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AVAILABLE NOW f.Enchan tedArmsGame.com

UBISOFT
 September 2006 Volume 5 Issue 9

LeBSf ffom the Editor

Stick a fork in it!

As we closed this issue it was being reported that the vague nature of E3 coverage given the state
E3, the massive pilgrimage to LA that brings the of most games shown and the massive numper
■HfeijlSo a grinding hall(fiis@'tihally be going the of outlets all clamoring f^rJ:i5|iSf1l5 minutes. Even
way of the dodo, at least iri Its present form, for the stranger is that in recent years most publishers
next year and the foreseeable future. have gotten into the habit of holding pre-E3 pvents,
^jBFa personal note, (his marks a major milestone realizing that we’re not thrilled with the week-long
in what’s been an eventful 15-year career in^^H cattle simulation. During a pre-E3 visit to THQ
the games industry thus far Mpi ‘i got started they told me that if one big publisher pulled out,
there were two CESs each year—both in Vegas ikg say EA or one of the big three,, then so would
(followed by Chicago; places where conventions they, and the domino effect would start. Seems like
actually belong) which were much smaller and somebody pulled the trigger (please redeem your
more intimate productions than E3. Two a year was free toaster and lifetime subscription at any fime).
insanity but I’ve missed El® since gaming broke With E3 out o‘ the way I’d like to see publishers
away to form what's become an excessive and spend their money (and far less of itjfbn preparing
altogether detrimental week-long waste of time and enough ctfajty asserts to do their games and
'''sources. Especially in the digital age: Do we really developers justice, so that fhe outlets they deem
neepjojburn all of this fuel and electricity to see viable all receive exclusive assets to give their
the latest games? Send me an asset CD and an readers a fresh perspective from their individual1
exclusive trailer and I’m a happy camper, points of view. Give us an hour with key members
ilfveispent the last year asking pretty much every from each development team to ask our owr)
publisher I’ve visited why they participate ir^^H questions and we’ll give you superlative coverage,
E3 given that we can get way more and better but jam us into a room for a rushed, rehearsed
information by simply visiting for a day to play demo/pitch and then give us all the same 5 screens
games and access key team members. Seeing after you’ve spent a few million dollars for the
as how most large publishers meet with buyers privilege and well, that’s just Bats..
and their marketing staffs throughout the year I I’ll miss the city where two blocks away from
could never figure out why they were willing to h||E where a group of guys make: millions of dollars a
development—an expensive endeavor on its own — year playing hoops, families are living under boxes
and spend more money than many games cost to and crack heads lumber about uttering “buylme
develop to haul their company into a hot, crowded a burrito” but I’m sure I’ll get over it. So...back to
Convention center to basically show us what we Vegas!?
could easily and more comfortably see sitting in
their cozy offices sipping cocoa. Not to mention Dave Halverson Editor In Chief

play magazine staff

Subscriptions and Customer Service

Editor In Chief Dave Halverson Art Director Michael Hobbs Online Content Manager Eric Patterson (in U.S.) 800-694-6506
Executive Editor Brady Fiechter Associate Art Director Chin “Nelson” Lui (outside U.S.) 818-487-2036
Senior Editor Greg Orlando email: [email protected]
Associate Editor Heather Campbell
Contributing Editors Casey Loe, Eric Patterson play magazine Offices
Associate Anime Editor Jim Dewey Director Of Operations Julie Halverson Fusion Publishing, Inc.
PC Editor Mike Griffin Contact Michael Eisenberg [email protected] 29229 Canwood St., Suite 200
Japanese Correspondents Nick Des Barres, [email protected] 818.707.7786 ext.104 Agoura Hills, Ca 91301
Dai Kohama Tel 818.707.7786 Ext 102 Tel 818.707.7786 Fax 818.707.7212
Copy Editors Daniel Campisi, Zach Korwin Fax 818.707.7212 VP of Sales & Marketing Michael Eisenberg
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[email protected] at 866.879.9144 ext 136 or email:
Cell 949.362.3304 [email protected]

PRINTED
THE DEATH OF ONE
AWAKENS A PATH
TO THE END.
THE LONG-ANTICIPATED CONCLUSION TO AN EPIC TRILOGY.

Over 8 hours of movies imfi|in| viced cut scenes.

An easily accessible in-game "Xeno Bible" includes every detail from

Motley and shops are back! Buy, barter, aftd; sell any items or equipment.

An updated battle system combines the best-aspects of the first

twd games, while introducinfflhe new Break system

Customize your characters with a branching skill set.

You'll be highly rewarded for strategic party mant

60-premade mini-game levels and a mini-game

editor for sharing custom maps with friends.

Also sprach Zarathustra

Playstation.^
Xenosaga® EPISODE III Also sprach Zarathustra &©2001-2006 NAMCO BANDA! Games Inc. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertaiomeot Inc. The ratings icon is a
registered trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
Villainy! Carnage! Exploding penguins
uci ready for lOG+hours of devilish mayhem!
 “DISGAEA 2 FEATURES BOTH “DISGAEA 2 IS EVERYTHING
THE GREAT 2D ANIME LOOK OF A HARDCORE STRATEGY GAMER
ITS PREDECESSOR ASWELLAS* COULD WANT WITH
■ ■ . ' '
ITS NERDY, LAUGH-OUT LOUD ADEUCiOUS S/DE OF QUIRKY HUMO^
FUNNY SENSE OF HUMOR" Hardcore Gamer Magazine

Language
Mild Fantasy Violence
Mild Suggestive Themes
Contents
September 2006

Cover Stories

Previews

Preview Bits

Feature: Best of Platformers

Interview: Tetsuya Miziguchi

Play Japan

Cover 1
Just Cause: Art by Sanford Green Play Anime

Now Reading

play Media

The Back of the Book

STEP INTO THE SHADOWS OF JAPAN'S UNDERWORLD

A STO
IN.COM

WHET]
EADY F<
<JESE M<

i 3
Sexual Themes
Strong Language
Use of Alcohol
 playback ~ September 2006
[email protected]

LETTER OF THE MONTH

The Mother of all problems son has enjoyed bed-time game reviews Halo, Dead or Alive 3 and Oddworld: you see why games need to have more
since he was a baby. Who needs Dr. Munch’s Oddysee were all better games disk space.
I’ve got a little problem. I just got the new Seuss when you have Play? than anything the 360 launched with SO looking at all that PS3 brings to gaming
issue of Play, while flipping through looking (Oblivion and Dead or Alive 4 didn’t make and additional abilities it is not expensive.
for something that catches my eye I come Lincoln launch!). Best of all, I can now rest easy Not to mention that it lasts a long time.
to the Mother 3 review, I stop dead in my knowing that I’m not the only person on PS2 will be out 6 years prior to PS3 launch.
tracks and read it.G$% D&*%$ IT!!! I Tangible media Earth who enjoyed Quantum Redshift. You And will have a few good years left in
remember playing through Earthbound even mentioned Tao Feng! it. Seeing how so far games have not
a few times being so overwhelmed by I don’t know why, but I cherish my “brick changed much for this coming generation
the story with its great humor and simple and mortar” collection of videogame Nice way to ring in the month of my of games (on both Xbox360 or PS3) I see
graphics and I can’t believe that Nintendo information. I know it’s been shackled by birthday Keep up the great work. no reason to hurry and buy now I can sit
won't give this series another chance here lead times when compared to the net, back and enjoy a few more PS2 games
in the states. I’m 29-years-old and I fear but you guys have really been tightening Best, and get PS3 when it’s sitting on the shelf
that I'll never see it again in my lifetime. that gap impressively. It seems like I had Michael Ford and with more games to choose from;
WHAT THE F&%$ DO I HAVE TO DO? I’ve been back from LA for merely days when same will happen in 7 years when the next
written Nintendo quite a few times about my Play came in with some tidbits from PS3 Price is right Sony system comes out.
this title and I even slip it in the comments the big show. I don’t believe anybody has The only question is what is important
section whenever they do the little software gotten the marriage between their print I am so tired of people saying that PS3 to the person, their iPod, Razer, or other
polls they send me through mynintendo. publication and their online counterpart costs so much money. PS3 is a lot of entertainment devices or would they rather
com. I refuse to import because the whole “just right” just yet, at least not for me. I things but in today’s terms it does not have a PS3? But looking at what people
draw is the story and I don’t read Japanese have a couple of faves I hit daily, and trickle cost too much. Just look at other items. buy, cost is really not the main issue,
(I was actually considering trying to learn over to the rest when time allows, yours First there is the iPod. It costs $300.00- making the decision what a person wants
Japanese, but am too dumb). Nintendo included. Personally I’d like to see a Play $400.00 for an iPod with 60GB of memory.
if you have any soul and can hear me
PLEASE MAKE THE RUMORED MOTHER Roland Gibson
1, 2, and 3 DS compilation so us fans can
"I am so tired of people saying that PS3 costs so much
die happy. Thanks, Play, for letting me use Culture shock
you as my voice. money..."
I was wondering: do Americans (and I
Love Jack B website which is very much an extension ,n advanced PDA could set you back a mean the USA) make any good console
of the magazine. I’d be very literal about it. few hundred for the longest time. A Razer video games? I know we make good FPSs,
Take that Seuss! Start with icons of the latest issue on the phone costs more than 400 when it first but what about survival horror, RPGs and
left column, and below that in descending went on sale and still costs a few hundred, even a good street fighting game? (MK is
Your impeccable taste in all things media order all the issues up to the Jak & Daxter- as well as other phones that cost well over dead.) Where are our Resident Evils, Final
has opened my mind to such pleasures ish. I have no idea as to the profitability the $500 mark. These are just a few things Fantasy’s, and Dead or Alives? I got all
as “Dead Leaves” and “Psychonauts”. or marketability or desirability or any of that cost major bucks, yet sell a ship load excited about Jade Empire (Play, August
Two adventures of the mind that I this in regards to the mass market, but as every year. Now look at another list that is 2006, p. 45) being an American RPG,
probably would not have taken without a collector and videogame fiend I would more in common with the PS3. A graphics but it was made by Canadians, which is
your recommendation. Recently I read spend additional hours per month on card for PC that is capable to do what the cool since we’re both North Americans,
something in your May 2006 issue that has your site. Would it hurt the subscription or PS3 can do cost $400.00 or more and but I’m concerned about the USA here.
cemented my subscription. Casey Loe newsstand bottom line? I doubt it. I could that’s just the graphics card. A PC that can Seriously, I know we invented the FPS, but
said this in one of his articles-quote “and never get by on digital alone and the kids do the basics such as Email, web browser, is that all we can do: make a PC FPS and
if you are a teenager now, you’ll probably who do don’t buy your magazine. Here video chat, and picture editing cost about port it? Why are the British and French
laugh out loud at the simplistic crap dumb is what I can’t seem to get enough of: $400.00 and that’s with a bare minimum making better video games than us? GTA
Gen-Xers like me lived for, and then go editorials from you and the staff, letters, graphics card. And no Wi-Fi included or is Scottish! Tomb Raider is English! Prince
back to beating nuns in whatever piece and interviews with the gaming gods. Let other aspects of PS3 included out of the of Persia is French! American developers
of rapper-endorsed trash you’ll consider the personality of the Play staff shine on box. A Blu-Ray player costs 1,000.00 and publishers, start making good games,
“classic” long after I’m dead.” End quote. the web and I think you may discover a well above the $600.00 cost of PS3. And please! Like we need good American
I love the fact that Casey said this and winning formula. games will use them. literature, we need good, American console
the fact that it was printed in a national Think about using different engines in video games. Do we even have a video
magazine, especially when one of your Greg Bandera one game. Take GTA: SA in that game game culture?
competitors features this “trash” on the you can drive but it’s not a great driving Anyway, I’m going to go check out Jade
cover every other month. Love, love, love game, replace the code with a Burnout- Empire. At least the Canadian Bioware is
it. type engine and have race tracks like GT. doing something positive.
Regarding Dave’s question from this Thanks for the retrospective look at Also fighting happens in that game but it’s Thank you for your time and for having a
month’s issue about perusing Play in the the original Xbox in your August issue. BASIC, replace the code with a VF-type video game magazine that doesn’t suck.
digital format, I for one would enjoy any Strangely enough, the Xbox was my engine to make it more realistic. Also in the
and all content. I would definitely not favorite console of its generation, and game you shoot but only using 3 rd-person, Sincerely,
want to lose the physical magazine for any it was nice to see it get some props. I, what if you could switch to FP view. Throw
reason. For me, I think the art would lose too, thought the console sported a rather in a sims-like engine to have characters Stephen O
some of its allure on screen. Besides, my attractive launch lineup. In my opinion, interact with each other. ... ETC. And now

008
 A JRv JV
y i
ri M
 news trends gossip assorted nonsense 09. 06

PSP Chatter

Jak'd up
New colors, world domination

the DS Lite’s success in Japan is, to put

it in a scientific term, “freakin’ crazy.” On
July 20th, Japan’s fourth color option-
Noble Pink-was released, and six months
after the hardware revision first hit the
land of the rising sun, lines once again
formed around the country in hopes of
snagging one. According to video game
hardware sales from Media Create, for
the week that the Noble Pink DSL was
released (of which it was only available for
the last three days), sales of the DS Lite
were over 262,000 units. To give you an
idea of what that number means, that’s
around 200,000 more units than every
other piece of video game hardware sold
combined. DS Lites are still hard to find in
Japanese stores, and with at least three After spanning 400 years and three sequels, the Jak and Daxter Legacy still has some
new versions coming soon (Jet Black hits Dark Eco left in its tank—the Jak and Daxter Complete Trilogy DVD Movie. A 90-minute
Japan on September 2nd, and special cinematic voyage through the trilogy leading up to how the pair arrived at the start line!
editions for Final Fantasy III and Pokemon of Jak X: Combat Racing, Sony is giving fans the opportunity to win a copy of the limited
are coming), sales don’t look to be slowing edition DVD by entering at www.jakxdvd.com just as long as you tell a friend...or five.
down anytime soon. That’s right, in a move right out of a Ronco infomercial, as long as you provide the email
It isn’t just Japan where the DS Lite is addresses of five friends, you’re in. They might even throw in a jerky machine.
 Live Forever or Die Trviimg

‘An animated and

cinematic wonder:

RENAISSANCE.MOVIE.COM

i|FjJ §f i
JU 'I 'i The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Sierra / PS2 01 The Darkness 2K/ Xbox 360
vf’wi @2 Just Cause Eidos/Xbox 360 02 Prey Nintendo 2K/Xbox360
M os Saints RowTHQ/Xbox360 03 LocoRoco Sony/PSP
Monster House THQ/GC 04 New Super Mario Bros. Nintendo / NDS
’■ 05 Ninety Nine Nights Microsoft/Xbox360_ 05 Metal GearSolid 3 Konami / PS2_

01 Dead Rising Capcom/ Xbox 360

YakuzaSega/PS2
01
| 02
Yakuza Sega / PS2
OsulTatakelQuendan! Nintendo/NDS
02
-jr T‘pr5i1^5 03 Star Trek Tactical Assault Bethesda / NDS ^ 03 Xenosaga Episode III Namco-Bandai / PS2
04 Monster House THQ/GC ^ 04 Okami Capcom/PS2
05 Ninety Nine Nights Microsoft/Xbox 360_ 1 05 Phantasy Star Universe Sega / PS2_

Heather Campbell NickDesBarres Eric Patterson

BW.X.,a
u* * m. ir ■ 01 SMT: Devil Summoner Atlus/ PS2
222 oi Sonic Gems Sega/PS2 01 GuruminFalcom/PSP
02 Halo 2 Microsoft / Xbox 02 Brave Story Sony/PSP ■ 02 Rocket Slime Square Enix / NDS
L» 03 Brain Training Nintendo / NDS 03 SenkoNoRondeRev.X Sega/Xbox 360 1 03 Galaga Namco-Bandai/Xbox 360
Sonic Rush Sega / PS2 04 FFXI Square Enix/Xbox360 B 04 Ult. Block Party Conspiracy / PSP
*jT ' mi
Z.,.ry. v.vr z JS3 FFXI Square Enix/Xbox 360 05 Osycho Fox Sega / Sega Master System 1 ss King of Fighters'98SNK/Neo-Geo
 Eidos evens its scales with a leading man as cultivated and cagey as Ms. Croft

JUOIUHUOE
ehind the bravado of any blockbuster, experiences.

B
what really makes a game sparkle lies in They call these “sandbox” games,
the hands of the developer—that special although I’m not sure why, being that
something that defines their specific style. sandboxes are confining and for the most
Treasure, Team Ninja, Naughty Dog, Clo¬ part unexciting. I much prefer the term
ver, Insomniac, Kojima Productions... You “open-world” as these games are, above
don’t need to see a logo to know you’re all, about non-linearity and freedom, and
playing one of their games. Sweden’s none so much as this. Just Cause takes
Avalanche Studios has that special sc whatever label you choose and blows it
thing. Beyond one of the most powerful into tiny little bits. Open-world is a blast,
open-world engines we’ve seen thus far but open sky...even cooler.
and Just Causes adrenaline-filled game- You are Rico Rodriguez, agency opera¬
play lies a game that carries their stamp tive extraordinaire: A one-man revolution
as a group of individuals dedicated to with the tenacity of El Mariachi, cunning
not just making great games, but great of James Bond, control of Neo, and balls
of Xander Cage.
You begin Just Cause in a user-con-
trolled plummet, switching between freef-
all and Rico’s parachute as you careen
cover story

i
erative marked for elimination is making
his getaway. Rico can fire his grappling
hook onto an attack chopper, comman¬
deering it, fly across the channel and then
abandon ship, sending him gliding across
the channel where he can land on the roof
of a nearby car and then leap from car to
car until he reaches the target and jumps
in for the kill—all seamless. Any vehicle
in the game—even jets—double as large
moving platforms. If Rico can drive or fly
it, he can ride it and launch from it. Need
to make a quick getaway? Jettison your
car off a cliff in stunt mode and glide
down onto a dock, jack a speedboat and
take to the sea...climb out onto the boat
pull your chute, glide onto a passing car
and in you go. This is freedom like you’ve
never experienced before in a video
game...and it’s completely unrestricted.
The gameplay itself, while genre en¬
demic, is just as free. In the vein of Mer¬
cenaries, Just Cause employs a series of
core missions (assassination, annihilation,

"Welcome to San
Esperito, a tropical
paradise turned living
hell, where life is
cheap and brutality
the law."
 How does a group from Sweden come
up with an open-world political thriller
infested with drug cartels and rampant
chaos for their first game? You certain¬
ly could have chosen an easier genre
for your debut, and talk to us about this
insane engine...
Odd: We certainly could. But we didn’t.
The first rough draft for Just Cause was
written in a bar by Nils Gullikson and
Christofer Sundberg. There were plenty of
drinks involved when they finally put pen
to paper. At the time they were probably
too “inspired” to think about the conse¬
quences of such a complex and grand
title. We are all lucky they were, because
Just Cause has proved to be an extremely
cool and challenging game to work
on. The engine is developed by broth¬ "Those who
ers Linus and Viktor Blomberg and their
engine is indeed insane in so many ways. have been to the
It is a landscaping engine that mimics the
topgraphic/geographic facts of real-life, Caribbean all say
making the weather and other factors
change independently. And it enables us
that it feels just like
to build extremely big worlds, just like the the real thing..."
one used in Just Cause.
~Odd Ahlgrens
What struck me instantly about Just
Cause was the gameplay. Dropped in
(literally) to a shit-storm, immersion is this size and detail we actually tangent the
rapid, and, for a clip, non-stop. ...Rid¬ limits of the numerical precision of 32-bit
ing a car off a sheer cliff and popping processors, which basically means that
the parachute only to float down onto a this game really has been a challenge!
dock and speed away on a boat in one
seamless action is like nothing else, The only tell-tale signs that Just
Liberating small camps and villages is a like GTA. It’s that beautiful and that free. and that’s nothing compared to what Cause’s lead format was PS2 is the
snap—pop a few corrupt policia, blow a You can grab a bike or auto and literally Rico can do over the long haul. Within ancillary character models. Is this as
few barricades and capture the flag—but drive around for hours, crossing huge hours I was using a jet as a platform/ good as they can look for the game to
towns and cities offer far more resistance. suspension bridges, passing through guided missile. I suppose one would run smoothly?
The more territory you liberate from re¬ towns and cities, going off road to discov¬ have to say that it’s the first “extreme” Linus: Most of the characters were de¬
gime control the better your back-up and er tiny villages and camps, or board any open-world game. Who came up with signed by Oscar Chiconi, the internation¬
weaponry when things get hot, and this is number of sea craft to explore the spar¬ the concept and how long has it taken ally acclaimed artist. Instead of extreme
one volatile combat zone. kling shoreline and inner canals. ...Jump you to get to this point? realism we have aimed towards a more
Playing on 360, it’s hard to fathom off a cliff and float into the wild on foot, Odd: Well, it’s part of our legend today, stylized look. So that has little to do
how the game even exists on PS2, even or into the sea for a swim. It’s difficult to and nobody knows who came up with with technology. Clearly, as a developer
though the draw distance is roughly 12 describe really. I’ve never experienced a what or when. But one thing is for sure: we always want to improve and pol¬
miles, compared to around 50 on 360, game this open. If you like to live in your our protagonist Rico was first intended to ish things to infinity. But the game is so
where the game looks like a postcard game world, Just Cause gets an A+ for be the “black sheep of the extreme sports big and ground-breaking in many areas
from paradise via added per-pixel mo¬ that aspect alone. There’s plenty of run circuit”, so the notion of extreme action at once and we had to draw the line
tion blur, high dynamic range, depth-of- ‘n gun too—do take a mission now and somewhere. It’s always a balance, but
field, soft shadows, dynamic dirt maps, again to remind yourself it’s a game—and us about three years to get to this point, I am extremely pleased with the end
bending vegetation, cloud shadows, and a story as robust as the gameplay, loaded and it has been as interesting and extreme
enhanced terrain and wildlife systems. with colorful (and shady) characters from a ride for us as it has our hero Rico.
.. .Waves slowly fold onto the shore, you both sides of the political and economic The textures and effects on the 360
can see through the crystal waters to the struggle. Is San Esperito really half the size of version are outstanding. ...The number
coral below, sunsets and sunrises color Just Cause is nothing short of miracu¬ Jamaica? and integrity of the trees, the water,
drench the entire island, and the dense lous. With staggeringly beautiful visuals, Linus: No. It used to be. But it really didn’t the lighting, Rico’s hair and normal-
jungle is so real it’s hard to believe Ava¬ just enough exaggeration to remove us make sense from a gameplay point-of- mapped clothing, etc., etc.Is this a
lanche has granted us unlimited access. from reality, over a hundred useable ve¬ view so we reduced it to “only” about a straight PC port or are there some 360-
How they programmed all of this in under hicles, and one of the best soundtracks tenth of the size of Jamaica, or 250,000 only elements in here?
a half decade is beyond me. The wilder¬ in recent years, it doesn’t get much better acres (1024 square kilometers), includ¬ Linus: It is not a straight PC port at all.
ness in Just Cause makes Oblivion look than this. ing jungles, roads, highways, villages, cit¬ We’ve spent the last six months pushing
ies, key locations such as casinos, prisons the 360 version so there are lots of extra
and brothels and much, much more. With 360-only elements in there. Lighting and

v.playmagazine.c 015
cover story

shadowing, terrain rendering, post-effects. between them. They were very enthusias¬
All those areas and many more have been tic about the project and collaborated with
improved for the 360 version. us on it until the very end of the line. The
voiceovers were recorded at Salami Stu¬
How are you getting this game to run dios in LA with the aid of the very talented
on last-gen at all? Having only played Gordon Hunt and some expert voice
the 360 version I can’t imagine it. actors. The coolest thing for us though
Linus: Remember it was originally made was that, by a weird turn of events, Pepe
for last-gen. And it looks and plays great Serna (the guy who got his arm chain-
on those machines as well. Actually, as a sawed off in Scarface) turned up one day
programmer I’m most proud of what we to record some stuff for us. Such things
achieved on those platforms. The origi¬ make you a believer!
nal Xbox and PS2 are the platforms we
squeezed the most out of per available The sense of freedom, assorted ve¬
megabyte and Mhz, so to speak. And that hicles, and especially the magic para¬
really gave us a good starting point when chute, add immensely to the overall
we added the 360 platform. It was already experience, but how will you keep the
so well optimized that we could just ramp gameplay fresh for the duration?
up stuff and throw in more and more can¬ Odd: Well, it’s pretty much up to the
dy without hurting performance. So obvi¬ player. With about 20 story missions and
ously the game looks best on Xbox 360, hundreds of side-missions there will be
especially since it’s true high-definition. plenty of cool gaming before anyone
should grow tired. But, just like in real life:
How do you go about building an island if you just want to kick back at the beach
chain—especially one as rugged as San you’re bound to get a little bored.
Esperito? Its topography is amazingly
realistic. Linus: I actually mostly find myself trying
Odd: It has to do with the genius Ava¬ to do cooler and cooler stunts, and it’s
lanche engine and of course the com¬ hard getting tired of that. And when I feel
bined efforts of our art and level design like moving the story forward I do some
departments. A lot of work and research missions. Sometimes I even play the
has been done to make it look both cool same missions several times just because
and realistic. Those who have been to the I figured out a more suave stunt-practicing
Caribbean all say that it feels just like the way to accomplish it!
real thing, riding your motorcycle along
a desolate road in the sunset, you can Guilty as charged. How much of the
almost smell the jerk chicken, salty air, way the game unfurls hangs on the
dense jungle and burning coal. side-missions?
Odd: Most of the actual unfurling is
Nice writing too and I like the perfor¬ dependent on the story missions. The
mances. Did you have to import your side-missions will add other qualities to
talent? the game.
Odd: The game was written by Matthew
Costello and Neil Richards. Those guys Sticking to the core missions, at what
are about as experienced as they come, point would Rico find himself out¬
having published 20+ novels, written TV gunned?
shows and a multitude of video games Odd: Naaaah. We ain’t gonna tell you that.

016
You’ll just have to play the game and see. there are as many favorite games as there that mixing the two (and a million other across amid the hail of bullets and bombs
Are you the kind of guy who'opens your are developers here. But speaking for movie bad-asses), we have created a and cool one-liners. It’s an over-the-top
birthday presents before your actual birth¬ myself, my all-time favorite is the original truly inspiring and original character. A game, it needs over-the-top design.
day and then haphazardly wraps them Elite for the Acorn BBC Model B. That bad-boy, Latin lover, Black-Ops operative
back together again with scotch tape? game did much of what we’re trying to mixing his own salsa suaveness with the Speaking of stamps, is the soundtrack
do, creating an open and huge world, well brutality, cynicism and efficiency of that being done in-house? It’s el perfecto.
They say “ain’t" in Sweden? I of course beyond what’s supposed to be possible great unnamed intelligence agency that Odd: Nope, the soundtrack is made by a
already know, but I ain’t telling either. on the respective platform. everyone knows all and nothing about guy named Rob Lord, a very groovy com¬
Near as I can tell the entire island chain (you know who). puter games music composer.
is inhabitable—How do you do collision Odd: My faves of all times are Fallout I
on a land mass this size? Is it as daunt¬ and II. Those games had everything I want The vehicle designs are also extraordi¬ With a few months to go what areas of
ing a task as it seems? from entertainment. The classic coin¬ nary, kind of a neo-‘50s thing mixed in the game will you be focusing on lead¬
Linus: Our proprietary technology uses op Gauntlet is also a game I play most with current day—as are the drug lords, ing up to the big debut?
a hybrid of procedural algorithms and regularly. with their frog-like visages. I like that Linus: The last months are all about pol¬
streaming schemes to accomplish this. the game has an exaggerated element ishing. We’ve been working on this game
Developing an engine that can deal with This team is surely dotted with big tal¬ to it. Is this your stamp, or a way to for more than three years now and it’s
worlds of this size and detail is very ent. What have some of Avalanche’s remind the player that it’s only a game? going to be great to see it on the shelves.
daunting indeed, but we believe that is the staffers worked on prior to joining up? Odd: That is one of the reasons. And also
future of gaming and we will continue cm Linus: Our team consists mainly of because we wanted the game to instantly Anything you’d like to say to the
that track. Gamers must get out of those Swedes, so not surprisingly the track convey the feel of Cuba/Colombia/Ja¬ people?
endless dungeons and restricted levels records are dominated by titles from maica/Mexico as seen through a comic We hope you all enjoy playing Just Cause
now, it’s 2006! Mankind has left the caves other Swedish developers, such as the book/action movie filter. You have to as much as we’ve enjoyed making it! jViva
millennia ago, time to catch up! Battlefield series, Chronicles of Riddick, paint with broad strokes to get the feeling la Revolucion! play
Headhunter, etc.
Your company credo speaks to caring
equally about players and technology, To me, Rico is Antonio Banderas, al¬ ''Developing an engine that can deal with
and it certainly shows in Just Cause. though I sense a spot of Bond in him
What is your background with games? as well. Have you seen Desperado? worlds of this size and detail is very daunting
What are some of your favorites old Does Rico have some El Mariachi in his
and new? virtual blood? indeed..."
Linus: Most of the guys at Avalanche are Odd: Indeed Rico is a little bit of both El
games-developer veterans, and I think Mariachi and James Bond. But we feel ~linus Blomberg
And the grandeur that is Rome...

words Greg Orlando

T he gods must be either crazy, thirsty, or

in need of some serious tribute. As an
adventurer in the days of the early Roman
republic, players in Sony Online's new
massively multiplayer online title get to be
gods right arm on planet Earth. It’s a tough
and dirty job, one oftentimes fraught with pain and stabbing, but
it’s all worth it because, hey, it’s good to have god—even if it’s only
the god of ill-timed flatulence—on your side.
Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising takes a unique look at ancient
Roman culture and online role-playing titles. It’s a rather novel
concept to set an online title in a historically based past, and to
have players operate under the direction of 12 separate Roman
gods who were, as the texts are clear in mentioning,
notoriously fickle creatures. With Rising, developer Perpetual
Entertainment blends the disparate notions of history and
fantasy together with oftentimes-contradictory elements taken
from Greek and Roman mythology to form a cohesive whole.
And the gods should be pleased at this.

“Its good to have god—

even if its only the god of
ill-timed flatulence—on
your side,”
Creation Myth ...
A ■ here’s not a mythology on Earth we’re actually playing in,” Stieg Hedlund, Hercules who was helping the Olympian ordinary people from the heartland of
I worth a lick of salt that doesn’t Rising’s lead designer says, ‘‘thousands of gods win their war. This allowed man Rome. The wise men, the oracles, have
JL have its own story on how the years ago, when the Olympian gods and to gain dominion over the land. It also sort of figured that this is all because the
world came to be. For the creators of the Titans were fighting for supremacy created the relationship between gods, Telchines are back, and they’re trying to
Rising, their story is inherently tied into over the world and the universe, the Titans working and helping man, and man paying start another Titan war.
the Greco-Roman creation myth, a tale of had the Telchines on their side. It was kind homage to the gods in return. “They’re trying to eliminate the heroes
how the world was created by the Titans, of a deadlock, until the Olympians enlisted “The second really important point of Rome, so that the Olympians don't
a series of powerful gods who were Hercules to help them; he was able to about that story for us is that in their have heroes to call on this time around,”
themselves supplanted by the Olympian swing the balance and the Olympian gods victory, the Titans were banished to
gods and their leader Jupiter. won. The Titans were banished, as were Hades,” he says. “As for the Telchines, As a neophyte hero of Rome, one with
The Titans battled the Olympians with the Telchines.” who were really this mysterious race of possibly untapped potential, players find
the aid of a third race of gods known as Perpetual Entertainment’s president gods, nobody knows what happens to themselves enmeshed in this struggle
the Telchines. And it’s here that Rising Chris McKibbin says. "The important them. Even in mythology, no one knows between the gods. In fact, all heroes in
forms the basis of its plot. point for us is that symbiotic relationship what happens to them. So, now, flash Rising begin their adventure on Telchinos
“A long time before the time frame between the classic hero that was forward to our time ...” Island, where they are “guests” of the
“So, now, things have started to go Telchines. An extended stay, to be sure, is
a little bit strange for the young republic not recommended.
of Rome,” Hedlund says, taking over for
McKibbin. “Apart from the usual stuff that
Making Bob...
R
was going on where they were struggling
for survival on the Italian peninsula,
fighting against all the other tribes— ising’s first hands-on playtest
including the Greeks, the Samnites, and begins with the creation of
the Gauls—who were all vying for that Bob. There are six separate
piece of land. The creatures of myth are character classes in Rising; Gladiators
now much more present and visible to are back-alley fighters who, after gaining

"...Bob is, more or less, an Adonis,

despite a bulging gutline and an
untamed beard."
cover story

experience can branch off into two and specialized fighting styles. Once Adonis, despite a bulging gutline and the casting of devastating spells. Gods
separate paths, one reliant on the use Rogues have mastered basic skills an untamed beard. This man can make also offer specific immunities to their
of nets in combat and the other utilizing such as backstabbing, evasion, and even a bright purple-and-green scout’s followers, or other benefits. For scouts,
fighting gloves and emphasizing wrestling distraction, they can branch off into tunic look impressively masculine; the Apollo grants his followers special healing
holds. Soldiers specialize in more skilled distance fighting—which requires the use two-toned color scheme he’s chosen powers, as well as the ability to summon
forms of combat and are sturdier than of a rope—or dose-quarters combat. will appear not only on his clothes, but colossi into battle. Diana bestows upon
gladiators. Scouts are fleet of foot and Choosing to focus on close-quarters also the armors he wears, as well on players the ability to call forth the lion-
good with ranged combat; rogues can combat makes it possible to perform those of the non-player minions who goat-snake monstrosity the chimaera, or
use their special abilities to conceal debilitating kicks to an opponent’s groin accompany him into battle. His features, conjure a powerful star shower to smite
themselves and ambush foes. Priests and or issue strikes that easily penetrate including minutiae such as width of his nearby enemies.
mystics deal with sorcery in various forms. enemy armor, whereas distanced cheeks or the size of his lower body, are As a scout, Bob will in turn confer
Adventurers in Rising, regardless of fighting provides for entangling attacks. all malleable. No two players in Rising will certain advantages on anyone who travels
class, can specialize in specific types In addition to individual-specific skills, look the same way, this is certain. with him, making them move more swiftly.
of combat, as the gladiator does with characters can also choose unit feats that Each hero will serve under a god. He’ll also be skilled with a bow, something
his nets and fighting gloves. Each class directly influence the entirety of their party. Individual classes offer a choice of two that will not save him from a trip to
has a specific skill tree with core feats To be frank, Bob is, more or less, an deities, and servitude has its benefits. Telchinos Island.
Mystics can pay honor to either Bacchus,
the god of wine, or Trevia, the three-faced
goddess of the crossroads; Scouts can Viva Telchinos Island!
opt to work with either the goddess of the
hunt, Diana, or the sun god Apollo, and P layers begin the game as a guest
of the newly restored Telchines. If’s
In return for servitude—the game offers here on Telchinos Island players will
specific gold-coded “god quests”— get their first taste of gladiatorial combat,
heroes receive specific powers from their death, quests, the favor of the gods, and
chosen lord. Certain powers allow for the some of Rising’s mythological beasties.
summoning of mythological creatures or The goal here is simple; Escape. “You

What the heck

isKingGhidora
doing here!?
Mostly dead is slightly alive
"Each hero will serve under a god. Individual classes offer a
Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising deals
with death in a rather unique way, one choice of two deities, and servitude has its benefits."
the game’s developers have plucked
straight from the beliefs of the ancient
Romans themselves. are one of the captured heroes,” McKibbin satyrs, dwarf-like dactyli, skeletons, and Everything that rises.. ♦
“Since you’re of Olympian blood,
you don’t actually ever die as such,”
the game’s lead designer Stieg
says. “You don’t yet know your own
potential, but the Telchine gods—who
snakes. About 20 or so human players will
be on Telchinos at once, and can work in
concert with one another to solve puzzles,
complete quests, and kill monsters. The
I t’s extremely easy to get lost in

Hedlund says. “What happens is that have realized it.” Detailed animations for heroes,
you are killed and you come back to A hero’s first view is of gladiatorial final task, however, can only be performed NPCs, and monsters bear witness
life, but you have what we refer to as a combat, as seen through the gates of an to someone’s—many sc
arena. Guards are standing watch at the “Listen, Bob,” one of the game’s quest¬
gate. Past the gates, a battle is taking giving NPCs says. “I’m going to help you hero, toss him in the air, impale him with
place. Soldiers are being slaughtered and get back to Rome, but there is one more a thrown spear, grab the spear as it sticks
the message need not be made clearer by thing you’ve got to do, and it’s not going out of the prone hero’s chest, and cruelly
Perpetual. You are next. to be easy. Go back to Necros Village. yanks it out. There’s personality to be had
Getting a weapon is the first step, Before you enter, speak with the acolyte in these movements, and if the game's
and easily accomplished. What’s more waiting outside, and do exactly as he denizens can’t communicate verbally,
pressing is gaining a god’s favor and says. I know it sounds insane, but you’ve they certainly can in the way they charge,
finding a way off Telchinos. Along the got to trust me, Bob. You are the child of stomp, and even absentmindedly clean
way, a neophyte hero will need to find Jupiter. You will need to show your faith their sandals during down time.
items to offer his god or goddess; seek in him before he can deliver you from this A specially designed back-end
training; and battle monsters such as system will allow players to have a page
What awaits players is the arena and for each of their characters, one where
a very powerful Gyrwn the Crusher—not they can display their hero’s statistics,
to mention destiny. Players will escape items, minions, and accessories. Chris
Telchinos having earned their particular “Binky” Launius, Perpetual’s manager of
god’s trust, and will be able to begin community relations, states these pages
Rising in the game’s public areas without, will be wholly customizable, right down to
as the game says, the fear of death. the ability to receive RSS feeds. If players
want news on other games, they can get it
through Rising’s hero pages.

www.playmagazine.com
cover story

“It’s an industry where people play Rising will allow three or four minions to quick-moving scouts or rogues forward
Making the Mythology accompany an adventurer into combat, from the hero’s main force in order to lure
other games,” Launius says. “We’re not
going to put any roadblocks up.” and an additional 14 or so can be kept in enemies into a trap. Melee forces can pin
At some point, the details must, a player’s camp. down foes, allowing a squad of archers
Perpetual’s designers have pored Squad-based combat affords players and spellcasters to strike with impunity.
regrettably, be damned; Rising has a hell
through a lot of mythology texts to great opportunities for strategy. Minions Still months away from its planned
of a big picture to consider, too.
ensure Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising can be placed into pre-set formations November release, Rising is still being
As great heroes of Rome, players will
has an authentic feel to it. or players can opt to create, and then shaped and polished. And there’s more,
draw underlings to them. Some can be
“Probably our favorite [research] save, their own unique ones. In combat, a much more to its story than a mere six
hired and others obtained by defeating
resource is one that’s on the Web,’’ player can issue commands to the squad pages’ worth of text could even hint at:
them in combat. “There are three types of
Stieg Hedlund, the game's lead as a whole, to specific units within the synchronized swimming; possibly the best
minions in the game,” McKibbin says, “At
designer says. “There’s a site that’s squad (spellcasters, melee fighters, etc.), water in all of video games (so McKibbin
the very beginning, everybody gets light
called Theoi.com. It’s a very well or to individual characters. claims); and the firm belief that some day,
minions. Light minions are melee fighters,
done compendium of Greek and Armchair generals will have a field day perhaps when the game sees expansion,
skirmishers, and spellcasters that anyone
Roman myth. They have an entry with Rising. Teams of players can pool heroes in Rome Rising will indeed get to
of any class can use. At the higher levels,
for each creature or god or spirit or their squads to create a small army, and travel to Olympus or Hades.
there are myth minions. Myth minions
whatever, and they list all the sources the game’s command system lets players This, then, is the stuff of legends, play
can only be used by the class/god that
in literature they used for the entry. unlocks that specific creature. Heavy be absolutely sneaky. It’s possible to send
It’s very authoritative and very well
minions are significantly stronger minions
than light ones, and you can only get
And beyond Theoi.com? “We
them in your class.
looked a lot at the source material,”
“Every one of your minions has melee
Hedlund says. “[Virgil's] The Aeneid
stats, ranged stats, defensive armor
and Ovid’s Metamorphoses are some
stats, resistances, their own equipment
of our best source materials because
sets, health, energy, etc., etc.” McKibbin
they’re distinctly Roman.”
adds. It's not been finalized yet, but

"Past the gates, a battle is taking place.

Soldiers are being slaughtered and the
message need not be made clearer by
Perpetual. You are next."
www.playmagazine.com 023
 X

Adrian Lacey Game Manager play: Something, apparently, has stirred popular gladiator in history and gain the The Rabbids have come in force, they are
Ubisoft Paris the rabbits. What exactly is going on in support of the bunnies! extremely vicious but at the same time,
Rayman Raving Rabbids? they are totally stupid. The game is very
The bunnies have been preparing an inva¬ It’s been said that Rabbids is the dark¬ story driven but the player will experience
sion for centuries ...Now it’s time for them est-themed Rayman game. Can you a lot of combinations of game-play before
to rule the world. This is obviously very explain why this is true or false? succeeding to stop the rabbits’ invasion
cliche and far from complex storytelling. We can definitely say that in RRR, Ray¬ and ‘‘Jabba Rabbit”. For example, you Will
But the simplistic storyline and design man will encounter the scariest and most need to perform exceptionally well in a
by the team has allowed us to create formidable enemy ever, since becoming a number of gladiator style trials in order to
hysterical parodies and strange situations super hero, personally I am frightened just gain in popularity with the bunnies, under
for the player. It is a mix of comedy such speaking about these insane little bunnies, the evil rule of ‘‘Jabba Rabbit”. The better
as Mars Attacks, Scary Movie and Monty I get the feeling that they are constantly you entertain the crowds the more gifts
Python, basically the more absurd and watching me, somewhere, somehow...! they will send you and worlds you will
ridiculous everything seems the better. unlock.

The story begins with the invasion and The trailer for the Wii version of Rayman In terms of the biggest feature, you will not
the bunnies lead by “Jabba Rabbit” who Raving Rabbids showed what appeared have your couch blown apart by a huge
have enslaved Rayman and his friends to be a giant robotic bunny shooting a robotic rabbit, but I suppose anything is
using them as a source of entertainment laser and destroying the couch of the possible with these bunnies, the game will
in their gladiator style trials, where they people who were playing the game. Will have very unique games that will really
try to ridicule Rayman on a daily basis. Rayman Raving Rabbids destroy play¬ push the skills of the players, in particular
To progress you must become the most ers’ couches? when using the Wii controller.
him with various plungers and fly swatters trepidation in moving the series away
and generally trying to ridicule him is We will have more than 10 of them includ¬ These controls are very easy to learn be¬ from its platforming origins?
pretty mean! ing Disco, Hip Hop, Punk style and other cause both of your hands directly control As I mentioned earlier we wanted to make
funny ones I can’t talk about just yet... Rayman’s hands we have kept it as a natu¬ something that was very different and
What sort of methods or weapons do ral extension of Ray’s hands. focus on the absurdity that this world of
the bunnies use to attack Rayman? How will Rayman Raving Rabbids invading bunnies allowed us to do. So
Let me see, plungers are their weapon of make use of the Nintendo Wii control¬ Rayman will also be able to use creatures the traditional platforming side of things
choice, but they also like to play around ler? What sort of in-game actions will in the game. To ride them, you have to has changed slightly and we have given
with feather dusters, fly swatters, shovels, require use of the controller, and what twist the Wii controller in order to direct many new styles of gameplay and trials to
colanders, and much more... specific motions will be used to per¬ the creatures in certain ways. You can let the player experience. This was also a
Bunnies will come from the ground, the form these actions? imagine that it feels very natural to control design choice particularly to maximize the
air and even the water so be careful and We have developed new control features an eagle in the air, just by moving your different uses of the Wii controller which
keep your eyes wide open, as sometimes that were shown in our trailer at E3 but we hands in the direction you want to go. opened loads of new avenues in terms of
they might be well disguised... don’t want to tell you too much just yet!!! immersion for the player.
Last but not least: You will be able to
Dancing seems to be a major part of Ray’s movements: with the nunchuck dance with the bunnies by keeping the How does the fighting work in Rabbids?
Rayman Raving Rabbids. What purpose and remote you can move Rayman... And how much of the game consists of
does dancing serve in the game? jumping, rolling and sky diving. You will Rayman beating up enemies?
This is another way you can defeat the also be able to use the FPS view to shoot This Rayman game has been described There are many different challenges that
bunnies, basically as you are performing bunnies. as an action adventure. Was there any Rayman must face including shooting
and “grooving” bunnies will come and Fighting: this part is very different from
attack you. You will need to keep the what you are used to: the Wii controller
rhythm and use your best disco moves to (remote part) allows us to create deep in¬
fight them off. More on busting a move a teraction between Rayman and the player.
If you give a real punch move, Rayman
makes the same punch on screen: i.e. you
Rayman will also be able to tame and make a punch from right to left, Rayman
ride various creatures. Will the tame does the same move from right to left. If
creatures serve as allies fighting you shake the controller, Rayman will do
alongside Rayman? Or is their function some special kung-fu style moves. Hi-ah!
simply to transport the hero from place
to place? Grappling: If you make a quick move with
Creatures will be used by Rayman to the nunchuck, Rayman will grapple the
race and compete against the bunnies in nearest enemies/objects. You can then
various trials. make them spin around Rayman with the
remote and throw them (as projectiles) just
Will Rayman’s allies such as Globox by swinging the controller around your
and Murfy appear in Rabbids? What head. This is also used when you do the
parts will they play? Cow Toss. Basically you swing the cow
They have been kidnapped so none Just around your head and see how far you
can throw her.....moooooooo!
bunnies with plungers, shutting toilet
doors, sky diving and of course facing off
against loads of psycho bunnies in some
serious beat’em up action. The game
really focuses on diverse actions for Ray-
man as the Wii controller translates into
Rayman’s actual hand actions and applied
to many different styles of gameplay that
are hysterical.

Rayman games have always featured

beautiful and otherworldly environ¬
ments. Can you tell us what goes into
their creation, omitting no earthly
detail?
Time, photos, late nights, sketches, more
time, more late nights.

How do you think Rayman has evolved

as a game character?
As most game characters he gained
experience and fame during his various
adventures.
However, the particularity of Rayman is
that he is still a lighthearted, accessible
and generally a funky character...but
whatever he does, it seems he will never
get his arms and legs back...hence why
now he has started wearing long trousers.

It seems natural Rabbids would feature

online Rabbids vs. Rayman play. Will
the game feature any online compo¬
nent? If it will, what sort of modes will
be available online? us examples of the.game’s humorous you briefly walk us through one of the him to the area where the trials take place,
We’re still waiting for more information moments? game’s levels or missions? for example a tropical island or a Western
but have some crazy ideas that we are Besides the more in depth mission trials, In single player, Rayman is locked in his style town.
testing! there are several mini trials which are cell. He may either choose to continue on
hysterical, such as closing the doors to the his quest by selecting the exit door or else Is there anything we missed? Or any¬
What’s the one thing everyone should toilets before the bunnies throw plungers rabbits will come and grab him to take him thing you’d care to add?
know about Rayman? at your head or pulling worms out of a to the main arena. He will then come face AAAAARRRRGH!
He’s a lean mean bunny beating machine! bunnies mouth. These are just fun to play to face with the Jabba Rabbit, emperor of
particularly when you have to hook a worm the Rabbits, and face 5 doors correspond¬
The videos promoting the game are all with the “remote” of the Wii and then drag ing to the 5 challenges to be carried out on
very very funny. How funny is Rayman the worm out of his mouth! that day, in order to pursue his quest and
Raving Rabbids? And can you give While we're on gameplay specifics, can increase in popularity. This will then take
 Axes' urrectioff

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Thus began the Seven Year,War. •

Conning September 12006

.Grid based Maps_ Chain Skills'

This proven design promises I Each character has of skills to
strategic thinking. i together.

Mild Fantasy Violence

IDEA FACTORY
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Mysteries of the Karakuri
["Arigato my little robotos

Dave Halverson

"Bolt is an
awesomely
designed character
who controls with
total precision."
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95 OUt Of 100 - Game Informer 9.0 OUt of 10 - IGN 4.75 OUt of 5 -GamePro 9.0 OUt of 10 - Official Xbox Magazine
"PC and Console Game "An excellent, deep first- "Surpasses all expectations to "Consistently impressive and
of the Month" person shooter experience- become one of the best rousingly fun in a way that you
unrivaled on Xbox 360" games of the year" just shouldn't miss"
MATURE 1

i111! PC PC DVD-ROM CD ROM Digital Delivery at

www.PlayTriton.com
 System(s) Xbox 360/PC Available September
Develooer EdenG Online/Multi MMO ESRB Rating T

I unspoiled beauty of Hawaii—Oahu, to reflect the fickle hand of fashion.

Pedal to the medal of honor... I to be exact— serves as the setting Similarly, car dealers offer new vehicles
for Test Drive Unlimited’s freeform, do- for sale or rent—with rentals providing an
as-thou-wilt play. As a new arrival to the easy way for players to enter races with
state (players choose their character from particular vehicle prerequisites without
a preset roster standing on line to board doling out a huge sum to purchase a car.
a plane for the ride across the Pacific), Unlimited offers approximately 125 cars
drivers are encouraged to go forth, and motorcycles, including models from
explore, and race. In other words, the Saturn, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lamborghini,
streets are yours, kid. Just watch out for Ducati, Ford, and Aston Martin.
the cops. All of the game’s cars can be
Atari refers to Test Drive Unlimited’s customized with new parts and paintjobs.
play as M.O.O.R., or massively open Atari’s touting realism here, so all the cars'
online racing. Thousands via Xbox 360 engines produce authentic purrs and
Live can prowl the streets of Hawaii, and hums, and their horns sound identical to
players will be able to form racing teams, their real-world counterparts. It may be
set their own challenges and establish a tad excessive, but the realism should
race routes via a waypoint system, race in appeal to diehard car enthusiasts.
8-car competitions, and offer prize monies Atari has built an automotive
for the winner. And for those who want playground that’s exceedingly easy for
to patrol Hawaii’s highways and byways players to get around in. A comprehensive
without Xbox 360 Live, Unlimited presents map makes navigating this island paradise
suitable time-based challenges, races, simple. Players can use the map to filter
and missions. out specific destinations such as stores
Unlimited presents players with the (clothing, cars), real estate agencies, and
opportunity to create a lifestyle for their race markers. During challenges and
selected driver. Real estate can be bought races, the game barks out directions to
and sold; a player’s house becomes a players so they can concentrate on the
repository for any cars purchased, as well race itself rather than looking at a map to
as a place to showcase various trophies find the next waypoint.
and awards. Characters’ appearances Ultimately, a driving game lives or dies
can be modified within the confines of based on the strength of its car physics.
A preview version for Unlimited offered a
great variation in its cars; some tended
"In other words, the to careen wildly at the slightest turn while
others held the road with tenacity. It
streets are yours, kid. seems there’s some truth to Atari’s claim
that it’s nailed the individual handling
Just watch out for the characteristics of the cars, but certainly,
cops." the final product has yet to be tested, play

030
 Alienware® recommends
Microsoft® Windows® XP

Area-51® 7500
Strike First. Laugh Last.

WWW.ALIENWARE.COM/PLAY • 1 . 8 0 0 . A L I E N W A R E
preview

game's spies vs. mercenaries online

competitions to a total of six, and added
exclusive content for each of the game’s
platforms. Agent for the Xbox 360, for
example, holds two single-player levels
not found in the game’s other versions.!
The PlayStation 2 edition contains two
special flashback missions, an exclusive
solo mission, and eight minutes of new

As always, stealth-based play is the

order of the day for Fisher. Some missions
will have the grizzled protagonist (once
again voiced by actor Michael Ironside)

T he JBA—or John Brown's Army—is

on the move. It’s about to launch an
working in conjunction with a partner, Or
skulking in the shadows without the use
of his special night- and other crazy kinds
insidious plan to nuke three cities of vision glasses. Other locations—found
in the United States in one, devastating on the PC and Xbox 360 iterations—will
strike, and new recruit Sam Fisher seems feature Fisher fighting amid snow- and
to be actively helping them doing it. sandstorms.
Fisher has gone terrorist in Tom Online play, even in a brief playtest (in
Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent, the Xbox 360, proved to be a wonderful
but all is certainly not what it seems; distraction from Agent’s somber single¬
words Greg Orlando Fisher will also be working with the player adventure. In the game’s spies vL
mercenaries mode, the spies are now
able to hack any console within their line
of sight, with the proviso being that the
closer the spy is to his target, the quicker
the hack. Spies can also use their hacking
tool to disrupt an environment’s power
system, or even disrupt a mercenary’s
electronics. To balance things out,
mercenaries now have a motion sensor: to
detect a spy’s movements.
Sometimes, it’s very good to be very
bad. Fisher turns rogue in September,
which means bad news for the terrorists
and, hopefully, great news for fans of
Splinter Cell, play
 Visitwww.esrb.org
for updated rating
information.
PlayStation®^ www.tecmogames.com Tecmo; 100% GAMES
TokoqotfM Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri 2006. ©Tecmo, LTD. 2Q06.Tecmo is a registered trademark of Tecmo, LTD. '‘PlayStation” ane red trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainmenttine.
I The ratings icon Is
 System(s) PlayStation 2 Publisher , Sierra
Developer Krome Studios

If it's broke, fix it

"Krome's answer? Stick a fork in the old and in with the new. Suck the
cuteness out and spread the evil."

034
Elijah the dragon

"...New Beginning isn't hardcore dark (Spade

makes sure of that), but for a Spyro game it is ||
like Rob Zombie covering Amy Grant."

v.pl aymagazine.com 035

R emember when mean old Mr.
Burns commented that hippies’
dance and forget what they’ve seen. New
weapons such as the dislocator, an energy
Spanning the
globe,spreading
using a death ray to shoot down blimps
spraying Reveiade into the atmosphere.
flower power was no match for his projectile that hurls targets around wildly; As was the case with the first
glower power? Well, glower power is no the gastro gun, which causes humans game, there’s a lot of good humor to
match for the Zap-o-Matic gun as used by to expand and explode; and the meteor be had. When Crypto tracks down the
homicidal alien Crypto-138. strike provide wonderful opportunities Bongwater’s girlfriend, she’s giving a
Destroy All Humans! 2: Make War Not for both hilarity and mischief. In addition, speech on how the “Age of Aquariums’’ is
Love propels Crypto into the turbulent and Crypto will also be able to access a lot "Pandemic has here. “A lot of you have joined the ALF to
oftentimes patently absurd 1960s. With of his old powers such as telekinesis get back at your rich parents,” she muses,
the Russians hot on his heels, Crypto and and the ability to scan human brains for done away “who’ve subjected you to obscene
his now-dead ally Orthopox—in the form information. amounts of luxury!”
of a hologram— have to travel around the The game begins in Bay City, with with holobob Players can also expect cooperative
globe doing what they do best: wreaking players running around Golden Gate Park, play to be added to the game’s final
havoc and destroying all humans. Hasbury, and The Wharf attempting to technology that version, as well as a gene blender feature
This time around, Pandemic has track down Coyote Bongwater, a hippie
done away with holobob technology who’s attempting to start a revolution
allowed Crypto to the DNA he steals from people all across
that allowed Crypto to appear human. via a drug called Reveiade. Introductory appear human. the world. And he’ll be traveling a lot, too,
Now, the alien can simply hijack human missions have Crypto recovering new as the game includes not only a faux San
bodies and use them as he will. The weapons, hijacking bodies, seeking Now, the alien Francisco, but also reworked versions of
disguise, however, isn’t complete if he’s information from the local informant, Japan, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain.
seen possessing a body; any witnesses and recovering repair pods in order to can simply hijack And, while this love isn't free, it certainly
must be dispatched with rays of free love, fix a spaceship. Once the spaceship promises to be pretty darn fun. play
which causes the stricken humans to is restored, players can take to the air, human bodies..."

v.playmagazine.c 037
 System(s) PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox 360 Publisher Sega Available October 24
Developer SonicTeam Online/Muiti Yes ESRB Rating T

PhantasyStar
Univers
We're fighting the Rappies there so we don't have to fight them here

words Casey Loe

O nline games rarely make for good

offline experiences, but Sega is
anime-style episodes of about two
hours in length, each complete with a
can’t create your own hero, but
the game does offer several ways
determined to change that with theme-song opening and a “next time to personalize Ethan. You can switch
Phantasy Star Universe. In addition to the on Phantasy Star Universe” teaser at the between Hunter, Force and Ranger
proper online sequel Phantasy Star Online end. The bulk of each episode is spent classes between missions, and buy new
fans have been clamoring for, Sonic Team in dungeon crawls that use the same duds or get a makeover at one of the
has scripted a 40-hour offline quest that basic engine, monsters, and areas as the game’s numerous malls. If only there
digs deeply into the culture and history of online mode, but are packed with fully- was a mall with an “attitude shop” where
the game’s new Gurahl planetary system. voiced event scenes and a large cast of Ethan could buy a likeable personality!
The story stars Ethan Waber, a NPC partners and villains. The episodic While the Story Mode is a good time
hotheaded teen who decides to join structure doesn’t allow for too much all by itself, the experience has left us
the private Guardians police force after exploration, but players are free to pursue drooling in anticipation of online play. That
mysterious, alien-infested asteroids side missions in already-visited areas, or wasn’t possible with our preview version
begin crashing near the ruins of a lost hit the shops in a number of beautifully of the game, but our dungeon forays in
civilization. The tale is told through rendered cities. It’s unfortunate that you Story Mode suggest that Phantasy Star
 “While the Story
Mode is a good
time all by itself,
the experience has
left us drooling in
anticipation of online
play.”

v.playmagazine.com 039
feature
\

If you aren’t visiting play online-

then you’re only getting half the play experience!

www.playmagazine.com
Check out play online,
where we feed your
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I Sorry! j

ONLINE

We run down the best of the

2006 best from this year's E3 show. ommms
A/ARDS K| 8B fij
 play magazine’s

IMWWJMi
The Platformer: any game where jumping mechanics
are key, combined with pattern-based obstacles, various
attack mechanisms and, of course, bosses, involving either
bipedal talking animals, humans and/or hominids.

Dave Halverson

There are 60 console games on this spread, all of which represent the single most important aspect of the

modus
gaming experience: Fun. Through inspired character design, inventive gameplay, and indelible soundtracks,
platformers have been a key ingredient in molding the industry we know today, even though mascots and
pack-ins are now relics of the past.

Top 25 Top 25
Psychonauts - Xbox/Double Fine Super Mario World, and SMW2 Yoshi's Island
Super Mario 64 and Sunshine - N64/GameCube/ - SNES/ Nintendo
Nintendo Super Castlevania IV, Bloodlines and SotN
The preferred method of attack, although assorted blunt Banjo Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie - N64/Rare - SNES/Genesis/PS
instruments, projectiles, torture, and various forms of Crash Bandicoot - PS/Naughty Dog Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts - SNES Capcom
martial arts are also acceptable. Ratchet & Clank, R&C Going Commando and Viewtiful Joe and Viewtiful Joe 2 - PS2/Capcom \
UYA - PS2/lnsomniac Gunstar Heroes - Genesis/Treasure
Grappling Maximo: Ghosts to Glory and vs. Army of Zin Earthworm Jim - Genesis/Shiny Ent.
- PS2/Capcom Astal - Saturn/Sega
The act of shooting an apparatus onto a ceiling or grid Jak and Daxter - PS2/Naughty Dog Sonic the Hedgehog & Import Sonic CD
for swinging or moving while hanging. Blinx and Blinx 2 - Xbox/Artoon - Genesis/Sega CD/Sonic Team
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Band Donkey Kong Country 1, 2 & 3 - SNES/Rare
The Double-lump of Thieves and Honor Among Thieves - PS2/ Clockwork Knight (1&2) - Saturn/Sega
Sucker Punch Mischief Makers - N64/Treasure
Whether standard or earned—a requisite maneuver. Jet Set Radio Future - Xbox/Smilebit Dynamite Headdy - Genesis/Treasure
Rayman 2: The Great Escape - Dreamcast/ Silhouette Mirage - Saturn/Treasure
Collecting Ubisoft Montreal Magician Lord - Neo-Geo/SNK
Voodoo Vince - Xbox/Beep Industries Super Star Wars - SNES/LucasArts
Platforming’s version of OCD. They live to collect Kameo: Elements of Power - Xbox 360/Rare WonderDog - Sega CD/Core
and often only know where to go by the trail of Conker Live and Reloaded - Xbox/Rare Rayman - Jaguar/Ubisoft
indigenous sparkly things or food. BUG - Saturn/Sega Act Raiser-SNES/Enix
Wario World - GC/Treasure Wonder Boy in Monster World & Monster World
Tork - Xbox/Tiwak IV -Genesis/Sega
Legend of Kay - PS2/Neon Studios Skullmonkeys - PS/Neverhood
What they do when they’re bored; the ruder the Fur Fighters - PS2, DC/Bizarre Creations Flink CD - Sega CD/Psygnosis
The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning PS2 Strider & Strider 2- Genesis/PS Capcom
Revenge of Shinobi - Genesis/Sega
Billy Hatcher - PS2/Sonic Team Bonk’s Adventure -TGI 6/Hudson
Medieval - PS/Cambridge Studios Mickey Mania -Sega CD/Sony Imagesoft
Prince of Persia SNES and The Sands of Time
A mid-to-large expanse where they live, usually - SNES/Xbox Konami/Ubisoft Montreal Studios
attached to warps or trails leading to places they Jumping Flash - PS/Sony
shouldn’t go. Wild 9-PS/Shiny
Crates and Various Receptacles

Here you’ll find freshly prepared meals, or fruit and

other consumables.
Top 10 |
coming soon
We won’t stop until we get to the very bottom
of the pile... Help us choose what comes next
Damsels in Distress Ghosts ‘n Goblins - NES/Capcom at [email protected]
Kid Icarus - NES/Nintendo
The sure-fire way to get many a platforming star’s Super Mario Bros. 1,2 & 3 - NES/Nintendo
attention. Steal their girl; run to the end of the
game and wait. Eventually he, she, or it will arrive
to save the day, followed by a cheap-ass ending.
Wizards and Warriors - NES/Rare
Batman and Batman Return of the Joker - NES/
SunSoft
SHOOTERS
Battletoads - NES/Rare
Bionic Commando - NES/Capcom
Ninja Gaiden - NES/Tecmo
FIGHTING
99% of what the bad guys that make it all possible
are vying for.
Mega Man and MM 2 - NES/Capcom
Rygar - NES/Tecmo ROLE-PLAYING
www.playmagazine.com 047
 review

I n some capacity we all dream of

ruling the streets, be them urban or
metropolitan—of being an invincible
force immune to the consequences of ou

; here for a pimp.. .hitman, drug-dealer, thief.

struggle to clean
much however I s

3ful tapestry

le overall gist of Saint’s Row is

back the streets, and then kee|
by systematically eradicating

"The nature of the

game's free-form
design coupled with its
devices also make it
an extremely personal
experience."

°5°
 Ktremely |

It’s also quite beautiful (in its own gritty

way). Ancillary models are surprisingly
detailed given the acreage on display—
during the Mayhem Activity in the Barrio
District of Cecil Park, take a minute to
watch the dancing—the cut-scenes
are gorgeous, load times are practically
non-existent, and the integrity of the
architecture as you pass from hood to
hood is remarkable. Volition has certainly
raised the bar in terms of open-world
urban visuals and gameplay. One can
only imagine how spectacular a sequel
will be providing the game performs at
retail, which is pretty much assured unless
bustling urban sprawls and seamless
story integration suddenly fall out of
vogue. Don’t look for it anytime soon
though. To give you an idea of how long
Saints took to develop, the gas station by
Freckle Bitches (the local fast food chain)

"Hopping on the freeway to get where

you're going becomes as commonplace as
shopping at your favorite stores..."

is selling regular at 1.64 a gallon.

I’d have loved bikes and a female
character option (although Aisha provides
ample eye candy) but otherwise Saint's
Row is all I’d hoped and more. Since
we last visited the game, Volition has
buttoned it up better than promised, and
balanced it for maximum addiction. This is
living...in the fast lane...dodging bullets...
with hoes in back seat, play

www.playmagazine.c
piay
Staff "Round-up"
Saints Row 050
Yakuza 052
FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus 054
Dead Rising 055
Monster House 059
Zatch Bell 059
Rengoku2 062
Tekken Dark Resurrection 063 Reviews
September2006

Eric's reason for over two decades of video

gaming is simple: so far, real life has yet to
provide him access to zombies, quiet resort
towns overrun with demons, ghosts you can
trap with a camera, or, you know, a flesh and
blood Jill Valentine or Ashley Graham. Mind
getting on that, real life?
Castle Crashers
System(s) Xbox 360 Live Arcade Publisher j Microsoft
Developer the Behemoth Available ; Q12007
The masters of side-scrolling at The Behemoth are set to unleash their 2D power once again, this time on Xbox
Sonic the Hedgehog
360 Live Arcade, with Castle Crashers—a 1-4 player hack, slash, and smash action extravaganza that stopped us System(s) Xbox 360, PS3 Publisher Sega
dead in our tracks at Comic-Con. Aside from buttery smooth animation, look for expansive environments, RPG-
style character evolution, and of course, lotsa funny stuff. DH Developer SonicTeam Available I November

Here's one last look at Sonic the Hedgehog for 360 and PS3 before we actually bring you some much anticipated
hands-on. Black is back on PS3 by the way. Shadow will be a playable character exclusively on the PS3 version
which is now set for a simultaneous launch. With any luck this will be the first 3D Sonic that's actually smooth
around the edges as well. Give it to me NOW! DH

Motor Storm

God Hand

System(s) PS3 Publisher SCEA

Systemfs) PS2 Publisher Capcom
Developer Evolution Studios Available November
Developer Capcom/Clover Studios Available ; October
The most recent Motor Storm screens would indicate that it may indeed be everything we'd hoped for; i.e. an
God Hand (check the arm) is an over-the-top (way over) 3D action clobber fest with hyper-exaggerated combos
off-road racer like no other. No classes, and no rules, in Motor Storm you pick your vehicle-from sand rails, ATVs,
and a move set you wouldn't bring home to mama. You can kick victims clear into the horizon, or in their privates-
motocross bikes, 4x4s, whatever-and hit the track. And what beautiful tracks they are. DH
-weilding ghastly results. Could this be the Capcom beat'em up we've been waiting for since Final Fight? DH
 "A long and riveting story,
plenty of freedom and a
fantastic battle system
resumably, Yakuza was conceived re-synch the lip movements. have earned it a spot on
as little more than an eastern twist You play as Kazuma, a mob enforcer
on Grand Theft Auto. But while GTA who is released from a decade in prison my all-time PlayStation 2
achieved greatness through its open- to find his yakuza clan at the brink of
ended structure, Yakuza succeeds in the a civil war. Surprisingly, the story has top ten list"
exact opposite way, by delivering the none of the mean-spiritedness that is a
best story-driven gaming experience in hallmark of other games in the genre; time in Japan, even the mundane host
recent memory. That isn’t to say that the Kazuma is brutal in combat, but always clubs, pachinko parlors and convenience
game deprives players of the freedom to up for helping a little girl find her mom. stores have a fascinating touch of the
pursue subplots, pick fights with strangers Fortunately, he does everything in the esoteric.
and mack on the ladies—merely that the most badass way possible, so even when What you’ll mostly do in these exotic
game’s central story is so damn compelling he’s saving abandoned puppies, Kazuma locations is beat up people. Fortunately,
that you’ll rarely bother to do so. somehow finds a way to create a massive Yakuza has a rich battle system in which
The script was penned by crime- body count. you’re constantly learning new skills
novelist Seishu Hase, who has succeeded The game's theme seems to be secret and discovering new weapons to turn
where so many other high-profile writers societies, going beyond the fascinating against your foes. The “heat” system
have failed. Hase (or whoever adapted his world of organized crime to touch provides further variety, allowing those
story) has mastered the arts of creating everything from homeless communities who maintain a lively tempo in battle to
plot points that can be experienced to posh, members-only clubs concealed use context-sensitive special attacks like
instead of being explained, and of working in the unnumbered floors of skyscrapers. smashing foes’ heads into posts or hurling
in fight scenes every few minutes without At no point will you visit the usual urban- them over railings. The game gets even
if feeling forced. The tale is deeply game set pieces—warehouses, junkyards, nastier when you gain the ability to use
complicated, but the hundreds of cut abandoned factories. Instead, you’ll your heat gauge with weapons, allowing
scenes that tell it are short and sweet, visit a yakuza boss’s elaborate funeral, a you to impale foes with umbrellas or wrap
and even my ADD-addled attention span public park ruled by the homeless, and an bicycles around their heads, If Yakuza
never wandered. Sega did a good job abandoned subway station that has been could boast of nothing besides its battle
with the English voices, although I’m a bit transformed into a playground for the system, it would still stand as the finest
disappointed that they didn’t bother to moneyed elite. And if you haven’t spent beat-‘em-up ever made.
 "...even the
mundane host
clubs, pachinko
parlors and
convenience
stores have a
fascinating touch
of the esoteric."

two of loading time. It doesn’t sound like

much, but the constant loading makes
movement in the city feel extremely
choppy. The loading times are even more
dreadful when the city’s thugs attack—up
to 20 seconds in and out of each battle!
I wouldn’t mind the random encounters
otherwise, but having to endure 40
seconds of loading for a 10 second fight
can make exploration a chore.
Outside of that, it isn’t easy to find fault
with Yakuza. A long and riveting story,
plenty of freedom and a fantastic battle
system have earned it a spot on my all-
time PlayStation 2 top ten list. I only hope
Sega realizes what they have on their
hands, and promptly announce a sequel
for a next-generation system that is more
capable of handling Yakuza’s demanding
visuals, play

°53
 System(s) PS2 Square Enix September
Developer Square Enix ESRB Rating T

Dirge
Cerberus Final Fantasy VII
A thoroughly average farewell to FFVII

words Nick Des Barres

O h Square Enix, why must you play

with my heart so? Wasn’t Final
Fantasy VII better left alone, a
moment in time, a seed inserted into the "It's as simple as
minds of millions of gamers the world over,
left to simmer and percolate? Did it need to this: Final Fantasy
be dragged kicking and screaming into the
light, nine years later? Tetsuya Nomura and means a great
Yoshinori Kitase, arguably the most direct
authors of the collaborative work that was
story, and Dirge
Final Fantasy VII, certainly seem to think
so. And hey, I’m not totally against deriva¬
of Cerberus is no
tive works based on past Final Fantasies; exception."
I liked Advent Children, even with all its
editorial flaws. It was very beautiful, and
entertaining.
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII is
also very beautiful. How disappointing,
then, to learn that the entertainment factor
is only mild. Don’t get me wrong...DoC is
by no means a poor game. It’s just not a
Final Fantasy-quality game. It was already
an absolutely decent product when it
came out in Japan the better part of a year
ago, and S-E deserves a lot of credit for
bringing it more in line with international
standard via an extensive refurbish. DoC
essentially tries to bridge the gap between
Devil May Cry-style third-person action
and first-person shooters, but unlike, say, would expect from a Final Fantasy, and
Resident Evil 4, never rises up to be more that means “world-class." It is for this rea¬
than the sum of its parts. Control is bizarre son I score the game as high as 7.5, and
(but perfectly workable upon getting used do, in fact, recommend it highly to fans of
to), enemy lineup feeble, mission objec¬ FFVII. It’s as simple as this: Final Fantasy
tives bland. means a great story, and Dirge of Cerberus
This is why the game is so frustrating. is no exception. You’re going to need to
For all its failings in the action depart¬ experience Vincent’s tale of redemption,
ment, Dirge nails every other element to which in and of itself is great, delightfully
the ground. Every non-gameplay aspect extending a character arc which seemingly
of the game-the remarkably faithful-to- had nowhere else to go. It may very well
the-original story, resplendent CG, Tetsuya be the closest we ever get to an FFVII-2,
Nomura character designs so sharp they and if you’re able to sort of able to tune the
milquetoast gameplay out (or simply look
at it as a challenge to be overcome until
the next bombastic cutscene) you’re going
to have a lot of fun. play

Dirge of Cerberus: Final H|5|B

Fantasy VII i&HjfiH
Presentation and design are world-class.
Gameplay is not

054
"There's a lot going
on here, and it
extends far beyond
Rising's open-ended
play."
it in, the clock becomes an enemy unto
itself. West, via a transceiver, receives
news and missions that he can undertake
or ignore. Most of these come with strict
deadlines. In addition, the game’s plot is
not static; events occur at regular intervals
regardless of whether the protagonist is
there to witness them. Miss one piece of
the puzzle, and the entirety of the mystery
is forever lost. Players will need to make
hard choices and, sometimes, people will

There’s a lot going on here, and it

extends far beyond Rising’s open-ended
play, its malleable hero, and its crazy
mall wherein West can run around with a
Servbot mask on his head while attacking
foes with a giant frozen salmon. Some of
it is slyly presented and brilliant: a book

°55
review
System(s) Xbox360

Boldly going where so many RPGs have gone before

Arms

B randing an RPG “traditional” used

to be like branding water drinkable,
worth of traditional console RPGs. The
thing is that it all works well enough to
until people realized that attacking give Enchanted Arms its own identity, in
homogeneous wooden crates and vases league with From’s quirky action presets
was an odd if not implausible way to find for busting open crates, swimming, and
remedies, entering people's houses to moving platforms; all purely incidental.
rout through their cupboards flat rude, and Also noteworthy is the manner in which
random invisible monster attacks unlikely. the drama plays out, taking animated
But it’s just a game right? Right. overlays to the next level by staging key
The closest thing we have to true chatter via next-gen in-game renders. The
“role-playing” games these days are dialogue isn’t always Shakespeare but the
open-world or “sandbox” games like GTA, presentation is certainly welcome. Story
Mercenaries, and Saint’s Row, where you is strong too; CG beautiful, and overall
actually live in a pseudo-realistic game visuals, architecture and character design
space, so thank god Japanese developers stunning. The music often times just kind
are still suspending disbelief, because of lays there. Although fitting, Enchanted’s
when it comes to RPGs, games like otherwise limp soundtrack is a testament
Enchanted Arms are all i know, and all I to the maestros at Square, Sega and the
care to know. I’m a crate-busting, home-
invading, monster-beating, world-saving, Considering Enchanted Arms—a 50-
effeminately-dressed mo-fo. 60-hour-long game developed in under 2
Using Final Fantasy as the archetype years (evidenced by the repetitive wooden
(and why not, From does), Enchanted models that populate many a town
Arms veers into its own territory via Golem square)—is the maiden Japanese RPG for
Synthesis and collecting—like Pokemon the Xbox 360,1 think it’s safe to assume
for grown ups, dig it—and its unique take that we’re embarking on a constellation of
on otherwise dusty old systems. The grid- exciting and beautiful new worlds. This is
based, heavily tactical turn-based battles but the first, play
are like a page out of Shining Force only
rewritten for added flexibility, HP and VP
(Vitality) are refilled automatically after Enchanted Arms
every battle (provided your human party
members are rested) negating stopping
Engaging if not predictable storyline, excellent battle
to heal between battles, and character
management is like a hodgepodge of
Japanese and American RPGs, assigning
i system, gorgeous visuals.

parameters via Baldur’s, unlocking and H Wooden ancillary models, limp OST, blatant linearity.
learning new skills similar to Kingdom
Under Fire, and purchasing items from
an inanimate object akin to a closet’s

056
 "It has a solid
story, incredible
reducing its potential. Weapon balance,
enemy variety, and the game’s overall visuals, and a new
length also make the list of stumbling
are interesting hooks, and while the blocks on an otherwise exemplary approach to an
level design occasionally struggles with product, but hardly steal the show.
avoiding monotonous challenges, Prey And that’s the thing: Prey doesn’t age-old formula...".
forces you to consider every angle as always succeed, but it tries so well
you blast through alien opposition in your that you can’t get mad at the game for
quest to find your girlfriend, your freedom, narrowly missing its mark. When it does
and your sense of cultural identity. deliver, few games in the genre’s history
This display is not without its issues. rival its pure sense of polish and all-out
Just like its lead’s struggle with his own action. It has a solid story, incredible
heritage, Prey has difficulty fully realizing visuals, and a new approach to an age-old
its own potential as puzzles often seem formula that manages to breathe some
to enter into the equation for the sake much-needed life into the genre. If you've
of effect, especially when Tommy goes been waiting for a game that combines
“spirit walking.” While adding to the story, the hard-hitting action of the Doom series
this lackluster mechanic fails to mature with the knowing narrative of Half-Life,
beyond switch flipping and the occasional give this one a whirl. It will not disappoint.
way out of a dead end, drastically

v.playmagazine.c 057
 Namco-Bandai Games Available August29

H ere’s a quick recap of the

Xenosaga series: Episode I
was pretty good, but Episode II
sucked, and it didn’t sell half as many
copies as the first. That should have
spelled death for a series was supposed that must be advanced by the player
to run for six episodes, but somehow every few seconds. These get old fast,
Monolith convinced Bandai-Namco to and the choppy, jargon-filled script and
give them one more game in which to amateurish voice acting certainly don’t
wrap up the series’ many open storylines. help. As in past installments, the major
Given the situation, I expected Episode III characters tend to be reasonably well-
to be a low-budget, half-baked title with acted, but the actors in the smaller roles
lots of recycled content. I could not have embarrass themselves by using ridiculous
been more wrong: Episode III is wholly fake accents or over-enunciating
originally, phenomenally beautiful, and everything. The villains are so over-the-top
easily the best game in the series.
Monolith deserves an enormous
amount of credit for the way they "...the town
responded to criticism of Xenogears II.
Not only have they avoiding making the and dungeon
same mistakes twice, but nearly every
one of the previous installment's flaws
environments are
can now be considered a strength. The among the most
excessive pre- and post-battle loading
times have been reduced to almost beautiful ever to
nothing, yet the battles look as good
as they ever have. And Xenosaga M’s grace the PS2."
slow and complicated battle system
has been a replaced by battles that with their moustache-twirling bwa-ha-ha
are straightforward and notably quick. voices that many reduce their roles to
Monolith even axed the less popular cartoons.
of Xenosaga It's musicians and hired Despite the typical localization flaws,
the better one to compose the entire fans of the series should be pleased by
game (her work is pleasant but rarely how seriously Monolith has taken the
memorable, however, and still a far cry task of ending the series in a satisfying
from Ep. I’s Yasunori Mitsuda soundtrack). way. But if you’re new to the series, or are
While far from ugly, the visuals in Episode merely a casual fan with hazy memories
III blow away those of past installments, of the first two installments, Episode
and the town and dungeon environments III will present some challenges. The
are among the most beautiful ever to game’s writers clearly felt the need to The game’s heroine, Shion, is one of
grace the PlayStation 2. address every extant subplot and bring the best-developed characters in recent
However, Episode III is not without back every character from Episodes memory—it’s refreshing to see a gorgeous
flaws. The standard battles are fun, but l&ll, making for a story that feels bloated and brilliant woman be a little bit bitchy shows, novels and comics are axed at
do grow a bit tiresome as the game and at times incomprehensible. There and self-absorbed, the way an actual the moment their ratings begin to dip, we
goes on, and the E.S. (mech) battles are is an extensive in-game database that human being in her position might be. should be grateful that Bandai-Namco
shallow and overly simple. The few truly provides background on every character, And no knowledge of Xenosaga’s story and Monolith did right by their fans and
strategic systems-like the ability to deal organization, or location that has ever is necessary to appreciate the fantastic gave Xenosaga the send-off it deserves.
damage to a “break” gauge that stuns appeared in the series, but it’s an obscene world-building and technological design
foes when filled—are basically only a amount of information to process, and that have always been one of the series’
factor in boss fights. The cut scenes are you can’t pull it up in the middle of cut greatest strengths. Xenosaga Episode III
also weaker than they have been in past scenes when you’ll need it most. That Like a theatrical production that finally
installments. While there are several well- said, new players who are willing to hits its stride on closing night, it’s a little
directed FMV scenes, many of the game’s forgive the time spent on superfluous bit heartbreaking to see Xenosaga end
intermissions feature no action and are subplots and characters may find a just as everything is coming together. But
composed entirely of dialogue bubbles satisfying story at Episode Ill’s core. In a world where so many narrative TV

058
 reviews

Zatch Bell: Mamodo Fury

Dressed to kill

L ittle demon puppet boy Zatch Bell

has some issues, the least of which
mamodo combinations in extended free-
for-alls set in fairly open and destructive
is his penchant for wearing a dress. environments. Players can control either
Zatch is a target—and a fine one at that— Zatch or or Kiyo in combat, switching
for every other little demon puppet child between the two at will for strategic effect;
(called mamodos) running around loose Zatch can cast spells, and the human Kiyo
on planet Earth. can perform hand-to-hand attacks.
Zatch Bell: Mamodo Fury leaps from What emerges is chaotic fun, but poor¬
the anime show featuring Zatch and his ly balanced chaotic fun. As Kiyo, players
human handler Kiyo. Here, the cel-shaded can knock an enemy’s mamodo-control-
duo is pitted against other human/ ling book to the ground, and recover it,

thus winning a given fight by a (sort of) will need to resort to a mamodo’s spells to
technical knock out. The problem here is win most fights. Here, too, the game gums
that the game’s human foes are almost up the works with one button to cast up to
supernaturally evasive and nimble, and six spells. Holding the button down allows
getting close to them is a lot tougher than for more powerful spells, which means
it should be. With that avenue of attack enemies can get in lots of cheap hits while
more or less rendered ineffectual, players Zatch is bringing out the big guns. 60

Monster House
Great movie; great game

R esident Evil meets Goonies (and

trace amounts of Evil Dead) in
game) and the ambience and art direction
are exceptional. ...And then there’s “Thou
A2M’s wonderfully crafted game Art Dead” the gem of an 8-bit Ghosts ‘n
adaptation of Monster House. I won’t Goblins throwback that A2M designed
even say “as movie games go..." It’s in the game. Now that’s what I call a
that good. Although severely under¬ bonus. Add performances by the movie
publicized, this is a requisite paranormal cast (gotta love Skull’s wisdom) and this
elimination. The game is split up between is pretty much E-rated paradise. Dave
DJ, Chowder, and Jenny who breach old Halverson
man Nebbecracker’s possessed house
with pump-action water blasters and
individual secondary weapons, to find the
heart and give it some serious indigestion.
The gameplay is Luigi’s Mansion (still
one of the best GC games around) meets
Resident Evil (pre-RE4) in nature, only with
more palpable puzzles and items, and
sans annoying foot lockers, typewriters
(bathroom breaks double as auto-save
points—don’t forget to flush) and cheesy
loading screens, along with a nice lock-on
feature and, dare I say...better ambience
and gameplay. The living house harkens
back to Evil Dead (the movie, not the

°59
feature

Made Who?

Now, Miziguchi leans over a newhere in San Francisco, st

only one, very talented game designer to spe recorder that doesn't appear tc ng. He looks at it quizzically,
I games’ oddest game peripheral ever: the Trance Vibrator, assured that it’s working. He’s rromote Lumines II and Every
Tetsuya Mizugruchi, dressed in a comfortable and stylish wf . button- puzzle games for the PSP. And ainly a good enough sport to
with a flower pattr he was at a club in Japan and iale fan who loved the game I
Vibrator was the: brainchild
b lult toy manufacturers. It was a device very odd peripheral it inspired
i the PlaySt 12 version of Rez, Mizuguchi’s rhythm-
shooter.
igan his career at Sega, working on titles such as Sega Rally Champion-
nentioned Rez, and Space Channel 5. After 13 years at Sega, Miziguchi
er to form his own game company, Q Entertainment. Since leaving Sega,
in busy producing games for the Nintendo DS (Meteos), the PSP (Lu-
mines), i Xbox 360 (Ninety-Nine Nights).

Every Extend Extra

MJICKED

'"gxiexig
tasBias

si:ai^ss
highsore
quicked: Jassiss
score » :
lsnags

Imaxchoin

naxtaxtend
8SHS1-1-S
 fn ■
. vi.:?*

Lumines II
"The stakes are getting huge. We
can make anything in the future"

play: Every Extend

the game? music in games-sort of relating to syn- can I make some

Tetsuya Mizuguchi: Originally, Every Ex- esthesia [a rare neurological condition in experience that (
tend has a very strong game design expe- which two senses are combined; people strong image of:
rience. It's very simple, but very addictive. with synesthesia may perceive music and
This game has a very good rhythm. I think sounds as colors or shapes]. That was the
most of the game involves a core re- basic idea for Rez, but I had to wait for thi
sponse to the rhythm. If you do something next generation of technology, the PS2 Rez concept,
[in the game], you get a reaction from and Dreamcast era to make the game, happened.
the speakers and the screen. When you Technology is very important for us.
play the game, you don’t care about the There’s no limit. New technology will help
musical element at all, but you can get the us make a more realistic experience,
sounds and the visual. I think this trans¬ Mizuguchi: Ninety-
lates to a very good feeling. You mentioned Rez. Can you tell us tempt to integrate i
about how that game inspired the cre- elements. What is 1 thought t
You seem drawn to puzzle-rhythm ation of the Trance Vibrator? mention
games. Miziguchi: [The Vibrator] was kind of a
Mizuguchi: I was very influenced by music joke at first. screen. A game, however, is
videos In this culture. When I watched I had a very strong concept of synesthesi: We wanted to give players tl
the first music videos from MTV, I was so as it pertained to the artist [Wassily] Kan- to not only see one side of tl
surprised. This was a new kind of expres- dinsky. He was a painter who lived 100 play through both sides of tt
sion, a new art. years. He painted, he listened to jazz, and Everybody has a reason, soi
When I got into this industry in 1990, there he could hear and smell colors, I watch the news. Every cou
was such poor game technology. There When I had the concept of Rez at first, I own point-of-view and serie
were 2D graphics, and beep sounds, but went to Switzerland in 1994.1 saw a big But if you watch everything,
understand what’s haDDenir
 .jnob/fe
System(s) PSP Publisher Konaml Available
Developer | Hudson Soft Onlme/Multi Yes ESRB Rating

foigoku II
The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N • words Heather Campbell

■■■lore's a kind of villain in anime who stop fighting.

I rambles on and on about how, “War Rengoku II has slick level art and fancy
■ is man’s destiny.” You know the guy; robot models. The music and interface say
he’s usually got an arm made of technology, expensive production design. But the game
a head full of blazing white hair, and he sits itself is an uneven mix of novelty and tedium.
on a throne in some deserted palace, over¬ Like Rengoku, Rengoku ll's main appeal is
come with ennui. He says stuff like, “Fight¬ the customizable robot champion; picking
ing is our fate,” or “Why do humans feel the up pieces of other robots and adding them
need to kill each other?” He’ll cap it off with to your body is the only way to advance
a pretentious reference to Sartre or Milton, through the game. There’s something quite
and then demand that the hero dies. glorious about creating a robot with two
He’s like the bad guy in Casshern, or the sword arms and a gun for a head.
monologist at the end of Escaflowne — you In fact, the perverse joy of seeing a man
know villain I’m talking about, right? made out of magnums is your only incentive
I think that guy wrote Rengoku II: The to continue the heavily repetitive combat.
Stairway to H.EAV.EN. Rooms are simply complicated boxes, with
The sequel to the dungeon-crawling, pillars placed in odd positions to encourage
RPG-fight-fest Rengoku: The Tower of Pur¬ strafing. Crates are stacked up to the ceil¬
gatory (a PSP launch game with an equally ing, deposited by some unknown benefactor,
pompous title), Rengoku II picks up the full of energy or ammo.
story about the ADAM. series autonomous Still, it seems like Hudson soft was aw¬
combat robots who are still locked in battle, fully proud of their layout; they sure make
fighting each other to the death after man¬ you take notice as you backtrack four or five
kind did away with war. times per level to equip new items to your
Our robot hero fights his way through an A.D.A.M.
eight-level tower of warfare machines. Upon There is of course, the multiplayer online
defeating his enemies and collecting their mode, where you pit your ADAM, against
weapons, he can upgrade his attributes until up to four friends. Rare is the player, howev¬
he is nearly unbeatable. er, who knows four other people with PSPs.
Along the way, this AD.A.M. robot will The whole game seems like an exercise in
undergo a fair amount of self-examination, monotony; a battle-tech demo with refresh¬
stopping to ponder about the meaning of ing character design. Then again, man isn’t
envy, or the peculiarities of nostalgia, when forced to fight - his destiny is war. If that’s
he assaults the level boss. Remember, the case, shouldn’t we be enjoying ourselves
though the game has character designs a little bit more?
by Jun Suemi, and music by Kwong Wing
Chan, it was written by that anime villain.

I
There is no death in Rengoku II, there is Rengoku II: The Stairway to
only setback. If the protagonist is defeated,
he falls through the floor and is forced to
H.E.A.V.E.N. flS*S|
assault the level again. This reinforces the I can't say it enough. The character design is really cool.
helpless feeling that pervades the game,
Who wants to play in a future so dreary and repetitive?
and the story. Death is no release. There’s
And where are those crates coming from!?
no real way to lose the game, and no way to

062
Tekken: Dark Resurrection
Namco resurrects Tekken on PSP with astonishing results

"In so many words, one thing, every character is immediately

it feels like the PSP's available from the start - even Devil Jin,
■■■ekken: Dark Resurrection is probably DR has upon first play is profound: Nobody who Tekken 5 players will remember being,
I the highest-budget handheld game can deny this is the best-looking PSP game killer app." excusez mon frangais, a bitch to unlock.
I of all time. It is polished, utterly yet, a true indicator of what the hardware While this is, of course, a true representation
seamless, and fairly aromatic with the heady is capable of given appropriate time and of Dark Resurrection in the arcade, from a
scent of what the Japanese call kanseido: resources. 5 on PS2, that’s what you’re getting on Tekken home version series standpoint it’s
Literally “completion”, a term referring to Yeah, before anyone cries foul, it’s a port. PSP (with, of course, the added bells and a bit anticlimactic. The anemic minigame
the overall maturity of a product. In so many On a platform plagued by them. But T:DR whistles in the form of new characters Lili offering — Tekken Bowl, resurrected from
words, it feels like the PSP’s killer app. is a port down (from Namco’s System 256 and Dragunov, revival character Armor King, Tekken Tag Tournament - is a far cry from
Financially, however, I know it will arcade board, essentially a beefed-up PS2), retextured stages, tons of new character the Tekken Force and Devil Within modes of
not be. In a perfect world, perhaps...but and the magic of ports pointing southward customizations, and rejiggered balance). Are recent home versions and does little to help.
Tekken is too long-standing a series, with from more robust hardware means texture resolutions reduced? Are models If you’ve got another friend with a PSP
a sharp dividing line between those who developers forced to shoot for something simplified? Sure they are. But on the PSP’s handy, however (even if they don't own
dig its nutty brushed-steel aesthetic, and higher than they might have with an original small screen, in the heat of 60fps battle, it’s a copy of the game - T:DR supports
those who simply don’t. Something of a product. Gaming history is replete with not something you’ll ever notice - every gamesharing for versus mode, albeit with
shame, perhaps, as Dark Resurrection is such examples: Street Fighter II on SNES, last bit of the arcade stage architecture is very lengthy load times and no selection
quite possibly the most impressive Tekken Virtua Fighter 2 on Saturn, Resident Evil here, and the characters’ flowing rococo of stage background) it’s time to rock out,
product ever released. 4 on PlayStation 2. All would have been costumes are just as flamboyant as in baby. This is where T:DR comes into its own
Where to begin? Compared with the inconceivable without the prior watermark the arcades. To use a series analogy, the as a fully-fledged entertainment product:
average PSP game, Dark Resurrection is set by the original. dumbing-down is far less apparent than, If you have another human being to duel
like a hallucinatory dream. It’s like it came With that said, nothing I’ve seen on PSP say, Tekken 3 on PSone. I hope I’ve made with, Dark Resurrection facilitates the mad,
from another planet, where the PSPs are to date gave me any clue that such a faithful myself clear: T:DS is unnaturally beautiful. To precision beatdowns, with virtually no wi-fi
made out of gold and platinum. I don’t want port of Tekken: Dark Resurrection would be playing a handheld game that looks this hiccups. Admittedly, true online play would
to sound ridiculous, but the sheer impact T: be possible. If you’re familiar with Tekken good almost seems like science fiction. have been a huge asset, but realistically
What about the game itself? Well...what speaking, this is a game that lives and
can you say, really? It’s Tekken, and Tekken dies in increments of 1/60th of a second.
means formulaically excellent. Returned to Any internet play would be necessarily
pre-4 roots at the behest of fans around the be crippled. For one-on-one, human
globe, wonky multi-level stages banished, interaction, however, it’s unbeatable. I can
you’re essentially going to be playing the say with complete confidence that Tekken:
same game you were almost ten years Dark Resurrection is the best handheld
ago. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, goeth fighting game ever made. The lengthy
the old adage, and T:DR’s gameplay is loading times so commonly associated with
most certainly not broken. I do, however, the PSP aren’t an issue, either; loading in
take minor issue with the way it’s been and out of battle is a matter of seconds,
presented on PSP. I’ll tell it to you straight: hardly perceptible.
You’re gonna need buddies. Namco has It’s quite simple: If you love Tekken...
done their best to make the game a fulfilling heck, even like Tekken, this is a portable
one-player experience...but how thrilling can experience you need to have. You’ll find
a versus fighting game really be alone? It’s yourself in awe of your PSP again. It feels
like trying to play chess with yourself. Sure, like the system is finally coming into its own,
there are myriad ways to fight the CPU, all inching ever closer to blossoming into Ken
delivering the reward of money with which Kutaragi’s much-touted “most beautiful
you can buy costume add-ons or unlock the thing in the world”. Whereas the DS with
luscious pre-rendered ending sequences its comparatively low development costs is
for each character, but it gets old fast. allowing for a massive “un-game” boom, the
Thankfully there is the Dojo mode, in which PSP is playing it safe, sticking to traditional,
you fight “ghosts” of other, real players established game types, and Tekken: Dark
— both preset, and downloadable with Resurrection is immediately at the lead of
a net connection. This is perhaps T:DR’s the pack. If you’re looking for a game that
most interesting feature: The ability to fight truly lives up to the PSP’s promise, this is it.
against computer-analyzed simulacrums of
real Tekkenistas, rather than pre-determined,
fallible, branch-based CPU algorithms. Tekken: Dark Resurrection
And yet for all of Namco’s innovation, T:
DR remains a somewhat empty one-player
experience, lacking any true goal. For
| impossibly beautiful visuals, diamond-sharp Tekken
gameplay
True online play would have been a big plus
play mobile

Systemfs) PSP Publisher Majesco

Developer Arc System Works Online/Multi Yes

Guilty Gear Judgement

Break out the devil horns, GG is back...

words Dave Halverson

A pparently, Heaven and Hell can’t

get enough of each other as
bursts, and overdrive attacks coupled
with traditional arcade action gameplay
yet another iteration of Guilty is surprisingly appealing on a portable
Gear is on its way to hand-made game system, especially when you can play
connoisseurs everywhere. Had your fill wireless co-op and watch the screen fill
you say? I couldn’t agree more, which is up like an old Neo Geo game on ‘raids.
why I’m so happy that Arc System Works And for you fighting fans out there, GG
finally took the game-well, a major chunk X2 Reload isn’t exactly worm bait. 23
of it anyway—into previously unexplored characters (including Robo-Ky, Justice,
territory...and not some ass-wipe puzzle and Cliff) and six modes will keep you busy
gumball drop. Guilty Gear Judgment is until hell freezes.
a Golden Axe-style arcade action game It’s strange—very strange—that
bathed in hand-painted backgrounds, hell Majesco has had such a bad run. How
monsters, and, as the stories progress does one release BloodRayne, Phantom
(each character you meet becomes Dust, Guilty Gear, Aeon Flux, and
playable, up to 21) rideable beasts and Psychonauts, and fail? Was Advent Rising
hellacious bosses. Judgment even has a that costly? Here’s a small publisher
jump button. Admitedly, I’ve just described that has made mostly good moves
what most would consider a relic of (sans shoving a lamppost up their best
gaming past but we’d have crapped franchise’s arse by handing it over to Uwe " Guilty Gear Judgment is
ourselves if this came out in the early “the brand killer” Boll, and passing on one a Golden Axe-style arcade
‘90s. The combination of fighting game of the best producers in the industry to
accoutrements such as combos, psych fix BloodRayne 2 and Advent) yet, they’ve action game..."
sank into the depths of obscurity. With
any luck GGJ will see decent enough
distribution to leave a mark on the PSP
even if it is just a tiny 666.

Guilty Gear Judgment [ijErX

| Heaven could use a good kick in the ass, and this isa
suitable courier
Judgment would be even cooler with throws. Now
"Let's Rock!"
Gaming in motion play

System(s) Nintendo DS

Mega Man

" ...ZX is easily the best

looking game in the

Mega Man ZX
m
B ling hand drawn 2D.
't changed much. OK by me_

v.playmagazine.c 065
 play

| Loco Roco ■ 1
System
Developer
PSP
SCEJ
Online/Multi
Available ! Sept. 5
_
Publisher SCEA ESRB Rating
Ifl
L ocoRoco makes me happy. In fact, it almost makes me
OD on happy. If they gave this game to depressed people
are mean Mojas to even things out. The controls couldn't be
simpler—anyone can play—yet the level design offers paths
Xanax would be over the counter. Normally, bouncing, for both the casual and skilled gamer alike. Finding all 20
assimilating, tilting and defending tiny amoebas on blubbery LocoRocos and 3 Mui Mui pals on each level poses a formidable
backgrounds would rank somewhere in my "I'll play that when gelatinous challenge. And it's all for a good cause: to populate
I'm dead"file, but Kaouno-san has managed to make the your Loco house, adding more LocoRocos, platforms, gears, and
mundane entertain through a mesmerizing jumble of shapes,
color and especially sound. As captivating as LocoRoco is,® regain world peace.
the audio that really captures my imagination. Every time Sony finally has its Nintendogs, and Kirby, I think, a
the LocoRocos pile on each other and sing I have to turn on possible mate. Dave Halverson
American Chopper just to regain my manhood. Luckily there

066
 imited Print Edition

Order Now |
Girls of Animevol. 1
Print Edition

Only available at:

www.playmagazine.com

Coming this September to bookstores and

specialty retail locations

Download Now!
FEATUR
Motoko Kusari,

Girls of Animevol. 1 Queen Emerali

Princess Al
Grenadier
Burst Angel
Tenjho Tenge
Seras Victoria
Lady Death

Faye Valentine
-Mezzo TV
Azumanga Daio
NeoRanga
Not available in the print edition
And many more.
 ALIEIMWAREf ^

. .the only persistent state

world game that allows you to
become the supreme ruler of
an entire server..."

Race and Class in the world of Chantra

words Mike Griffin

A s ArchLord approaches its

projected October release, we
thousands of quest paths through 100
levels of new abilities, spells and other
decided it was time to take another reliable RPG character development
look at the only persistent state world traditions. Gulp down potions to replenish
game that allows you to become the stats or to temporarily mutate into a
supreme ruler of an entire server, voted monster, gaining its abilities and the
into power fairly and democratically by confidence of its kin. Though each class is
fellow players. Developed by Korean online designed with solo viability in mind, you’ll
giant NHN, ArchLord’s western operations want to form hunting parties with other
will be managed by Codemasters. If you’re players to challenge Chantra’s deepest
somewhat familiar with the game already, catacombs.
we’ve also secured exclusive first info Better still, sign-up with a guild to
and images (see next page) detailing the experience ArchLord’s top-end gameplay
stuff everyone really wants to know about: and seize control of castles by defeating
the powers and domain of the ArchLord. the toughest NPC foes. In addition
For everybody else: a summary of this to owning a nice base of operations,
multifaceted MMO is requisite. Guilds that possess castles will control
ArchLord exists in the fantasy world the tax rate on every shop and auction
of Chantra, scored magnificently by the house in the area. And if diplomacy can’t
London Symphony Orchestra and drawn resolve disputes between guilds over the
by a Renderware engine modified to economy, castle siege engines will carry
handle huge fantasy landscapes and tons the discontent forward in a ball of fire.
of roaming critters ripe for termination. One player will sit atop Chantra’s well-
As Human, Ore or Moon Elf and one earned hierarchy for twenty one days each
of eight classes, you can traverse the month...one player with the power to calm
world—preferably astride each race’s any crisis.
customizable mounts—and follow

068
The ArchLord
 Developer Petroglyph Publisher LucasArts
Star Wars Empire at War Gnline/Multi 8p conquest Available October

Forces of Corruption
words Mike Griffin

T here’s a new criminal genius rising

to prominence in the Underworld of
must be conquered.
Taking place during The Empire Strikes
the Star Wars mythos and his name Back and Return of the Jedi timelines,
is Tyber Zann. The protagonist of Forces Forces of Corruption details the galaxy’s
of Corruption, the upcoming expansion to wartime vulnerability to Underworld
Star Wars Empire at War, is immediately influence. Your first experience with Tyber to expand his space fleet and ground
likable and perfectly despicable—in effect, Zann will be his escape from the prison forces. With access to the black mark
the prototypical SW villain. Using Tyber’s mines of Kessel, where a little bribery and and stolen Rebel and Imperial technolc
powers of corruption, you’ll bribe and corruption goes a long way. Han Solo like cloaking devices, B-Wings, Plasmt
poison all factions that stand in the way and Chewbacca are parked outside in Tanks and lovely Destroyer Droids, it w
of the ultimate prize: the new Super Star the Millennium Falcon, happy to accept be long before you can go toe-to-toe
Destroyer “Eclipse”. It packs a laser with a few extra credits for a quick get away. powerful enemy armadas in epic space
the punch of a Death Star. Nobody will From there you’ll stake out a small base
stand in TZ’s way if he can commandeer of operations using FoC’s clean and With Forces of Corruption, LucasArts
that bird, and he will guarantee much profit streamlined interface. Launching Saboteur also responds to a wishlist of player
and debauchery to all who join his ranks. units to slowly corrupt, bribe and extort requests, including garrison functionali y
Before sipping from that glass, however, other planets will bring in a stream of for infantry units, orbital space-to-land
a galactic map built for real-time strategy income (and recruits) which Tyber will use blasts from capital ships, a deeper
storyline and more ultra-powerful Force-
. .access to the black market and stolen using heroes to command or slay. In fact,
we killed Luke Skywalker within the first
Rebel and Imperial technology like cloaking few hours of gameplay. Somebody hat to
teach the kid a lesson.
devices..."

Developer MostWanted Entertainment Publisher

Joint Task Force Online/Multi Campaign co-op, 1-8p DM/Domination/CTF Available

V ivendi’s Joint Task Force is shaping

up to be a modern war fanatic’s
ideal RTS, with dozens of real world
locations and missions ripped from the
headlines. Tempering its intense military
exchanges and fantastic Ageia-powered
explosions (no pre-scripted demolition
reels here), JTF also has a contemporary
conscience designed to keep your trigger
finger in check.
The main American and Russian hero
characters will stay with you during the
entire game, leveling up skills and load-
outs as they progress. You’ll encounter
tank, sniper and pilot heroes, each
excelling according to their specialty. Hero
units can confiscate and drive vehicles
originating from several officially licensed
military suppliers, including Lockheed

. .most of the danger zones you drop into.. .are heavily populated
with bad guys to make an example out of on live TV"
"... strong gameplay
variations: stuff like
shoot-outs, duels,
bar room brawls and
horseback pursuits."
 Defcon f ■ ''7*3

atmosphere captures this unnerving vibe, same, playing cat and mouse with hidden
as cavernous ambient music plays and subs, carriers and spy planes. The game’s
the deep rumble of nuclear detonations Defcon system fuels this tension. As
reverberates overhead—each general the five Defcon levels slip away during r
tucked away in his bunker, detached from session, players begin with the initial un t
the ongoing annihilation. Of course that and radar deployments, followed by naval
doesn’t mean you can’t give the other and airborne combat, and on to more
happy nukers a call and ask how the aggressive actions before finally hitting
family is. Defcon 1: nukes are ready for launch.
Defcon has built-in chat, both public After this devastating phase, the final
and private, and this functionality is all few surviving units will attempt to nail the
about talking strategy, building alliances, enemy capital and secure final victory.
casting aspersions and ultimately causing A thinking man’s competitive game with
more civilian mega-death. Atypical a dark premise and rich tactics, Defcon
multiplayer game runs 30 to 40 minutes, will be unlike any other release this year
during which time a number of alliances and should arrive at a fetching price.
may form and shatter. Treacherous dogs Kilotons of bang for the buck.
may turn on you when you’re most
vulnerable, or you may decide to do the

072
 In this month's Ask Alienware we explore
new inquiries about Windows Vista and Alienware: Current generation graphics Alienware: Designed to be highly intuitive,
DirectX 10, poke some holes in hardware cards do not offer Direct X 10, so it will the new premium Windows Vista interface
firewalls and discuss high-definition disc take some time for the install base of is more lifelike and visually appealing
drives for the PC. DX10 graphics cards to grow among than its predecessors. The Aero interface
consumers. Since game developers includes features like:
understand this, next-generation games
will be compatible with both DX 9 and • Translucent windows
DX 10. However, all of the graphics • A 3D perspective
detail for DX 10 optimized games will • Rich texture
not be apparent on a DX 9 graphics • Advanced color mixes
card. If you are looking for the best • Cool animations
gaming experience possible, an upgraded
Bfu-rai/O/sc graphics cards is the way to go Oust make Systems without the required graphics
sure it is DX 10 compatible). A quick driver or enough system memory will not
Q. Does Alienware intend to offer search for DX 10 enabled games shows be able to run the new premium visual
system packages that include a Blu-ray that Crysis (developed by Crytek) will be experience. However, they can still run
or HD-DVD drive, and as a company, one of the first DX 10 games. Windows Vista if they meet the minimum
are you choosing to back one format system requirements. These systems will
Alienware: Protecting your system from Nugget of information: DX10 utilizes an deliver a Basic Windows Vista experience
more predominantly than the other?
critical errors due to malicious viruses updated version of Direct3D that alleviates that is similar to the look and feel of
Also: what kind of CPU and graphics do
is a hot topic issue. The key thing to the workload from the processor and Windows XP.
you recommend for a PC system with a
remember is: more protection is better moves it to the graphics card.
high-def optical drive? Chris, Edmonton
than less. There are routers that provide Alienware recommends getting a
AB.
firewall functionality; however, anytime system that supports the Vista premium
you remove functionality (hardware or experience in order to take full advantage
software) you are taking a risk. The of all the features of Windows Vista.
good news is that you can optimize
both hardware and software firewalls
Aj Windows Vista"
to match how you use your bandwidth.
For example: if you trust the servers Q. I hear that Windows Vista will require
you are playing on, you can set up your a certain minimum video card spec to
firewall (through exceptions) to allow run correctly. Why would an operating
the full transfer of data from that server, system need 3D acceleration and
Alienware: Alienware will always offer maintaining a smooth connection. shaders to function, and what kind of
its customers cutting edge technology OS features actually use the higher
at the time they become available, and graphical requirements? Andrew,
it does plan to offer its customers Blu- Q. I’m looking for some information
Parker CO.
ray drives. At this moment the industry about DirectX 10.1 plan to purchase
seems to favor Blu-ray drives over its Vista as soon as it’s available and
HD-DVD cousin, and in the next coming I’d like to know how soon I should
months as both formats rally for market consider upgrading to a DX10 video
share, you should see price competitions card. I guess my question is: do you "...all of the graphics
between the two. Alienware favors the think the first-generation Vista games
Core 2 Extreme CPU and the HDCP will really leverage the power of DX10, detail for DX 10
compliant NVIDIA 7950 GX2 graphics or will my high-end DX9 card be
card as great choices to pair with a high- capable of drawing all the key effects? optimized games will
definition optical drive. Rich, Newport VT.
not be apparent on a
DX 9 graphics card."
Q. My friend swears by his Linksys router
for security. He says it’s a “hardware
firewall” and therefore he doesn’t need to
use any software firewall solutions at all.
Is this safe practice? I’d be happy to turn
off Windows Firewall and Zone Alarm, as
I hear they can slow down gameplay in
online games. Carl, Detroit Ml.

www.playmagazine.com °73
 ¥7 >

Toy Show
Report

Bandai displayed a groovy retro-tastic mockup Ultra badass FFVII Cloud and Sephiroth stat¬ Mad respect for the Chogokin of yesteryear. An advertisement for the upcoming Animdl
of the Red Ranger from the first Super Sentai ues from Kotobukiya and Square Enix. Every Super Sentai giant robot, 1980 to pres- Forest (Animal Crossing) theatrical animated
show, 1975's Goranger.
"Three major trends were identifiable this year:
Robots/iyashi-kei; or'healing'toys, and finally
'brain-training'-style toys..."

v.playmagE °75
 japan

System(s) GameBoy Advance

Generations
words DaiKohama

■ intendo's new line of"bit

■ Generations"gamesforthe "These games radiate
■ GameBoy Advance may be
U said to be the antithesis of all
a confident beauty
that gaming is in 2006. After that stems from their
absorbing the complete lineup, each game
costing only ¥2000 (about $17)-- Dotstream, utter simplicity."
Boundish, Dialhex, Coloris, Orbital, Digidrive,
Soundvoyager - I've had to completely
rethink what having fun with a video game
really means."Are we meant to watch games, one is reminded of Hal 9000's lament:"! can
or play them?" is the question bit Generations feel my mind going."Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Rez
posits, and the answer, this being Nintendo, of may have provided a similar experience, but
course, is "play". was decidedly more visual than mental. As
More detailed looks at each game in the great as Rez was, it really didn't have a lot of
series will follow below, but this review will gameplay going for it, and bit Generations
attempt to cover the accumulative experience achieves the same trance-like results not
bit Generations provides. Each game shares through a bombastic display of pyrotechnics,
a common through line: All strip away but through decidedly more nefarious means:
everything nonessential to gameplay (other Manipulation of your brain via the stimulus of
than the music, which is generally quite rich, pure gameplay.
providing a sharp constraint to the minimalist Despite pre-release interest from hipster
visuals) allowing for a profound audiovisual circles, bit Generations hasn't made a very
experience that might be most favorably big splash in Japan. The concept of pure
compared to hypnosis, or hallucination. games for games'sake may simply be too far
It may sound simultaneously grand and removed from the modern milieu for most
ridiculous...but that's probably just because people, though everyone I've shown the
you haven't played bit Generations yet. These series to has rushed out and bought at least
games radiate a confident beauty that stems a few. They're only ¥2000 each...you really
from their utter simplicity - Nintendo has can't go wrong. If you're a gamer always on
consciously removed anything that could the lookout for something new, know this:
serve as a crutch. There are no stories, no What's old is new again, bit Generations is as
polygons, no special effects...hell, there aren't timeless, and as authentic, as any interactive
even any characters. The experience is 100% entertainment experience I've ever had.
gameplay, and in this day and age it feels
almost disturbingly fresh, even though my
conscious mind tells me most of these games
could be pulled of on the Atari 2600. bit Generations
But that's just it; bit Generations asks you
to check your conscious mind at the door.
This is interactive entertainment stripped of
id and ego. As the games escalate into ever¬
| Brilliantly questions, "what makes video games fun?"
-then answers.
more mesmerizing patterns of color, light,
and sound (pulsing techno rhythms courtesy
of some of Japan's top electronica artists), 1 Virtually impossibly to put down once you get in a
groove.
 BOUNDISH

©
Boundish is a Pong-like game so simple you don't even
need to read the instructions. Who knew the addition
of a few simple gimmicks and oddly-shaped courts
could make hitting a ball back and forth so addictive?

Arguably the most difficult game in the series, The second-most original game in the lineup. Orbital
Digidrive is a pared-down "traffic simulation" that demands that you take control of the opposing
asks the player to guide five different shapes along forces of gravity and antigravity to surround your
four roads, and line them up accordingly. Requiring (not directly controllable) planet with satellites, and
split-second reflexes, Digidrive is not for the easily eventually guide it to the goal.
distracted.

v.playmagazine.c 077
 japan

System(s) PSP Publisher Falcom Now (Japan)

Gurumin, on PSP, is their first self-published

console game in eleven years. You wanna
know a secret? Falcom hasn't gone anywhere,
really.They've continued to make dozens of
adventures over the last decade in all their
major series, albeit exclusively for Japanese
PCs. Most have been great. Gurumin was
released in December, 2004, and it was
better than great. It was also their first non¬
franchise game in years, and their first fully
3-D game ever. Falcom saw fit to make a port
of this game to PSP their console publishing
comeback, and to this I can only say "bravo".
I had missed Falcom a lot, and Gurumin
reminded me why. The feel, design, aesthetic
and concept of Gurumin could come straight

from 1993. Before anyone balks, this is a are off excavating a newly-discovered anci ?nt
beautiful thing. Remember the true gaming ruin.The little, industrious town is populat id
adventures of yesteryear, the kind they by a number of interesting characters, but no
pretty much stopped making after Grandia? children Parin's age. She is surprised one d ly
Remember the innocence? The kindness, to find what appears to be a young girl, Pir o,
dare I say it?That's what Gurumin is. It's like being menaced by a stray dog. After saving
Falcom has been operating in a vacuum this Pino from the canine threat with a well-tirr ed
last decade; everything except the cel-shaded "Super Super Pretty Missile Kick" Parin lear is
polygonal graphics hearken back to that time the girl's secret: She is a ghost, unable to b :
not so long ago when Japanese action RPGs seen by adults. Pino invites Parin back to tl e
were simpler, and perhaps purer. Ghost Flome, a parallel world entered via a
Gurumin's story is charmingly retro: Young crack in the alley behind Pino's home. Therl
girl Parin has been sent away to a remote she meets Pino's brother Puku, as well an [
mining town called Teace to live with her entire host of friendly, colorful (both literally
grandfather while her archaeologist parents and figuratively) ghosts.

© 2004-2006 Nihon Falcom Corporation. All Rights Rese

078
 t ! would, of course, choose just such
ent for the bad ghosts, known as the
a surprising amount of control over her
Legendary Drill, with multiple combos, Story
Phantoms, to arrive and spirit away almost of Thor-style fighting game-esque special
all of Parin's spectral friends for an unknown attacks, and elemental powerups gained as
purpose their enigmatic leader, the Phantom the story progresses. The game is somewhat
Prince, seems to suggest has something to short, at around 15 hours or so, comparing
do \j/ith Parin. Only little Pino manages to favorably with the Ys series, though perhaps
evade the ghostnapping, and reveals to Parin a little short for some tastes. Thankfully
another secret; Beneath the Ghost Flome lies Gurumin does offer a lot of replayability; it
the prill of Legend, a weapon used by another fairly bursts with optional quests, minigames,
human visitor to save the ghosts long before. and side encounters, there are two endings,
Pariji knows what she must do:Take drill in Parin's moves and equipment upgrades can
hand and journey out into the greater Ghost be carried over into a new game, and there
World to save her new friends. are multiple hidden modes, costumes, and
A fairly inconsequential story (again, very even an entirely different playable character
old-school), but one perfectly suited to setting unlockable.
up Gurumin's delightfully yesterday gameplay. Gurumin's enchanting throwback
Put very simply, Gurumin is Ys, tossed around gameplay is effortlessly grafted onto a lean,
with a bit of Ocarina of Time and Mario 64 attractive modern 3-D engine...surprising,
for good measure. The structure is very given Falcom's lack of experience in the area.
familiar: Upon leaving the Ghost Flome, Parin Models are tight, textures attractive and
arrives on a giant world map peppered with pyrotechnic effects abundant. It may have
wonderfully designed dungeons playable been only mildly impressive on PC, but on
in nonlinear order, full of traps, puzzles and PSP Gurumin immediately becomes one of
traditional Falcom giant boss encounters. the better-looking games the system has to
To combat the evil Phantoms Parin has offer. And then there's the music. I don't think
even Square can match Falcom's anonymous
Sound Team JDK (without question the most
prolific game soundtrack"artist"of all time)
"Gurumin's enchanting for consistency of quality over the years; their
trademark sugar-coated pop sound fairly
throwback gameplay is screams "VIDEO GAME" in a particular, synth-
heavy way that no other company has dared
effortlessly grafted onto to flirt with since the 90s. In many ways the
a lean, attractive modern soundtrack is just as hermetically sealed as the
gameplay, like a time capsule from a long-lost
3-D engine." PC Engine CD game. It is magnificent in a way

v.playmagazine.c 079
 japan

Smile of the Goddess DS The A-Ha! Experience

Ertain wants to teach the world to laugh The most giddily frustrating game of all time

Nintendo DS
Developer Ertain

^^oke and Tsukkomi are the two essential

halves of traditional Japanese two-man
Manzai comedy teams, essentially equa-
table to the "funny man"and "straight man" of
Western Abbott and Costello-style standup.
How shocked I was to learn the concept was
no longer mainstream in Western comedy.
The conversation with Nick went something
like this:
"If there's no Boke and Tsukkomi, how do
you do Manzai?"
"Dude! There is no Manzai in America!"
That's Boke/Tsukkomi comedy in a nutshell. fully-voiced Manzai routines, and you have
S ega'sThe A-Ha! Experience is perhaps
most fun when you first introduce it to
altered between the two photos can often
take upwards of 30 tries. When you finally
One guy makes dumb mistakes, the other cor¬ to determine the correct Tsukkomi responses a friend. Cries of "No way, dude!" and do figure it out, that's the "A-Ha! Experience"
rects him, often with a well-timed blow to the to proceed. You don't just select them, how¬ "That's impossible!"are sure to abound...and -- a peak moment of perception, according
head. It may seem to make for simple comedy, ever; each is determined by a lightning-quick that's exactly what the creator of the game, to Prof. Mogi. There you go. That's the er
but in Japan the style is regarded as an art- minigame that doesn't spoil the flow of the Professor Kenichiro Mogi, of Sony Computer game. No amount of description can bri
form, and it's almost surprising Manzai had routine. Obviously Smile of the Goddess will Science Laboratory, wants. You see, A-Ha! point home of how simultaneously frustrating
never been made into a game before Smile be impenetrable for non-Japanese speakers, is a game that plays with humans' powers and rewarding A-Ha! is...you really do havat
of the Goddess. The story is absurd: You take but for those who can hang with the language of perception. You're shown a single image discover it for yourself. I guarantee your first
control of a rookie Manzai team, Tsukkomi Ikki it's a light, original romp. Dai Kohama which gradually changes over the course of "A-Ha!" moment will make you an addict.
Banjo and Boke Chitose Makimura, who are 20 seconds (see screenshots for an example).
on a mission to seal away nasty demons via MegaminoEtsubo DS You then have to determine what, exactly,
the power of comedy. Whatever, dude. What changed. Sounds like the simplest game ever,
(Smile of the Goddess DS) A-Ha! Taiken (The A-Ha!
I care about is the actual gameplay, and it's right?Thinkagain.The human mind is infa¬
pretty interesting. Ikki and Chitose perform mously poor at catching changes that happen Experience)
© ERTAIN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
gradually, and finding exactly what's been ©SEGA, 2006

My Summer Vacation Portable

Totoro-like Japanese childhood nostalgia
Together Anywhere: Let's School!

Y our morning begins with a trip to the could re-live the best moments of your child¬
town square, where you perform calis¬
thenics in time with the government's
radio announcements. Upon returning home,
hood, perfectly idyllic, pastoral, and viewed
through the most rosy of lenses. That's what
this game offers, and in spades. Ultimately
S ony's line of Together Anywhere games
used to be so popular, their trademark
in ways you never imagined, forming new
slang and hitherto-unimagined uses for sil
you might water the morning glories, eat a there is no real goal, similar to Nintendo's Ani¬ Pocket People characters once even words you patiently explained to them. It’s
breakfast of rice and fish, then proceed to do mal Crossing, though eventually the vacation made regular appearances on Fuji TV's news all very Monty Python - for instance, my st
your homework. With that out of the way the does come to an end. My Summer Vacation is programs. Such days may be long gone, but dents fell in love with the words"Gorgonzt la"
rest of the day is yours, to play with friends, all about the experience, and I wholeheartedly the sheer quality of the long-awaited series and "Moe Anime", for some reason. A
catch bugs, fish, or just plain go exploring... recommend it to any Japanophiles out there reboot, Together Anywhere: Let's School! just game impossible to play without knowledge
until the sunset cicadas in the trees start to curious about how your Nihon]in peers whiled might bring them back. The central conceit of Japanese, but a delightfully surreal and
call, and it's time to come home once again for away their childhoods. Dai Kohama of this new installment is simple: You play as original one. Dai Kohama
a good night's rest. Sound familiar? Probably the unseen teacher in a school full of familiar
not, unless you grew up in Japan during the Pocket People like cat mascot Toro and gay
70s or 80s. This was exactly what my summer dog Pierre, and teach them words. That's Dokodemolssho: Let's
Bokuno Natsuyasumi Por¬
vacations were like, and Sony's My Summer right...you teach them words. The simple joy Gakkou! (Together Any¬
Vacation Portable is a wonderfully nostalgic table (My Summer Vacation this game offers comes when the students
simulation of that bygone age. Imagine if you Portable) turn the things you taught them back on you where: Let's School!)

080
 Order ■•i
Girls of Sp
Gaming "
Volumes
NOW
To order, goto:
www.pl
and click on the store

Choose your cover!

 August 29

Love at first bite

F ortunately for occult photographer

Kohei Morioka, he can’t see dead
castle two years prior. At this point Moon
Phase appears solemn, melancholy, and
move unbefitting to a vampire that could
have serious repercussions. Meanwhile
people, making him very good at seemingly headed down a dark path... But skeletons come rolling out of Kohei’s
his job and the perfect candidate to enter don’t get comfortable just yet. Hazuki’s closet and the see-saw squeaks on.
Schwartz Quelle Castle to snap a few bite—her first—was supposed to turn Moon Phase is a gorgeous show,
photos when he’s compelled to return after Kohei into her slave for eternity, however, beautifully animated, detailed, colored
spotting a mysterious girl perched high little does she know she’s just sucked and scored. The schizophrenic pace or
upon the castle walls. Hidden deep within the blood of Japan’s most paranormally adds to the intrigue, so I hope it holds
the German countryside and haunted by retarded citizen, so, no deal. Kohei feels while edging slightly more towards the
victims of the Black Death, anyone who’s compelled to help the now visibly shaken dark side. Never knowing what’s arounc
ever entered Schwartz Quelle has met (if not a little bitchy) little vampire though, the corner...could be a demon, could be a
he schizophrenic their end, but Kohei strolls right in, as his and so with a little help from Seiji they lay hot spring—makes this as intriguing a
editor Hiromi and Japan’s leading spiritual the spiritual smack down on Vigo and take series as I’ve seen this year, play
pace only adds to the medium Seiji Mido wait outside. Immune Hazuki back to Japan to help her find her
to the spirits taunting his every move,
intrigue, so I hope it Kohei finds his petite princess, Hazuki
Moon Phase: Volume 1
(a.k.a. Mistress Luna), in short order who
holds while edging wastes no time in sinking her tiny fangs
slightly more towards into his neck, much to the chagrin of
Vigo, the deity Hazuki’s mother placed in
the dark side." charge when she abandoned her at the

082
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f you’re a fan of Anime Television Series, faltered; even in “filler” episodes, plot was being said, the movie playfully expound;
then you are probably familiar with dolled out in tiny drops. Characters were on the idea of double-worlds, giving
the disenchantment you feel after the well-designed and engaging. The show happy reunions with both enemies ai
inevitable film finale. Popular Television was full of angst and comedy, action and friends alike, on the other side of The G;
Anime Shows bring in lots of fans, and heart. After such an exceptional series, it’s That may be all I can say about the
studios try and satisfy everyone with easy to be afraid of the movie. After all, TV
overblown Popular Television Anime anime movies tend to suck. A lot. Furthermore, those who haven’t see;
Movies. However, TV Anime that ends in, But The Conqueror of Shambaia the show will be completely lost. Even
or includes, a cinematic outing oftentimes can easily be called the most satisfying recap of major ideas is pretty near usel<
conclusion a television anime has ever to a new viewer. Telling the audience, ‘ 'Ed
plots, or is simply too presumptuous. received. Introducing new villains, and lost his arm, and that armor over there
For example, fans of Rurouni Kenshin giving fanservice battles with old ones, the a soul inside,” doesn’t provide enough
are familiar with the let-down that was Fullmetal Movie gives us a large measure anchor them in the complicated, politics I
Samurai X: The Movie - a film which undid of what we loved in FMA, while deftly world of Fullmetal Alchemist. It
the title character’s defining characteristic dispensing new narrative and tension. be like a Cliff’s Notes version of
under the cheapest of circumstances. Or Complicated, but never over-extended, the Flies that simply said, “There was ar
Cowboy Bebop’s film; stylish, yet overlong. Conqueror gives fans exactly what they island, and stuff.” New viewers beware
Then there are the re-imaginings, like want, and keeps more than a few surprises there's a fifty-one episode introduction
Revolutionary Girl Utena - a vibrant film full up its sleeve. the events of the film.
of metaphor that simply could not satisfy Conqueror feels like a classic from the Old fans will be more than satisfied,
those looking for narrative resolution. moment it starts. After a brief prologue, however. Conqueror of Shambaia is
Or Escaflowne — stuffy, arrogant, and we are introduced to the plot proper. The a heartfelt ending stuffed full of action
unnecessary. tone shifts, and so does the style of the sequences; this is what everyone
Either these movies try too much, or are animation. The color palate has been about Fullmetal Alchemist, and m< And
afraid to try at all. muted throughout much of the movie, wow, is it nice to hear that music in 5.1
Of course, there’s always End of giving the film a brown-grey-green pastel Surround Sound, play
Evangelion. It’s a masterpiece, but not the feel, not unlike a Ghibli feature.
kind of movie you can sit down and watch
on a Sunday afternoon.
Now, it’s hard to go into details about
the film, for fear of ruining what may be
Fullmetal Alchemist: WPS
The Conqueror of Shambaia ml
So it is with great trepidation that one the most surprising end of to a television
drops in the DVD of Fullmetal Alchemist: anime series. As the final DVDs haven’t Elegant, funny, action-packed and well-animated, th
The Conqueror of Shambaia. Fullmetal been released yet, it’s actually impossible isthecondusion we've been waitingfor.
Alchemist has been a measured, to talk about the plot of Conqueror without
excellently executed television anime revealing key details about the final three Those who haven't seen the show might as well watc
throughout. The narrative has never episodes of the television show itself. That scrambled cable feeds for two hours.
1 \! f
\\ VyWi j
Mrr ,

FuNlMATION
now reading the wonderful world of manga

T he Wrath destroyed
everything Timeron ever
allows the Wrath’s influence on
the world as he transforms and
loved, including his only controls all that he distorts into
son. He fought to the end to put Wrath Shadows- everyday people
an end to the Wrath—fighting with twisted by the archessence of the
his trusted allies and Silvia the Wrath—who in turn strengthen
woman he loved. Now Timeron’s and power him...So much for the
Fighting Legacy has manifested meek inheriting the Earth. Legacy
itself in arcade game fighting is a game/superhero fan’s dream
master Joe Dumar and his twin come true. Imagine leaving the
sister Vicky who, with a little help arcade and actually becoming
from a 9-year-old Indian girl guided Ryu! Stunning Fred Perry art and
by the Wizard’s Legacy, will take amazing color by Joe Weltjens
up the torch along with Tracy, combine to make Legacy one
heir to Silvia’s Acrobats Legacy of the most electrifying action-
who must ponder whether her adventure manga of the year. DH
passion for Joe is passed on from
Sylvia or genuine. So what’s the Read it if... Canned superheroes
Wrath? How about a guy named have you more inclined to read
Poindexter Nerdimeier, super geek. the Captain Crunch box than
The penultimate villain—His body comics. This here is a gem folks.

WaifiorNunAreala I Hunt Monsters "...he might

These nuns could become habit forming Where there's Will there's a way
have taken
Publisher Antarctic Press Antarctic Press Genre Actio curriculum tc
include demcp]
Ben Dunn Art Created by Rod Espinosa and Craig Babiar

T ry this on for size: In a world where

hell has risen up, the Catholic
P oor Will Warlock...If he’d only
known how he’d be spending his
slaying. "

church has had to take extreme days post-college, he might have

measure to quell the pervasive evil. Magic taken curriculum to include demon¬
priests and warrior nuns do more than slaying. But who’s got time for hindsight
pray, they prey, vanquishing all who would when you discover that you’re the leader
threaten the sanctity of the Church. Sister of the Warlock Clan charged with holding
Shannon Masters, a newly trained warrior back the pervasive forces of evil? Lucky
nun, gets more than anyone bargained for for him he’s got some formidable help:
when her first assignment lands her in the Aarna of the Sorcerer Clan, Delilah a
middle of a New York City-wide sacrifice seductive vampire who fights on the side
to call forth Satan. Her death is swift, but of good, Tayesha, Will’s rich beautiful
her resurrection sweet as she emerges commando-cum-friend from college, and,
from Heaven as Areala, endowed with the of course grandpa, who rises from the
powers of the first warrior nun. Time to grave to bring Will up to speed on the
kick hell’s ass or die trying. Kick-ass clergy family tree and something about the gates
and hell spawns by Ben Dunn in vivid of hell pouring into the physical realm. This
color...what are you waiting for? DH is a stellar manga...phenomenal character
design, amazing details and so well-
written it practically reads itself. DH

Read it if... You like any of the following:

Beautiful girls, uber-sexy gothic beauties,
splattering monsters, remarkable art.
Interview with
Jennifer Sekiguchi

'I'd be a poser if I said I was a gamer. I'm not

good at video games, but I like to play some
of them."
 iaw this pilot in uniform, and instead
of thinking, “Oh, it’s a pilot,” I thought, Since you like depressing anime, you’ll
“Who’s he dressed as?” really enjoy that one.
Yeah! But you have to be in the right
Who did you dress as? mood to see it.
I dressed up as Misao, from Kenshin. The
other thing I dressed up as was Sana, Back to GunXSword, what would you
from Kodocha. There’s this episode where say is the most surprising thing about
Sana builds a wooden, rectangular tiling Wendy?
that sits on her waist - she calls it the On the surface, she’s your typical, young¬
“anti-kissing wheel.” I wore that! And she ish heroine. But - and I would say this
had all this trouble, in the show, getting about all the characters in GunXSword
through doors, and at AX, I had the siame - they have background, and they have
problems. I couldn’t get through any depth. Wendy has this idea that the world
is a good place, and that’s her motivation.
That’s why she’s spunky and determined
What’s your favorite anime of all time? and adamant.
That’s hard. I have a bunch. I really like
Eva. And Kodocha is a real favorite of I’m actually looking forward to a later
mine. And ... there’s this old-school show, episode; there’s a GunXSword poster
Mahojin Gum Gum. And Akachan to Boku with a group of sultry, slinky women in
- it’s about this boy who has to raise his bathing suits, and Wendy is in the middle,
kid brother. embarrassed and uncomfortable. But
that’s who she is, and the show is very
true and honest with her character.

So, when you dub an anime, do you

You’re Hinata, right? watch the entire show before hand, or
Yes. And I’m really into Hare + Guu. A do you watch them as you go?
Furi Kuri, of course. That’s my taste, I Most of the time you watch them as you
guess, if you can piece it together. dub them. Certain studios will give you
scripts beforehand. And then, some
It sounds like you enjoy shows that actors will try to find...versions of it before
are either really funny, or terribly
depressing. a lot of time to watch anime, and nowa¬
Yeah! Funny/weird or really depressing! days, it’s harder to get, because they’re
(laughs) technically illegal. I purchase my own
copies if I don’t get them ahead-of-time,
Is there a character in classic anime
that you wish you could have voiced?
When Kodocha came out, a lot of people Have you ever been surprised about
knew I really loved that show. But I loved plot revelations during the dubbing
You were a fan in ’95. How did you get
involved in the industry? would have loved to play Sana, but then Yeah. There’ll be times where I’m reading
I^jwas involved in production, but I’d That was when it was still in the I would also not want to do it. There was a script, and I’m like, “Did I just die!? But I
always been an actor. I was just out of basement of the LAX Hilton? one show that I actually wanted to be in: come back, right!?” play
high-school, and had done community Yeah! Ayashi no Ceres. Actually, there’s a lot of
theater with my friends ... and the classic anime that I haven’t seen yet, like
company I worked for got I’m Gonna Be That was my first AX, too. Grave of the Fireflies.
an Angel, and I begged to audition for it, We’re the same generation! It was a lot
and they said, “No.” less corporate. And there were a lot less
Cosplayers.
But after two weeks, they still didn’t have "There's this episcde where Sana builds
anyone for the role of Silky, and they said, (Pause) Do you...
“Why don’t you go in there and read for Yes, I have Cosplayed before. (Laughs) a wooden, rectangular thing that sits on
But I did it so early on; I remember the
it?”] And 1 90t it-
first time doing it, I was standing there
her waist - she calls it the "anti-kissing
But for both that and Fun Kuri, I didn’t get thinking, “I feel really stupid." I turned to wheel." I wore that! "
paid for voice acting. Because I was on my Japanese friend and said, “Are you
staff. But I was so happy; I was totally sure they do this in Japan?”
thrilled to be a part of it. Now it’s like half-and-half.
Yeah, everyone is a Cosplayer. It’s so bad
And then, in ’97,1 went to my first Anime that one time, when I was at a restaurant,
 TheEmbalmer "Interesting Oz: The Manga "Note: don't
Post Mortem
tales, and screw with
Publisher tokyoPop Genre Publisher Antartic Press ; Genre
a fantastic Fantasy the Tin
Volume 1 Rating
Story Mitsukazu Mihara Art
enigma." Story David Hutchinson Art

D ealing with the dead isn’t the

most glamorous of jobs-
O riginally published in
separate installments
even if you’re an embalmer, through 2005, David
trying to make them look good for Hutchinson’s adaptation of the
their trip six feet under. Shinjyurou original L. Frank Baum novel
takes to task the culturally expertly weaves through a majority
unacceptable position, and through of the story, adding in most of the
his work helps those who have lost characters you probably never knew
to find hope in living. Interesting existed from watching that movie-
tales, and a fantastic enigma in the - the hard-headed Quadlings, the
passive protagonist. JD crow/wolf/hornet armies of the
West’s Wicked Witch, and China
Read it if... it’s a fresh concept, Country, land of fragile things, to
even if it’s about the dead. name a few. Its lighter fare, but
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time... Note: don’t screw with the
Tin Woodsman— that axe doesn't
just chop wood. JD

Read it if... you might be intrigued

to learn the hidden pasts of the
heroes and villains you thought you
See you when you're dead.

"He loves the "The comedy

women, and is still just a 3
Fantasy/Action
he always gets Pubiisher Tokyopop sharp as th 3
.it ii Volume 1
1
the job done. Store Hirnki llnawa HirokiUgawa
anime..."

H e’s has the talent, he loves

the women, and he always
F inally, the original manga
version of one of last year’s
gets the job done right. most enjoyable anime comedy
Freelance sniper Duke Togo is given actioners has been released. Three
the mission to stop a long-range sisters with their spiritual powers
cannon hidden in Iraq pointed at vow to protect their recently arrived
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it from destroying the dam its hiding links to the demon world that he
in once he does. It reads more like a doesn’t even understand. The
Tom Clancy novel as a manga- the comedy is still just as sharp as the
good Golgo 13 stories are more anime, but the manga as a whole
about the drama than the action, is a little more introspective, so you
and that’s evident in the backup have to be patient for the laughs.
story. Every page is solid narrative. The characters and story come off
A little light on Togo’s appearance, very believable- even if there are
but it works as a strength here. JD demon attacks to fend off. JD

Read it if... It’s Golgo 13. He’s Read it if... you love evildoers run
everything the armchair jockey over by cars in the middle of their
dreamed to be. speeches.

P^TKroti Ue

www.playmagazine.com
Arriving at Warp Speed This Septe
Everywhere Books Are
 read this 0

AirGear Death: At Death's Door Tomb Raider

Publisher: Vertigo | Volume: I Publisher: Bandai | Volume: 1
Rating: 16+ | Genre: Action/Drama Rating: Mature Readers | Genre: Horror/Comedy Rating: 13+ | Genre: Adventure

From Vertigo comes this tome/manga No Lara fan will want to be without
based on The Sandman: Season of Bandai'sTomb Raider Tankoban Vol. 1 a
Mists in which a throne is vacated, the compilation of the Tomb Raider grapl ic
Sandman inherits the key to hell and his novels in manga form. 240 pages of
sister, Death, ends up with hell spilling action-adventure and beautiful art fo
out into her apartment. Somehow it's the discerning Tomb Raider.
hilarious. Death's a real cutie too.

ogle this-

SVC Chaos
Publisher: DrMaster | Volume: 4
Rating: 13+ i Genre: Action ig: 17+ | C

The 4th explosive, full-color graphic A conglomeration of 4 short storie:

novel in DrMaster's SVC Chaos SNK (think Animatrix in book form) 2 of
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NIS America/Good Smile Company | www.goodsmile.jp get into the act! You don't want to miss from Lee Hammock & Simon Bisley
Earthquake's Special Technique Fat Burst (Bisley doing Halo is a true gift) and the
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Magic has mishaps,
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Negima Starter Set contains:

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Magic 101: The Basics of Magic
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 Media

Considered heretics by the local cult, (and let this be a lesson to all adoptive
when a West Virginia woman, Dahlia parents—never adopt from a sienna-toned
Gillespie, surrenders her daughter Alessa Catholic barracks) is reborn into a young
for “cleansing” (she’s burned alive), her girl, Sharon, who as the story begins is
charred remains, clinging to life, emanate beckoned to Alessa's side for the final
such seething hatred that she summons showdown in Silent Hill.
the devil himself to exact her revenge, This is as good an adaptation of the game
who appears as her evil twin and casts as I can imagine actually getting made
the town into a parallel dimension where in Hollywood. Roger Avery has definitely
her perpetrators are made to pay for their respected the material while molding
atrocities in an eternal cycle of ribald evil. something palatable to a mainstream
The devil drives a hard bargain but he horror audience and Christophe Gans has
always delivers his end of the deal. 30 taken his love for the original game to a
years later the goodness left in Alessa place few adaptations ever aspire. DH

There’s nothing worse than a case of

mistaken identity- especially when it
involves organized crime. Slevin can tell
you that. He’s hanging out at his friend
Nick’s place in NYC for a while after a
bout of bad luck, only he seems to have
skipped out and left Slevin holding the
bag- or rather, Nick’s very large gambling roughly two hours, but feels like its trying
debt. Next thing you know, Slevin is to be too witty too fast. The twist endir g
caught on both sides of the fence of a very won’t surprise fans of the genre— it cai i
long and bitter mob war. be picked out nearly a half-hour before
The impressive cast it’s put to good it’s end for a keen observer. There’s a
use. Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley lot of plot points left to chance as well,
go against type for rival crime lords, and the storyline lightly mimics that of
though their actual endeavors aren’t Yojimbo, or to a more modern incarnat on
exactly explained in the film. Bruce Willis, Last Man Standing where Willis played
does what’s best these days as a stoic the lead ironically— apparently it’s a
hitman, Lucy Liu as the cute coroner- popular narrative for him. Standard
next-door, and Josh Hartnett as the title extras- two commentaries, deleted and
character comes off cocksure without behind-the-scenes with alternate ending
pretentiousness. (which gratefully wasn’t used). It merits
However the dialogue, with it’s thick a second viewing- if only to decrypt
doublespeak and motormouth delivery the conversations. Between dynamic
causes the rewind button to be pressed characters, clever banter, and a stellar
frequently just to soak in the point the cast, the movie executes well for a neo-
characters are trying to make before the noir crime drama, making Slevin worth
next one hits. The movie clocks in at picking up on a lark. Jim Dewey

094
 Blah’blah, blah

BACK OF THE BOOK

I t seems like the bigger gaming gets,

the bigger budgets swell, and on more
Considering the number of viable
consoles—DS, GBA, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360,
with Pirates 2 and it blew up in their face.
I could go on all day...Why do WAY
occasions than not, the bigger the GameCube, and PC—how many people "The simple more people watch American Idol than
losses as a result. Do bigger budgets own more than one, and given how much Rockstar? Why did Star Trek last a
really equate to better games? I suppose expendable income they have, is it any fact is no one lifetime and Serenity a season? Why
it depends on what you consider a wonder that the market has become so will Konami make another mediocre 3D
good game...which brings us back to diluted, unpredictable, and downright
knows for Castlevania for console when they could
Hollywood. Why do blockbusters like, say screwy? sure what's make a 2D Symphony sequel for half as
Fantastic Four or Pirates of the Caribbean Logic would dictate that it would be much that would sell twice as many?
2—both panned by critics—break the wiser to choose a niche and focus on it, going to hit Why is Oddworld gone when (insert crap
bank while other, far better films, like, say, rather than chase the mass market, but developer of your choice here) is still
Kingdom of Heaven or V for Vendetta logic and gaming don’t mix. Take Okami and what's making games? Why does anything called
barely break the 50-million mark? Why did for instance: probably one of the greatest “the soul patrol” even exist? We’re so
Daredevil take in more than the far, far (far, games of the year, if not all time. The game going to Hollywood.
far, far) better Hellboy? Why does an indie is clearly designed for core gamers (who miss."
movie about penguins make more than an apparently spent so much of their youth
indie film about global warming? playing games they’ve grown up poor)
Now let’s draw some parallels. Why while being so good that it may recruit
do blockbuster games like, say Fantastic some new ones as well. I'm going to guess
Four or Pirates of the Caribbean: Legend that it needs to sell a paltry 150 to 200,000
of Jack Sparrow—both panned by copies to be considered a success for
critics—break the bank while other, far Capcom (which it probably won’t do).
better games, like, say Psychonauts or Meanwhile, a given brand name game, turd
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath barely break or otherwise, will sell that in a week. Ten
even, if that? Why did rushed Activision years ago Okami would have sold a million
ports sell more than the amazing Rare-built copies, as would have Psychonauts,
Kameo when the 360 launched? And why Beyond Good and Evil, Stranger’s Wrath
does a game about dogs make them all
look like puppy chow? gotten their comeuppance. So, are we
The simple fact is no one knows for to believe that people have become so
sure what’s going to hit and what’s going lazy and/or ill-informed even in the digital
to miss. You can stuff free pizza down age that they would deprive themselves
the throat of every focus group in the of a fantastic journey and choose a
known universe and still have no idea how frustrating mess instead? Sadly, yes...and
America is going to react. And you know no. See...no one knows! God of War was
why? Because gaming, no matter how hyper-niche core gamer, and it kicked ass.
big, is niche (there are just more of them) What the f*&%? You could go crazy trying
and the majority of Americans, borderline
comatose. You have to lead them to water I suppose it’s a lot like the fact that
or they’ll cease functioning. Sadly, as the Scary Movie 4 made many times what
number of gamers grows so does the Alexander did. Critics saw all the beautiful
common denominator, which includes... people and panned it because it made
Yep; those people, and these mega¬ them look more like ogres than they
publishers need every penny they don’t already are and they flipped out. But
spend on pizza rolls and gin. people listened. They tried the same thing
fTf]
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