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2001:
The Year in Video Games
By Jon
Hueber
(Platforms
here include mainly Playstation 2 and Game Boy)
10.
Onimusha Warlords (PS2) - This game took the Resident
Evil style, and set it in medievil Japan. Zombies, monsters,
and big honkin swords...very entertaining.
9.
NCAA Football 2002 (PS2)- 120 teams, the Madden engine,
excellent graphics, and a dynasty mode to die for. For fans
of SPORTS period!
8.
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (GBA) - The best launch
game of any system in years. Castlevania back to its 2D roots
with tough bosses, great graphics, and excellent sound from
a handheld.
7.
Advance Wars (GBA) - Turn based war, released right around
the 9/11 attacks, gave many a poor soul a taste of warfare.
The Anime style cut scenes and in-depth gameplay make it one
of the years best.
6.
Soul Reaver 2 (PS2) - The long awaited sequel to a magnificent
game. More of the same, with a very deep story that keeps
going. Waiting for 3...
5.
Silent Hill 2 (PS2) - Simply put, the most terrifying
game ever created. If you can imagine being trapped in a TOOL
video, then you can understand this game. Made this 28 year
old go to bed with the lights on. I wish I was kidding.
4.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 (PS2,GameCube) - The Hawk came
back with an even deeper skating experience. New moves that
created hugely insane combos, a soundtrack that resembles
what's in my CD player now, and the graphics...even non-fans
would love this game.
3.
Golden Sun (GBA) - The first true RPG for the new GameBoy,
it is vast with excellent graphics, a tight story, and characters
you simply love. The "pokemon" aspect of catching the Djin
(the creatures who give you magic) was a nice touch. Better
than most next-gen RPG's, and definitely worth every second
playing.
2.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2) - The continuing
story of SNAKE, until about halfway through the game, then
it gets strange. The game engine is unprecedented, and the
graphics are incredible. The story is very deep, bordering
on convoluted, but well worth the time to play. Nothing beats
picking guards off at a long distance with a tranq gun, then
running up and putting two live rounds in each of thier eyes
as they lay asleep. Eat your heart out Vachss.
1.
Final Fantasy X (PS2) - One of the best reasons to hold
off the "best of" list. This late comer (arrived in stores
December 23rd) simply is unmatched. Using everything the PS2
has, the creators have finally given us full voice acting,
and graphics that make you weep. The story is very strong
(compared to the last few offerings), and you simply fall
in love with and care for the characters. The improvements
made in this installment over 8 and 9 show that the fantasy
is never final, just evolving. Some of the bosses make you
laugh they are so overwhelming, and the music, as always,
is top notch. One of the best video game experiences I have
ever had.
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