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6
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5 - Blistering 4 - Hot 3 - Smolder 2 - Room Temperature 1 - Fizzled 0 - Extinguished |
A - Long
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BABY
UNIVERSE
The Playstation is not strictly reserved for games. As many of you might know, you can also play your audio CDs on the console. Baby Universe enhances this function at least 30 fold. Having 3-D kaleidoscopes rotate and twirl to the music of your choice might not seem like a big deal, but weighed against the bland function display without Baby Universe, you'll soon agree. Added to these infinitely varied patterns you can also watch waveforms of your music dance in all different shapes and colours. A great party enhancer as well as a tranquil meditator, this one (to use the cliche') is beyond a game. 6
/ A
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BATTLE
ARENA TOSHINDEN 3
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BEATMANIA
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BLAST
RADIUS
Hanging around the arcades does diminish your cash flow. Then, it does have the added social factor. Playstation addiction might be a little less social, but once you have the games you want, you can play them as often as you like, any time of day. Link-ups also diminish the anti-social factor, so, what are you waiting for? Blast Radius is a hectic arcade space adventure blast 'em up with 10 sectors each consisting of 4 missions. With up to two players, you can enter this galactic extravaganza as Kayne, the sole survivor of the legendary Wolf Squadron. This destroyed defense group once kept the galactic empire safe from alien attacks. Now you're a mercenary. Working for Vorn, you must fight off Kotan-Kai's fierce, brutal fleets. You're their only hope. Well, with that out of the way, let the destruction begin! A bunch of spaceships are at your disposal (better ones as you progress, naturally), and getting the hang of them can prove tricky. Each destroyed enemy leaves behind a variety of power-ups. The 360 degree space can also be disorientating, but if you keep your eye on the radar (with added depth monitor) you'll be fine - that's if you don't get blown to bits. Hectic weaponry can be picked up, so keep going to ensure the acquisition of some hard core bang-bang. A co-operative mode will prevent your pal from getting bored as you cause havoc together and even better, take him/her on in a death match mode. You might just be creating a new enemy. All in the name of fun, I suppose. 3
/ B
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BLASTO
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BROKEN
SWORD II: The Smoking Mirror
When you launch into this intricate game, relax, take your time and don't rush it, as you'll need your wits about you to focus on every little bit of detail on screen. This sequel to the successful original has the American tourist George Stobbart again involved in a mysterious plot. This time you need to assist and guide him into finding his girlfriend who had been kidnapped by bad bastards. As you're further entwined in a dark Mayan legend which spells certain doom for all, you'll get the knack and feel your detective impulses throbbing. As you progress through the abundant scenes of houses, harbours, temples etc. in a variety of global locations, you need to inspect absolutely everything, as it could either be a clue, or be collected for later use to get out of a tight spot - and there are many of them. Whereas the PC version has better handling with a mouse, your Playstation control can be sped up to avoid falling asleep when you try to check out something. In effect you are in control of the outcome of this little animated movie (more so than above) and it can lead to hard core frustration if you're stumped - as I was in only the second section where you need to get out of the front door without a key ! It can get engrossing as well as a total piss off, but that's all part of the fun. Each player will have a different reaction to this game, depending on your preference, of course. Not for the hyper-active. But, give it a whirl and see how far you get. Memory card essential. 3
/ C
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A
BUG'S LIFE ACTIVITY CENTER
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BUSHIDO
BLADE At first glance this one to one fighting game seems like it's
the Tekken formula all over. Not quite, my friends. What sets this game
apart from all the other (exciting and boring) games available out there,
is the code of honour and serious dramatization with realistic consequences
and no ludicrous lazerpowers or anything too supernatural. In battle
it's not simply a case of wild button pushing to get rid of the other
guy whatever the cost may be. You are penalized for fighting dirty,
eg. chopping someone from behind or kicking them when they're down.
Various modes can be played: besides beating up a friend in a two player
mode, you can also pick a practice round (with a choice of locations)
where you fight with wooden weapons - they are lethal none the less.
There is a story mode, which plays out extremely realistically with
emotion and atmosphere deeply imbedded in everything from the movements
of the characters to the unraveling of the mystery. Obviously you have
a number of levels and characters to weed out - but, when you don't
stick to the rules, your game is ended with a reprimanding Confucious-type
adage of cowardice ! This can get friggin' frustrating, but makes you
return that much more determined. There is also a Slash Mode where you
need to wipe out a total of 100 fighters, one at a time! What makes
it worse is if you get killed after doing, say, 39 of the other guys,
you're reverted back to 30 when you decide to have a rematch! This is
the same with every multiple of 10. So, eventually you end up killing
probably 200-400 enemies as the difficulty escalates with their improved
skill for each set of 10 fighters! Here you just want to say, "screw
this honourable shit!" and whack those bastards! There are no power
or time meters in Bushido Blade and you can be dispatched with a single
blow, as is to be expected in real life. Besides kicking, you don't
rely on fists or any other bare handed antics. Your weapons are more
effective and there is a whole range to choose from. From Katana's and
Rapiers to Broadswords and Hammers. Each weapon has its own advantages
and drawbacks and some statistics like weight and length is given -
the effect is evident in battle. Picking the right character (male or
female) to suit you is also important. Throughout the game's progression
you get bandages if any injuries are sustained. You're also a bit weaker,
giving them the edge. Your opponents like slashing you in the legs which
forces you onto one knee and thus making you more vulnerable. Depending
on your character, you can throw weapons like shurikens (ninja-type
metal stars) at your enemy. Making a habit of blocking will be to your
advantage, as one slash can have you drop to the ground with a spurt
of red. Of course, the same treatment is dealt to those who dare to
take you on. One little problem you must try and avoid is fighting near
walls or any kind of vertical border, as your weapon tends to knock
against them, throwing you back without an effective blow. The game
has excellent detail, though. Besides the already mentioned human emotions,
characteristics, mannerisms and injuries, there are such subtleties
as footprints in the sand on the beach scenes, which slowly fade. Or
day & night modes and the ability to run anywhere on the screen in stead
of constantly facing off with your assailant. I'm not too sure if this
actually counts against you, acting like a wussy, but your opponents
do likewise and sometimes even attack you from behind! The traditional
music with some updated modern angles is a superb choice as it sets
the mood of this serious but exciting play. It's quite a fresh change
from what we've grown accustomed to.
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BUSTER
AND THE BEANSTALK
The Tiny Toons have got their own game! This groovy little game is filled with point & click wackiness to be discovered as you take Buster up the crazy beanstalk to find key parts (clues leading you there) in sequence. With a bunch of classic fairy tales incorporated, it's great stuff for younger players. Loony obstacles can hold you back a little (what's a cartoon without a falling anvil!), while most of the objects and characters you click have totally mad results. Fine amusement. 4
/ C
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