IGN

• NGC
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

I grew up on doses of Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik and even a little Zeus thrown in for good measure. While I may have grown out of the wrestling craze and moved onto Cars I can't help but to enjoy "XIX." And no, it's not the Video Wrestler in me trying to sneak out. THQ's Yuke's-developed WWE WrestleMania XIX has a solid gameplay engine behind it. Add some decent graphics and more than acceptable sound and we have the makings of a multi-player winner. Yeah, the single player stuff is fun, but who doesn't wanna kick Fran's ass at some WWE? It ain't no Soul Calibur II, but I'm guessing the WWE player is vastly different from the swashbuckling, sword-wielding barbarian.

• PS2
• XBOX
• 9.3 / 10
• États-Unis

For those who have been waiting patiently for ESPN NFL Football, the extra time was worth it. This is the tightest offering of the series to date, with improved AI--especially in the passing game-- and loads of features. In fact, the only thing that may be slightly disappointing is that the Franchise Mode, aside from better overall trade AI and player progression, seems very similar to last year's offering--certainly not the kind of leap that Madden made with the addition of Owner Mode. But it's a great package nonetheless, and NFL 2K faithful will again have something to brag about. For those who haven't yet purchased a football game, and are undecided, ESPN NFL Football is worth a serious look. This year's game sets a new standard for fluid gameplay (especially in the running game). In addition, it's a great head-to-head game, the online play is top-notch, and the Crib offers something even cooler than Madden Cards. For longtime Madden fans who have already purchased and explored this year's excellent offering, ESPN NFL Football might make you ponder an interesting question-- is it possible to own and play two excellent simulation-style football games? We think so. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with ESPN NFL. The series has always contended with the best football games out there, and this year is no exception.

• PC
• 7.2 / 10
• États-Unis

That said, am I going to return to Novistrana, any time soon? You bet. I've already beat it on the Easy level doing a moderate mixed faction. I'm in the middle of a moderately difficult game leading an extremist Wealth faction (called the Dubya Club). If only I could employ all my lieutenants in oil companies...

• XBOX
• 7.5 / 10
• États-Unis

• NGC
• PS2
• XBOX
• 7.7 / 10
• États-Unis

Chaos Bleeds is as fun as the original Buffy game on Xbox, but not quite as tight. The AI is a bit too forgiving at times turning the game into more of a button-masher than it needs to be. But, like I said, it's lots of fun. With plenty of Buffy flavor, Chaos bleeds will appeal to Buffy fans but is accessible to noobs, as well. The multiplayer is an added bonus and is in no way shoddy. And hey, how many games have allowed you to play as a dummy? If you love Buffy, get this game. If you dig action games, this one might be better served as an extended rental.

• PS2
• 9.2 / 10
• États-Unis

Despite the 2000-plus words already dedicated to Hour of Darkness, there's still a lot of ground to be covered. We never got around to the fact that characters can be built up all the way to level 10,000; and never had the chance to tell you that you can actually travel inside any item or weapon to defeat its inhabitants for an increase in that relic's power. We got to mention that you're actually rewarded for taking damage by your team doctor via treasure bonuses, and never gained the opportunity to inform you that there's an innumerous amount of hidden classes and special endings. But that's what's so great about Disgaea: Regardless of how many hours you put into its 13 episodes, how often you upgrade your characters, or how relentlessly you equip your team members, there's always something new to discover. And with the added bonus of a "New Game +" feature, you can continuously explore the alternate paths you didn't have the chance to check out the first time, or go back and whip a boss that gave you too much trouble initially. The most amazing thing about Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, though, is just how incredibly fun it is. Humorous, entertaining, and different from just about anything else in its category, we aren't afraid to say that it's one of the best PlayStation 2 titles this year. Though it certainly won't appeal to everyone because of its hardcore nature and admittedly retro visuals, fans of the genre have just hit the mother lode. But don't take our word for it, as you'd do better to run out and play it. A special game like this comes few and far between.

• XBOX
• 8.3 / 10
• États-Unis

• PC
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

game. I'm not glowing as much as that nifty graphic feature does, but I loved being able to visit this vision, which is what I was really excited about to begin with. There were enough good things about the game to outweigh the things I didn't like so much. If only there had been a faster pace, less jumping, and more scripted events that brought in more neutral and friendly bodies to help you or just interfere, that would have been great. TRON 2.0 plays almost more like an interactive movie than an action game at some points, but I don't consider that necessarily a bad thing in this case. There's just enough action to give you things to do, but I never really felt that fear of being hunted or in the middle of some large struggle aside from a couple of occasions. If you're a fan of the TRON movie, you won't be disappointed with this game, it has a lot you'll enjoy. If you're an action fan looking for non-stop fighting and huge explosions, you might want to check out the demo first to make sure you know what you're getting into.

• PC
• 9.3 / 10
• États-Unis

If you only own a PC, Madden is well worth the money, as it's the best-playing football game to ever grace a graphics card. The PC version is the best looking of all of the Madden games this year, but you'll need a high-priced system to check out the high-priced graphics. You'll also need to go out and get yourself a controller with double analog controls in order to utilize the Playmaker goodness. Hmmm¿maybe there's a reason why this game is king of the consoles after all. It sure is a lot easier to pop the game in a system and play.

• PS2
• XBOX
• 6.8 / 10
• États-Unis

Alter Echo is not a bad change of pace game for somebody who plays almost everything out there and needs a little something different. The handful of gimmicks and hooks are nice and innovative but may not be enough to sustain the interests of hardcore gamers who can't get their heads around what the game looks like and the basic control elements may be a bit too overwhelming for casual gamers. The integration of all the gameplay systems is very well done and the amount of combos and moves and abilities you'll have at your disposal are all very appealing. I just wish the game stood up and presented more of an open-ended challenge and demanded that I master all of them instead of having me slog through enemies in such a linear fashion --both conceptually and in the game world. It's definitely something different and new so if you don't mind taking a chance, Alter Echo might be worth a look.

• XBOX
• 8.4 / 10
• États-Unis

Ghost Recon Island Thunder is an expansion pack to Ghost Recon in every sense except that you don't have to own the original to play GRIT. The additions to the single player campaign are outweighed by the frantic multiplayer action, making this a game for those who seek Live play over another squad-based single player experience. This is a disk that fans of Ghost Recon need to pick up -- especially for $40 and the promised downloadable content. Those not quite sold on the original won't find any real changes from the GR formula in Island Thunder, so should keep their distance.

• XBOX
• 6.1 / 10
• États-Unis

I can see the appeal of Syberia, it's like playing through a book in game form. The problem is that this doesn't really work. Controls are frustratingly unresponsive, which is just unacceptable for a title with such simple controls. The actual puzzle elements are not only easy, but compose a mere fraction of the game. The rest of your time is spent waiting for Kate to wrap up dialogue or re-trekking from one end of a town to another. The story isn't all that captivating, and there's little that compels you to find Hans. While the sound and graphics are artful, far too much time is spent looking at static screens as Kate talks to people. If you're captivated by story telling and love adventure games in the style of Myst opposed to the comic wit of Grim Fandango, then you'll probably be content with Syberia. If you enjoy actually participating in games, you'll be fighting boredom throughout your adventure.

• GBA
• 7.8 / 10
• États-Unis

Even though the three games in THQ's Sega Smash Pack were deeper in gameplay, Bits Studios did a far better job converting the four arcade games in Sega Arcade Gallery. They're not perfect, but they're damn close to the originals...except for Afterburner which obviously received the most "editing" to get the game to run on the GBA system. Afterburner just isn't very fun to play on the GBA, but the rest of the grouping still holds up in quick gaming shots. A few extras, hidden or otherwise, would have been nice in this compilation, but at the $20 pricepoint the game's being released at, it's hard to refuse this deal.

• PC
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

No, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic isn't radically different from Age of Wonders II. It's still the same game with the same style of gameplay. For that matter, its still pretty much like the original Age of Wonders. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun. I still like this franchise a whole lot, even if it is similar to many of the other ones and I think it's plenty worthy of a look. There's lots of new stuff to play with, many new units, many new spells, plenty of campaign scenarios, single scenarios, and a random map generator that actually works like it's supposed to. If you're still looking for something really different, look elsewhere, but if you're a turn-based strategy fan, especially of those games in the fantasy genre, you shouldn't be disappointed with Triumph's latest.

• PS2
• XBOX
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

NCAA Football 2004 is a game so good, it has no competition. That's right, Sega backed off of this year's college football race, so if you're a fan of amateur athletics, this is the only game available this season. Not that that's a bad thing. In fact, even if there was a choice, there really wouldn't be a choice, NCAA Football 2004 is just that damn fun. From creating schools to recruiting players to fighting for your shot at number one, every aspect from the gameplay to the gridiron has been improved over its predecessor and once again takes the series to that next level. If you own multiple systems and are trying to choose the best version to buy, it really comes down to whether or not you plan to play online. If that's the case, buy the PS2 version. If not, the Xbox version looks a bit better but that's really the only thing that distinguishes it. The Cube game looks the worst of the three and the controller is a bit frustrating to tackle, so while the game is still fun on its own, if you own another system, leave your Cube for Link and hit the field on your PS2 or Xbox.

• NGAGE
• 5.6 / 10
• États-Unis

• XBOX
• 7.5 / 10
• États-Unis

The combat on the high seas and the essence of the fact that this is a pirate RPG really help redeem Pirates of the Caribbean and all of its problems. Any other game with this many technical issues would be buried and forgotten about. But for role playing Xbox owners, there's a little bit of treasure here worth finding. Setting sail with your own fleet of ships armed to the teeth and loaded with contraband while looking to board and loot Her Majesty's finest is satisfying here. Slowly walking around town to talk to hundreds of people who rarely have new info to offer is not so satisfying. If you're looking at this as fan of the movie or of Johnnie Depp, then go ahead and skip PotC. If you've been jonesing for a traditional RPG since Morrowind came out, adjust your expectations for this pirate game and give it a shot.

• PC
• 8.8 / 10
• États-Unis