During much of the month of July, PS2 Gamers have a bit of a draught, with only five games scheduled to be released. Well, we here at GamingWorld X know that the best way to beat a game drought is by looking into the past. So, to make it easy, the staff of Sony GamingWorld has put together a genre-by-genre list going through some of the best titles in each genre, all of which are worth checking out. Spend some time dwelling in the past, because once the online system kicks off next month, all your time will be spent in the present.
Today - Sports
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
by Billy Kerr
The Tony Hawk series has brought forth more clones than any other series…ever. When the second addition to the series was released, gamers flocked to stores, mouths foaming. So, naturally, when the third hit shelves, pandemonium broke out, all for a good reason. Tony Hawk 3 was, for most people, the biggest, best, and most fun game they had ever played. From Neversoft's creation of impeccable skating lines, to their uncanny ability to improve on perfection, they delivered a game worth years of recognition and a spot in this hall of fame.
Critics around the world agreed that the series had reached its brink at Tony Hawk 2, dismissing Tony Hawk 3, even before its release, as something that would not improve upon the renowned series. Oh, how they were wrong. Tony 3 delivered stronger graphics, better physics, and an unprecedented fun factor. New modes were introduced, others improved, and some completely revamped, but what this game did to the extreme sports genre will never be forgotten.
NCAA Football 2002
by Brian Williams
I realize that most of the editors here don't play sports games; in fact, at times I feel I'm the only one. Naturally,
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extreme sports titles would get more attention then actual sports. One football game that particularly stands out is EA Sports' NCAA Franchise, the 2002 edition to be precise. If you're familiar with EA's other series, Madden NFL Football, then you will won't have any trouble recognizing the product as brothers. NCAA runs off of an enhanced version of the Madden engine of 2001, with added player animations, slimmer players for the younger age group, and an in-depth college atmosphere. The visuals are quite spectacular, with smooth, crisp animations and such, having only one major flaw, the uninspiring grass textures that deduct points graphically. The three-man commentary team of popular sports announcer Brad Nessler, and ESPN's Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, all communicate exquisitly and react to the game well too. However, after a few seasons, the commentary becomes extremely horrendous, with the same lines constantly repeating it seems. The gameplay is where NCAA shines; with that college feel inscribed all over. The option maneuver is offered, diverse specific team playbooks for each school, and more. All Division 1-A NCAA teams are available, and a few select 1-AA are presented as well. The Dynasty mode pits you as the coach, with the most in detail Recruiting system ever, and provides total control of Red-Shirting and Cutting players as well. Without a false notion in my mind, NCAA 2002 is the best sports game on the market, even with other strong football titles out there. And with NCAA 2003 arriving this month, with cheerleaders, create-a-school feature and more, the NCAA franchise could be the best franchise on all systems, period.
SSX
by Adam Matlock
With three letters which, when repeated quickly, sound like a certain means of pleasure, the EA Big brand helped
launch the PS2 with one of the best snowboarding titles ever, SSX. Separating this title from the countless others before it, SSX made up snowboarders - and these riders had character! From the feisty Canadian Elise, to the all too cute Japanese school girl Kaori (and 6 others), each ride down the mountain (or city, or giant pinball machine-thing) was made all the more entertaining when you had your characters mouthing off at the other riders.
And the course design - simply amazing. The first time the camera panned over the Tokyo Megaplex course, which does indeed look like a giant pinball machine, I was blown away - until my run was interrupted by one of the giant flippers towards the end of the run. This type of innovation (and the ridiculous amount of opportunities for big air) was part of what made SSX such a fantastic experience. Who would've thought you'd ever snowboard in Ha'waii? Apparently, the folks at EA Big did, and - reality be damned - they made a track in Ha'waii.
Another of the game's standouts was the sound - not only did each sharp turn give you a fantastic carving sound, but the game's soundtrack featured Rahzel (formerly of the Roots), and Mixmaster Mike of the Beastie Boys, as well as several other DJs, and the result kept you nodding your head, even if your rider had just smacked into a tree.
Sadly, the game's spinoffs, (Freekstyle and Sled Storm) weren't as original as SSX, but but even now, at more than a year and a half old, the game is a blast to play. And see how much you wince when you hit a tree in mid-backflip.
Next Time -> Role Playing Games
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