lock up. You should be able to kill three or more gangsters from this position. Now run into the lock up and take out the remaining gangsters. Go to the doorway to the right of the car and shoot the guy on the other side before proceeding. Stand in the doorway and lean around again to kill the other two people in here. Enter the room and watch your back - others might follow you in. To complete the mission, kill the guy in the far corner and walk up to his body to find the files.
you'll catch up with Jake. Shoot at him and he'll run around the corner Fi
him up the stairs. At the top there are a couple of r stood on the far side and a couple more will come the stairs. There's also someone in the kitchen. Res
you need to before going up the next flight of steps out on to the balcony and walk around it. A couple
powerful than the Pistol and keep rolling. After you'' taken a few hits, running back down the steps and
him. The other man has walked into the basement. Move
resting will ensure he's the first to die.
back where you can see the bald man and wait until he walks away before legging it into the basement.
MISSION 24
Eventually, he'll move to Join the other guy watching TV. Run across the room and through the archway as fast as you possibly can.
MEET
MARK
HAMMOND
■ Escape from the warehouse
B Shoot the guy walking down the stairs, then go up the stairs and leg it left to the crates. There are loads of gangsters to kill and if you stay out in the open, you'll be shot down within seconds. Use the boxes for cover and look around the edge before moving forwards. Shoot as many people as you
LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY
■ Escape from the cargo ship You now have only three minutes to get ol ship before it blows up. Run down the stai straight down the corridor You'll have to si and shoot a few people along the way. Go up the sta the top of the corridor and head into the loading are down the stairs and head for the door on the right o room. There are two or three gangsters you'll have to on the way through this room. A couple have Shotgu will do you a lot of damage if you Just try running pa Now run down the corridor towards the engine If you're injured to the point of not being able to rui for ten seconds or so here, but no longer than that you'll run out of time. Go into the engine room and the two people there, and the one stood up on the level. Run up the stairs to the deck
can from behind the crates. Leave the warehouse the
Finally, run left out onto the deck and your final mission is
way you came in. Shoot the few people outside, then Jump into one of the cars and escape.
complete. You've finished the game. Congratulations!
I Save Joe and secure the hospital
I Stand in the doorway of Joe's room. Down the I corridor to your right wil be several members
resting if you get injured. If you're struggling, try run left along the boat. Just shooting anyone who is din in your way They won't all follow and surround you here. Once they're all dead, go through the doorwaj
bald man, then run to the next crate. Move around the
MISSION 22 D Race to the hospital. Find Joe Get to the hospital within the time limit - it's not too tough. Just try to get into a fast car You're not going to the A&E - the building you want is before that. Once inside, you have another time limit in which to find Joe, so take the stairs to the second floor and go straight to the private rooms. Joe will be in the last one on the left with the police guard outside.
presence on board Is most unwelcome. Use the cn to duck behind and don't run out in the open. Keej
crates until you're in a position to sneak up behind the man at the top of the stairs and pistol whip or arrest
away from you, there's a man in a grey suit next to him and a bald man looking in your direction in the distance. Wait for the moving crate to drop down in front of the
men will be stood talking. Wait for them to walk away and move around the wall so you can see them again. Wait while they both stand still - the furthest one away is blocking the doorway that you need to go through.
right side of the law, help to stop these thugs.
When you get there, climb aboard. Pistol whip tl first guy standing with his back to you, then nick hi Assault Rifle. Not surprisingly, the rest of the gangst onboard will soon spot you and make it clear that;
guys will come towards you and Jake will make off crane. Run back down the stairs and go to the fron the boat, where you'll catch up with Jake on the cr Make sure you're on full health before you go u| there. He's tough to kill - Just standing still and firir see you dead. Try to arm yourself with something n
Wait at the bottom and look around the corner - two
RIOT CONTROL On
Follow the car's indicators to the Sol Vita.
■ Follow Jake to the depot and sneak inside. Drive quickly to the depot - you've got a time limit. Gangsters will be after you in cars - Just use the usual tactics to shake them off. You'll be able to change cars if they do too much damage to yours, but if you change too many times you'll run out of time. Back at the depot, wait for the two bad guys to move away then take the main entrance into reception. Follow the guy going upstairs into the meeting room and arrest him. Go into the main loading area and down the stairs. Once the faster guy moves away, arrest the slower one. Peer around the corner and you'll see one of the many gang members heading towards you. Quickly run back and stay out of sight. Once he's gone, head in the direction the faster guy went, sticking close to the middle of the loading area. When you reach the rear of the vehicles and people, the mission will end.
MISSION 23 SHOWDOWN
wrm
jake
yWW ■ Find Jake onboard the cargo ship and
H stop him in his tracks
First things first, so shoot any gangsters in your way, then run out of the depot and get into the nearest car Even more people will turn up in cars, so
you need to make your escape quickly, before you find yourself hopelessly outnumbered by cop-killing bad guys.
□FFICIRL mRERZINE-UK PlaySt^
HRRDCQRe lURLKTHRDUBH
HOG TIED
GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE aTY Part Two of our exhaustive Vice City guide expiains the essential property missions. the way down to your first safe house at the bottom of
LOVE JUICE
Ocean Drive. This should give the band enough time to diffuse the bomb and to make things easier, there aren't any real obstmctions in your way so you wont slow down.
special cocktaii and it's up to you to find it. First things first. Grab a fast bike, the PCJ is
the one to go for Get to the pink biip and honk the horn. The dealer will come out and take your money without handing over the merchandise. Sort him
out. The good thing about following on a motorcycle is you can fire ahead of you, so hold back a little and fire away One or two direct hits is enough to drop him off
his bike. Collect the money and the phone will ring requesting some 'company' for the band. Drive to the
blip to pick up the hooker You've got to high tail it back to the band as they're on stage soon, so weave in and
out of the traffic and go as fast as possible. If you're still on the PCJ, push forward slightly to lower wind resistance and improve your speed. Reward; $2,000
PSYCHO KILLER Lx)ve Fist are being stalked by a dodgy
character Get in the limo and drive to the pink blip on the map. Here's where it gets tricky. One of the fans will kill a security guard then
After the drama's over deliver the band to the concert. Reward: $8,000
BIKER MISSIONS
ALLOY WHEELS OF STEEL I bar FolloYou w the spade icon on the map to the biker have to convince the bikers you're worthy of their company, so a race is set up.
I Grab one of the bikes parked outside and line
racers before you get there. The race will start and you'll already have a healthy lead because of the speedy run up you took. The trick during the race is to blast along the straights at full whack, but slow down as you get to the corners and handbrake turn into them. One trick that
works is pushing forward on the bike so you duck and lower wind resistance. It gives you an extra speed boost the other racers don't possess... the dumb asses! Hunch
over your bike on the initial straight and you're sorted.
you're hunting for a bike, head down to the industrial
area at the south end of the city and grab a huge truck and park it in front of the two riders on the right when they are on the start line. Steal the third one's bike (eliminating him from the race) and drive off. The
over The choice is yours.
truck will block their way and leave you free and clear
Reward: $4,000
Reward: $1,000
MESSING WITH THE MAN I You have two minutes to fil up your chaos meter to maximum. Why? Well, quite simply the bikers want to show
I the world they're not to be messed with. First you want to stock up on Rockets and Grenades or
Molotov Cocktails. Make sure you're wearing Armour and have full Health as well. To be honest, there's no real mission here -
can earn you a gold disc.
PUBLICITY TOUR yWM Lj ve they Rst are l territofied the psycho er,r Hoso enlissti t you drivof e them aroundstal to kthei gig Unfortunately when you get in the car you realise there's a bomb attached. If you
it's all about killing as many people and blowing up as many cars as you can, and generally wreaking as much havoc as humanly possible. And there's a simple trick that'll give you an ultra-easy chance to win this one - blow one car
up and fire at it continually The chaos meter will rise
slow down too much it'll explode. It takes the band a while
even though the car is
to defuse the bomb, so drive to the left straight away and
already beaten up. Neat!
head for the first island. You can follow the main road all
116 PlayStation,? OFFICIRL fTlRBRZINE-UK
Reward; $4,000
THE PRINT WORKS
Cost: $70,000
SPILLING THE BEANS I After buying the old print works and having a chat with the old fella about money get in the cab and head to the Malibu. The guy there
I mentions the docks, so head to the blip on the radar The boat where the shipping master is located is heavily guanjed, so take it slow and steady Auto-aim with m as you walk through the ship. A Shotgun is the best weapon to use. Get the info and your wanted level
Reward: $2,000
way through the pink start grid and fire at the other
can also cheat in an even more dastardly way. When
■ LOVE FIST Amazing
the bike and drive to the bar to complete the mission.
gonna cheat lit is our Job after all!) so simply blast your
best way to get him is to not follow too close, and use the moments he collides with other cars as your hit points. Use the left and right look buttons when he gets
the kind of music that
the bike and nick a PCJ 600. Now head
down the road nearest the store. Use the stairs facing the store to Jump onto the roof. Snipe the guards on the roof then take a long run up to pick up speed. Leave the roof via the two sets of stairs and kill anyone who attacks you. Take the bike and drive it back up the sets of stairs you entered the area from. Jump off the roof on
increases. If you need Health, there's some under the gangway so nab it and drive back to the printworks.
You can ram the other racers, but don't attempt to attack them in any other way or the race is over You
and follow him far enough and he'll get out the car Now it's simply a matter of gunning him down or running him
nicked. Get to the Ammunation that's hiding
yourself up about 20 feet back from the start line. We're
get in a car and drive off. You have to follow him and ram him with the limo. He's a very neat driver, so the
out of sight as he doesn't appear on the radar Ram him
Big Mitch (the biker leader) has had his bike
PROPERTY MISSIONS
LOVE FIST MISSIONS The rock band wants the ingredients of a
This is quite an easy mission if you play it cool
Reward: $2,000
HIT THE COURIER You need some aimable weapons - the PSG and Sniper Rifle are perfect - and a fast car Also make sure you're maxed out in Armour and Health. You must take out the courier with
the counterfeit plates then steal the plates. Head to the pink blip on the radar The yellow one is the position of the courier First, take out the sniper and the car tyres the PSG or the Sniper Rifle are great for this. Carry on firing into the bodyguards until the courier sets
1 down. With popped tyres, her [ vehicle is much slower, so ram it until it explodes. She'll escape, but ) she's no match for you in a car Grab the plates from her body and speed back to the printers.
' Reward: $5,000
THE SHOOTIST
CHECKPOINT CHARLIE
I This one Is easy If you're calm. Get to the blip
I Not really a mission, but once you purchase
on the map and go through the back of the
the boatyard you get to race the boats around
Ammunation to talk to Phil. He'll challenge yo
the docks collecting the packages. Try not to
1 to a shooting contest. In the first round the
1 turn too hard In the boats or you'l lose control.
easiest way to beat him Is to line up a shot where all
Keep pumping and letting go of the accelerator to keep
three dummies are In a straight line. Constant firing ove that area will take them out. The second round is even easier Smooth movement of the stick works best, as
an even keel and generally treat your boat with respect. Reward: $1,000 PORN EMPIRE Cost; $60,000 ■ B L A C K M A I L S U N D AY
RECRUITMENT DRIVE I Buying the porn empire costs a hefty whack of money, but the rewards are Interesting and fun. Your first mission is to grab some lovely ladles
I for the business. Follow the first blip to Candy
Suxxx. When her pimp drives up, try and shoot some of his tyres. Ignore his thugs and give chase. Keep ramming and shooting his car until It explodes, then return to Candy Drive to the next blip on the map to collect
This isnt Tommy sniping, it's a long range camera.
long as you don't move It diagonally The third section 1: more pot luck, but If you're good enough you should have the score wrapped up by the time you get here. Reward: $2,000
THE DRIVER
KAUFMANN CAB'S VIP Your first duty Is to pick the VIP up from ■ Starfish Island. Hop in a cab and floor It - you only have a minute. Follow the blip, and beep the horn when you're In the marker Another cabbie shows up and steals the fare, so you have to make him pay He drives pretty straight, so ram him as much as possible. Keep It up and the fare will hop cabs Into yours. You now have to get him to the airport with
The hardest mission in the game, but follow ■ our lead. Meet the driver outside the Mallbu. ®
you. The race Is a large loop through the streets of Vice City, but his car's fast and yours Isn't.
the attention of the other cabbie. Use lots of short cuts
Add the police chasing the pair of you and you're In for a sticky ride, so cheat - before you accept the mission park a Comet or Cheetah near the Police Station, Just a the bridge, near where you start. When you start, ram and drive-by shoot him until you get to this point, then switch to the fast car Now you're on even terms. Both
DILDO DODO
through alleys - the area Is full of them, so you should
cars corner brilliantly so keep tight and fast to win.
You've got a movie to advertise, and the only r way is to take to the skies and drop the filers.
lose him. Then it's an easy drive to the airport.
Mercedes, another performer. She's In the pizza place.
From there you only have to deliver them to the studio to finish the mission. Reward: $1000
''''P studios and there's a Skimmer waiting - It's a
Reward: $1,000
FRIENDLY RIVALRY
seaplane, so get yourself airborne. The best way to do
You have to destroy three rival cabs patrolling
this task Is to start at the very north point, above the dirtbike track and work your way down and back In a
the city. Two things make this easy: First, you don't need to use a cab If you don't want to -
huge loop. As soon as you activate the first checkpoint
as soon as you see a better car just hijack It.
Don't zig-zag with the plane - take it slow and easy,
Second, as soon as the violence begins, the other cabbies will drive straight towards you - no dodging here. Use this to your advantage, by parking your car across the front of theirs and shooting their engines,
following as natural a loop as possible.
drive-by style.
Reward: $2,000
Reward: $2,000
MARTHA'S MUGSHOT
CABAGEDDON
the next one Is made clear Follow that to the next point
until you loop around from the airport over the docks. Follow the highway back up and the mission is over
I Mercedes wants you to pay her a visit, but
You have to tall Candy to her Congressman
boyfriend's hotel and snap the pair In an
a very handy machine and you shouldn't have any trouble controlling it. Follow Candy's llmo to the hotel. Instead of getting out of the chopper and running into
Drive Into the b-ball marked garage in the corner of the
the hotel, land the chopper on the front awning of the
runs out the head cab will turn up. Stay on foot and run
hotel. This gives you the opportunity to take a pic
behind the concrete pillars. Use either a Sniper Rifle,
without the risk of being shot. Snap them three times
PSG or Rocket Launcher to take him out. Reward; $3,000
G-SPOTLIGHT This Is a fun but infuriating mission. You have to make several Insane Jumps with the aim of accessing a spotlight on a roof. The
spotlight will be used to project a picture of Candy's ample breasts to advertise the movie. Nab the security guard's bike and follow the blip to the first Jump. The best advice throughout all the Jumps Is to start early In the afternoon and to get as long a run up as possible
In every Jump. Be honest with your capabilities - never take a jump when it feels like you're under-powering towards it. When you've completed this mission, you've also successfully completed the Porn Studio asset. Reward: $4,000 KAUFMANN CABS Cost: $40,000
the vault. Leave Cam there and search for the manager
who's cowering in a room on the first floor He'll follow without the need for violence. Once the vault's sorted, i
to the lobby where the SWAT team are about to show l Use the Magnum - It's a speedy one-shot kill. Auto-aln every SWAT guy and you'll easily kill them. Head outsldi and watch your getaway driver get mown down. Again, auto-target the SWAT guys nearest the taxi and hop In. Reverse to the road and follow the blip to the nearest Mallbu asset Is unlocked. Reward: $50,000
area. Here, either the car gets rigged with a bomb and you can escape and detonate It, or It will be protected by all the other cabs trying to grind It. When the timer
Reward: $4,000
Head upstairs and don't shoot until the security guards show up. Head to the second floor and
Pay And Spray Once sprayed. Just drive to the blip. The
won't show, but the entire staff of the rival cabs will.
In a chopper it's very easy.
The gang's all set, so tool up and wheel out. ■ Get In the taxi and follow the blip to the ban across town. Enter the bank and be calm.
your tall. Follow the blip to the docks and
I sound the horn in the purple area. Mercedes
THE
THE JOB
unfortunately the rival cab firm are still on
intimate rendezvous. The thing to remember here is to ignore the advice on screen. Our method Is much easier and safer Once Candy leaves the studio head to the back and get In the chopper It's
then fly back to the film studio. If you did this In a car, your massive wanted level would really make It hard, but
Reward: $3,000
MAUBU
Cost: $120,000
NO ESCAPE yWW You have a safe to bust Into, but first you
have to break the safe breaker out of Jail. Follow the map to the yellow blip. Park a fast car outside the police station. Inside the police
station, head left Into the locker room and collect the uniform. Follow the high blip to the keycard then the lower blip to the basement where the cells are. Let Cam out and protect him. A Shotgun Is good, as It's Instant death for anyone In your way Get to the car and drive as fast as possible to the blip to get the car resprayed. The route has a few small alleys, so use them. Once the
FINAL MISSIONS
CAP THE COLLECTOR When you arrive at the print works the old ■ geezer has been roughed up. Sonny Forelli I; responsible, and he's come to collect on the profit. All the properties you've garnered are risk from his tax collectors. On the map the red blip
represents the property at risk. Head to the boathouse and take out the thugs on bikes by ramming them. Pic up the Rocket Launcher You're now basically chasing 1 red blip all over town. The collectors are tough, but the Rocket Launcher soon has them begging for mercy Reward: $30,000
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSI Head to your mansion on Starfish Island fo the final mission. The mob are coming and
they're not happy Protect the safe, shootlnj 15 or so goons who attack. Use the Shotgu or Magnum, keep swapping the auto-aim quickly, and they'll fall. Next up Is Lance. Chase him to the roof top and grab the adrenaline pill to Improve reaction speec
car Is sprayed the wanted level drops and you're free to
Aim for the barrels to take out groups of guys at once
deliver Cam to his home. Reward: $1000
the others. Back in the mansion. Sonny shows up. Use
Lance Is tough, so keep moving, but he'll die as easily your desk as cover and auto-aim Into the thugs until you kill Sonny When he's dead, the game's beateni
□FFICIFIL fTIRERZINE-UK PlayStation.E 1
HBRDC0R6 GRDGET GURU
007 NIGHTFIRE The girls. The gadgets. You know his name, now play the game.
FFIQs We reveal how to get past those hair-pulling stumbling blocks. GTA: VICE CITY QUESTION: I managed
to complete the Cop Land mission, and felt
very smug for alMut ten minutes, until I realised that the
Tarbrush Cafe, which I so completely
destroyed, was one of the 15 stores that you can rob. Have I
completely screwed up my chance of
FLy DRIUE
H AV E N : C A U . OF THE KING Another stunning platformer hits PS2. But it's more than just ledge-leaping skills you need. SHOOTING, DRIVING AND FLYING
Throughout the adventure you'll get to take control of all sorts of craft, from quad bikes to gliders. Here's a quick rundown on how to operate them all.
getting 100%
s DEATH RACE You'll
completion? Yes you have. Sony to
be Haven a great time racing Quads.
say it, but there's no way you can get 100% completion without
GUN CONTROL If you wanna survive long enough to get down and ditty with some Bond babes, be prepared... RELOAD OFTEN
You'll come up against enemy fire frequently and often unexpectedly. Always be ready to fight by making sure you're clip's always full. Try checking the alternate firing mode of your weapons too, certain situations demand different firing modes.
robbing all 15 stores, so we hope you've got a previous save game you can
use,
QUESTION: rve got to a point where I'm not sure where to go next. I concentrated on the main plot missions for
Diaz and Cortez, and I Ve b e e n t o l d t h a t F v e
completed the
'Protection Ring Asset'. What now?
CIRCLE STRAFE
The classic tip for first-person shooters. Master this and you've got it cracked. Sidestep around an opponent while keeping them firmly in your sights By the time they've got a clear shot, you've got them pegged.
Yo u ' v e d o n e a n
Important chunk of the
game, but the next step Is to buy two properties. The Mallbu Club (for $120,000, located in... well, surely you remember?) and the
are a few things to remember
well and corner fast. Just
Attackers tend to follow set
located northeast of
patterns so try to learn these as quickly as possible. Take out only the missiles and enemies that are heading straight for you and Ignore the others. If a big enemy has a hot spot that needs shooting keep going for It. The principal here Is very simple: the faster you take out the hotspots, the quicker the enemy is defeated. So go for It.
remember, because they're so fast and sensitive. If you're
Escobar Airport). You
Not just dotted around Indiscriminately oh no. They can be blown up to take down multiple enemies in one hit. Not only do you save on your ammo, but it means you can get through the level quicker,
must complete the missions for these two assets to continue Ttiere
topping up your bonuses as you go.
necessary capital.
Sneak up behind enemies and poke your gun In
DRIVING You get to drive Quad Racers on the land and Speedboats on the water When driving the Quad Racers just go for It. They handle
Print Works Ifor $70,000,
BLOW UP BARRELS
SURRENDER
SHOOTING At various points you'll take control of gun turrets. The controls are very straightforward - just aim and shoot - but there
are ottier side missions
available you're having trouble raising the
chasing a target or going up a thin ramp it's all too easy to either miss the target or steer off course so kill that speed to keep your accuracy good. When using speedboats, the only thing to remember Is that they can travel over small areas of land
without losing too much speed. This helps to avoid torpedos too.
F LY I N G The gliders look hi-tech, but they're just like the hang gliders we have here on Earth, to be honest. When landing kill your speed by pulling back and lifting the nose of the craft upwards. Aircraft and spacecraft require different sets of skills so you're on your own here Isorry, but you really ought to put in a bit of work, you know). All we'll say Is that In combat situations, always keep one eye on the radar to keep track of the enemies and don't forget to use those m and m buttons to roil away from attacks. Chocks away!
their back They'll drop their weapon (and maybe
more) and put their hands up. You get extra bonus
POTTY TIME
points for doing it and a weapon with a full clip sorted secret agent-slyle.
The weird thing about Haven's universe is that anything useful seems to come in a pot. But there's more than one type of pot and not all of them give up their contents easily.
USE YOURZOOM
It's hard to control the sniper rifle at full magnification. Try using only half so you can move to your target more quickly and accurately
HOT SHOTS White-hot blasts of tippage for instant expertise. BOND MOVES
REGULAR POTS Regular pots are easy peasy. Just break 'em any way you like and then grab all the goodies. EXPLODING POTS. These are a pain and come In various types. Some explode when touched, others fizz for a few seconds before exploding. Trouble is, they can often
destroy the goodies hiding in adjacent regular pots so always break open the regular pots first. POTS WITH SPIKES Pots with spikes are no big deal so long as you approach them carefully. If there are spikes around the side, break them open by stomping down on them. Alternatively, If there are
spikes on top, use your Mag Bali from the side.
FLAMING POTS These can only be broken open by a Shield Dragon so go find a fire pot, break it open carefully to get the Dragon and then activate your shield lit is charged. Isn't it?| to guide it to the flaming pot.
Extra points are awarded in NightFire for pulling off dashing Bond-style stunts and moves.
STTLE GURU M U LT I P L E R O U T E S
There ar« so many game styles in Haven it's hard to know where to start. But we can show you <
There are often two or three ways to find your way
few of the basics to get you started...
around the missions. Look for alternate routes and
GRIND RAILS You'll find the first of these green glowing overiiead rails to the left of your start point In Virescent
you're likely to come across more Bond Moves. SMOKE GRENADES
You can see through Smoke Grenades by using the night vision on your x-ray specs. Use a Grenade to bewilder multiple opponents then pick them off.
Village. Make sure you go over there and practice your grinding. It's easy to fall off mid-grind so get the hang of It here and save yourself lots of grief.
007 BONUSES
Replay a mission after collecting a Gold Medal to collect the 007 Bonuses. This is the only way to earn a Platinum Medal and gain a maximum score.
118 PlayStation,2 DFFICIRL mHBRZINE-UK
POWER-UPS It's tempting just to grab every power-up as soon as you find It.
Don't. Energy Is at a premium In some sections so If you find a power-up and your energy isn't
otherwise It's always better to
too low, leave It then come back
USE THE BLASTER Some parts of the game require you to use the arm blaster in
to it when you really need it.
IF POSSIBLE, RUN Many of the enemies, especially the guards, don't attack unless you're In close range. Where possible, avoid conflict. If enemies attack or give chase then you'll have to engage them.
avoid conflict.
First-Person mode. It's also
useful for picking off enemies at a distance though, so try recharging the blaster and clearing enemies with It. This will save you the task of having to go Into close combat.
GRmiNG LJIZRRDRU
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER
Need to cheat your way to wctoiy on a certain game? Write to us and well ease your pain.
OF SECRETS
but not OS we remember it PREFECT DARK
up against walls/flat surfaces. It slows you down, but If you slide along to a corner you can peer around It using id or ca. They can't see
you, but you can see the precise moment they look away and you can dart past. Thirdly, you've
got an Inventory full of Stink Pellets and Balloons, so use them! They both distract the Prefects, allowing you to lead them one way and run around the other If you run out, you could cast a Flipendo to attract their attention. Fourth and lastly, if you get spotted - run like hell! You may make it to the door, and if you zigzag around obstacles, their Locomoto Mortis spells will hit and get absorbed by them!
Golden P2K
AU P2K
Golden PP7
AU PP7
All boards Level select...
Half of the game takes place In the dead of
you. Secondly make use of your ability to push
following codes at the character select screen.
S I M P S O N S : S K AT E B O A R D I N a . .
It's a game about school -
night, and since students are supposed to be all tucked up cosy and warm, Prefects prowl the corridors looking for trouble makers - like you. There are four cardinal rules to sneaking past these goodie-goodies. Firstly, hide In a safe spot and watch them from afar Take as long as you need to learn the pattern they walk in, so you can spot the moments they turn their backs to
Hold down m + IB + m + CB and enter the
Rifle scope upgrade.. Camera upgrade Decrypter upgrade P2K upgrade
m Michael Peek wants some codes for THE
..®, ®, @ ...®,' ...®,' ®, ® , ® , ®® , , @
Get $99.00 All skaters TO N Y H AW K ' S P R O S K AT E R 3
On the Tokyo level
Fuzzy skaters Big head Homer
there is a secret area.
Underwear
Here's what to do;
Big
Grind around the
Gangsta Demon
platform from where
you get the medals and keep grinding. Jump onto the platform with the
white side then jump onto the platform with the orange side. There's be a big ring. It will fall over and smash a hole In the
wall. Ride through the wall and there's the
Homer
head
Bart
Bart Marge
Big head Lisa Gangsta Lisa Big head Nelson.. Ballerina Nelson..
Sunglasses Otto... Big head Frink Groovy Frink Business suit Krusty...
Big head Wiggum Man eater Wiggum
®, ®,
@
® ® @. ® ® ®, @ ® ®, @
®,
@
@, ®, @, a
...®,
Multiplayer Jaws
Multiplayer Max Zorin..., Multiplayer Mayday Multiplayer Nic-Nac Multiplayer Oddjob Multiplayer Pussy Galore... Multiplayer Renard Multiplayer Scaramanga... Multiplayer Wal Lin
Chain Reaction level.. Countdown level
PA S S P O R T POWDER . . . M E LT D O W N BLASTOFF
Deep Descent level
...AQUA
Double Cross level
BONSAI
Enemies Vanquished level...
LIFTOFF ...PHOTON ZAP
D E N TA L BLIMP BADGIRL BITESIZE BOWLER CIRCUS HEADCASE ASSASSIN MARTIAL
...TRACTION
Equinox level
. VA C U U M
Island Infiltration level..
PA R A D I S E
NIghtshift level
HIGHRISE
Send in your code requests to: CODE-U-UKE, OmCfAL PS2 MAGAZINE FUTURE PUBUSHING, 30 MONMOUTH STREET B AT H B A l 2 B W
FLAME
Phoenix Fire level
All gadget upgrades Bigger clip for sniper rifle...
P2000
M u l t i p l a y e r A s s a s s i n a t i o n TA R G E T Multiplayer Demolition .TNT Multiplayer Explosive Scenery BOOM Multiplayer GoldenEye Strike ORBIT Multiplayer Protection option GUARDIAN Multiplayer Team King Of The Hill...TEAMWORK Multiplayer Uplink TRANSMIT M u l t i p l a y e r a l l c h a r a c t e r s PA R T Y Multiplayer Baron Samedi .VOODOO Multiplayer Bond Spacesuit ZERO G M u l t i p l a y e r B o n d Tu x e d o B L A C K T I E Multiplayer Christmas Jones NUCLEAR Multiplayer Drake NUMBER 1 Multiplayer Elektra King SLICK MIDAS Multiplayer Goldfinger..
JAMES BOND 007: NIGHTFIRE.. Level select
SESAME
Tr a n q u i l i z e r d a r t u p g r a d e S L E E P Y Vanquish car missile upgrade LAUNCH All multiplayer options GAMEROOM
■ Andrew Darby is after some codes for
Alpine Escape level ■ HARRY'S GAME Peering like tills is perfectly safe.
®, @
Grapple upgrade... Laser upgrade Stunner upgrade...
SCOPE ...SHUTTER
Q LAB ...MAGAZINE
or email:
ps2surgery€>futurenet.co.uk
NEXT MONTH IN HRRDIICIRE Get sneaky with
S LY R A C C O O N We help you crack
APE ESCAPE 2 TREASURE PLANET plus Kingdom Hearts tips
Cant wait till then? For all your tips needs, grab yourself a copy of Official PS2 Tips Magazine, priced £3.99
□FFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK PlayStation.^ U
I
honbli
Your definitive guide to every PlayStation 2 game out there. YOUR KEY TO SHORTUST
So you've just bought a PS2 - now
what? You'll be wanting the best games to play, that's what. The fastest racers, the most gruesome shooters, the hardest platformers and. If you're any type of decent human being a copy of Pro Evolution
4X4 i EVOLU O TIN
GOLD
REVIEWED 0PS2#06/OVERAU. 05
Only for games
7 j BLADES
I Pacey ninja-flavoured adventure wtth oodles of chopsocky action. I REVIEWED OPS2#05/OVERAU. 06
Soccer 2. You'll also need to know a bit about the
developers behind the games, our monthly genrespecific top fives, which games from the past we
think deserve a second look, all the best bargains and what's top of the charts. Welcome to Shortlist, which not only does
everything we've just listed but gives you minireviews and scores for every PS2 game on the market. You'll see which titles scooped our quality-assured Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, plus you can check when we ran a playable demo of a certain game Oh, and be sure to bookmark
uk,playstatlon.com where we'll eventually be putting all of our reviews. □
ARMY MEN AIR ATTACK: BLADE'S REVENGE
Tazzing around in 4X4s should be more fun than this, sunsly?
8 1W H EE LR
Very diddy and very dull Amy Men helicopter game Avoid REVIEWED OPS2#09/OVERALL 02
that scored the elusive 10/10.
ARMY MEN: GREEN ROGUE
S I LV E R
On-raiis AM shooter - and one of the worst games weVe seen.
Awarded to games with a
REVIEWED OPS2#08/OVERAU.01
mighty 9/10.
ARMY MEN: RTS
Solid Sega truck racer, but 18 wheels arent always better... REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERALL 06
12002 FIFA WORLD CUP I New slant on the HFA formula but an own goal,
fREVE I WEDOPS2#21O / VERAU06*/OVD#22 ■ACE COMBAT: DISTANT THUNDER ^Namco's cult PSone combat flight sim now looking sweet on PSZ ; REVIEWED OPS2#17/OVERA1107/»OVD#16
!AGE of empires II: THE AGE OF KINGS
Real-time strategy and Amiy Men together at last!
BRONZE
REVIEWED OPS2#22/OVERAll 06/*DVD#23
Given to games that scored an
'ARMY MEN: SARGE'S HEROES 2
impressive 8/10.
Third-person action adventure - for Army Men obsesslves only.
•DVD#16
REVIEWED OPS2#07/OVERALL 03
Fancy trying a game out before
I
ATLANTIS III: THE NEW WORLD
you buy it? Here's the issue
Tedious first-person adventure. Think Myst minus the fun. Exactly.
where we ran a
REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERAa 02
playable demo. ATV OFFROAD
I Beardy feudal real-time strate© title from the makers of (ssh) Xbox.
Solid quad bike racer well worth a look for its Four-player mode,
R [ EVE I WEDOPS2#13O / VERA±i07
REVIEWED OPS2#10/OVERALL 06
■a g g r e s s i v e I N U N E r . . o : - ; 2 E
rATV2: QUAD POWER RACING
| ARdEdV ictivIEeWTE on HPoSw2k#s'23c/O lonVeER thA atas0w8o a2te4boards for skates. 1 DyO /«p OsVsDk#
^ Average quad bike racer with some innovative elements.
[AIRBLADE bronze
'AUTO MODELUSTA
I REVIEWED OPS2*29/OVERAa 05/«)VD#30
ITony Howks' goes BockToTTe i Future for thsi top hoverboard racer 1REVIEWEDOPS2#14/OVERALL08/MVD#14
SiicK playable eel-shaded racer Lack of online play lets It down. REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAa 07
lAKIRA PSYCHOBALL
]f TTBieArespect LDUeR S ' GATactEio:nDRPG ARcomes KALtoLIA NC brofonrm.^ d PC-based PS2 In E superb
I Oh, the ignominy] Seminal manga flick inspires pinball fiasco.
I REVIEWED OPS2#25/OVERALL03
^ REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAa08/»I)VD#14
II Accl ALL -STARBASEBALL2002 aim bag a stat-fuelled home mn with this deep baseball sim.
IBARBARA IN
JForsooh t,goodOdni,sit amostbolodyacoitnadvenu trenideed.
^ REVIEWED 0PS2#07/OVERALL 07
I REVIEWED OPS2#23/OVERAU. 06
JALL-STARBASESAa2003:FEATURINGDEREKJETER AEnV dIEaW noEthDerOhP om i/OVforEA iAtta r7-nowwth i addedDerek) ^JR S2e #2o 0n R-lS l0
BASS STRIKE Um, fishing on PlayStation 2? One for bass aficionados only REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAll 04
IALONE IN THE DARK: THE NEW NIGHTMARE
I TTie orignal sunrfval horror game loses out to Res/ in its comeback. I REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAa 06
BATMAN VENGEANCE Action adventure based on PC's 'dark deco' cartoon.
1. PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2
^ALPINE RACER 3
JTruyl execrabe l sW-e ' m-up, Not fit to ce l an SSS
Class, strength and pace... the complete player Henry.
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERALL 06
W BATTLE ENGINE AQUILA Blowing things up In a big transformer Big tank action. REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERALL 07/*DVD#2»
■ANTZ EXTREME RACING
[BIG MUTHATRUCKERS jTruckn i gtradn i gandfighn tign i onegame?Tenfour
Ttghtly scripted movie inspires lacklustre multipiayer racer Why?
I REVIEWED OPS2#25/OVERAli 04 vAPE ESCAPE 2
I REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERALL 05
Back in prime form after a slightly lean
'BLADE II
spell. Zola.
jThrid-person perspectvi e acto i n/adventure vamprie move i te i -In.
I Cheel^ monkQ'S, but is there enou^ variety for everyone?
I REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERAa07/«DVD#29
f AQUA AQUA: WETRIX 2.0
I3 CREVIEWED uteupdateo fweather-obsessedN64puzze lrWetrK i OPS2s01/OVERALL 07
[ REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERAU. 05 New boy in town
BLOOD OMEN 2
building a big reputation. Rooney.
Arcade-tinged horror adventure for vampire lovers everywhere REVIEWED OPS2*20/OVERAiJ. 06
lARCriC THUNDER
IW /pEout meets a to-ft S/ed Storm; pa l ys great,o l oks terb ie l REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERAa 07
A [I TR EeD 2itl giant Japanese mechs ecM hyO firR st-p tsonCsO hoR otE er w
BLOODY ROAR 3 Erm, Tekken meets Thundercots? Fur flies In this gory beat-'em-up, Inconsistent, but occasionally inspired. Di Canio
IREVIEWEDOPS2#09/OVERAa06 'IBMX Indies' bitXXX s can do nothing to spice up this limp biking biscuit.
IREVE I WEDORS20 t4O / VERALl 07
REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERALL 04 r
lARMORED CORE 2; ANOTHER AGE
Bringing the
1 f^ore of the same, but definitely better than its predecessors.
beautiful game into
B [• Mrs RT IBritney NEYS DA NCEin B Edecent AT dance mat-compatible trtie. goes Bemani this
disrepute. Keane.
f REVIEWED OPS2#22/OVERALL 06/*OVD#22
▶ REVIEWED OPS2#23/OVERALL 07
120 PlayStatlon.2 OFFICIRL mRBHZINE-UK
■ DEAD OR ALIVE 2
f BURNOUT BRONZE I Hard as hell arcade-style racer, but so very, very rewarding.
Blistering, buxom 3D beat-'em-up with an emphasis on tactics REVIEWED
. REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAL1 08/*[lVD#15
jBURNOUT2:PON I TOFM I PACTbo rnze
OPS2#02/OVERALL
07/«DVD#06
D (E F E N D E R
? Four-wheel skid frenzy that positively encourages dangerous driving
Bghtles revamp that's all alien blasting and 3D flying
i REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERALL 08/*DVD#26
REVIEWED ORS2#29/OVERAiJ. 06
DEUSEX
IB U U T-G Y LM A R A T N IS :Z O O MO RD O O M
sMft
A cartoon licence! Oh, It's another insipid racer Who'd of tfiought?
JMu-tilgenrehybrd i thatbreaksnewgroundforthePS2ITS.
REVIEWED
I REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERAll 09
OPS2#28/OVERAL103
CAPCOM
VS
SNK
2
bronze
IDEVILMAYCRYsw is Ultra-cool survival horror romp from master arcadesters Capcom.
Sublime 2D beat-'em-up from two arcade masters of yore. REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAll 08
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERALL 09
CART FURY CHAMPIONSHIP RACING
N D O IS T A L K E R
Enjoyable dino-obliterating iightgun actioner laced with power-ups.
Fun arcade-flavoured cart (as In US carts) racer, but a touch erratic. REVIEWED OPS2#10/OVERAiJ. 06
REVIEWED
OPS2#24/OVERALL 07
I DISNEY'S DINOSAUR
CASPER: SPIRIT DIMENSIONS
Dull platform adventure spin-off of a dull Disney movie,
Kiddy-targeted cartoon piatfonner that sadly fails to impress. REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERALL 04
r REVIEWED OPS2#03/OVERAll 04
DISNEY'S STITCH: EXPERIMENT 626
C A IS T L E W E E N
Short-lived spooky platformer that's aimed squarely at the nippers.
So-so collect-'n'-shoot-'em-up plagued with nasty camera issues.
REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAll 04
REVIEWED
I CENTRE COURT: HARDHITTER II CREVIEWED heap as chOPS2#17/OVERALL ips, arcade-style tenn04is sim - but ITs no Smosh Court
04/«DVD#25
DNA Bloody manga-styled adventure with gene warfare at Its heart. REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERAll 06
iCR I CUSMAXM I US:CHARO I TWARS
DONALD DUCK: QUACK ATTACK
1 Like Ben Hur? Like Gladiator? Uke the idea of a chariot racer? Yes!
I Cartoon platformer aimed at the kids'. Pity the kids
IREVE I WEDOPS2#23O / VERAU.06
f REVIEWED OPS2#04/OVERAU. 04
lDOWNFORCE
CF iFYC S R I
I Surprisingly fun spin on F1 racing - think Cart Fury, but better
Helicopter adventure from Japan that's well worth a look. REVIEWED OPS2#10/OVERALL 06
COLIN
OPS2#25/OVERAll
McRAE
^REVIEWEDOPS2#21/OVERAU.06/»DVD#24
R A L LY
3
silvo)
D IRAGONBALLZ:budokai
The Scot hits PS2 with sublime handling and tasty visuals Intact
Alien filters fight aliens in this entertaining cartoony treat
JiSa REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 09/«)VD#27
REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERA1106
I1D RAGONS ' LAIR 'Choose-a-path' adventure that should've stayed in tiie Eighties...
COMMANDOS 2: MEN OF COURAGE bronze Excellent WWII real-time strategy, with sublime attention to detail.
P H l| REVE IWEDOPS2#21O / VERA1J.08
REVIEWED 0PS2#03/OVERALL 02
C O N F L I C T: D E S E R T S T O R M b r o n z e
DRAGON'S LAIR II: TIMEWARP
"mird-person shooter with superb team-based dynamics.
All the fun of the original Dragon's Lair (but a whole lot worse).
REVIEWED OPS2#24/OVERALL 08/*OVD#24
REVIEWED OPS2#03/OVERALL 01
a
'DRAKAN: THE ANCIENTS' GATES
^5 CONFLICT ZONE
Medieval action adventure with added Lara clone appeal,
1Wab -rasede rm a it-lesa rtetgyni htes^eofCommond&Coqirue.r REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERAL106
i
w REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERAll 07/»DVD#18
CRASH BANDICOOT: THE WRATH OF CORTEX
DRIVEN
A change of developer for the unofficial PSone mascot REVIEWED
OPS2#14/OVERALL
Disappointing racing game from the disappointing Sly Stallone film. REVIEWED OPS2#i5/OVERALl 04/»IIVD#13
06/«)VD#17 3
CRASHED
DRIVING EMOTION Tl'PE-S
Smash-'em-up auto action drives us to despair Very average.
Distinctly unemotional racer from Finai Fantasy people. Square. REVIEWED OPS2#05/OVERALL 04
REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERAU. 05/«I>VD#30
■ DROPSHIP: UNITED PEACE FORCE
CRAZY TAXI
Futuristic air/tank/jeep combat sim with gripping scenarios,
gpr? Thrills apien^ in this visually glltchy but fun Dreamcast port REVIEWED
OPS2#07/OVERAll
j REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAa08/«DVD#15
08
bronze
f DYNASTY (WARRIORS) TACTICS bronze
EA Sports gives the gentleman's game a gently addictive PS2 spin.
[ Impressvie turn-based stratesf game. Smarter than Its bg i brother jREVE IWEDORS2#27O / VERALL08
CRICKET
2002
REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERALL 08
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 2
DARK CLOUD
^ Feudalbate l n mxin i g strategy,swotp ia l y and, um, horse-rd in i g.
RPG meets 3D real-time strateg/ In this enthralling Japanese title.
IREVIEWEDOPS2#02/OVERAL107/*DVD#03
R E V I E W E D O P S 2 # 11 / O V E R A L L 0 7 / M ) V D # 1 4
■dark SUMMIT
DYNASTY
WARRIORS
3
bronze
KOEI Improves Its cult strategy battler In every way. Do try this.
SSX meets Tfte X files in a novel but motley sports-adventurB.
REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERALL 08/«DVD#18
; REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERALL 05
DAVE MIRRA FREESWLE BMX 2
ECCO "mE DOLPHIN: DEFENDER OF THE FUTURE
Solid BMX Sim with a suitably gnariy array of tricks and jumps.
New Age dolphin adventure that's a lot more fun than it sounds.
REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERAU. 07
REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAa 08/«DVD#16
TiT DAVID BECKHAM SOCCER
^*iM'rRP Eo Vs IEhW e lEnD dsOhPsiSn2a#m 22/e OV toER aAsUh.o0d4dyarcade-slhfootygame.
g![!i
EGGO MANIA
m
REVIEWED OPS2#25/OVERALL 04/*DVD#29
Insipid TetrJs-lnsplred puzzler that's not even a bad yolk. Sorry.
IFI RACING CHAMRONSHIP ^
■GLOBAL TOURING CHALLENGE: AFRICA
Laudable attention to detail, but a lot less fun than Its rivals.
m I[pe rsvse i TOCAo clnehtasfon yleltdowmbystIshota rtcks.
REVIEWED OPS2#06/OVERAL105
REVIEWED 0PS2#14/0VERAIL 07/»DVD#15
Easily one of tiie worst footy sIms ever to grace PS2. REVIEWED OPS2#10/OVERAL102
•GODAI: ELEMENTAL FORCE
M/ssl/e Command with fireworks (strange as that sounds).
I ■ Tedious third-person martial arts beat-'em-up. 'Go die', Indeed.
Good, but not the ISS of PSone fame - tjy Pro Evolution Soccer.
IREVE IWEDORS2#18O / VERALL02*D / VD#18
REVIEWED OPS2#01/OVERAll 08/»DVD#01
INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR SOCCER
FERRARI F355 CHALLENGE |
GRADIUS III & IV
Good, if fiddly, driving sim featuring Ferrari's super sexy baby.
Cult arcade shooter gets an insensittvely slow PS2 port
REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERALl 07/*DVD#26
REVIEWED OPS2;^01/OVERALL 02
FIFA 2001
GRANDIA II
^* ,I'REVIEWED Premier LeaORS2#02/OVERALL06 gue graphics, Tlirti Division gameplay
Likably huge but disturbingly ugly RPG game.
IRON ACES 2: BIRDS OF PREY _
i
Weak flight sim in wrtiich you fly your way through aviation history. REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERAU. 04
ISS2 Enjoyable arcade footy game for those who like it 'chunk/.
REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERAll 05
REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERALL 07
■ GRAND THEFT AUTO III bronze
a FIFA 2002 I Well reinvented but a definite goal down to Konami's Pro Evo.
Nothing else on the shelves is quite as sick or fun. Buy this now,
JREVIEWEDOPS2#14/OVERALL07/#I>VD#16
I
REVIEWED
OPS2#13/OVERAU.
08
E
JADE COCOON 2 Pok6mon-for-kiduits RPG wtth a neat Japanese twist. REVIEWED
OPS2#19/OVERALL 07
rRFA2003 BRONZE ft A welcome retum to form from EA's once-dominant footy franchise.
G R A N D T H E F T A U T O : V I C E C I Ti ^ g o l d Rampantiy immoral, utterty essential and why you bought a PS2.
Great free-roaming piatfonrrer from the makers of Crash. •
IREVIEWEDOPS2#27/OVERAL108/«DVD#29
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 10
REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAll 09/#OVD#15
^^RNAL FANTASY X ^ __bronze.
1
i
FANTAVISION_ REVIEWED OPS2#01/OVERAIL07
i
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE SOCCER
mmrnt JAK AND DAXTER: IHE PRECURSOR LEGACY
GRAN TURISMO 3: A-SPEC SS-ver
A j5M ESBOND007N I .AGENTUNDERFR IE Thriling flrst-person shooter with added driving levels.
From Square, the best-lool
FactJ GT3 Is the greatest driving game In the worid. >t)u need this
REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERAU. 08/«DVD#20
REVIEWED 0PS2#09/OVERALL09/*DVD#0S
REVIEWED ORS2#15/OVERAL108
RREBLADE A/rwoff fans unite! A helicopter combat game for coin-op jock^
GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT: 2002 7DKY0-GENEVA Gran Turfsmo Uta Buy this as an addition to, not instead of, GT3.
JAMES BOND 007: NIGHTFIRE
REVIEWED OPS2#22/OVERAa 07/*OVD#23
REVIEWED OPS2#23/OVERAU. 06
FORMULA ONE 2001 bronze"
G U I LT C
: Debut Formula One sim from W/pEouf pioneers Studio Liverpool,
ONE
2002
REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAll 07
X
■* JEREMY McGRATHS ' SUPERCROSS WORLD
bronze
The start of a new wave of ballistic next-gen 2D fighters
REVIEWED OPS2#07/OVERALL 08/M)VD#09
■f o r m u l a
GEAR
Technically impressive but slightly soulless outing for the suave spy
REVIEWED
bronze
f Weak motocross game that lacks realism, thrills, speed, etc. etc...
OPS2#16/OVERALL 08
REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAL103
;GUMBALL 3000
» Comprehensive spin on F1 racing but not a huge leap from 2001.
'JET ION GP
Unremittingly dire driving game centring on rich kid racers.
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 08/»I)VD#29
J FR ANK HERBERTS DUNE Poor sci-fi action adventure for hanjcore beards only. I REVIEWED 0PS2#20/OVERAU. 03
Almost surreally poor WipEout clone. For masochists only.
IREVE I WEDOPS2#27O / VERALL03
REVIEWED
G | Manga-styled UNGRAVshooter E with points awarded for stylish slaughter jREVE IWEDOPS2#27O /VERAU.07
JET SKI RIDERS
01
Great water effects, race action and 'official' jet skis. Hmm. REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERALL 06
' JONNY MOSELY MAD TRIX
GUN GRIFFON BLAZE
F R IE A KO U T
OPS2#21/OVERAll
Gorgeous cartoon adventure from cult developer Treasure.
A chunky robo-shooter for hardcore mech/manga fans.
L Tony Howk's-styie tilcks on skis. Offers nothing new,
REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERAa 07
REVIEWED OPS2#03/OVERAU. 07
f REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERALL 04
SFREEKSTi'LE
JHALF-UFE
SSX Tricky meets motocross in EA Sports BIG's arcade stunt racer.
" KELLY SLATER'S PRO SURFER
iwER
The superi) PC FPS arrives on PS2 in majestic fomi.
, REVIEWED OPS2#23/OVERALL 06
i Passable, if uninspired surf fun. Oh, and Kelly's a bloke., he says.
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERAU. 09/«DVD#18
REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERAll 06
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
KENGO: MASTER OF BUSHIDO
Totally hypnotic rhythm action game for gamere and clubbers alike.
Pre-pubescent v^zardry fun in the haiis of Hogwarts.
Remember PSone ninja fighter Bush/do Blade?
REVIEWED OPS2#21/OVERAU. 08/«OVD#21
REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERAlJ. 07
REVIEWED OPS2#07/OVERAi± 06
f FROGGER: THE GREAT QUEST
H AV E N : C A L L O F T H E K I N G b r o n z e
4 Look, theyVe remade arcade classic Frogger In 3DI Idiots.
KESSEN
Genre-busting mix of action v\rtth an abundance of gameplay s^es
iFREQUENCYbronze 5REVE I WED0PS2#21O / VERAL102
II CuteFUR bronze fiuf^ animalsFIGHTERS go homicidal In this kiler first-person shooter IREVE IWEDORS2#08D /VERAL108 llGl JOCKEY :j Horse racing comes to PS2 in this cuit Japanese title I REVIEWED 0PS2#20/OVERAU. 05
!g-surfers P Shameless WipEout clone, saved a powerful global track editor. REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAU. 07/«)VD#lS
1. Daisy Duck
HERDY
Ultra-inwntive and rewarding cartoon hetrJing 3D adventure,
Disney partners with Square for the ultra-cute RPG crossover.
Crabtree
REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERAU. 08/MVD#ia
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 08
4. His right hand
5. Splinter Cefl
8. Ford Gran To r i n o
10. Steve
Coogan
J Inventvie nori take on the 3D pa l tformer.
REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERALL 07 h
3. Shiriey
GIANTS: CITIZEN KABUTO
Pgift
[ Everyttiing gets a generous polish in this rewarding strategy sequel.
REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERA1107/«DVD#16
Murcidago
Overly simple RPG that's a pale imitation of its coin-op ancestor.
* REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAll 06
■ KESSEN II
Dirty Harry vs Meto/ Gear SoUd in ttiis futuristic stealth adventure.
2. The
6. Nine
■ InvoMng but simplistic port of the complex PC adventure/shooter.
IREVE I WEDOPS2^0 ;4O / VERAU.07
HEADHUNTER
GAUNTLET; DARK LEGACY REVIEWED OPS2#08/OVERAa 05/»OVD#lO
3D real-time strategy set in feudal Japan. Gorgeous cut-scenes.
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 08/«)VD#27
GERDY
bronze
KINGDOM
• HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC
HEARTS
bronze
KING'S FIELD: THE ANCIENT C\Vf
Awful adventure that loses all its appeal in the port from PC,
Below standard RPG. U)oK go buy Rnoi Rjrtasy X instead.
REVIEWED OPS2#08/OVERAll 03
REVIEWED OPS2#23/OVERAU. 03
iHG I HHEATMAJORLEAGUEBASEBALL2003 I Chunl^, de^ and enj(^ble baseball game.
KLONOA 2: LUNATEA'S VEIL monm ^ , Cute cei-shaded platfomi adventure featuring the lovable 'rabbit',
^ REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAl 08/»DVD#13
IREVE IWEDOPS2#22O / VERAa06
'H I TTMAN2:SLIENTASSASSN I v.tsrj Contract killing's the pme. Stealth or six-shooter? Its your choice REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERAU. 09/M)VD#26
HOLOGRAM TIME TRAVELLER
i
KNIGHT RIDER Hasselhoff and car arrive on PS2, and are at least a decade late, REVIEWED
OPS2#27/OVERALL
04
KNOCKOUT KINGS 2001
The first - and hopefully the last - '0/10' score for a PS2 'game',
A competent, if a touch sluggish, boxing sim from EA Sports.
f y reviewed OPS2#10/OVERAa 06
REVIEWED OPS2#03/OVERAtl 00
REVIEWED 0PS2#05/OVERAU. 06
P G I TA R O O M A N b r o n z e A PaRappa meets Van Halen in this guitar-piaying cartoon adventure.
ICO
B REVIEWED OPS2#21/OVERALJ. 08/«OVD#22
122 Play5tation.E □FFICIHL mnGRZINE-UK
S I LV E R
KNOCKOUT KINGS 2002
Beauttfui, inventive... Ico Is an adventure unlike any other
The latest EA Sports boxing sim (and way better than the last one).
REVIEWED OPS2#18/OVERALL 09/«CyVD#19
REVIEWED
OPS2#19/DVERALL 07
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W^PARAPPA THE RAPPER 2 J'lVV:
R AY M A N
REVOLUTION
bronze
Top rhythm action that's become a bit of a cult hit.
Animation-quality graphics elevate this popular platfonner
REVIEWED OPS2#17/OVERAU. 07/»DVD#17
REVIEWED OPS2s02/OVERAa 08
I PARIS-DAKAR RALLY
0^,,REVE I WEDOPS2#17O / VERAa05 ISCOOBY-DOOl NIGHT OF 100 FRIGHTS
R C iR E V E N G EP R O ^RCSPORTSCOPTERCHALLENGE
Multiple vehicles or not, this rally sim does little to inspire.
I Family-orientated platform fun (and not as bad as that sounds). IREVIEWEDOPS2#23/OVERAa06
An eminently avoidable kart racer.
REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERALL 05
REVIEWED ORS2?t02/OVERAU. 03
PENNY RACERS
remote control helicopters con be fun. No. really. It can. Um.
IA half-baked and underfed Gran Turisma Avoid, 'reviewed OPS2#14/OVERALL 04
REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERAL1 04
PIRATES: THE LEGEND OF BLACK KAT An action RPG with unique pirate battles, but little to treasure. REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERAi± 03
POLAROID PETE
I SHADOW HEARTS
j| Man.rellous, arcade-based cartoon boxing title.
I Extremely enjoyable RPG imported from Japan, f REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERAJi . 07
j'R BrE uta DlC arcA aR deD footy action where fists are as Important as feet
jI S HAaction DOW MANwith :2EaC 0NDcomic CObook MINlean. G Go(y adventure horror
IREVE IWEDORS2#21O / VERALL06»/OVD#21
IREVE IWEDOPS2#18O / VERALL07
j
J Certifiably insane side-scrolling cartoon photographer sim. Ahem.
RED
FACTION
bronze
j Clever first-person shooter that melds Meto/ Gear with Total Recall.
^ REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAU 07
t InwJeemabte footy game with shocking frame rate. Boot ft to row Z. H REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERALL 02
IREV E IWEDOPS2#01 O /VERAU.07
REVIEWED 0PS2#19/OVERAU.02/*OVD#21
5 SEGASOCCER SLAM
■READY 2 RUMBLE; ROUND 2
PETER PAN: RETURN TO NEVER LAND Cartoon-based platformer that never grew up.
^JSALWinter T LAKE 2002 Olympics game lacking in variety, fun and depth,
I REVIEWED 0PS2#08/OVERALL08
' SHADOW OF MEMORIES bronze I inteligent fllmlc adventure from Konami wfth a serpentine plot IREVIEWEDOPS2t0'5/OVERALL08
POUCE 24/7
RED
Ughtgun-esque cop shoot-'em-up that can utilise a Webcam.
More anti-authort^ action but this time It's set on Earth.
Good, but lacks the speed to recreate the thrills of the real thing,
REVIEWED OPS2#17/OVERALL 05
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERAa 08/M)VD#26
REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAL106/M>VD#16
POOLMASTER
REIGN OF RRE
SHIFTERS
Realistic but dull pool sim. Ysu're better off playing tfie real ttiing
Apocalyptic shooter with dragon flying and bu^ riding
An Intriguing RPG premise is throttled by Inept execution. Avoid.
REVIEWED OPS2#02/OVERA1105
REVIEWED 0PS2*28/0VERAli 07/*DVD#27
REVIEWED OPS2#25/OVERAU.03
FACTION
II
bronze
SHAUN PALMER'S PRO SNOWBOARDER
PORTAL RUNNER
RESIDENT EVIL CODE: VERONICA X saw
Army Men spin-off platfonmer starring a tired Lara wannabe.
Curious about all this survival horror lark? Then play this classic
REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERALL 05/»DVD#12
REVIEWED OPS2#10/OVERAIL 09
POWERPUFF GIRLS: RELISH RAMPAGE
RESIDENT EVIL SURVIVOR 2 CODE; VERONICA
SILENT
Poor iightgun spin-off from Capcom's survival horror series. Avoid.
One of iJie most atmospheric and frightening adventures on PS2.
REVIEWED
REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAa 08/»DVD#14
Cute and cartoony alright but lacks any gameplay depth. REVIEWED OPS2#2g/OVERAU. 04
PSONE P I AYA
0PS2#18/0VERAa
SHOX
* Flashy, rally-based racer vtrtiich attempts to innovate,
|jREVIEWEDOPS2#27/OVERAa05
04
HILL
2
SONZE
PRISONER OF WAR
Original PlayStation
REZ
Stealthy, tense WWII 3D adventure set in a prisoner of war camp.
show stoppers, still
S^'s psychedelic gem boasts superb visuals and gameplay
Slick shooting gallery-style pme where you pick off the bad guys.
REVIEWED ORS2#22/OVERALL 07
well worth a punt
S I LV E R
SILENT
SCOPE
esotcE
REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAll 09/«DVD#17
REVIEWED OPS2#01/OVERAll 08
'PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER SILVER
RIDGE RACER V
SILENT SCOPE 2
I Update of FSone's /SS Pro £vo/utton. Ttie best PS2 foo^ game yet
PS2 update of the popular arcade racer
Konami's sniper sim gets an update, but usurped by Time Crisis 2.
REVIEWED OPS2#01/OVERAa 07
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERAa 07/»DVD#13
RIDING SPIRITS
SILPHEED: THE LOST PLANET
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERALL 09/#DVD#16 k
P R O E V O L U T I O N S O C C E R 2 S I LV E R ^ Tweaked to perfection, the best fooly game Just got even better.
Slightly flawed motortike sim. GT3 on two wheels wannabe,
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 09/»DVD#29
PROJECT
EDEN
REVIEWED
bronze
RING
Complex FPS/adventure from the clever folk behind Tomb Raider.
^ REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERALL08/#DVD#15 PROJECT
ZERO
07
OF
Tedious top-down shooter Get R-Type on PSone instead. REVIEWED OPS2'#03/OVERA1103
RED
rmiwzE
Engaging mech strata set In an alternative post-WWII world. REVIEWED OPS2#07/OVERALI 08
There are two
bronze
ORS2#26/OVERAll
'SIR ALEX FERGUSON'S PLAYER MANAGER 2002 ! I Solid footy management sim featuring the cheery United supremo. \ REVIEWED OPS2«12/OVERALL06
compelling i^easons to root out a
ROBOTECH: BATTLECRY
Genuinely disturbing survival horror dripping with menace.
bargain-priced copy
S/tent Hill in space, and all the exciting bits locked in the airlock
REVIEWED OPS2#24/OVERALL 08/«OVD#23
of this excellent
REVIEWED OPS2*28/ OVERALL 04
"f=^SKY ODYSSEY I Gentle but addictive mission-based flight sim.
BRONZE
I REVIEWED 0PS2#06/OVERAli 08/«DVD#07
platform adventure
PRO RALLY 2002
for your PS2. Rrstly,
ROBOT WARLORDS
Playable enough rally title, but no Colin McRae or WRC.
given that Spyro's PS2 debut, Enter The Dragonfly
Poor and clunky mech shooter, outranked by its chunkier rivals.
[3SJump KYS URFER out of a plane and surf the skies on a board (but badly),
REVIEWED OPS2#21/OVERAU. 05
REVIEWED 0PS2»06/OVERAa 04
^ REVIEWED OPS2^04/OVERAU. 03
PRYZM CHAPTER ONE: THE DARK UNICORN
(0PS2#28, 6/10) Is basically a tarted-
If the name doesnt put you off, the abject RPG gameplay should. REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAU. 02
lOUAKE
III
siuw
Fast, smooth, violent... This first-person shooter is one of the best. REVIEWED OPS2#06/OVERALL 09
R AT C H E T
&
CLANK
sum
up retread of this, you'd be doing your wallet a favour The real clincher
adventures to have
Ratchet & Clank
Play this PSone gem and you'll
Solid rally package but outpaced 1^ Its big-name competitors. REVIEWED ORS2#27/OVERAi± 06 a
RAYMAN M
realise that R4C w a s n o fl u k e . T h i s i s
i
RUGBY
bronze
Surprisingly enjoyable take on the game from EA Sports.
I RUMBLE RACING bronze
ISMASHCOURTTENNS I ;PROTOURNAMENTBRONZE
F (' a stando ufiu rsacradesutnta rce.rTh nikSSXbutonofurwhee sl RUNE: VIKING WARLORD
"IPS2 REVtennis IEWED at O itsPvery S2#2best 1/OVPtays ERAaalmost 08/»DVflawlessly D#21 - and looks ace!
REVIEWED OPS2ff08/OVERAll 08
I Lacku l stre VIkIng sa l sh-e ' m-up, cryn i g out for more bo l od and fira j REVIEWED 0PS2# 11/OVERALL 04
developer. To the local Games Exchange! Now!
124 Play5tation.E aFFIdHL mHGRZINE-UK
fSLY RACCOON
J Great-looking platfonm fun, that lacks originality I REVIEWED OPS2<:2g/OVERALl 07/«DVD#30
playable platformer made by a quality
REVIEWED: OPS2#15/OVERAU. 06/»DVD«13
(SLED STORM <,onze IIARE mVoIEtoW rise d version of SSX Tricky and a fine arcade racing tile. ED OPS2#20/OVERALL08
} REVIEWED OPS2»08/OVERAU.08/»OVD»O9
a supremely
Inventive 'race' use of the Royman licence.
SLAM TENNIS
• Slick tennis sim that breaks the Sega/Namco stranglehold, REVIEWED OFS2#23/OVERAa07
BRONZE
REVIEWED 0PS2#27/0VERAa 08/»DVD#29
REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERALL 09/M>VD#26
, B RALLY FUSION: RACE OF CHAMPIONS
ROCKY
Boxing sim, faithfully based on the Italian Stallion's career
insomniac Games, the people behind the awesome
REVIEWED OPS2#22/OVERAL107/MVD#20
REVIEWED 0PS2#14/0VERAU. 05/#OVD#17
'
Of The Dragon Is the last of Spyrt)'s been developed by
Fast-paced, playable rally racer with good use of 'Ghost' mode.
Just think how good this TV spin-off could'w been...
though, is that Year
Sumptuous platformer. Quite simply, an absolute joy to explore.
RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROBOT WARS: ARENAS OF DESTRUCTION
RUN UKE HELL
^ US Spin on the mech genre ends up rusting on the scrapheap. REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAU.05
jIS MUGGLER S' RUN Drive like ttie wind wfth a trunkload of Illegal boo^. k REVIEWED OPS2T01/OVERALL 07
SMUGGLER'S RUN 2: HOSTILE TERRITORIES Rockstar's frantic mission-based racer gets a solid makeover. REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERAll 07
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W AT C H Just a Platinum r u m o u r, b u t
S^THE
G E TAWAY
siiver
Mockney maytiem that manages to live up to the hype. Geezer
^^5REVE I WEDOPS2#28O / VERALL09» /OVD#28 TVIE LORD OF THE RINGS; THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
WipEout Fusion should be a
cut-price re-release from SCEE in the near future.
Shabby literary adventure that lacks the showmanship of tts rival, REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAU. 04
T [I Sedate OKYOandXT RE ERAdulClE R Turfsmo clone. sadl yM 'xtremey Gran
jI Superb V - onRPSone, AL 3 speeds to PS2awithm the VL -RalY fy brand true stm yle.
IREVE I WED0PS2#110 /VERALL04
IREVIEWEDOPS2#22/OVERAU.08/#)lVD#28
■TOM CLANCrS GHOST RECON
IIW ACKYRkart ACE SST ARR Iyour GD AST ARDLYcharacters, ANDMm i LEY Cei-shaded racer with allN fave cartoon
I Engaging squad-based action from the holiday novel hack. I REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAll 07
I REVIEWED OPS2^' 09/OVERALL 06/*DVD#09
I' Essential TONYonline-enabled HAWKS 'skatePR Othat'SsK ATEperfect R 3toaplay. um i sim almost
3 WALT DISNETS JUNGLE BOOK GROOVE PARTi'
EA's movie tie-ln gives hack 'n' slash a next-gen makeover. REVIEWED
* REVIEWED OPS2#15/OVERALl 09
I REVIEWED OPS2#08/OVERALL04
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS OPS2#27/OVERALL
08
BRONZE
THE MUMMY RETURNS Action-adventure based on the by-the-numbers Hollywood romp.
SILVER
■ WARRIORS OF MIGHT AND MAGIC
! Another year, another essential tWe from the Hawkman.
Dreadful adventure/RPG hybrid that was unbelievably a hit on PC,
» REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAa 09
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERAL105
THE SCORPION KING: RISE OF AKKADIAN Movie cash-in with few features - unless you fancy The Rock REVIEWED
JTONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER 4
J Fun Beotman/o-style dance mat game with Disney appeal.
^TOP ANGLER 2
■ m
OPS2#27/OVERALL 04
REVIEWED OPS2#07/OVERALL 03/#DVD#07
^ WAY OF THE SAMURAI I Dismal, often tedious BushWo Blade wannabe. Utteriy avoidable. I REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERALL05
The best fishing game on PS2. Which Isnt saylr^ much...
i REVIEWED OPS2#20/OVERALL05 i
jWHOmmsTObeaMLIUONAR IE2ndEDT O Ii N
THE SHADOW OF ZORRO
TOP GUN
Stealth-based adventure for die-hard fans of el Zorro only.
Below average fli^ sim with bonus archaic licence attached.
REVIEWED
REVIEWED OPS2#14/OVERALL04/*OVD#15
II R SE caVryIEW anE m i Da:to iOnPo f Tarrant and ea^ questo i ns make for a dul game. S2)^15/OVERAa 04
TOTAL IMMERSION RACING
'WILD WILD RACING
Solid, if slightly unspectacular racer with aggressive Ai.
I Off-road buggy racing game that's okay for a spin or three.
REVIEWED OPS2#29/OVERALl 06
IREVE I WEDOPS2#01O / VERALL06« /DVD#01
OPS2#18/OVERALL 03
THE SIMPSONS; ROAD RAGE i Shameless Crazy Taxi rip-off, but with Homer sat behind the v»rtieei. * REVIEWED: OPS2#15/OVERAL106 i
THE SUM OF ALL FEARS
■
TTRANSWORLD SURF
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 05
^REVIEWEDORS2#23/OVERAl06
ITHE TERMINATOR: DAWN OF FATE
WIPEOUT
FUSION
$i«
i Get this! Cult future hoverjet racer and the best W/pEoutyet. I REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERALl 09/«OVD#14
Limited surf sim with some nice wave physics.
Repetitive gameplay dictates this squad-based shooter.
TREASURE PLANET
WOODY WOODPECKER: ESCAPE FROI^ BUZZ BUZZARD'S PARK
Toe-curiingly inadequate film tie-in. Ciunkier than Amie rapping.
Treasure Island meets Disney In this nipper-friendly platform romp.
I Dull cartoon platform adventure aimed at kids. Stop this evil!
REVIEWED: OPS2#26/OVERALL 04
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERALL 06/M)VD#28
IREVE I WEDOPS2#17O / VERAU.03
THE
THING
su^
Top-class survival horror meets John Carpenter's ET nasty. Superb.
TUROK EVOLUTION Dino-obllterating mayhem manned dodgy Al and controls,
IREV E IWEDORS2#25 O /VERALL09
REVIEWED 0PS2#25/OVERALL06
iTHE WEAKEST LINK I Quiz show cash-in. Watch It on "TV Instead.
TWIN CAUBER Ttie appearance of twin shooters falls to redeem this abject effort
BRONZE
Take on the role of a theme park tycoon in this excellent God sim.
Superb multlplayer car batder set on a wartom planet,
REVIEWED
REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERAa 08/«)VD#16
OPS2#03/OVERAU.07
IIfnf' j'ATH IS IS Fand OO AaLyabl Le20 02tion to a revived series. revamped uttT erlB y pl addi IM REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERALL07/«DVD#X2
^THIS IS FOOTBALL 2003
R E V I E W E D O P S 2 # 2 6 / O V E R A 11 0 7 / « ) V D # 2 5
'B iarveea tm t ptot e bn ldacradeandm si nIshtichoppera be sltr REVIEWED OPS2#12/OVERALL 07/*OVD#15
■S^TIGE R WOODS PGATOUR 2001 Authentic but fun golf sim from the big cat himself. REVIEWED
Disappointing Aussie platformer not fit to throw on the barbie. REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERAa 04/»OVD#27
Sadly, everything that could go wrong in a football game Is here,
REVIEWED
TOURNAMENT
WONZE
A gofy first-person shooter that's only now showing Its age, REVIEWED
VAMPIRE NIGHT Demonic Iightgun shoot-'em-up - think Time Cris/s with vampires.
REVIEWED OPS2#28/OVERAtl08/*DVD#30
REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERALL06/»OVD#19
•
TIMESPLITTERS
P VICTORIOUS BOXERS I Stoty-based manga boxing title tiiat sadly lacks tfie killer blow. VIRTUA COP: ELITE EDITION Was once great, but only for antique hunters this time around.
REVIEWED OPS2#01/OVERAa 09
REVIEWED
2
gou>
OPS2#29/OVERAa
VIRTUA
05
RGHTER
bronze
Complex yet fast-moving beat-'em-up that rewards the patient
REVIEWED OPS2#25/OVERAU. 10/*iyVD#25
REVIEWED 0PS2#19/OVERAU.08
RACE
DRIVER
»tofCE
Ultra-realistic racer; bolstered by smart story line and great visuals REVIEWED OPS2#24 OVERALL 08 MVD#24
126 PlayStation^E QFFICIRL mRBRZINE-UK
■V I R T U A
^~WTA TOUR TENNIS If this game was a tennis player; it'd be a British woman. Awful.
TENNIS
IIW WESMACKDOWN!SHUTYOURMOUTH Siick, supple wrestilng titie with commendable attention to detail.
X M -IEN:NEXTD M IEN O SIN
Another dimension to the X-Men? Nope, more beat-'em-up action. OPS2#29/OVERAU.05
X SQUADthird-person shootej; superseded by Project Eden. IjT-eam-based JREVE IWEDOPS2#02O /VERALL05
2
bsonze
p Almost indistinguishable from the DC version. But if aint broke.. REVIEWED 0PS2#28/OVERALL08
I Fun and realistic representation of the fuli-on WWE experience.
REVIEVra)
4
As Vital to PS2 as your central nervous system is to your brain.
TOGA
^■WRECKLESS: THE YAKUZA MISSIONS Hurtle around Hong Kong In this car-based action title.
P REVIEWED OPS2#26/OVERAL108/«DVD#26/#30 BRONZE
Fun, fest and frantic first-person shooter - now out on Platinum.
ITIMESPUTTERS
jWRC II EXTREME siw I Evolution Studios steps up a gear with this tnjly realistic rally sim.
REVIEWED ORS2#13/OVERAL1 08/»OVD#14 BRONZE
REVIEWED OPS2#n/OVERALL04
siimr
I Not your usual Wbrnsi game - thn i k a steatlhy Bust-A-Move n i stead.
■ WWE SMACKDOWN! 'JUST BRING IT!'
Gorgeous courses. Innovative controls. A great golf sim.
I REVIEWED OPS2#13/OVERAL108/*OVD#13
(worms BLAST mjonze
REVIEWED OPS2#2e/OVERALl 04
OPS2#04/OVERALL 08
TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 2003 bsonze
ITIME CRISIS 2 BRONZE I Namco's coot arcade ightgun game gets a graphical polish for PS2.
An immersive driving sim for novices and experts alike-
t REVIEWED OPS2#i4/OVERALL 09/«DVD#14
REVIEWED OPS2#27/OVERAll 07
OPS2#26/OVERALL 06
UNREAL
Tiger's game is stiii the best, thanks to Its analogue control ^em.
> REVIEWED OPS2#19/OVERAU. 07/«OVD#21
02
I REVIEWED OPS2#27/ OVERALL 09/»OVD#27 No-holds-barred scuffling comes to PS2. Effective, but no classic
G TI!ERWOODSPGATOUR2002
OPS2#10/OVERAa
[REVE IWEDOPS2#19O / VERAU.08
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEASON 2001/2002 Solid gamepiay and fluid animation but - sorry - no Pro Eva ' REVIEWED OPS2#16/OVERAll 07
UFC: THROWDOWN
OPS2#06/OVERALL 06
REVIEWED
'WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 2001 sm
^REVE IWEDOPS2#10O / VERAll02
ITHUNDERHAWK; OPERATION PHOENIX
( Poor pa l ne-based future war game. Can we go now,pe l ase? k
TYTHETASMANIAN TIGER
UEFA CHALLENGE
^ Respectable latest instalment in the fest-improving footy series.
Fun arcade tank sim wrtth an ace four-player Deathmatch mode REVIEWED OPS2A05/OVERAU. 07
TWISTED METAL BLACK
T H E M !EP A R KW O R D L
Detailed and Incredibly playable snooker sim.
REVIEWED 0PS2#11/0VERALL 08/»DVD#11
F REVIEWED 0PS2#26/OVERALL03/»OVD#27
1REVE I WEDOPS2#14O / VERAU.04
IW O R L DC H A M O P N IS P H IS N O O K E R2 0o e n zrs W i(WOO R D LD E S T R U O C N T I IE LA G U E T ;H U N D E RA T N K S RLDDESTRUCTO NLEAGUE:WARJETZ
[ZONE OF THE ENDERS SSLVER ^ Splendid mech shooter adventure from Metal Geafs Hideo Kojima. k REVIEWED 0PS2#06/OVERAll 09/*OVI>#O6
shorblisb
Your monthly rundown of the games setting shop shelves on fire.
Playstatian.a / F o r t h e m e eTOP k e n d i n20 g 1 PS2 3 D e c eGAMES m b e r , 2 0 0 2TO ^ BUY Game
■ . scee(D^
Name
Publisher
111 T h e G e t a w a y
2|1HI Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
ROCKSTAR
3 6 2 The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
ea(I)
4 5 3 Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
EA
EA EA SPORTS
7 3 7 James Bond 007: Nightfire
Eat my shorts
gamers out there. The Simpsons Skateboarding looks like it was a favourite Christmas stocking filler
ACTIVISION
0
9
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
UNIVERSAL
5
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
ACTIVISION
11 3 1
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Pro Evolution Soccer 2
"(1)13 8 3
Colin iVlcRae Rally 3
14 3 7
Ratchet & Clank
15 3 8
Spyro: Enter The Dragonfly
16 ijl^ 17 28 1
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Colin McRae Ftalty 3 is still the favoured racer even If the speeding Scot Is driving the wrong make of car. The new WRC season kicks off in Monte Carlo this month.
A BIT LIKE THIS MONTH'S CHART JUST WITH DIFFERENT NUMBERS ON THE END OFTHE GAME NAMES...
Grand Theft Auto III And it's still in &ie charts today.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 Annual chart entry for the Hawkman. James Bond 007 In... Agent Under Ftre
Bond never lets you down. Pro Evolution Soccer
Hie previous greatest footy slm ever
THQ KONAMI
CODEMASTERS SCEE UNIVERSAL El DOS
Medal Of Honor: Frontline
18 ^y^Grand Theft Auto III Drive of your life
EA
8 311II Star Wars: Bounty Hunter 4
19 3 1 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 20 Rocl^ *0PS2 Chorts in association with WHSmith
After huge anticipation, no surprise to set Tlie Getaway topping the charts this month. This game's going to be causing media waves for months to come.
FIFA 2003
The thought of Homer on a skateboard seems to have tickled the fancy of a lot of
' Crime pays
EA ROCKSTAR EA SPORTS
• Lording it up
One of the biggest films ever spawns one
of the best licences on PS2. Lord Of TIm RAGE
WTi Smith
Rings: The TWo Towers is without doubt the better of the two hobblt-based
videogame adventures.
IT LOOKS AS IF PUTFORMERS ARE THE FAVOURED GENRE OF
NOVEMBER'S TOP GAMES FROM THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU ALWAYS HAVE
SAMANTHA COOK, TRURO.
TO TIP THE BLOODY BARMAN.
1 GTA; Vice City J
H IanyPo etrAndTheChamberofSece rst
X So can you really fly to Disneyland? W
"Casting spells as Harty. wowf
2Spyro:EnterTheDragonfly| 3Ratchet&Ca l nk 'The weapons are amazing"
4JakAnd Daxter
■Ttie perfect PS2 pairing"
VWVE SmackDownl 'Just Bring IB'
Sly Raccoon
Lycra and canvas In perfect harmony
"Like MGS but eel-shaded."
2WWESmackDown!ShutYourMoul 3Tony Hawks' Pro Skater 4 4MaddenNFL2003 Sit down. Shut up. Wrestle,
1 loved him on PSone,"
■ Send us your own charts by email on [email protected]
or by post to the usuof address. Dont
forget to check the
site every Riday for a
roundup of the week's new releases.
Check out Tony In the Jackass movfe. •
What passes for football over there.
5
-<:^
The IjOfd Of The Rings: The Two Towei Beards also big Stateside. .
□FFICIRL mHBHZINE-UK PlayStation.E 12
Pl^yStationjE guide TO... E5SENTIRL
■ PRO EVOLimON
SOCCER 2 Unquestionably the best a fan can get.
ISPRINTING
PlayStation 2
Pro Evo Soccer 2 KONAMI/KONAMITVD
No-one understands our beautiful game like Konami and this latest compelling slice of footle pie takes us one step closer to net-ripping niA^ana. With its think-like-a-footballer' gameplay, intuitive controls and unrivalled longevity, this would have probably got a '10' - If it werent for the hours worth of editing you've got to put in to get all the names and likenesses spot on. "One of the year's essential purchases. Sheer football genius," 0PS2#27
The games that'll have you chanting from the terraces in unison - and a few that'll
have you lobbing piss bottles on the pitch. Oh how we'd all love to be
would evolve into the sports games of
Wayne Rooney. Young, gifted and with the Royal Mint on
today. But w^ith the advent of 3D representation, made possible by machines such as the PSone, the
emergency standby just to ensure that all the cash that'll soon be
winging its way into his bank account doesn't spark an economical crash. But for every 'Roonaldo', there's a young scamp slogging his guts out down the playing field with his pushy Pa pacing the sidelines 'encouraging' him to strive towards that elusive Premier League dream. If he had any sense he'd have
graphics have become more lifelike, the controls more complex and the satisfaction of unleashing a 'screamef into the top comer, sinking an eagle on a par four hole or kicking up some chalk dust with a stern backhand passing shot
■
I
■ BEFORE PRO EVO Doesnt
look much like the real players.
T^er Wbods PGA 1bur2003 EASP0R13
Golf? An 'essential' purchase? You bet, because you've just got to stand back and admire the
more intense.
Which leads us to where we stand
incredible lengths EA Sports has gone to in order to make this game enjoyable for fans and frowners alike. With a fantastic control system and masses of modes and courses to enjoy, this is the perfect companion to Pro Evo 2 that helps relieve the stress in the run-up to match day
achieved from the comfort of the sofa.
today in the sports genre's lavish stadia. Over the next two pages you'll find our essential guide to the euphoric highs and the crushing lows of the PS2's highly
When Pong (in essence, the world's first sports game) was released back in
populated locker room. And if you cant make up for a misspent youth with this
"A truly great golf slm that is easily the best
the Seventies, few would have dared to
lot, you should consider becoming a
around..." OPS2#27
Imagine how a basic bat 'n' bail program
Buddhist, mate! □ RB
given up long ago, knowing that all dreams of sporting triumph can now be
128 PlayStation.2 OFFICIRL fTlHGRZINE-UK
■ AFTER PRO EVO You really believe England can win the Worid Cup.
E X C E L L E N T
I ■STRIDING
H FA 2 0 0 3
EASPORIS/EA CANADA
At last - a FIFA game worthy of the licence and after getting pummeiled off the pitch by Pro Evo's devastating debut iast season, the EA boys have cieariy put in the hours on the training pitch to ensure that the lost ground is made up. Not as showboaty, with more onus placed on intelligent build up play and, of
GOOD IJDGGING
NHL 2003 EA SPORIS/EA CANADA
It's hard to believe that ten years ago, EA's hockey game was the only sports game worth playing The fall from grace may have occurred as technology forced the gameplay mechanics to become more
complicated, but for anyone even remotely interested in pucking
n V E R H E E
PISS
lUJRLKING
POOR
ICRRIULING
Beckham
ISS2 KONAI^I/KONAMI OSA
With football simulation safety tucked away in the onion bag Konami, for some inexplicable reason still feels the urge to take FIFA on at its own arcade game. Why? Leave it alone, son. This mindless punt-a-thon may look nice and play competently enough, but its mere existence just
around on the Ice, the series still
serves to confuse matters. ISS is
course, it's got all the right names and kit designs in there Have it!
slaps a wicked shot into its
dead. Ijong live Pro Evo!
"Fully licensed fooiy you should feel no shame in buying," 0PS2#27
"The action is as fast and furious
Soccer Compare this to Pro Evo 2 and you can almost feel the heat coming from Rage's cheeks. Whereas Konami carefully studied Becks' movements and crafted them respectfully into its game. Rage didnt see fit to do much homework at all and casually shat this steaming one out!
opponent's net.
"With Pro Evo on the block, who needs a new kid?" OPS2#20
"Superstar endorsements often disguise a crap game," 0PS2#22
Also...
Also...
For the sport of Kings, giddy-up with G1 Jockey. Or, for crappy compendiums you
For another classic example of when promising licences go bad, see Roy Keane's World League Soccer. And the
asever..."0PS2#26
PlayStation E
can't lick Salt Lake 2002 For the full-on
hairdryer treatment, though, cower in front of Sir Alex's Player Manager 2002
less said about Sven's contributions to
console games the better
P S D N E R LT E R N RT I V E S
Anna's Smash C o u r t Te n n i s i F T f i r r i T T r i » F > T f ) l Ta y
Smash Court Te n n i s SCEE^MCO
NBA Live
match between Heihachi Mishlma,
2003
Reiko Nagase, Richard Miller iTIme Crisis bloke) and Pac-Man is what
EASPORTS/EA CANADA
Namco's 'ace' tennis series appears
The NBA Jam-generated mass
to have undergone a humour bypass op since joining the PS2 circuit, but the instantly-graspable gameplay and sheer brilliance shines through. Rivalled only by Virtua Tennis 2, this is still the daddy in our eyes.
appeal of basketball games seems to have died a death as the market is now dominated by more serious rim
"Without doubt tfie definitive PS2 tennis experience," 0PS2#21
"Superbly balanced and laced with innovative touches," OPS2#29
Also...
Also...
No prizes for guessing that Madden is stfll the man in the gridiron stal
For managerial stress, buy some beta blockers in preparation for LMA Manager 2003 or, if you're Just plain batty, get pitching for All Star Baseball 2003.
rockers. That's no bad thing, though, as EA's lanky dunk-fest is a much more accomplished crowd-pleaser
Super-deformed characters, coke bottles for racquets and gameplay Infinitely more sophisticated than the tripped-out visuals would suggest. Surely, enjoying a four-player grudge
PlayStation®
your PS2's backwards compatibility was designed for?
" R FA ? r r s F O R I D I O T S W H O N E V E R P L AY P R O P E R V I D E O G A M E S " We asked forvm fanatics which gomes they score with.
w
Aha! It's the revenge of the great
sophisticated Sim and a few
Pro Evolution Soccer vs RFA
have berated Konami for
debate and, for once, the contest seems quite finely balanced. Some of you have applauded the lengths EA has gone to in order to make up the ground on Konami's infinitely more
seemingly mshing out Pro Evo 2 |0ranges013, anyone?) But with many just huriing insults FIFA's way, it seems wonying for EA that many hardcore fans havent even played it.
Next
m o n t fi ;
Fighting games. Email your favourites to [email protected]
□FFICIHL fTlRBRZINE-UK Play5tation-a 12
ON THE DVD Other magazines let you watch, 0PS2 lets you play
Why not cut out these pages tor a photocopy of them) along the doted line and slip them Into your DVD case?^^ffiS^.^ P U B U S H E R : M I D W AY G A M E T Y P E : B E AT- ' E M - U P O L f T: 1 4 F E B R U A R Y P L AY E R S ; 1 - 2
P(ayStat|pn^2
YOUR DISC Every Issue, Official PlayStation 2 Magazine brings you something no other rnagazJne can pbyable demos. Offering exclusive
WARNING: IN THE INTERESTS of bringing
levels, tracks and
you this demo (without anyone getting
missions, our playable DVD allows you try the very latest re2 games before you buy, often weeks and even months before
release. Why risk your hard-eamed cash on
a £40 game when you can try It out on our covermounted DVD? From Gran Turtsmo 3
and MGS2to VmeSplitters 2 and Final Fantasy X, weVe
always featured playable demos of the games that matter. Throw In top-quallly video footage of the hits of the future and Officio/ PlayStation 2
Magazine's playable
MnifrALKdMBAT
/ I L l !
A l i
arrested) we have removed all the blood from this version of Mortal
Kombot The full game has an 18 certificate and features gore and
-v
carnage that would obviously give 17-year-olds nightmares That said, our demo does feature all the moves and action for two
playable characters in Arcade mode
i
and there's a raft of non-selectable
-
>1"-
fighters to spar against In a variety of locations from the game. Also worthy of attention Is the excellent ■
Training mode included in the demo. Notice that the characters' moves change dramatically as you press m to change stance. Regular checking with the In-game moves list will keep you on the right track, and make you near invincible when you buy the full game.
rr—'P'
,«
THE CONTROLS P D-pad Movement 0 Kickl @ Punch 1 ® Punch 2 @ Kick 2
DVD Is the best
bargain on the newsagent's shelves.
' V,
■ BLOOD BANK We've removed
en
Ta u n t
OB
Block
m Change stance
the gore for your gaming pleasure.
■ RGHT ME Thank goodness |f£ only tn
IRTNLKTOUS We want to know
:3r
what you think of our cover DVD, and «fhat
11
you'd like to see on it In the ftiture. Write to: 0PS2 DVD, Official
PlayStation 2 Magazine, Future
Publishing Bath BAl 2BW or email: PS2disc
©futurenetco.uk
11
II HOW TO USE THE DVD
To enjoy this DVD, load It up on your PS2, then scroll
between games and rolling demos using fie ,4, and f keys. To s e l e c t w i t h i n a
section, use and
B A f t ' Q U A n —
Press ® to start your demo choice. You may have to reset your PS2 after some demos. If you
▶da iC lU ' tC i-
experience any
-u'
'
—SAP
Complete our demo fchoosing a fighter and winning four complete two-round bouts] without losing a single round
prDblems, press reset to reload the demo. To get you started, here's the special
move for Scorpion's famous spear throw: Back, Forwards. @. This will stun your opponent and bring you face-to-face.
130 Play5tation.E aFFICIRL mRBRZINE-UK
SHoa
. PlayStaNon^
dia
M0R1AL K O M B A T: D E A D
ALUANCE : If you're going to master Mofto/
Kombat: Deadly
Alliance you're goinj to have to learn son
special moves. Paus
the game, choose tt Move List and learn
the three bottom ; moves In eveiy
rrs BEEN A LONG TIME coming but we're proud to unleash our WNE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth demo upon you.
THE COiyfTROLS L-stick Movement
stance. Now beat th
Featuring two fighters from the game, you can engage in two different types of match - including a full-on table, ladders and
® Run @ Reverse @ Grapple ® Attack IB Lay the SmackDown
chairs' bout laka TLC], Enter Exhibition mode (the only mode available in this demo as the others are teaslngly obscured) then choose Single for a normal match-up or press t and choose
3,
Special to find the selectable TLC match. Next choose from Brock Lesner or Triple H and set your
]
character's SmackDown meter (ie, how long it takes before he's able to - ahem - lay the SmackDown on his opponentl. Now
game using only these combos.
'] ] ] ]
grapple away and hit that m button at the chosen moment to
]
perform your character signature move.
7
WWE SMACKDOWN! SHUT YOUR MOUTH
■%
Go for a TLC match,
choose Triple H and pull off that stylish SmackDown move
through a table - wi Brock Lesner laying It, of course. ■ ■ ■ ■
PlayStation.S
OUR COVER GAME this month is a
gothic horror adventure, but one which fortunately, doesnt take itself too seriously. First choose either the 50 or
.
r
.'Is-
60Hz mode at the demo's Start. If
^
P ^our TV can handle It we recommend 60Hz mode for a full ^me and full speed. ' PUBLISH^: SCEE ' GAME TYPE: ACTION/ ADVENTURE OUT NOW
PLWERSr 1
^ur demo features a lengthy -i
PRIMAL
Can you discover each of the game's glowing power orbs
and make it though to the demo's conclusion? No mea
^ilSode from the game and has
feat given the amou of enemy action yet
follow the captions at the bottom . of the screen to learn the controls.
be receiving as you
extensive built-in training. Simply " ■
Inrgame character Scree will
journey further Into the demo.
keep you on the right track too, leading you from objective to
objective while explaining the finer points of the game's plot and as
you go. D|ve in, explore an^dlscovei
Primo/ fo^ you rself. .......
fV
1 p
■m
JJTsaeff^oKlef
THE CONTROLS ^ / L-stick Movement
® Switch target
■ EVEN MORE
m Spinning attack
DQAOTBEMS OVER THE mGi
@ Attack mode \ IB
Left
attack
^ m Reposition camera/Block IB Right attack
It's often worth j each out In turn.
^between the multiple enemies (press ( I rather than taking you won't be attacked from behind.
-J
QFFICIRL mnBRZINE-UK PlayStation,E 13]
ON THE DVD
lyFlEiL;
PlayStationd
PUBUSHER: SCEE GAME TYPE:
S LY R A C C O O N
We want you to defeat every boss baddte you come across. It's
tempting land easier) to dodge their attacks and run by, but we
demand that you get up close and take them out
RLfflTORMER
puPtow
ITS A^ffR OF STEALTH, sneakiness and stealing. You are the sly
■ NO ENTKY Sly's
raccoon of the title in a game that features a unique graphics style
world is not that
fiiendiy a plao^
and more than a i^gameplay Innovations along the way, too.
A competition begins the demo (If you're connected to the Internet then why not ^ involved?) then you're into the game itself. Keep an ear and eye out for progress updates from Bentley via your communicator, as yoii Journey deeper into the level. As this demo is
from the early stages of the game you wont find anything too steanuous on the finger or brain.
*feur objective Is to reach the level's end, of course, and to get to
(grips with the game's controls and devices on the, too. I^ertaln to
leave you wanting more. ^ ^
■ MGS WHO? The
codec Is veiy familiar.
THE
TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 2003
cornnoLS
L-strck Movement R-sUck Move camera
Getting a par on the
® @
four holes on offer Is a good score. What
Jump Attack
m/in Scope
really Impresses is a birdle on all four
Make sure you use
that ball spin feature to Its maximum effect.
Cant get at what you want? Let the level's baddies destroy scenery
lii|* for you, allowing you to pick up the formerly unreachable items.
S PA C E QHAI^EL
NBA LIVE 2003 We want victory - you must be at least four EYE OF THE TIGER
points clear of your
Inside the mind of the
opponent (whichever team you choose) by
world's best golfer.
the time the demo
EVEN IF YOU ABSOLUTELY despise the game of golf, we guarantee that
has finished.
you will thoroughly enjoy the amazing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003. it's so good that EA has put together this demo to prove it to all you non-believers. We've brought you four fully playable
S PA C E C H A N N E L 5 PA R T 2
Merely getting through to the end of the
demo Is enough for this one. Let's face It,
you've either got
PRETTY But she's
not here for long.
a
holes lifted straight from the game. So if you fancy a taster; step into Tiger's shoes and hit the greens. And as if that wasn't enough there's also the excellent Player's Club fantasy level, which involves golf as you've never
you haven't
PUBUSHER; SCEE GAME TYPE: RHYTWM ACTION O U T: N / A
PLAYERS: 1 (FULL GAME 1-2)
2
import shop near you, this may be your only opportunity to play it. Ever It's a simple and ioveabie little game that not only
has highly distinctive graphic and an amazing simplicity of control style, it features a few excellent
tunes, too. And it's disturbingly fun to play Simply watch the moves performed by
ATV2: QUAD POWER RACING Knock down at least
THE CONTROLS D-pad Directions
three of your fellow
® ®
racers for maximum
boost earnings, then
Chu Key
your enemies then repeat them with your character, Uiala, the micro-skirted TV reporter Keep this up for long enough and they'll be destroyed.
use this extra power to propel you straight to victory.
t
exclusive At the time of writing SCEE has decided not to release this excellent rhythm action game in the UK So, unless you've got a Japanese PS2 and a good
seen it before.
rhythm action or
SWINGTIME The settings are
r
YOU NOW HAVE IN YOUR possession a bit of an
I ^Tap m during the backswing to Increase your power then tap id during the ball's ^flight along with a left stick direction to put spin on the ball.
132 PlayStation,? QFFICIHL mRGRZINE-UK
I ^^ It's all about the music. Remember the sequences listenIntoorder the track and *i repeat the rhythm as well as pressing the right then buttons to win.
PlayStationsE / DFFICIRL rriRGRZINE-UK
,' W^RTS ELCOME
T O E A ' S fi e r c e l y ■— laL. accurate basketball sIm. Choose which team you
' want to piay for by sliding ' controller and using )-pad. We've giving you the choice of two top teams: either the LA
PUBLISHER: EA GAME TYPE: BASKETBALL SIM O U T: N O W P L AY E R S : 1 - 8
ATVIS OFF-ROAD RACING that comes with sharp handling. The controls will take a bit of getting used to
Lakers or the New York Mats.
but that's what this demo is for We have two modes
The on-screen controls (at the bottom of the screen) wlli keep you on the right track through the menus but It's
on offer: A Single Race or a Training mode. Choose your rider, get on your quad bike and hit the track It's possible to earn valuable boosts by performing tricks
lis that progresses you through the menus - so stop hammering ®! Before the game actually starts you're given the option of adjusting the skill ievel of gameplay (to match your abilities) and choosing the camera angie you prefer, though this can be changed mid-game by pressing S; too.
THE CONTROLS
or by kicking one of your fellow racers off their bike and stealing their boost In the process.
A counter (bottom left) shows you how much time you have remaining before the demo times out, but you'll surely win the race before that?
Offensive:
Defensive;
THE CONTROLS
L-stick Movement R-stick EA freestyle control
L-stick Movement
L-stick Steer/Lean fonwards
D-pad Quick piays
D-pad Quick plays m Face up/Box out
m
Backdown
IB Direct pass/Fast break
R-stick EA freestyle control
IS
Direct
switch/Last
tB Alley OOP
CD Turbo C D Ta k e c h a r g e
(g) Pass @ Crossover ® Spin Move @ Slioot •E Pause
® Switch piayers @ Steal ® Block/Rebound @ Ta k e c h a r g e K Pause
m
H
Turbo
Call
timeout
man
m PUBUSHER: ACCIAIM GAME TYPE: RACING O U T: N O W
PLAYERS: 1 (FULL GAME 1-2)
and back
ws
R-stick Accelerate/Brake D-pad: Steer/Lean forwards and back
back
H! Intentional foul
1 I ^Use all the game's extensive controls - noticing that they alter function depending ' ' ^on whether you're In possession of the ball or not
® Accelerate @ Brake/Reverse ® Look back @ Boost m Bicycle fs Change camera CD Preload springs CD
Kick
S:
Pause
I STUNT BIKE Defeat gravity
I on four chunky wheels.
Take the time to perform stunts off every incline and jump. That way you'll earn plenty of boost to let rip in a dash for the finish line.
To i n < l a m ; y ' s
^
i
IN MOST DRIVING GAMES avoiding the Other cars Is a good idea. Not so with Crashed First of all move down to 'OK' and select It to get the demo going. Now choose your
ITS DEBATABLE QUITE HOW MUCH of the game programming Tom Clancy does himself but when It comes to steady-paced army games of realism and
name (or make do with the 'Player T Identity on offer] and you're into the thick of it There are Multi-Tag and Free-For-AII events inside,
stealth, he's the master This demo mission taken from the game has four
selectable by pressing and to choose your track (the two tracks on offer being home to the two events). And
clear objectives: To take out the Initial camp and the soldiers lurking around the tents; to secure the caves;
before selecting your car why not press t and i on the D-pad to choose a paint Job? In the Multi-Tag game you PUBUSHER: RAGE GAME T/PE RACING OUT NOW
PLAYERS: 1 (FULL GAIVIE 1-2)
to return to the start point; and finally to go back and
must hit every other vehicle in the arena before the timer runs out, whereas In Free-For-AII points are earned for
impacts with other cars - first to the points iimit (or In this demo, the person with the highest score) wins. Simple.
PUBLISHER: UBI SOFT GAME TYPE FPS 0 L ; T: T B C
PLAYERS: 1 (FULL GAME 1-2)
Keep an eye out for other cars whizzing past in the middle distance. You'll often have to begin your turns to meet them while they're off-screen.
klil Papashvlli. Remember you can only find and kill Papashvill once all the other troops have been killed. It may take an age to get used to all the controls (experimentation Is the best option) but the scanner at the bottom of the screen will at least keep you on the right track
Take out each soldier in turn and never reveal yourself to a group of enemies. Work your way from target to target taking them out from a great distance.
□F F I C I R L
I -J
mnGHZINE-UK
Piay5tation®E / QFFICIRL mRGRZINE-UK
T R A I L E R PA R K There's no mulleted trash here, Just glimpses of the PlayStation 2's future in video form.
Where are we going to put all your letters and emails
concerning our DVD?
Why not right here? When I play some of your demos my joypad doesn't seem to vraric it's a (make
of joypad deleted to prevent possible legal action! and it seems to work fine
with my other games. What's up? Graham Flatman,
ALPINE RACER 3
Mtddlesborough
You've seen a video. You've
Our DVD is
even tasted a playable demo. But Namco and Sony want to
manufactured by Sony and is rigorously
bring you more. This polished
tested by the same
videodrome shows off the
people who test every
game to perfection. As to how It plays we'll stick with SSX
single PS2 game before it's released.
They use a Sony Dual Shock 2, the best
joypad you can get for your PS2 - so good In
fact that Wiey Included one in the box with
ZOE: THE 2ND RUNNER
APE ESCAPE 2
WAR OF THE 2
Despite being lengthy, lavishly produced and packed with In-game action, this trailer simply can't express the variety
More of those warring | monsters, and, as you can
and sheer-inventiveness on
offer In the full game. Ape Escape 2 Is a hundred games
MONSTERS
see, the game Is shap ng up ^ nicely, with plenty of destructible scenery.
in one.
Tric/q'thanks.
In order to celebrate and publicise the arrival of Hideo Kojima's
robo-sequel [this being his part-time job when he's not Metal Geor-lngl we've an Impressive anime cartoon constructed from ZOEZs action sequences.
your console. Cheaper pads take short cuts and may mean that certain games don't
function correctly. If you're experiencing
any problems plug your Dual Shock 2 back In and things
should be okay. i dont like having to
turn off my PS2 every time I want to change demos. Sort it out!
ByroiiStingity45, via email
We have, Byron. Ages ago. You'll usually find that pressing ^ and H together will quit you out from demos without a 'Quit' option, and return you to the
r O - a i l i n ' ^ i Ti n O l
main menu.
THE MARK OF KRI
LMA MANAGER 2003
This video update fills in a little more of the plot and features a lot more in-game
Yes, the boys have done good. Pretty much exactly the same as they did last year In fact and this video merely
footage in order to tempt those searching for a little combat-orientated action/
exploration. You know who you are.
highlights what a decent game LMA always was. If you want the latest season update, the game Is out now.
GTA: VICE CITY We know you're almost certainly knee-deep In the finished
game by now (and If you're not, why not?) but we couldn't resist running this goiigeously evocative vignette featuring three tracks from the game's million-doliar soundtrack
134 PlayStation ^ nFFICIRL mREHZINE-UK
!
A short land rather abrupt] teaser Introducing the Idea of Judge Dredd stomping about Inside your PS2. As for In-game footage you'll Just have to wait but we suspect that a more forthcoming trailer Is on the way
I
6tAA.J33lUJli™iGGesT sELLindi m u L T i - F O R m fl T
m fl c
n — ^
REVEALBU , TVilTS
HND OUT HOW GOOD THE NEW TQM RAIDER IS! ONLY IN GAMESMASTER!
LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER GREATEST GAME EVER? YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THE GM VERDICT!
DEVaillUYCRY2 m w c t a n
SHENMUE 2
YU-GI-OH! RESIDEIirEVIL4 PMIZER DRACOON
SILENT Hill 3
• PHANTASY STAR ONUNE • SIM CITY 4 • ZELDA: UNK TO THE PAST • FABLE • SUPER MONKEY BAU JR • PUIS MORE
PLUS! I • F*A 2MI • Tmv Hawk's 4 • Marie $M
il Shut Yoor Itoiitfi • Ham ?•««■ Minoritvftaport
l*IIMal«(MonarFreRtfiM
M \ »
Ell]
mil
iimL
B
fOHMMY
KADLYMLUUIGE nie spine shredding scrapper reviewed on
PS2, XlMx, GameCuie and GB Advance! »oucTQTinn
-9\nQmcriiQc*%nQmp
nnv
nniinnrF':*IIRnil!:*PC>PSnn
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136 PlayStation.^ OFFICIRL mHBRZINE-UK
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■ WRrTHTOUS
Got something you want to get off your chest? Then cough up and win a prize! The winner of every letter printed this issue gets a copy of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 and the star letter also
receives copies of T7meSp//tte;s 2, Tom Clanc/s Ghost Recon, Haven and Burnout 2:
Point Of Impact all courtesy of GamesPlanet.co.uk.
Send your letters to the Editor c/o Postal, Official
PlayStation 2 Magazine, Future Publishing 30 Monmouth Street Bath
BAl 2BW, or email us on [email protected] Letters will be edited for
length and clarity.
EVO NO GO Not so long ago I went to rent out This Is
SCREEN TEST As I was looking through the latest issues
Football 2003 but noticed that Pro Evo Soccer 2 was also available. I had never
of 0PS2 and all the screenshots on the
Internet for Vice City, I thought to myself, "How do they get images like that?" Some of the camera angles shown are impossible in the game and, in some ways, this is misleading a person's view of the game content. Could you please tell me how the heck companies make those screenshots because they often make a game look better than it really is. Cheers guys!
played a Pro Evo game before so I rented it there and then. Your magazine is very accurate in its reviews and ratings of most games... but not this one. Why is there so much hype about Pro Evo? Some of the players don't even have their real names! It's too hard to tackle
and too easy to score. Plus there are only 40 clubs and they don't have real names either Apart from the replays, it is entirely
Ian Martin, via email
crap. This Is Football and FIFA are much better How can you justify rating this game so highly? Matthew Ward, Caddington. Matthew, do you realise that what you're saying is tantamount to blasphemy? Okay so Pro Evo 2 doesn't have many club teams. Okay so the made-up player names are daft Okay so the commentary is a farce But in all other respects, Pro Evo 2 hits the back of the
net every single time. What's more, Konami has promised to rectify all its presentational faults in the next iteration
(see page 261
0PS2 is currently upgrading the text service. Stick your thoughts In an email
for now and you'll be able to text us again from next month. .. tis is aadbob/
fflsts the squsr-e route of cheese? Want value for
(ftonev? Buv Deus ExSi#>erb gsae-Took 3 Bicnths to codplete. tekken 4y bou^it
When we take screenshots of a game, we utilise a special software program
c o f fl p l e t e d i t / w h a t ' s
that allows us to connect our PS2 to a
thiS point? I'll
PC and grab stills from a window that
stick »ith tekken
appears on the desktop. This is what we do for all of our reviews and we can only show you what we actually play
tag 3r^ t^'ken 3/
However, in Monitor/preview pieces we often dont have access to the game code ourselves and we have to rely on screenshots provided by the software company Obviously less scrupulous developers do occasionally take this opportunity to touch up' screenshots, or
it/ pla^/ed it/
ard 20 quid "dottn.
Fed up Annie Y ds bloody Nill
Support da •arch
THE 'G' WORD After buying 0PS2#28 and playing the brilliant demo of The Getaway I felt the need to get In touch. I was very surprised
against trevz! ■ ; Hi ®v name is
by the amount of bad language - in
•oz der 8 GINSTERS
postr in «v ftag? 6 TA 5 n e e d s b o o b i e s .
Dave Bishop arid i like diggln! BRING ON HARSUPIAL PANDA
PS2 AGAINST TERRORISM On 24 November 2000, PS2 became a part of my consolography Consequently, I made the inevitable transition from
Issue 56 of my long-running collection of PSone mags to OPS2#01 - and I've got every issue since. I have witnessed not only the
M : T I [ ^ PA RT D E U X ! destroy all
kiddie gases e,g. crash baridicoot i h i a t e t h e f fl a l l
I bou^t pro evo
a parent of a 12-year-old boy I was even more surprised to find that there was no warning of this on the packaging of the mag or the demo. I am not a prude, nor am I against games with adult content but I feel that a warning would have helped some parents who I'm sure don't check the content of the disc. The age rating on the disc was 15, which is surely
2 a n d F I FA 2 0 0 3 a r ^
has chronicled the PS2's prodigious rise in, well, everything
a mistake - shouldn't it have been an 18
FIFA kicks pro evo's
to coincide with the game itself? I'm sure this is going to be a problem in the future as games become more adult-orientated. Next time you have adult content on your disc, could you make it clearer in order to alert parents to anything that they would feel
Admittedly 2001 was more of a prototype year for Sony - a technical flamboyancy if you like. Whereas 2002 demonstrated what the wonder
ass, Ii proud to cwn
machine Is truly capable of. We are not solely speaking in terms of graphical finesse
on PS2!
OPS2#27 demonstrates that the variety in terms of genre and the quality of titles
P S 2 S AV E S
particular, the 'P word - on the demo. As
evolution of PS2, but also the evolution of the magazine. 0PS2
the best footie gaae
here, but also in terms of scope and innovation.
THE WORLD Stop the war! Play games instead!
attempt to pass off replay screens as in-game While most screenshots offer a good indication of how the game looks, it's always best to wait for our reviews before you make a final judgement
HAWK ONUNE
within each genre Is becoming ever more expansive. That issue also sees the third
Tony just couldn't
perfect score awarded In 2002 in the form of GTk Vice City - a game that will most probably culminate as the bestselling game of all time. Consequently it's Inevitable that perfect scores will make way for more perfect scores. Just what point am I trying to make? PS2 has dwarfed the very little
Network Adaptor
competition it supposedly had and has seamlessly wormed its way into the homes of many fortunate people. From here, Sony can concentrate on its
software, hardware and online plans What does this mean? Unparalleled entertainment for the world to enjoy in unison, a large global family playing, not fighting in this era of decadence, terrorism and warfare. Samuele Lodate, London
Simply for the glorious pretentiousness of your eulogy of all things PlayStation 2, Samuele, there can be no competition for
this month's Star Letter Can online PS2 gaming really unite the world, solve the Palestine conflict, make trade fair; prevent war in Iraq, find Osama Bin Laden and stop Robbie Williams from ever
releasing another record? Of course not, Samuele's just overdone it with the Christmas sherry But while the PS2 isnt necessarily equipped to campaign against war and famine in the global community it is a lot of fun to play and it should be even more fun to play online. Yes, you heard, PlayStation 2 is fun! Not that you'd know it from all the 'Handbag!' contenders we received this month. Sometimes, we could all do with a bit of what Samuele's drinking.
138 PlayStation,E □FFICIHL mRGRZINE-UK
wait for the official
f. '.ft
unsuitable for their children? D Roberts, Wrexham
We're as concerned as you about children viewing unsuitable content You must have missed the 15+ rating logo and the words, "WARNING! The Getaway demo contains strong language," situated right next to the game logo on the front on the magazine's bog, and repeated again on the demo disc box There's not much more we can do!
We don't feel that our magazine is aimed at children which is why we're happy to run 15+ content on our demo disc and feature 18-rated
games such as GTA: Vice City and The Getaway so prominently - but we'll always advertise any mature content, and if necessary, apply the BBFC ratings which prevent people under a certain age from actually buying the magazine.
GamesPlanet.co.uk is an online shop specialising in all your videogame needs.
Buy the latest PS2 releases or choose from thousands of other games at up 40
percent less than the recommended retail price. You won't have to wait ages for
your game either - GamesPianet.co.ui< offers a free first class next day recorded delivery service, with pre-ordered new releases arriving on the day of release.
What are you waiting for? Log on now and spend some of that Christmas money
Strong language itself Is not enough for a game to be rated 18, and The Getaway demo was passed with a voluntary 15+ rating by the Video Standards Council.
3 Trvd 2 lite re fart. Nov «e sr-se is
experience for all of you who are considering venturing Into the world of online gaming before the official Network Adaptor arrives.
balder dan Hitwn,
EH! GRINGO! While staring at my impressive stack of your magazines last night I noticed that on the side of OPS2#27 was printed the phrase, "you have leetle bitty cajones?" This is also repeated In your stunning review inside, but did you check to see if you had the correct word? As pointed out by my Spanish teacher last week, the word "cajone" means "cardboard box". She said that the word I was looking for, as probably in your case too, is "cojones". Unless, of course, that dodgy Cuban Is questioning the size of our good old storage containers? Rickki, Jersey
PES2 IS A M A Z I N G H S I . T. B T O N B
SAMPLE CREDITS I have heard about a USB sampler available for PS2 that can be used with
IS this the
homv/ kinkv/ sexy
MTV i^usic Generator 2. Where can I get
XKX text service?
one, how much do they cost and how best can they be used? Chris Frost, Peterborough
'
-
hi
Just
aont
to
S3V that hitroan 2 is the ftutts nuts.
Everything i like in 3 9316/ blood/ stealth and the
boiler guns are cool as sex! I WANT TO BE A SIM/ FROM SAGGY . .. XIII Looks
pants/ looks like «v
The sampler can be purchased for £19.99 from the e-shop at www.codemasters.com (the UK section!. You'll be able to sample limited segments of tuneage from a CD, turntable, microphone, keyboard or anything you can plug Into it See page 64 for exciting news on Music 3.
1 1 1 n i e c e d i d t fi e
As our Cuban friends would say "mea culpa." Er, t/iot's If they were spealdng Italian...
outlines (Dith an
e*/eliner. lets hope it plays gid or its g o n n a b e a s t i n k e r, Xnd" frae Scotland
ONLINE OVERSIGHT Your recent review of Tony Hawks Pro Skater 4 (OPS2#28| left me disappointed. I previously owned THPS3 and loved the Innovative use of online play in the first online PS2 game ever But your THPS4 review does not even mention the Online mode.
After buying THPS4 (having recently
.
C^t
get
over
the ab fab Monkey
couple of years luhen i i bored of it.., AdZ/ Kerit : ; I fi J T S s o S P E C I A L
ethernet modem for £20 on eBay
BOUT ONimJSHA 2?
plugged it in to my PS2 and within minutes I was playing with seven other
&si My mates dogs
people with superb quality via my NTL
Tidus off FFX.
easy It was, plus you have the ability to download land upload) custom levels! I was staggered. These excellent online features, offered by no other PS2 game as yet, were left out of the review. With the SCEE online press release detailing exciting online prcijects Included in the same issue as the THPS4 review, I
butt
looks
HadJonrio
grrr. la gona i n t o E A ' s o f fi c e s a s
pmishnent 4 earning colonial narines.
disgrtmtled bloodthirsty taff 1^ i have a prob
shod i call (sy ps2
the more Information, the better
Ive almost f i n i shd
a AY E R o r S U E . b e n : t»o» ratch«t+ clank is excellent! Ta k e t h a t s u p « ^ «ario sunshine! G TA v c i s b e t a than eat in turnips ttiiv D,J Danny HcD,
it, Cant beat that Hilary King in dat race, p.s-hail King
part. Although the number of gamers playing THPS4 online is very limited (underlined by Activislon's decision not to
2001) and they're now both on Platinum for £20. Now I'm sure that SSX Tricky Is a
better-selling game than these two.. It's the same situation with the
bestselling game of 2001, Grand Theft Auto III. Usually, a game like this would be on Platinum by now, but no. GTAIII Is
economic sense to reduce it
a
handbag!
Ooh, back in the knife drawer, Mr Sharp! MAG NAG What the hell? This has to be the worst magazine I've ever read. I don't know were to begin as every page was filled to the rim with totally unfunny bullsh't, but here's a start: a news article stated that there never was a gaming ban In Greece, regardless of every other magazine confirming It, before the Greek authorities overturned It. And, because you were last, you "confirm" it as nothing more than a rumour Translation: you lost the race and you'll hope to God that the thick readers will believe It. Also, whats with the new design crap? It's like flicking
who are happy to copy all their news stories from the Internet
Why do we know better? Because we're the only mag that 1
vice city rules!
bothered to do some proper reporting and telephone the Greek Embassy for the truth. Also, sorry that our new exciting, vibrant design is too lowbrow for your Intellectual needs, but ■ ^
^ Mov over- (»gs2, Jamie/ Watford,
fell off my bed when I realised he
looks like flippin' Tanner from the
Driver games! It's face-slappingiy funny Sam 'Mogcey' Moggan, Birmingham Daft but true. Keep 'em coming...
Ouch, that hurts! First off, the Greek 'gaming ban' story. The lesson here is not to believe everything you read in 'other"
gang of hoieboys
It's still a really impressive bonus to a great game. Tom's letter does an excellent job of summarising the
be the proud owner of
featured here, you'fl soon
Anthony, via email
slightly vague ruling that was misreparted by lazy publications
rovw-vice city
'Ifyou get a letter
Aunt f^tunlo's handbag.
stickmen, filling every possible gap with total crap. And to think that Super Play came from this magazine house.
dis to»n! fear iy
promote this feature of the game at aill
■ TA R R N I E I S TA N N E R I was skimming through OPS2t22 the other day and took another look at the Interview with EA's Tarrnie Williams. I almost
through a five-year-old's textbook filled with cruddy doodles of
magazines. There was no ban on videogames In Greece, just a
rule
have been rated 18 or censored?
cheaper price point because they can Invigorate flagging sales, but GTAIII's sales have just never flagged! If consumers are still prepared to pay full price for a game. It doesn't make
S
i
Getaway demo
compulsory for a game to 'go Platinum' just because it's reached a certain sales target Most companies jump at the chance to remarket their games at a
UidJ, Paul Vicario. h a h ^ f fl
Should The
Europe! to qualify for Platinum status.
slip a xenoiHDrph
am surprised that you have not Included a special feature about how people at home can play online now. After all, when the official adaptor comes out, I'll still be popping down to my games store to pick one up, and the USB modem will be going back to eBay I really feel there's a lot of confusion regarding PS2 online -
This was definitely an oversight on our
Sad but true. However, It's not
like
THUNDER ^ DOOM
Tom Kiss, Brighton
games on offer and I saw that SSX Tricky was on sale for a whopping £40. That's still full price! Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 same time as SSX Tricky (Christmas
got broadband) I bought a Llnksys USB
512k connection. I couldn't believe how
In the case of SSX Tricky, it simply hasn't sold enough copies (250,000 across
forth By ar«y of
Just bought
LANGUAGE
PLATINUM ROGUES
and Jak And Daxter came out at the
G TA U C ; s e e u i n a
enough copies by now. Are the companies who produce these games just greedy liars? Thomas Smith, Royston
Yesterday, I popped Into my local games store to see if there were any bargain
Assistant in TS2. Go
aonkey friends!
MIND YOUR
still £40 too! Why aren't these games out on Platinum? They must have sold
,
-
,#J ,
I'm sure our "thick" readers might have a response for you... '
□FFICIRL mHGRZINE-UK PlayStation E 13!
OPS2's Dr Paul Fitzpatrick neutralises your gaming ailments and gives you the all-clear!
u n g
write: SURGERY; OmCML.PLAYSTATION 2 MAGAZINE, RJTURE PUBUSHING, 30 MONMOLfTH STREET, BATM BAl 2BW email: ps2sutiety®tuturenetco.uk txt new service commencing soon! ■ PLEASE REMEMBER
Unfortunately, we cant reply in person to letters or emails, and cannot answer
your questions over the phone.
1.1 recently purchased Royman M for
Has It got anything to do with that
my seven-year-old son. We have a great time freezing each other and running for the light balls! But the way in which you have to play the One-player mode to unlock all the levels Is frustrating for
elephant by an chance? 2. How do you perform the Misty Flip
both of us. Are there codes to unlock all
the goodies In the game? Igor and Nenad, Italy
over the hut In the Kona level?
3. How do I get enough height on my Jumps to perform the Eggplant on top of the cell block in Rune Gllfberg's Pro Challenge? 4. Are there any cheats available, like perfect grinds, to make the game any
■
R AY M A N M
Codes will unlock
the goodies in Two-player mode.
1. Certainly. Just enter the following codes as your name and then press m,
easier for novices like me?
Jason Holt, Salisbury
Your one-in, one-out quick clinic for minor
gaming
irritations.
1. In the absence of fences to paint get Dean Somerville wants to know
how to get the Nimbus 2000 Broomstick in
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of
®, @ to activate them.
Secrets. On the
1. It has everything to do with the elephant Spine transfer onto the roof of the Koala Cafe building next to Stumpy the elephant then jump back off,
second day of school, go to the Quidditch practice
approach the edge of the pink bowl directly in front of the hut As you speed up the edge of the bowl, press 1", followed by ® to perform a Boneless. This should give you that extra bit of All Battle Levels
ALLFISH
All Characters All Levels
PUPPETS
All Race Levels All Skins
A L LT R I B E S
A L L R AY M A N M
C A R N I VA
Old Movie Style Screen OLDTV 1. Call me stupid, but can I play DVD movies from other countries on my PAL PS2? I know It's designed for the PAL Region |2), but with other stand-alone DVD players you can Input pokes to
bypass the regional lockout, and play whatever you want, Matthew Sutton, Exeter 1. 'Poke? Cor - spot the Eighties child! No, unfortunately there Is no way to bypass the regional lockout on your PS2 by inputting codes. However; there are various gizmos on the market (though not official productsi which plug Into your PS2, to play multi-region discs. Ask at your local games store for details, 1. In your mag review It stated that Pro Evolution Soccer 2 supports 60Hz and widescreen, but I can't find the options for them. Help? Steve, via email 1. Mery sorry Steve, but the sheer
excitement of actually getting to play the game meant that we got it wrong, Alas, there are no 60Hz or widescreen options. 1. In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, how do
you open the Aquarium In the Zoo level?
140 PlayStatlon.E OFFICinL fTlRGHZINE-UK
height needed to clear the hut Simply perform the Misty Flip move whilst over the hut and land it In the pink bowl to complete the challenge 3. Again, perform a Boneless just before you take off and you should get that extra height needed to take you up to the roof
Hidden skaters
homielist
Always special
doasuper mullenpower
Perfect manuals
Perfect grinds Moon physics The Matrix mode
and complete the training with a 'B' rank or better
With your new sticK you can now fly anywhere around the school
during the day Next! Phil Mackey Is having trouble accessing the secret area In The
ssbsts
superfly nospoon
your character different moves, combos, stances, evades and throws by first performing those moves on yourAI character, which they in turn, will duplicate. You may find that some moves are too hard for the character to learn
initially (and a ?' will appear In the hub at the bottom of the screen) but as you
your drone all the moves in the manual, go and train them in Arcade mode. Observe their progress, pressing @ to reward them if they do something good (like a powerful combo or a reversal) and ® if they do bad (like repeating a useless move that leaves them wide
open to a counter strike). Make sure you only press these buttons when your character is in the middle of a move or
when their opponent Is floored, otherwise they'll look at you for a couple of seconds and be a sitting duck to
Ratchet & Clank
opposing attacks. You can then go back to sparring and teach them combos, but
You have to go
remember to teach them one move at a
around the side of
time before stringing them all together
Jowai Resort in
t h e fi r s t i s l a n d a n d dive under the water - there is
4. Certainly Just go to the Options screen from the main menu, select 'Cheats' and enter any of the following codes. Remember, though, you will have to pause the game once you're In it, go to Options and then toggle the codes in the 'Cheats' menu before they will work.
sparring! This is the most important part In training an AI because you can teach
progress through the game, your AI character will become ready to learn the more complex stuff. When you've taught
carefully aiming to land on Stumpy's head If your aim is accurate and you hold ® as you land, you should frighten the beast sufficiently into charging through the zoo and demolishing the door to the Aquarium, 2. When you start the challenge, quickly build up your special meter and then
1. Do you have any tips or pointers on how to make an Ai character (Akira) in VIrtua Fighter 4 better? Ciaran McGuire, via email
1.1 need some help in The Getaway
an underwater
First of all, how do I to beat the Triad
passage to it
gangs on the underground floor? 2. Secondly, I have heard that there are secret vehicles in the game. How do I
i n s i d e t h e fi r s t
island, but you'll need the Thruster
Pack for this (and
unlock them?
preferably the 02 Mask and a pretty decent weapon, too), God, is that
Jason Pitts, Stockport
the time? Must
dash, peeps.
1. To defeat the Triads, use the hug-thewall-and-jump-out manoeuvre, if this doesn't work, there are some gas canisters at the point where all the gang members emerge from - shoot the canisters and you should take them all out in one fatal blast
2. First complete the game to unlock 1.1 am new to this PS2 scene and I
Free Roam mode and then search
have a quick question regarding the
around for them. Here are a few we've found: Go onto Oxford Street from the
game discs, I got two games with the machine at Christmas, but when I flip them over, one Is blue and the other
silver Why's that then? Mark Sibley, Portsmouth 1. You've Just discovered the most visible difference between CD game discs Ibluej and DVD game discs (silver}. More data can be stored on DVDs, but both formats
produce equal game quality (providing you have a decent game in the first place, that isj.
starting point Head west past Marble Arch and onto Bayswater Road (use the map supplied with the game for road names). Follow Bayswater Road west as far as the game will allow, then turn left at the blockade onto the Hyde Park Inner Road (the Hyde Park Inner Road U-bends back around to travel through the centre of Hyde Park at this point). At the back of the U-bend is an open gate - go through it Parked by a mansion, you'll find a Nissan Skyline GTR and a TVR. □
i n
if
% S I -
c
/
PlayStation.? / DFFICtRL mRGRZINE-UK
BRCK
To order any available back issues call 0870 444 8656
PlayStation. 2
PlayStation 2
PlayStation E
- m m
.1
'
ISSUES
WEUUIWaK-W
^ r n ■' 11,7,fii
ISSUE 01 DEC 2000 SOLD OUT
■ REVIEWED; Tekken Tog Tournament, rimeSplitters, SSX ■ P L AYA B L E D E M O S ; W i l d W i l d
Racing, ISS
ISSUE 02 XMA$2000SOl£ OUT ■ REVIEWED; Dead Or Alive 2, HFA 2001, Rayman Revolution U PLAYABLf DEMO: Tekken Tag Toumoment
ISSUE 03 JAN 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; Moto GR Theme Park Wortd, Street Fighter EX3
■ PLAYABLE DEMOS; Dynasty Wamors 2. NHL 2001
PlayStatjpn^a ■ PlayStatjon2
ISSUE 04 FEB 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; Unreal Tournament Summoner, Kessen, Sky Surfer ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS: MotO GR ISS, Dynasty Waniors 2, NHL 2001
PlayStation 2
■r n C U U I M U O K - B K
'
ISSUE 05 MAR 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED: Knockout Kings 2001, Onl, ^adow Of Memories m PLAYABLE DEMO; Gfon Turismo 3; A-Spec
ISSUE
06
APR
2001
SOLD
OUT
Storflghter; ZOE, Quoke III m PLAYABLE DEMOS; ZOE
VnCMlWMUW-M
07
M AY
2001
SOLD
OUT
Starflghter, Sky Odyssey
Dead Or Alive 2
PlayStation EHPIayStation E !
ISSUE
■ REVIEWED: Crazy Taxi. Formula One 2001, MDK2 Armageddon m PLAYABLE DEMOS: Stor WarS:
■ REVIEWED: Stor WtorS:
^
PlayStation 2 /
WCMlMWUtM-W
HRRDI it-a .4iMSsa«, My'
V
'r-
ifSSSr ^ . t -
ISSUE
08
JUN
2001
SOLD
OUT
■ REVIEWED: Red RJCtion, MTV Mus/c Genemtor 2, Fur Fighters ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS: MTV MUSJC Generator 2, Moto 6P
ISSUE 09 JUL 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; Gr3: A Spec, Escape From Monkey /s/ond, On/mus/io ■ PIAYABLE DEMOS; Formula One 2001, Rugby, Wacky Races
ISSUE
10
AUG
2001
SOLD
OUT
■ REVIEWED: Resident Evil Code: Veronfco X, G/ft, NBA Street m PLAYABLE DEMOS; Le Mons 24 Hours, Gount/et: Dork Legocy
I
■■ " . ■ I " .
ISSUE 11 SEP 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED: Dork C/oud, World Championship Snooker 2002 m P L AYA B L E D E M O S : L o t u s
Challenge, WC Snooker 2002
ISSUE 12 OCT 2001 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED: Project Eden, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 m PLAYABLE DEMOS: MX Rider, Soul Reaver 2, TIF 2002
ISSUE
ISSUE
ISSUE 20 MAY 2002 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; Hnai Fantasy K Deus X, LMA 2002, Blood Omen 2 m PIAYABLE DEMOS; FFK Rally Championship, Space Race
13
NOV
2001
SOU)
OUT
■ REVIEViED; WWE Smackdown!
■Just Bring ttr,GrAIII, Silent Hill 2
m PLAYABLE DEMOS: NBA Street Time Crisis 2, Rayman M
ISSUE 14 DEC 2001 SOLD OUT
■ REVIEWED: Devil May Cry, HalfUfe, World Rally Championship
■ P L AYA B L E D E M O S : S m o c k d o w n . '
•Just Bring tt', WipEout Fus/on
U.I
PlayStation
ISSUE 15 XMAS 2001SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED: Jok And Daxter, THPS3, SSX Tricky, Rayman M ■ P L AYA B L E D E M O S ; J o k A n d
Baxter, Burnout, ExtfBme-G 3
ISSUE 16 JAN 2002 SOLO OUT ■ REVIEWED; WipEout Fuston, Rez, Ecco The Doiphin, Headhunter m PLAYABLE DEMOS: Pro EvoluVon Soccer, Headhunter, FIFA 2002
ISSUE 17 FEB 2002 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; MGS2, Ace Combat Distant Thunder Moto GP 2 ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS: MGS2, Rez, WipEout Fus/on, Crosti Bandicoot
ISSUE
18
MAR
2002
SOLD
OUT
■ REVlEWifED: Herdy Gertfy, Ico, Maximo, Max Payne, Kessen // ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS; Hertfy Gerdy, Half-Life, Dynasty Warriors 3
19
APR
2002
SOU)
OUT
■ REVIEWED; Virtua Hghter 4, Star Wd/s; Jedi Starflghter m PIAYABLE DEMOS; ICO, Mike
Tyson Boxing, Vampire Night
ISSUE
21
JUN
Missed an issue? Just fill out this form and send It to the address below. BACK ISSUES AVA I L A B L E Please tick the
boxfesl that correspond ISSUE
22
JUL
2002
AVA I L A B L E
■ REVIEWED; V-Rally 3, Prisoner Of War, Soldier Of Fortune; Gold ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS; G/t0n)0 Mon, 2002 FIFA Worid Cup, F1 2002
ISSUE 23 AUG 2002 AVAILABLE ■ REVIEWED; StUfTtmon, GT
ISSUE 24 SEP 2002 SOLD OUT ■ REVIEWED; TDCA Roce Driver,
Concept, Bortwrion, Freeksty/e
Conflict Desert Storm, Project Zero
■ PLAYABLE DEMOS: Stuntman, Prolecxiero, Men In Black II
■ P L AYA B L E D E M O S ; T O C A R a c e
with the
issuelsl you wont.
Driver, Conflict Desert Storm
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ISSUE 26 NOV 2002 AVAILABL£ ■ REVIEWED: WWE SmockOown/
Shut >t>ur Mouth, Rotchet & Clank m PUYABLE DEMOS; Ratchet & Clank, Tekken 4, Red Rjction it
ISSUE 27 DEC 2002 AVAILABL£ ■ REVIEWED: GTA Vice City, LOTR: TTie Two Towers, WRC11 Extreme m PLAYABLE DEMOS: Colin McRoe Rally 3, WRC 11 Extreme, Haven
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Back Issues, Future Publishing, Gary Court, Somerton, Somerset, TAll 6TB
ISSUE 29 JAN 2003 AVAILABLE ■ REVIEWED; Mortal Kombot
Deodfy Alliance, Ape Escape 2
■ PLAYABLE DEMOS; FIFA 2003, Pro Evol/ution Soccer, Rocky
ALTERNATIVELY CALL 0870 444 8656 |UK readers) ■ +44 1458 271100 (Overseas rBadersj 'issue availability correct at time of press
142 PlayStation,E DFFICIRL mRGHZINE-UK
2002
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■ RENEWED: Sp/der-Mon, MOHr Frt)nt//ne. 2002 FIFA World Cup ■ PLAYABLE DEMOS; Star WorS: Jedi Storflg/itef; MOH: Front/lne
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COmPETITONS ■ HACIENDA THAT When doing hard time at the bar on a 24-hour
stretch, the last thing you need is a Babycham.
i t
24 Hour Party People on DVD and a JVC DVD player to play it on!)
24 Hour Parly People is out now on DVD and VHS, and to celebrate
we're giving away some melon-twisting goodies. STARRING A WHO'S WHO of British comedic talent, 24 Hour
THE PRIZES
Party People is a darkly funny history of the drugged up, blissed out Madchester music scene. Centred around a brilliantly eccentric performance by Steve Coogan as Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, the film follows his story from the Sex Pistols gig that inspired him to set up the legendary label to the excess-fuelled heyday of The Hacienda and the bands - The
One overall winner will receive:
Happy Mondays, New Order, you know the score - that made Manchester the music capital of the UK in the late Eighties. To celebrate the film's release on DVD and VHS we've got
■ A DVD Player ■ A copy of 24 Hour Party People on DVD ■ A copy of PCDJ Home Edition (for PC) One runner-up will receive: ■ A copy of 24 Hour Parly People on DVD ■ A copy of PCDJ Home Edition (for PC)
together with Pathe Distribution Limited to offer you the chance to win not only a copy of 24 Hour Party People on DVD, but also a DVD player to play it on and a copy of Emission UK's music
Eight other runners-up will receh/e; ■ A copy of 24 Hour Party People on DVD
mixing software PCDJ for your desktop (for more details see www.emissionuk.coml. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this trio of 'mad for it' prizes is answer the question below correctly and send it in to the usual address. Step on!
HOW TO ENTER:
QUESTION:
Pez
My Melon, Man!', Official PlayStation 2 Magazine, Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BAl 2BW. 2. Email us with the answer at [email protected] remember to put You're Twisting My Melon, Man!' in the
W H AT I S T H E N A M E O F T H E H A P P Y M O N D AY S ' M A R A C A - S H A K I N G D A N C E R ?
a)
1. Write your answer on a postcard and send to 'You're Twisting
b)
Daz
c)
Bez
subject line.
3. Please include your name, address and phone number on all competition entries.
'If you do not wish your name to be used for further marketing Competition Rules No purchase necessary. Competition only open to residents of the UK No correspondence will be entered into. No employees of Future Publishing, Patli6 Distribution Ltd or any affiliated company may enter No cash alternative is offered to these prizes. Closing date is 20 February 2003. if any prize becomes unavailable, Future Publishing and Path6 Distribution Ltd reserve the right to replace It wrfth another of equal value Multiple entries will be disregarded. The Editor's decision is final. All normal competition njles apply. Big thanks to Path6 Distribution Ltd.
lyemission
144 PlayStation 2 DFFICIRL mPGRZINE-UK
Information, please state this on your entry
CCKTIPETITIDNS
mm.
A Signed copy of Tony Hawk's 4 Plus skateboards and clothing up for grabs from Actlvislon. THIS HUGELY POPULAR SKATEBOARD Sim is Stili
riding high in the PS2 game charts, but if you haven't managed to get your own copy yet, then enter our competition to be in with a chance. We've teamed up with Activision, Birdhouse and Hawk Ciothing to bring
¥
you some fantastic prizes. One lucky winner wiii receive a bundie of skate gear worth over £400 including a copy of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 which is signed by the Hawkster himseif! To be in with a chance of winning, answer our ridicuiousiy easy question and send it to us.
QUESTION: W H AT T Y P E O F A N I M A L I S A H A W K ?
a) Dog b) Horse c)Bird THE PRIZES One overall winner will receive:
■ A signed copy of THPS4 m Binjhouse skateboard
■ Birdhouse cap ■ Birdhouse waiiet ■ Birdhouse beit
■ Hawk Ciothing Sir Puff Jacket ■ Hawk Ciothing Revo Shirt ■ A pair of Hawk Ciothing ironside Trousers
HOW TO ENTER:
■ A pair of Hawk Ciothing River Trousers
1. Write your answer on a postcard and send to
Three rvnners-up will receive:
Tony's Gear", Official PiayStatlon 2 Magazine, Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath
■ A copy of THPS4
B A l 2 B W.
m Birdhouse skateboard
2. Email us with the answer at
■ Birdhouse cap ■ Birdhouse waiiet ■ Birdhouse belt
■ Hawk Clothing Sir Puff Jacket ■ Hawk Clothing Revo Shirt ■ A pair of Hawk Clothing Ironside Trousers ■ A pair of Hawk Clothing River Trousers
[email protected] - remember to put Tony's Gear' in the subject line. 3. Please include your name, address and phone number on all competition entries. 'If you do not wish your name to be used for further marketing information, please state this on your entry.
Six other runners-up will receive:
Competitian Rules No purchase necessary. Competition only open to residents of
■ A copy of
the UK No correspondence will be entered into. No employees
THPS4
of FLiture Publishing, Activision or any affiliated company may enter No cash alternative is offered to ttiese prizes. Closing
date is 20 February 2003. if any prize becomes unavailable, Future Publishing and Activision reserve the right to replace ft with another of equal value. Multiple entries will be disregarded. The Editor's decision is final. All normal competition rules apply.
Big thanks to Activision.
□FFICinL mRERZINE-UK PlayStatlon.E 14!
W H AT F. GAME CHARACTERS TOOK OUT PERSONAL ADS? •
••
WORDS: PAUL FITZPATRICK/ILLUSTRATION: WILL BARRAS
'Sure, a life of gaming action is very fueling, but even virtual people get lonely when the how does a busy game character go about finding love?
The following ads come from the 'PS2-gether' pages of The Daily Console, a free paper distributed in
mullets, ninjas, wannabe megalomaniacs or computer simulations please. And Snake? Stop sending photos of your arse. Thanks Box 23685
the Third Place. Thanks to all involved
for letting their ads be reproduced. MEN SEEKING WOMEN Are you tired of being mistaken for a member of the opposite sex? Then let's put love on the 'a-gender' together I am a blond-haired male (24) w/ith a flawless complexion, a trusting nature and a wardrobe filled with tight-fitting rubber outfits don't worry, they are for my job! My last relationship ended because my girlfriend kept calling me at work. If you're female, aged 20-27, have black hair and are not jealous of gigantic,
Italian American recently moved to seaside town, with a very short f*kingfuse, motherf...sorry. Ahem. Red-blooded, Italian American male |33] with shotgun, ambition and liberal views on car rental is looking for a nice young lady with connections and flexible morals to go on a series of explosive dates. Do you like Hawaiian shirts? Do you not really care where I got that hot pink sports car or why there are muffled screams coming from the boot as long as we make the restaurant on time? Then you sound perfect. You call, capisce? Box 23876
fighting robots
WOMEN SEEKING MEN
NO RUSSIANS, MULLETS OR
armed with
C O M P U T E R S I M U L AT I O N S . A N D S N A K E ? S TO P S E N D I N G PHOTOS OF YOUR ARSE
then you could be the girl for
Feisty, aristocratic girl (32) who's had her fair share of adventure is looking for a nice, boring, stay-athome guy to settle down with. Positively no
nuclear missiles
me! No Russians,
mysterious foreign types with ancient maps, amulets, dobemian pinschers, uncles with Aztec
time shares or boarded-up doors in the cellar please! If you're a good-looking man without a shred of curiosity or any skeletons in your closet, and can maintain eye contact with a lady, we could make wonderfully average music together! No scars, eye patches or fedoras. Box 23798 ESCORTS I am a quiet, focused, man who is fond of international travel and dressing impeccably Having made a killing during my professional life I've recently retired to enjoy a quiet life of contemplation in Sicily However, old habits die hard and I'm itching to get back into the game. If you're a stylish individual with an unfaithful or criminally insane partner I'd love to take them out' for you. Interested? Just send arecent photograph, $75,000 and I'll take care of the rest. I
guarantee a hit rate with clients s e c o n d t o n o n e . Yo u k n o w i t
makes sense. Box 23133 □
k ^ A
NEXT MGISTTH IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF
PLUSl
Playable demos ot The Mari( Of Kn,
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ZOE 2, Robocop and loads m o r e
/ DFFICIRL niRBRZINE-UK
«« I Online ambush! SOCOM, Everquest, IKbes and Midnight Club 11 playtested, plus new Broadband launch details! I Exclusive unveiling of Blizzard's Starcraft: Ghost. I Shhh! Top secret scoop on the game of the film of the year
V
•resident evilTi,
n e t w o r - k ^
I PLUS! Tomb Raider and Devil May Cry 2 hands-on, The Mark Of Kri reviewed and a HUGE playable demo disci
ON SAL£: 21.02.03 146 PlayStation.E □FFICIRL mRERZINE-UK
World exclusive! The full horror of the most
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TOP WALKTHROUGHS PLUS OVER/fCHEATS & TIPS Deus-Ex
Grand Theft Auto 3
M= Madden NFL Madden NFL Madden NFL
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Grandia Grandia
Major Lgue Baseball '02 Ma|or Lgue Baseball '03
^irblode
Dino Stolker
Mex Ps Player Man. '02 ^lex Fs Player Monager ^11 Star Baseball 2002 t<\\ Star Baseball 2003 ^ll-Star Pro. Wrestling 2 lone in the Dark 4 merican Pro Trucker
Disney's Dinosaur
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Armageddon (MDK2)
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Grand T Auto: Vice City
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Dracula Last Sanctuary
Mania
E = : 0 5
Elemental Force
Elite Force: Voyager Emotion Type-S (Driving) Game
Escape Monkey Island
ESPN Skateboarding ESPN Snowboarding
Bond: Agent Under Fire
Eternal Ring
Bouncer
Eve of Extinction
Britney's Dance Beat
Evergrace
Burnout 2 Point of Impact C
=
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Cart Fury
Penny Racers Pirates: Leg. of Black Kat Player Manager 2001 Player Manager 2002
H
Citizen Kabuto (Giants) CHy Crisis Code Veronica X
Colin McRae Rally 3
=
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Men In Black 2 Alien Esc. Metal Gear Solid 2
Midnight Club Might & Magic Mike Tyson Boxing
Harry Potter Ph's Stone Harry Potter C.of Secrets
Harvest Moon: Homeland Millionaire Headhunter Minority Report
Mobile Suit Gun.Rv Zeon
High Heat Baseball 2002 M o b i l e S u i t G u n d o m High Heat Boseball 2003 Monkey Island (Escape) Hitman 2: Silent Ass.
M o n s t e r J a m M a x . D e s t r. Monsters Inc
Hot Shots Golf 3 1 = 09 Ico
Rnal Fantasy 10
J = 1 0 J McGrath's S'cross World
Mummy Returns MX 2002 MX Rider
J. Moseley's Mad Trix J.Bond: Agent Under Fire
MX Superfly
Jade Cocoon 2 Jak & Daxter
Namco
N s 1 4 Museum
Nascar 2001 Nascar Heat 2002 NASCAR Thunder 2002 NASCAR Thunder 2003 N B A 2 K 2
Jlkkyou World Soccer '00 Jikkyou World Soccer '01 N B A 2 K 3 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure 2 NBA Hoopz Just Bring It K=
1
NBA NBA NBA NBA NBA
1
Kessen Kessen 2 Kinetica
Kingdom Hearts King's Field: Ancient City Klonoa 2
L=1
Live 2001 Live 2002 Live 2003 Shootout 2001 Street
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David Beckham Soccer
DDRMAX: p. D. Rev. 6)
Gitaroo Man Godal: Elemental Force
Golf, Swing Away Gradius 3 & 4 Gran Turismo 2
Lego Racers 2
LA^ Manager 2002 UAA Manager 2003 Loony Tunes Space Roce
Red Faction 2 Res. Evil Gun Survivor 2
R e s . E v l l : C Ve r o n i c a X Return to C. Wolfenstein
Revolution: Quake 3 Rez
Ridge Racer 5 Ring of Red
Tony Howie's 4 Top Gear: Dare Devil Top Gun: Combat Zones
S l a m Te n n i s Sled Storm
Track and Field
Sly Cooper & Thievius R. Transworld Surf Smackdownl 3: J. Bring It Triple Play 2002 Smackdownf ShytYM Triple Play Baseball
Turok: Evolution Tw i s t e d M e t a l B l a c k
S m a s h C o u r t Te n n i s
Smugglers Run Smugglers Run 2
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
SOCOM: US Navy Seals
U = 2 1
Soldier of Fortune Soul Reaver 2
UEFA Champion League
Spoce Channel 5 Spiderman The Movie Splashdown
U n r e a l To u r n a m e n t
Ult.FChamp: Throwdown US Navy Seals (SOCOM) V
=
2
Spyro: Ent.the Dragonfly SSX - Snowboarding SSX Tricky
Vice City, G.TA.
Victorious Boxers
Star Trek: Elite Force
Virtua Fighter 4
Star Wars Jedi Starfighter
V i r t u a Te n n i s 2
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Voyager Elite Force
V-RalTy 3
Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars: Racer Revenge Star Wars: Star Fighter State of Emergency Street Hoops
W
=
Wacky Races
Warlords (Onlmusha)
Stuntman Summoner Summoner 2
Warriors of M & M
Woy of the Samurai WDL: War Jetz Weakest Link Wetrix 2 Who Wants 2BAMillion.2 Wild Arms 3
Sunny Garcia: Surfing Super Bombad Racing Super Bust A Move Super Bust-A-Move 2 Super Trucks
Wild Wild Racing
Winback Supercar St. Challenge Superman S of Apokolips Winning Eleven 6
Winter Sports 2002 Wipeout Fusion World Cup 2002
S u r fi n g H 3 0 Swing Away Golf 1 = 20 T. W o o d s P G A To u r 2 0 0 1 Ta r z a n F r e e r i d e TD Overdrive Te k k e n 4
World Outlaws: S.Cars'02 Worms Blast Wrath of Cortex
WRC: World Rally Champ
Tekken Tag Tournament
WW2: Prisoner of War WWE Smackdownl J.B.I. WWF Smackdownl J.B.I, X = 2 4
The Bouncer
X Games: Skateboarding
Rocket Power Bch.Bandits
The Fellowship Of Ring
Rocky
The Legend of Black Kat
X Games: Snowboarding
Need for Speed H.Purs.2
NFL 2K2 NFL Blitz 2002 NFL Blitz 2003
N i g h t fi r e No-One Lives Forever
Rise of the Akkadian
Romance of 3 Kingdom 7 RTS: Army Men Rumble Racing Run Like Hell
Rune; Viking Warlord S = 1 9 S Palmer's Snowboarder
Sarge's Heroes 2
WWE Smackdownl SYM
X-Men: Next Dimension
X-Squad
The Mark of KrI
The Mummy Returns
Xtreme G3 Y =
The New Nightmare The Operative (N.O.L.F)
2
The Simpsons Skateboard The Simpsons: Road Roge The Thing
YuGiOhl Dual Monsters 2 Z = 2 6 Zeonic Front Zone of the Enders
Zorro (Shadow Of)
Seven Blades Shadow Hearts Shadow Man 2
T h e T w o To w e r s The Weakest Link Theme Park World This is Football 2002 This Is Football 2003 Throwdown: UFC
Shadow of Memories Shadow Of Zorro
Thunderhawk: Op. Tiger Woods Golf 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
Scooty Doo: 100 Frights Scorpion King Sega Sports Tennis 2K2
Shinobi Shox
Tiger Woods Golf 2003
0-9
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18 Wheeler 4x4 Evolution 7 Blades
Plus Mony Mora..
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Rayman 2 Rayman M RC Revenge Pro Ready 2 Rumble 2
TOCA Race Driver
Silpheed: Lost Planet Simpsons' Skateboarding Simpsons: Road Rage Sky Gunner Sky Odyssey
Road Rage
NFL 2001 NFL 2002 NFL 2003
2
Ratchet and Clank
Silent Scope Silent Scope 2
NBA Tonight 2002 NBA Tonight, ESPN
Le Mans 24 Hours
Dark Legacy
7
Time Splitters Time Splitters 2
Silent Hill 2
Te n n i s 2 K 2 Te r m i n a t o r : D a w n o f F a t e Te s t D r i v e
Cyprien's Chronicles
Dark Cloud
1
Racer Revenge Raging Breath
L. of Kain: Blood Omen 2 L. of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
G1 Jockey Gauntlet: Dark Legacy Giants: Citizen Kabuto
=
R = 1 8 R Carmichael's MX 2002
Contra; Shattered Soldier Four by Four Evolution Cool Boarder 2001 Freekstyle Crazy Taxi Freestyle BMX 2 Cricket 2002 Frequency
Dark Angel
Q
MTV Skateboarding
Formula 1 2001
07
Project Zero
Mr Moskeeto MTV Music Generator 2
Knockout Kings 2002
=
Project Eden
Quest for Dragon B. Staff
Knockout Kings 2001
G
Pro Rally 2002
Motor Mayhem
Forever Kingdom
Fur Fighters
Pool Master: Q-Ball Portal Runner Prisoner of War Pro Evolution Soccer Pro Evolution Soccer 2
Int. Super Soccer Int. Superstar Soccer 2
Fire Blade
04
Police 24/7
Quake 3 Revolution
C o n fl i c t Z o n e C o n fl i c t : D e s e r t S t o r m
D Dare Devil Dark Alliance
Polaroid Pete
Moto GP 2
Commandos 2
Frontline (M. of Honor)
Paris-Dakar Rally
In Cold Blood
Kengo: M. of Bushido
Fifa World Cup 2002
Parasite Eve 2
Mortal Kombat: Deadly A Q-Ball: Billiards Master Moto GP Quack Attack
Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer
F I FA 2 0 0 1 FIFA 2002 FIFA 2003
P = 1 6 Pac-Man World 2
JMedai of Honor Front.
Jedl Star Fighter Jekyll & Hyde
Fellowship Of The Ring
Orphen
Gungrave
James Bond: Nightfire
Circus Maximus
007 Agent Under Fire 007 Nightfire Operation Winback Operative (N.O.L.R)
Parappa the Rapper 2
Extermination Extreme G 3 Extreme Racer F = 06 F1 2001 F1 2002
Chris Edwards' Ag. Inline
O n i Onlmusha 2 Onlmusha: Warlords
Gun Griffon Blaze Gundam: J to Jaburo
Guilty Gear X Plus
Evil iwin
Fanta Vision Fatal Frame
Okage: Shadow King
Maximo McGrath's S'cross World M D K 2
Casper: Spirit Dimensions F1 Champ. Season 2000 Chamber of Secrets Checkmate
AAcdc Payne
Int. Track & Field Int. Winter Sports'02 I n t . T r a c k & F i e l d NBA Tonight Int. Winter Sports 2002 NBA Tonight 2002 ISS Pro Evolution
ESPN NFL Primetime 02
Burnout
GTA: Vice City
Hidden Invasion
ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN
BloodRayne Bloody Roar 3
G T A 3
Eggo Mania Eignteen Wheeler
Ephemeral Phantasia Episode 1: Stor Fighter
Blade 2 Blood Omen 2
Mark of KrI Martian Gothic Master of Bushido Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2
Gravity Games Green Rogue
MLB Slugfest 2003 Herdy Gerdy Heroes of Might & Magic M o b i l e S u i t G u n . : Z . F r o n t
End
BIG: SSX Tricky
2 Xtreme
1 3 2001 2002 2003
Ecco the Dolphin Eden, Project
Batman Vengeance
BIG: SSX Snowboording
3
DNA Dark Native Apostle Guilty Gear X
Bass Strike BIG: NBA Street
Tbrismo
Gran Turismo Concept
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