IGN

• XBOX
• 8.3 / 10
• États-Unis

We all loved Gauntlet in the arcade and D&D Heroes captures the adventure-filled essence of that classic but with a very clever new control system that can be enhanced and refined in all sorts of interesting ways. It's exclusive to Xbox as well, so it can be a good game to expand your offline multiplayer library. Considering Baldur's Gate on Xbox was a straight port, this is the first new game in the genre available on Xbox and it's just a whole lot of fun when you get a good multiplayer session going. The ability for players to hop in and hop out and any point and pick up the adventure at any point makes D&D super accessible. Waiting for Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance 2 might be the way to go for fans of the franchise, but D&D Heroes is a lot of fun right now.

• GBA
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

• XBOX
• 8.7 / 10
• États-Unis

Colin McRae Rally 04 is a great value at 19.99, plain and simple. Everyting we've always loved about the series, stunning graphics and marvelous physics, is still there and worth the price of admission. It's not as feature-rich as the upcoming Rallisport Challenge 2, but you're getting a well-made and entertaining game for the price. If you're a long-time fan of the series, then this is a no-brainer. If you're a budding rally racing fan, it might not be a bad idea to get both and get your education off to a flying start. Plus it's one of the few established franchises that Xbox owners are getting exclusively over their PS2 owning cousins. What are bragging rights worth to you?

• PC
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Now about that Papyrus game that we still have out there...Did EA finally produce a product worth shelving that game for? I won't go that far. Not yet. It's definitely better in almost every way than it was last year, but there are still AI issues to work out, the need to support large fields online, including AI drivers where desired, better force feedback and a re-vamped audio. All that said, the actual driving is getting quite good and believable, and dicing with the other cars feels just right. I would say that if EA can patch some of the AI holes and get the spotter calling the race in real-time, it becomes a photo finish on the track. Online will probably require another year or two. EA does have another magic bullet, of course, which is the degree of customization that ISI's games allow. The third party community has already turned the F1 title into an incredibly realistic and beautiful GT sportscar simulation and I'm told that all the customizability of that title is also in the NASCAR titles. EA has given us not only a fine racing simulation, but a racing construction set, so the game we are all playing in a few months might end up to be a perfected version of what EA shipped. Who knows? I should mention that EA had me out to see their work first hand at their Florida Tiburon facility, and put me in a behind the wheel of a "Richard Petty Driving Experience" EA Sports car for a few laps of "go fast, turn left" in real life. It's definitely a mark of bravery and confidence for EA to put an often critical racing reviewer behind the seat of a real car, with full knowledge that he would be in a better position to be critical of their title afterwards. Throughout my visit, the team listened carefully to my suggestions and gripes from last year's titles, and showed me exactly how they were setting out to address them, refreshingly avoiding "marketing spin", instead concentrating on the meat and potatoes of what makes a racing sim work. Although EA is having to fill big shoes in replacing Papyrus as the auto-racing simulator superpower, I definitely left feeling that they take this responsibility quite seriously, and it shows in the steady improvement in their PC sims from one year to the next.

• PC
• 8.8 / 10
• États-Unis

For the 15 or so hours that it lasted, I thoroughly enjoyed Jedi Academy. Still, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that Jedi Outcast was more satisfying in terms of my involvement with the story. Jedi Academy dishes out more action sooner but fails to put it in as solid a context as the previous game. For some gamers, this won't be a problem at all. All they want is a great action game with the Star Wars stamp on it. Jedi Academy is this. But those who really found themselves drawn more to the story than the skirmishing will find that Jedi Academy isn't quite as fulfilling as its predecessor. But that's nitpicking, isn't it? The real test is that I wanted to finish the game and put off other projects just to spend a bit more time going back and tackling the new challenges. The new saber styles and the big either/or moral question add some variety to the game and give us hope that, in a few months time, we'll want to come back and try to make it through using a different approach. The simple version is this: if you like Star Wars and think flipping around chopping up Stormtroopers and flinging Dark Jedi off of conveniently placed precipices is fun, then this game is definitely for you. Just don't expect your battles with your inner demons to be as compelling.

• XBOX
• 6 / 10
• États-Unis

Having played through the Japanese version and the U.S. version (yeah, I went through this sucker twice!), I can't get over how close Capcom came to a winner. The level design is great, the bosses are cool, the cut-scenes are stunning, and the puzzles are inventive. The lack of unique "grunt" dinos makes combat get a bit too redundant and the camera is horrid. I can actually live with not seeing my enemies, but simply trying to gauge perspective and jump across a small gap should not be an impossible task -- Certainly not when it makes up half the gameplay! After the Japanese release (and subsequent dissatisfaction by those who played the game), Capcom had time to go in and at least try and repair some of the problems. Instead they spent half a year, apparently, on text translation only, because that's about the only thing that's changed. What Capcom has is a failed game that offers more frustration than joy and the only true satisfaction after playing through the eight hour quest is that fact that you survived. Finishing the game should earn you t-shirt that reads, "I survived Dino Crisis 3 and all I got was The Worst Camera Ever".

• XBOX
• 9.1 / 10
• États-Unis

Raw 2 is a ton of fun when you play it with friends and damn solid if you're buddyless and still want to have some grappling fun. The new moves you get with the cage, cell, tables, ladders and chairs does take things a step beyond what the all-powerful No Mercy showed us. The gameplay and create-a-wrestler elements of the game are outstanding and make Raw 2 worth the price of admission for wrestling fans. Presentation-wise, however, the lack of text and/or voice in the Season mode, or anywhere else for that matter just sticks out like a glaring weakness. Every other part of the game is so strong that it makes big shortcomings like this all the more obvious. While Raw 2 is the best wrestler on the system, it still may not be for everybody. Casual fans will likely miss out on the depth of features once they've dropped a few Rock Bottoms and Stone Cold Stunners. But fans of the WWE will be fans of WWE Raw 2 because they pretty much have to be.

• PS2
• XBOX
• 5.4 / 10
• États-Unis

Starsky and Hutch is an average driving-shooting game at best. It's got a little hook, the TV ratings concept, which works well and gives the game some lift. But after two or three missions, you'll find the range of missions is incredibly small, the gameplay is overly simplistic, and the style of graphics and dialog to be more of an annoyance than a cult bonus. Plus, if you were to get this, it wouldn't be the Xbox version, which doesn't enable players to use the light gun to play in two-player mode. If you were to get this, it would be for the PS2 version. That's a big if, Kimosabe. I suggest you find those old Starsky and Hutch TV episodes and watch them again to jog your memory, cause though they were cool back in the day, they didn't age too well. This game is clearly dedicated to the most diehard Starsky and Hutch fans on the planet, and only them, however many remain. Rent it if you must, but you'd be better off playing World's Scariest Police Chases, it's about as good.

• 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.