All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Playstation' on The Great Games Experiment All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Playstation' on The Great Games Experiment http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/css/logo.jpg All-Time Highest Rated Games Tagged 'Playstation' on The Great Games Experiment en-us Chrono Trigger The 32-meg Chrono Trigger utilizes time travel, science-fiction, and fantasy adventure to create one of the best role-playing games ever. The game's hero, Crono, is transported into the past and ends up altering the course of history, and with it the future as well.

The integral time travel element of the game enables players to alter the game by changing the past, give players multiple endings and excellent repeat game play value. There are mini-quests, a huge cast of characters, realistic time travel, non-linear game play, and more active and interactive battle scenes than Squaresoft's 1994, highly acclaimed, role-playing game Final Fantasy III.
]]> 06 Dec 2006 11:26:30 Team Fortress 2 If you're ready for the challenge of true team-based online action, you'll find it in Team Fortress 2. With TF 2, you'll go into battle as part of a cohesive squad of fellow warriors all bent on the same goal - whether it's storming a beach, demolishing a bridge or escorting a VIP to safety. And you'll do it knowing your teammates are watching your back as carefully as you're watching theirs. Begin by assuming one of twelve roles, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for a straight-up fight, you'll choose Marine or Commando. Prefer the shadows? You'll make a cunning Spy or Sniper. Medics and Engineers support their teammates through bravery and ingenuity. Focus the raw force of your team's talents through communication and strategizing.

Team Fortress 2 and Portal are included with all retail and Steam versions of Episode Two for the PC.
]]> 25 Nov 2006 05:22:16 Final Fantasy VI Final Fantasy VI was a landmark title in the series, and set the tone for many later console RPGs, both of the Final Fantasy line and elsewhere. Released originally as Final Fantasy III in the U.S., the game has been re-released under its original title for the Playstation. A GBA re-release is scheduled for early 2007.
]]> 09 Dec 2006 07:46:38 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night The classic Castlevania series returns in top form on your PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Richter Belmont banished Count Dracula five years ago, but has now mysteriously vanished, and Castlevania once again looms on the horizon. Alucard, the son of Dracula, has been awakened from what was meant to be his eternal slumber by the appearance of Castlevania, and now must find out why Castlevania has returned and set things right.

Quite possibly the best 2D action side scroller ever.
]]> 27 Nov 2006 04:01:32 X-COM: Ufo Defense Turn-based strategy game that seamlessly combines two different elements- tactical squad battles and resource management.
]]> 22 Nov 2006 04:38:58 Civilization II The design team at Microprose has managed to add a score of new play elements that help the aging strategy classic evolve - without sacrificing the game's addictive qualities.

By: MicroProse, MPS Labs
Genre: Historic Turn-Based Strategy
Release Date: Feb 29, 1996
Players: 1
]]> 05 Feb 2007 10:23:37 Suikoden II Sequel to the early PlayStation RPG. As a member of the Alliance, a military force only really hinted at in the original, you play the unwitting hero of the game: an orphan who has been raised by a quiet, unassuming battle hero in a seemingly ancient war. Alongside you in the ranks is your best friend Jowy, a boy born of nobility but who has never been able to receive approval in his stubborn father's eyes. As the game begins, you are immediately tossed into a tale of political strife, betrayal and war on a grand scale beyond your scope in the early stages. As the game wears on, the plot will twist, turn and develop in numerous ways that expose the personalities of each of the characters involved. The battle system is turn-based, with the option to equip Runes for special abilities, combine party member attacks to create chain combos or devastating spells, and the option to run the battle in Auto mode.

--Original Source Text: IGN
]]> 24 Dec 2006 11:29:53 Bubble Bobble
]]> 02 Aug 2007 12:42:25 Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete Originally released in 1998 for the Sega Saturn console in Japan, it was ported to PlayStation in 1999, and then translated for the North American market in 2000 by the US publisher Working Designs. Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is a remake of Lunar: Eternal Blue, originally released for the Sega CD platform. This game is part of the Lunar series.

As with the first game, Lunar 2 features an enormous amount of material appealing to game players in a personal level. The story features likable characters engaged in quests that will help them mature as people; in particular, the two main characters develop a powerful romance. The dialogue is also a standout, as even minor characters have large quantities of dialogue, including some very funny jokes. There are also several hand-animated sequences, done in anime style as well as wonderful musical pieces. The game also includes a second, optional adventure that acts as an epilogue.

The story takes place approximately one thousand years after the events of Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete. Once again, Lunar (an inhabited moon that circles a planet called The Blue Star) is endangered, this time by the return of Zophar, the God of Evil responsible for the destruction of life in the Blue Star millennia before. This causes Lucia, a being assigned to the purpose of eventually reviving life on the Blue Star, to awaken before her time. Lucia arrives on Lunar and meets a teenage boy named Hiro, and Ruby, his baby red dragon companion (who, like Nall in the first game, resembles a talking, winged cat) and they set out to find the Goddess Althena so they can prevent Zophar's revival.
]]> 08 Feb 2007 04:23:15 Clock Tower: The First Fear
patente101 said,
I thought a SNES game couldn't be scary. I was wrong. Really wrong. Clock Tower made me scream and made nightmares form in my mind. For almost a month, I checked behind each single door in my house...

The true title of this game is simply "Clock Tower". It was released in Japan only, for the Super Famicom (Japanese market equivalent of the SNES). It was later ported to the Playstation (also in Japan only), and Windows 95, but under the title "Clock Tower: The First Fear". Thus it was natural for the sequel to be titled "Clock Tower 2" in Japan, but the North American sequel was entitled "Clock Tower", since the title had not yet been exploited here. In keeping with the North American release title, it is the sequel that's listed as "Clock Tower" elsewhere here at GGE.


We enter the story just as the 15 year old orphan Jennifer and three of her friends are adopted by the reclusive Mrs. Barrows. Upon arriving at the imposing Barrows mansion in the mountains of Norway, Jennifer and her friends are left alone for a long while and finally the girl sets out after Mrs. Barrows, but runs back in search of her friends when she hears a scream. The power has gone out, and Jennifer finds herself in the dark and alone.

As Jennifer, you now must seek out your friends, and save them if you can as you discover the depth of evil at work, witnessing a murder at the hands of the Scissorman, leaving you terrified throughout your ordeal as you try to evade and hopefully, escape.

Jennifer's adventure will unravel mysteries of the mansion, the murderous evil Barrows twins, and even her own past as she explores the eerie mansion and encountering it's evil inhabitants.


Additional Game Features:


  • Simply point and click gameplay means you have to use your head and keep your wits. Choices made throughout the game will sooner or later have consequences.

  • Keep an eye on Jennifer's avatar throughout the game. Her current strength is indicated by the window color and must be managed wisely, and her reactions to what's going on may provide useful hints.

  • Sounds and music used sparsely and cleverly, adding to the overall tension and drama.

  • Explore the numerous rooms and levels of the Barrows Mansion.

  • Intricate story full of mystery and puzzles, with many alternate endings adding to the replay value.

Developer: Human Entertainment
Publisher: Human Entertainment
Released: Sep 14, 1995 (JP)

System Requirements
Windows 95 version information unverified. Contributions welcome!
]]> 26 Jan 2007 06:53:43 Xenogears Xenogears' gameplay combines the traditional and innovative, utilizing two-dimensional sprite overlays on three-dimensional backgrounds, as well as two different battle systems, one which is martial-arts driven and the other which takes place in turn-based 'Gear' battles.

Crew:

  • Game producer: Hiromichi Tanaka
  • [b]Executive producers: Tetsuo Mizuno, Tomoyuki Takechi, Hironobu Sakaguchi
  • Game director: Tetsuya Takahashi
  • Scenario writers: Tetsuya Takahashi, Soraya Saga
  • Original character designer: Soraya Soga
  • Character designers: Soraya Soga, Kunihiko Tanaka
  • Gear designer: Junya Ishigaki
  • Mecha designer: Yoshinori Ogura
  • Art director, Map texture designer: Yasuyuki Honne
  • Art designer: Takashi Arai
  • Map designers: Takashi Arai, Ryosuke Aiba
  • Battle planner: Hiromichi Tanaka
  • Event planners: Masato Kato, Takashi Tanegashima
  • Main programmer: Kiyoshi Yoshii
  • Battle programmer: Katsuhisa Higuchi
    • * Music composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
    ]]>     08 Feb 2007 03:01:32     Metal Gear Solid This game is the game that started it all, sure the other ones after this are great, but I think this is the best. It has level design that is genious. The storyline is compelling and full of plot twists, and the action and gameplay is groundbreaking.

    basic Plot outline:
    An elite group of Next Generation Special Forces lead by members of FOX HOUND has attacked and captured an Alaskan nuclear weapons facility.

    Their demands state that the US government hand over the remains of their former commander (Big Boss) within 24 hours or they will launch a nuclear weapon.

    Solid Snake's mission comes in a two phases. First, he needs to rescue both DARPA Chief Donald Anderson and the President of Arms Tech Kenneth Baker, both are being held captive in the facility.

    Next, Snake needs to investigate weather or not the terrorists have the ability to actually launch a nuclear weapon, and stop them if they do.
    ]]>     13 Dec 2006 05:20:13     Rayman 2 - The Great Escape Wikidipedia says ...

    Not long after Polokus - god and spirit of a newly created planet where the game takes place - departs, an army of Robo-Pirates led by Admiral Razorbeard takes over and enslaves the planet, holding the captured inhabitants in the pirate prison ship, "The Buccaneer".

    Eventually Rayman and his friends are captured, but with some help from his best friend Globox they escape, but get separated in the process. As he progresses along in search of help from Ly the Fairy, he learns that the pirates have broken the Heart of the World, the world's core, into 1000 lums that have then been scattered all over the planet, weakening the world as a result. It's up to him and whatever help he can get to collect these lums but more importantly, retrieve the 4 legendary Masks that are said to awaken the Great Pokolus, the planet's greatest hope to exterminate the Robo-Pirates and once again liberate the World.

    After escaping and not being able to find Globox, he meets the teensies who have forgotten which one of them is the teensie king and squabble over it.

    Rayman later meets Clark who has a bellyache from chewing a robo pirate in battle and must go to The Cave of Bad Dreams to get the elixer to heal him.

    I say ...

    This is a must have. Everyone who makes games should play this game from start to finish - the level design, graphics and ambience is absolutely incredible. I can't ever recall playing a game with such intuitively designed levels and so polished in collisions, flow and 'feel'.

    I can't gush about this game enough ... it really is an inspirational game and one that serves as a great lesson on camera, cinematics and general game mechanics for anyone serious about making games.
    ]]>     19 Feb 2007 06:35:47     Half-Life Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
    ]]>     25 Nov 2006 04:10:36     Final Fantasy Tactics Final Fantasy Tactics (often abbreviated as FFT) is a tactical role-playing video game developed by Squaresoft for the Sony PlayStation. It was distributed in Japan by Square, and in North America by Sony Computer Entertainment America. It was not released in Europe.

    Combining thematic elements of the Final Fantasy series with a game engine and battle system unlike anything previously seen in the franchise, Final Fantasy Tactics is Square's answer to Quest's successful Ogre Battle / Tactics Ogre series, with which it shares a number of key conceptual and stylistic elements. This is due, in part, to the presence of former Quest staff members in its development crew, including director Yasumi Matsuno, character designer Akihiko Yoshida, art director Hiroshi Minagawa and composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, all of whom had left Quest to work with Square. In stark contrast to other 32-bit era Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy Tactics uses a 3D, isometric, rotatable playing field, with bitmap sprite characters.

    A spinoff was created in 2003, called Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the Game Boy Advance, and in 2006, a stand-alone title for the Playstation 2 called Final Fantasy XII was released. All three games take place in a world called Ivalice.

    It has been announced that a reworked version of Final Fantasy Tactics with widescreen support, updated graphics, new jobs, and cel-shaded FMV will appear on the PlayStation Portable under the title Final Fantasy Tactics Shishi SensÅ
    ]]>     08 Feb 2007 09:34:10     Soul Blade Soul Edge (Soul Blade in Europe, North America and Australia) is the first installment in the Soul series of fighting games. It was initially released in the arcades in 1995. It was ported to the Sony PlayStation in 1996 where it is usually referred to as Soul Edge Version 2. This version was released in North America under the Soul Blade title. Soul Edge has been largely overshadowed by its sequel, Soul Calibur, which has been the moniker of the series since 1999.

    Soul Edge is the name of the demonic sword, which the story revolves around.

    It is the second 3D fighter to feature characters that fight with weapons, although putting weapons in fighters was not a new concept (Samurai Shodown is an example of a 2D fighter with weapons). Apart from the aesthetic benefits, giving the characters weapons allows for a greater diversity between them, meaning there is someone for every play style. One excellent concept of weapon-based combat implemented by Namco is the major factor that range has in gameplay. The slower, longer ranged characters try to deliver their heavy blows from a distance whereas the quicker, faster characters try to get in as close as possible and deliver quick-hitting attacks. All characters have moves that work at varying ranges though, so longer ranged characters can also hit surprisingly quickly and lesser ranged characters will get in the opponent's face within the blink of an eye if the enemy is careless.

    One of the series' main attractions was that it was one of the first fighting games to feature detailed accounts of the individual fighters' motivations and common relations in their quest to achieve a common goal for varying purposes. Many players appreciate Namco's ability to introduce new characters to the series with interconnected storylines such that every character is linked to another somehow, with connections growing larger as the series progresses and the characters accomplish new tasks in the events of the story.

    Soul Edge introduced many characters still familiar to players today, especially the series' main character--who serves as both a protagonist and an antagonist throughout the series' history--Siegfried; as well as its token samurai and ninja, Mitsurugi and Taki, respectively. The total of characters on the games is of 15 selectable characters: 10 in the Arcade release, and 15 in the Home Versions:

    Original Arcade characters:

  • Mitsurugi - Uses a Katana.
  • Siegfried - Uses a Zweihänder.
  • Taki - Uses a Kodachi.
  • Li Long - Uses a bladed Nunchaku.
  • Sophitia - Uses a set of Sword and Shield.
  • Rock - Uses a Battle Axe.
  • Seung Mina - Uses a Zhanmadao.
  • Voldo - Uses a pair of Jamadhar Katars.

    • Hidden characters in the Arcade version, later made initially selectable in Home Versions:

  • Hwang - Uses a Chinese Sword.
  • Cervantes - Uses a pair of twin Long Swords.

    • Extra characters made only for Home Versions:

  • Han Myong - Uses a Dao
  • SoulEdge - Uses a pair of twin Long Swords

    • "Alternative" versions of certain characters, created exclusively for Home releases:

  • Siegfried! - Siegfried when possessed by Soul Edge in his Bad Ending. This concept would later evolve into Nightmare.
  • Sophitia! - Sophitia without armour.
  • Sophitia!! - Sophitia using a one-piece swimsuit.


    • --Original Source Text: Wikipedia.
    ]]>     23 Feb 2007 12:33:42     International Superstar Soccer Deluxe International Superstar Soccer Deluxe is the sequel to International Superstar Soccer, Konami's saga of soccer games. This Deluxe version was published first to the SNES, then the Mega Drive and Playstation.

    ISS Deluxe has realistic animations and player sprites. You can compete with 36 national teams with recognizable celebrity players (like Valderrama, Baggio, Ravanelli, Petkov...), but their names are fictitious. You can choose too from 16 formations and 8 strategies to win.

    The competitions available are: International Cup, World Series (League), Scenario Mode and customizable mini-cups/leagues.
    ]]>     07 Mar 2007 07:11:04     Final Fantasy VII A giant energy manufacturing company known as Shinra Inc. is harvesting the sheer life energy of the Planet as a simple fossil fuel. Processed and made into products known as Mako and Materia, these materials can work miracles, granting the wisdom of the Ancients to the user. However, this substance, like all other fuels, is finite in supply, and the Planet's lifeforce is being malevolently drained by the constant explotation of Mako by Shinra. Though aware of the harmful effects, they function without remorse.

    However, the real battle lies not with a corporation, but a force much more competent from the distant past. A long-thought dead warrior bent on becoming more and more powerful, coupled with the Planet's drained energy, threatens the very existence of everything sacred.

    Now a small rebel group eminating from the slums must quell the various dangers toward the innocent, and one mercenary for hire must look amidst the lies and deception and find the man he is within.
    ]]>     30 Nov 2006 03:34:46     Worms: Armageddon Team warfare on a worm scale

    Description:
    Worms: Armageddon is a turn based strategy game in a 2d environment. There is a single player campaign, and training missions to complete; but the main attraction is playing against other people locally or over the internet. Games can be played with 2 or more people. The graphics and sound are very cartoonish, and entertaining.

    Gameplay:
    Each player starts with a number of worms on their team. Each worm has a fixed amount of health. If a worm runs out of health, it will die. Once you run out of worms, you lose the match. The game is turn based, so each team gets control of one worm during their turn. You have a limited amount of time to select one of many weapons and inflict damage on another teams worm. There are also other more subtle tools to choose from for more strategic play, such as terrain digging tools, girder construction, and ropes and other means to get around the map. Weapons vary from the ordinary guns and explosives, to odd things like exploding sheep, mad cows, and homing pigeons.

    There are several other popular gameplay types, with specific rules for play.

    Finding online games is easy when you log onto WormNet. It's an irc-like chat interface where you can host or join games.
    ]]>     21 Jan 2007 02:14:34     Final Fantasy V Final Fantasy V is a classic SNES Final Fantasy game. It was originally released in Japan sometime in 1992, and the US didn't recieve it until 1999 under the title Final Fantasy Anthology, being packaged with Final Fantasy VI. It has you take the role of Bartz, a young man set out on a quest to travel the world. He runs into Lenna, a princess, Galuf, an old man who lost his memory, and Faris, a pirate. They later gain the power of the crystal of wind and are able to use Final Fantasy V's job system. There are over 22 jobs in this game, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. It plays similar to Final Fantasy IV and VI, but using the Job system is key. This game is definately worth checking out.
    ]]>     29 Jan 2007 09:38:06     Wipeout Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
    Developed by: Psygnosis Limited
    Released: Sep, 1995
    Genre: Action, Racing / Driving, Sports/ Sci-Fi / Futuristic
    ]]>     06 Feb 2007 10:35:19     Doom The mother of all FPSes...

    Doom. Run around, blast demons, get weapons. Uncompromisingly intense, with no shortage of challenge, Doom ushered in a new era - the age of the FPS.
    ]]>     26 Nov 2006 06:16:16     Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a racing game, the first in the Gran Turismo series to hit the PlayStation 2. Gran Turismo 2000 was the working name used when demonstrated at E3 2000/2001. Released in 2001, Gran Turismo 3 is considered the best-selling game for the PS2 (along with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City).

    Gran Turismo 3 features new elements to the series, such as oil changes. As the distance travelled on the motor oil accumulates, the vehicle engine's performance degrades gradually, until a notice light is lit on the dashboard during gameplay, signaling that an oil change is needed. It is also the first game in the series to feature a vehicle from Porsche, namely Porsche 911.

    The Gran Turismo Mode has a reorganized layout, with a more structured and progressive arrangement of races and challenges. In addition, the car shops are now organized by country and then by manufacturer, which some find to be more intuitive than the East/West City method used in GT2. On the downside, far fewer vehicles are available in GT3 (just over 150) than GT2 (around 500). This is attributed largely to the work needed for the more detailed graphics and statistics for the cars, and the game's release being early in the PlayStation 2's lifespan.

    Among the changes were the omission of the ability to "racing Modify" or add down force to production cars, removal of suspension damage and also re-absent of torque limits to races. The developers collaborated with computer and game prepheral maker Logitech for the game, which resulted in the GT Force steering wheel, which featured force feedback and was highly fitted to the game.

    The initial Japanese release of GT3 was bundled with a 179-page booklet called the "Gran Turismo 3 A-spec Reference Guide", featuring detailed tutorials on driving techniques for the GT Force steering wheel, a complete tune-up parts catalogue and a description of all the cars featured in the game. Later releases of the Japanese version, like the one bundled with a PS2, no longer included the guide.

    Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is considered a commercial success for Sony in Japan, Europe, and North America. The game is the best selling game for the Playstation 2 selling roughly 14.36 million copies. The game is highly praised by game reviewers and players as one of the finest racing games ever made and frequently appears on 'top 100 lists' (like IGN's Top 100). The music included an exclusive demo recording of 'Just A Day', 'Buck Rogers' and 'Seven Days In The Sun' all by Feeder from their Echo Park era.

    Note: Adapted from Wikipedia's entry for Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
    ]]>     07 Dec 2006 09:57:35     Worms Worms is is a classic strategy game where each player controls a team of four worms, trying to destroy each other. The worms have a wide array of weapons at their disposal, many of them which are subject to influences from wind and gravity.

    Each game takes place on a randomly generated level in one of the ten available styles, ranging from forests and deserts to Candy land and the moon (complete with affected gravity).

    The way the level looks at the start is never what it looks like at the end, since almost all weapons leave considerable marks in the terrains.
    ]]>     17 Feb 2007 06:23:42     Silent Hill Silent Hill is a video game, the first in the survival horror series with the same name.
    ]]>     05 Dec 2006 03:52:57     Lego Star Wars 2 Lego Star Wars 2 is perfect for that lover of the first Lego Star Wars. Yes, the second one is now out! This time, with the ability to mix and match characters, Lego Star Wars 2 hosts the original trilogy. This game also has a key feature of vehicles in the game. When your finished with all the action of fighting for characters and studs, go play free play and use ships to blast down the death star. Available for two player action... Lego Star Wars, well, kicks butt!
    ]]>     20 Dec 2006 02:54:31     You Don't Know Jack

    You Don't Know Jack: the show where high culture and pop culture collide!


    You Don't Know Jack is a series of quiz show-inspired computer games which combine trivia and comedy. The games are known for their humor and challenge, as well as simple presentation. The games rarely use graphics, relying heavily on voice acting and text.

    The games have recently been revived at the YDKJ official website, where new episodes are released every weekday. These are developed in Flash and are available to play for free within your web browser.

    Category: Quiz

    Release Date: Varied

    Developer: Jellyvision
    ]]>     26 Mar 2007 11:13:20     Suikoden An RPG from Konami, putting you in the role of the hero McDohl, son of one of the Scarlet Moon Empire's most powerful generals.
    When your father leaves on an important mission as you finally become a soldier yourself, you begin to realise that that the glorious empire is vastly corrupt.
    During a mission in which you have been asked to stop bandits in a nearby mountain, your best friend reveals a mysterious power, and is summoned to the court. He next shows up mortally wounded, asking you to take the mysterious power, the Souleater Rune, and stop it from falling into the empire's grasp.
    From then on in you and your friends are fugitives, deciding to join, and eventually lead, the Liberation Army.
    ]]>     08 Feb 2007 12:35:53     Legend Of Mana "The world of Fa'Diel is a formless mass. It is up to you to create the world, using artifacts that are spread throughout the world. At the beginning of the game, the player must choose a female or male character, a starting weapon, and place to start. Once in the starting area, the player will be able to complete a small quest and find more artifacts. With that done, the new artifacts can be placed on the map to create new areas that have their own unique mini-quests. There is a total of 60 quests and artifacts to discover. The best way to think of all of the stories is to consider them the songs on a record. Individually, they are great; however, when combined they make up something much larger. The world of Fa'Diel will become what you make it in LEGEND OF MANA."-IGN
    ]]>     05 Feb 2007 03:49:51     Carnage Heart Carnage Heart was one of the most complex games in the early days of the PS1's lifespan. Your goal was to create an army of robots and sweep across the map, capturing enemy bases.

    To create your robots you needed to choose from different components and then program each robot's artificial intelligence using a visual programming system.

    Though it's visual style is considered many to be bland and uninspired, the depth of the gameplay made addicts of many strategy gamers.
    ]]>     02 Mar 2007 12:49:44     Descent Maximum By: Interplay, Parallax Software
    Release Date: Apr 30, 1997
    Players: 1-2
    ]]>     06 Feb 2007 08:05:35     DoDonPachi Sequel to DonPachi, this is an insane shooter for the Playstation 1 and was released in Japan. Establishes many of the basic themes of future shooters.
    ]]>     08 Feb 2007 03:55:48     Vandal Hearts II: Heavenly Gate Vandal Hearts II: Heavenly Gate is the sequel to the Konami developed Turn-Based Tactical RPG "Vandal Hearts", also for the Sony Playstation.


    "Aided by the power of a sacred sword, Nirbath led the blessed. The last of its powers used, the sword shattered into a thousand pieces, each of which is said to have become the first of every weapon known to mankind"


    The story follows the life of the main character of the game, Joshua. The game begins in the country of Natra when Joshua, but a child is orphaned at a young age. His uncle, a lowly farmer, steps up for the boy and takes him to the village called Polata, where he now lives. Due to the progressive education system of Polatas Mayor Kossimo, Joshua is now able to be schooled amongst nobles. This is when he meets Adele, the niece of Kossimo, and they eventually form a close although mostly unspoken bond. As the game progresses Joshua is tricked into killing Kossimo. Realising the gravity of the situation he runs away, thus ending the prologue.

    The next part of the game takes place many years later during a state of civil war when Joshua is the leader of the notorious and highly skilled bandit group called the "Red Wolves". This is when he meets Baron Pratue, and the dangerous journey to save the country begins.

    The game had a similar feel to the first game despite having nothing to do with each other story wise. The combat system has changed somewhat in that it now features a Dual-Turn System, splitting the screen and allowing the player and opposition to move at the same time.
    ]]>     27 Feb 2007 06:53:36     Air Combat The story begins when a terrorist force starts an uprising and inflicts massive damage across an unnamed country. Efforts to defeat these terrorists through conventional means failed and the situation turns desperate; in response, a mercenary air force has been assembled to take the fight to the enemy and free the nation from the vile terrorist forces.

    Air Combat is mostly considered an "Arcade Style" flight game due to its semi-realistic physics and the fact that many planes can carry (nearly) 40+ missiles. The goal of the game is to destroy enemy targets dispersed throughout the various levels and earn money (something that continues with the current Ace Combat games) there are non-target enemies that the player can also destroy to earn some extra cash. The player can choose from several different planes in the game ranging from F-4 Phantoms to Su-27 Flankers and Stealth Fighters; optionally the player can select a wingman to accompany him or her during a mission, the player can "instruct" the wingman to perform one of three actions;

  • 1. Cover Me
  • 2. Commence (Mission Objective).
  • 3. On your own (fire at will).
    • ]]>     05 Jun 2007 03:00:41     Final Fantasy IV Final Fantasy IV is one of the excellent early additions to the Final Fantasy series that helped it earn its reputation for powerful stories and fantastic settings. It was first released in North America as Final Fantasy II, although the original name was restored in later releases.
    ]]>     11 Dec 2006 01:37:20     Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee Published by: GT Interactive
    Developed by: Oddworld Inhabitants

    Genre: Platformer
    Number of Players: 1
    Release Date: December 12, 1997
    ]]>     12 Feb 2007 08:13:45     Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus Published by: GT Interactive
    Developed by: Oddworld Inhabitants

    Number of Players: 1-2
    Release Date: November 25, 1998
    ]]>     12 Feb 2007 07:58:27     Breath Of Fire III Breath of Fire III is the third RPG in the Breath of Fire series. It was originally released for the PlayStation in Japan in 1997 by Capcom, and was later brought to North America and Europe in 1998. It was ported to the PSP and was released in Japan in August 2005 and in Europe in February 2006.

    The game follows the adventures of Ryu (the protagonist) who is the sole survivor of the Dragon Clan, as he struggles to discover why his clan was wiped out. The adventure takes him to many places, on journeys thought impossible, and in the end he will discover power in the ability to choose his own future.

    As the last survivor of the Dragon Clan, Ryu must continue his struggle against the evil goddess Myria, who has taken over the world and now controls it.
    ]]>     07 Mar 2007 06:23:52     Star Wars: Dark Forces Developed By: LucasArts
    Genre: Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter
    Release Date: Feb 28, 1995
    Players: 1
    ]]>     12 Jan 2007 02:52:15     Gran Turismo 2 Gran Turismo 2 (commonly abbreviated to GT2) is a racing game for the Sony PlayStation. Gran Turismo 2 was developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1999. The games serves as a sequel to Gran Turismo. It was well-received publicly and critically, selling 8.5 million copies worldwide and scoring an average of 93% in Metacritic's aggregate.

    Gran Turismo 2 is fundamentally based on the racing game genre. The player must maneuver an automobile to compete against artificially intelligent drivers on various race tracks. The game uses two different modes: arcade and simulation. In the arcade mode, the player can freely choose the courses and vehicles they wish to use. However, the simulation mode requires the player to earn driver's licenses, pay for vehicles, and earn trophies in order to unlock new courses. Gran Turismo 2 features nearly 650 automobiles and 27 racing tracks.

    Unlike its predecessor, the player can race events separately, instead of a tournament with multiple races. The player no longer needs to "qualify" for each race entered.

    Gran Turismo was well-received critically, achieving many positive reviews. GameSpot rated it 8.5 out of 10, recommending it to any gamer, car enthusiast or not.

    Note: Adapted from Wikipedia's entry for Gran Turismo 2
    ]]>     07 Dec 2006 09:56:28     Worms World Party Worms World Party is a turn-based game. The objective of the game is to reduce the number of your opponents worms to zero. The game has a large amount of weapons, tools, and other abilities to arm your team of worms with.
    ]]>     29 Mar 2007 06:09:46     Broken Sword 2 Intrepid adventurers George and Nico are embroiled in yet another mysterious escapade of brutality, calamity and immortality in this, the sequel to the highly successful Broken Sword. Evil spells and brutal reprisals haunt them as they face their most sinister challenge to date.

    As the threatening darkness of the eclipse smothers all, the discovery of a sinister "Drugs" ring by chance reveals an arcane power of an ancient civilisation. Torment and terror, sacrificial rituals and bloody massacre is unearthed beneath a veil of Mayan mystery.

    Kidnap, stolen treasure, astronomy and deadly drug barons are the least of the daredevil duo's worries, as divine forces threaten to annihilate mankind! Nerve, cunning and guile are essentials in order to conquer this compelling adventure, guaranteed to leave you with an aching brain and a beating heart.
    ]]>     26 Jan 2007 10:13:37     Wipeout XL Published by: Psygnosis Limited
    Developed by: Psygnosis Limited
    Released: Sep 30, 1996
    Genre: Action, Racing / Driving
    Perspective: 1st-Person, 3rd-Person
    ]]>     06 Feb 2007 10:42:48     Hitman: Blood Money 47 finally comes to the U.S to escape danger in Europe from a rival assassination agency. But danger follows him. From Vegas to the suburbs of California. 47 must compete and stay alive and stop his competition. This game explains all of the confusion created by Contracts.

    This sequel introduce so many new features to the game it's hard to believe. 47 truly comes alive with a more agile move set, a better arsenal and a notoriety system.
    ]]>     25 Nov 2006 08:40:15     Wing Commander III Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger is the second sequel in the Sci-Fi Space Simulation series created by Chris Roberts.







    "Professionally scripted and filmed in Hollywood, ORIGIN's multi-million dollar production combines the entertainment of film-making with the interactivity of computer gaming. The result is a spectacular spaceflight adventure.


    Adrenaline, romance, danger -- Wing Commander III has all this and more. This sequel completes the turbulent chronicles of the Terran-Kilrathi war. The final showdown takes place on one of the homeworlds -- Earth or Kilrah. But only you can write the ending..."









    Released in 1994, Wing Commander III was the first game to be marketed as a true "Interactive Movie". It was received with much critical-acclaim due to its high playability, state-of-the-art in-game graphics engine plus well scripted, produced and acted FMV sequences, all of which contributed to the games deep and absorbing atmosphere.


    Wing Commander III was the first game in the series to use Full Motion Video as the primary story-telling device and is considered to be one of the best and successful examples of FMV use in a video game. The interactive element takes form during conversation cut-scenes where the player is asked to make a choice on how to proceed. This is done by either by giving a positive or negative response when prompted and this in turn affects the mood of the characters involved, altering theyre behaviour during missions and future conversations.


    This was the final game in the Wing Commander series to deal with the Terran-Kilrathi conflict. As with the previous games, it is possible to play a winning or losing path, depending on the players performance during space-combat. The destruction of Earth or the Kilrathi's home planet of "Kilrah" is at the end of one of these two paths. However the series does continue with Wing Commander IV and Wing Commander: Prophecy.






    Want to learn more about Wing Commander? Visit WCnews.com or Wing Commander Universe.
    ]]>     19 Feb 2007 09:11:53     Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete As a remake, Silver Star Story Complete has a substantial number of changes from the original version. The scenario is slightly shorter, and parts of the story (including the backstory and history of Lunar) were changed drastically from the original. The graphics and animation were completely redone, and it features an almost entirely new soundtrack.

    In North America, Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete was translated by the US publisher Working Designs. Working Designs originally planned to release their English language version on the Sega Saturn. However, this release was eventually canceled in favor of the Playstation version.

    The game also contains a hidden minigame called Lords of Lunar which was based on the concept of Warlords for the Atari.
    ]]>     08 Feb 2007 04:09:07     Vanguard Bandits Vanguard Bandits is a Japanese strategic computer role-playing game (JRPG) for the PlayStation. It was originally released in Japan; later it was adapted for the PlayStation console, and it was translated for the American market by the video game company Working Designs. Released by Human Entertainment in Japan under the title Epica Stella, it was retitled Detonator Gauntlet by Working Designs before Acclaim forced the company to change it due to its similarity to the Gauntlet series of action-fantasy games. It was eventually released as Vanguard Bandits and included a bonus demo disc of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete for PlayStation.

    Vanguard Bandits is a strategy-RPG featuring tactical combat in a medieval fantasy world in which knights and soldiers pilot mecha.

    This game takes place on the Continent of Eptina where numerous battles have taken place over territory, goods, and beliefs. In the midst of the conflict archaeologists in the Pharastia Kingdom discovered giant armored mecha that they called ATACs, or All Terrain Armored Combatants, that could be controlled by the thoughts of the pilot seated inside the unit's head. The Kingdom used the power of these ATACs to assume control of the entire continent, and then decided to use them to keep the peace in their new territories. Pharastia soon began to lose control as Coup d'etats and civil wars erupted which left it in a defeated state, with only their standing army remaining.

    Vanguard Bandits is an RPG strategy game played on an isometric grid of squares with representations of all the player and computer controlled ATACs, similar to Final Fantasy Tactics and the Front Mission series by Squaresoft. Each character can move around on the grid, attack, and perform support abilities. All actions during that ATACs turn takes up AP (Actions Points), and attacks produce FP (Faint Points). If the Faint Points reach maximum, the pilot is knocked out and cannot perform any actions until he/she awakens, leaving him/her open to attack. When an ATAC unit attacks or defends from an attack, a detailed three-dimensional battle animation with music is shown over the normal grid. Between each battle is a story cutscene where the characters within the ATACs are represented on a similar grid and can interact and further the story line.

    All-Terrain Armored Combatants, or ATACs, are the main fighting force of the various armies in the game; indeed, the entire combat system revolves around them. ATACs are large bipedal, humanoid (though one ATAC is a quadruped) mechs powered by gemstones. Despite their high technological complexity, ATACs still utilize traditional weapons such as swords and spears. However, they can also use special attacks such as fireballs, earthquakes, flying shards of ice and tornadoes, depending on their gemstone.
    ]]>     26 Jan 2007 12:32:16     Tales Of Phantasia "Tales of Phantasia is a Super Famicom game in the RPG genre published by Namco and released in Japan in 1995. It is the first game in the Tales RPG series and was later re-released or remade on the PlayStation, Nintendo Game Boy Advance and PlayStation Portable.

    Tales of Phantasia begins by showing a heroic battle between four unknown warriors against an evil sorcerer, Dhaos, the outcome of which changed the fate of the world. The warriors were victorious, but Dhaos escapes through time. However, four different heroes are awaiting him: they seal the weakened Dhaos away using the power of two pendants, thus returning peace to the world."

    (Taken from wikipedia)

    Ten years later you play the hero of the story, Cless. Him and his party must journey together to defeat the evil that has once again come into the world. Traveling over the extensive "Tales of" universe.
    ]]>     11 May 2007 06:15:02     Front Mission 3 Front Mission 3 is a game for the PlayStation, created by Square Co., Ltd. and released in Japan September 9, 1999, and later in America on March 22, 2000. Front Mission 3 is a tactical role-playing game most commonly compared with Square's title Final Fantasy Tactics. It is based on the near-future of the real world, circa 2112.

    This is the first title in the Front Mission series to be released in America, courtesy of Square Electronic Arts.

    The story takes place in the year 2112, ten years after Front Mission Second. You play as Kazuki Takemura, a student at a technical high school, as well as a test pilot for Kirishima Industries. He and his friend Ryogo Kusama are delivering new war machines, called Wanzers, to a military base located in Yokosuka when a mysterious explosion leads both characters into an unexpected turn of events.(gamespot)
    ]]>     21 Mar 2007 10:51:39     Discworld The first adventure game based on Terry Pratchett's world.
    The story is more or less based on the book Guards! Guards! and you get to play Rincewind going around Ankh Morpork completing some mind crushing hysterically bizarre quests. Thankfully there is a great sense of humour there!
    ]]>     18 Jul 2007 11:01:59