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Reviews: A look at Xbox games
By JEFF GUSSOW
The Xbox has lots of cool features, but not a lot of must-have games. Halo is the best of the Xbox-only games, but most take advantage of the great graphics the Xbox promotes. Microsoft has come out with a smaller, easier-to-handle controller, which is much better than the clunky model that comes with the system. And prices on some games have dropped, possibly in preparation for the release of a new batch of games. Here's a look at some Xbox-only games: RalliSport Challenge
Maybe one of the most entertaining racing games, Rallisport takes you offroad jumping, rolling and sliding your way across the finish line. It's a great game to play with your friends or by yourself while attempting to beat your best times. Grade: A Project Gotham Racing
Drive to the extreme in the world of fast and expensive cars. Beating this game requires mastering driving a car at 100 mph and faster without letting your competitors pass. It's another good game to play with friends. Grade: A Blood Wake
Battle in the water as you fight against one or more opponents using a variety of boats. However, to get to some of the better boats takes too much time. And fighting opponents with slow boats and weapons that are hard to aim makes it pretty unappealing. Grade: D Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding
Snowboarding reaches a new extreme with awesome stunts and tricks that make you want to play for hours. It's great solo or with friends. Grade: A Halo
The fight here is against aliens in space. You are playing the warrior Master Chief and have to escape. The planet Halo is the setting where you must survive the aliens and the planet's terrain. This one-player game is fun and keeps you interested for a long time. Grade: A NFL Fever 2002
Choose to play with any of the 32 NFL teams, for either a full season or an individual game. The main problem with this game is that the plays aren't well described, so you don't always get what you think you've selected. Grade: C NBA Inside Drive 2002
Not everyone can be like Mike, but you can play him as he stars on the Washington Wizards. The controls take some time getting used to, but the play is realistic. Grade: B Fuzion Frenzy
Here's a party pack without the party. Compete in 45 minigames such as rolling balls, ice car, fireworks (try to show the best display) and music (match what the deejay is playing). All the parts seem dull and old, and this isn't a game you want to play by yourself. Grade: F Oddworld Munch's Oddysee
After playing this game a few times, I still can't figure out the plot. Running and jumping around doesn't make for much fun. Grade: F Azurik
The plot can be confusing if you don't understand where to go next. Basically, a player has to travel the world to collect Elemental disks that will save the Perathia society. The fight scenes are cool but keep this fantasy game a fantasy. Grade: C
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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