May Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · May 1, 2006

PC
SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars (Computer Role-Playing) 5/2
SiN Episodes: Emergence (Sci-Fi FPS) 5/9
Heroes of Might and Magic V (Fantasy Turn-Based Strategy) 5/23
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures (MMORPG) 5/30
Half-Life 2: Episode One (Sci-Fi FPS) 5/31

Xbox 360:
Table Tennis (Sports) 5/22

PSP:
Field Commander (Turn-based Strategy) 5/22 (see preview from last month)
Monster Hunter Freedom (Action RPG) 5/23

Nintendo DS:
New Super Mario Bros. (2D Platformer) 5/15

Multi:
The Da Vinci Code (Action) 5/15 for PS2, 5/19 for PC/XBX (???)
X-Men: The Official Game (Beat-‘Em-Up) [Everything except PSP] 5/16
Jaws Unleashed [PS2, XBX, PC] 5/23
MLB Slugfest 2006 [PS2, XBX] 5/30
Hitman: Blood Money (Modern Shooter) [360, XBX, PC, PS2] 5/30
Stacked with Daniel Negreanu [PSP, PS2, XBX, PC] 5/30 (think I previewed this a few months ago)

So-so month. Most of the big games are on multiple platforms, so I didn’t even need a section for the PS2, GC, and XBX. Got pretty close to getting rid of the 360, PSP, and DS sections too. There are some nice PC games though. I'm hoping HOMM V turns out nice since I'm a fan of the series. Age of Conan looks interesting too, although I'm not into MMO games. Then we have 3 games cashing in on movie licenses with The Da Vinci Code, X-Men, and Jaws.

BTW, I’m probably going to list any games on both the 360 and on current-gen platforms (or handhelds for that matter) under the multiple platform section, instead of listing it under both (360 and multi). I’ll probably be posting screenshots/previews from the 360 versions of these games instead of posting separate screenshots/previews for each version.

RC Cola · May 1, 2006

SpellForce 2 (PC)

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/spellforceiiblendofperfection/news.html?sid=6142695&mode=recent

This promises to be a huge game, as well. We're told that the single-player campaign can last between 40 and 50 hours, and that there is a separate cooperative campaign that can last another 20 to 30 hours. Normally, cooperative campaigns just let you play over the single-player campaign with other players online, but the co-op mode in SpellForce 2 takes place on different maps than the single-player game. Factor in the traditional skirmish and multiplayer modes, and SpellForce 2 promises a ton of gameplay. Like its predecessor, this is a highly ambitious game, but it appears that the developers have learned quite a bit from the first SpellForce and are looking to nail down the formula in the sequel. SpellForce 2 is in the home stretch of development, and we should see the game ship worldwide this spring.
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SiN Episodes: Emergence (PC)

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/sinepisodes1/news.html?sid=6146567

Bad timing isn't one of the seven deadly sins, but when it came to the original SiN, it was deadly enough. SiN came out in the shadow of the original Half-Life, and it's taken the franchise roughly eight years to recover from that. Now, developer and publisher Ritual is preparing the return of SiN in the form of SiN Episodes: Emergence. Ironically, Emergence is built upon Valve's Source engine and Ritual will distribute the game online using Valve's Steam service. And by relying on much of the same technology used by Valve for Half-Life 2, this SiN looks to be making a much stronger impression than its predecessor.
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HOMM V (PC)

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/heroesofmightandmagicv/news.html?sid=6147362

The creators of Heroes V appear to have carefully added the game's new tweaks and additions, such as its colorful new 3D graphics, its additional hero tweaks, and its new interface options, with painstaking caution and complete respect for the basic gameplay of the Heroes series. There's a great deal of core Heroes gameplay that has more or less remained intact, and if you're a fan of the series (and even if you've never played the series before), that's a good thing, since the game's exploration, decision-making, and tactical battles seem as enjoyable as before, if not better. All things considered, Heroes V seems like it will offer a new and improved version of the classic strategic game that so many fans have come to know and love. The game is scheduled for release in May.
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Age of Conan (PC)

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/ageofconanhyborianadventures/news.html?sid=6126168

Age of Conan looks and sounds extremely promising, and although it may sound like yet another fantasy online game, its impressive next-generation graphics, substantial single-player game, dark fantasy undertones, and innovative combat features should help it easily stand out from the pack. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more updates on this very promising game as we approach its release next year.
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Half-Life 2: Episode One (PC)

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/halflife2aftermath/news.html?sid=6128325

If you played Half-Life 2, last year's blockbuster first-person shooter, then you know that the game ended in a cliff-hanger that left more questions than answers. The good news is that Valve is in the final stages of prepping Half-Life 2: Aftermath, the first expansion for Half-Life 2, due out later this year. Valve likes to describe Aftermath as a new "episode" for the franchise, and we know that it picks up immediately after the events of the main game. However, further details are few and far between, thanks to Valve's tight-lipped nature. That didn't deter us from throwing some questions at designer/programmer Robin Walker, and he helped fill in the bigger picture. For those of you who wish to remain totally in the dark about Aftermath, we should warn you that there are some minor spoilers below.
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(more at the link of course)

Table Tennis (360)

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/698/698663p1.html

In the end, this game is impressive. Since there is nothing to compare it to, and the game is still early, it's hard to compare it directly to game X, Y, or Z. But Jon and I both feel that Rockstar Presents Table Tennis re-creates the sport more accurately and with a feeling that's closer than any other sports game on consoles or PC. The game's immediacy and intensity are almost identical to the real-life sport, and the feeling is replicated with impressive physicality and emotion.
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Monster Hunter (PSP)

http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/monsterhunterpsp/news.html?sid=6141638&mode=recent

Based on what we played, we can say that Monster Hunter Portable has a lot going for it. The single-player game offers a fair amount of quests to go through and a solid amount of challenge. However, as before, the multiplayer mode is where the game shines. The experience of taking down a large beast with a party of four is as satisfying as ever, and the assorted items you can collect offer plenty of incentive to do just that. All of the above greatly benefits from the streamlined control scheme, which enhances the gameplay dramatically. Finally, the improved cat content is a plus for those who are feline fanciers. Anyone thinking of importing the game should be aware that MHP is heavy on the Japanese and requires a decent grip on the language. While it is still possible to get through the menus through trial and error, you'll be missing out on quite a bit. Your best bet will be to bide your time until the game, titled Monster Hunter Freedom in the US, hits early next year. Look for more on Monster Hunter Portable in the coming months.
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New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

http://ds.ign.com/articles/697/697674p1.html

New Super Mario Bros. was recently delayed to May 15th, the week after the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Hopefully we'll be playing it well before then, because the version at GDC appeared to be in a complete status. We'll have more on the game as we get closer to its release date.
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The Da Vinci Code (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/thedavincicode/news.html?sid=6147750

2K Games recently brought the latest build of The Da Vinci Code by the GameSpot offices so we could get a look at the progress of this puzzle-oriented game based on what must be the most popular novel of all time. It might surprise you that the game version of Da Vinci, in development by Getting Up house The Collective, isn't licensed straight from the upcoming sure-to-be-summer-blockbuster starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. Rather, The Collective has gone straight to the source to work with author Dan Brown in creating the familiar locations and events from the book--along with a handful of new ones to keep things fresh.
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X-Men (Multi)

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/700/700909p1.html

While we really only had a chance to see the first tutorial section and then a quick (or at least confined) battle section with each character, it's apparent that X-Men: The Official Game does a great job at keeping each of its three heroes feeling unique and individual. This has been a drawback with some multi-character games in the past, superhero or not, and luckily the developer seems to have really nailed down the feeling and powers of Wolverine, Iceman and Nightcrawler in different and cool ways. Stay tuned to IGN as we'll have more on X-Men: The Official Game as we near its release.
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RC Cola · May 1, 2006

Jaws Unleashed (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/jaws/news.html?sid=6139196&mode=recent

Currently scheduled for release in February, Jaws Unleashed is an underwater action game in which you'll assume the role of a great white shark that terrorizes the inhabitants of a prosperous island. Set some 30 years after the events of the Jaws movie that inspired it, Jaws Unleashed will re-create a number of memorable events from said movie, and it will feature a marine biologist named Michael Brody (the son of Jaws Police Chief Martin Brody), who wants to capture you for research. We recently had an opportunity to check out a PlayStation 2 demo version of Jaws Unleashed during a meeting with Majesco, and we can report that, if nothing else, the game is looking far bloodier than it was when we last saw it at E3.
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MLB Slugfest (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/mlbslugfest2006/news.html?sid=6145247

Finally, SlugFest 2006 will sport a new challenge mode in which you'll select your team and then play against a succession of other teams ranked from worst to best. This should provide a smooth ramp-up in terms of difficulty so you'll be able to hone your skills as you go. Of course, all the requisite modes from last year's game will be returning again as well.

Perhaps the best news about SlugFest 2006 is the game's budget price--it'll come in at around $20 when it hits shelves in May. Stay tuned for more on the game before then.
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Hitman (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/hitman4/news.html?sid=6148682

Lastly, as with all Xbox 360 games these days, we couldn't resist asking Eidos how Hitman's gamer points will be distributed. Though the list for all the achievements hasn't yet been finalized, we were told that unlike the first run of 360 games, Blood Money's achievements won't all be easy to come by. Moreover, the achievements will primarily be focused not just on completing the game's missions, but specifically how you complete them. For instance, one achievement might require you to get through a particular mission without ever firing a weapon, or another might instruct you to take out your targets in a particular manner. It's a safe bet that however the achievements end up being implemented, it won't be a walk in the park to unlock the full 1,000 points.

So far, the Xbox 360 version of Hitman: Blood Money is looking like the one to get, with its vastly superior graphics and all those delectable points to unlock. The game is slated for release around the end of the month, so we'll bring you more on it at E3 and beyond.
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Ok, that should be it.

boomer83 · May 1, 2006

I'm not one to advocate pre-marital relations, but
Homie you should let the soldier salute the captain every once in a while, if you know what I mean.

Coach AI · May 2, 2006

Ahhh..New Super Mario Bros. The first new '2D' Mario Bros. game in a long, long time.

That alone makes this a great game month.

Hopefully the DS Lite will be out soon to go with it.

RC Cola · May 7, 2006

Two DS reviews:

New Super Mario Bros (DS)
http://ds.ign.com/articles/705/705537p1.html

Before New Super Mario Bros. entered my life, Yoshi's Island was, to me, the greatest platformer ever created. That title may now have to go to New Super Mario Bros.

A lot of what made Yoshi's Island so fantastic was how the designers used graphic capabilities to create and incorporate new gameplay elements into the mix. That's the same with New Super Mario Bros.-- the power of the Nintendo DS makes it possible for new elements like the deforming terrain, giant 3D enemies and obstacles, fully rotating environments, and countless other elements that are more integral to the game design than they are for "ooh neat" effect.

This game can easily be completed in a day if you simply romp through the bare minimum of New Super Mario Bros. level structure. Some levels are easier than others, and boss battles are a bit on the predictable side. To some, this will seem like a disappointment. But like games in Mario's past, there's more to this Nintendo DS game than the minimum requirements - far more levels and challenges await those who try and complete a level by snagging everything before the end.

Admittedly there aren't as many gameplay innovations in New Super Mario Bros. as compared to previous Super Mario releases, but that's mostly due to the fact that much of platforming's innovations are related to 3D designs. But that said, this Nintendo DS release still proves that Nintendo still has some great ideas brewing for its plumber in his classic setting. There's an incredible amount of fresh, fun challenge to uncover in this revival.

Here's to the start of something new for Nintendo's old plumber.
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9.0 Presentation
The only letdown is that the extras are recycled mini-games from Super Mario 64 DS. Outside of that, this game is ridiculously well designed.
9.0 Graphics
Really slick hybrid 2D/3D engine enables level designers to pull off some awesome effects and gameplay elements, stuff that just weren't possible back in the 2D days.
9.0 Sound
Classic Mario soundtrack with the enhancement of Mario vocals to begin and cap off each level.
10 Gameplay
Absolutely brilliant platforming action that takes what Nintendo's built an empire on, and adding so much more to it. It's not a tremendous challenge, but the game is fun as hell from start to end.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
If you just want to blow through the game from first castle to final battle, it's over in just a few hours. But there's so much more, including hidden levels and single cart multiplayer challenges.
9.5 Overall
Incredible
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9.5 from IGN, ~93% at Gamerankings.

Over The Edge (DS)
http://ds.ign.com/articles/705/705380p1.html

Just because it’s based on a family-friendly animated flick doesn’t matter – Over the Hedge surprises with some really creative DS technology and game design that feels completely unique to the handheld library. And even if it seems like it’s focused on the kids market, this game is also pretty challenging with a decent length that encourages replaying and exploring the levels multiple times. Don’t let a fear of the furry get in the way of you enjoying a game that’s definitely one of the Nintendo DS system’s more impressive titles this year.
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8.0 Presentation
Cool full-motion introduction cover much of the game's scenario, before moving to standard still screens for cutscenes. Tons of missions and a few touch-screen mini-games.
9.0 Graphics
Smooth and detailed 3D engine running on both screens. A couple of weird visual glitches, but the good far outway the quirks.
9.0 Sound
The game features a good amount of samples from the characters in the flick. It's hard to tell if the cool music's based on the flick (as of this writing it's not released), but it fits the action.
8.0 Gameplay
Very creative Tomb Raider/Metal Gear Solid hybrid that's challenging and fun. Some little elements slow things down a bit, but overall this is a satisfying adventure all the way through.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
Several houses to explore, with a level structure that encourages replay. There's a small multiplayer challenge in the game that won't win awards, but it's a good game to boot up every now and again.
8.2 Overall
Impressive
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8.2 from IGN, same score at Gamerankings. I didn't preview this one because I thought it was another attempt to cash-in on a movie release, but apparently the game is pretty good (at least the DS version is anyway).

nyquil82 · May 7, 2006

While movie license games are generally poor, Marvel's deal with activision has allowed for some pretty good games (X-men, hulk, Spiderman 2) and has led to a pretty good wave of good licensed games. The people at activision are pretty big marvel fans, and marvel is working with them especially because they put in the effort to make their properties look good. I know a few people who have played X-men already, and the design aspect of the game is amazing, especially the sentinels.

I might get a copy early from them, we'll see, but its the only game I'm looking forward to this month.

Dr of Dunk · May 7, 2006

sorry, I'm currently OBLIVIO(n)US to other games...

DaDakota · May 7, 2006

Dr of Dunk said:

sorry, I'm currently OBLIVIO(n)US to other games...
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Ditto !

KaiSeR SoZe · May 7, 2006

am i the only one looking forward to table tennis?

Xenochimera · May 7, 2006

well Valve is definately looking to make more money with the expansions, i heard they will make 6 and charge $20 each...

AntiSonic · May 7, 2006

Wow that is a bold statement. If New Super Mario Bros. is HALF as good as Yoshi's Island, I'm there.

RC Cola · May 21, 2006

SpellForce 2 (PC)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/spellforceiiblendofperfection/review.html?sid=6151600

SpellForce 2's intriguing mix of gameplay styles makes for a great divergence from the archetypal real-time strategy game.
The Good: Cool blend of Diablo-style role-playing and real-time strategy; huge single-player campaign with lots of quests to pursue; nonlinear maps mean you can jaunt back to places you've been at any time.
The Bad: Though there are hundreds of weapons and items in the game, it doesn't really feel like there's a big difference between them; maps are sometimes a bit too big, and you have to wait around for heroes to get from one point to another.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
8
Sound
7
Value
8
Tilt
9
Overall
8.2
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8.2 at Gamespot, ~76% at Gamerankings.

X-Men: The Official Game (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/xmenmovie3/review.html?sid=6151539

X-Men: The Official Game is officially a lame action-game cash-in on the upcoming movie.
The Good: Three unique, playable X-Men; some key celebrity voice talent; a few nice visual touches.
The Bad: Brain-dead beat-'em-up gameplay with no enjoyable combos or special moves; lousy cutscene work; disjointed, poorly presented storyline; a number of irritating bugs and glitches; 360 version's graphics are decidedly underwhelming.
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Gameplay
5
Graphics
6
Sound
6
Value
5
Tilt
5
Overall
5.3
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5.3 for 360 version (5.6 for other versions) at Gamespot, 57-78% at Gamerankings (~69% for 360).

SiN Episodes: Emergence (PC)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/sinepisodes1/review.html?sid=6151421

This is a pretty-looking, short, budget-priced, by-the-numbers futuristic shooter that's most notable for its episodic nature and its old heritage.
The Good: Messy, fairly intense shooting action; interactive environments make good use of realistic physics; budget-priced package includes the original sin game.
The Bad: Only three main weapons; limited enemy variety, lackluster artificial intelligence; uninspired story and dialogue has a distinct lack of wisecracking; no multiplayer.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
7
Tilt
7
Overall
7.3
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7.3 at Gamespot, ~78% at Gamerankings.

Field Commander (PSP)
http://psp.ign.com/articles/709/709489p1.html

Field Commander will most certainly appeal to strategy fans. Beyond that, it offers enough depth and flexibility to warrant a look from any serious gamer. It blends an engrossing single-player campaign with great production values and a robust set of multiplayer options. In terms of performance, it chugs a little here and there, but that hardly gets in the way.
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9.0 Presentation
This is how you do it. Quick load times, intuitive interface and great visuals and sound.
8.0 Graphics
Environments and units look great, but some of the textures could be sharper and animations could be smoother.
8.5 Sound
Great voice work, tunes and sound effects. Nothing at all to complain about.
8.0 Gameplay
Turn-based strategy for the masses. Complex, yet entirely flexible and intuitive.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
Every option under the sun. Local wireless, online, play-by-email. Lengthy single-player campaign.
8.4
Impressive OVERALL
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8.4 at IGN, ~85% at Gamerankings.

RC Cola · May 27, 2006

Heroes of Might and Magic V (PC)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/heroesofmightandmagicv/review.html?sid=6151741

This latest installment captures much of the charm and addictiveness of the other excellent fantasy-themed turn-based strategy games that earned Heroes of Might and Magic its fiercely dedicated fan base.
The Good: Stays true to the spirit of a great and creative turn-based strategy series; features six lengthy campaigns, offering many dozens of hours of gameplay; six playable factions that are satisfyingly different; excellent 3d graphics and outstanding operatic musical score.
The Bad: Some noticeable bugs; fairly long loading times and other waiting periods slow down the pace; not enough in-game documentation and the manual doesn't help.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
9
Tilt
8
Overall
8.2
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8.2 at Gamespot, ~78% at Gamerankings.

Jaws Unleashed (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/jaws/review.html?sid=6151939

Playing Appaloosa's ultraviolent and ultrastupid take on the titular killer shark is about as much fun as having your legs chewed off.
The Good: The game's brand of violent role reversal has its amusing moments.
The Bad: Lousy controls make performing the majority of mission tasks an exercise in frustration; in-game camera is beyond irritating; mission goals are just plain stupid; mediocre graphics and sound; glitches and bugs make frequent appearances.
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Gameplay
3
Graphics
5
Sound
5
Value
5
Tilt
3
Overall
3.8
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3.8 at Gamespot, 53-57% at Gamerankings. Note that IGN actually gave it a 7.4...but then again, they gave Kingdom Hearts 2 a 7.6, so screw them.

Table Tennis (360)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/tabletennis/review.html?sid=6151794

By focusing almost exclusively on extremely intense one-on-one competitions, Table Tennis more than compensates for its lean set of options.
The Good: Spins standard tennis gameplay into something faster and more visceral; absolutely amazing-looking player models; awesome crowd sounds and sound effects; unlockable achievements well-designed to push you to keep getting better.
The Bad: No create-a-player feature; no career mode; no doubles.
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Gameplay
9
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
7
Tilt
9
Overall
8.5
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8.5 at Gamespot, ~78% at Gamerankings.

Monster Hunter Freedom (PSP)
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/monsterhunterpsp/review.html?sid=6151713

By neglecting to address the fundamental problems of the original and slicing out the online play, Monster Hunter Freedom negates the few improvements it makes to its PlayStation 2 predecessor.
The Good: Brings Monster Hunter G content to the US for the first time; sharp-looking environments and hunter gear; plenty of quests to take on.
The Bad: Guts the integral online play from the Monster Hunter formula; no lock-on targeting makes combat a frustrating chore; clunky third-person camera requires your constant attention.
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Gameplay
6
Graphics
8
Sound
6
Value
7
Tilt
6
Overall
6.5
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6.5 at Gamespot, ~73% at Gamerankings.

The Da Vinci Code (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/thedavincicode/review.html?sid=6151654

The Da Vinci Code is a middling adventure game take on Dan Brown's mega-selling novel, but it does do at least a few things reasonably well.
The Good: The puzzles are varied and challenging; the game sticks closely to the book and film but adds new content of its own to pad out the adventure; relatively lengthy storyline with secrets and unlockables to find.
The Bad: Characters look bad, animate poorly, and sound flat; combat is fairly well done but seems out of place in the context of the story; lots of bugs make the game feel unfinished; story tends to move very slowly at times.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
6
Sound
5
Value
6
Tilt
7
Overall
6.5
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6.5 at Gamespot, 53-62% at Gamerankings.

Xenochimera · May 27, 2006

any idea how many epsiodes of HL2 there will be?

chow_yun_fat · May 27, 2006

Xenochimera said:

any idea how many epsiodes of HL2 there will be?
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Xenochimera said:

well Valve is definately looking to make more money with the expansions, i heard they will make 6 and charge $20 each...
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wow...?

Xenochimera · May 27, 2006

chow_yun_fat said:

wow...?
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forum rumors arnt reliable, i doubt valve will make 6, because that would be enough for a game already.

RC Cola · Jun 5, 2006

Xenochimera said:

any idea how many epsiodes of HL2 there will be?
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Not sure if you found this out since this post, but I read recently that Valve said Episode One would be the first in a trilogy. The trilogy should be done around Christmas 2007. Hope that answers your question, assuming you didn't know this already.

Speaking of Episode One:

Half-Life 2: Episode One (PC)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/halflife2aftermath/review.html?sid=6152188

Episode One is even better than Half-Life 2. The only problem is that it's over before you know it.
The Good: Exciting and fast-paced action ride with some of the best Half-Life gameplay to date; new team dynamic is fun and a welcome change of pace from the traditional lone-wolf gameplay; sharp writing, witty dialogue, and some of the best characters in a game; top-notch production values from the still-impressive source engine; hollywood-quality voice acting.
The Bad: Incredibly short, featuring only four to six hours of gameplay; no new multiplayer content.
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Gameplay
9
Graphics
9
Sound
9
Value
7
Tilt
9
Overall
8.7
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8.7 at Gamespot, ~90% at Gamerankings.

Hitman: Blood Money (360, Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/hitman4/review.html?sid=6152032

While the underlying stealth action is mostly unchanged from the previous Hitman games, a diverse sequence of imaginative scenarios gives Blood Money its own fair share of violent thrills.
The Good: Open-ended stealth action gameplay lets you sneak or run and gun; beautifully crafted mission set pieces seem appropriately big and complex; large variety of realistic weapons, but they're not the only way to do the job; good replay value for a single-player-only game.
The Bad: Non-player characters sometimes behave unrealistically, especially in combat; many of the series' minor cosmetic problems haven't been fixed; new notoriety system feels half-baked.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
7
Tilt
9
Overall
8.2
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8.2 at Gamespot (for every version), 79%-81% at Gamerankings.

Stacked with Daniel Negreanu (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/puzzle/stacked/review.html?sid=6152255

Stacked presents itself as a typical game of poker, but thanks to a pretty intriguing artificial intelligence system, it plays things much smarter than your average poker title.
The Good: Challenging poker AI that learns based on your play style; some generally good, solid advice from poker pro daniel negreanu; a long career mode with lots of tournaments; online play.
The Bad: The AI can occasionally be exploited; negreanu's tips are periodically way off base; no poker variants beyond texas hold 'em; presentation is lackluster.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
6
Sound
5
Value
8
Tilt
9
Overall
7.7
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7.7 at Gamespot (for all versions), 65%-72% at Gamerankings.

I forgot about making a June thread. I'll work on it later today. There are already some games reviewed with some nice scores (3 games scored ~8 at IGN and/or Gamespot)

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DaDakota Balance wins
Supporting Member