Issue 81 (January 2007)

                                                                Issue 81, January 2007

Editor’s letter
       Welcome to 2007, and what a start to the year we’ve got for you. Where should I begin? Why not with Okami, which, as you’ve probably noticed, is splashed all over the front of this month’s disc case. If you’ve never even heard of the game then you’re in for the most pleasant of surprises. If you have heard of it but keep muttering to yourself, “but it’s a game where you play as a wolf who does painting, I’ll hate it!” then slip the disc into your PS2 right now and prepare to be converted by our 45-minute demo. Oh, and be sure to read our handy demo guide on p10 so you don’t miss anything that it has to offer, and the first UK review of the game on p82. Speaking of ‘first UK reviews’ we’ve got another one of those with Final Fantasy XII. Our FF-obsessed reviewer made sure he completed the game before he even thought about penning his observations, and it was the UK version that he played, not some dodgy import copy. The third in our trio of terrific exclusives comes in the form of a first look at PS3’s Blacksite: Area 51, located on the far from top-secret p60. I’m not sure if you remember the old Time Crisis-style Area 51 arcade game, but there was one in the pub I worked in many moons ago and despite the game being a little bit cack, I did love feeding the machine half of my wages every week. I should have waited for the PSOne version to come out. Oops. And with all that reminiscing, I’ve run out of space to tell you about all the other great stuff in the issue, so you’ll have to discover it for yourself. Don’t forget to pack a good supply of Megalixir and remember to tell your Guardian Force where you’re going. Happy new year!
                                                                    Nick Ellis, Editor

Features
The OPS2 Top 50 of 2006 – After the previous two years had 19 and 20 entries, 2006’s best-of-the-year round-up goes up to 50 (technically, 56 if you want to count honourable mentions.)

The Aliens are Among Us – Blacksite: Area 51

Hip to be Square – Square-Enix’s schedule of upcoming releases, and a look back at their PS2 releases so far.

11 things you’ll be able to do with a PS3 that isn’t playing games

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, the team enter their names into a Final Fantasy name generator.

Could be a Classic – This month, Full Auto 2: Battlelines, a vehicular combat game. “The under-appreciated gems of tomorrow aren’t always obscure Japanese RPGs or acid-trip puzzle games, you know.”

Replay – Online reviews for Splinter Cell: Double Agent and Medal of Honor Heroes, and what the other mags said about WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2007, Guitar Hero II, Call of Duty 3 and Lumines II.

Playstation Education – A new feature this month, gathering examples from various Playstation games along a certain theme. This month, trees.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, Guitar Hero II.

                                                                This month's Save Point.

Monitor
God Hand – “It’s not for everyone – the granite difficulty and odd humour make sure of that – but anyone who wants a slice of retro beat-‘em-up action buttered with giggles should be in heaven. Bring it on!” Boiling

Free Running – “Rebellion has been thinking differently while making this – you’ll need to think differently to play it. Dead ends are now opportunities to leap or somersault. But while the approach is new, the mechanics feel a little orthodox.” Hot

Arthur and the Invisibles – “An appealing but fairly standard cartoon adventure.” Warm

Sid Meier’s Pirates! – “Swashbuckling, politicking and courting should be enough of a hook to keep you naval gazing for many moons, but just don’t expect too deep a level of strategy with your treasure hunting antics.” Boiling

Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters – “Some games suffer in translation to PSP, but Ratchet seems like a perfect fit for portable play – with headphones, natch. And if you can get a decent multiplayer crew together, expect, ooh, maybe triple the fun.” Boiling

Formula One Championship Edition – “It isn’t a radical new direction in the world of F1 sims but the meticulous racing and the sumptuously detailed graphics should seduce many doubters and cause mass salivation among the converted.” Boiling

Super-Bikes Riding Challenge – “Shaping up to be a masterful bike sim.” Boiling

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – “Epic cut-scenes aside (Portable Ops uses graphic novel-style interludes) this looks like a genuine sequel and not just a stopgap. If you’re yet to invest in a PSP this could be the killer app you’re waiting for.” Boiling

Tomb Raider: Anniversary – “It’s a welcome return for Playstation’s premier adventurer in what is shaping into a labour of love for all involved. Legend’s flaws are being removed and there’s no better romp than Lara’s debut. Fantastic.” Meltdown

Colin Mcrae Dirt – “A reinvention was needed for the series, but there’s more than mere loveliness on show here. Diversity, depth and an immense online lobby of 100 drivers should see Colin again come up smelling of roses.” Boiling

Cipher Complex – “If Cipher Complex nails the balance between stealth and brutal knife action, then we could have a classic on our (bloody) hands. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one in the coming months.” Boiling

Clive Barker’s Jericho – “Scarier than a bag of spiders and easy on the eye to boot, this could be the first great horror shooter on PS3. There’s a long way to go but even at this stage Jericho looks set to be a terrifying splatterfest.” Hot

PS2 Reviews
Final Fantasy XII – “Forget the PS3 delay, the future is here on your humble PS2. FFXII is the apex of adventuring; gaming doesn’t get any better than this.” 10/10

The Sopranos: Road to Respect – “Dull, short, unambitious and misguided, Road to Respect has all the appeal of Big Pussy’s body – after it got riddled with bullets.” 3/10

Rayman Raving Rabbids – “Definitely deserves a rental, but any gamer who can afford £40 on a repeating loop of mini-games is an extravagant one.” 6/10

World Snooker Championship 2007 – “Soothing but strategic; dull but addictive; new, but at the same time a bit old. This is probably as good as computer snooker can get.” 8/10

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 – “There are new modes and a better camera, but the developer seems to have accidentally flicked the switch to Extreme difficulty.” 6/10

Okami – “A true epic. It’s a dog-eat-dog world in the games industry, and Okami buries the opposition like a load of old bones.” 10/10

Star Trek: Encounters – “Still in doubt? Ask yourself what sort of game makes you follow vapour trails for half an hour. One that hates you, that’s what sort.” 2/10

Playwize Poker and Casino – “Comprehensive in terms of games but not well presented or that much fun. You’d be better off taking the £20 this costs and putting it on a horse.” 4/10

PDC World Championship Darts – “A decent game of darts – just not as decent as the one you’d get down the pub with real people and a frothing pint of bitter.” 5/10

Teen Titans – “Bland, repetitive brawling that lacks both panache and depth. A decent cartoon feel isn’t nearly enough to redeem this hollow, tedious experience.” 2/10

Spongebob Squarepants: Creature from the Krusty Krab – “Hardly inspiring, but Spongebob and friends are still starring in a highly capable game that should satisfy younger players.” 6/10

Crazy Frog Racer 2 – “This is every bit as stinking as you would expect. Imagine playing a game designed by someone who really, really hates you.” 2/10

PSP Reviews
Rainbow Six Vegas – “Over complicated and visually lacklustre – this is a disappointing outing for Rainbow Six. Stick with Medal of Honor Heroes.” 5/10

Pro Evolution Soccer 6 – “The flaws have been fixed and it’s now bursting with the quality you’d expect, but it’s still just a trimmed version of the PS2 game.” 8/10

Prince of Persia: Rival Swords – “At times sublime, but sadly it’s the frantic and frustrating Dark Prince sections that linger longest in the memory.” 7/10

WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2007 – “Deep single-player options and suitably frantic multiplayer combine to make this a joyful and long-lasting handheld bash-up.” 8/10

Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony – “Less complicated than Untold Legends but equally stuffed with things to kill… and you can talk to a chicken. Sold!” 7/10

Justice League Heroes – “Limited in terms of gameplay, but it’s got an undeniable appeal and is often great fun – who wouldn’t enjoy kicking ass as Superman and Batman working in unison?” 7/10

Bliss Island – “A shoddy bunch of the kind of mini-games you could find for free as internet Flash games. Meant for kids, but we don’t recommend a trip to Bliss Island for anyone.” 3/10

Brothers in Arms: D-Day – “A solid attempt to bring the gritty realism of war to handheld, but shooter-nuts are better off sticking with Medal of Honor Heroes.” 6/10

Mind Quiz – “This package is educational and enjoyable, and will last you for months. It’s just a shame that the tests are so samey.” 7/10

Eragon – “It might be pretty and sometimes even pleasantly playable but that hides plenty of frustration and fiddly airborne combat. Less fiery dragon, more a damp squib.” 4/10

TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge – “Quality, depth and sobriety – everything you’d expect from a TOCA Race Driver title, but it might be too tough for many gamers.” 7/10

Star Trek: Tactical Assault – “There’s little to keep you engaged besides the novelty of playing as a Klingon. It’s not as bad as most Trek titles, but TA fails to boldly go where no game has gone before.” 4/10

Hot Pixel – “A gaming curio, but far too shallow and frustrating to justify shelling out 35 quid of your hard-earned money.” 5/10

Prostroke Golf 2007 – “A solid, respectable golf game that should keep pros and amateurs happily stroking in public for hours.” 7/10

Spinout – “Icon made International Pool as well, so we should be thankful the balls don’t just randomly fly off the table in that one too, eh?” 4/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Okami
Arthur and the Invisibles
FIFA 2007
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Fight Night Round 3
Outrun 2006: Coast to Coast
Black
TOCA Race Driver 3
We Heart Katamari
Tomb Raider Legend
Jak 3

Game Footage
Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* Gaydar: This month, Daniel Gay laments escort missions after getting stuck on one in Spartan: Total Warrior.
* In the last issue, a reader wrote in to say he had discovered a glitch in Pro Evolution Soccer 5 that enabled him to score unlimited goals by watching replays after scoring a goal. He was put in the Name and Shame section in response. This month, the readers writes in again to complain about this, only to find himself being Named and Shamed again. Once was bad enough given that he had done nothing wrong, but twice is a major dick move. I can only assume it was a kneejerk response due to someone insinuating that PES is anything less than perfect. “We might be nice and send him a game for being so mean. Maybe.”
* Bad news this month, as an article announces that Rule of Rose would not be released in the UK. The game’s publisher hired a publicist to promote the game by exaggerating its violent and sexual content, counting on there being no such thing as bad publicity. This backfired big time, as the publicist did their job a little too well. As a result, a moral panic ensued, fuelled by the tabloid media in Italy and the UK. The game was banned in France, Poland, Italy, Australia and New Zealand, and its UK release was cancelled following pressure from the UK government to ban it. This was despite the game having already received a 16+ rating from the Video Standards Council, who dismissed the panic as nonsense.
* This issue is the last time multiple games score 10/10 in the same issue. It’s not the last 10/10 though; there’s still one left. Any guesses what it might be?
* The Square-Enix feature has a screenshot of Final Fantasy XIII with the caption “If it’s rubbish, we’re going to burn every RPG ever made.” Considering the poor reception of Final Fantasy XIII tanked the popularity of Square-Enix and Final Fantasy to such an extent that only now, over a decade later and after triggering the last resort that was a Final Fantasy VII remake, are they starting to recover, as well as signalling the end of Japanese games’ dominance and the rise of Western-made games, this is the biggest Funny Aneurysm Moment in the magazine’s entire run.
* D Naisbett asks “Please include a directory of all PS2 games in your excellent mag.” Let’s just say that someone is going to be very happy with the next issue…

Quote of the Month: “For the love of God, we need reinforcements!” The staff list is getting too short for comfort.

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130

Issue 80 (Christmas 2006)

                                                                Issue 80, Christmas 2006

Editor’s letter
       Is it a games console? Is it a supercomputer? Is it an all-in-one media hub and entertainment system for your living room? No, it’s… er, it’s a Playstation 3. You probably had that one figured out for yourself, right? And by the way, the PS3 is all of the above things and probably more (we’re still searching for its ‘turn water into wine’ function). When Sony’s new toy finally arrived at OPS2 towers, tools were downed, lunch breaks were extended and TV settings were fiddled with as the majority of the team poked and prodded the machine and sampled the various games that were sent along with the console. The result of our investigations comes in the form of an enormous (and, if we say so ourselves, beautifully illustrated) feature that starts on p43. I say ‘the majority of the team…’ because me, well I’ve been too busy with my PS2 to even start thinking about PS3. It’s only my second month on the mag and I’ve been playing catch-up; plundering our extensive library of PS2 games, taking them home and playing them until the small hours while the missus snores on the sofa. My favourite so far? Resident Evil 4. Pure genius, and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to pick it up. You guys seem to know better than me, as you voted it the Playstation Game of the Year in this year’s Golden Joystick Awards. There’s still a pile of untouched discs on my coffee table now, but I figured it might be an idea to tackle some of the 48 games that came in for review this month – or rather, work out how on Earth we could squeeze all the reviews into the issue. We’ve just about managed it and are pleased to present the most comprehensive Christmas gaming guide you’ll find anywhere. Enjoy your holidays, I know how I’ll be spending mine…
                                                                   Nick Ellis, Editor

Features
The PS3 Explosion – This feature looks at some of the PS3’s launch titles, as well as the console’s physical and menu design and online capabilities.

The One They’re Calling the Real ‘Team America’ – Rogue Warrior. This game would go on to be considered one of the worst games ever made once it was eventually released in 2009.

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, what would you like for Christmas?

Could be a Classic – This month, Dead Head Fred. This PSP action-adventure game is set in a horror-comedy take on 1940’s USA, with the protagonist stealing enemies’ heads to gain their powers, like a more macabre take on Kirby.

Replay – Online reviews for Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and what the other mags said about Canis Canem Edit, Pro Evolution Soccer 6, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Splinter Cell: Double Agent.

So, you think you can beat us? – Readers take on the team in 2V2 multiplayer games. This month, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007.

OPS2 Investigates – This month, Meet the Specialists. The expert consultants brought in for Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood and Made Man explain how and why their involvement made those games more authentic.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, Garfield 2: A Tale of Two Kitties. This is a little different, as instead of just showing the ending, this is actually a bit of a Let’s Play, going from the start of the game up to Garfield doing a taunting dance near a fountain.

                                                                This month's Save Point.

Monitor
Okami – “At once beautiful, original and compelling, Okami is set to be the fresh, leftfield experience us gaming junkies crave. It’s nice to see something that’s as free from convention as its brushstrokes.” Meltdown

Ghost Rider – “It’s Devil May Cry, gunning a Harley over 150mph towards the jaws of Hell. The unlockables sound cool, as does the prospect of some tantalising post-movie story from proper Marvel scribes. On fire!” Boiling

Chili Con Carnage – “Slicker than a pair of Cuban heels with skintight moleskin trousers, Chili Con Carnage makes Total Overdose look like an amateurish opening act. Get blasting away on this one early next year.” Boiling

SOCOM US Navy SEALs: Combined Assault – “SOCOM Combined Assault doesn’t deviate far from the usual template, but the four-player co-op, larger open-ended missions and better AI make the latest instalment in the series one to watch.” Hot

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – “We said it before, and we’ll keep saying it until we’re too busy actually playing the game to talk – this is the best RPG ever. It’s not just for nerds, you’ll love it and it’ll hoover up every second of your free time.” Meltdown

Stuntman Ignition – “With PS3’s additional power and hard drive ensuring Stuntman 2 will be a more rounded experience, this original take on the driving game genre might clear the name of its predecessor.” Hot

Rogue Galaxy – “An almost endless epic just got even bigger.” Boiling

PS2 Reviews
Superman Returns – “Repetitive and dull. It seems that spin-off games are as effective as Kryptonite when it comes to bringing down Superman.” 5/10

Guitar Hero II – “Just as entertaining as the first offering, but newbies should invest in the original for a more varied selection of sounds.” 8/10

Eragon – “A likeable adventure hidden beneath a catalogue of design errors. Still less painful than sitting through the movie, mind.” 5/10

Tony Hawk’s Project 8 – “A curious balance – chunky visuals betray subtle animation, while deep but fiddly controls yield major addiction.” 8/10

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning – “A reasonable update, but even with the changes there’s nothing here you won’t have seen somewhere before. This is a rather lazy prequel.” 6/10

Buzz! The Sports Quiz – “As a single-player game it’s a bit rubbish, but get some mates round and this is a cracking question of sport.” 7/10

Phantasy Star Universe – “A solid and substantial attempt at bringing online RPG play to offline gamers, but it lacks any long-term appeal without others.” 7/10

Justice League Heroes – “As good as, if not slightly better than Marvel Ultimate Alliance – it really just depends which company’s heroes you prefer.” 7/10

Thrillville – “A great game that’s packed with smart ideas and presented in such an appealing way that you can’t help but fall under its spell.” 8/10

Bionicle Heroes – “A busy and rather decent shooter targeted towards young ‘uns, but there’s very little on offer here for veteran gamers.” 7/10

Cricket 2007 – “To cricket what PES is to football, this is one of EA Sports’ strongest titles. We’ll be playing it well after the Ashes series is over.” 8/10

Call of Duty 3 – “The most atmospheric and intense WW2 shooter we’ve played, hampered only by linear warzones and poor mini-games.” 8/10

Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Party Edition – “As the subtitle suggests, this is only any fun at parties. There are far better party games out there to enjoy though.” 5/10

Flushed Away – “Charming enough with likeable Aardman characters, this is a passable platform romp that will entertain kids who have never been exposed to the superior likes of Jak 3.” 5/10

Nascar 2007 – “Overflowing with licensed material but severely lacking what it needs the most: involving and exhilarating racing action with decent smash-ups.” 4/10

Marvel Ultimate Alliance – “Decent comic book effort which certainly captures the Marvel spirit. Unlikely to become as revered as the icons that star in it, though.” 6/10

SEGA Mega Drive Collection – “The best retro compendium around. Some turkeys, but the impressive number of classics present makes their inclusion forgivable.” 8/10

Family Guy – “This awful game liberally spits in the face of every Family Guy enthusiast, even with its budget price tag.” 3/10

Delta Force Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre – “If you have a war-addiction problem, and no-one else can help, maybe you could hire: The Sabre Team. Don’t buy this, though.” 2/10

Barnyard – “Weak and feeble as a newborn calf, but thankfully not covered in that gooey crap the mothers then have to lick off. The kids will not be impressed.” 4/10

Mercury Meltdown Remix – “Decent port of a reasonably accomplished handheld puzzler that isn’t worth buying solely for the extras, but if you haven’t tried it, worth a shout.” 7/10

Crusty Demons – “Daft name, daft game, but not far off being a thrilling extreme sports title. Sick in the ‘get this game to a mental hospital’ sense.” 7/10

Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri – “Tokobot Plus is a straightforward puzzler with a neat robo-twist, but it’s better suited to life on the small screen.” 5/10

Happy Feet – “Inoffensive and pretty licensed effort that’s too repetitive to be anything more than a brief and casual diversion.” 6/10

Kaido Racer 2 – “Ambitious racer that doesn’t cut it on the track. If this is the only driving game you can afford, keep saving.” 3/10

PSP Reviews
LA Rush – “An adequate street racer that does everything you’d expect, but nowhere near well enough to challenge the big boys of the chav’s race scene.” 6/10

NBA Live 2007 – “A criminally bad sports game with atrocious AI and some shoddy, depressing visuals. Stick to the infinitely more enjoyable NBA Ballers: Rebound.” 3/10

Bomberman – “A return to the bombs away puzzling of old rather than the recent diversions into platform and karting games – and it’s all the better for it.” 6/10

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception – “Well-presented and weirdly therapeutic mix of flight sim and arcade shooter that doesn’t quite satisfy on either front, but is a decent enough game for all of that.” 6/10

Gun Showdown – “Despite capturing Gun’s cinematic qualities the control system is half-cocked making it seem half the experience of the PS2 game.” 6/10

Star Wars: Lethal Alliance – “An original and entertaining addition to the Star Wars canon with great new characters and some cracking action.” 7/10

Power Stone Collection – “With its immediate and vibrant cartoon violence the Power Stone series is well suited to PSP. It can get a little hard on the eyes, mind.” 7/10

Rengoku II: The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N – “If there’s one thing PSP doesn’t need, it’s a repetitive third-person action game. Dull combat and duller levels mean you should steer clear of this.” 3/10

Taito Legends: Power-Up – “Two points for New Zealand Story, two for Cameltry 2005, and a bonus point because Fairyland Story enables you to turn the Pope into a muffin and push him off a ledge.” 5/10

Medal of Honor Heroes – “Proof that first-person shooters and PSP can be bunkmates. Anyone hankering after some WiFi warfare should enlist straight away.” 8/10

Scarface: Money. Power. Respect – “A shallow and unstimulating attempt at a strategy title with little tactical variety or visual flair. Don’t bother with this one.” 3/10

Myst – “Classic puzzling from the glory days of adventure gaming, but the truth is that it’s old and very clearly showing its age.” 6/10

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded – “An entertaining if shallow compilation of some genuine classics that’s well worth a punt at 20 quid, including as many sequels of Street Fighter as you’d ever want or need.” 7/10

EA Replay – “One for completist retro-heads only. Too many duds spoil the murky broth but there are some classics and near-forgotten gems tucked away here.” 5/10

Kazook – “Certainly won’t make your PSP break a sweat, but the multiplayer options are good and we’d rather play this than yet another dull retro collection.” 6/10

Scooby Doo: Who’s Watching Who? – “A functional but painfully average Scooby Doo game. The chases and detective elements bring some originality but the main platform gaming is your typical tosh.” 4/10

Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2 – “A competent sequel, but we’ve seen all of Dynasty Warriors’ tricks before and the option to fiddle with your steed is unlikely to attract any new converts.” 5/10

SEGA Mega Drive Collection – “The best retro compendium around. Some turkeys, but the impressive number of classics present makes their inclusion forgivable.” 8/10

Lumines II – “Original, ultra-playable and extremely cool – there’s simply no alternative if you’re seeking a top-notch PSP puzzler.” 9/10

Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City – “The classy presentation and slick action capture the spirit of the PS2 game, but this is nothing more than a competent racer.” 7/10

Sonic Rivals – “Once the glow of nostalgia has faded, the fact that the gameplay is predictable and unfair can’t be ignored. Disappointing.” 5/10

Every Extend Extra – “A stylish shooter that will be compared to Lumines – but unfortunately can’t hold a candle to it in the puzzle stakes.” 7/10

Bubble Bobble Evolution – “Not a shocking update of the arcade classic, but an unnecessary one – particularly as the PSP is already stacked with far superior puzzlers.” 5/10

The Hustle: Detroit Streets – “Given that there are flash games that do pool just as well, the loading times are unforgivable – much like the rest of this horror show.” 3/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Eragon
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
LMA Manager 2007
Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution
Silent Hill 3
Final Fantasy X2

Game Footage
Eyetoy Play Sports
Eyetoy Kinetic Combat

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* Superman Returns is a baffling choice of cover game, considering the negative review (it’s tied with Batman Begins for the lowest scoring cover game, and Batman wasn’t reviewed in its cover issue), and the fact Guitar Hero II is also reviewed in this issue means it could have gone on the cover instead. That said, it’s a nice cover, and also made of a different, smoother paper than usual.
* This is the last issue for games editor Ben ‘Babus’ Wilson.
* This issue is also the last one to include the Comedown section, which means no more DVD or music reviews. OPS2 investigates also ends this month, although features that would have previously come under OPS2 Investigates soon begin without the original branding.
* There’s an article in this issue about the closure of Clover Studio, developer of cult classics such as Okami, Viewtiful Joe and God Hand.
* Many of the games covered in the PS3 feature mention the negatives of the games covered, most notably Sonic 2006, but also to a lesser extent Lair, Virtua Tennis 3 and Ridge Racer 7. Perhaps an acknowledgement that, with PS3 imminent, hype is no longer as necessary and expectations can begin to be tempered.
* The Phantasy Star Universe review covers the single-player only. The online multiplayer will be covered in a later issue.

Quote of the Month: “You have to pump and froth to get its creamy pleasure.” This rather suggestive slogan accompanies a free sample of a new drink.

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130

Issue 79 (December 2006)

                                                            Issue 79, December 2006

Editor’s letter
       This is my very own PS2. In the five years since I bought it, the machine has been stepped on, dropped on the floor, splashed with hot tea, and insulted by my missus on many occasions because ‘you pay more attention to that thing than me.’ Perhaps the biggest strain my PS2 was put under though, was being left on for countless hours as I battled through dungeons in Dark Chronicle, thrashed the wheels off Gran Turismo, fought my way to the top of the Master League in PES, explored the galaxy in Ratchet and Clank, became the crime kingpin of Vice City and… well, you get the idea. Despite all this abuse, it’s still going strong today, and if you take even the briefest of glimpses at this issue’s reviews section, you’ll realise that my poor overworked PS2 isn’t going to get a break any time soon. In addition to our sizzling Smackdown exclusive, PES6 gets a run out, we sneak up on the latest Splinter Cell, write a school report on Rockstar’s Canis Canem Edit, take Need for Speed Carbon for a spin, and so much more besides. Other magazines might tell you that PS2 has had its day, but we know different. In fact, there’s never been a better time to be a PS2 gamer, especially as new games are coming down in price all the time. The biggest problem facing you and I is what to play first. Of course, we haven’t forgotten about PSP, and it’s an equally fruitful month for pocket-sized gaming, with Vice City Stories and Killzone: Liberation this issue’s handheld highlights. Oh, how rude, in all the excitement I’ve forgotten to introduce myself. The name’s Nick and I’m your new host for OPS2. Hi! Feel free to drop me a line about anything you like, any time you like, and I’ll pull myself away from my PS2 and get back to you.
                                                                        Nick Ellis, Editor

Features
Test Drive Unlimited

Welcome to Fight Club – A feature on PS3 fighting games including Virtua Fighter 5, Tekken 6, Soul Calibur 4 and more.

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, if you were a wrestler, what would your entrance music be?

Could be a Classic – This month, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria. A follow-up to PSOne cult classic, Valkyrie Profile Lenneth.

Replay – Online reviews for FIFA 2007 and Ridge Racer 2, and what the other mags said about Lego Star Wars II, FIFA 2007, Just Cause and Ridge Racer 2.

So, you think you can beat us? – Readers take on the team in 2V2 multiplayer games. This month, Burnout Revenge.

OPS2 Investigates – This month, Where would be be without… A collection of beloved gaming cliches, including health packs, exploding barrels and bullet time.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, 24.

                                                            This month's Save Point.

Monitor
Bionicle Heroes – “The shooting action is enjoyable enough, but so far it’s feeling a little too basic and derivative. And we doubt the lumpy-headed Bionicles carry the same charm as their Lego Star Wars buddies.” Warm

Eragon – “Generic hack ‘n’ slash action, but decent storytelling.” Warm

Thrillville – “Refreshingly different and packed with a variety of game styles, don’t be fooled by Thrillville’s cartoon looks; this is a fair test for your brain. Just don’t chuck your guts up when you ride the waltzers.” Warm

PDC World Championship Darts – “Multiplayer fun gives this bullseye potential.” Hot

Guitar Hero II – “The first Guitar Hero worked because it was simple to grasp the basics, yet challenging to master. With the ace new features, RedOctane has created a sequel that promises to rock your socks off.” Meltdown

Who Wants to be a Millionaire? – “A surprisingly enjoyable albeit basic Buzz!-style party game spin on the Millionaire format. But is it a better family blast than Buzz Junior: Jungle Party? We have our doubts…” Tepid

Death Jr 2: Root of Evil – “A darkly comical tale of adolescent grim reaping and twisted toys. Fans of Tim Burton’s dark fairy tale visions will adore Death Jr 2, but even if you don’t it’d be a mistake to ignore this game.” Hot

Heatseeker – “If Heatseeker really can pull off the promise of recreating Burnout in the sky – and at this stage we’re feeling confident it will – this could trigger quite a dogfight with the current arcade king of the skies, Ace Combat.” Hot

God Hand – “Deified digits might just have the magic touch.” Hot

F.E.A.R. – “F.E.A.R.’s got style, creepy atmosphere in spades, and it plays like a dream, albeit a twitchy, heart-in-the-mouth kind of dream. It’s a refreshing approach to the FPS and we can’t wait to play the finished article.’” Meltdown

Ridge Racer 7 – “Of all the launch titles Ridge Racer is the one most likely to inspire envy in any non-PS3 owning mates. Now it’s been demoed running velvety smooth in 1080p, we’ve no reason to doubt this will be the bomb.” Boiling

L.A. Noire – “It’s early days and we’re yet to see any actual, in-game footage. However, this teaser of Rockstar’s latest captures the ‘40s gangster feel perfectly, and that bodes well. Watch this one like a hawk.” Hot

PS2 Reviews
WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2007 – “An influx of enjoyable new characters and stacks of authenticity keep this the finest grapple game on the planet.” 8/10

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon – “The vast amount of characters will excite fans, but MKA feels old-fashioned. The series needs to evolve if it’s going to survive.” 7/10

Made Man – “All the natty Mafia dialogue and realistic story threads can’t disguise the fact that, at its core, Made Man is bland like breadsticks.” 6/10

Pro Evolution Soccer 6 – “Genuine gameplay improvements over PES5, coupled with the new International Challenge mode, make this an essential purchase.” 10/10

Need for Speed Carbon – “Faster than Schumacher, dicier than driving blindfolded, and more fun than a jacuzzi with Emmanuelle Vaugier. Well almost.” 9/10

Splinter Cell: Double Agent – “Double Agent is a slick game that demonstrates how great stealth can be when done right. It’s just too damn murky to be a classic, though.” 8/10

Rule of Rose – “Rule of Rose blends the stuff of nightmares with stylish sound and graphics. Sadly, the developer should have spent longer on the gameplay.” 6/10

NBA 2K7 – “Quick, responsive and immaculately presented. Like all great sports games, this is an everyman gem dressed in niche clothing.” 9/10

Eyetoy Play Sports – “A patchily enjoyable collection of sports-themed mini-games that might enliven a party for 15 minutes – as long as none of the guests are over six years-old.” 5/10

Spyhunter: Nowhere to Run – “Oh dear. We’ve seen some drab ill-judged resurrections of ‘retro classics’ in our time, but this takes the pixelated biscuit.” 3/10

Wild Arms 4 – “Wild Arms has always been the RPG underdog, and this won’t change that. However, respect is due for trying something different.” 7/10

NHL 2007 – “A superb return to form, and one that’s capped off by a very slick on-ice match engine. If you’re looking for the best hockey game on PS2, you’ve found it.” 8/10

NHL 2K7 – “If you have a thirst for foreign sports, then you could get a comprehensive ice hockey fix here. Sadly though, the total package feels soulless and, as a result, rather unappealing.” 6/10

Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus – “A competent FFVII spin-off with enough ties to the past to keep the disciples happy, but for everyone else it’s a decent, if uninspired, shooter.” 6/10

Canis Canem Edit – “While we definitely don’t remember school being this much fun, this is a brilliant return to a more innocent time. One of the year’s best games.” 9/10

Eyetoy Kinetic Combat – “Although it’s dressed up like a game, it is a fairly serious fitness programme. We’d prefer a proper Eyetoy beat-‘em-up, though.” 7/10

Singstar Legends – “Better than the last one, but how could they include a medley called Born in the USA and not include Springsteen? Shameful.” 8/10

Pool Paradise: International Edition – “Nothing happens for so long in this game that you’ll think it’s crashed. So unless you’re going to play it with a mate, when you can dictate the pace, leave well alone.” 4/10

Virtua Pro Football – “There are a couple of moderately original features in what’s little more than a shameless and sub-standard PES rip-off. Not even worth the budget price.” 3/10

Prostroke Golf World Tour 2007 – “A decent, realistic alternative to Tiger Woods that just lacks the wealth of options and modes EA ploughs into its sports franchise.” 7/10

Open Season – “A boring, bland movie tie-in that is hard to recommend even if you’re seven and you really loved the movie.” 4/10

Neogeo Battle Coliseum – “A varied mix of disciplines and characters make this an entertaining if largely unspectacular fighter.” 6/10

Saint Seiya: The Hades – “Simplistic and often frustrating beat-‘em-up gameplay dressed up in colourful, brash but authentic visuals.” 5/10

Earache Extreme Metal Racing – “Earache Extreme is a below-par racer with a uniquely hardcore heavy metal soundtrack, but precious little else going for it.” 4/10

PSP Reviews
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories – “Not only is this the greatest game on PSP, it also leaves a large percentage of the PS2 back catalogue looking ordinary. Buy it right now.” 10/10

The Godfather – “Much more frustrating than the PS2 version, and not quite as varied to play, but more cinematic than we’d have thought possible on PSP.” 6/10

Mortal Kombat: Unchained – “It’s no Tekken: Dark Resurrection, but baby-proof controls and some intriguing extras make Unchained an above-average face-rearranger.” 7/10

Ford Street Racing: LA Duel – “Decent looking racer which requires a rare shot of tactical thinking, but one that lacks the flat-out driving thrills of its superior PSP rivals.” 6/10

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 – “EA’s quality sim expands on PSP to include a deep career mode and online play. A ‘fairway’ ahead of its competitors.” 8/10

Killzone: Liberation – “A perfectly targeted shooter that shines on handheld due to great controls and balanced gameplay. One of the best blasts on PSP.” 9/10

Moto GP – “It’s definitely functional, but Moto GP is far more suited to lazing on a sofa than it is to gaming on the go.” 6/10

Football Manager Handheld 2007 – “Brilliantly conceived and addictive management sim that serves as a lesson in how to optimise big-name games for the PSP.” 9/10

FIFA 2007 – “FIFA 07 on PSP is the most complete football sim in a handheld format. It’s irrelevant if you already own the PS2 version, though.” 8/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
FIFA 2007
LMA Manager 2007
Buzz Junior: Jungle Party
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Destroy All Humans 2
Made Man
Bionicle Heroes
Lego Star Wars

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* A reader sent in a photo of Resident Evil characters they’d made out of Lego this month, which started a number of other Lego recreations of games for months to come.
* Another reader sent in their tragic tale of woe at having won a copy of Hitman: Blood Money from a claw machine, only to find when they went to collect the disc from the prize booth that it had closed. OPS2’s savagely funny response? “Have a game. We’re not sending you a box though, you’ve already got one.”
* This issue’s L.A. Noire preview may be the biggest gap between a game’s preview and release, since numerous delays meant it wasn’t released until 2011.
* The Soul Calibur 4 section of the fighting games feature requests Kratos as a guest character, who ended up appearing in the PSP port, Broken Destiny.
* As the tie-in game for a film that was never made, Spyhunter: Nowhere to Run makes for an interesting curio.
* This issue’s Prostroke Golf review was meant to be for the PSP version, but the PS2 version is re-reviewed instead. Issue 81 that this was a mistake, and also reviews the PSP version as intended.

Quote of the Month: “The only good stealth section is one that lasts the whole game.” Thank goodness we’re long past the point of every game having an ill-judged stealth level because Splinter Cell was popular at the time.

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130

Issue 78 (November 2006)

                                                              Issue 78, November 2006

Editor’s letter
       First, an apology. Last month I made a schoolboy error. I said on this page that PS3 would be in the shops in 10 weeks. Whoops. In my defence, it would have been if, halfway through the making of this issue, the delay to March 2007 hadn’t been announced. But after the initial disappointment, there’s a series of positives to come out of this situation. First up, it gives game developers extra time, if they need it, to work on their games, which is always a good thing. Second, it means we’ll have a lot more titles to choose from at launch, and third (and we’re feeling a bit smug here) the PS2 remains Sony’s numero uno console for the foreseeable future.
       Anyway, the PS3 delay isn’t the only big news this issue. There’s Scarface, too. The news? As well as being the sweariest game in history, it’s also something of a rarity – a really good interpretation of a classic film. More news? What about Skate? An exclusive that literally came in two days before we were due to go to press. It’s the first serious challenge to Tony Hawk’s skateboard supremacy and it looks stunning – find out more on page 56. And then there’s the exclusive hands-on time we had with Devil May Cry 4 in Tokyo earlier this month. We’ve got the best shots anywhere and first-hand info on how it feels to play. All this news and I haven’t even mentioned the Spy section yet – fresh screens of Bully (or Canis Canem Edit as it’s called now) and first shots of PS3’s Battlefield: Bad Company. Lastly, a bit of information that can’t possibly backfire on me in the coming month… next issue expect a new face here. That’s right: we’re getting a brand new editor.
                                                                George Walter, Acting Editor

Features
Better than Hawk? – Skate

He’s the new hero of Devil May Cry 4 – Everyone give it up for Nero!

Caution! Next-gen Racers Ahead – A feature on PS3 racing games including Dirt, Motorstorm and Burnout Paradise.

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, what makes you lose your temper?

Could be a Classic – This month, Earthworm Jim. The 90’s favourite tries for a PSP revival, but was sadly out of luck on this occasion following the game’s cancellation. Earthworm Jim for Smash, anyone?

Replay – Online reviews for Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and what the other mags said about Yakuza, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, Cars and Prostroke Golf World Tour 2007.

So, you think you can beat us? – Readers take on the team in 2V2 multiplayer games. This month, Gran Turismo 4.

OPS2 Investigates – This month, Who are you? The results of this year’s reader survey.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, God of War.

                                  This month's Save Point is the final part of the ongoing storyline.

Monitor
WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2007 – “A brave step in a new direction, but will the controls end up being too obstructive? And will the novelty of bashing a man’s face into a post eventually wear thin? Find out in our review next month.” Hot

Rayman Raving Rabbids – “It may look like a cartoon you’d find on one of the more obscure children’s cable channels, but Rayman’s secret weapon is playability at all costs – even sanity. Prepare to be forcibly entertained.” Boiling

Ghost Rider – “Admittedly, it’s currently looking rather piecemeal – and the trailer for the film left us a bit cold – but the combination of bikes, demons and a sharp script could make it special.” Warm

Silent Hill Origins – “We’re not completely sure a handheld Silent Hill game can be properly scary and the gameplay is looking action-heavy, but the opportunity to see where it all began definitely has us hooked.” Hot

Call of Duty 3 – “As if the single-player game wasn’t stunning enough, Call of Duty 3’s multiplayer elements are looking fantastic, with far more depth to the action than your standard run-and-gun fragfest.” Meltdown

Resistance: Fall of Man – “Genuinely innovative weapons and a fantastic back story that would have Churchill choking on his cigar. Every console needs a killer FPS and Resistance should put PS3, and Grimsby, on the map.” Meltdown

Tony Hawk’s Project 8 – “The nearest to real skating that most of us will ever get.” Boiling

The Darkness – “The Darkness is a horrifically atmospheric shooter boasting some genuinely exciting demon powers. The result? Some inventive body mutilation and downright grisly set-pieces.” Boiling

Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 – “A massive technical step up for the Brian Lara International Cricket series. Could well become the Pro Evo of the bat and ball world if it delivers on its weighty list of promises.” Boiling

Frontlines: Fuel of War – “Can this knock the mighty Battlefield off its multiplayer perch? With people from the Battlefield, Doom 3 and Medal of Honor teams on development, we’re going to say a firm ‘maaaybe...’” Hot

PS2 Reviews
Scarface: The World is Yours – “Unlike other pretenders, Scarface offers plenty in its own right to set it apart from Grand Theft Auto – and is all the better for it.” 8/10

The Sims 2 Pets – “Whatever EA says, this feels like an expansion pack. It’s a welcome one though, and it’ll make your little Sim home all the more complete.” 8/10

Destroy All Humans 2 – “Funny, packed with entertaining physics and more variety than the first game, but marred by the occasional annoying mission.” 8/10

Kingdom Hearts II – “This epic adventure is short on the nuts-and-bolts of adventuring, but its charm, and the quality of its production still merit a high score.” 8/10

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 – “A slightly lazy overhaul rather than a full-blown sequel, but still bloody good stuff that’s essential for noobs or lapsed fans.” 8/10

Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence – “Subsistence is one hell of a package, encompassing Metal Gear’s past, present and future. Essential for newcomers, recommended for fans.” 9/10

Buzz Junior: Jungle Party – “Young or old, Jungle Party will make you laugh and keep you coming back for more – especially in multiplayer.” 7/10

NBA Live 2007 – “A sloppy attempt to inject new life into the NBA Live series. We expect rival offering NBA 2K7 to pound this off the court in next month’s review.” 4/10

Lemmings – “A straight port of the PSP version with a few Eyetoy challenges thrown in. Fun and challenging but the controls are just too fiddly in the end.” 6/10

World Championship Poker 2 – “Dodgy implementation lets down some genuinely nice ideas and shark-like AI in one of PS2’s better gambling games.” 5/10

World Super Police – “Despite pipping Need for Speed Carbon to the post with squad-based pursuit, poor graphics and shameful AI mean this sucks.” 2/10

Suikoden V – “Its intelligent plot and great looks could have made Suikoden V spellbinding – if only it wasn’t so tedious.” 5/10

King of Fighters Neowave – “Even ignoring the modernity of Soul Calibur, Marvel VS Capcom 2 and Guilty Gear do the 2D thing so much better than this.” 4/10

Samurai Warriors 2 – “This is virtually the same old hack ‘n’ slash action that we’ve been playing for years in the Dynasty Warriors series. Yawnsome stuff.” 4/10

PSP Reviews
50 Bulletproof: G-Unit Edition – “It’s simple and often satisfying, but 50’s world just isn’t exciting enough to sustain a whole game’s worth of action-RPG-style combat.” 6/10

Ape Academy 2 – “A massive improvement on the original, this is top-drawer party action for your PSP and one of a growing number of essential titles.” 8/10

Ridge Racer 2 – “Great but essentially (much) more of the same. Fans won’t care, and if you missed the original RR on PSP this is damn near essential.” 8/10

B-Boy – “Just like its PS2 bro, lil’ B-Boy is an innovative and challenging take on an old formula – ch-ch-ch-check it out.” 7/10

Mercury Meltdown – “With its satisfying difficulty curve and intricate courses this is a solid if not revolutionary update of an already innovative puzzle game.” 7/10

Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light – “Great to look at and a thrill to explore, but its plodding, turn-based fights are enough to put off all but the most patient of RPGers.” 6/10

Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy – “A supremely entertaining romp through the classic Star Wars universe, LSWII deserves to be played by everyone.” 9/10

NHL 2007 – “EA’s ice hockey annual trades gameplay depth for arcade accessibility and speed. For our money though the PS2 version offers a greater challenge.” 7/10

Pilot Academy – “A decent spread of planes and challenges but sadly Pilot Academy’s wings are clipped by a lack of personality.” 6/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Destroy All Humans 2
Need for Speed Carbon
Made Man
Bionicle Heroes
Lemmings
The Sims 2

Footage
SOCOM 3 US Navy SEALs

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* This issue and the next one have both a front cover and a back cover. I’m guessing they couldn’t decide between Scarface and Kingdom Hearts, so they found a way to use both. They're both really good cover images, so I would struggle to choose too.
* This is the last issue for both Helen Woodey and Leon Hurley.
* As with the Italian Job demo, the Lemmings demo is split into two demos, one for the regular levels and one for the Eyetoy levels.
* For a creative and altruistic use of PS3, there’s an article on a group of US scientists who used a network of 10,000 PS3s to power their research into Alzheimer’s in the hope of finding a cure.
* The Rayman Raving Rabbids preview seems to be from an earlier build that was meant to follow in the platformer footsteps of the previous games, as opposed to the mini-game collection it eventually became. I bet the big Bane-looking Rabbid in the screenshots would have made for a fun boss fight.
* The Scarface review self-censors with all swear words being replaced with the word cuddle, as in ‘Go cuddle yourself’ or ‘I’ll cuddle you up’.
* Thank Walt for charm and high production values, as based on the tone of the review, Kingdom Hearts II would have been lucky to get 6/10 without them. Heretical as that may seem nowadays, it does make sense when you remember that this is vanilla Kingdom Hearts II, not Final Mix, and it wasn’t until the latter came to the West that Kingdom Hearts II was vindicated and replaced the original as the one Kingdom Hearts game it’s okay to like.
* Some interesting results from the reader survey: 7% of readers were female (up from 5% in 2004), fitness was the most popular hobby besides videogames with 29% of readers mentioning it, 6% of readers did not consider videogames to be a hobby of theirs, and 1% of readers didn’t read the magazine at all, only buying for the demo disc.

Quote of the Month: “Gosh, I’m kicking unholy amounts of ass here, but what I really need is a giant yellow demonic hand.” Lucky for Nero, he has one of those!

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130

Issue 77 (October 2006)

                                                                Issue 77, October 2006

Editor’s letter
       So, we had a PS3 in the office this month. Well, a solid resin mock-up of one. Don’t worry, we checked, the slots were very much painted on. It was a teasing look at the successor to PS2. You know, the one that’s launched in just ten weeks. And while it sat there on my desk reeking of promise and unexplored next-generation dreams, the shiny Piano Black surface reflected back an image of one of our writers playing a PS2 game behind me. It was a symbolic moment.
       Because, while the world’s media goes into hyperdrive in the coming weeks over PS3, it will be all too easy to forget that PS2 still has loads of major league games on the way – right into the depths of 2007. Hopefully this issue of OPS2 will serve to remind you of that. Games like Just Cause, our exclusive cover game, The Sims 2 Pets, Scarface, The Sopranos, Need for Speed Carbon (enjoying the demo?), FIFA 07, God of War II and the new Lego Star Wars. Games that in no way suggest a console that’s on its last legs. It’s alive and kicking. Hard. But back to that PS3 on my lap. Cutting to the chase, forget what else you’ve read or heard, it can’t fail to be amazing. We’ve just sent a journalist to Chicago to play John Woo’s Stranglehold – it was his first go on a real, working PS3 dev kit – read his feature to see just how blown away he was. On another note I must point you to some first images from a future next-gen Star Wars game on page 30 – they sort of speak for themselves. And finally, yes, this isn’t the face you normally see on here. And okay, I made up that bit about the PS3 reflection. Give me a break, it’s my first go.
                                                    George Walter, Acting Editor

Features
“Give the guy a gun and he’s Superman. Give him two and he’s God.” – Stranglehold

7 reasons why The Sims 2 Pets will make your real pet obsolete – The Sims 2 Pets. This feature also includes a quiz to determine what kind of pet owner you are.

Taking Care of Business – The Sopranos: Road to Respect

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, who or what would you like to be stranded on a desert island with?

Could be a Classic – This month, Jeanne d’Arc. A strategy RPG based on a fantasy version of Joan of Arc.

Replay – Online reviews for Outlaw Volleyball Remixed and Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, and what the other mags said about Formula One 2006, Singstar Anthems, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

So, you think you can beat us? – Readers take on the team in 2V2 multiplayer games. This month, Virtua Tennis 2.

OPS2 Investigates – This month, “Okay Chris, I definitely know the answer to this…”. A feature on video game voice acting, as OPS2 record one of the phone a friend voices for the new Who Wants to be a Millionaire? game, and also interview David Bateson, the voice of Agent 47.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, Hitman: Blood Money.

                                                                This month's Save Point.

Monitor
Scarface: The World is Yours – “Like a bullet to the stones, this is a startling if bloody surprise that might do justice to the movie after all – so long as the dodgy driving is fixed.” Boiling

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning – “This retelling of the Spyro story looks very familiar.” Warm

Kingdom Hearts II – “New worlds to explore and fresh characters to meet mean this is looking like a quality sequel. Fingers crossed they haven’t bust the combat though with the new fighting options.” Boiling

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon – “Slight worries about kart racing aside, Armageddon is shaping up well, with a comprehensive round-up of the series’ best features, plus a handful of cool innovations.” Hot

NHL 2007 – “Sticks at the ready gents; it’s looking ace.” Boiling

Killzone: Liberation – “A genuinely exciting prospect on PSP with big budget production values. This is shaping up to be a unique and gripping explosion of warfare, flawlessly designed for handheld play.” Meltdown

Eragon – “If the whole game was built around the dragon levels, we’d be more excited about this. But with bland combat, it’s shaping up to be yet another solid yet uninspiring movie tie-in.” Warm

Tony Hawk’s Project 8 – “Taking the game back to its roots but still making giant leaps forward, THP8 looks and feels like real skating and could be the most groundbreaking Hawk’s game since Pro Skater on PSOne.” Boiling

Freerunning – “A bit of originality goes a long way – especially when you can jump as far as a freerunner – so we’re very intrigued to see how this turns out.” Hot

God of War II – “So far, so similar, but this is God of War with the volume turned up to the max. We’ve got our fingers crossed for some sort of Aphrodite-related powers for, y’know, the ladies…” Meltdown

Half-Life 2 – “Justifiably hailed as the best first-person-shooter ever on PC, Half-Life 2 is now heading to PS3 with loads of bonus content and graphical improvements. Prepare to get very excited.” Meltdown

PS2 Reviews
Just Cause – “A jaw-dropping adventure that disappoints slightly thanks to a short central plot padded out with repetitive objectives.” 8/10

FIFA 2007 – “It’s been a long wait, but FIFA has finally managed to meld both style and substance. The result is a football game with stacks to offer.” 9/10

Curious George – “Curious George has none of the double-layered humour of other animated films. Likewise, the game only works if you’re under six.” 5/10

Steambot Chronicles – “Steambot isn’t as polished or as deep as Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, but it’s still a charming curiosity laden with fresh ideas.” 7/10

B-Boy – “We like new gaming concepts and B-Boy is both unusual and innovative – but it’s not deep enough to sustain your interest.” 7/10

Ace Combat: The Belkan War – “A cracking surprise, The Belkan War is hardcore plane porn tuned for maximum thrills and money shots.” 8/10

Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition – “Having to unlock the best new addition is annoying, but it’s an otherwise decent expansion of the original, excellent DMC3.” 8/10

Madden NFL 2007 – “A very occasional lack of realism aside, this is one of the most comprehensive yet accessible sports games ever to grace PS2.” 9/10

LMA Manager 2007 – “Remains the premier management sim on PS2 but just too similar to last year’s outing to make it a compulsory purchase.” 7/10

Dance Factory – “A clever idea that’s a laugh with the right kind of music, but is too random to be anything other than an occasional curiosity.” 6/10

Super-Bikes Riding Challenges – “A likeable enough bike racer that’s simply too po-faced to stay interesting over the long run. You’re better off with Moto GP.” 6/10

Reservoir Dogs – “A bad idea executed only slightly better. When will companies learn that great films don’t necessarily make great games?” 5/10

Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny – “Iris 2 isn’t a landmark game by any stretch. But with a couple of novel features, it’s certainly engaging enough to be a good toe-dipper into the world of RPGs.” 6/10

Premier Manager 2006-2007 – “Reasonable management sim that will satisfy those looking for some light-hearted dugout action, but isn’t fit to fetch the ball for its big-name contemporaries.” 6/10

Homura – “It won’t drag you away from Black in the long term, but Homura is a surprisingly accessible shooter that’s available at a good price.” 6/10

Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy – “Combine the first game’s addictive gameplay with Lucas’ classic trilogy, and you’ve got a supremely entertaining slice of sci-fi escapism.” 9/10

Street Golfer – “A potentially crowd-pleasing idea that’s horribly marred by half-hearted execution and woefully dull environments. Tiger’s still the king of this particular jungle.” 4/10

Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories – “Restrictive and ponderous in places but more often immense and rewarding, Disgaea 2 is an underrated RPG with surprisingly commendable depth.” 7/10

Raiden III – “A purebred ‘80s throwback, Raiden III hasn’t a chance of competing with exciting modern shooters – or even the classics of yesteryear. Look elsewhere for your shoot-‘em-up thrills.” 3/10

Monster House – “An upbeat adventure that, while simple, throws up enough laughs and child-friendly horror thrills to entertain its intended early teens audience.” 6/10

Zoocube – “This inventive puzzler is one of few budget offerings out there that you can rescue from the bargain bin without fearing for your sanity.” 5/10

Urban Extreme – “Possibly the worst driving game to ever grace not only the PS2, but every other console in history. Yes, it’s that bad.” 1/10

Rig Racer 2 – “A fairly likeable premise that’s wrecked beyond all hope of recovery by some awful, unforgivable bugs.” 2/10

Hamster Heroes – “Tedious puzzler that’s fun for around three minutes, before you tire of its awkward controls and repetitive, one-note gameplay.” 3/10

PSP Reviews
Ultimate Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins – “A beautiful, but hard-as-nails remastering of the 1988 original that sadly still plays like an 18-year-old game. Exasperating.” 5/10

Gradius Collection – “An enjoyable collection of shooters that haven’t dulled with age, but are still very much of their time.” 7/10

Cars – “Although Cars is no real match for the all-conquering Ridge Racer, its unexpectedly speedy action makes it well worth a test drive nonetheless.” 7/10

Madden NFL 2007 – “Better than last year’s handheld Madden game, but NFL nuts will notice the return of a few niggling flaws.” 7/10

Pocket Racers – “A very ordinary racing game with a wrong-headed storyline tacked on. Stick with Micro Machines for your diddy-driving kicks.” 5/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Need for Speed Carbon
Ace Combat: The Belkan War
Prostroke Golf World Tour 2007
Bionicle Heroes
Lemmings
Yakuza
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Formula One 2006
B-Boy

Footage
Kingdom Hearts II
Rogue Galaxy

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* The Half Life 2 preview expresses slight disappointment that Episode 3 will not be included in the package. So, is Half Life 2 Episode 3 still happening or what?
* Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition gets a lower score than the original because playable Vergil has to be unlocked, “A footnote that’s up there with ‘batteries not included’ in the ‘wish I’d known that earlier’ stakes.” This is also the first in the series to get an updated re-release, which all future games in the series also received.
* Dance Factory punishes the player for missing notes by attacking their self-esteem with messages like ‘Getting flabby!’ or ‘Porky!’ No modern game could possibly get away with doing that, and even at the time the reviewer thought this was in bad taste.
* The aforementioned wrong-headed storyline of Pocket Racers is as follows: You have been transformed into a toy car by the Soul Stealer, and are made to race in order to eventually be turned back to normal, but for every race you finish in last place, the Soul Stealer will eat one of your friends. Note to the developers: there was no need to go so hard on the story! Sonic settles for racing tournaments, Crash Bandicoot has aliens or theme parks (Crash Nitro Kart took a page out of Space Jam’s book and had both), and Mario doesn’t even bother justifying why he’s racing go-karts with his various friends and foes. Are you gonna ask Mario to justify himself? He doesn’t have to, he went racing first!
* There’s an article in this issue on online multiplayer server shutdowns, specifically that EA were closing the servers for older sports games. Owing to their annual nature, the servers for sports games don’t tend to stay active for long (around 2 years or so, and they’re virtual ghost towns after the first year and everyone's upgraded to the following year's version), but it’s still interesting to see it highlighted in the magazine like this, especially as online multiplayer wasn’t nearly as ubiquitous as it is today.

Quote of the Month: “He killed 16 Czechoslovakians. The guy was an interior decorator.” A classic Sopranos quote gets mangled by Chinese whispers purple monkey dishwasher.

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130

ABC sales figures: This drop is less than the one from the same period last year, so the decline is slowing. Still pretty big, though.

Jul-Dec 2005 – 132,069
Jan-Jun 2006 – 100,117 (Down 31,952)

Issue 76 (September 2006)

                                                            Issue 76, September 2006

Editor’s letter
       Next time you score a goal on PS2, stop for a second and think about all the work that went into making it happen. Not your fancy stepovers and Pythagorean passing. No, I’m talking about the graft done by people who spend their lives painstakingly recreating player likenesses, designing complex tactical algorithms and endlessly tweaking balls. Developing a football game is a monolithic, multi-million pound challenge. Think about it this way: your average shooter struggles to make the interaction between man, shotgun and terrorist look convincing. A football game has to cope with 22 players, a ball and the obsessive expectations of fans who watch the real thing every week. The modern game is dominated by Pro Evo and FIFA, with everything else having long since collapsed on the side of the pitch. The battle between these two titans is one of the most fascinating rivalries on PS2. Pro Evo has long been the purist’s choice, while FIFA was seen to rely on its licensed kits and clubs to hoover up mainstream sales. But as we discovered this month, this might not be the case for much longer. To answer the deliberately contentious question posed on our packaging, FIFA isn’t better than Pro Evo. What it is, is different. EA is no longer trying to chase Konami with one hand grabbing for its metaphorical shirt. Instead, the 07 model focuses on accessibility and entertainment, while at the same time doing a better job than ever of looking and feeling like real footy. Read the rest on p60. Non-fans, meanwhile, can direct themselves to our feature on what watching Blu-ray movies is really like or the world’s first info and shots on GTA: Vice City Stories. I’m off to make a ‘secret’ magazine next month, so there’ll be a new face here. Possibly with less implausibly high cheekbones. It’s been a short but brilliant time in the big chair, but they do say the light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Make sure George wears a black armband for me, and I’ll see you all again soon.
                                                                Tim Clark, Editor

Features
“I can see inside his head!” – Tim and George try out some Blu-ray movies to see how much of a leap they are from DVD.

They’ve Fixed the Ball! – FIFA 2007. There’s also an interesting timeline of the FIFA development timeline, which shows how EA can make the whole game in a year. No, funny man, there's more to it than copy and paste!

Advantage PS3! – A Playstation 3 sports special, led by Virtua Tennis 3.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Monthly Articles
Funny Nicknames – This month, which footballer would you like to swap lives with?

Could be a Classic – This month, Brooktown High: Senior Year. An American take on the Japanese-dominated dating sim genre.

A Brief History – Retrospectives of some of PS2’s most popular franchises. This month, Hitman.

Replay – Online reviews for Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers and Field Commander, and what the other mags said about Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Sensible Soccer 2006, Jaws Unleashed and Soccer Life 2.

So, you think you can beat us? – A new feature starting this month, where readers take on the team in 2V2 multiplayer games. This month, Pro Evolution Soccer 5.

OPS2 Investigates – This month, Miniature Games. OPS2 gather the best minigames on PS2, including ATV Ice Hockey, Snake Vs Monkey, Resident Evil 4’s Mercenaries and – yes! – Tekken Bowling.

Endgame – Game endings. This month, Tomb Raider: Legend.

                                                                This month's Save Point.

Monitor
Just Cause – “Quite simply the biggest, most exciting-looking thing we’ve seen on PS2 this year. In terms of scope and ambition, Just Cause is massive. The words ‘pre-order’ and ‘now’ spring to mind.” Meltdown

Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run – “A less than stellar franchise reheated as a tie-in prequel to a movie we’re not convinced anyone wants to see. Right now it’s looking rushed, lazy and riddled with inconsistencies.” Tepid

Made Man – “The mafia will probably take out a contract on us for saying this but, as yet, this hoodlum adventure is falling well short of its ambitious narrative.” Warm

Gun Showdown – “The bloodiest multiplayer game on PSP. We can’t wait.” Boiling

Splinter Cell: Double Agent – “We quite like moody Sam Fisher, and the ‘moral choices’ element actually succeeds in varying the action sufficiently to make this more than just another sequel. Next month: the multiplayer mode.” Boiling

Phantasy Star Universe – “Some kinks to smooth out, but the action-heavy focus and lush art design keep Phantasy Star Universe hovering at the top of our most-wanted RPGs pile.” Meltdown

Sonic the Hedgehog – “Sonic’s warp speed action is the highlight of this tempting PS3 prospect, but Silver’s mental gymnastics are also great fun in their own right. Finally, this really could put Sonic back on top.” Boiling

Killzone: Liberation – “You’d need actual flames to make this any hotter.” Meltdown

Full Auto 2: Battlelines – “The idea of being able to smash up whole square miles of city is cool. This could be the perfect racer for early PS3 owners craving Burnout-style crashes over the straight-laced racing of Ridge Racer 7.” Boiling

Need for Speed Carbon – “As always, new NFS is just different enough to make it worth a look. With its canyons and crews, Carbon brings some innovation, but it’s not exactly a revolutionary PS3 launch title.” Hot

Army of Two – “Strong graphics, innovative gameplay and manly like watching prime-era Arnie films with your dad while eating a curry so stern that the poppadoms are soggy with tears. This, obviously, is a good thing.” Meltdown

PS2 Reviews
Yakuza – “No threat to GTA, but it’s not meant to be. Instead it’s an absorbing role-playing adventure with plenty to keep you busy.” 7/10

Gametrak Real World Golf 2007 – “You’ll still look like a prat playing it, but more courses and superior putting make this an interesting alternative to Tiger Woods.” 7/10

Let’s Make a Soccer Team! – “A cute idea for a management sim that contains stacks of accidental humour, but is let down by a colossal mess of a match engine.” 4/10

Cars – “Squarely aimed at young gamers, but Cars provides more fun than most kids titles – this is a welcome step in the right direction.” 7/10

Singstar Anthems – “Kinks in the scoring are starting to grate and the track listing isn’t for everyone, but it’s still after-pub gaming at its very best.” 7/10

Prostroke Golf: World Tour 2007 – “A decent attempt to snaffle the crown away from King Woods, Prostroke Golf is let down by its lack of rewards and features.” 6/10

Panzer Elite Action: Fields of Glory – “Deeply average graphics and frustrating controls crush Panzer Elite’s chances for glory surer than a 30-tonne tank.” 5/10

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow – “A lightweight grog and cutlass battler that only just scrapes average thanks to Depp’s turn as Sparrow. Prince of Persia does the swashbuckling action so much better.” 5/10

The Ant Bully – “All too familiar platforming action spoiled further by oversimplified, unpredictable controls and utterly dreary objectives.” 4/10

Quest for Sleeping Beauty – “What could have been a bit of a laugh for pint-sized gamers is reduced to a frustrating pain by a hatefully obstructive camera.” 2/10

Swords of Destiny – “Action-packed Castlevania crib that isn’t terrible, but is burdened by being overly predictable and unchallenging from the outset.” 5/10

Classic British Motor Racing – “Rarely has the word ‘classic’ been quite so abused. Shoddy AI, uninspiring cars and brittle handling. Boo.” 3/10

London Taxi: Rush Hour – “This Crazy Taxi homage is rank, and not worth £2 let alone £20. Find alternative means of transport to gaming pleasure.” 2/10

21 Card Games – “Easily the lowest ebb of the card-game boom, this horrifying mess is the most joy-sapping thing we’ve ever slotted into a PS2.” 0/10

PSP Reviews
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection – “This will feel fresh and immediate even to those whose Tekken-love was waning. It’s engaging, exceptional and essential.” 10/10

Gitaroo Man Lives! – “A glorious soundtrack and a fresh approach to the rhythm action genre makes this a winner – it’s bloody hard, mind.” 8/10

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – “Predictable and repetitive adventuring that’s rescued by an engaging lead character and excellent mini-games.” 6/10

Carol Vorderman’s Sudoku – “Rejecting flashy production in favour of appropriate use of the hardware’s tech, Carol’s Sudoku is a strong PSP showing for the craze.” 6/10

Gangs of London – “A strong idea let down by poor controls and lack of originality. The mini-games go some way to repairing the damage, though.” 6/10

Formula One 2006 – “F1 on PSP works a treat, and there’s a rich vein of challenging racing on offer. The option to race against PS2 players is a particularly nice touch.” 7/10

Disc Content
Playable Demos
Yakuza
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Shinobido: Way of the Ninja
Formula One 2006
B-Boy
Forbidden Siren 2
Singstar Rocks!
Black
FIFA 2006
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Game Saves
Primal
The Mark of Kri
Jak II
Amplitude
Metal Gear Solid 2
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Timesplitters 2
Zone of the Enders 2
Auto Modellista
Enter the Matrix
007 Nightfire
Silent Hill 3
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Chaos Legion
Ford Racing 2
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
Beyond Good and Evil
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Trivia
* Tim’s departure this month is the start of a mass exodus, as over the next few issues, most of the magazine’s staff move over to the new Official Playstation Magazine to get that started.
* There’s an article on the Mega 64 video where Rocco dresses up as the Merchant from Resident Evil 4 and asks passers-by “What are ya buyin’?” Naturally, I showed the video to everyone I knew.
* The Gametrak Real World Golf 2007 reveals that the OPS2 office mascot is an inflatable shark named Mr Bitey. He was used as an alternative golf club, in case you’re wondering.
* The Legend of Jack Sparrow is alright, but The Tale of Jack Sparrow is better!
* The second of two 0/10 games has finally arrived! Did you see this one coming, or did you think it would be something else?

Quote of the Month: “Goth girls are strong, independent types unbowed by the demands of high fashion or personal hygiene.” This is prompted by watching Underworld Evolution on Blu-ray showing that Kate Beckinsale’s hair was slightly greasy. You know, I haven’t watched any of those films. I should get round to it.

Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130