Perfect Stu
01-15-2003, 04:48 PM
It has returned
http://members.shaw.ca/commencer3/gt/ttr.jpg
(Part 2)
>Be sure to check out Part One (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=4391) of this two part thread if you haven’t already.<
Some of you might be eager to read about what Darkmaster and I have chosen as the top 5 games in the PS2’s beastly library (or our top 5 reasons to buy the system). Others may be in this thread by chance…accidentally wandering over to GameTavern when what you really wanted was porn. Some of you may be asking yourselves why chipmunks are such evil little bastards. In any case, Darkmaster and I are proud to present the Top 5.
10 – SSX
9 – Suikoden III
8 – SOCOM: US Navy SEALS
7 – Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
6 – Kingdom Hearts
5
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/198102.jpghttp://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/223734.jpg
Stu:
Grand Theft Auto. To some it sounds like a mere crime. To others, the term describes the best selling games series for over 15 months now. Rockstar North-developed Grand Theft Auto 3 was truly a breakthrough for videogames. GTA: Vice City continued with the success of GTA3 and once again captured the hearts of millions. Gamers were handed a giant, living city to do whatever they wanted with. Steal a police car and eliminate crime :). Jack an ambulance and save lives :). Or beat a prostitute to death with a baseball bat :devil:. To sum up Grand Theft Auto in two words, ‘guilty pleasure’ would be appropriate.
In GTA3, gamers assume the roll of a nameless individual who begins a life of crime in the dark, rainy city dubbed ‘Liberty City’. For Vice City, gamers take control of Tommy Vercetti, who’s trying to make a name for himself in the aptly named ‘Vice City’. There are countless specific things one can do with either character, but it can be separated into 2 modes, which I like to call ‘story mode’, and ‘free mode’. If you choose to follow the story, you will be handed a variety of missions to complete by various big-name criminals throughout the city. You may have to kill someone who hasn’t been true to their word, or you may have to escort some fat guy’s girlfriend to a local rave. Whatever the mission may be, they’re all fun, and fairly varied. In ‘free mode’, you can do almost anything you want. Stealing cars and inducing high-speed police chases is one of my personal favorites. The game allows for an insane amount of freedom, and that’s probably the biggest reason why GTA has become such a tremendous success.
Another big-time feature the game boasts is sound. Entering a car will give you the ability to choose to listen to a wide variety of radio stations. Liberty City is set in the present, so the music includes modern rock, rap, R&B and some hilarious talk radio. Since Vice City is set in the 80’s, radio stations consist of a variation of 80’s music (pop, rock) and talk radio as well. The radio station feature is very well done, and is a welcomed addition to the GTA series.
GTA3 and GTA: Vice City have made the top 5 for a number of reasons. Freedom, gameplay variety, innovation and an almost unmatched fun factor. Guilty pleasure? Indeed.
4
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/224321.jpg
DM:
One of the finest games released in 2002. Developed by Insomniac, the creators of Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet and Clank is a platform game like no other. For 2 years it has been in development, and it definitely shows through technical merit. The level designs for R&C are some of the finest and most expansive I've ever seen. Huge towering buildings and platforms as far as the eye can see, tons of interaction and animation, all happening in such a way as to make the game come alive. Each planet really does make you feel like you are in a completely different part of the universe. Building architecture, ecosystems, and locals, all unique to each planet. Thanks to the unbelievable art design used in this game, the detail of surroundings are unpaired. Sometimes you may find yourself revisiting levels just to see the beauty and detail that has been put into everything. So fluid are the animations, so spectacular are the detailed particle effects, and so perfect are the character expressions, this truly is a sight to behold.
The story of R&C is simple enough to get the job, and at the same tons of fun to watch as it plays through. Ratchet, the furry, pointy eared, alien....thing, is minding his business on his home planet when one day a small robot named Clank comes crashing down from the atmosphere. Ratchet and Clank together form an impressive duo. Much like in Banjo-Kazooie, you will control Ratchet the majority of the time while Clank lends his robotic abilities to help further yourself through the levels. On seldom times, you will control Clank by himself for a more puzzle solving type of gameplay, which is sometimes a nice break from the action. Standard gameplay is somewhat of a mix from other great platform games, along with some new designs. You will travel from planet to planet (19 in total) completing missions. As you complete new missions, new areas will open up and new gadgets will become available. Speaking of which, R&C has a total of 35 weapons and gagdets to buy/find. Each one is completely different and fun to use. By acquiring Bolts (from killing enemies, breaking boxes, etc) you can buy weapons and ammo at stations situated throughout the levels.
In terms of platforming, it isn't anything revolutionary, but it takes a lot of the best elements from other platformers and integrates them into a fun, fresh, and never dull experience. So many different aspects, R&C is all about diversity. Hilarious dialogue, great characters, exquisite graphical design, tons of weapons and gadgets, 19 different planets, fun filled missions, and God knows how many secrets and bonuses. Ratchet and Clank is a wonderful 20-30 hour action/platform game that NO ONE should miss.
3
http://www.dvdfever.co.uk/reviews/ico.jpg
Stu:
The concept of ICO is quite simple. Move from point A to point B, and overcome any obstacles that get in the way. IGN described it best as a good dream. “-a little frightening, a little beautiful, intriguing throughout -- and its only main problem is the same one all dreams suffer from. It's over a good deal sooner than you might like.” Just being able to walk around the beautifully crafted world that is ICO is a joy unlike any other in videogame history.
The story that ICO tells is subtle but touching. You take the roll of a character that has been shunned by his town and is taken to a castle and basically left to die. You control the character when he breaks free from a type of coffin and find yourself searching for a way out. You meet up with a white shadow-like princess who seems in need of help, but doesn’t speak your language. Your character takes her by the hand and begins a voyage one can only describe as magical. Together you will face wonderfully crafted puzzles of platforming, navigation and environmental manipulation. Levers, pulleys, switches, moving objects are just a small part of the obstacles that you will encounter. Fighting off shadow monsters plays a small role in the game, as they will try to take the princess back to the dark queen. You are equipped with only a plank of wood, but action does play second fiddle to puzzles and exploration.
ICO is truly a game that has to be experienced in order to be believed. Graphical effects are brilliant, sounds effects are very well done, and control and animation are superb. ICO is simply a masterpiece, and an under appreciated one at that. You’ll find yourself wanting to solve each and every last puzzle because you’ll know the next part of the game will be worth every bit of effort and more.
2
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/182336.jpg
DM:
I think just about every Top 10 games list needs a Final Fantasy game in it. Each one composed of its own RPG elements presented in a mostly fantastic manner. I'm sure everyone has played a FF game at least once in their life time. Since the release of Final Fantasy 1 on NES in 1987, the FF series has sold to this day over 42 million copies world wide. Why is it so successful? Each one in its own style is deemed somewhat of a masterpiece in the RPG realm. When referring to RPGs most people mention Final Fantasy. It is without a doubt the most known about RPG series, and in terms of sales it is the most successful RPG series ever made. Almost every reviewer compares other RPGs to Final Fantasy, even I've done it a few times. The fact of the matter is, the FF games excel in all areas of gaming. Graphics, gameplay, music, storytelling, FF is almost always at the top. Some people do not agree of course. To many, the FF series is a watered down franchise that has gone on too long and seems to get worse as it goes on. Maybe it has gone on too long, maybe Square should stop making FF games and move on to other projects (god knows we need another Chrono game). Perhaps Square doesn't quite have the magic they once had back in the old SNES days, but needless to say, the 10th Final Fantasy has arrived on PS2 (a year ago actually) and truthfully, it's a damn good game.
When an FF game is first shown, the gameplay aspects are not always known. To the general audience, flash is much more provocative and noteworthy than substance. Now a days, games with poor visuals will be turned down by the majority of the public without even bothering to comprehend the gameplay aspects. It's sad, but ultimately true. Perhaps this is why FF games are such a huge fuss when they are first introduced to the gaming world. Everyone is always anticipating the new FF in order to see Square's graphical brilliance. Through hype alone, FF games sell capaciously. One would think by now, with the 11th game already released in Japan, that the series would have nothing left in terms of ingenuity to draw in the avid gamer. In theory, perhaps some people are right, perhaps there is no more FF flavor left in the series. Is such the case for Final Fantasy X...? Hell no, is my answer to thee.
You see what I just did? I wrote 2 paragraphs of bullcrap without even mentioning one aspect of FFX. Moving on from my ongoing reminisce, it's time to tell you why Final Fantasy X is our 2nd best game for PS2. The standard for a FF game is much higher than that of an ordinary game. In order for an FF game to even be considered good, it must completely blow us away. FFX's graphics are some of the finest I've laid eyes on. Beautiful architecture, superb design, and wonderfully detailed, they set the standard for what next gen games should look like (of course there's always room for improvement). FMVs are quite possibly the best ever presented in a video game. The first FF game to use fully 3D backgrounds does not disappoint. Cut scenes are made with motion capture, and considering this is Square's second time using cut scenes in a game (first time being in Vagrant Story), they are very well done. In the addition of voice acting (also another first for the series), the characters become much more lifelike and their personalities are more extensive and believable.
The soundtrack is composed not only by Nobuo Uematsu, but also by Junya Nakano and Masashi Hamauzu. This interesting hybrid of composers makes for a soundtrack filled with diversity. From the gently harmonic tropical sounds of Besaid, to the heavy metal rock in Otherworld, the FFX OST is worthy purchase indeed. Moving on to gameplay now, FFX is one of the most fun in the series. Getting rid of the classic ATB (active time battle) system for the new lightning fast CTB (count time battle) provides a new, fresh feel to the gameplay. Square has also done away with the basic RPG aspect of rasing character levels through experience points. The Sphere Grid is now the system used for character development, which not only makes combat more fun, but also gives the player almost complete control over the customization of character attributes.
Aside from the smashing gameplay and thrilling cinematic visuals, lies the basis for all RPGs: the storyline. The story is an essential part of an RPG, and no matter how good the game may be, without a good story it'll fall apart. Thankfully, FFX has a great story to back up its engaging gameplay. Tidus, the son a famous Blitzball player Jecht, is suddenly swept away from his hometown one day by a giant evil monster called Sin. When he recovers, he realizes he is not in the same world anymore, but instead he has gone 1000 years into the future. The story unravels is a delicate manner, as Tidus tries to figure out a way to get back home. Each character is completely different and plays an essential part of the storyline. With the right amount of suspense, foreshadowing, and irony, the storyline is deemed worthy of its Final Fantasy title.
A 40-50 hour quest with tons of side quest, and mini games (Blitzball could easily be a whole game by itself), FFX will last you a good long time. Whether you are a hardcore RPG fan, or just interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, FFX is a game not to be missed. Here's hoping Final Fantasy X-2 does not disappoint.
1
http://evilgames.online.fr/fichiers/images/metal%20gear%20solid%202/mgsop20b.jpg
DM:
It was a close call to decide whether Final Fantasy X or Metal Gear Solid 2 would rank as the #1 PS2 game on our Top 10 list...actually I think the vote was 2-0 in favor of MGS2, but you get the point. The sequel to one of the best games ever made, Metal Gear Solid for PSX, certainly does not disappoint in any category of gaming. The sweet smell of Tactical Espionage Action, how can one resist? All the wonderful gameplay mechanics from MGS have returned and hence been immensely improved. Not to mention, the new additions to gameplay: the ability to switch to first-person view for easy targeting, jump over railings to hide from guards, hide in lockers to get rid of detection, pick up bodies of dead/sleeping enemies, or preform a diving roll/flip thing by running and pressing X. It's these little gameplay aspects that make running around in MGS2 so much fun.
The level of interaction in MGS2 is like no other. Never have I seen a game where you can precisely aim at a watermelon and the exact part where you shoot it will splatter accordingly. Shoot a bag of flour and the precise place where you shot it will puncture a hole and then flour pours out until the bag is empty. Shoot a wine bottle and it will shatter splattering wine everywhere, same goes for ketchup bottles, salt shakers, pepper shakers, and other little glasses. It's crazy I tells ya!! The amount of detail is so high it hurts my head to think about it. Shoot a mirror and the glass will shatter on that portion, distorting the rest of the image and leaving cracks to run along through what's left of the mirror. Simply fascinating.
No doubt the creators of this game took delicate care of every single little aspect. The enemy AI is MUCH improved from MGS. When spotted, enemies will gang up on you and use various tactics in order to bring you down. They work together, and they don't plan on letting you escape. They will use bulletproof shields, grenades, flash bombs, snipers, all coming at you from every which way. It's because of this that players are encouraged to be stealthier, and to not just run into a room and shoot everything at random. Using the right amount of stealth and precision at all times is both fun and challenging. You can tell right away that the developers are very clever.
Imagine, if you will, looking on your radar and seeing a group of guards patrolling the next room you are about to enter. You pull out your flash grenades and silently throw one inside without being detected. The grenade goes off and the guards are knocked out. You enter the room and pull out your silenced SOCOM .45 handgun and quickly shoot the radio communicators that each guard carries. Pull out the M9 tranquillizer and send a dart to each of those bastard's heads. The effects of the flash grenade wear off, and other guards are coming to patrol. Shove the bodies in lockers and take off out of that room. Clever indeed.
From a graphical point of view, MGS2 contains eye-candy like none you've ever seen (well you've probably seen better by now). The weather effects, the lighting effects, the particle effects, so many effects, and all so spectacular. Absolutely stunning art design by master artist Yoji Shinkawa. MGS2 is such a joy to look at and interact with, it truly is a piece of art.
Much is to be said about MGS2's storyline, but much must not be said in order to prevent spoilers. The storyline may be frightfully too complicated for the average gamer, but damn it, it's one of the greatest story's I have ever seen. Hideo Kojima is at his prime in this game. His creative mind knows no bounds. MGS2 is not only a wonderful game, its an amazing experience. It's thrilling, it's suspenseful, it's cinematic features are through the roof. And not only this, but it has an unrivaled soundtrack by Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams. MGS2 will go down in history as an instant classic, combining the best of all gaming aspects into one solid, fantastic experience. In the end, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty is a delicate masterpiece, as a story, as an artwork, and as a game. To miss out on this game, is to shame yourself as a gamer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There you have it, folks. We shared some laughs; we even shed a few tears. I bet some of us are still scratching our heads about those damned chipmunks. We hope you have enjoyed this GameTavern original. Look for a lot more of them in the future.
-Perfect Stu and DarkMaster
http://members.shaw.ca/commencer3/gt/ttr.jpg
(Part 2)
>Be sure to check out Part One (http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=4391) of this two part thread if you haven’t already.<
Some of you might be eager to read about what Darkmaster and I have chosen as the top 5 games in the PS2’s beastly library (or our top 5 reasons to buy the system). Others may be in this thread by chance…accidentally wandering over to GameTavern when what you really wanted was porn. Some of you may be asking yourselves why chipmunks are such evil little bastards. In any case, Darkmaster and I are proud to present the Top 5.
10 – SSX
9 – Suikoden III
8 – SOCOM: US Navy SEALS
7 – Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
6 – Kingdom Hearts
5
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/198102.jpghttp://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/223734.jpg
Stu:
Grand Theft Auto. To some it sounds like a mere crime. To others, the term describes the best selling games series for over 15 months now. Rockstar North-developed Grand Theft Auto 3 was truly a breakthrough for videogames. GTA: Vice City continued with the success of GTA3 and once again captured the hearts of millions. Gamers were handed a giant, living city to do whatever they wanted with. Steal a police car and eliminate crime :). Jack an ambulance and save lives :). Or beat a prostitute to death with a baseball bat :devil:. To sum up Grand Theft Auto in two words, ‘guilty pleasure’ would be appropriate.
In GTA3, gamers assume the roll of a nameless individual who begins a life of crime in the dark, rainy city dubbed ‘Liberty City’. For Vice City, gamers take control of Tommy Vercetti, who’s trying to make a name for himself in the aptly named ‘Vice City’. There are countless specific things one can do with either character, but it can be separated into 2 modes, which I like to call ‘story mode’, and ‘free mode’. If you choose to follow the story, you will be handed a variety of missions to complete by various big-name criminals throughout the city. You may have to kill someone who hasn’t been true to their word, or you may have to escort some fat guy’s girlfriend to a local rave. Whatever the mission may be, they’re all fun, and fairly varied. In ‘free mode’, you can do almost anything you want. Stealing cars and inducing high-speed police chases is one of my personal favorites. The game allows for an insane amount of freedom, and that’s probably the biggest reason why GTA has become such a tremendous success.
Another big-time feature the game boasts is sound. Entering a car will give you the ability to choose to listen to a wide variety of radio stations. Liberty City is set in the present, so the music includes modern rock, rap, R&B and some hilarious talk radio. Since Vice City is set in the 80’s, radio stations consist of a variation of 80’s music (pop, rock) and talk radio as well. The radio station feature is very well done, and is a welcomed addition to the GTA series.
GTA3 and GTA: Vice City have made the top 5 for a number of reasons. Freedom, gameplay variety, innovation and an almost unmatched fun factor. Guilty pleasure? Indeed.
4
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/224321.jpg
DM:
One of the finest games released in 2002. Developed by Insomniac, the creators of Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet and Clank is a platform game like no other. For 2 years it has been in development, and it definitely shows through technical merit. The level designs for R&C are some of the finest and most expansive I've ever seen. Huge towering buildings and platforms as far as the eye can see, tons of interaction and animation, all happening in such a way as to make the game come alive. Each planet really does make you feel like you are in a completely different part of the universe. Building architecture, ecosystems, and locals, all unique to each planet. Thanks to the unbelievable art design used in this game, the detail of surroundings are unpaired. Sometimes you may find yourself revisiting levels just to see the beauty and detail that has been put into everything. So fluid are the animations, so spectacular are the detailed particle effects, and so perfect are the character expressions, this truly is a sight to behold.
The story of R&C is simple enough to get the job, and at the same tons of fun to watch as it plays through. Ratchet, the furry, pointy eared, alien....thing, is minding his business on his home planet when one day a small robot named Clank comes crashing down from the atmosphere. Ratchet and Clank together form an impressive duo. Much like in Banjo-Kazooie, you will control Ratchet the majority of the time while Clank lends his robotic abilities to help further yourself through the levels. On seldom times, you will control Clank by himself for a more puzzle solving type of gameplay, which is sometimes a nice break from the action. Standard gameplay is somewhat of a mix from other great platform games, along with some new designs. You will travel from planet to planet (19 in total) completing missions. As you complete new missions, new areas will open up and new gadgets will become available. Speaking of which, R&C has a total of 35 weapons and gagdets to buy/find. Each one is completely different and fun to use. By acquiring Bolts (from killing enemies, breaking boxes, etc) you can buy weapons and ammo at stations situated throughout the levels.
In terms of platforming, it isn't anything revolutionary, but it takes a lot of the best elements from other platformers and integrates them into a fun, fresh, and never dull experience. So many different aspects, R&C is all about diversity. Hilarious dialogue, great characters, exquisite graphical design, tons of weapons and gadgets, 19 different planets, fun filled missions, and God knows how many secrets and bonuses. Ratchet and Clank is a wonderful 20-30 hour action/platform game that NO ONE should miss.
3
http://www.dvdfever.co.uk/reviews/ico.jpg
Stu:
The concept of ICO is quite simple. Move from point A to point B, and overcome any obstacles that get in the way. IGN described it best as a good dream. “-a little frightening, a little beautiful, intriguing throughout -- and its only main problem is the same one all dreams suffer from. It's over a good deal sooner than you might like.” Just being able to walk around the beautifully crafted world that is ICO is a joy unlike any other in videogame history.
The story that ICO tells is subtle but touching. You take the roll of a character that has been shunned by his town and is taken to a castle and basically left to die. You control the character when he breaks free from a type of coffin and find yourself searching for a way out. You meet up with a white shadow-like princess who seems in need of help, but doesn’t speak your language. Your character takes her by the hand and begins a voyage one can only describe as magical. Together you will face wonderfully crafted puzzles of platforming, navigation and environmental manipulation. Levers, pulleys, switches, moving objects are just a small part of the obstacles that you will encounter. Fighting off shadow monsters plays a small role in the game, as they will try to take the princess back to the dark queen. You are equipped with only a plank of wood, but action does play second fiddle to puzzles and exploration.
ICO is truly a game that has to be experienced in order to be believed. Graphical effects are brilliant, sounds effects are very well done, and control and animation are superb. ICO is simply a masterpiece, and an under appreciated one at that. You’ll find yourself wanting to solve each and every last puzzle because you’ll know the next part of the game will be worth every bit of effort and more.
2
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/product_images/182336.jpg
DM:
I think just about every Top 10 games list needs a Final Fantasy game in it. Each one composed of its own RPG elements presented in a mostly fantastic manner. I'm sure everyone has played a FF game at least once in their life time. Since the release of Final Fantasy 1 on NES in 1987, the FF series has sold to this day over 42 million copies world wide. Why is it so successful? Each one in its own style is deemed somewhat of a masterpiece in the RPG realm. When referring to RPGs most people mention Final Fantasy. It is without a doubt the most known about RPG series, and in terms of sales it is the most successful RPG series ever made. Almost every reviewer compares other RPGs to Final Fantasy, even I've done it a few times. The fact of the matter is, the FF games excel in all areas of gaming. Graphics, gameplay, music, storytelling, FF is almost always at the top. Some people do not agree of course. To many, the FF series is a watered down franchise that has gone on too long and seems to get worse as it goes on. Maybe it has gone on too long, maybe Square should stop making FF games and move on to other projects (god knows we need another Chrono game). Perhaps Square doesn't quite have the magic they once had back in the old SNES days, but needless to say, the 10th Final Fantasy has arrived on PS2 (a year ago actually) and truthfully, it's a damn good game.
When an FF game is first shown, the gameplay aspects are not always known. To the general audience, flash is much more provocative and noteworthy than substance. Now a days, games with poor visuals will be turned down by the majority of the public without even bothering to comprehend the gameplay aspects. It's sad, but ultimately true. Perhaps this is why FF games are such a huge fuss when they are first introduced to the gaming world. Everyone is always anticipating the new FF in order to see Square's graphical brilliance. Through hype alone, FF games sell capaciously. One would think by now, with the 11th game already released in Japan, that the series would have nothing left in terms of ingenuity to draw in the avid gamer. In theory, perhaps some people are right, perhaps there is no more FF flavor left in the series. Is such the case for Final Fantasy X...? Hell no, is my answer to thee.
You see what I just did? I wrote 2 paragraphs of bullcrap without even mentioning one aspect of FFX. Moving on from my ongoing reminisce, it's time to tell you why Final Fantasy X is our 2nd best game for PS2. The standard for a FF game is much higher than that of an ordinary game. In order for an FF game to even be considered good, it must completely blow us away. FFX's graphics are some of the finest I've laid eyes on. Beautiful architecture, superb design, and wonderfully detailed, they set the standard for what next gen games should look like (of course there's always room for improvement). FMVs are quite possibly the best ever presented in a video game. The first FF game to use fully 3D backgrounds does not disappoint. Cut scenes are made with motion capture, and considering this is Square's second time using cut scenes in a game (first time being in Vagrant Story), they are very well done. In the addition of voice acting (also another first for the series), the characters become much more lifelike and their personalities are more extensive and believable.
The soundtrack is composed not only by Nobuo Uematsu, but also by Junya Nakano and Masashi Hamauzu. This interesting hybrid of composers makes for a soundtrack filled with diversity. From the gently harmonic tropical sounds of Besaid, to the heavy metal rock in Otherworld, the FFX OST is worthy purchase indeed. Moving on to gameplay now, FFX is one of the most fun in the series. Getting rid of the classic ATB (active time battle) system for the new lightning fast CTB (count time battle) provides a new, fresh feel to the gameplay. Square has also done away with the basic RPG aspect of rasing character levels through experience points. The Sphere Grid is now the system used for character development, which not only makes combat more fun, but also gives the player almost complete control over the customization of character attributes.
Aside from the smashing gameplay and thrilling cinematic visuals, lies the basis for all RPGs: the storyline. The story is an essential part of an RPG, and no matter how good the game may be, without a good story it'll fall apart. Thankfully, FFX has a great story to back up its engaging gameplay. Tidus, the son a famous Blitzball player Jecht, is suddenly swept away from his hometown one day by a giant evil monster called Sin. When he recovers, he realizes he is not in the same world anymore, but instead he has gone 1000 years into the future. The story unravels is a delicate manner, as Tidus tries to figure out a way to get back home. Each character is completely different and plays an essential part of the storyline. With the right amount of suspense, foreshadowing, and irony, the storyline is deemed worthy of its Final Fantasy title.
A 40-50 hour quest with tons of side quest, and mini games (Blitzball could easily be a whole game by itself), FFX will last you a good long time. Whether you are a hardcore RPG fan, or just interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, FFX is a game not to be missed. Here's hoping Final Fantasy X-2 does not disappoint.
1
http://evilgames.online.fr/fichiers/images/metal%20gear%20solid%202/mgsop20b.jpg
DM:
It was a close call to decide whether Final Fantasy X or Metal Gear Solid 2 would rank as the #1 PS2 game on our Top 10 list...actually I think the vote was 2-0 in favor of MGS2, but you get the point. The sequel to one of the best games ever made, Metal Gear Solid for PSX, certainly does not disappoint in any category of gaming. The sweet smell of Tactical Espionage Action, how can one resist? All the wonderful gameplay mechanics from MGS have returned and hence been immensely improved. Not to mention, the new additions to gameplay: the ability to switch to first-person view for easy targeting, jump over railings to hide from guards, hide in lockers to get rid of detection, pick up bodies of dead/sleeping enemies, or preform a diving roll/flip thing by running and pressing X. It's these little gameplay aspects that make running around in MGS2 so much fun.
The level of interaction in MGS2 is like no other. Never have I seen a game where you can precisely aim at a watermelon and the exact part where you shoot it will splatter accordingly. Shoot a bag of flour and the precise place where you shot it will puncture a hole and then flour pours out until the bag is empty. Shoot a wine bottle and it will shatter splattering wine everywhere, same goes for ketchup bottles, salt shakers, pepper shakers, and other little glasses. It's crazy I tells ya!! The amount of detail is so high it hurts my head to think about it. Shoot a mirror and the glass will shatter on that portion, distorting the rest of the image and leaving cracks to run along through what's left of the mirror. Simply fascinating.
No doubt the creators of this game took delicate care of every single little aspect. The enemy AI is MUCH improved from MGS. When spotted, enemies will gang up on you and use various tactics in order to bring you down. They work together, and they don't plan on letting you escape. They will use bulletproof shields, grenades, flash bombs, snipers, all coming at you from every which way. It's because of this that players are encouraged to be stealthier, and to not just run into a room and shoot everything at random. Using the right amount of stealth and precision at all times is both fun and challenging. You can tell right away that the developers are very clever.
Imagine, if you will, looking on your radar and seeing a group of guards patrolling the next room you are about to enter. You pull out your flash grenades and silently throw one inside without being detected. The grenade goes off and the guards are knocked out. You enter the room and pull out your silenced SOCOM .45 handgun and quickly shoot the radio communicators that each guard carries. Pull out the M9 tranquillizer and send a dart to each of those bastard's heads. The effects of the flash grenade wear off, and other guards are coming to patrol. Shove the bodies in lockers and take off out of that room. Clever indeed.
From a graphical point of view, MGS2 contains eye-candy like none you've ever seen (well you've probably seen better by now). The weather effects, the lighting effects, the particle effects, so many effects, and all so spectacular. Absolutely stunning art design by master artist Yoji Shinkawa. MGS2 is such a joy to look at and interact with, it truly is a piece of art.
Much is to be said about MGS2's storyline, but much must not be said in order to prevent spoilers. The storyline may be frightfully too complicated for the average gamer, but damn it, it's one of the greatest story's I have ever seen. Hideo Kojima is at his prime in this game. His creative mind knows no bounds. MGS2 is not only a wonderful game, its an amazing experience. It's thrilling, it's suspenseful, it's cinematic features are through the roof. And not only this, but it has an unrivaled soundtrack by Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams. MGS2 will go down in history as an instant classic, combining the best of all gaming aspects into one solid, fantastic experience. In the end, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty is a delicate masterpiece, as a story, as an artwork, and as a game. To miss out on this game, is to shame yourself as a gamer.
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There you have it, folks. We shared some laughs; we even shed a few tears. I bet some of us are still scratching our heads about those damned chipmunks. We hope you have enjoyed this GameTavern original. Look for a lot more of them in the future.
-Perfect Stu and DarkMaster