Video games for under the tree

By ROBB GUIDO
© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 3, 2001

There's plenty for gamers to cheer about this holiday season, with two new game systems and a number of revolutionary games available. We've wrapped our picks in a tidy little package. We've noted their prices and their ratings: E for Everyone, T for Teens and M for Mature audiences (17 and older).

Sony PlayStation 2

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, $49.99 from Konami:

This spy game is full of fun touches, including some quick-witted enemies. The elaborate movie sequences give the game a cinematic feel. Rated M.

Grand Theft Auto 3, $49.99 from Rockstar:

The Sopranos may be great for watching, but GTA3 lets a player become a thug. In a game that doesn't hesitate for a moment to glorify the bad guys, activities include stealing cars and using bats for more than baseball. The city provided for players is magnificently detailed. Rated M.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, $49.99 from Activision:

Tony Hawk takes a flying leap to PlayStation 2. The detail level is higher than ever and there are plenty of fun challenges on each level. Rated T.

Other top picks: ICO (T), Devil May Cry (M), SSX Tricky Snowboarding (E), Red Faction (M), Gran Turismo 3 (E)

Nintendo GameCube

Luigi's Mansion, $49.99 from Nintendo:

Nintendo fans will want this title, which features Mario's brother Luigi as a ghost buster. It's fun but a little on the short side. Rated E.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, $49.99 from Nintendo:

Rogue Squadron II will thrill Star Wars fans with fantastic graphics featuring Star Wars settings and vehicles. Even non-fans can appreciate the fast action. Rated T.

Wave Race: Blue Storm, $49.99 from Nintendo:

Much as the first Wave Race showed off what Nintendo 64 could do, Wave Race: Blue Storm will wow GameCube owners with huge waves and beautiful weather effects. Plus, this jet ski sequel is a crowd pleaser that anyone can enjoy. Rated E.

Other top picks: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (T), PikMin (E) Super Smash Bros. Melee (E), Super Monkey Ball (E).

Microsoft Xbox

Halo, $49.99 from Microsoft:

This first-person game impresses with incredible graphics and a story that meshes seamlessly with the action. The whole futuristic slate of weapons, costumes and vehicles is extremely cool. Rated M.

Dead or Alive 3, $49.99 from Tecmo:

If the stunning graphics of this fighting game weren't enough, the smooth controls and innovative use of fighting environments to inflict pain prove it's more than just eye candy. It's an excellent multiplayer game as well. Rated T.

Other top pick: Amped: FreeStyle Snowboarding (E)

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

Wario Land 4, $34.99 from Nintendo:

There's plenty of classic Nintendo goodness in this action game starring Wario (Mario's evil rival). It's perfect for long car rides this holiday. Rated E.

Golden Sun, $34.99 from Nintendo:

Golden Sun will hook players with its colorful graphics, fun use of magic and a great big world to explore. It's an epic quest in a little package. Rated E.

Other top picks: Mario Kart: Super Circuit (E), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (E) Doom (M).

Sony PlayStation 1 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, $39.99 from Activision:

THPS 3 doesn't do anything to embarrass the Tony Hawk legacy on PlayStation. In fact, it's a fine game, if not as pretty as the PS2 version. Rated E.

Other top picks: Dragon Warrior VII (E), Syphon Filter 3 (M).

Sega Dreamcast

Bomberman Online, $39.99 from Sega:

Bomberman Online provides loads of explosive fun. Players drop bombs to fry their friends in maze-like settings. It's a great party game. Rated E.

Other top picks: Sonic Adventure 2 (E), Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 (T), Crazy Taxi 2 (T), Ooga Booga (E).

Games by category:

Top picks for kids (all rated E)

1. Wario Land 4 for Game Boy Advance

2. Mario Kart: Super Circuit for Game Boy Advance

3. Luigi's Mansion for GameCube

4. Wave Race: Blue Storm for GameCube

5. Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex for PlayStation 2.

Top sports games:

Football: Madden 2002 for PS2, GameCube and Xbox; NFL 2K2 for Dreamcast.

Baseball: High Heat Major League Baseball 2002 for PS2; World Series Baseball 2K2 for Dreamcast.

Basketball: NBA Live 2002, NBA Street for PS2; NBA 2K2 for Dreamcast.

Hockey: NHL 2002, NHL Blitz 2002 for PS2.

Soccer: FIFA 2002 Major League Soccer for PS2.

College football: NCAA Football 2002 for PS2.

The game systems

Sony PlayStation 2, $299.99

Pros: Lots of games, including an increasing number of A titles. All the sports games one could ask for.

Cons: Games tend to appeal to teenagers and adults rather than the younger kids.

Who should buy it: Casual and hard-core gamers above 13 years old.

Nintendo GameCube, $199.99

Pros: Nintendo is known for fun games with special appeal to kids. It's $100 less than the other two new systems.

Cons: While Nintendo games are undeniably fun, more mature gamers may be turned off by all of the cutesy titles. Doesn't double as a DVD player.

Who should buy it: Younger gamers, as well as older gamers who enjoy wholesome yet fun games.

Microsoft Xbox, $299.99

Pros: The most powerful system. Titles such as Halo bode well for adult gamers who like mature-themed games.

Cons: Kids may be left out to dry. It doesn't have the franchise titles that Sony and Nintendo have.

Who should buy it: Hard-core gamers who want action, shooting and strategy.

-- Robb Guido is an avid gamer who lives in Tampa.

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