April Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · Apr 3, 2006

Xbox 360:
Tomb Raider Legend (Action Adventure) 4/11
Battlefield 2 (FPS) 4/11 (Preview given last month)
MLB 2K6 (Sports) 4/24

PS2:
Tourist Trophy (Racing) 4/3
GTA:LCS (Action Adventure) 4/24
Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny (RPG) 4/25
Ace Combat Zero (Jet Sim) 4/25

Gamecube:
Odama (Pinball) 4/10

PSP:
From Russia With Love (Shooter) 4/3 (see preview from last month)
Field Commander (Turn-based Strategy) 4/24
MLB 2K6 (Sports) 4/24
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (Racing) 4/25

Nintendo DS:
Brain Age (Edutainment) 4/17

Multi:
MLB 2K6 (Sports) 4/3 for PS2/XBX (see preview from last month), 4/24 for Gamecube
Tomb Raider Legend (Action Adventure) [PS2, XBX, PC] 4/11
Rampage: Total Destruction [PS2, GC] 4/24
2006 FIFA World Cup [Everything pretty much] 4/24
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (Racing) 4/11 for XBX, 4/25 for PS2.

Pretty slow month, although I do admit that I didn’t list some games (Condemned for PC, FFXI for 360, NBA Ballers for PS2, Pain Killer for XBX, etc.) partly do to laziness (and then usually another reason depending on the game). If I missed a game, let me know and I’ll add it to the list. Or if an unlisted game gets some good reviews, I’ll mention it later.

Only thing interesting for this month is Brain Age. I’m curious to see how well it does in the US. For those that don’t know, this game (or type of game I should say) is huge in Japan right now. Basically, you play a bunch of “games” that test your “Brain Age” and try to make it better by playing more and more. 1UP previewed it on the 1UP show last week.

RC Cola · Apr 3, 2006

Tomb Raider: Legend (360)

hhttp://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/tombraidervii/news.html?sid=6146043

To tell you much more about our experiences with the near-finished Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider: Legend thus far would be to risk spoiling the game for you. We're still hopeful that Crystal Dynamics' first Tomb Raider game will mark a return to form for the series, and all we'll tell you about the story is that we can't wait to see where it's going next. We'll bring you more nonspoiler information on Tomb Raider: Legend in the coming weeks.
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MLB 2K6 (360)

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/majorleaguebaseball2k6/news.html?sid=6146368

MLB 2K6 has the enviable position of being the only baseball game on the Xbox 360 this season and, as such, has a great opportunity to get the sport off to a great start for the next console generation. We'll be bringing you more on the game in the coming weeks, as well as a full review, when it hits store shelves in April.
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Tourist Trophy (PS2)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/touristtrophy/review.html

Tourist Trophy covers familiar territory, but also manages to craft a unique and authentic motorcycle racing experience.
The Good: More than 120 motorcycles; 35 courses offer a wide array of racing challenges; great-looking bikes with lifelike handling; lots of fun and rewarding challenges and race events.
The Bad: No online play; you can only race up to three other riders at a time; courses recycled from the gran turismo games; limited bike customization.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
7
Tilt
9
Overall
8.2
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8.2 from Gamespot, ~74% at Gamerankings (no GS score yet)

No previews/screenshots for GTA:LCS for the PS2…just check out the PSP version I guess.

Atelier Iris 2 (PS2)

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/622/622095p1.html

When I first heard that Gust was making a sequel to Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana, I didn't care one bit. I mean, a game about alchemy -- making items and equipment and so-forth -- is okay and all, and sure, it has high resolution 2D visuals from the 2D god (known in some parts as Saturn), but I'd much rather have a traditional Japanese-style RPG.

Well it turns out that Eternal Mana 2 is, alchemy component aside, actually a full-blown Japanese RPG, and a traditional one at that, with battles, dungeons, event scenes, voice acting, character development, movie sequences and lots of story. Add in some cool gameplay and storytelling twists and you've got a game that RPG fans will want to check out.
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Ace Combat Zero (PS2)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sim/acecombatzero/story.html?sid=6141209

Based on our brief playtime, Ace Combat Zero is looking like a strong entry in the series so far. The return of special weapons and the new gameplay elements, especially the Ace Style Gauge, seem like cool additions to the game. The rivals are a tough new challenge that should be interesting, especially given that there are roughly 150 of them to take on over the game's course. Look for more on Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War in the coming months.
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Odama (GC)

http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/puzzle/odama/story.html?sid=6139464

Based on what we played, Odama is a quirky, downright adventurous title for the GameCube library that we're happy to see on the horizon. The unique game is shaping up to be a funky offering that should keep the GameCube's final year interesting. The gameplay mechanics are accessible and the story, though a little random, works, thanks to a bizarre, wry sense of humor. Though the GameCube's 2006 lineup won't be chock-full of games, Odama appears as though it will be a quality title worth your time. Look for more on the game in the coming months.
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Field Commander (PSP)

http://www.gamespot.com/psp/strategy/fieldcommander/news.html?sid=6141961&mode=recent

Then again, there are some tactics that you'll need to employ in just about every mission--many of which will sound eerily familiar if you're a fan of the Advance Wars series. You can capture income-generating cities using your infantry units, for example, by claiming a portion of the city equal in size to your unit's health bar each time you use the capture command. That income will then be spent on new units that are manufactured at factories, many of which are situated at strategically advantageous locations and will need to be defended once you control them. Other tactics you'll learn to use over time include positioning your injured units in captured cities where they regain health, using forests for cover when attacking enemies so that you get an armor bonus, and using scout units to see through the nice-looking fog of war that shrouds many battlefields. In short, Field Commander isn't nearly as simplistic as it might appear at first blush, and you won't be winning any battles simply by amassing a large force and pointing it in the right direction.
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MLB 2K6 (PSP)

http://www.gamespot.com/psp/sports/majorleaguebaseball2k6/story.html?sid=6145080

With the vast majority of the features found in the console versions, MLB 2K6 for the PSP is looking to be a good choice for those who want to bring big-league baseball with them everywhere they go. The game is due for release on the PSP before the MLB season gets underway (though we don't have more specific information than that at this point), and you can expect to see a full review of the game as soon as it's released.
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OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (PSP)

Not really any previews/impressions.

Brain Age (DS)

http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/b...nutesaday/news.html?sid=6144120&mode=previews

Though what we tried was a small sampling of what the proper game has to offer, we were pleased by what we saw of Brain Age. The game's visuals may not be cutting edge (based on what we saw, the closest 3D imagery was the good professor's head, which popped up to explain things and offer encouragement), but the gameplay is addictive. Brain age is currently set to ship this April for the Nintendo DS, so look for more on the game in the coming weeks.
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Gamespot has some more impressions via a "Daily Grind" feature they have going on.

RC Cola · Apr 3, 2006

MLB 2K6 (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/majorleaguebaseball2k6/story.html?sid=6144434

It's clear that 2K Sports is taking its role as the sole third-party developer of Major League Baseball games seriously, and it's preparing MLB 2K6 to be one of the more-ambitious console baseball games in recent memory. Whether the team will be able to deliver on all that ambition, through the new gameplay mechanics and intense statistical tracking, remains to be seen. At the very least, we're extremely excited for the potential this game is showing. Stay tuned for more on MLB 2K6 as we near the game's March 13 release date.
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Tomb Raider (Multi)

Same preview as the 360 one.

Rampage: Total Destruction (Multi)

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/rampagetotaldestruction/story.html?sid=6145917

Rampage: Total Destruction isn't a game that you'll be using to show off your console's visual or audio capabilities to friends, but its graphical style is easy on the eyes, and the sound effects are, if nothing else, occasionally amusing. Look out for our full review of Rampage: Total Destruction closer to the game's release next month.
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FIFA (Multi)
(360 shot if you couldn’t tell)
Don’t see any impressions/previews.

OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (Multi)

No previews/impressions.

That’s all of them I think.

KingCheetah · Apr 3, 2006

Wow, PS2 still has lots of life ~ Tourist Trophy and Ace Combat look great.

Storm Surge · Apr 3, 2006

2K6 MLB looks sick

JunkyardDwg · Apr 3, 2006

Looking forward to Legend almost as much as I was Black. Hopefully it won't meet with the same dissapointment.

...and boo on 2k6! MVP was sooo much better. Unless they drastically change the gameplay mechanics I'll be happily sticking w/ my '04 thank you.

KaiSeR SoZe · Apr 3, 2006

which FIFA is it? didnt they already come out with FIFA06?

Outlier · Apr 3, 2006

Man PS2 just keeps spawning great RPG's.

Outlier · Apr 3, 2006

RC Cola... I can't make a new thread for this but...

http://www.gamespot.com/

Look in the top 10 list....

WORLD OF STARCRAFT?!!??!? WHAT!!!!!!!!

You HAVE to make a new thread for this.

RC Cola · Apr 3, 2006

That was an April Fools joke.

RC Cola · Apr 3, 2006

KaiSeR SoZe said:

which FIFA is it? didnt they already come out with FIFA06?
Click to expand...

Sorry, didn't see your question earlier.

Gamespot lists it as "2006 FIFA World Cup," which I put for the link. I got lazy on the preview for FIFA and just put "FIFA" instead. I don't follow soccer games that much, so I don't know if they is anything out of the ordinary. IIRC, there was a FIFA game for the launch of the 360.

Maybe someone into soccer games can provide more details.

SamFisher · Apr 3, 2006

RC Cola said:

Sorry, didn't see your question earlier.

Gamespot lists it as "2006 FIFA World Cup," which I put for the link. I got lazy on the preview for FIFA and just put "FIFA" instead. I don't follow soccer games that much, so I don't know if they is anything out of the ordinary. IIRC, there was a FIFA game for the launch of the 360.

Maybe someone into soccer games can provide more details.
Click to expand...

FIFA World Cup carries the official endorsement of the national teams and the 2006 world cup - so you actually get to play it in the WC venues with the national teams withe the official WC trademarks and stuff.

As a consequence though, they generally give you the short-shrift and don't bother putting as many club teams in it - maybe even none at all, though I haven't checked this year

So it's essentially the same product as FIFA 2006 with official World Cup trademarks, and far fewer teams or leagues or game modes to play with. In other words, unless you're a WC fanatic and HAVE to have this game, I'd stick with ordinary FIFA 2k6. (actully, I'd stick with Winning Eleven Int'l, but that's just my preference).

RC Cola · Apr 7, 2006

Reviews (Tomb Raider doesn't suck! ):

Tomb Raider Legend (Multi)
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/700/700251p1.html

Closing Comments
Though it's still tough to believe, Eidos' changing of the guard was the right one to make. Over the years Tomb Raider had become a regular industry joke, and TR: Angel of Darkness was the epitome of Core's unfortunate demise. Tomb Raider: Legend, on the other hand, is an example of focused design, priorities, and good mechanics winning out over fancy cutscenes (though Legend has its share of those too).

If you've been pining for a good adventure, Tomb Raider: Legend is waiting for you. The cliffhanger story is well put together. The action is simple and effective. The controls not only work, they're fun. And Crystal D has developed a bunch of great new locales filled with imaginative monsters, beasts, and bad guys to slaughter. Best of all, the sense of discovery and adventure is captured with a fresh sensibility.
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8.5 Presentation
Slick James Bond-style iconography, clean interfaces and quick menus. Overall, an impressive presentation.
8.0 Graphics
Highly improved, sleek, and more believable character models; several beautiful levels, competent special effects, and great cutscenes.
8.0 Sound
The dynamic music is good. Not top 10 FM radio, but workable. The smartly edited and well-written dialog is skillfully delivered.
8.0 Gameplay
A well-rounded adventure game replete with working controls, smooth animations, competent combat, and great balance.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
A nine- to 12-hour single-player offline game, but you can replay any level as a time trial, and a bucketload of collectibles (gold, silver, bronze) will keep completists happy for several hours more.
8.2
Impressive OVERALL
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8.2 for 360, PC, and Xbox, while the PS2 got a 8.0 at IGN. Gameranking scores range from 76% (360??) to 83% (PS2,Xbox).

Battlefield 2 (360)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/battlefieldmoderncombat/review.html?sid=6147344

Underneath its shiny new coat of paint, Modern Combat for the Xbox 360 is still basically the same, solid team-based shooter that was released last year on the Xbox and PlayStation 2.
The Good: Hotswapping adds a fun dynamic to the gameplay; lots of vehicles and weapons to play around with; varied campaign; 24 player online multiplayer.
The Bad: Arcadey, shooting gallery-like feel; vehicles don't control well; friendly artificial intelligence isn't so great.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
8
Sound
7
Value
7
Tilt
8
Overall
7.5
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7.5 at Gamespot, same for Gamerankings (only GS score submitted)

MLB 2K6 (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/majorleaguebaseball2k6/review.html?sid=6147195

Major League Baseball 2K6 is a deep and feature-rich baseball simulation, but its portrayal of the sport is apathetic.
The Good: Exquisite hitting and pitching interfaces; deep franchise mode ; comprehensive stats tracking; inside edge integrates stats into gameplay; online tourneys and leagues.
The Bad: Not enough replays and cutaways; same plays happen all the time; generic broadcast views compared to 2k5; no cutaways or broadcast transitions online; miller and morgan left their excitement at home.
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Gameplay
8
Graphics
6
Sound
7
Value
8
Tilt
7
Overall
7.3
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7.3 for Xbox, and 7.0 for PS2 at Gamespot. ~80% and ~78% at Gamerankings.

From Russia with Love (PSP)
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/fromrussiawithlove/review.html?sid=6147081

From Russia With Love is no less simplistic a shooter on the PSP than it was on consoles, and new problems conspire to make this version markedly worse.
The Good: Plenty of Bond moves and gadgets to play with; nice sense of retro style; good soundtrack.
The Bad: Story is a hacked-up version of the film's plot, and it lacks some of the film's best parts; driving missions from the console game are missing; gameplay is still mostly easy, and only slightly more challenging because of faulty camera controls and a lack of ammo; multiplayer is weak and unremarkable; frame rate is very unstable.
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Gameplay
6
Graphics
7
Sound
7
Value
6
Tilt
6
Overall
6.3
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6.3 at Gamespot, ~62% at Gamerankings.

1UP show links:
http://zdmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o1/1UP/1upshow_0211_640x360.zip(WMV)
http://zdmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o1/1UP/1upshow_0211_320x180.zip (QT low-res)
http://zdmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o1/1UP/1upshow_0211_quick.zip (QT hi-res)
http://zdmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o1/1UP/1upshow_0211_psp.zip (PSP)
This one was kind of boring. They talked about Tomb Raider Legend, The Godfather, Field Commander, and had a segment about Second Life. The end was pretty funny though.

RC Cola · Apr 16, 2006

MLB 2K6 (360)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/majorleaguebaseball2k6/review.html?sid=6147702

The apathetic presentation and a slew of gameplay bugs make it hard to enjoy Major League Baseball 2K6, which is otherwise a deep and feature-rich baseball simulation.
The Good: Exquisite hitting and pitching interfaces; crisp graphics and a good variety of play animations and cutaways; best-looking crowd in a sports game to date; inside edge integrates stats into gameplay; deep franchise mode and online leagues.
The Bad: Overall presentation is dull and uninteresting; replays and cutaways are too infrequent; ichiro is an italian plumber now?; no cutaways or broadcast transitions online; bugs and ai problems are annoying at times.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
6
Sound
8
Value
8
Tilt
6
Overall
6.8
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6.8 at Gamespot, ~64% at Gamerankings.

Odama (GC)
http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/puzzle/odama/review.html?sid=6147488

It's definitely unique as far as strategy games go, but Odama's novel mechanics and oddly authentic samurai feel are kneecapped by punishing difficulty and oft frustrating controls.
The Good: Totally unique gameplay concept; voice commands work surprisingly well; authentic feudal sound design.
The Bad: Pinball mechanics feel clunky; visuals don't stand up to close inspection; overall design is needlessly punishing.
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Gameplay
6
Graphics
6
Sound
7
Value
7
Tilt
7
Overall
6.6
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6.6 at Gamespot, ~66% at Gamerankings.

Brain Training (DS)
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/brainagetrainyourbraininminutesaday/review.html?sid=6147704

Does Brain Age actually make you smarter? We have no idea, but it's still an interesting puzzle game available at a budget price.
The Good: Great sudoku; interesting use of the ds dual screens.
The Bad: Could have used a bit more variety; speech and handwriting recognition can get a little shaky; could have used more multiplayer functions, such as scoreboard transfers.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
7
Sound
7
Value
8
Tilt
7
Overall
7.2
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7.2 at Gamespot, ~79% at Gamerankings.

Shaji · Apr 16, 2006

dude ive been waiting 5 months for mlb 2k6 only to be disappointed...the videos and the reviews make the game seem EXTREMELY mediocre...god how i wish ea sports had gotten the exclusive license, bc mvp baseball 2005 was easily the best baseball game ive ever played

JunkyardDwg · Apr 16, 2006

Shaji said:

dude ive been waiting 5 months for mlb 2k6 only to be disappointed...the videos and the reviews make the game seem EXTREMELY mediocre...god how i wish ea sports had gotten the exclusive license, bc mvp baseball 2005 was easily the best baseball game ive ever played
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I played MVP NCAA '06 in the store the other day and it was loads of fun...if you can get past that it's college teams I'd say get that. Screw 2k6 and screw these licensing agreements too, cause MVP was tons better than the 2k series.

Shaji · Apr 16, 2006

ive already got mvp ncaa 06, thats what ive been playing in my spare time away from studying and oblivion...i was just hoping for so much more the mlb game

wizkid83 · Apr 16, 2006

Shaji said:

ive already got mvp ncaa 06, thats what ive been playing in my spare time away from studying and oblivion...i was just hoping for so much more the mlb game
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If only 2K sports could've gotten the NFL license, and EA gotten the baseball. It's like both company knows that they are putting out the inferior product in the respective sports and decided to license them so the other company that does it better can't make better game.

Nice Rollin · Apr 16, 2006

yo wake me up when madden 07 on ps3 comes out...

DaDakota · Apr 16, 2006

RC,

I swear you are awesome !!

Keep up the good work.

DD

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