Issue 89, September 2007
Editor’s letter
Would you believe that I’ve not managed to play a single game this month? That’s why the expression on my face in this photo is rather grumpy. The first reason for my lack of PS2 action is that the remote control for the telly broke, and I can’t flip to the AV channel that the PS2 runs through. D’oh! The second reason is that I’ve been super-busy helping to redesign OPS2. Next month (barring floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or similar unforeseen circumstances) you’ll be holding a shiny new version of the mag in your hands. Although the look of OPS2 will be changing completely, there’s one thing that we will most certainly be keeping the same: stuffing each and every issue with coverage of the very best games in the world. This month is no different, and although my own thumbs haven’t touched a DualShock, the rest of the team have been busy playing their socks off. We’ve got details of all the brand new games announced at this year’s E3 game show in Los Angeles, a world-first review of Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, huge features on the excellent Simpsons and Star Wars games and a first play of the new Need for Speed title. And of course lots more besides. I’m off to buy myself a new remote…
Nick Ellis, Editor
Features
100% Spoof – The Simpsons Game
Box Art International – A compare-and-contrast of the box art of several games across UK, USA and Japan. The American box art for Killzone is amazing!
The Star Wars Celebration – Nick and John visit a Star Wars convention, and get to try out The Force Unleashed while they’re there.
Sing When You’re Winning – A Singstar retrospective, including the top 10 best songs in the series, how the mics work, exclusive songs and versions for foreign markets, and the tracklist for Singstar 90s.
Monthly Articles
Your Game in Lights – Readers submit their own game ideas. This month, Domination, in which the world is taken over by evil space dominoes led by their queen, the Dominatrix (Possibly a sequel to No-One Can Stop Mr Domino?), and A Gun in my Pocket, in which a crazed stalker of Sharon Osbourne tries to justify his desire to break into the Osbournes’ house to kill them. The crazed stalker part isn’t referring to the game, by the way.
Replay – Online reviews for Rainbow Six Vegas and Parappa the Rapper and what the other mags said about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Fanastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Transformers and Parappa the Rapper.
Playstation Education – Demonstrating various examples of a certain item in PS2 games. This month, hairdos.
Monitor
Need for Speed ProStreet – “It’s a bold move for EA to tamper with its top-selling series, but it’s a move NFS fans will love. More casual players may find the emphasis on safe driving a turn-off, though.” Hot
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe – “There’s something warming about the prospect of tagging moves with Green Goblin, but will that glow keep us cosy throughout the whole game?” Warm
Crash of the Titans – “Crash has been an underdog in recent years, but our hands-on with Crash of the Titans makes us sure he’s ready to fight back to the top of the platforming ladder.” Boiling
Thrillville: Off the Rails – “More of the same from Thrillville is fine by us, especially when the rides are more extreme than anything in the real world. Owning and managing a mega-theme park simply cannot be dull. Ever.” Hot
Grimgrimoire – “Addictive gameplay, worthy opponents, an intriguing storyline and plenty of eye candy. We want this game and we want it right now.” Hot
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law – “Not seen the show? Doesn’t matter. What with DVDs of the show only available in America (only playable on a region-free DVD player over here), this is looking like the best way we Brits can get our Birdman fix.” Boiling
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 – “How you see Ultimate Ninja 2 depends on whether you understand the appeal of the anime. If not, think of it as a colourful beat-‘em-up with a zany plot; if you’re a fan, think of it as the best Naruto game yet.” Hot
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions – “It’s about damn time the PSP started getting some classic PS1 games ported its way. Why should the PS3 have all the fun? Well, rejoice! FF Tactics is coming.” Meltdown
Final Fantasy – “The new generation of Final Fantasists might find the original hard going, but Square Enix has pulled out all the stops to make this an essential purchase.” Hot
Final Fantasy II – “In terms of gaming history, this isn’t as important as its predecessor but if you can’t get enough Final Fantasy, you’ll still be glad you gave this a look.” Hot
Grand Theft Auto IV – “Thus far IV bears all the hallmarks of a classic GTA game and the level of detail is astonishing. As long as the shooting mechanic works effectively, we think everyone will be more than pleased.” Boiling
PS2 Reviews
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror – “On PSP it set new standards but this port, enjoyable spy romp that it is, simply seems a bit dated when brought to the PS2.” 7/10
ATV Offroad Fury 4 – “A confident end to the PS2 ATV series, Fury 4 goes out in style by tossing in lots of options while keeping the game’s signature gameplay intact.” 8/10
Rugby 2008 – “Doesn’t challenge the likes of Pro Evolution Soccer or Tiger Woods in the sports sim stakes, but Rugby 08 will delight even casual rugger fans.” 7/10
Nascar 2008: Chase for the Cup – “Adeptly coded and enormously comprehensive for fans of Nascar. An energy-sappingly boring racing game for everyone else.” 6/10
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria – “The detailed fighting and character development systems will mess with your brain at first. But master them and this is an absolute joy to play.” 8/10
Falling Stars – “We applaud the attempt to create a substantial RPG for kids, but sadly the flat characters and limited battle options make this rather patronising.” 4/10
Final Armada – “Don’t be lured by its low price tag. Final Armada is dire, dull, dolorous, distressing, doleful, dismal, drab and downright depressing.” 3/10
Warriors Orochi – “Still the same old, unsubtle scything we expect from a Warriors game, but given extra substance by some neat strategic twists.” 6/10
Premier Manager 2008 – “Undemanding bosses might get a bit of enjoyment out of this but there’s far too little depth or realism to satisfy LMA veterans.” 4/10
PSP Reviews
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 – “MHF2 is a joy to play. There’s tons to do, and immaculate attention to detail really brings this charming and gritty game to life.” 8/10
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 – “No teammates, no cover system: GRAW 2 PSP couldn’t feel further from its console brothers if it tried. Stick to SOCOM.” 6/10
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars – “The crazy racer is now showing its age up against some strong competition, and its eccentric handling is all over the shop on PSP.” 4/10
Wipeout Pulse – “The core gaming is still very much the same, but the extensive multiplayer options raise Wipeout Pulse above the average.” 7/10
Valhalla Knights – “Very average RPG mechanisms, diabolical missions, non-existent storyline, monstrously difficult battles… it’s a bleak outcome.” 3/10
Practical IQ – “The levels are colourless and lack life, the puzzles aren’t anything special and the whole thing is as sterile as a laboratory.” 4/10
Disc Content
Playable Demos
Rogue Galaxy
Obscure 2
Okami
Final Fantasy X
Firefighter FD18
Forbidden Siren 2
Finding Nemo
The Incredibles
Freedom Fighters
Juiced
Trivia
* According to the demo page and box, Nightshade is meant to be on the disc, but it isn’t there. Even more oddly, there’s no mention of Juiced or Freedom Fighters, so you won’t know they’re on the disc before playing it.
* This issue includes a game character personality quiz, in which you are given points depending on how you answer each question. As are worth 1 point, Bs 2 points, Cs 3 points and Ds 4 points. The total score determines which character you are. 20-30 points is Leisure Suit Larry or Ashley from Resident Evil 4, 31-45 points is Sora or Jade from Beyond Good and Evil, 46-65 points is Dante or Lara Croft, 66-79 points is Kratos or Ivy from Soul Calibur, and a full 80 points is reserved for Daniel Lamb from Manhunt 2, whose bio consists only of “Stay away from us, you psycho.” I got Sora when I took the quiz.
* There is an article on gaming when disabled, and the variety of hardware adaptations that have been done to enable gamers with a variety of disabilities to continue playing their favourite games.
Quote of the Month: “I would cast J-Lo Bum on my girlfriend so she would have a bum like J-Lo.” Someone’s clearly an ass man!
Cover price: £5.99
Page Count: 130
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